The rain didn’t stop Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson from praising the Lord last Thursday at Von King Park in Brooklyn. After the rain subsided, the community stepped out from under tents and overhangs, collapsed their colorful umbrellas, and filled the park with positive energy. Some people came from just across the street, while others traveled from other parts of the city just for some good gospel music.
One Brookynite in attendance, Andrew, used to live in the neighborhood and came from Canarsie to see the show. “I used to live in this neighborhood when hip hop was hip hop,” he said, proudly looking out over the park before getting a seat in the amphitheater.
As soon as the show started, Wonderboy and his band’s energy filled up the stage, moving the crowd to their feet, singing together, “I wanna be closer.” As Cheryl Coko Clemons took the stage, more and more kids and adults, some of whom had just been walking through the park, entered the amphitheater to join in on the excitement and listen to Coko’s uplifting words. 
People clapped their hands as she sang, “We will survive!”
Thanks to all the people who came out despite less-than-encouraging weather to celebrate summer and free concerts in Von King Park for the kick-off to CityParks Concerts. For a full schedule of free concerts, click here.
– Text by Hannah Levinson & Jessica Glazer. Photos by Johanna Langhof.
