Words by Mo Kelly Nolan, photography by Maurice Narcis

Moving slowly through a crowded Tompkins Square Park, the sun shining, the heat threatening summer, I found myself in a crowd listening to the opening act, punk vibes raging. A child got closer and closer as he wiggled his toy Kermit to the sounds. By the time Pinc Clouds took the stage, the vibe of fun and joy had already begun.

Pinc Louds began their act feeding on that punk vibe, smoothly making the transition from their opening act. They clearly respected their colleagues as much as their audience. Pinc Louds soon proved themselves to be an extraordinary group mixing punk with their own unique sound.

Their lead singer/songwriter, the classical guitar strumming, kalimba playing, Cloudi, sounded like Ella Fitzgerald with a bit of Billie Holiday thrown in. Halfway through, they adeptly transitioned to a smooth jazz feel mixed with the rocking beat. Done just tapping my feet, I stood tall to wiggle my bootie and move to the lyrical melody. The crowd couldn’t get enough of Cloudi’s incredible. The applause got louder, the cheers got louder. It was fire. Tears welled up in my eyes.

I’m no music critic, certainly not Lester Bangs. I can’t explain why a sound moves me, cheers me, infects me better than any drug. I’m a dancer. I only know what moves me. The pup next to me howled along with the cheers. Do dogs like music or just human joy? I’m only a silly human, grateful that musicians choose to spread their joy.

Too many adorable people to count were bopping up and down, spinning, shouting, singing to a melodic symphony. Some folks wore casual garb, some seemed ready for a stroll on Madison Avenue with Carrie Bradshaw. Every onlooker I could see was unique and finally free of masks and social distancing. Our musicians and music-lovers are back! Bring it on.