Friends of the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival

Member Name: Joe Sarkis

Where did you grow up, and how long have you lived in Brooklyn?

Joe: I was born right here. I think it’s 1350 feet on Google Maps from the Bandshell to Methodist Hospital. So I was born a quarter mile from the Bandshell. I live in Bay Ridge now, and I went to high school in Bay Ridge.

How long have you been a Friend of the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival?

Joe: About three or four years. But I’ve been coming for about 25-30 years.

What made you want to become a Friend?

Joe: Coming here a couple of times, waiting on line for an hour and then you get to the front and they tell you it’s full. But you know what’s good about here, I noticed? Central Park, no matter where you go outside, the sound is horrible. Here, if you go directly to the middle the sound is perfect. I look forward to that every year.

What was your all-time favorite show at the Bandshell?

Joe: I would say Dylan and Robert Plant, Animal Collective a couple years ago, TV on the Radio. I liked Opening Night with Sharon Jones. I don’t know if you know, but I’m the world record holder for the most concerts in a single year. It was 1,031 full shows, opening acts not included. In five years, I saw 4,000 concerts. Mostly in New York. It’s on VH1, MTV, the Times, and on my website.

What are three words you would use to describe the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival?

Joe: Trees, fresh air, and live music!

Who would you like to see here?

Joe: Pearl Jam and Phish. Dylan again. Steel Pulse. I think they’re the best reggae band around. You know who’s really good? Chronixx. You should try and get him next year. I think he’s the best new reggae act. There’s two young bands that are really good, him and Morgan Heritage. And Morgan Heritage is playing here this year, you already got it.