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Chris Foster, Bluesman
By
Gothamist Staff
Published Aug 31, 2004
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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By
Gothamist Staff
Published Aug 31, 2004
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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The Basics:
Age, occupation, where are you from, where do you live now?
27… Restaurant Manager/Entrepreneur… born and bred New Yorker… right now I live in the West Village.
Over at Blue New York, you're leading a crusade to essentially paint the town blue for the week of the Republican invasion. Where did the idea come from, and how is it being enacted?
The idea of the "blueout" was inspired by watching NYC parades such as St. Patrick's Day or Gay Pride. Most people wear the same color in show of support which leads to an amazing image. I wanted to start something that would allow all New Yorkers to participate. We picked the color blue because it represents the city well… state flag, local sports teams, U.N. and the color of peace.
Blue New York is a delirious idea, at once admirable and foolhardy, but regardless of political views, a great visual to imagine. Just how much blue do you expect to see?
The idea, admittedly, is a bit of stretch, but with some good participation it can be a powerful statement. We have focused on involving key areas in the Village
which have low buildings and fire escapes. We expect to see a lot of blue on Thomson, Sullivan, MacDougal, and West 4th St.
What's great about the project is that it provides a classy, peaceful way for New Yorkers to express themselves as loudly and clearly as the naked protestors and the Starbucks-burning freaks, without actually causing any damage. Do you think the far-left's tactics are damaging to their cause, and do you want to see them smacked up by N.Y.C.'s finest as much as I do?
I think that this concern over the protesters getting out of hand is somewhat overblown. The majority of the "far-left radicals" are peaceful and just want to make some noise. Besides, the NYPD will probably be too intimidating for most of the demonstrators.
Who would win in a fight between the Blue Man Group and an army of Smurfs?
Despite the Blue Man Group's strong artillery, the Smurfs will use teamwork and cunning and eventually prevail.
What bygone N.Y.C. place or thing (defunct bar, passé trend, checkerboard taxicabs, etc.) do you wish were still around?
The random poems on billboards in the old Times Square.
What location would you declare a city landmark?
Gray's Papaya on 6th Ave.
Best bargain to be found in the city?
Ticket to see the Brooklyn Cyclones
Best place to take a cheap date?
Free Admission day at the Bronx Zoo.
Please describe your greatest celebrity encounter in N.Y.C.
Standing behind Jack Nicholson in line for a movie at the Loews on 84th and Broadway.
What’s your favorite scene from a movie that reflects New York life?
The takeover scene of the Carter Hotel in New Jack City… but that's just how I roll.
Best public restroom?
Take a glass elevator to one of the top banquet floors in the Marriott Marquis.
Who, in your opinion, is the quintessential New Yorker?
The coffee-stand guy, the taxi driver, and the person who aggressively hands out the free papers at the subway entrance.
Describe that low, low moment when you considered leaving N.Y. for good.
Morning after the blackout when it went from being fun to simply ridiculous.
What happened the last time you went to L.A.?
Spent the entire time stuck in traffic.
Interview by Josh Abraham
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