The Music Man Saving Brooklyn’s Soul

The Reverend shuffles on stage bare foot, bearded, and resplendent in a paisley kaftan embroidered with glittering thread, a leather vest, and a white wide-brimmed hat. The hat remains in place throughout the rhapsodic head shaking to come. He places a glass of whiskey on the floor by the piano and begins to play, his fingers fervently crossing the keys, and within minutes the crowd—previously retiring and shy as befitting a Monday night—are dancing, sweating, foot stomping, and sway