Vox Pop Remembered
Debi Ryan
> VOX POP REMEMBERED
> It has been a year since Vox Pop Cafe closed it's gates for the last time in beautiful Ditmas Park, Brooklyn. An anchor in this rapidly changing neighborhood, Vox Pop was a wonderful place for neighbors to meet, freelancers to connect, local artists and musicians to share their art, and local vendors to offer their goods. It helped to build strong bonds in this diverse neighborhood and many of those bonds continue today.
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> One year later, that corner stands empty and dark. What remains of the once thriving community space is the beautiful art work on the gates, the falling awning that was Vox Pop's first of many public art projects, and the ghosts of the wide variety of adult and children's music.
> My wish would be to see this space utilized again in some fashion that would breath life and light back into this corner. It is the only space on the block that has outdoor front space, and I am confident that in such a creative community, someone can find a needed and profitable use for it.
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> So, looking back, was it all worth it?
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> Vox Pop found a way to pull a community together by being affordable, welcoming and all inclusive. It found that magical space that can exist when it is founded on the belief that all opinions matter and we treat each other with respect. It taught us that working together, we can achieve great things. It provided a safe haven for individuals to explore their dreams.
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> I, for one, will never regret my time at Vox Pop. In spite of the myriad demands, mental, physical and financial, I believe that it made a difference and helped build a community. My hope is that community continues to grow and support each other. Let us not forget we are here for each other, and that we each in our own way, make a difference every day.
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> You will see many of the former employees of Vox Pop in various spots around the community. You can find Jessi at the 773 Lounge where she curates live music nights and a community open mic. Christian is at Sycamore. Matt Fortune is back from Amsterdam and actively pursuing creating a space similar to Vox Pop on Church Ave. Please support him any way you can in this endeavor.
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> I am working just down the road at Coney Island USA, the not for profit cultural arts center in Coney Island dedicated to the preservation of Coney Island, the revitalization of the community, and the preservation of the unique art forms that have made Coney Island the people's playground. We run the Coney Island Sideshow, the Coney Island Museum, The Coney Island Mermaid Parade, The Coney Island Film Festival and Burlesque at the Beach to name but a few of the programs.
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> I have been personally paying off the tax debt that was assessed against Vox Pop during my predecessor's tenure. New York State Department of Taxation and Finance has never relented and has continued to hold me personally responsible.
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> In spite of the fact that I will probably be paying this off for the rest of my life (interest continues to accrue at an alarming rate in spite of the payments) I believe Vox Pop impacted my life in a positive way and I will treasure those memories and friendships forever.
Debi Ryan
Formerly of Vox Pop Cafe
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Kyle Nelson
Though there are plenty of new and viable businesses, cafes, and restaurants slowly integrating themselves into our community, I too am haunted by that empty, gated storefront.
I know we failed last time around, but if anybody is ever ready to get together conceptualize new uses for that space, then let me know. I'm ready to get back to the drawing board.
It was wonderful to work with all of you and until next time.
-Kyle Nelson
336.971.9352
