I read in Nonsense NYC last week that Bailout Theatre was a free-to-attend potluck and music event so, because I like potlucks, music, participating, and going to free and random things, I cooked 10lbs of pulled pork in my slowcooker overnight and brought it. The ingredients cost me about $20, which is less than most options for dinner and a show in NYC – a fair deal to me.
On the first Wednesday of each month, join us for free homecooked dinners, good vibes, better people, and entertainments. No cover, no catch, no proselytizing, no processed food. Each Bailout Theater date will rotate between music and dance. [Read more.]
Potluck was maybe the wrong way to describe it, the kitchen staff said. When started talking to them about bringing food, they basically told me not to in a very polite and indirect way. I think they thought I was asking about making something, not telling then I already had. When I showed I had a heap of meat in an insulated carrier they were surprised. Most people eating here can't afford to bring anything, they said. I realized that much myself as I walked in – the joint smelled like homeless.
A tall, charismatic, Jesusy-looking guy, Micah, introduced himself and thanked me for donating food. He said he was one of the organizers of the event and I took the opportunity to ask him just what I stumbled into. Micah said this event series was created after the market collapse years ago to give people who were being displaced or facing economic hardship a place to get a solid meal and a sense of community.
Staff had lots of tortillas and a tub of cotijilla cheese and proposed tacos with the pork I brought. Though it wasn't something I would have paired with the intensely herby pork I made, it worked out pretty well. Even though I arrived towards the end of the dinner portion of the program, and you'd think people had enough, the whole tray of pork was eaten in minutes.
While the potluck part of the program didn't play as advertised, the music thing did happen as billed with three acts. Their sounds were not my scene, but the show was a stellar sight. The lighting was beautiful and warm. Just look at that pipe organ!