By Bill Parry
Funk musician Bootsy Collins was in Jackson Heights Saturday to host the John Lennon Educational Bus Tour Block Party with City Councilman Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights).
The singer and songwriter, known for “putting bass in your face,” climbed to stardom with James Brown in the early ’70s and later with George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic. Collins is in the midst of a month-long residency with the Lennon Bus, a rolling state-of-the-art audio and video recording and production facility. It regularly tours the country teaching young people how to write, produce and record broadcast-quality songs and music videos.
Stationed on 78th Street Plaza for the block party in Travers Park, the bus offered free tours throughout the day. The free event featured live musical performances from PS 69 students, DJ sets, surprise giveaways and free food.
“The Lennon Bus is giving young people the gift of music in their own unique and effective way,” Dromm said. “I am pleased to have allocated funding to support their efforts. The lives of children across the country have been positively impacted by the Lennon Bus’ good work.”
The John Lennon Educational Bus Tour is celebrating its 20th anniversary. It is funded in part by his widow, Yoko Ono Lennon.
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
