Brooklyn, NY, August 17, 2008 – Williamsburg’s three-summer party at McCarren Park Pool is just about over, as the pool is soon to be filled with water for – who would have thought - swimming.  But last Sunday New York's Aesop Rock had something on his mind other than the final whistle as he gave his only New York performance on his present tour outing with Rob Sonic, DJ Big Wiz, Yak Ballz, and The Mighty Underdogs.

Though it was a McCarren Pool show, which attracts the familiar twentysomething Williamsburg demographic and the clothing, energy drink, and automobile companies hungry for their brand loyalty, Aesop Rock had little difficulty in capturing the massive crowd's attention.  Were any marketing executives seen queuing after the show to secure Aesop Rock as a brand  consultant, then they could be forgiven considering how effortlessly he had gotten the crowd to sing along to classics like "Day Light," "Labor," and "No Regrets."  Then again, moving crowds is something Aesop Rock does with ease - the brand reps hawking Scion cars to kids seem to be working a lot harder on this Sunday afternoon.

The afternoon unfolded at a relaxed pace that had the feel of a summer barbecue, with Aes Rock's peeps like El-P, Yak Ballz, Despot, and others milling about backstage.  El-P later joined Aesop Rock on stage to perform "Run the Numbers" and "Gun for the Whole Family," whilst Yak Ballz cameoed on "Getaway Car." 

It is perhaps difficult to imagine another outdoor space quite like McCarren Park Pool, but given Aesop Rock's ability to command a crowd, he might as well play Central Park or Giants Stadium the next time he's in search of a summer time venue.

Aesop Rock is on tour with Rob Sonic, DJ Big Wiz, Yak Ballz, and The Mighty Underdogs through September.

Photos and text by Damien Neva