A few quick heel hops out of the Spring Street C/E station and the doors of The Greene Space were opened for me. Out of the 500 plus entries The Green Space received for the Battle of the Boroughs, 47 acts were selected and 9 performed at the Queens event. Walking around the performance space, it mattered very little whether you had a seat or were standing. Hanging high on the supporting pillars, flat screens televised a live broadcast of the event for those who may have been positioned at a poor angle. However, the intimacy of the small crowd made every spot a great spot to watch the performers.

The crowd’s diversity made it almost impossible to feel out of place. Sponsors Chipotle and The Good Beer Seal provided snacks and drinks for the night. Host Terrance McKnight proved to be a quick and witty host. Easily transitioning from the guest commentators to interviewing each musical act and introducing the next performance, McKnight allowed for an easy following of events to the night. Commentators Eddie Robinson and Leital Molad were honest and fair in their comments, giving constructive criticism and presenting challenges towards some of the acts.

The event as a whole showcased such an array of talented musicians. A Brazilian guitarist, a Jazz Band, MC’s, and a blend of Jazz with Indian vocals and instruments were amongst the nine performing acts that enlightened the crowd with their music. Having arrived late, it would be unfair to pick the best act of the night, but I did happen to have a favorite. Rachel Zamstein, Sosoon, and Astoria Boulevard all made my voting choice very hard. Artists like Nicholas Howard who played piano barefoot and what Why G? and the XYZ’s are doing for children with genuine music interests in Queens really proved how wide the talent was in attendance.

The great thing about The Greene Space is even if you missed the showcase, you can still see it and vote for your favorite performance. To watch the Queens Battle of the Boroughs in its entirety check out the Greene Space Website. Make sure you cast your vote at who you think should win. Tickets for the Bronx Battle of the Boroughs are on sale also at the Greene Space website.