For years now, a guy by the name of Neil Feldman (pictured left) has devoted himself to an events newsletter called Not Only Brooklyn (NOB). It’s a selective look at “wondrous free arts and events” going on in Brooklyn and elsewhere that he sends out via AOL to everyone on his Emailing list.

I see Neil from time to time on his bike, going from one event to another. He’s very in the know about the arts. In fact, he’s passionate about what he does. For some reason he has resisted putting the newsletter online as a blog or website. I think he’s raising money to do just that. He provides a vital service. and if you or anyone you know would enjoy receiving NOB, send an email to NOBevents@aol.com with the message “Subscribe to NOB” and their first and last name.

That way, it is legal for Neil  to add them to his subscription list.

The only mention of Neil on the Internet is at the Bad Egg Collective. There Neil answered some questions about himself. Asked about his passions he wrote: “Besdies (sic) justice, honesty and intellectual integrity? Brooklyn arts, culture, letters. So I created the Not Only Brooklyn Arts, the most comprehensive guide to the above, emailed to all who want it. (3,000+/-).”

Today’s NOB is all about the Mermaid Parade:

As many of you already know, for three decades the first Saturday after the summer solstice has meant that great Brooklyn folk festival, the Coney Island Mermaid Parade, beginning at 2:00. Join in the joyous annual celebration of history, mythology, raunch, kitsch and bad taste. Bring an open mind, lots of water, a camera, swim wear and a tolerance of crowds. Leave any sense of propriety or self importance at home.

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