The film Carried him to the party captures a moment in time in the life of the late Kerry Smith, who passed away this week. For all who knew him, he was a sincere and generous individual who brought people together during a time of change and uncertainty in Williamsburgh Brooklyn. Kerry, or Kerry Senior as many called him, was the patron saint of the Right Bank, an anchor in the neighborhood that lived or worked near the Williamsburg Bridge. This lower stretch of Broadway included a diverse mix of firemen, Domino Sugar employees, bridge workers, artists, musicians, poets, renegades and activists that all met at this crossroads of culture, time and place. The Right Bank was an oasis of sorts, a watering hole in the bleak desert that was the Southside, situated across from Giandos on Kent Avenue. The drone of traffic and construction on the Williamsburg Bridge competed with TV, conversation,and music that filled the space. Bruno sipped wine at the bar alongside patrons as Lex Grey Urban Pioneers rocked out in the back room. There were piano lounge nights. There was a mix of live music that included Classic rock, Bluegrass, Blues, Jazz, Punk, Hip Hop Rap, Soul, Spanish Guitar. Drums. Salsa, Merengue. Open Mike. A yard with tables outside offered a view of the Manhattan skyline. You could smoke whatever. Summer BarB-Qs offered up fresh fish caught that morning off Kerrys boat. The upstairs gallery featured art openings, poetry readings and fundraising events. The most unlikely of friendships and alliances sprung forth because of Kerrys bar. The Right Bank hosted a rag tag random group of people, it was a living room of sorts and there was rarely a dull moment. Happy Hour.....to closing. Holidays, blizzards, hurricanes, heat waves. New Years Eve and New Years Day Bloody Marys, Mermaid Day. At the Right Bank you could play the Lotto, get real-time OTB, and put quarters into the jukebox. You watched major sports events on TV - The World Series, Super Bowl, U.S. Open, Stanley Cup, the Triple Crown. We talked about everyday things. We talked politics. We expressed our viewpoint, listened and agreed to disagree most of the time. There were liaisons, affairs, breakups and weddings. There were arguments and fights. The extremely belligerent would be sent home. Sometimes we talked about nothing in particular and sometimes we sat alone in our own thoughts. Kerry Smith welcomed a cross-section of humanity into the Right Bank and touched many lives during his lifetime. He will be remembered as a loving father, son, uncle, brother, cousin and friend, and a true human being to all who knew him. Thank you Kerry Smith. You brought a community together. You will live in our memories. Take care, travel safely & well see you in the next life! XO
Posted on: Fri, 21 Nov 2014 00:05:30 +0000