A Happening in Central Park

On a warm Saturday afternoon in June 1967, New York City's Central Park was abuzz with excitement as thousands of spectators gathered to witness a momentous event - Barbra Streisand's free outdoor concert, aptly dubbed "A Happening in Central Park." Sponsored by Rheingold Beer, this historic concert was the brainchild of Barbra herself, who had taken a break from the demanding schedule of filming her iconic role in the big-screen musical "Funny Girl." The concert was captured on videotape by seven color video cameras, courtesy of Barbra's television sponsor, Monsanto, which would later air the event on CBS. The stage was set in the picturesque Sheep Meadow section of Central Park, a stunning backdrop against which Barbra's musical talents would shine. But the preparation for this concert had begun a day earlier, on Friday, June 16, when Barbra and her team had gathered for a grueling dress rehearsal that lasted well into the night. The evening was filled with tryouts of different gowns and hairstyles, as Barbra worked closely with her trusted hairdresser, Fred Glaser, to perfect her look. At the same time, director Robert Scheerer was hard at work perfecting his camera blocking, visualizing the way the footage would be captured by the seven video cameras that would be strategically positioned around the stage. The result was a unique, multi-perspectival view of the concert that would allow the audience to experience every moment of the performance. Amidst all this activity, Barbra also found time to try on different headbands, a fashion statement that would later be immortalized on the cover of her album "A Christmas Album," a photograph taken during the rehearsal. As the sun began to set on Central Park on Saturday, June 17, the atmosphere in the crowd was electric. Anticipation was high, and people from all walks of life had gathered to witness the momentous event. Barbra had spent countless hours perfecting her craft, rehearsing tirelessly to deliver a performance that would be the perfect fusion of music and magic. Her band was tight, her voice soaring, and her charisma infectious. As the show began, the crowd erupted into cheers and applause, welcoming Barbra with open arms. Throughout the concert, Barbra delivered an incredible setlist that showcased her incredible vocal range and emotional depth. With each performance, she seemed to connect with the audience on a deeper level, her passion and commitment to her craft evident in every note and gesture. The Sheep Meadow section of Central Park became a sea of adoring fans, swept up in the excitement of the moment, united in their appreciation for Barbra's incredible talent. The camerawork, thanks to Robert Scheerer's meticulous planning, captured the intimate moments and the grand sweeps of the performance, weaving them together into a tapestry of sound and image that was both visually stunning and emotionally profound. The result was a recording that would be remembered for generations to come, a testament to Barbra Streisand's enduring artistry and a celebration of the music that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. In the end, "A Happening in Central Park" was more than just a concert - it was an experience that will be forever etched in the memories of those who were fortunate enough to be there. It was a moment in time when music, talent, and the power of the human spirit came together in perfect harmony, creating something truly special that would be remembered for a lifetime.