Piece Comment

Review of Meet Me at Unity Playlot


Longhaul Productions has done a nice job of capturing this sound rich neighborhood struggle over the revitalization Chicago's Unity Playlot. The piece opens with a Joel Monarch song about the park, an innovative touch. While the piece is very Chicago-centric, little details (like the bit about Greek food) and well-realized characters make this a vivid tale, appropriate for listeners across the country. An uncommon story of citizens coming together in an insular age, this piece would complement any programming about democracy or community. Unfortunately missing from this piece are many voices of the young people who use the park.