Documentary on pick-up basketball, "Doin it in the Park," premieres Wed. at GALA with ESPN sportscasters Tony Reali, Bobbito Garcia; benefits Hoops Sagrado

Here's a cool-sounding event coming to the GALA Theatre at 7pm on Wednesday: there's a screening of "Doin' It in the Park," a documentary about NYC pick-up basketball. It was co-directed by ESPN personalities Tony Reali (from "Around the Horn" and Statboy from "PTI,") and Bobbito Garcia, as well as basketball photographer Kevin Couliau, and all three will be in attendance.

After the screening, there will be a discussion moderated by Reali. (Click the poster at right for more info.)

Aside from sounding like fun, all ticket sales benefit Hoops Sagrado, a local nonprofit that bring kids from DC and Guatemala together -- local pol Bryan Weaver is involved with the group. 

There'a also an afterparty at Jack Rose.

Here's the details:

Monument Presents “Doin’ It In the Park”

Monument is proud to present the Washington, DC theatrical premiere of award-winning documentary “Doin’ It In the Park” at the GALA Hispanic Theatre in Columbia Heights. Following the screening, ESPN’s Tony Reali will lead a question-and-answer with the film’s co-directors, Bobbito Garcia and Kevin Couliau.  All ticket sales will go to local nonprofit Hoops Sagrado.  And, an after party – open to the public - will be held at Jack Rose following the event, with free transportation between the theatre and the saloon provided by transportation service Side Car.

Date: Wednesday, May 22, 2012

Location: GALA Hispanic Theatre (3333 14^th St. NW)

Time: Doors open at 7:00 pm

Tickets:  $20.  Available now at  http://doinitintheparkdc.splashthat.com/

The Movie:  “Doin’ It in The Park” is an independent documentary that explores the definition, history, culture, and social impact of New York City’s outdoor summer basketball scene, the worldwide “Mecca” of the sport.  In New York City, pick-up basketball is a way of life. There are 700+ outdoor courts, and an estimated 500,000 players.  Co-directors Bobbito Garcia and Kevin Couliau visited 180 courts throughout NYC's five boroughs to capture the movement through the voices of playground legends, NBA athletes, and, most importantly, the common ballplayer who all day looks forward to calling “next” game at their local schoolyard. 

The Panelists:

• Bobbito García (co-director):  New Yorker Bobbito García is the co-founder of Bounce Magazine and critically acclaimed author of “Where’d You Get Those? NYC’s Sneaker Culture: 1960-1987”. In recent years, “Kool Bob Love” has done sideline reporting for the NY Knicks on MSG-TV, voiced NBA 2K video games, and has hosted ESPN2’s "It’s the Shoes" series. Currently, he is the play-by-play announcer for the Elite 24 Game on ESPNU and the Red Bull King of the Rock Championship on CBS Sports.

• Kevin Couliau (co-director): Kevin Couliau is widely recognized as the most prolific outdoor basketball photographer of the last decade. His images have appeared in Reverse Magazine (France), Bounce Magazine (US), and Fadeaway Magazine (UK). As a videographer, his work has been seen in documentary “The Mystery of Flying Kicks” and Brand Jordan’s annual Quai 54 Tournament DVDs. In 2010, he directed a music/streetball video titled “Heart & Soul of New York City,” which has accumulated over one million views online and counting.

• Tony Reali (co-director):  Tony Reali is the host of ESPN's "Around the Horn" and the ombudsman for the network's "Pardon the Interruption".  Reali joined ESPN in July 2000 as researcher / writer for ESPN's fast-paced sports quiz show “Two Minute Drill”. In September 2001, Reali became researcher for “Pardon the Interruption”, a role which evolved into daily on-air appearances correcting factual errors by co-hosts Tony Korheiser and Michael Wilbon at the end of each show.  In 2004, Reali was named host of “Around the Horn”.  He is also a regular guest on various ESPN Radio programs.

The Cause:  All proceeds on the evening will benefit Hoops Sagrado, a D.C.-based youth leadership and development nonprofit organization that gives at-risk youth a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend part of the summer in the highlands of Guatemala.  Using basketball as a common thread, DC youth volunteers and their Guatemalan counterparts are able to not only share their love of the game, but learn how to better communicate with, understand, and appreciate another culture.

Monument:  Monument Music and Arts engages bands and their fans in forward-thinking causes.  Over the past three years, it has raised awareness and financial support for nonprofits such as 826DC, DC Vote, We Are Family, Common Good City Farm, Grassroots Reconciliation Group, Toys for Tots, Back on My Feet, Dreams for Kids, DC Greenworks, and Citizen Effect