When John Lennon was murdered at The Dakota in 1980, New York City was a mess. That night I joined a small crowd that stood outside his home and I remember having no idea of what to expect; things seemed bleak and far gone. There was actually a storefront on Columbus Avenue, outside my window---usually with a lineup---that sold marijuana and cocaine.
Dented and crushed from years of neglect, the city was slow-cooking artistically but suffering visually. What arose was the era of the New York punks, epitomized in music by the goings on at CBGB’s and OMFUG, down in the East Village with the Ramones, Police, Blondie, Lou Reed, Patti Smith. By today’s standards things were cheap; cocaine, disco, darkness and grit.
Central Park was dishevelled, shaggy and dangerous. Berkowitz had murdered and then Chapman struck down Lennon.
Yoko Ono’s response was to offer dignity and love of life to the mix and now her gestures are clearer; it can be seen how effective she was. Her infusion made the Strawberry Fields region of Central Park poignantly beautiful and lush, and my favourite place for privacy (believe it or not) and calm.
Today, around the Imagine mosaic, you will find lots of itinerant musicians, hear spoken multiple languages and see crowds of people whose generation is the age their grandparents --- the original Lennon fans --- were. That’s a lot of love.
It's nearly always crowded, there is almost always a guitarist or two and you might see Yoko Ono.
Find your way with 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Its bright neon sign is easy to spot. Stand Up NY feels like a proper theater as it has a street-level entrance and the programming is mad extensive,
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This year's "NYC Pride March", World Pride, will be held in the city to commemorate the Stonewall Riot of 1969. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime event!
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A walk through Central Park in New York is probably your best way of appreciating the folliage change colors. I recommend walking along the allée of elms.
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The American Folk Art Museum in New York hosts free live jazz and eclectic concerts, with thoughtful exhibits and a folksy gift shop worth browsing.
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"Sisters" in New York is a Jamaican restaurant. Let's put it like this: when I go to Jamaica, I don't seek a restaurant until I come back!
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"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.
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"Loeb Boathouse Restaurant" in New York's Central Park is in the vicinity of the Bethesda Fountain and I think it's best for a warm-weather drink...
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In the lobby of 1166 Avenue of the Americas in NYC hang some significant tapestries by Lichtenstein & a large bronze homage to capitalism by Otterness...
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The MTA in NYC offers subway "nostalgia rides" during the summer months on old cars from the '30s and '40s. Book your ticket now!
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"Teranga" in New York City, in the Africa Center, is a restaurant as well as a library. It feels musical and maintains a feeling of communal comfort...
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"Grand Bazaar" NYC is the city's largest outdoor market, also with an indoor section. Here you can find absolutely everything and for bargain prices!
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S&P Sandwich Shop, opened in 1928, serves Jewish classics like matzoh ball soup and latkes in a nostalgic setting that feels like stepping back in time. A must-visit!
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304 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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