Cultural and Charitable Catch-Up:
Summer Sizzlers; July 2016
Test & Photographs, © Jill Lynne 2016
From James Taylor through the Greenwich Village Society for Historical Preservation...
In an age where superlatives such as "amazing" indiscriminately populate our language, I am reticent to use hyperboles...
However in the case of the truly wonderful historically-based play "Himself and Norah", by Jonathan Brielle, is now plating at the Minetta Lane Theater in Greenwich Village, extreme praise is due.
Directed by Michael Bush, the Musical concerns the convoluted relationship between the celebrated modernist Irish writer, poet and activist James Joyce, and his convoluted relationship with his wife Nora
Barnacle.
Joyce, who is considered a literary genius, is the author of such iconic works as "A Portrait of The Artist as a Young Man", "Finnegan's Wake" and "The Dubliners".
The brilliance of the book - music and lyrics - by Jonathan Brielle - is the true star of the production. Brielle achieves a continual memorable musical score with highly profound lyrics.
The performance of the two leading actors - excellent Matt Bogart and rising-star Whitney Bashor - highlights this intelligent and amusing must-see theatrical performance.
The Brilliant Writer, and Composer, Jonathan Brielle, at the Minetta Lane Theater
The Talented Cast of "Himself and Norah"
A Scene from the Production showcasing the Two Wonderful Leads - Matt Bogart and Whitey Bashor
Once again I was delighted to celebrate July 4th at Tanglewood. Located in the Berkshires at Stockbridge Massachusetts, the Tanglewood Music Center opened in 1940.
Tanglewood's Summer Performance Program offers a line-up of luminaries ranging from the classical to the likes of Bob Dylan.
Offering affordable "Lawn Tickets" - Tanglewood makes possible listening to the greats, beneath the starry skies.
The Tanglewood Music Center Fellowship Program is the Boston Symphony Orchestra's summer academy for advanced musical study.
Annually, as a child, I would accompany my parents to Tanglewood and the many cultural meccas in that beautiful Massachusetts area.
So with many a fond memory, this season, I was privileged to listen to James Taylor and watch a glorious fireworks above...
James Taylor at Tanglewood
July 4th Fireworks
On a lovely summer eve, hundreds of supporters still chose to pack The New School auditorium for the annual meeting and presentation of the 2016 Village Awards by the important Greenwich Village Society for Historical Preservation.
These Awards are given in recognition of those people, places, and organizations that make a significant contribution to the quality of life in Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo.
The Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation was founded in 1980 to preserve the architectural heritage and cultural history of these special neighborhoods. GVSHP has proven itself to be a critical leader. Strategically championing protection and sensibility - the organization emphasizes the vital sense of place and the human scale that define the greater Village's unique community.
GVSHP has successfully advocated for the landmark designation of more than 1,100 buildings, and has assisted in securing zoning protections for nearly 100 blocks. Each day GVSHP monitors more than 6,500 building lots in our neighborhood for demolition, alteration, or new construction permits.
Soon after, GVSHP hosted a festive Garden Party in the Jefferson Market Garden and tours of the historical Jefferson Market Library on Sixth Avenue.
Originally constructed in 1874 as The Jefferson Market Courthouse.
In 1883 the structure was converted into the Jefferson Market Prison.
The Historic Jefferson Market Library
As a mere child, I clearly remember the women hanging out of the windows and calling out to us passersby's.
This experience is commemorated in the marvelous 2004 film "The House of D", directed by and starring David Duchovny (as well as Robyn Williams...)
The story centers on the mid-life crisis lead, reminiscing back to 1973 and his life-changing experience as a 13 year-old through his relationship with a Jefferson Market Female Inmate...
For additional information and/or to become involved please visit www.gvshp.org
Dedicated Director GVSHP, Andrew Berman at eh Garden Party
Upper West-side Preservationist and Cultural Historian, NYU. Cynthia M. Pyle
Youngest Garden Party Attendee
Among the select Greenwich Village Society for Historical Preservation Awardees was The Strand Bookstore...
When first opened in 1927 its' location of Fourth Avenue was called "Book Row" and included six blocks - housing 48 bookstores.
Below a historical Photo of bygone days.
Founded in 1927 by 25-year-old burgeoning Entrepreneur Ben Bass with only $66. The Strand is still operated by family members.
Here, Owner Fred Bass, with his Co-Owner Daughter Nancy Wyden - with her spirited children - heart-fully receives the Award
Julius' Bar Historian (& also unofficial historian of NYC) Tom Bernadin with present Owner, Helen Buford, receive the Award from Executive Director Andrew Berman
In the aftermath of Orlando, it is timely to recognize the rich and colorful history and myriad contributions of the LGBT Community and its supporters. Gay rights (as all civil rights) were won through many courageous struggles,
From the GVSHP Awards, a screen shot of the historic 1966 "Sip-In" at Julius' Bar. (This includes a Photograph by the wonderful, late Photographer Fred McDarrah, of the Village Voice)
This pre-Stonewall seminal protest challenged the regulation that homosexuals were not allowed to be served at bars.
Julius' Bar, at 159 West 10th street, is one of the oldest, continuously operating community bars in NYC and following this protest, the oldest continuously open Gay Bars.
Pride 2016 spotlighted the importance of Trans - Transsexual and Transgender - equality
At a time of disturbing socio-political divisiveness, it is important to concentrate on what binds us together as human beings - aspiring to do better for ourselves, our county and the world.
It is critical to focus on the positive, the affirmative and to use our collective conscience and actions to bring about a bright, hopeful future.
The High-Integrity, popular Senator from Virginia, Tim Kaine, who recently joined Hillary Clinton, as her running mate.
Pictured here at a private soiree in Greenwich Village.
Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton Accepting the Democratic Nomination as President.
Here's to the FIRST Woman President!!!
Finally yours truly gratefully celebrated her Cancerian Birthday by hostessing an intimate Dinner Party.
Happy "Un-birthday to all...
All Photographs © Jill Lynne 2016
Available for Purchase through Jilllynne1@mac.com
www.jilllynne.com
.