Thursday, April 05, 2007

Bowie, Beauty, Culture come to Meat Market


I live in West Chelsea and work on Little W12th Street. My walk to work down 10th Avenue consists of parking garages, gas stations and the morning outpouring of New Jersey into Manhattan. When I reach Washington Street, blood-covered butchers shout “hey pretty mamaaaa” as I dodge the parade of pig carcasses passing through the street.

So, needless to say, I am all about the beautification of the way West Side. Thankfully, a ton of celebrities are too, so things are actually getting done.

Last spring, when the High Line Project was unveiled—the city’s plan to turn 1.45 miles of abandoned elevated rail structure into a park—Kevin Bacon was there to cut the ribbon.

This spring, David Bowie will curate the first installment of the The High Line Festival.

Taking place May 9-19th in venues throughout the city, The High Line Festival is a “ten-day mash-up of music, film, comedy, visual art and performances.” Ticket sales will benefit Friends of The High Line.

As the curator and event co-founder, Bowie has been asked to choose acts that he would go out of his way to see. Arcade Fire, Deerhoof and stand-up by Ricky Gervais are just a few to appear on the line-up.

Each year, a different “world-class artist” will curate the event. The High Line is slated to open in 2008.

Final Word: As the downtown Whitney Museum continues to go up on the corner of Gansevoort and Washington, will the clubs subside as the culture moves in? Perhaps the neighborhood that’s been ruining our lives will actually enrich them.

2 comments:

Rafe Totengco said...

that's the beauty of New York, it's always changing. cross your fingers that more culture will come in, instead of more bars. the Whitney will definitely bring in more like minded neighbors.

Model Citzen said...

great post. i'm really excited to see our city booming. how many more bars could the meatpacking take? this is exactlly what that area needed.