New York Centric Features
Each month, in my monthly newsletter, I include a feature on people, places and events that I consider essential and “New York Centric.”
September 2023
The Feast of San Gennaro
The month of September officially launches fall in the Big Apple. Outdoor festivals and celebrations of all types are happening in every neighborhood.
Perhaps no single festival is a larger part of NYC history than the Feast of San Gennaro! The “Feast of All Feasts” will run from September 14-24. 2023 marks the 97th year the festival has been held here on the streets of Little Italy.
The Grand Marshall for this years Grand Parade will be Kathrine Narducci. Ms. Narducci is an accomplished actress who’s had starring roles in The Sopranos, Wise Guys, A Bronx Tale and The Irishmen amongst many others.
The Grand Parade will be held Saturday September 16 at 2pm. The Grand Parade’s theme will be celebrating Italian Americans in Baseball.
Cannolis, calzones, meatballs, sausages (oooh the sausages!) and everything Italian will be on display!
Mulberry St is home to your favorite restaurants including Caffe Palermo, home of Baby John, the world recognized Cannoli King, The Pasta Boss, as well as Lombardi’s, America’s First Pizzeria.
For more information about the Feast of San Gennaro and a complete schedule of events please visit: sangennaronyc.org
Here are links to a few of the best restaurants in Little Italy to visit during the feast:
August 2023
Bernard Fowler-New York Time
There have been many songs written about the “Greatest City in the World.” Many of them have become standards worldwide, in spite of their NYC centric themes. Today, I’m sharing with you one of my favorite songs about NYC, written by a very good friend of mine, Bernard Fowler. Chances are you’ve not yet heard this one but I assure you it will stick with you for some time…maybe forever as it has with me.
Bernard grew up in NYC and knows the city well. After moving to the West Coast, he found himself missing many of the things that make living here so unique. This song captures his emotional bond with the city and acknowledges how all of us that live here feel if we ever leave for long.
Bernard has had a long musical career and worked with some of the biggest names in music including The Rolling Stones, solo projects with all of the individual members of the Stones, Herbie Hancock Bootsy Collins, PiL and Yoko Ono. He was also a founding member of the Peech Boys, a well known New York group that was part of the house/garage scene in the early 80s. Bernard’s salute to his hometown is below and here’s a link to more of his work:
Bernard Fowler-New York Time