A project nearly a year in the making, 4 World Trade’s street-art inspired gallery on the building’s 69th floor is finally finished. The exhibit will feature the work of over 50 artists from New York, and around the world, in a variety of mediums.
Stickymonger, Cosmic Tower
ART4WTC is a dramatic and shift in style for the Silverstein Properties artist residency program, which they have used to decorate their unleased spaces for around the past 15 years. The idea for the art project was born when Silverstein Properties Chief Marketing Officer, Dara McQuillan, viewed a display of similar work at World Trade Gallery, and offered curator Doug Smith the opportunity to turn the 69th floor into a giant canvas.
Layer Cake + Belowkey, Joe LaPadula, Jenna Krypel, Beautiful Cleanup
Smith jumped at the chance, and since June 2016, the space’s barren cement interior has been transformed into a kaleidoscope of color propelled by each artist’s enthusiasm for their craft. The project not only seeks to revitalize the Lower Manhattan art scene and elevate street art from its humble beginnings, but also celebrate the Financial District’s progress since 9/11.
Fans of Hamilton can even find quotes from the hit musical in the very fabric of David Hollier’s$10 Bill, which faces the direction of the Trinity Church cemetery where the Founding Father himself is buried. Fortunately, Spotify — who will eventually occupy the space — plans to keep as many of the pieces as they can. Downtown recommends art fans of all ages check out the 3D tour available online to see the work of those keeping New York creative and colorful.
As Spring approaches, so does the anticipation for watch and jewelry brands worldwide. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the infamous Baselworld. The leading watch and jewelry show where key players in the industry showcase their new products. This year, the show will run from March 23-30.
The city of Basel, located west of Switzerland, is once again hosting this annual event. Brands such a Blancpain, Hamilton and Raymond Weil have prepared months in advance for this trade show; planning their booth and getting their pieces ready for the event.
Consumers attend year after year, making this a not-to-miss event. The luxury market for watches and jewelry has proven itself over the years, selling products now considered timeless pieces. However, one could wonder if in today’s world, overcome by technology and innovation, traditional, luxury pieces are still as popular as they used to be. Thankfully for Baselworld and its exhibitors, Lucrezia Buccellati, co-creative designer of Buccellati, confirms, “High-end inspirational watches are still performing well.”
Although these brands thrive on staying traditional, it is also important to stay current and grow the brand whenever possible. Every new collection showcases different and innovative designs to please customers and stay on top of the competition.
As the industry constantly evolves, Downtown were hoping to get an idea of what this year’s exhibitors have in store.
The following brands shared their latest designs with us.
Andersen Geneve showcases The Tempus Terrae, “a very sober and classy watch case in gold with aesthetic simplicity.”
Available for personalization, this updated version of one of the brand’s classic models is complete with a Red Gold case, 17 jewels, and a hand-stitched band. While speaking about this piece, the brand reiterated its high-end craftsmanship and confirmed that, “No compromise is made on quality.”
Blancpain revealed the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe, a vintage-inspired, 38 mm addition to the 2013 version of the model.
Having launched its Bathyscaphe diving watches in the late 1950s, Blancpain has since expanded the family. Water-resistant and powered by Caliber 1150, this new model has been improved with higher stability, precision, shock resistance, and a luminescent dot on the bezel, making it a perfect watch for any diver.
As 2017 began, Czapek & Cie introduced three new models to the market, including the Quai des Bergues N. 33s. Supposedly inspired by the original Francois Czapek pocket watch, this new model has been “adapted for finer wrists and to the taste of collectors seeking models that have journeyed through time and retained their elegance and can surprise the wearer by their harmoniousness.”
With a 5N Rose Gold case, this 38.5 diameter watch includes a Curved Sapphire Crystal, and an alligator strap with a 5N Red Gold buckle.
Eberhard & Co. showed us the Scafograf GMT, “an automatic steel model that maintains the same lines as its predecessor, the Scafograf 300, but has different technical features.”
Available in black or blue with a water-resistant feature, this new model is innovative and complete with its rotating, bidirectional bezel featuring luminescent applied indices.
Hamilton presented the Intra-Matic 68. CEO Sylvain Dolla spoke to us about this watch and explained why this particular model happens to be his favorite at the moment. “The Intra-Matic 68 has all the Hamilton ingredients: Heritage – inspired by the 1968 Chronograph B – and Strong Character – its design is sure to delight Hamilton aficionados and collectors alike,” he explained.
Raymond Weil stepped outside the norm with the Freelancer, a tribute to the infamous Les Paul Gibson guitar. This unconventional watch, inscribed with the Gibson logo, demonstrates the brand’s creativity and shows the importance of innovation within the company. When talking about his love for music and his inspiration for this special timepiece, Elie Ternheim, CEO of Raymond Weil declared, “Today, Gibson leads us into the best that rock has to offer and makes our watches hum to this legendary beat,”
The Greenwich Village Orchestra was founded in 1986 by a group of musicians from the New York Metropolitan area. The 70-member community orchestra is made up of accountants, actors, artists, attorneys, carpenters, editors, physicians, professors, photographers, computer programmers, retirees, scientists, students, and teachers. The GVO is committed to making music at the highest possible level and dedicated to enriching the lives of our players and our audience. The performances are emotionally-charged, exhilarating experiences that truly delight audiences and the performers alike.
The GVO regularly performs with internationally-acclaimed soloists such as violinists Andrés Cárdenes, Itamar Zorman, and Hye-Jin Kim; cellists Edward Arron, Raman Ramakrishnan, David Heiss, and Brook Speltz; soprano Christine Goerke; mezzo-sopranos Jennifer Johnson Cano and Naomi O’Connell; baritone Jesse Blumberg; and trumpet soloist Brandon Ridenour. Recent guest conductors have included Pierre Valet, Yaniv Segal and Farkhad Khudyev.
On May 7 at 3:00 PM, the GVO — as led by Music Director and Conductor Barbara Yahr — will close its 30th anniversary season at Washington Irving Campus Auditorium with a pops concert, Broadway Downtown. The event will feature performances by guest artists and Broadway stars Grasan Kingsberry (The Color Purple, Motown The Musical, Aida) and Betsy Struxness (Hamilton, Matilda, Wicked). The program will include selections from the Golden Age of Broadway, Tin Pan Alley, and classics. The GVO will play the role of the expanded pit band, offering fully-orchestrated renditions of some of America’s most popular Broadway tunes.
“I am really thrilled to bring back the pops tradition to the GVO,” says Music Director Barbara Yahr. “I loved conducting pops concerts when I was Assistant Conductor with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and did quite a few with other orchestras like the National Symphony, and the Munich Radio Orchestra as well. The repertoire is refreshing and rich offering us a chance to experience a uniquely American musical genre. This year, we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the GVO and my 15th anniversary with the orchestra, and I love the idea of celebrating the golden age of musical theater with artists like Grasan and Betsy, who are fabulous performers. I know the orchestra is excited to take on this challenge. It’s going to be a blast!”
In late 2016, Seamless unveiled an interesting study as part of its “How New York Eats” campaign. The company compared the ordering habits of its regular customers versus that of Broadway casts, including Kinky Boots, The Color Purple, Hamilton, Waitress, and The Book Of Mormon. The cast of Kinky Boots, for example, ordered 847% more shrimp tacos, 795% more croissants, 324% more shrimp tempura rolls, and 286% more vegetable dumplings than the rest of New York City.
Downtown had the pleasure of conducting Q&A with both Kaitlyn Carl, Grubhub’s media relations and trends specialist, and Kinky Boots cast member Blair Goldberg. The interviews were conducted prior to Kinky Boots attracting even more A-List stars to its show, including Taylor Swift and Kevin Costner. Grubhub — which merged with Seamless in 2013 — can of course be visited online at www.grubhub.com, while Kinky Boots is on the web at www.kinkybootsthemusical.com.
Kaitlyn Carl: Seamless launched its “How New York Eats” campaign a few months ago, which highlights how different neighborhoods choose from their local favorites that we have to offer. With the Theater District being located in the heart of Manhattan , we wanted to see how exactly how theater companies and their casts fuel themselves through the day.
Were any of the results especially surprising for you?
Kaitlyn Carl: Seeing the variety of foods across multiple shows was a pleasant surprise! It makes you think if perhaps each show’s demands, ranging from rehearsal schedule to genre, could give different cravings per cast. The most ordered foods at each theater ranged from shrimp tacos to sushi to grilled cheese sandwiches — representative of the diversity among casts.
The Grubhub survey said that your cast orders shrimp tacos 847% more than the rest of New York City. Is there a particular spot that you favor for tacos?
Blair Goldberg: Absolutely. You all MUST check out Otto’s Tacos — 705 9th Avenue — for some of the most delicious, cheap tacos you’ll ever have! My favorite is the Carne Asada Tacos. And the Churros? TO DIE FOR! Heaven!
What about for fried chicken sandwiches? Grubhub’s survey said that your cast orders those 226% more than the rest of New York City.
Blair Goldberg: I dig Lenwich — formerly known as Lenny’s — for sandwiches. Awesome and quick delivery, and a million options to choose from!
Are you proud of Grubhub’s survey results? Has anyone at your shows talked about the survey to you?
Blair Goldberg: Yes! We were actually all buzzing about it backstage when the survey came out! We LOVE to eat over at Kinky Boots, and you will consistently hear our stage doorman over the loudspeaker all throughout the show saying that more food delivery has arrived every night! Besides performing, I’d say eating is certainly my other passion. I’m hardcore.
Do you have a favorite restaurant on Grubhub?
Blair Goldberg: At work, it would have to be Schmackary’s, best cookies in the world. At home — FiDi, woohoo Downtown! — it would have to be Harry’s Italian.
Kaitlyn Carl: When I’m visiting our New York office, my favorite lunch is from Chop’t Salad. Always arriving quickly, their customer craft salads are my go-to! Another midtown favorite of mine is Alidoro. Their subs offer fresh ingredients, hand-sliced meats and cheeses and is one of the best sandwiches I’ve had while visiting New York.
Your show recently added Todrick Hall to the cast. Had you been familiar with his work before he was cast?
Blair Goldberg: Absolutely. Todrick is incredible and his viral videos are on another level. They are definitely worth checking out! As a huge Taylor Swift fan, my favorite is his “4 Taylor” video. Todrick has been nothing but gracious and wonderful to work with! We are so happy to have him as a member of our Kinky family.
Kinky Boots attracts a lot of celebrities. Who was the last visitor that had you starstruck?
Blair Goldberg: Katie Holmes! Or RuPaul! Both amazing!
Do you have a favorite moment within the Kinky Boots show?
Blair Goldberg: Yes! “Everybody Say Yeah” is our Act I finale, and it’s one of most phenomenally staged numbers I’ve ever been lucky enough to watch, let alone be a part of. I love looking at the audiences faces when we are performing that number. They usually have the biggest smiles plastered on their faces! I also love the finale (“Raise You Up”) because it is the heart of our show, and is all about the message to, “Just be who you wanna be.” It’s such an important message about learning to love and accept yourself and I consider it an honor to sing every night.
What’s coming up for Seamless in the New York area? Any new restaurants? Promotions?
Kaitlyn Carl: Seamless is constantly adding more local options for New Yorkers to choose from. For example, we just brought on Ivan Ramen and Westville, which are favorites amongst New Yorkers. Additionally, we recently just launched Gift Cards. Now it is easier than ever to give the gift of Seamless with friends and family by going to Seamless.com/giftcards.
Blair Goldberg
Aside from Kinky Boots, how do you like to spend your free time?
Blair Goldberg: I spend lots of time in the Downtown area where I live with my husband and one-year old daughter, Lyla. We love exploring Manhattan together, especially now that she’s at such a fun age! Our neighborhood is so wonderful for families-we love having the Seaport right across the street!
Kaitlyn Carl: Food has always been a passion of mine, and whenever I have free time, I love to explore different neighborhoods and their unique restaurants. With Singaporean roots, I’m on a mission to find the most authentic Hainanese chicken rice in town. I will also gladly accept suggestions for the next time I am in New York!
Kaitlyn, do you often get to catch live events? Do you have tickets to any upcoming concerts or plays?
Kaitlyn Carl: Because I am based out of Chicago, most of my time in New York is spent working in our Midtown office. However, every time I do come to town I make sure I explore the city as best as I can. Last time I was in town, I visited Central Park and Lincoln Center and consumed some of the best food I have ever had in Chinatown and Williamsburg. I am a huge fan of the theater though! I was able to get my hands on a pair of Hamilton tickets for the Chicago show and am counting down the days until I go.
Finally, any last words for the kids?
Kaitlyn Carl: We were delighted to see that eating healthy was a priority among all casts — based on sheer volume, we found that the Theater District turns to Seamless for salads and protein-centric dishes. It’s representative of the fact that we have everything on the platform to fit every craving, whether it be something to fuel you for a busy rehearsal schedule, or something for your a cheat day, like a delicious cheesesteak from Shorty’s.
Blair Goldberg: Come check us out at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre! And bring some tacos, please! We’re hungry!
Founded by Andrew and Jonathan Schnipper, Schnippers was launched after the brothers sold Hale & Hearty Soups — which they founded — in 2006. Schnippers started with a single location in the New York Times Building at 41st & 8th. Now, Schnippers has five locations in Manhattan, the latest of which opened in TriBeCa.
While there are many quick-serve establishments in Manhattan where someone can get a great burger, one thing that sets Schnippers apart from its competitors that its menu also includes healthier fare. Schnippers has salads, fruit salad, and even some gluten-free fare. But this time of year, when indulging isn’t so taboo, it must be noted that Schnippers has a Latke Burger ready for the holiday season. Undoubtedly that would go well with a handcrafted milkshake; Schnippers uses Gifford’s Family premium hard ice cream for its shakes.
Downtown had the pleasure of conducting Q&A with Andrew Schnipper, ultimately learning more about Schnippers’ past, present and future. More info on the family-owned Schnippers can be found at www.schnippers.com, and as noted by Andrew — a graduate of Tufts — menu items and other updates can be found on the company’s Instagram.
Schnippers recently opened its fifth location. Was it always the plan to have multiple locations?
Andrew Schnipper: When my brother Jonathan and I opened our first Schnippers location in The New York Times Building in 2009, we were cautiously optimistic that our “feel good food” would catch on. We had been successful at expanding Hale & Hearty Soups previously, and hoped that hard work and good luck would be in our favor again. With that said, the restaurant industry in New York is tough — and getting tougher — so we never took anything for granted. We’re thankful to have five busy outposts of Schnippers and look forward to continued, thoughtful expansion.
Was Schnippers always going to be the name of the restaurant?
AS: It actually wasn’t our first choice! We spent several months coming up with potential names for the restaurant, but we just couldn’t think of anything that we liked better. As it’s a real family-owned restaurant, friends kept encouraging us to name it Schnippers, and it stuck!
How did you and your brother realize that you were going to go into business together? Has anyone else in your lineage worked within the food world?
AS: My brother and I are different in almost every way, but when it comes to food, we’ve always seen eye to eye. Our family was not in the restaurant business, but our mother always cared about what she put on the table. She would bring us to the butcher shop to get the best cuts of meat to make our favorite childhood dish: sloppy joes. We serve an updated, elevated version of her recipe at Schnippers.
Jonathan and I have been business partners since 1995 — our differences are complementary and it just works. I couldn’t imagine doing this with anyone else.
Andrew & Jonathan Schnipper / Photo: Schnippers
If all went as planned, is there hope to expand further in Manhattan in the future? Move into other cities?
AS: For now, we’re perfectly content in Manhattan. Never say never, though!
Hale & Hearty Soups, which you co-founded, is not only known for its restaurants but for having store-sold products. Are there plans for Schnippers to also do that?
AS: Not at the moment.
Both Schnippers and Hale & Hearty are known as “fast-casual” restaurants. What inspired that concept? I mean, it seems like more restaurants in Manhattan are of that style these days than not.
AS: When we launched Hale & Hearty in 1995, fast casual wasn’t a trend yet — there were hardly any places in New York to go for high-quality, healthy and delicious meals that were also quick and easy to eat on the go. People in New York are incredibly busy and it has always been our goal, at both Hale & Hearty and Schnippers, to fit seamlessly into their daily routines. We’re glad to see that the trend has caught on.
What sets Schnippers apart from other concepts is that we truly have something for everyone, whether that means a burger before a Broadway show, a nutritious salad for lunch during the workweek, or an indulgent feast of fries and milkshakes on a Saturday afternoon with your kids — we’ve got you covered!
What is your favorite item on the Schnippers menu?
AS: I love our chicken fingers; honestly I think they’re the best in the city. They’re also unintentionally gluten-free.
New TriBeCa location aside, anything new or exciting coming up for Schnippers? New menu items?
AS: We’ve started rolling out special menu items every week at our 23rd Street location. We’re also offering a special Latke Burger for the holiday season. You can follow our Instagram for details about both.
Schnippers aside, what is your favorite restaurant in Manhattan?
When not busy with Schnippers, how do you like to spend your free time?
AS: I spend most of my free time with my family; my wife Andrea and our two daughters Isabel and Julia. Although they are the center of my world, my golden retriever Tucker is right in there, too. I enjoy spending hours in Central Park with him and the kids. I also enjoy biking, hiking, and experiencing the great outdoors just about anywhere.
Any upcoming concerts or events you have tickets for in Manhattan?
AS: Unfortunately not at the moment, but I want to try and take my kids to see Jingle Ball next week. I love seeing Billy Joel at the Garden whenever I can. I MUST see Hamilton one of these days; Lin-Manuel Miranda has been to Schnippers on 8th Avenue a few times, but I unfortunately missed him.
Finally, Andrew, any last words for the kids?
AS: Find what you are passionate about and go for it. Be healthy, but remember that eating what makes you happy is just as important as eating healthy. Balance is critical but always eat what makes you feel good.
The Third Street Music School Settlement is the nation’s longest-running community music school, as founded in 1894. The school currently serves more than 5,000 students, many of whom through its Third Street Partners Program. Beyond its weekly after-school and Saturday music instruction, Third Street also offers classes in dance — ballet, hip-hop and tap — and early childhood arts activities. In turn, Third Street presents more than 200 free events each year.
One of those 200-plus events of 2016 was an epic Christmas caroling crawl, which took place around Union Square and the East Village on Dec. 15. More than 150 carolers participated, starting at Con Edison’s headquarters and finishing up at the St. Mark Church-In-The-Bowery garden. Downtown had the pleasure of speaking to Valerie G. Lewis, Executive Director of Third Street Music School Settlement about said caroling and plenty more. Beyond what’s discussed, Valerie is currently overseeing the final stage of a two-year, $5.5 million renovation of Third Street’s historic 32,000 square-foot home in the East Village.
Where did the idea for neighborhood caroling come from for the Third Street group?
Valerie Lewis: Each year, Third Street hosts a variety holiday activities ranging from our annual Nutcracker performance showcasing our dance department to our Holiday Concert debuting our talented students. Two years ago we wanted to spread the holiday cheer with our newly established Voice Department. Led by our amazing Faculty Chair, Kaitlin Stark, our choristers will be caroling throughout the East Village and Union Square so we can stop by and say hello to our friends in the community who help make Third Street so great. From ConEd headquarters to Veniero’s bakery, we have families and students joining us for different parts of this choral holiday adventure.
Do you have a favorite carol?
VL: This is definitely a hard question since there are so many wonderful holiday carols and I certainly love them all. But this year, what warms my heart so much is hearing “Joy To The World.” It reminds me of how fortunate I am to be leading a great organization, such as Third Street, to help spread the joy of music in our community.
What about other music? Do you have a favorite album of 2016? Any upcoming concerts for you?
VL: The Hamilton Mixtape is an absolute must-listen. I’ve seen Hamilton several times now and it’s just terrific. The story, the music and the actors all are incredible. It’s great to see how young people have been inspired by Hamilton and how energized they are about musical theater.
VL: After the holiday excitement settles down, Third Street rings in the new year with our series of free performances and concerts. One of my favorites is our String ‘Stravaganza concert, where nearly 100 of our string students of all ages come together to debut their skills playing the violin, viola, cello and bass. We end the concert with the Suzuki-play down of Twinklers with everyone in our department — our youngest player of age four to our most senior age 88 joining in. We are also in the middle of our LiveSOUNDS series, which are free performances by faculty members every Friday at 7:00 PM throughout the school year.
VL: Where do I begin? Third Street’s number one mission is to provide access to high-quality music and arts education to all people, no matter their financial situation. We do not turn anyone away. In fact, 75% of our students receive some form of tuition assistance and scholarships to help with their studies.
Another huge part of what makes Third Street so special is its Partnerships Program. Since the 1970s, Third Street has worked with underfunded public schools to provide music and arts instruction to their students. Today, we serve over 3,400 students in our Third Street Partners program in 28 New York City public schools and community centers. Professionally-trained Third Street faculty members head out to instruct weekly classes to students in voice, percussion and hip-hop dance. The goal of these partnerships is simple: to transform the lives of students for the better through music and dance.
When not busy with Third Street, how do you like to spend your free time?
VL: Third Street has become a family affair for me. I am a piano student here along with both my children who are taking voice and guitar. When I’m not at Third Street, I am also an avid cyclist, runner and pastry enthusiast.
Do you have a favorite restaurant near the school?
VL: Veselka and Mimi Cheng’s Dumplings without a doubt! These places are always happy to feed me and I’m always happy to be there. Every time I walk in, I can always spot a familiar face in the neighborhood.
Finally, Valerie, any last words for the kids?
VL: Take your time with the music. If at first you don’t succeed, remember to embrace the process. Don’t rush these moments because the beginning steps are the ones you’ll miss the most. Your first recital, your first dress rehearsal, your first solo. These moments are the building blocks in your artistic journey and what matters the most.
