Tag: Westfield World Trade Center

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Culture Music NYC

Westfield WTC, Sing for Hope, bring piano for public playing, to the Oculus

Photo: Westfield World Trade Center

Westfield World Trade Center has partnered with Sing for Hope to display a piano in the Oculus, painted by local artist Lance Johnson. The uniquely colorful piano, titled “Evolve” will be available for anyone and everyone to play, listen, interact with, and enjoy, from March 17 to March 27. At the conclusion of the piano’s public residency, it will be moved to a permanent home in a New York City school or community-based organization, where it will inspire lives for years to come.

In addition to the piano being open for the public to play, there will also be free and professional musical performances over the two weekends of its residency. Piano Soloist, Amir Farid, winner of the 2006 Australian National Piano Award, performs on March 19 and 26 from noon to 2:00 pm. The Sing for Hope Quintet will present performances of piano, violin, viola, and cello on March 20 and 27 from noon to 2:00 pm.

Local artist Lance Johnson poses with piano he painted, Evolve, as part of a project with Sing for Hope. Photo: Sing for Hope


The Sing for Hope Pianos program began in New York City in 2010. Today, it is one of the world’s largest annually recurring public arts programs, with more than 570 one-of-a-kind piano artworks in public spaces spanning from The Bronx to Beirut, and from Aspen to Athens. In addition to Westfield World Trade Center, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) will display pianos at Westfield UTC in San Diego, as well as Westfield Topanga and Westfield Century City in Los Angeles. 


“New York City is one of our world’s most inspiring, resilient cities, and we’re thrilled to work with URW to share hope and healing through these beautiful community instruments,” said Monica Yunus, Sing for Hope Co-Founder. Continued Sing for Hope Co-Founder Camille Zamora, “Music and art bring people together, and as the world continues to emerge from the pandemic, the Sing for Hope Pianos continue to spread vital moments of joy, connection, and arts for all.”
“We are so excited to host Sing for Hope at Westfield World Trade Center,” said Diana Grasso, Vice President, URW. “As we continue welcoming commuters, office workers, and local residents back to the Oculus, the power and joy of live music will further enhance our guests experience as they visit, shop, and dine with us.”

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Culture Entertainment Featured Music NYC Theater

Jenna Chrisphonte Joins The Ronald O. Perelman Performing Arts Center

Jenna Chrisphonte Joins The Ronald O. Perelman Performing Arts Center
PAC

Welcoming Jenna Chrisphonte as Director of Civic Alliances

As of July 6, The Ronald O. Perelman Performing Arts Center welcomed its new Director of Civic Alliances, Jenna Chrisphonte. She will work under the leadership of the theater’s Artistic Director Bill Rauch and President Leslie Koch. Chrisphonte will serve as the liaison between the PAC and “community-based organizations, NYCHA residents, community boards, immigrant groups, marginalized populations, cultural institutions, and elected officials”, according to a press release.

Support from Artistic Director Bill Rauch

“I am so thrilled to welcome Jenna to our team, given the vast experience, passion, and energy that she brings to this new role,” said Rauch. “The work of the Director of Civic Alliances is core to our mission of making connections between artists and communities from across all five boroughs of New York City.”

Chrisphonte’s new leadership is not the only change being made at the PAC. The theater, located at the World Trade Center, is under renovation. The improved establishment “will celebrate life and humanity, redefining Lower Manhattan as a cultural destination and serving as a living testament to the power of the arts to inspire and unite,” according to the statement.

President Leslie Koch Cheers Her On

“The PAC aspires to be a shared space for neighborhood residents and workers in Lower Manhattan, New Yorkers from throughout the city, and visitors from around the world,” said President Leslie Koch. “Jenna will be building relationships well before we open, introducing our new center to the city and world.”

Much like Chrisphonte, the PAC will match the energy in versatility and will create and present performance in many forms. It will be a sanctuary for dance, music, and chamber opera.

Chrisphonte was born in Haiti and got her education in New York City’s public schools. Her impressive background is multifaceted. It begins with her B.A. and J.D from the University at Buffalo, and branches into her experience as director of community engagement at the Dramatists Guild of America. She also served as the Assistant District Manager at Manhattan Community Board 4 and worked at the Consulate General of Canada in New York City. She now resides in Douglaston, Queens.

 

Jenna Chrisphonte Joins The Ronald O. Perelman Performing Arts Center
Jenna Chrisphonte Director of Civic Alliances

 

“It is an honor to join the PAC, said Jenna Chrisphonte. “Helping New York foster new relationships and opportunities to come together in peace and art is a privilege that I am excited to share with everyone.”

For additional information, visit theperelman.org.

For more from Downtown on happenings about town, click here.

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Culture Entertainment Events Featured Living Movies

Westfield WTC and the Tribeca Film Festival Announce Movies in the Oculus

For the third consecutive year, Westfield World Trade Center will roll out the red carpet for the Tribeca Drive-In: Dinner and a Movie film screening series, organized in partnership with the team behind the Tribeca Film Festival. The series takes place from Thursday, February 21st to Sunday, February 24th – just in time for this year’s major awards season!

During the four-day series, visitors to Westfield World Trade Center’s magnificent Oculus in Lower Manhattan will be able to enjoy free movie screenings of past Oscar-nominated and Oscar-winning fan favorite films:

•        Thursday (2/21, 7pm) – As Good as It Gets (1997) – Directed by James L. Brooks, starring Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Skeet Ulrich.  When a gay artist is assaulted and hospitalized, his cranky neighbor must care for his dog, triggering a change in formerly selfish attitude.  Two Oscar wins and five Oscar nominations.

•        Friday (2/22, 7pm) – Field of Dreams (1989) – Directed by Phil Alden Robinson. This three time Oscar nominee for Best Picture, Best Screenplay, and Best Original Score, is a fantasy about a farmer who builds a ballpark in his cornfield, where long-dead Major Leaguers gather to play.

•        Saturday (2/23, 12pm) – Hugo (2011) – Directed by Martin Scorsese. A young orphan lives in a train station in 1930s Paris and tries to repair a mechanical man built by his father. Five Oscar Wins and six Oscar nominations.

•        Saturday (2/23, 7pm) – E.T. (1982) – Directed by Steven Spielberg. A lonely boy befriends a homesick alien stranded on Earth and attempts to help him find a way home. Four Oscar wins and 5 Oscar nominations.

•        Sunday (2/24, 12pm) – Finding Neverland (2004) – Directed by Marc Forster. A biography of playwright J.M. Barrie focusing on his relationship with a young widow and her sons, and the role it played in inspiring the children’s classic Peter Pan.  One Oscar win and six Oscar nominations.

Before the films, visitors attending the screenings will be able to enjoy live music performances presented by Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI); relax in custom-designed seating lounges; explore special fashion and accessories vitrines curated by local influencer and personal shopper Samantha Brown;  take advantage of one-of-a-kind, Hollywood-inspired photo ops; and partake in exclusive food and beverage service provided by some of Westfield World Trade Center’s tastiest restaurants and eateries, including: Epicerie Boulud, Eataly NYC Downtown, Nunu Chocolates, and Sugarfina. 

“As film fans, awards season is the most wonderful time of year in Tribeca, so we are thrilled to be continuing our partnership with Westfield World Trade Center for a very special Oscar edition of our fan favorite Drive-In series,” said Cara Cusumano, Tribeca’s Director of Programming. “We hope everyone will join us, inside this time, for a look back at some of our favorite nominees of all time as we finalize our ballots for the 2019 winners.”

“Award-winning films in an award-winning setting – what better way for our visitors to enjoy all we have to offer inside Westfield World Trade Center!” said Shari Hyman, Vice President and General Manager of Westfield World Trade Center.  “We are excited that our continued partnership with Tribeca Films makes this unique experience possible.”

Screenings are free and open to the public. Tickets may be reserved in advance on Eventbrite. Admittance and seating is first-come, first-served. 

For more information on the series, including daily menus and artist information, please visit: www.westfield.com/wtc/dinner-and-a-movie.

Categories
Dining Events Featured

Where to Celebrate the Lunar New Year this February

Chinese New Year Henry Lu

We’re already a month into 2019, but the Year of the Pig is about to begin! Check out these Lunar New Year specials to help you celebrate on February 5th and beyond.

Westfield World Trade Center

oculus

Westfield World Trade Center is ringing in the Year of the Pig with its first annual Lunar New Year celebrations. On Friday, Feb. 8 at 7:30PM, Westfield will kick off celebrations with  a one-hour unique and dynamic orchestral performance presented by the Port Authority of NY & NJ in partnership with the Asian Cultural Center, whose Asian Cultural Symphony of the USA has participated in hundreds of performances across the United States, such as the Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, the United Nations Headquarters. The music performance is complemented by an all-afternoon and evening art exhibit that features local artists throughout the Transportation Hub. There will be other events throughout the beginning of the month as well:

    • Friday, Feb 1, 5:30–7:30 PM: Calligraphy at Toytoise
    • Saturday, Feb 2, 1–3 PM: Brush Painting at Sugarfina; 3–6 PM: Calligraphy at Pandora
    • Saturday, Feb 2, 2–4 PM: Contemporary Chinese Music at Longines
    • Friday, Feb 8, 5–7 PM: Calligraphy at & Other Stories, Wood Block Art at London Jewelers, 4–7 PM: Music & Moutai Tasting at Pure Liquid Wine & Spirits; 5–7 PM: Calligraphy at& Other Stories; 7:30–9 PM Asian Cultural Center Orchestra Performance in the Oculus
    • Saturday, Feb 9, 2–4 PM: Chinese Go at Toytoise
  • Tuesday, Feb 12, 4–7 PM: Chinese Business Etiquette + Live Music at BOSS Hugo Boss

Loosie’s Kitchen

suckling pig

henry lu

South Williamsburg’s Loosie’s Kitchen is celebrating Chinese New Year with a menu inspired by Executive Chef Henry Lu’s childhood! Chef Henry grew up in the Bronx where his family owned & operated Chinese restaurants. He’s taken that nostalgia and used it as inspiration to recreate his family traditions for a Chinese New Year feast at Loosie’s. On Tuesday, February 5th from 7:30–10:30 PM, Loosie’s Kitchen and Chef Henry are throwing a “We Are All Pigs” Chinese New Year Party with a buffet-style menu, $5 Tsingtao and house party vibes! Menu highlights include build-your-own steamed buns, pork belly stuffed suckling pig and sweet sticky rice. Tickets are $30 per person and reservations can be made by emailing sayhi@loosieskitchen.com or via Eventbrite.

Little Tong

little tong lunar new year
Photo by Emmeline Zhao

For the year of the pig, Little Tong Noodle Shop’s East Village location will be serving its take on ShengJian Bao (SJB) – crispy pan-seared pork soup dumplings served with a black sesame plum chili vinaigrette. In addition, they will offer a special mixian with wild mushrooms and sausage for the duration of the two week plus new year festival as well as festive BBQ baby back ribs.

886 x Van Leeuwen

886 lunar new year

886 (the buzzy Taiwanese-American restaurant in the East Village) has teamed up with Van Leeuwen, (Greenpoint-based purveyors of artisanal ice cream made from scratch) on a collaborative, limited edition Lunar New Year ice cream flavor. The offering is inspired by Pineapple Cake, a sweet traditional Taiwanese pastry that’s associated with celebrations and gift giving. Van Leeuwen’s caramelized pineapple jam is sandwiched between layers of housemade buttery miso shortbread, and folded into a classic sweet cream base that’s been amped up with double fold vanilla extract and vanilla bean caviar. The restaurant will serve the Lunar New Year flavor on a fried bun with spicy honey and candied bacon. Dubbed the “Year of the Pig Sandwich” ($11), the offering is available through March 3rd; it will be served on the weekend brunch menu and as a secret off-the-menu item at dinner. Scoops and pints of the Lunar New Year flavor ($5.50 single scoop / $7.50 double scoop) will be available at the East Village, LES, and SoHo outposts of Van Leeuwen through February 21st. The flavor can also be incorporated into affogatos, sundaes and other preparations.

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Events Featured

Four Seasons Hotel Downtown + Roberto Coin To Ring In The New Year

Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown announced it will celebrate the New Year in style, with an exclusive promotion with iconic Italian jeweler, Roberto Coin. Each guest who checks in on December 31st at the new luxury property in Downtown Manhattan, will receive a gift certificate from Roberto Coin, with one lucky winner receiving a gift certificate valued at $10,000, redeemable at the Roberto Coin Boutique at Westfield World Trade Center.

While one lucky winner will receive this $10,000 gift certificate, no guest ringing in the New Year at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown will go home empty-handed. At check-in, all guests celebrating New Year’s Eve will receive a gift certificate toward a piece of Roberto Coin jewelry. These gift certificates can also be redeemed at the Roberto Coin store in Westfield World Trade Center.

As one of the latest additions to Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts’ North American portfolio, Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown features 189 guest rooms including 28 suites; 7,000 square feet of event space; CUT, the first New York restaurant by celebrity restaurateur Wolfgang Puck; and The Spa, including seven treatment rooms, an outdoor terrace, 24 hour fitness center and a 75-foot (23 meter) indoor lap pool. 

Ideal for both business and leisure guests, Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown is perfectly situated in Downtown Manhattan, close to an array of activities and attractions including One World Observatory, the Oculus, Westfield World Trade Center, Brookfield Place, the Brooklyn Bridge, Tribeca, the Seaport District, Wall Street, Financial District, Battery Park, The Whitney Museum of American Art and the Meatpacking District.

Reservations are still available for New Year’s Eve. Call 1-800-819-5053 to experience the ultimate luxury staycation in Downtown Manhattan. As the cornerstone of the Downtown neighborhood, Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown is an ideal location to cap off the New Year’s Eve celebrations for those attending parties and events in Lower Manhattan.

 

 

About Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
As the world’s leading operator of luxury hotels, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts currently manages 106 properties in 44 countries. Open since September 19, 2016, Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown provides a preferred address for both business and leisure travelers, and the highly personalized, anticipatory service that Four Seasons guests expect and value around the world. Recent awards and honors include 2017 AAA Five Diamond Rated and 2017 Winner of “Best Virtuoso Newcomer” in Virtuoso’s Best of the Best Awards. For more information on Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown, visit press.fourseasons.com/newyorkdowntown or check them out on https://www.facebook.com/FourSeasonsHotelNewYorkDowntown

About Roberto Coin
Roberto Coin has been an icon in the jewelry industry for more than 30 years. His designs include his signature Appassionata Collection, the new Pois Moi Collection and the Roberto Coin Cento Diamond Collection.  His collection is available in Roberto Coin Boutiques and over 400 stores nationwide including better jewelry and specialty stores.

Since 1977 Venetian jewelry designer, Roberto Coin, has devoted his life to a passion for innovative design. Finding inspiration in the most unlikely of places he is truly an artisan at work. Experimenting with light, texture, color, and pattern, Coin’s style is ever evolving. His diverse collection, designed to fit every woman, is defined by a common thread—a thoughtful balance of elegance and creativity. Included in every piece of Roberto Coin jewelry is his signature ruby. The ruby symbolizes peace, prosperity, and happiness and is a special wish from the designer. For more information, visit us at https://us.robertocoin.com/

About Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
Founded in 1960, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is dedicated to perfecting the travel experience through continual innovation and the highest standards of hospitality. Currently operating 106 hotels, resorts and residences in major city centres and resort destinations in 44 countries, and with more than 50 projects under planning or development, Four Seasons consistently ranks among the world’s best hotels and most prestigious brands in reader polls, traveler reviews, and industry awards. 

Terms & Conditions: One gift voucher per room. Gift voucher will be given at time of check-in on December 31, 2017 only. Prize and/or value to be redeemed at the Roberto Coin Boutique in Westfield World Trade Center. No refund on unused value. Cannot be combined with any other promotion or offer. Prize and/or value must be redeemed by January 31, 2018.

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Business Real Estate

Lower Manhattan Real Estate Year in Review 2016

DSC_5095_7_8_9_tonemapped

The Alliance For Downtown New York has released the Lower Manhattan 2016 Real Estate Year in Review, providing an annual review of commercial office, retail, residential, hospitality and development projects.

Some of the report’s highlights — which can be read here — were:

• Retail – Over 200 stores and restaurants opened across Lower Manhattan, including the 100 new stores and restaurants at Westfield World Trade Center.

• Hotel – Hotel offerings expanded and diversified. Among the seven hotels to open, two premier luxury hotels debuted, The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown and The Beekman Hotel, pushing Lower Manhattan’s hotel room count above 6,500.

• Residential – More than 1,200 residential units were completed in the past year, including at 70 Pine Street and 100 Barclay. An additional 1,500 units are scheduled for completion in 2017.

• World Trade Center – The World Trade Center Transportation Hub was unveiled in March, giving pedestrians underground access to Fulton Center, PATH, WTC office complex and Brookfield Place. Additionally, designs were revealed for the Ronald O. Perelman Center for Performing Arts.