West 4th: Culture NOW

This is a picture of the Halloween parade in Greenwich Village 1

Greenwich Village, once a magnet for artists, writers, “bohemians,” and gays and lesbians, has changed in recent years. Since the very wealthy now seek to live in this area, starving artists can’t really afford the rents, so they no longer flock here. But culture remains an important part of Greenwich Village; for proof one needn’t look further than the nightlife in the area.

This is a picture of a Tavern in Greenwich Village 2

At night, the Village explodes with activity from all the cafés, coffeehouses, and theatrical and musical venues. If this isn’t enough proof, look no further than the annual Halloween parade that takes place in Greenwich Village. And the music scene in the area continues to thrive.

Washington Square Park 3

At almost any time during the day, you can walk to Washington Square Park and enjoy the sights and sounds of New York’s unique musicians. Perhaps more evident during the Recession than the Depression is that there are more people who perform in Washington Square Park in the hope of advancing their musical careers and making a quick buck. At new and established venues, bands also perform almost nightly. One venue that has gained immense notoriety is Café Wha?. Since 1950, Café Wha? has been one of the hottest clubs in Greenwich Village.
Greenwich Village's Famous Cafe Wha?

Greenwich Village's Famous Cafe Wha? 4

As the original “stomping ground” for music greats like Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, and Peter Paul & Mary, Café Wha? is obviously of deep sentimental value to musicians. 5 Another club popular among those musicians playing in New York City is the Village Underground, which has hosted Simon and Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, and the Monkees. Today, artists like John Mayer frequently perform. 6
To go back to the Introduction page of Culture please click here

To see how Culture affected this area during the Depression please click here

To see how culture affected Broadway/Laffayette during the Depression please click here

To see how culture affected Broadway/Laffayette during the Recession please click here

  1. Courtesy of Joel Pierson – http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.387611!/img/httpImage/image.jpg” ↩
  2. Courtesy of http://www.z-mation.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=872″ ↩
  3. "Washington Square Park." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 05 July 2012. Web. 09 May 2012.” ↩
  4. "Best Restaurants in Your City." Top Ten Fun Restaurants in New York City. Web. 09 May 2012.” ↩
  5. “Cafe Wha?” – History. Web. 09 May 2012. <http://www.cafewha.com/about/history>. ↩
  6. “About Us.” Village Underground. Web. 09 May 2012. <http://thevillageunderground.com/about-us/>. ↩