Little Island: A Unique Destination for Arts, Food, and Vistas
In May of 2021, the highly controversial new park, named Little Island, opened at the site of the old Pier 54 on Manhattan’s West Side. Historically significant, this pier was the place where in 1912 the survivors of the Titanic sinking arrived on the R.M.S Carpathia. The pier had been used for outside performances prior to the new development, however, it was in a state of disrepair and needed to be replaced. This gigantic project took years to plan and get approval, not to mention the huge price tag of $260 million dollars, but finally, New Yorkers and visitors alike are fortunate to get to enjoy this uniquely-designed landscape and all the events that it offers.
Little Island boasts two performance venues. The Amph is the larger of the two with seating for 700 and a stage with picturesque views of the Hudson. If you are currently in NYC, you can catch new music, created specifically for this venue, by artists Britton & The Sting. They are offering concerts through July 28th. Another new piece will be performed in August from the 14th to the 18th by Chris Thile and Claire Coffee. And for opera fans, the powerhouse counter tenor Anthony Roth Costanzo will offer a new take on the opera The Marriage of Figaro, playing all the leading roles himself. That performance runs Aug 30th to Sept. 22nd.
Justin Vivian Bond is one of the most celebrated singer-songwriters and cabaret artists of our time. They have appeared in films and concert halls all over the world, and have won several awards for their cabarets and even has a Tony nomination. They will be performing at the more intimate space, The Glade, on Little Island, through this weekend.
This waterfront park is becoming a popular destination for yoga enthusiasts and those seeking a serene setting to relax and take in the views of the Hudson and cityscape. If you are looking for some nourishment, there is a delightful kiosk that is open from 10:00am to 8:00pm on Monday and Tuesday and until 11:00pm from Wednesdays to Sundays. You can grab some American classic foods like hotdogs, fries and more.
It is always a herculean task to build anything substantial in a large city such as New York. Despite the pushback from some community and city leaders, the park we have today is drawing a huge crowd. It hovers above the waters of the Hudson, like an elevated forest, complete with paths for exploration and areas for respite. This park is like none other, and on any given day you can see people from all over the world gazing in awe at its design and taking a moment to enjoy the peace that a New York City park can provide.
For more information: https://www.littleislandtickets.com/