Working in The Big Apple - part III

It undoubtedly has to do with commercial interests. Thanksgiving originally is a day of giving thanks for the blessings of the harvest and the preceding year. Although Thanksgiving has historical roots in religious and cultural traditions, it has long been celebrated as a secular holiday. Don't be distracted by the turkey fuss. Thanksgiving is a holiday respected by all Americans, centered around gratitude and enjoying good food with loved ones. It can be that simple.

The Last Piece of Green

And if, like me, you're working in New York, why not play a bit of a tourist as well? Along the Hudson, on the west side of Manhattan, the beautiful Little Island was opened to the public three years ago. An artificial island and public park with various lawns, paths, and plants. It features a small stage and an amphitheater with about 700 seats, designed by the architects of Heatherwick Studio. This originally British studio has previously created notable parks, including Nodeul Island in Seoul.

Little Island isn't very large, as the name suggests. It covers about 1 hectare and is supported by 132 oversized pot-shaped structures also known as tulips. From a distance, the island looks like the last piece of green from a science fiction movie. Little Island is a great example of how a modest intervention in public space can make a difference. It's located near the Meatpacking District, not far from the acclaimed Whitney Museum and the start of the High Line. With a bit of planning, all can be done in a leisurely half-day.

Louis Vuitton XXXXXL

There is no nation in the world that has collectively and successfully completed the course on Thinking Big. Big, bigger, biggest is almost always an understatement in America. Take the Louis Vuitton building on Fifth Avenue. It has been transformed into a stack of suitcases with the characteristic brown print patterns, sturdy handles, shiny hardware, and a robust corner finish. And then you think: that life-sized hardware must be plastic. Nope, just stainless steel, exactly as it should be, but in size XXXXXL. Bizarre. However, there are always at least a hundred people photographing the building, and you can't help but conclude that it's a strong piece of branding that continuously goes worldwide. A meme like no other.

Music Maestro, Please!

If you're visiting New York, I have two tips for music lovers. See if you can get tickets for Amateur Night at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem. This year marks the 90th (!) year of this talent show. Ella Fitzgerald, The Jacksons, and other greats were discovered here. The audience is the jury, and everyone gets a sign with YASS!! on one side and BOO!! on the other. The crowd was fiercely enthusiastic, and I watched in amazement as about half of the well-meaning artists were ruthlessly dismissed while the BOO!! signs flew through the air. But if it's okay or even good, the audience goes wild. The history of black music is embedded in these walls. James Brown, Marvin Gaye, but also Prince and Stevie Wonder loved to play here.

Another must-visit is the Blue Note Club in Greenwich Village, sacred ground for jazz enthusiasts. I saw saxophonist Kenny Garrett (who played with Miles Davis, among others) give a passionate performance with his quartet for a packed club where everyone – albeit tightly packed – sits at a table. And the band plays on while waitresses smoothly slalom to serve everyone drinks and snacks. After less than an hour and a half, it's over, and everyone is gently ushered out, preferably with a small detour past the merchandise. Because Kenny plays another set an hour later for a full house with a fresh audience. That's how it goes in The Big Apple, even jazz is big business. But it doesn't get more New York than this.

This blog is part of a series of stories. Also read Jeroen's first blog "Working in The Big Apple - Part I" and his second blog. "Working in The Big Apple - Part II"