Walking Tour of Historic NOMAD With a Free Concert in Madison Square Park

RSVP's open up Sunday, June 22nd 9:00pm. The tour is free with donations warmly accepted via cash, Venmo or Zelle after the tour. New members, first and 2nd timers: I have spots set aside. Email me at hankorenstein@gmail.com if you land on the waiting list to request a spot.

DESCRIPTION:
Join us before the tour for a free Carnegie Hall Community Concert from 6pm - 6:45pm at Madison Square Park. Note: For this event the live music is before the tour so technically optional but highly recommended (musicians described below).

TOUR OVERVIEW
The area between 23rd and 33rd Street and between 6th Avenue and Park Avenues has some of NYC's most magnificent architecture and a staggering diversity of activity including the lively Madison Square Park, celebrity chef restaurants, distinctive hotels, newer luxury housing, commercial loft buildings, a popular jazz club and a famous acting school.

The New York Times coined the name NOMAD name in 1999, shortly after New York City formally established the Madison Square North Historic District. NOMAD, which is the acronym for North of Madison Square, became a crossroad of the city at the end of the 18th century when the main route to New England split from Broadway at what is now 23rd Street. In the Gilded Age at the end of the 19th century, the area became the center of New York’s social and cultural life. It was the hub of theatre, entertainment, dining, shopping and nightlife, as it was the location of America’s first “palace of entertainment,” Madison Square Garden in 1891. Part of the area was the center of the silk trade.
From the 1880s to the 1930s, 28th Street between Broadway and Sixth Avenue was transformed into a melting pot for musicians and gave rise to the concept of the “hit song.” Tin Pan Alley, now a part of NoMad, became the birthplace of countless classics of American popular music. West of Broadway, was a legendary place known as “The Tenderloin” and "Satan’s Circus", boasted nearly fifty brothels, famous bars that offered shooting galleries and prostitutes, and betting parlors catering to the rich and poor.

Our tour ends with a lively stroll around Madison Square Park to learn about the iconic buildings there, including the Flatiron Building, Metropolitan Life Tower, and the New York Life building which occupies the site of the original building known as Madison Square Garden. The park itself has an interesting history that includes the story of a famous architect who was murdered inside one of his creations.

SCHEDULE:

If you would like to meet as a group before the music starts:
5:45pm by the Farragut Monument on the north end of the park (pictured above, mid-park, nearest cross streets are 25th and 26th Streets).
6:00pm - 6:45pm: Enjoy the the first part of this free concert, presented by Carnegie Hall Citywide music (for the lawn you may want to bring something to sit on). There are benches throughout the park.
6:45pm (Note the music will still going on): Meet by the Farragut monument when the concert ends (same location as the 5:45pm meeting place).
6:45pm: Guided 100-minute walking tour ending at 23rd Street and 5th Avenue.

About the Music:
Joining tradition and innovation, the Toomai String Quintet brings a fresh, global perspective to chamber music. Known for its dynamic arrangements and commitment to expanding Latin American string repertoire, this award-winning ensemble delivers electrifying performances that bridge cultures and genres. From Cuban danzón to Brazilian choro, the group’s sound is as adventurous as it is refined. Experience Toomai String Quartet’s signature blend of artistry and exploration in this Citywide performance at Madison Square Park.

Restrooms and food: You may want to bring something to eat and be sure to take care of business before the tour. In the immediate area there's Eataly which also has outdoor vendors and restrooms inside. People rave about the fairly new Whole Foods Market at 28th Street and Madison Ave., two blocks north of the park and just minutes from our meeting place. They have a cafe + restrooms. The original Shake Shack is outdoors on the south end of Madison Square Park (it will be busy).

Cheers from Hank
646-596-3005
hankorenstein@gmail.com