New York is considered to be one of the central locations for capitalism all over the world. It is also home to some of the best museums, sights, and restaurants in the world. And, while most people visit New York to see the Statue of Liberty, and maybe even to catch a Yankees' or Mets' game, there is still even more culture to be experienced while visiting the Empire State. Finding out more about the modern aspects of New York is nice; however, a trip is only half fulfilled until visitors dig deeper into the state's culturally rich and historic past.
Glass and Furniture Combinations
Furniture isn't the first craft to come to the minds of most visitors to New York, but it does hold a firm place in New York crafts culture. Credit for this must be given to the Shakers, a religious offshoot of the Quakers who settled in New York in 1747. Ideological aspects of their religion included a disciplined work ethic and simplicity, two attributes clearly defined in their furniture creations. This is especially evident in their rocking chairs, which were very popular with all people at the time, and remain so still today. However, people today would be hard-pressed to find a Shaker rocking chair. These are usually only found in the homes of collectors and museums.
In addition to expert wood craftsmen, the craft of glass working has a long history in New York, thanks to fortuitous circumstances. The large amount of raw materials and the Erie Canal made it possible for glass craftsmen to make their mark; the most famous among them being Louis Tiffany. Tiffany's glass creations are highly prized pieces of craftsmanship. Many have found homes in museums, or at the houses of collectors. In general, these glass pieces cost a large sum of money to acquire.
Ready…Action!
It's widely accepted today that Hollywood is the capital of the movie industry. However, most people don't realize that New York is second. Most aspiring actors head to Hollywood to find stardom, but there are plenty of others who have found success in New York. The reason for this is that New York is home to several television and movie studios. The Today Show and Live with Regis and Kelly are both filmed in New York. In addition, New York is home to late night television shows like Late Night with Conan O'Brian and the Late Show with David Letterman, as well as Saturday Night Live, which is the longest running late-night show on television.
As for the film industry, at any given time in New York, there are multiple movies being filmed in the Empire State. New York has been the location of some of America's most loved films, including flicks like Sleepless in Seattle, with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, and Diehard with a Vengeance starring Bruce Willis and Jeremy Irons. Current projects being filmed in New York include such stars as Richard Gere, Matt Damon, Kate Winslet, Zach Braff, and Jennifer Connelly.
Round Table Renaissance
Not only is New York home to literary greats Walt Whitman, Henry James, and Edith Wharton, but it is the location of important literary movements that have shaped such mediums as the theater, film and, of course, literature, into what they are today. This movement began in New York around 1918 with a group of intellectuals who came to be known as the Algonquin Round Table. These writers, critics, and journalists met regularly to discourse on their fields. The members if the Round Table each had their own different successes, however, they all shared a common fondness for each other's works.
Though the popularity of the Algonquin Round Table petered out in the mid 1920's, the Harlem Renaissance was also well underway. Writers like Langston Hughes established their legacies through their literary contributions during this time period in New York. It was a historic period for the country, as it marked the first time that the writings of black authors were widely read by a predominantly white America. The Renaissance also had a hand in solidifying the identity of a culture that had lost its way over the course of it turbulent history.
Musical Inceptions
New York has long been the central location of the music industry. It's world renowned for its classical music venues, such as Carnegie Hall, as well as its classical artists. The two most famous composers to come out of New York have undoubtedly been George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein. Most people are best familiar with Bernstein because of his theatrical successes, the most prominent of which was West Side Story. The musical history and scene of New York is so rich and vibrant that to miss it while visiting the Empire State almost makes the rest of the trip pointless.
Broadway Nights
New York City's Broadway is one of the country's most prestigious theatrical communities. Some of America's greatest playwrights, like Tennessee Williams, who had his first performance in New York, established their reputations on Broadway. It is also where productions of The Wizard of Oz and Peter Pan gained popularity that still thrives today. Taking in a Broadway show is a must for all visitors to New York. The history of Broadway is filled with successes and controversies almost anyone will find interesting. Following in the tradition of Broadway productions, featured plays of today are just as entertaining as those performed one hundred years ago.
Dance New York
The performing arts, including dance, in New York are highly regarded. New York is also home to several innovative dance companies as well. Though known especially for its literary works, the Harlem Renaissance is responsible for more than just great literature. The evolution of musical sound led to the development of swing music. The Fox Trot also originated in New York. Though many of these dances have fallen out of popularity in modern day society, they are still a favorite form of entertainment with older generations.
What's not to love about New York? A place so rich in diverse culture and history, the Empire State makes the perfect vacationing spot for those who want to take it all in.
