The late writer and activist
Jane Jacobs, largely remembered for her love of New York City's Greenwich Village, asserted that the livelihood of any great city may be measured in the ability of its neighbors to joyfully interact. That sentiment still rings true, even years after after she wrote her masterpiece,
The Death and Life of Great American Cities. With that idea of imbued community spirit in mind, Jacobs would be more than pleased to learn that her former Greenwich Village neighbors of the
West Village Chorale are continuing their long-standing tradition of bringing joy to one and all through the spirit of song.
For the past 35 years, the group invites New Yorkers to join in the
caroling as they stroll through the Dickens-like neighborhood of the historic West Village. There's no need to brush up on any lyrics—Musical direction is provided by chorale group leaders.
People of all ages will meet in the school cafeteria off the rear courtyard of the Church of St. Luke in the Fields (487 Hudson Street, one block south of Christopher Street in the West Village) to begin the walk promptly at 7:00 PM. Participants are encouraged to come a little earlier to mix and mingle, and refreshments will be served at the end of the walk, free of charge, as participants return to the school's cafeteria. So put your desire to go on American Idol to good use this year—get out there, meet your neighbors, and help bring in the holiday season in the most traditional of ways.
