Washington Square Park has a long and rich musical history spanning back decades. From jazz to folk, the Park has hosted a little bit of everything, and the community has fought to keep the space a mecca for all things music. Even an attempt in the 1960’s to ban music in the Park failed, thanks to approximately 3,000 “beatniks” who took over the Park in peaceful protest on April 9, 1961. Among them were some folks you might recognize, including Izzy Young, who organized the protest. 

This weekend, you can become part of that musical history at “Bringing It All Back Home To Washington Square,” the headline event for the second Annual Village Trip Festival. Spend a beautiful September afternoon enjoying the sweet sounds of  Grammy Award-winning local legend Steve Earle, whose 2007 album is titled Washington Square Serenade. On the bill with him is Marc Ribot, whose 2018 album Songs of Resistance speaks to our troubled times. Also playing: The Tall Pines plus special guests Tammy Faye Starlite and Mary Lee Kortes.

WSPC is proud to support the rich musical and cultural traditions in Washington Square Park, including The Village Trip, through our Community Arts Grants Program. The Village Trip is one of our 2019 Grantees, and we’re thrilled to welcome them back to the Park. 

If one afternoon isn’t enough for you, The Village Trip Festival begins on Thursday, September 26th and runs until Sunday, September 29th, with performances and programs throughout The Village. Thursday evening’s event at Bitter End will be a celebration of Izzy Young, who passed away earlier this year. For full details of all the programs go to www.TheVillageTrip.com.