This is a typical weekday night in Washington Square Park, where hundreds of people gather to enjoy the evening and local culture. On the upper left photo, we have the fountain area, with its stepped seating – this also forms a mini amphitheater for performers. On the upper right photo, we have a classic music scene with park regulars, many of whom have become virtual fixtures. The design of the park has eight islands in a center circle, forming coves where musicians play and audiences gather.

The music styles and instruments (both acoustic and electric) vary considerably: guitar, keyboard, banjo, sax, drums, bass, violin, mandolin, harmonica, singers, etc. The experience is intimate and participatory more than that of street performance. Audience members frequently participate in the singing. It is not unusual on a good night to have several music groups going on at the same time. We make the rounds and sample the various groups.

If you are in NYC, I recommend checking it out, particularly on weekend afternoons or evenings – if the weather is good, the crowds are large and the energy is high. On the bottom photo, we see about one-quarter of the circle. The couple on the right was watching music – apparently it was having a positive effect…