Sandy

by FoM

This has been a difficult week for all of us who are fortunate to call NYC home: I can't think of anyone who wasn't impacted by Sandy, be it people who lived without power for five days, or folks stranded at home because they couldn't get anywhere, or those with much more serious issues. Among the many disruptions this storm caused, almost all musical events of any significance were cancelled this past week - an unprecedented event in my time as a New Yorker - and many major organizations are still trying to get back on their feet.

But, as of this morning, the power has finally been restored to all of Manhattan, and much of the subway grid has been restored. So, for those of you who've been cooped up in your apartments this past week, I can't think of a better time to get out and catch a show. (No additional city resources required.) Still, be sure to check with the venue before you venture out: among performing arts institutions, Lincoln Center is open for business, but Carnegie Hall, which has had a crane dangling precariously over it's front door all week, is closed until further notice.

Not everyone, though, got out of Sandy unscathed. Among the many sad stories I've heard, New Amsterdam Records was particularly hard hit when their Red Hook studios flooded over the weekend, resulting in the loss of most of their CD stock and thousands of dollars worth of equipment and gear. Sarah, Judd and Bill have set up a relief fund, which you can donate to here.

As it happens, I'm out in the Pacific Northwest this weekend, visiting friends and catching shows in Seattle and Portland. (More on that soon.) Everyone here has been watching the news, and has shared with me their shock and sorrow at the scope of the destruction. It feels strange to be here and not there right now, but I take comfort in the fact that the New York I'll return to next week will be back to...well, if not normal, then at least it's old crusty self, complaining about late subway trains and high electric bills. Who knew we ever had it so good?