The first tenant moved in yesterday, but the grand opening of the building at 7 World Trade Center was delayed until noon today. The usual dignitaries spoke, a blue ribbon was cut, cameras flashed, reporters took notes and then the real welcome began with a free concert featuring what was billed as “seven downtown artists.”
The show started with famed Irish tenor Ronan Tynan, who performed in front of the new fountain with a choir of neighborhood school-children, then climbed onstage and sang solo, ending with the words “God bless America.”
He was followed by Americana-gospel hybrid Ollabelle, the legendary Lou Reed (who sang his classic Sweet Jane), folk troupe Pharaoh’s Daughter, singer-songwriter Citizen Cope (who gave me one of his CDs), singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega (who sang her hits Luka and Tom’s Diner), electronica quartet the Brazilian Girls and the jazz of Bill Ware & Vibes.
An extra treat was provided the Soda Shop, an old-fashioned soda fountain situated on Chambers Street, a few blocks north of 7 WTC, which dished up free snacks of pure comfort New York food – egg creams, lime rickeys, pretzels, macaroni & cheese, miniature hot dogs and tiny pastel-buttercream frosted cupcakes.
Hanging a banner on the facade 
Ronan Tynan performs
Member of Ollabelle performing
Lou Reed performing
Lou Reed performs
Pharaoh’s Daughter performs
Citizen Cope performs
Suzanne Vega performs
Brazilian Girls perform
Bill Ware performing
Elaine Amherd of Bill Ware & Vibes
Ollabelle signing autographs
Lou Reed signing an autograph
Taking an order for an egg cream
Fountain with Balloon Flower by Jeff Koons
Blather From Brooklyn 
Hey! You got to see Lou Reed. Lucky.
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[…] 7 World Trade Center Since it opened in 2006, the lights of 7 World Trade Center have been one of its most remarkable features. Glowing beacons […]
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Great site. Thanks… 🙂
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Cerebromedullospinal Disconnection or Ventral Pontine
Syndrome is also known as “Locked-in Syndrome” which is a
kind of pseudo-coma.
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