We have a detailed history of Tin Pan Alley thanks to invaluable information from the Historic Districts Council in their “Brief-ish History of Tin Pan Alley” written in 2008, and Michael Minn in his piece “Tin Pan Alley”, part of his “New York City” photography collection project. As both accounts cover both overlapping and different information, we present them both below. Many thanks to them both for their thorough and dogged research and insightful presentation.
Upcoming Events
Tin Pan Alley American Popular Music Project Upcoming Events
What's coming up at a glance
The Tin Pan Alley American Popular Music Project is delighted to announce and invite you to the following upcoming events that we are presenting or co-sponsoring this summer and fall!
Tin Pan Alley American Popular Music Project
and The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad present
Free outdoor concerts Thursdays, August 17, 24 and 31, 4-6 pm, on Tin Pan Alley/Ritz-Carlton Plaza, 28th Street between Broadway and 6th Avenue
Words and Music
presented by the Tin Pan Alley Project
at the RITZ CARLTON NEW YORK, NOMAD
Thursday, August 31, 2023, 4-6 pm
An encore free public concert featuring Vocalist Ilana Meredith with Piano and Accordion Accompanist Joe Rutkowski, and Historian Jim Mackin
This dynamic trio invites its audience to hear and learn about the cultural history of Tin Pan Alley and composers such as Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Kurt Weill while enjoying some of the popular music that has captured hearts and imaginations worldwide over more than one hundred years. Ilana Meredith has a gorgeous voice and delivery and hits a bullseye every time - whether performing a torch song, ballad, or uptempo number. Seasoned multi-instrumentalist, Joe Rutkowski has the chops to bridge many styles. Historian Jim Mackin, interweaves historical stories and anecdotes about Tin Pan Alley's songwriters amidst the tunes to create a unique and refreshing take on the history of American popular music and its origins.
One-minute video of vocalist
Ilana Meredith from a prvious performance of a portion of "There'll be Some Changes Made" outside
the RItz Carlton New York, Nomad,
WOODLAWN, TIN PAN ALLEY AND THE GREAT AMERICAN SONG BOOK
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2023, 2:00 PM – TROLLEY TOUR
Tin Pan Alley, located on 28th Street between Broadway and 6th Ave was the birthplace of American popular music at the turn of the 20th century. It was here that music was created and promoted. Many musicians and singers such as Irving Berlin, George M. Cohan, Gus Edwards, and Nora Bayes were noted Tin Pan Alley artists. Join Woodlawn’s Director of Historical Services, Susan Olsen and George Calderaro, Director of the Tin Pan Alley American Popular Music Project for a Trolley Tour that explores the history of the composers, performers and “pluggers” of Tin Pan Alley. There will be singing on the Trolley!
For Tickets – please click here.
Friday, October 13, 6:30 pm, Museum of the City of New York Centennial Celebration Weekend kickoff, “New York Songs & Stories: 100 Years of Tin Pan Alley and Singing Strong!"
And please be sure to see this video of our sold-out benefit “Tin Pan Alley…Goin Downtown!” presented in partnership with Tweed Theatreworks on Sunday, April 16, as well as other great events we’ve presented!
The Tin Pan Alley American Popular Music Project commemorates and invigorates a living legacy: the birthplace of American Popular Music and the modern music industry. Through the Project’s work, in 2019 five buildings became official Tin Pan Alley landmarks with the designation of 47-55 West 28th Street by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. Subsequently, 28th Street between Broadway and 6th Avenue was officially co-named Tin Pan Alley by the City of New York.