High Line Park

THERE IS AN ELEVATED TRACK
in New York that extends from Gansevoort
Street north to West 34th St. At one time
a locomotive passed a couple of times a
week, until that became obsolete.
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Now it has become a park, known as the High Line.
It's been planted and
paved, as far north as 20th Street, the rest
to be completed soon. A gate stops people
from walking any farther now.

There is lighting along the path meant to glow on the walkway. But the lights on top of the stairway exit shine a very bright light into some apartments. One such belongs to Patty Heffley, a former punk-rock photographer. She found that her fourth floor living room was flooded with light, and her fire escape, more or less, became a stage. Being handed a lemon, she made lemonade.

So on June 17th, Ms. Heffley invited a friend, a jazz singer, Elizabeth Soychak, to perform on the fire escape. Colored lanterns were strung and a mike was handed to Ms. Soychak, who wore a flowing chiffon dress. She was introduced and sang an a cappella version of Johnny Mercer's "Early Autumn ." She performed several sets, to a very receptive audience, who called out to encourage her. Strollers stopped and listened from the park benches. One man sang along.

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So was born the High Line Park Renegade Cabaret. The Cabaret now has a Facebook page. Soon its own Webpage. In New York, everything is location, location, location.

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Ms. Heffley says, "If you see the patio lights lit, you'll know something is going to go on when it gets dark."

I for one, can hardly wait! It seems "the show will... go on!"

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photo:

Fire escape: Jessica Dimmock for The NYTimes