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UMO Music Online
(TM)
The Official Site for the Music of
Greenwich Village, USA
Since 1995

UMO Music - Click To Go To Main Page
Searching For The Best . . .
while helping those starting out!

Support Independent Music

Hear Online  - The 14 Best Singer / Songwriters of Greenwich Village CD, Read Liner Notes
Washington Square Park & The Music During Renovations

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Play (& Hear) Acoustic Music & Singing

In Historic Washington Square Park on a Nice Saturday or Sunday Afternoon

* * * Special Renovation Notice * * *

Fountain Plaza is Closed for Next 2 Years - Play Music on East Side of Park

General Information

What: Acoustic Music and Singing. (Not an UMO Event). Washington Square Park has a history of over 50 years of famous musicians (primarily guitar players) and songwriters (such as Bob Dylan), who have played free music for visitors and tourists at one time or another. (This is especially important since 9/11.)

WARNING
(for musicians) - Washington Square Park is a designated "Noise Free Zone". Amplifiers, Microphones, Drums, Boom Boxes and any other amplified equipment are illegal in Washington Square Park and may be confiscated by Police until you go to court and pay your fines!

NOISE COMPLAINTS (for Local Residents & Visitors)

If you are currently being bothered by loud drums or amplifiers in the park, you can call the 6th Precinct Community Affairs Office, or call 311 so they can dispatch a patrol car as soon as possible.

Or, you may click here to file a complaint with the New York City Parks Department. These steps should be taken whether or not the offending party has a sound permit. (If the noise problems continue, we are told that at some point, Police will be forced to stop all music in the park.)

When: Primarily Held May thru October - Saturday & Sunday Afternoons, though there may be music on other "Good Weather days" from 2 to 6pm (approx.). Click here to Check the Forecast and Current Weather in Washington Square Park.
Where:

Special Renovation Notice - For the next 2 years (approximately) Washington Square Park will undergo a major renovation. During this time it is possible to play music only on the east side of Washington Square Park among the bench areas. Once renovations are complete, music should be able to be played around the fountain plaza.

Washington Square Park is located at the lower end of 5th Avenue, between West 4th street and West 8th Street in Greenwich Village.

Admission: FREE. (Note: Some non-professionals or street musicians collect money).
Food/Drinks: There are many pizza shops, restaurants and bars located within one or two blocks just south of the park. (Note: Alcoholic beverages are "Not Allowed" in Washington Square Park.
Visitor Information: You will meet many nice people in the park on Sundays, however, keep in mind that this is a public space and therefore you should watch your personal belongings accordingly. Also, please be advised that periodically there are persons asking for donations for various causes, some of which may be questionable. (If a cause is near and dear to your heart, you may want to consider mailing your contributions directly to the organization that they claim to represent.) 

Rest Room Tip: Unfortunately, the Park Rest Rooms are not very pleasant, so it may be worth going to buy a slice of pizza in the Village just to use the rest rooms. For additional information while at the park there are Park Rangers in green uniforms stationed around the circle.

  Information for Musicians, Singers, and Songwriters

Regulations: Washington Square Park: Provides an environment for musicians, singers, and songwriters to perform Acoustic Music and Singing Only, in front of an audience.

Important Note - Amplified instruments, Microphones, Boom Boxes, and Drums are illegal in Washington Square Park and may be confiscated by Park Rangers or Police.

Who plays:

Professional Artists who are perfecting new material or just wish to interact with other musicians in front of a large audience.

New Musicians/Singers/Songwriters who wish to strengthen their voices by singing without microphones or perfect their performance skills while benefiting from the learning experience made possible by playing with other musicians and singers in front of a large audience.

Part-time and Weekend Musicians who just want to express themselves in front of a large audience.

Who is the Audience? The audience is generally a diverse mix of villagers, tourists, musicians, and other people who share a love of both original and popular music.
How It Works: Musicians generally stake out a corner around the circle with enough distance between them and the next performer so as not to interfere with each others' music. Generally, musicians do not join in with other musicians or singers, unless they have been invited to do so. The music usually starts around 2 PM and the park closes at midnight (approx.), though most musicians finish by early evening.
For More Information: Join the  UMO Mailing List to receive automatic emails about music related events or Contacts Us. Visit the UMO Concert Calendar
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