Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/157485
but it doesn't feel like speeds towards the future, danger lies in wait but this grand old around every corner. I dame – constructed by feel at ease. media baron William Night comes early in Randolph Hearst in 1926 Manhattan. Unlike on – is quite comfortable the prairies, where the staying true to her roots. long arm of twilight Across the street from stretches across a seemthe Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art, ingly eternal horizon, steps away from Central New York City's concrete Park and only minutes spires block out the westfrom Carnegie Hall, I'm ern sun, jumpstarting the more than happy to call nightlife it is so famous this midtown Manhatfor. The Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center is tan haven my home for the perfect place to say the next few days. Plus, farewell to the day. there are bragging rights to staying in a hotel Centrally located, the where frequent past three-level observation guests included Elvis, (top) The gentrifying Hell's deck on the 67th, 69th Elizabeth Taylor and Kitchen neighbourhood in and 70th floors affords a Manhattan; eateries along James Dean. I could "Let eclectic Eighth Avenue. 360-degree vista. Facing It Be" with that bit of south, I spy the Empire trivia, but why when this State building directly in is the same hotel where front, with the newly the Beatles stayed when constructed Freedom the British foursome first invaded the U.S. Tower in the distance. The northern view Oh yeah, Cary Grant also lived here for exposes the fullness of Central Park as it rolls more than a decade. Yes, the previous ten- through the centre of the city. Indeed, I can ants of my temporary New York home were see the full breadth of the island from this towering perch and quickly realize it would pretty cool. With a couple of hours till my guide Ivan take a lifetime to experience it all. arrives, I decide to venture out. Not too far mind you. About 50 metres from the hotel How can I ever forget stepping into an entrance, I come across Connolly's – a fine empty Carnegie Hall? Crimson seats, ivory Irish pub. I make my way down the steps balconies and a regal stage. Pausing in front and at once feel at home. A family-owned of stage left the next morning, I feel a rush of establishment, it serves up an authentic history, music and architecture. It's like New York Irish pub experience, right down standing near the eye of a cyclone, the to the Irish brogue of my bartender, Peter ghosts of Carnegie's past swirling by. SpeakQuinn. I order a pint and baptize my trip ing to my guide, my voice seems to break all with an amber toast to this great town. the rules of physics, the sound waves lingerWith Ivan's arrival, I finally feel com- ing in the air, slightly pausing before dissifortable to start exploring some of the city's pating in the otherwise quiet space. I now sights and sounds – something that Mani- understand Mickelthwate when he says, toba's visitors will surely do when they visit "Playing Carnegie Hall . . . it's like driving a with their symphony in the spring (see i ♥ Ferrari." It's a space designed for maximum new york sidebar). It doesn't take long to performance. Perfection is amplified and the realize this isn't the same New York I tip- wrong note has nowhere to hide. Completed in 1891 by wealthy industritoed around two decades ago. The energy levels are still off the charts, but that over- alist Andrew Carnegie, the hall has welwhelming sense of anxiety is almost non- comed Gustav Mahler, Maria Callas, Bob existent. There are no more harassing Dylan, Mark Twain, Nat King Cole and a requests to buy knock-off junk. No more host of other leading artists from genres graffiti. No need to feel perpetually on across the spectrum. Narrowly escaping the guard. It's still a big city with big city perils, wrecking ball in 1957 after the public was Paddy McGee p18-23_MadeinMan.indd 23 given a glimpse of the fire-engine-red office tower that was to replace it, Carnegie was purchased by the city of New York three years later. Facing the revered stage, I can't help but feel its magical energy. Did Lennon or Dylan suffer a touch of anxiety up there, I wonder? How many musical giants have stood here thinking, "Well, this is it. I finally made it." In fact, I can't believe I've made it, even if for a quick peek. It's a long way from home for this prairie boy. The Broadway I know runs from Portage to Main, and I live down the road from Park Avenue – in Beausejour. Yet here I am, admiring the crème de la crème of music venues. It gets me thinking to next year's Spring for Music Festival. For one day in May, Manhattan will belong to Manitoba. It's true, there are a million stories written every minute in New York. But on the days surrounding that festival, many of them will be prairie tales. Go with caA "It's my pleasure to invite you to join your Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra as we perform live on stage at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall on May 8, 2014. See you in New York City!" –Alexander Mickelthwate Go from Manitoba to Manhattan with Alexander Mickelthwate and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. As the official travel agency for the WSO Spring for Music Festival Tour, CAA will lead you on the most unforgettable musical journey. Choose from a variety of hotel experiences (Park Central Hotel, Le Parker Meridien, Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, Warwick Hotel) and tour options, ranging from the Metropolitan Museum of Art to the Statue of Liberty. Air-inclusive packages start at $1,630 per person, based on double occupancy. Plus, you have a special invite to escape to Brooklyn: "Hi folks! Tony your tour guide here, and I look forward to escorting the wonderful folks from Manitoba on our Brooklyn Pizza Tour, voted the No. 1 tour of Brooklyn on TripAdvisor. We'll literally cover pizza and Brooklyn, from one end to the other, experiencing Brooklyn's favourite food, neighbourhoods and landmarks. From Brooklyn Bridge Park to the famous Coney Island boardwalk, we'll cover it all. And by the end of the tour you'll understand why our company slogan is 'Manhattan? FUHGETTABOUDIT!' See you on the bus." To book and for more information, visit caamanitoba.com/wso. GOING PL ACES >> fa l l 2 0 1 3 23 13-08-14 1:24 PM