Greenwich Village, According To Your Favorite Artists & Celebrities

Jonathan Adler calls himself one of the lucky ones — "one of the Chosen," to be exact. What makes him so fortunate? "The magical fairy dust of the Village settled on my shoulders and I became a potter." He recounts a time in the early '90s when he was fired from an office job, yet his surroundings kept him from feeling despair. "The Village is an alternative universe where any creative dream can become a reality. The Village is Oz." Adler's tale is just one of many you'll find in Judith Stonehill's Greenwich Village Stories.

The book is a compilation of essays from artists and influencers about the special relationship they've had with the Village. Featuring anecdotes from Graydon Carter, Lou Reed, and Donna Karan, the collection is not unlike a time machine. Wynton Marsalis takes us back to the '80s to his Bleecker Street apartment. Ralph Lee brings us to the '70s and recounts the creation of the first-ever Village Halloween.

Feeling a bit nostalgic? You can celebrate the book's release during a special event at Symphony Space. The evening will include a special performance by Penny Arcade (another contributor) as well as readings from Parker Posey, Simon Doonan, and Isaac Mizrahi. The book's a lovely reminder of the reason so many of us come to New York in the first place.

When: April 23, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway (at West 95th Street); 212-864-5400.
Tickets: Available online.