Ciao, Manhattan.
I think I actually experienced an identifiable good time.
NYC was amazing. It’s always exciting to be back in the city. The last few times I’ve been there though I felt like I was ready to leave when I left. Something changed this time. I don’t know if it’s because this is really the first time I’ve been back where It feels kind of back to old school NYC energy. It could be the onset of fall, which is truly the best weather on the East Coast. It also could be the part of me that lives here all the time even when I’m not here has become somewhat dominant in my inner monologue.
It could be that LA is awful right now and probably won’t really get better.
I love my house in LA. I love being in it. I love working out of it and working at The Comedy Store. There’s just something that doesn’t seem to be coming back around in LA. There are pockets of excited human activity surrounded on all sides by psychic rubble and vacant space and desperation. In between destinations feels rough. That and the climate issue is overbearing.
NYC is a giant collaborative experience. All kinds of humanity and humility up against each other all the time. It’s energizing to be part of it. An abundance of creativity and expression everywhere. Electric. I want back in. I want to feel alive in the NYC way. Engaged.
The trip here this time has been amazing. I did a music gig with Jimmy Vivino and Jimmy Vaughn. I played with one of my heroes. I ate meat at Katz’s. I visited the Criterion Closet. I saw the new show at The Whitney, an amazing Edward Hopper exhibit. I went to a gallery that blew my mind. I went to Russ and Daughters. I did the first tech scout for my HBO special. I hung out with my friend Lipsyte and Brendan. I ate at Veselka (not good anymore). I ate at Mogador. I ate at Rosella. I saw Ron Carter play bass with his trio at Birdland and talked to him the next day. I did NO comedy.
It was spectacular.
Avoiding The Comedy Cellar was so much better than going there.
I want to get an apartment in NYC. I think I will. My fantasy of easing out of it all would be part time in Vancouver and part time in NYC. Or, just dropping dead quickly or in my sleep.
A guy can dream can't he?
Today I talk to Ralph Macchio about the Macchio stuff and his new book. On Thursday I talk to Henry Louis Gates, Jr. about a lot of things, really. Censorship, race, family, teaching, stuff. Great talks.
Enjoy!
Boomer, Monkey and LaFonda live!
Love,
Maron
I Want Back In.
