Arlo Guthrie and Judy Collins at Winter’s Eve on Monday.
By Carol Tannenhauser
Heavy rain and wind didn’t stop 87-year-old Helene Kushner — or hundreds of other stalwart Upper West Siders — from coming out Monday night to celebrate the start of the holiday season at the 19th annual Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square, produced by the Lincoln Square Business Improvement District, featuring legendary folk singers Judy Collins and Arlo Guthrie.
”I come every year,” Helene said, sitting on a scooter, singing along with Arlo in a sweet rendition of “White Christmas.”
Arlo joined Judy, the Master of Ceremonies, along with members of the Guthrie family, singers from the Metropolitan Opera, and the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, for a concert of old favorites and holiday classics that had the umbrella-covered crowd singing happily along.
They counted down in unison and a tree was lit in Dante Park, at 63rd and Broadway, where the performances took place.
The crowd then dispersed to enjoy food tastings from 34 of the neighborhood’s best restaurants, as well as shopping, bands, and street performances, stretching from Columbus Circle to 70th Street. It was heartening to see the smiles and spirit of all, despite the inclement weather.
“Is it reminiscent of Woodstock?” WSR asked the legendary folk singers. Arlo laughed in assent. “I wasn’t at Woodstock,” Judy Collins said, sadly. “They rejected me.”
