Welcome to 7 WTC

The first tenant moved in yesterday, but the grand opening of the building at 7 World Trade Center was delayed until noon today. The usual dignitaries spoke, a blue ribbon was cut, cameras flashed, reporters took notes and then the real welcome began with a free concert featuring what was billed as "seven downtown artists."

The show started with famed Irish tenor Ronan Tynan, who performed in front of the new fountain with a choir of neighborhood schoolchildren, then climbed onstage and sang solo, ending with the words "God bless America."

He was followed by Americana-gospel hybrid Ollabelle, the legendary Lou Reed (who sang his classic Sweet Jane), folk troupe Pharaoh's Daughter, singer-songwriter Citizen Cope (who gave me one of his CDs), singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega (who sang her hits Luka and Tom's Diner), electronica quartet the Brazilian Girls and the jazz of Bill Ware & Vibes.

An extra treat was provided the Soda Shop, an old-fashioned soda fountain situated on Chambers Street, a few blocks north of 7 WTC, which dished up free snacks of pure comfort New York food - egg creams, lime rickeys, pretzels, macaroni & cheese, miniature hot dogs and tiny pastel-buttercream frosted cupcakes.


Hanging a banner on the facade 


Ronan Tynan performs 


Member of Ollabelle performing 


Lou Reed performing 


Lou Reed performs 


Pharaoh's Daughter performs 


Citizen Cope performs 


Suzanne Vega performs


Brazilian Girls perform 


Bill Ware performing 


Elaine Amherd of Bill Ware & Vibes 


Ollabelle signing autographs  


Lou Reed signing an autograph 


Taking an order for an egg cream 


Fountain with Balloon Flower by Jeff Koons 

7 World Trade Center

Newsday: 7 World Trade Center Opens

Soda Shop

Ronan Tynan

Ollabelle

Lou Reed

Pharaoh's Daughter

Citizen Cope

Suzanne Vega

Brazilian Girls

Bill Ware & Vibes