David Ippolito

David Ippolito

David Ippolito in Central Park, September 2010
Background information
Also known as "That Guitar Man from Central Park"
Origin New York City, New York, U.S.
Genres Folk, rock
Occupation(s) Musician
Instruments Guitar, vocals
Years active 1992–present
Labels self-produced
Website http://www.thatguitarman.com

David Ippolito is an American singer/songwriter/playwright. He has self-released eight albums and is best known for his weekly summer performances in Central Park.[1]

Career

In 1992, intending only to make a little lunch money, Ippolito unknowingly began a fascinating journey and an unusual career by performing an impromptu concert on a hill in Central Park in front of a few people who gathered. Among those present was editor Jack Rosenthal from the New York Times, who the next day published an editorial about the performance.[2] The next week, Ippolito played again, and began to gather a following. For the last 20 years, he has performed on a hill near a picturesque rowboat lake almost every summer weekend to large crowds of passers-by and regulars, including visitors from around the globe, and has become a beloved New York icon, creating an intimate "It's Just Us" feeling no matter how big his audience.[1][3]

David Ippolito in NYC at Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater

His latest CD, "Wouldn't Want It Any Other Way", was released in 2009. The album features "Keep Hope Alive", which was co-written with Sid Bernstein, the legendary music promoter who brought the Beatles to America. Ippolito performs at venues throughout New York City, including an annual December performance at Merkin Concert Hall, as well as year-round shows at the Leonard Nimoy Thalia, Symphony Space, The Red Lion on Bleecker Street, and Cast Party at the Birdland Music Club.

Central Park

Ippolito's concerts are a well-known draw in Central Park. However, in 2000, the Parks Department ordered him (and all other musicians in the park) to unplug his small speaker, which led to public outcry and letters to the New York Times by supportive audience members.[4] The current arrangement is that he has to select a month in advance which dates he wants to play, as well as pay for each permit, rain or shine.[5] On the Sunday after the September 11 attacks, approximately 1,000 of his fans filled his guitar case in Central Park with more than $7,000, which Ippolito, the son of a retired New York City firefighter, delivered to Ladder Company 25 and the 9/11 Fund.

I Love the Company

During 2006, Ippolito hosted a daily podcast called "I Love the Company," which was broadcast globally via Podshow.com. The 365+ podcasts featured new works by Ippolito and music by singers and songwriters around the world, which was joined by an "I Love the Video" videocast.[6]

Playwriting and other work

As an actor, Ippolito has had roles in national TV commercials and musical theater productions. Ippolito's song, "City Song," was used to close NBC's television coverage of the 2001 New York City Marathon. He has appeared on ABC's "Who Wants to be a Millionaire", winning $64,000.[1] A playwright and storyteller, his work has been performed at The Soho Playhouse and The Actors Studio. Ippolito is currently workshopping his new musical project for the stage, "Possibility Junkie."

Discography

References

  1. 1 2 3 Blumenthal, Ralph (July 28, 2003). "Just Happy to Be a Central Park Troubadour". New York Times. Retrieved 2008-06-08.
  2. ↑ "Concert in the Park". New York Times. June 15, 1992. Retrieved 2008-06-08.
  3. ↑ David Ippolito: That Guitar Man from Central Park, WhatISee.org; accessed March 28, 2015.
  4. ↑ "The Ballad of 'Guitar Man' in the Park", Letters to the Editor, The New York Times, May 17, 2000. Accessed June 8, 2008.
  5. ↑ David Ippolito, ThatGuitarman.com; accessed March 28, 2015.
  6. ↑ I Love the Video, Mevio.com

External links

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