Commemorating Two Independence Days
Tucked around the corner from the Bleecker Street Italian meat and cheese shops in the West Village is a charming artist's cafe with sidewalk seating, classy red and white striped awnings, and an amazing history. As we step inside this gem - the Cornelia Street Cafe - for its 30th Anniversary party on July 4th, a cheery, debonair man with a British accent and "Cornelia Street University" t-shirt bounds up to the door.

"Hello. Please, make yourselves comfortable," said Robin Hirsch, Cornelia Street's Founder, Minister of Culture and Wine Czar. "Oh, pardon me, the British Navy just showed up and the Jambalaya Brass Band is on next!," he announced in seasoned director fashion.

July 4th is always an eventful day for Cornelia Street. Not only does the cafe commemorate America's independence, but it also celebrates the day Cornelia Street opened and pledged its allegiance to the ongoing support of artistic independence.

"It (the cafe) is as much about community as it is about coffee," Robin told us, as the young and old alike gathered to enjoy the musicians, and the British Navy gents formed a kick line to Sinatra's "New York, New York".

The photos to the left and above, as well as our video above, capture many of the sights and sounds of Cornelia Street Cafe.

Cornelia Street features over 700 events a year, from live jazz, folk, Latin and world music, to poetry, plays, comedy, mime, puppet shows and more. And, at the anniversary party, the array of entertainment was no different. The Jambalaya Brass Band played sounds of the French Quarter and tossed out Mardi Gras beads to a cheering crowd. The energy of a Brazilian Samba band got the audience Latin dancing, a poet recited Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Argentine singer, Maria Cangiano, and guitarist, Julio Santillan, performed, and the list went on. Visit Cornelia Street's website for a schedule of upcoming daily performances, as well as the menu. The cafe has garnered numerous accolades for its stellar cuisine.

When Robin, and partners Judith Kallas and Bob Siegler opened Cornelia Street in 1977, the neighborhood was not the same Village that it is today.

"Washington Square Park didn't look like this," Robin recalled. "It actually looked better ... and several stalwarts that performed in the park would come in out of the cold to perform at Cornelia Street."

Back in the 80s, songwriters such as Suzanne Vega performed at Cornelia Street and would watch patrons' reactions to her songs, as well as sometimes receive private comments from other songwriters.

"This has always been a groovy place," said Michael Lydon, a musician and whistler who has performed at Cornelia Street for the past 15 years. "The food is great and the small room downstairs provides an intimate space which is great for trying out new stuff."

The Penny University
The Cornelia Street University t-shirts are another symbol of artistic freedom. During the rise of Hitler, Robin's parents fled Nazi Germany for London where he learned about the Penny University. In eighteenth century London, it cost a penny to gain entrance to a coffeehouse where, in addition to coffee, you would get the daily newspaper and access to literary and cultural notables. Thus, the coffeehouse became known as "the Penny University."

Cornelia Street University's crest includes a toaster oven, the humble beginnings of the cafe's operation, as well as a Latin motto: "Educatio una potatione - corollarium non inclusum," which means "Education for a one drink minimum - gratuity not included."

As we headed towards the door, Robin's parting thought really said it all.

"In the words of Polish theatre director Jerzy Grotowski," Robin mused. "'I did my theatre, now go and do yours'."

Location: 29 Cornelia Street, between Bleecker and W. 4th Streets, Manhattan
Subway: A, C, E, B, D, F or V trains to W. 4th Street
http://www.corneliastreetcafe.com/