Little Island was bustling on Thursday night, with New York socialites and celebrities in attendance despite the drizzle. Attendees included Fran Lebowitz, Annie Leibovitz, Twyla Tharp, Candice Bergen, Andy Cohen, Jane Buffett, Natasha Lyonne, and Bryan Lourd. Bravo head Andy Cohen was seen enjoying the company of Jane Buffett and gossiping with a fan about the “Summer House” reunion episode airing that same night.
Billionaire Barry Diller and his wife Diane Von Furstenberg, who spearheaded the island project, welcomed guests to the performance of Twyla Tharp’s new show, “How Long Blues.” Despite the gray weather, Diller remained optimistic and compared the rain to good luck at a wedding. The dance performance, set to music by T Bone Burnett and David Mansfield, began as the skies cleared, but drizzle returned later in the evening. Despite the rain, most guests remained in their seats and applauded the dancers.
Diller highlighted the significance of the park and performance space, which opened in 2021. He emphasized the importance of commissioning new work and supporting artists, particularly in the wake of budget cuts to arts organizations post-COVID. Diller and Von Furstenberg contributed $260 million to create the floating park at Pier 55, with additional funding from the government. Diller has also committed another $100 million to the park’s programming, with each performance requiring a $25 ticket.
The event at Little Island brought together a mix of prominent figures from the arts, entertainment, and media worlds, showcasing the diversity of talent and creativity present in New York City. The atmosphere was lively despite the rain, with guests enjoying the unique performance space and the opportunity to experience new work by renowned choreographer Twyla Tharp. The event demonstrated the power of philanthropy in supporting the arts and providing a platform for artists to showcase their talents to a wider audience.
Overall, the evening at Little Island was a success, with guests enjoying the performance, despite the weather challenges. The dedication of individuals like Barry Diller and Diane Von Furstenberg to the arts and culture scene in New York City is evident in their substantial contributions to the creation and programming of Little Island. The event served as a testament to the importance of supporting the arts and providing opportunities for artists to thrive, even in the face of adversity. Little Island continues to be a vibrant hub for creativity and expression, thanks to the vision and generosity of its founders and supporters.
