Street Noise: An Evening with Author Ron Scapp

Tuesday, November 17, 2026 | 6–7 p.m.

St. George’s Chantry, 209 East 16th Street, Manhattan

Free and open to the public — RSVP here

What makes New York City New York—and what do we overlook in the rush of everyday life?

Join the Stuyvesant Park Neighborhood Association (SPNA) for an evening with author Ron Scapp to discuss his forthcoming book Street Noise: A Notebook on New York City History and Culture (Routledge, 2027).

Part cultural critique, part love letter to New York, Street Noise explores the overlooked places, everyday experiences, and curious details that give the city its distinctive character—from the origins of Ray’s Pizza to the social dynamics of cellphone users. Blending urban history, cultural observation, and fresh perspectives on familiar surroundings, Ron invites us to see New York in a new light.

Ron will share readings from the book, discuss its ideas, and invite the audience into an open conversation about the city we share.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ron Scapp is a professor emeritus at the University of Mount Saint Vincent and founding director of its graduate program in urban and multicultural education. His writing explores culture, education, and urban life.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

What’s a place, detail, or everyday experience in New York City that you think deserves more attention?

Share your observations or submit a question for Ron through our short, anonymous Street Noise audience form.

You can also join the conversation on Instagram: Post your answer to the question above using #StreetNoise and tag @spna_nyc.

Selected responses and questions will help spark the evening’s discussion.

Admission is free. Please RSVP to let us know you’re coming.