Presidential inauguration on MLK day

It's an important day for our country.  The timing of Barack Obama being sworn in for his second Presidential term and the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. is very inspiring.

Today I think of a non-violent and peaceful society.  I will be singing from 3-6pm at Grand Central mezzanine just above the 4/5/6 platform and near the shuttle corridor. Dan Kleederman will join me on bass we'll be rehearsing our set for Sunday 27th appearance Habitat For Humanity gig in Hudson NY with Melissa Auf Der Maur, Melora Creager, Meshell Ndegeocello and Tommy Stinson. 

If you happen to be out and about come by and allow me to film you for my What's Your Inspiration? project, and how Dr. King's life has inspired yours.

Dr. King inspired me to have a conscious and seek out truth, to believe in peaceful protest, to understand that only with a voice can we be heard.  I learned that music is a powerful tool against ignorance and hate. that is what I will sing about today.

some words from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's last address April 3, 1968 at Riverside Church given the night before he was assassinated.

"....only when it was dark enough can you see the stars......non-violence or non-existence that is where we are today...we got to stay together and maintain unity...."

Happy New Year

Numerically speaking we start 2013 with a clean slate and so the New Year should be Happy. Ever mindful that we ended 2012 on such a low note of tragedy with societal angst and finger pointing, I can only hope the next 12 months will bring us more peace and love into the world. Whether it is standing up and speaking out against rape, gun violence, environmental abuse, or any other action that hurts others, I will be there to do my share. And I hope you will too. If there is anything close to being called a resolution, I guess this is it. But also remember to champion and seek out the good stuff too. The endless news cycles of horrors shouldn't obscure the cool stuff, the fun and inspirational experiences that do occur every day somewhere in the world.

In reflecting on my personal and professional 2012, I am thankful I stayed healthy and in good voice. Singing in public spaces to a non-paying audience (although technically a metro swipe is payment of sorts, and I do accept contributions) over hours, continues to develop my performing skills in ways unimaginable. 

In 2012 from Joe's Pub to the Hudson Opera House, Club Helsinki to Celebrate Brooklyn!, I ventured onto those stages with high tech sound and lights, I could sense how my public performance experiences taught me a comfort within myself and my art. To in a way, not take myself so seriously. I chose to consider less my impact on the audience as I was performing and stayed more in the moment helping to bring out why I love to sing and play guitar in the first place.  

In 2012 I became more of a filmmaker, spending hours editing clips for my website and ever developing "Inspiration Project" where I film people I meet mostly during my Music Under New York performances, and ask "What's Your Inspiration?"  I currently have more than 200 videos on my site and youtube channel  I also wrote theme songs to web series "Subway The Series" and "HerStory," not to mention writing a song for Eve Ensler's new movement "One Billion Rising" set for February 14, 2013.

In 2013, my wish is to perform more "above ground," sharing the stories of NYCSubwayGirl from concert stages to House concerts. And to continue to create short films, the wonderful exposés of the inspirational people I meet underground. I look forward to creating and producing my first full length recording in over 10 years. And I hope to find a "team" to help me realize my dreams and goals.  I know I can't do this on my own.   

I start the New Year with a wonderful guest appearance in Hudson, NY January 27th at Club Helsinki to benefit Habitat For Humanity with musicians Melissa Auf Der Maur, Melora Creager, Meshell Ndegeocello and Tommy Stinson. Also, in keeping with my 2013 wish to work with others, Dan Kleederman (another Music Under New York artist) will be joining me on the bass. 

I return to Music Under New York performances as the weather allows.

I'd love to hear from you and would appreciate any thoughts you might have on how to help me achieve my goals. I wish you the best in seeking and achieving yours.

Happy prosperous New Year,

Cathy

NYCSubwayGirl

Here's the short film I created in 2012 which was shown at FilmColumbia Festival this past October as the opener to Dustin Hoffman's film "Quartet" about aging retired Opera performers.

Year End Giving

I am sending best wishes to everyone during this Holiday Season. As 2012 comes to a close I divvy up my busking proceeds and donate a portion to organizations I feel are doing wonderful work. Personally I support organizations who are dedicated to arts and education, but also to those who create sustainable measures for our planet and the environment, and those who work hard for justice and equality.  

There are a few days left before 2012 clicks forward to 2013. I have a section on my site where I list the Champions I support. I urge you to take a moment and join me in supporting what ever organizations you feel have worked hard so we can have a more beautiful, educated, sustainable, peaceful and truthful planet for all.

All the best for a Happy and Healthy New Year,

Cathy

NYCSubwayGirl

Happy Holidays

here's a little clip I put together of some iconic NY locations and fun subway performers, including a guest appearance from a 4 legged friend.

Singing Holiday song to rescued Equines

This is a clip of me singing a holiday song at an amazing equine sanctuary. The back story: On a recent December Sunday I visited Equine Advocates Sanctuary in Chatham, NY. I have visited the sanctuary multiple times since first hearing about the rescue of a NYC Carriage horse named Bobby. For me, any time a carriage horse is off the streets is a happy ending. To learn Bobby was initially headed for slaughter then saved to live his life out in a sanctuary, I was curious to see for myself his new home. Since then I have happily performed for various events benefiting Equine Advocates.  

Susan Wagner the President and executive director and her sister Karen invited me to return to walk through pastures singing a holiday song Susan adapted for a virtual Holiday Greeting card.  Always one for a good time, I grabbed my guitar and with friend and EA board member Elizabeth Hess, we met Susan and Karen to film the song set to the music of Winter Wonderland. We had a blast wandering around each paddock inviting the equines to join in.  I learned that equines have a good sense of humor and fortunately for me they weren't spooked and neither was I.

I hope you enjoy this fun little holiday greeting as much as I did.

Here are some past clips I made of my visits to the Sancturary:

Bobby Rescued Carriage Horse

In my first visit to EA Bobby a NYC carriage horse had arrived after being rescued from slaughter. 

Speaking with Susan Wagner I asked her my favorite question "What's Your Inspiration?" Her inspiration for starting Equine Advocates was a rescue horse named Gandolf, but her inspiration in life is fear of doing something everyday that she can't stand, so she did something that she liked to do-rescue equines.

Return vist for Bobby's 1st year "Re-Birthday" at Equine Advocates

June 25, 2010  Cathy and Ron Wong are Bobby's sponsor.  You too can sponsorone of the many equines at the sanctuary

join my newsletter for all the latest news 

Winter Walk celebration

What a fun gig singing inside Culture+Commerce Project during this year's Winter Walk in Hudson NY. My good friend Sherry Jo Williams owns the shop (we met years ago as neighbors in the East Village) and another good friend photographer  Lilian Haidar (she has photographed me for years including doing the images for my 1998 Retracing CD) came along and captured these shots. People walked up and down the vehicular-less Warren Street, stopping in front of shops and listening to the music inside. It was a piece of small town America at it's best.

inside looking out

 outside looking in

images by Lilian Haidar photography

Veterans Day

Ever mindful of the continued crisis in the wake of Storm Sandy, I honor our National Guard who were sent to wars in Afghanistan and Iraq now using their skills and efforts here at home. But I am also heartened to learn while listening to a wonderful NPR program this morning, of an organization called Team Rubicon. 

Team Rubicon unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with medical professionals to rapidly deploy emergency response teams into crisis situations. And they are on the ground now working hard in the disaster areas hard hit by Storm Sandy.

I am a peace activist, but I can also appreciate and honor our Veterans of our Military and National Guard.

I hope today's event is full of joy and pride.

I look to a future and a Country that does not go to war. One that does not invade, occupy or drone others in the name of our freedom.

listen to Weekend Edition Sunday on NPR story: Veterans Deploy To Northeast After Superstorm Sandyby QUIL LAWRENCE 

America Voted

Congratulations America, my hope is that after the celebration dies down, we all become more of a part of how to make our Country better.  This election for me was personal about women, equality in marriage, and immigration rights.  This election proved we are no longer a white man's majority.  When diversity rules the day, then we are growing, only then will we create a better future.  I am deeply optimistic.

Now that the election is over, here in our area we are still dealing with the aftermath of Storm Sandy. My sister and so many others are still without power in New Jersey and outer lying areas. And a new storm is on it's way. So many have found their homes, neighborhoods devastated by Sandy and remember this was a category 1 hurricane, what would have happened if it was stronger?

Continued thoughts to those still unable to use easy mass transit.

NYC commuter transit info from MTA

I'm looking forward to a full subway gig week next week.  Here's my schedule 

VOTE a privilege Please use it

Today we VOTE, it is a privilege and a right.  I have a post about how the right to vote for women was painfully fought.  It was incredulously not that long ago, my grandmothers were alive to witness the momentous historic event.

So many are hurting from the Storm-Hurricane Crisis, still I do hope you will make every effort to get out and go to the polls.

Read about the amazing group of women who fought for women's right to vote.

and the words from contemporary influential women and their thoughts about this important election.

image by Elizabeth Davis

Vote despite hardship + Sandy Relief info

We continue to live in crisis mode, for some much more than others. Still, we have an important election this Tuesday.  I urge you to vote and to find ways to help your friends and neighbors get to the polls.  

I just read a fantastic article on Huffington Post by Marianne Schnall Influential Women Speak Out On The Election it's reposted it on my Guest Blogger section of my site.

For those in need of Storm Sandy Relief I have an older post with lots of info

Follow hyperlink for MTA transit info

and this from my friend Chris regarding lots of places to get help.  What I love is that born from the Occupy Wall Street Movement is a group of individuals now wonderfully skilled at moblizing people.  Their efforts "Occupy Sandy" are amazing.  This is power to the people, for the people and by the people. see for yourself in this clip:

read on:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/11/02/1154537/-AMAZING-Occupy-Wall-Street-Leading-Massive-Volunteer-Powered-Recovery-Efforts-in-New-York

Excerpts (originally posted Friday 11/2/12 to Writing by David Harris Gershon)

They are thousands-strong and growing: entering devastated neighborhoods yet to see outside help from established aid organizations.

They are staffing donation drop off sites, running mobile food kitchens and delivering hot meals. They are distributing food and supplies to the stranded, locating trapped seniors, and aiding clean-up efforts.

In short, they are helping some of New York's most vulnerable right now, and the work being done is simply breathtaking. And that work is growing by the hour.

Loosely organized under Occupy Sandy, Occupy activists have, in conjunction with 350.org and Recovers.org, created in very short order a massive, malleable volunteer network that is reaching untold numbers of New Yorkers still in the dark and cold.

The Red Cross and FEMA are operating shelters, food kitchens and distributing supplies as well. My point here is not to malign them.

My point? To shine a light on the incredible work Occupy activists are doing in locations where aid organizations have yet to lay roots. And to shine a light on the work they will continue to be doing, perhaps with your help.

Update

on 2012-11-05 02:47 by NYC Subway Girl

I received this email from a photo journalist Nousah Salimi, it really tells the story of the crisis through the eyes of someone there:

Good morning,

I went to Manhattan, on Thu and Fri walking around town, it was truly heartbreaking to see the city that never sleeps so empty and deserted, but looking at the bigger picture still very lucky compared to NJ, Long Island and even further out Haiti and surrounding areas which also have been affected but this time under the shadow of NY they are not really making it to breaking news.

Also I was impressed by how hard they are working to bring things back to normal asap, it's amazing.

I bumped to the mayor and governor on Tuesday giving a live announcement in the Battery Tunnel and took some photos of them too!

It was a bit twisted to get to Manhattan, as I could only go with the train either to Borough Hall and then walk and cross Brooklyn Bridge (which I did on Thu) or go to Atlantic Ave and then get the shuttle bus which rides on third ave all the way up to 57 st which I took on Frid and walked all the way down to brooklyn bridge and back home, so lots of walking :)

Anyhow it seems the green line is fully operational now although I believe it will make different stops so that's great already.

have a lovely day.

Nousha

Battery tunnel

Union Square charging station

this one really made me weep

Update

on 2012-11-26 23:26 by NYC Subway Girl

OCCUPY SANDY mobilizes, turning last years uprising against the financial world into action to help victims of Hurricane-Storm Sandy.  Article by ALAN FEUER in NYTimes

Stirred Not Shaken

I continue to be stirred no shaken.

In the years since the event of the 9-11 tragedy, we have spent billions to stop the "war on terror" to stop the next terrorist attack and spent little of our resources on the true threat, that of Natures ability to respond to climate change and her own set of rules.  Now then I ask, when are we going to collectively wise up?

Impossible to war with Nature and expect to win. There can only be humble respect, submission and understanding that maybe we've been too complacent about Natures ability to destroy and disrupt in favor of being afraid of the unknown terrorist.

Food for thought.

For me this storm devastation in NYC is compared to the blackout of 1965, 1981 subway and garbage strikes, September 11, 2001, all in one……

Remain calm folks and when we are done cleaning up the mess from Natures wrath, let's get together and plan our future cities and towns with the Environment in mind.

Occupy Wall Street year 2

I grew up believing in the power of the microphone and having some inner need to be aware and socially conscious.  Sure I had public school teachers inspired by the Vietnam War and Civil Rights movement to urge me to think.  And as a singer -songwriter I was deeply influenced by the work of Pete Seeger, Phil Ochs, Odetta, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, ...and I could go on. The Occupy Wall Street gatherings in Zuccotti Park in lower Manhattan that began last September 17th and grew to a movement inspired me. To witness something shifting, something to cling our anxiety, frustration and disbelief to. How could we arrive at such a historical economic crash and continue to allow corporations and organizations to have unfettered access to funds without oversight, tossing regulations aside, allowing greed to override "right action" in the name of profit and "free-market driven policy"? The "We Are The 1%" mantra stuck.

I went to Zuccotti Park many times over the months including before and after the NYPD raid that shut the park down.  I sang Amazing Grace with a small crowd standing in the rain, surrounded by barriers and showing a stamina and resolve to continue the fight for justice that I hadn't seen since my youth.

Today I am mindful of the anniversary and how it is not the celebration of the past year so much as it is looking forward to how the next days, months and years will unfold.

Here's a little a recap of my time at Zuccotti Park:

blog Occupy Wall Street Day 25

blog What Inspires Melanie Butler

blog Day After Raid Amazing Grace

Blog Cultural Occupation Of Liberty Square post raid

Calm After The Storm

It's a lovely, clear crisp morning

not a cloud in the sky

Irene washed through the Hudson Valley staying a little over 24 hours

The rains came Saturday night 12:05 am

We already knew from friends in NYC 2 hours south what was coming our way.

The image of empty NYC streets, of evacuated residents of a shutdown city, strange.

By daybreak, rain

by midday, rain

by afternoon, rain

Steady, heavy 

by then NYC was clear 

and we were in a washing machine surrounded by trees

at least safer on higher ground from flooding

we never lost power. no downed trees, never had to evacuate to the basement

Fortunate we were.

The wind by 4pm in all directions whipped rain like snow

pups loved it, a lucky break

I danced on our outdoor table safely tucked into the corner of the living room

defiant, feeling like a kid

hurricanes can bring gifts

Irene by 1 am Monday, over

No wind, no rain

Just the twinkle twinkle of stars above unaware

of the torrent and devastation here on earth

Chorus of un-drowned crickets and other singing "things"

filled the cleaned night air

Rushing water in nearby stream loud

like a freight train with 1000's of rattling cars on a trip to far away.

Others were not so lucky as we were and I wish them well in returning to right. 

Be careful when traveling.

I'm looking forward to returning to the subway to perform soon.

calm before storm

I'm writing this in upstate NY unsure where and when hurricane Irene will hit.  Outdoor furniture is in, sinks are full of water and batteries are charged. I am thankful to not be in NYC and hope the storm brings only good things brought by so much preparation, information and thoughtful communication in anticipation of a potential major disaster. In all my years I have never heard of shutting down the subway systems due to a natural event, but know our infrastruture is overwhelmed by even a minor storm, so the decision is certainly prudent. I commend the intense work of evacuating and sheltering of people including allowing animals in shelters-bravo NY!

Wow imagine if we could put this same energy and care into how to be more productive, efficient and community focused citizens.

Having lived in Key West I'm no stranger to hurricanes (I was stuck in Andrew) and tropical storms can be just as devastating. They move fast and when it's over if nothing happens, a sort of cry wolf attitude can set in. To be sure it's better to be safe than sorry, evacuate if possible and if not hunker down. So stay safe from flying debris my fellow commuters and see you post Irene. And thanks to all my fans and friends far and wide checking in with good wishes.

Cathy

PS I do hope that when all the wind and water subsides, we'll realize that even in tough economic times, rebuilding and maintaining our infrastructure is essential and forward thinking.

2nd annual Hudson Pride

Saturday afternoon I travelled to Hudson, NY for the 2nd annual Hudson Pride event. It's been an intense week for Gay Pride as the NY state assembly under the strong support of Governor Andrew Cuomo passed the first step towards a Marriage Equality bill.  Currently held up in the Senate and with the vote looking close to being able to pass, the energy in Hudson was amazing.  I met participant Matthew Hamilton with a homemade t-shirt asking undecided Senator Steve Saland (Columbia County's Senator) to join in passing the bill.  Check out Matthew's clip I made.  It shows Matthew with his t-shirt and a funny rant about how even Britney Spears can be married for only 36 hours but his Mom and her partner Christine of 21 years can't be married.

I also chatted with Trixie Starr one of the event organizers.  Last year was the first year and she proudly talked about how wonderful it was to create an event that brought children and people together in one small amazing community of 6000 people.

check out Trixie's Inspiration clip

Later that evening, I performed at the new state of the art Club Helsinki.  I opened the night of live entertainment with a set of my own brand of what I call folked-up blues to an energized audience.  My partner of 13 years Michele joined along with friends including ex NYC'er and newcomer to the Hudson scene Sherry Jo Williams, (who has opened an amazing shop called The Culture-Commerce Project) to spread the love. 

For me, Gay Pride is best described as: To celebrate living a life that is driven by the force of love with the ability to reach beyond prejudice, fear and ignorance. To live a life without compromising or contradicting that love.

(Pride volunteer Jamie Trachtenberg's beautiful email signature) sums it up perfectly.

"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength; loving someone deeply gives you courage." - Lao Tzu   

So here's to NY state being on the right side of History and passing the Marriage Equality bill. 

Update on 2011-06-25 11:17 by NYC Subway Girl

June 24 10:30pm bill 1545 passed in NY Senate 33-29. To Senator Tom Duane who so eloquently stated in voting for this bill tonight, "there are no villians in this room, only heros."  Senator Duane, you are the hero. Uniter of hero's.  Thank you.  I'm proud to be a New Yorker.  To Matthew Hamilton whom I met and filmed at Hudson Pride, his Mom and Christine can now get married. So can I.

Blame the Snow? Would MLK Jr?

Blame the Snow on not honoring Martin Luther King Junior's  Birthday?  It's been 25 years since Congress passed into legislation Martin Luther King day, a commitment to serve the common good. And 43 years since his assassination.  Shame on Charlotte North Carolina and some Georgia school systems that will not honor this holiday because they have to 'make -up' for snow days. In the wake of last week's gun violence in Tucson as a result of hate and mental instability, I do hope these schools will take the opportunity to use the day to teach the life and devotion of  MLK who challenged our society to be better. For those who do have the day "off" consider the benefits of community service, of shared civility and compassion, much needed lessons for us all.  

Let's remind and teach about the birth of the Civil Rights movement and the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr and the speeches and beliefs he was able to deliver.  Transcript I Have A Dream speech.

The tragedy of King's death has not been in vain, we lost a great soul, but his passing paved a road to the White House unimaginable in 1968. We still have a way to go.  Let the children lead the way.

NYCSubwayGirl is about compassion and authenticity, of ethics and right action.  To try and understand the human condition and to embrace our ever growing and challenging world with empathy not apathy.  With the belief that we all have a place at the table, on the streets, or in our workplace and homes to make a difference.  We can agree to disagree and through conversation move our nation forward not backward into hate and fear.

Update

on 2011-01-21 14:09 by NYC Subway Girl

I received this email from Michelle Obama:

The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., is usually remembered for his heroic leadership of the civil rights movement -- he led the successful Montgomery bus boycott, delivered the "I Have A Dream" speech at a time when such words were still controversial, and ultimately gave his own life to the cause of equality.

But Dr. King was much more than a civil rights champion -- he was a man who lived his entire life in service to others, speaking out against poverty, economic injustice, and violence. Wherever he saw suffering, he did what he could to help, no matter who it was that needed him or why they were in pain. Through his leadership, he showed us what we can accomplish when we stand together.

Each January, we remember Dr. King on his own holiday -- and one of the best ways to preserve his legacy is to engage in service ourselves. As Dr. King told us, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'"

That's why this Monday, January 17th, Organizing for America volunteers will be participating in service projects all across the country in Dr. King's honor. There will be food drives, neighborhood clean-ups, education projects, blood drives, and more.

Will you find and sign up for an event in your area, and help make this country an even better place?

This movement is about so much more than politics -- it is about coming together through progress, change, and community. Lifting each other up in dedication and service is one of the best ways not only to honor Dr. King, but to honor each other. By giving service a new role in this country, we can establish a new foundation for our economy and a brighter future for our children.

That is why service is key to achieving our national priorities, and why Barack recently helped out at a Boys and Girls Club service event. Since moving to Washington, D.C., two years ago, he and I have gotten to know the community through similar service projects, including past Martin Luther King Day events. I treasure those opportunities, and I look forward to another one next week. Every time we pitch in, we get so much back, and always learn amazing things from our neighbors.

All of us have something to contribute, and all of us can make a meaningful difference in someone's life. It's a great way to remind others that they are not forgotten, and to remind ourselves that there are always things we can do.

Please help Barack and me honor the legacy of Dr. King, and join us in service to our country once again this year:

http://my.barackobama.com/MLKday

Thanks,

Michelle

snowman NYC style

well so far it's been quite a few weeks of crazy snow, even in the most unexpected of places, like where my brother lives in Atlanta and my Mom in N.C (both born in the Bronx, so at least have a memory of it).  Me I'm happy to be stuck upstate, but do miss the beauty of snowfall in the city.  

Michele took this picture on her way to work today.

Update

on 2011-02-01 21:51 by NYC Subway Girl

thanks to a comment I've discoverd NYCSnowman.  check out some wonderful snowmen and women in NYC.

how Escaped cows compare to commuters

Life for me isn't always underground, I enjoy heading upstate to write and be with family. On New Years weekend I awoke to see the local farmer's cows grazing across the street having broken out of their pasture. Needless to say they needed to be herded home, so Michele and I did what we do best as a team, we figured it out.

The picture was taken on one of the more lighter moments, when the cows seemed comfortable being led home and this NYC Subway Girl was smiling.  

Ask me if there's a difference between rushing commuters and a herd of cows......actually after the chaos everyone is just happy to be heading home. 

Happy New Year

Happy New Year 2011

May 2011 bring us all a better sense of community. To engage in a society recommitted to ethical principles and right action.  

To reach in to our own authenticity and live it fully. 

Happy New Year.

These sentiments from French musical friend Pascal Coquard says it best:

From soul... ... to heart  only vibrations !

 "Art doesn't care about 2011, growth, TV and power... So artists keep your passion, audience come to share it... more and more this year !"

Pascal Coquard : Sound transmitter

SNOWLY we roll along

For those of us in the North East we're under snow. In NYC we've gotten lots of it.

If you do go out, listen to the city with new ears.  The quiet, the calm from the blanket of snow.  It's one of those rare times where we can actually feel like nature does exist in the city.  Normally we walk on asphalt, and concrete above stories of a man-made underground world of steel and cement tunnels, it's hard to remember there's earth underneath. The snow underfoot cushioned and uneven brings a lovely sense of wonder.

Enjoy

PS I've been on a holiday break so I'm happy not to be trudging my EQ to the subway although I miss the fun. To all my subway performing friends that are brave enough or have no choice but to get out and gig, stay warm and be careful.

my pup Etta and me