Why do I perform in public spaces?

Since the first question most people ask is "Why perform in the subway?" I thought, I'd share more about why I perform in public spaces and the program I work under:

Music Under New York is a program within Arts For Transit. Tim Higginbotham of MUNY has been a tireless organizer and passionate street musician supporter. He and Scott's amazing work keeps this program alive, exciting and thriving.  If you have ever been touched by this program leave a comment below, or consider writing a letter to the MTA expressing your support as a commuter for this essential program.  As a recent commuter said while passing me "live music for the price of a swipe!"

Music Under New York works within the Arts For Transit which commissions the rich and beautiful mosaics including other art installations found throughout the city. Kudos to Sandra Bloodworth director Arts For Transit, assistant director Amy Haussmann and Lydia Bradshaw Manager, MTA Arts for Transit and Music Under New York.

I joined the roster after auditioning for the program in May of 1999.  Every two weeks I select from various locations where I would like to perform. 

music under ny.jpg

I have many favorite spots and you might find me at Grand Central Station Shuttle, Times Square, Union Square, Astor Place, LIRR and 34th street and a new favorite the Staten Island ferry terminal.  

I participate in “Music Under New York", because the connection is a very different experience than performing on a stage.  Not to mention that it's a deconstructed approach to the music industry. Underground, commuters and I are collaborators in a musical, rhythmic, spontaneous soundtrack.  To many people, a street performer is a struggling artist, for me it's a moment without struggle. I bask in the void of promoters rules, of complicated and heavy equipment, of the music industry's opinion, and a singer song writer's freedom to do what I love to do.  I applaud the MTA's support of this program.

If you're looking where to find me, I always post my subway performances on my gig page- Gigs link at the top of this page.

Here's an older blog I wrote for a student asking great questions about subway performing.

The MTA also presents the wonderful program Poetry In Motion I love seeing the poetry in the subway cars, lyrical, thought provoking, funny.  Important.

For videos of other artists click here

For links of other artists click here

MTA Arts For Transit has a facebook fanpage

photo montage by Geraldine Petrovic

When subway heats up

hotter than Hades 34th st platform.  Need to get to ferry terminal for 2:30 ferry

Service cuts no more W line need to rely on R or switch to 5 at 14th st for Bowling Green.  Another train comes it's an N.  My back is dripping sweat, very hot.  Door stays open longer than usual so I hop in.  It's cooler, I can decide at 14th st if I want to switch to an R or go upstairs lugging my stuff to the 5.  Subway musicians spend a lot of mental energy figuring out where escalators and elevators are.  Unfortunately we don't know when they are running. Life with the subway is a series of decisions to move closer to where we need to go. Rats, just realized the N is local meaning I could miss the R connection, so I look out the window to see if an  R speeds by at 23rd st.  So far so good.  Hedge my bet at 14th st no matter what.  At least it's cool.

Earlier  I walked past the MUNY spot at 34th st a solo pan flute player played a mournful sound fit in with the oppressive heat.

Today is my last booking for July and August but quite a commute to be able to perform in an air conditioned terminal on Staten Island.  Off at 14th st sounds like Natalia (Saw Lady) is playing.  Wow it's too hot for this spot.  We ARE a crazy bunch.

Alice Tan Ridley Music Under New York's Got Talent

check this out Alice Tan Ridley on America's Got Talent tonight when millions will understand what she means when she sings "You are mine at last!"

Watching her audition clip on Youtube aired June 15 2010 as of today July 20th, it has been viewed 717,617 times.  How's that for an audience.  I love one comment left under the clip  "If I heard a voice like that on the subway everyday, I'm not buyin' a car."  Well that's one way to help reduce our addiction to oil. I can see the headlines now, "Subway Singer Solves Energy Crisis." 

Good Luck Alice!

 

Alice Tan Ridley Music Under NY's got Talent on TV tonight

Tonight is a very exciting night on TV for anyone who has heard Alice Tan Ridley perform in the subway.  With a unanimous vote from America's Got Talent judges last April, she now moves on to the audience vote phase of the program. Of course all of us in the Music Under NY program which she has been involved with for the past 20 years, are beyond thrilled for her. She has shared with us her belief that what we do underground "keep hopes alive and dreamers dreaming." You bet.

Watching her audition (see the clip below) I couldn't help but remark  that when she walked onto the stage and Sharon Osbourne asked Alice "What do you do for a living?" and Alice said "I'm a singer." The audience gave some modest applause.  When Sharon further asked, "Where do you usually work?" and Alice replied "In the subway." There was a strange silence, no one knew how to react to that information until Alice opened her mouth and not even 3 notes into singing the audience went wild. Hard to believe for many people that someone that sings in the subway could ever have this kind of talent. Guess that's what you get for under promising and over delivering. From that point on, everyone heard what we know here in NYC. Alice Tan Ridely has an amazing voice, a poise and wit that goes way beyond what ever happens on America's Got Talent show tonight.

Alice's auditioned with the Etta James song "At Last," written by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren, which ends with the soulful heart filled line "you are mine at last." Fitting, very fitting, after tonight millions of people will know why.

Watching this clip on Youtube from her audition aired June 15 2010, as of today July 20th, it has been viewed 717,617 times.  How's that for an audience.  I love one comment left under the clip  "If I heard a voice like that on the subway everyday, I'm not buyin' a car."  Well that's one way to help reduce our addiction to oil. I can see the headlines now, "Subway Singer Solves Energy Crisis." 

PS I wrote about Alice last November here's the blog

Update

on 2010-07-23 00:51 by NYC Subway Girl

Well the news is great, Alice has made it into the semi-finals of America's Got Talent.  Congrats to Alice, can't wait to watch the rest of her wonderful ride!

Update

on 2010-09-03 02:55 by NYC Subway Girl

Alice's run at AGT is now at an end, but it's not the end for her amazing talent, no way.  Of course there's disappointment but as I wrote to Aice in an email "I am so proud of you and your amazing performances on AGT. This will be a spring board to so many other things.  I'm sure you're disappointed not to move on, but you inspired so many people with your amazing voice and character." 

I'd love to get Alice to record and Inspiration for this website.  Will keep you posted.  Alice let me know if you're game!

Music Under New York auditions

I was one of the many judges for this years auditions held yesterday at Grand Central Station, here's a clip that sums it up nicely....the acts were diverse and really talented!  Music in public spaces is such an important part of our city culture and Music Under NY has an amazing program that I'm proud to be a member of.

 Line Up To Be The Next Subway Idol  Wall St Journal by Andrew Grossman

 

NYPost.com by Will Pulos 

Music Under New York contestants square off  By TOM NAMAKO, Transit Reporter and pics by Robert Miller

NY1 TV reviewed the audtions

Music Under NY auditions

Not to be missed, for a truly unique NYC experience Music Under New York Annual Auditions

  • Tuesday May 11th 9:30 am- 3:30 pm

It's such a wonderful event, stop by to take a listen to the approximately 65 artists who will be auditioning!

Grand Central Station Northeast Balcony, take escalators up from main terminal, you can't miss hearing it!