Walking through Grand Central's Graybar corridor I met Music Under NY violinist Luellen Abdoo. I asked her what inspires her. Music and people. Here's her world premiere of a new composition "Luango" by composer Joe Gianono. There's lovely work being performed in public spaces, you just have to go out and find it.
Heard-NY Nick Cave Inspiration
A sensory performance art piece. A visual mixture of color, music and movement. Live percussionist and harp, and dancers from the Ailey school. Creative Time and MTA Arts For Transit have joined together to present visual artist Nick Cave and his HEARD-NY. Performances have been going since Monday and will end Sunday March 31st 11am + 2pm (get there 1/2 hour early to be able to get a seat-kids are allowed a special section).
As someone who performs in public spaces, to get a chance to witness a live (and free) performance art piece is such a thrill. The Vanderbilt Hall is an amazing place on any given day, the high ceilings the natural reverberation, but with Nick Cave's piece it comes alive with delight.
What I loved about my experience watching HEARD-NY were the multi-layered sounds as the dancers fitted under horse costumes (yet so much more than that) the materials dragged and snapped the floor all mixed in with children's voices of glee.
In the summer of 2010 I also enjoyed another Creative Time installation by Paul Rameriez Jonas' Key To The City. You can see what inspires Paul here.
Jack O'Brien Inspired
I met Jack O'Brien in Grand Central terminal one afternoon, we chatted and he shared he had written a song entitled "Birds Of A Feather," inspired by his daughter's engagement. He later contacted me and asked if I would sing and record it for him. So I did. He returned to Grand Central with his son JC to film me singing it live. I found the whole experience moving and well, Inspirational too.
What's you inspiration?