I met Rose all the way from Victoria Island, BC, while I was performing in LIRR Penn Station, excited to her mandolin case I urged her to jam, and she did. What a treat to play with another female musician, not something you see much in the subway.
What inspires Rose besides music? New York City of course
co-edited by Ian James MacRae Jackson
While playing in Union Square I met Courtney who stopped to listen. What inspires Courtney? "People, nature, strong women." Ely from Israel was also listening and joined in. He took the camera to film us singing Imagine. Ely wasn't sure what Inspiration meant. I pointed to his heart and said "what's in here." His response? "Peace, love and music." This is a wonderful example of the people I meet who by chance slow down and listen or just join in.
What's your 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.