The stage is set in a yawning hall in Grand Central, the judges panel comprised of Arts for Transit people and often local musicians (in past years we met Corey Glover of Living Colour on the panel) -- yes, it's the annual auditions for Music Under New York.
Every year street performers show up lugging dozens of different kinds of intruments from just as many countries. You get amatuers, self-taught protiges and and even polished Julliard grads, all vying to be part of the MTA's program to promote music underground.
The evaluation is based on more than talent: They have to have a sound that will rise above the roar of city transit, and they have to come equipped with a self-contained amp system. No outlet plugs allowed.
The auditions are going on today until 3:30 p.m. and anyone passing through Grand Central is free to watch. In the meantime, here's a video and photogallery from a past audition:
-- Lauren Johnston
Comments (2)
I was at GCS today but couldn't find the audition :(
I love the musicians in the subway. My favorit it the 'Saw Lady', the Andean musicians Agua Clara and the Mariachis on the trains. The 'Saw Lady's banner advertises her blog http://www.sawlady.com/blog where she tells about what happens when she plays in the subway and about all the musicians in the subway. I got to know the names of musicians I see through her blog. I like Delta Dave a lot, too (the guy in the wheel chair).
Please inform me of when the next auditions will be held. This sounds like a great opportunity and I would not want to be left out. Please provide me information about whom I would contact regarding further information about this.
Thank you.
Gale Gallant