Bryant Park

Walking through Bryant Park, grass being watered

The other day the entire green space covered with Fashion Week tents

Now it’s sod again park chairs and people awaiting the okay to climb on

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Next there will be a skating rink, tomorrow a yoga class

Now that’s Adaptive Reuse in action

I pass Italian tourists furiously scribbling postcards while chatting without looking up

Does anyone write cards anymore except tourists?

The art of letter writing, the treasures stuffed away in boxes, drawers awaiting discovery

The smell of musty paper and faded ink

Ruth Reichl’s book about her mother a memoir put together from long forgotten letters awaiting the discovery and finally a kind of closure, a knowing.

Today we use with amazing ease an email message that can so easily get lost? Or in truth erased or due to new technology that won’t have the slightest clue how to open and convert-how disheartening to know it’s all there but can’t see it, feel it.  I love the digital age, but I am still in awe of the tactile act of holding a handwritten letter in my hands.

Photos are the same.  How much history are we losing by not keeping some things in “hard copy” form.

 

 

34th st

today I struggled, it was hotter than I thought, although once and a while a breeze came by that wasn't 1500 degrees.  Like yesterday at SI ferry terminal, the commuters were distant but visible.  What I mean is people passed by, I got wonderful smiles, the usual kids who connect immediately and many who pass saying positive things, but, no one really stayed for long. 

I had a bizarre deal with a guy 'junior' 'Irag vet'-who wanted to sing.  First of all respect is # 1 for me, he came up demanded to sing and then played the vet card.  I personally would have liked to let him sing, but didn't get the chance to decide as he grabbed the mic and then ordered me to sing the harmony to 'In The Still Of The Night".  You can imagine how excited I was (not). A woman passing by gave me a sympathetic nod and looking towards the policeman nearby, wondering why he wasn't doing anything  to help me, yelled out for him to come over.  All was fine, I let 'junior' have his moment and then I got lost in the moment and said silly things like, 'I imagine you don't share your gun with anyone, well I don't share my mic", to which he explained, "which would you rather have, a mic that doesn't kill, or a gun that does?" bravo.  Too bad he was pretty messed up. The cop stopped by, asked him to come over and talk to him, with which junior disappeared. Afterwards the cop asked why I didn't call out to him.  I explained that I like to deal with things in my own way and knew if I needed help, where to find him.  

Such is life underground.

"Aftermath" at New York Theatre Workshop

Last night I went to New York Theatre Workshop’s Opening of ‘Aftermath’ by Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen.  ‘Aftermath’ is a very poignant and disturbing play about the Iraq war. The dialogue came directly from Iraqi refugee interviews held in Jordan.  Theatre is such an amazing place to wrestle with perspective and reality, and this piece hits deep in the gut.  It is clearly bruising yet strangely uplifting, in the way stories of survival amidst terrible tragedy do.  Making it harder and more difficult to experience the theatrical piece was the underlying truth that each character’s tragedy was in reality wrought by our country’s war. 

Back after a summer break

Yesterday was my first day back underground after a summer break.  Union Square couldn’t have been more vibrant, colorful and noisy.  It took a bit of getting used to the frenetic energy and still manage to find my composure (and my pitch!). I admittedly am a bit rusty after being in the countryside, there I dodged Lyme disease from ticks and the occasional mosquito.  Underground, it’s commuters racing recklessly too close to my spot, the gate alarm, waves of people merging directly in front of me, and did I mention the gate alarm?  Soon that too will not appear to be more than a note in the right key and I’ll adapt my tempo to it to be more collaborative with my setting.

I found the city full of love yesterday, or at least at Union Square anyway.  Lots of public display of affection, teenagers kissing, couples hugging Hi and Bye.  It felt strangely pre September 11, it felt optimistic as if life in the city has finally found a rhythm free from the usual stress of potential fear, real or imagined.  Maybe it was just something in my perspective after being away.  No matter what the reason, it was good to be home underground performing.

I counted 14 bikes, 2 skateboards (one without wheels), a man dressed all in white picking into a garbage bin, 2 double bass, 2 little dogs, the usual undercover cops stopping turnstyle jumpers (appearing to give only warnings-a nice change!) and fashion has clearly gone back to the ‘80’s-big glasses, tops and tight jeans/leggings. A generous teen in jeans set fashionably below the butt with colorful boxers and mostly wearing a fantastic smile, tipped me before I even started! My little Guassmeter that measures electric magnetic fields, found Union Square relatively clear of EMF’s (more on that in another blog).

Today I’m at one of the few locations  where I perform on the actual platform near the tracks at Astor Place. 12-3.

 

 

Arts For Transit and Music Under New York

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

check out the mobil app use it to locate the amazing and sometimes overlooked gorgeous artwork installed throughout the city's subway system.  Ever want to know who created the mosaic artwork you pass by? You can always check out each work and artist on the Arts For Transit website.

The MTA also presents the wonderful program Poetry In Motion On hiatus since 2008, has thankfully returned.

Music Under New York is a program within Arts For Transit. For more information about the program check out this link. 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!"

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

photo montage by Geraldine Petrovic

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.  

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 industrys opinion, and a singer songwriter's freedom to do what I love to do.  I applaud the MTA's support of this program.

I always post my subway performances on my gig page- Gigs link at the top of this page.

For images of other artists click here

For videos of other artists click here

MTA Arts For Transit has a 

facebook fanpage

and visit the

Arts For Transit tumblr page

Remembrance

I'm reflecting on the events of this day 8 years ago. Loss and tragedy have a way of etching into our fiber personally and collectively.  Like a cross section of an oak, we can see what years brought amazing growth and which ones presented intense hardship.  The ring that describes September 11th in my soul is clear in it's grief and amazement that such an event could happen, right here, in our city, in our country. Yet new rings encircle it now, each with their own reaction to the preceding years.

Today I remember Sergio Villanueva fireman from ladder 132 engine 4 and cousin of a friend of mine.  Singing at his memorial gave me the opportunity to express my incomprehensible fear and grief over the events of September 11.  I will forever be humbled by being allowed to be a part of his family for such an intimate sharing of their tragedy.  

My nephew Alex was only 10 at the time, today he is a recent member of the Coast Guard after serving as a firefighter in his hometown in NJ.  It's that pure and simple, the events of September 11th and of the heroism of people like Sergio inspired Alex to want to make a difference saving peoples lives.  

Today I am remembering.

History has a way of smoothing over jagged edges. We may not necessarily be healed, but the tragedy absorbs into life into something completely new.

May we never forget.

Healthcare? Why should I care?.... We should all care!

The day after Obama’s healthcare speech and after Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) screamed out "You lie!" here are my comments sent along with my signature of a petition created by MoveOn.org (yes that one-you now know my lefty leanings, if you didn’t already) asking Congress to move ahead with a healthcare bill. Me: Please do the right thing for all Americans. We cannot afford to be passive. Too many
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Taking Woodstock NYTimes review An Aging Hippieish Woman-guess who?!

Ang Lee's new film about Woodstock was filmed not too far from our upstate home. I was invited to perform for the people's screening (an enthusiastic audience full of extras and crew).  I sang acoustically mostly my own songs, but as the film got out, I sang "Piece Of My Heart" (Janis sang that one at Woodstock).  Imagine my surprise to see a review in the NYTimes last week.  I guess the reviewer wasn't thrilled with the assignment, her description: The slightly decayed theatre, the flimsy red carpet, the lone news van, and an aging hippieish woman (me).  Ouch!  

The adjective rich account sounds like a pathetically sad event, it wasn't! Here's an excerpt

NY Times Turn On, Tune In, Turn Back the Clock By KAREN SCHOEMER

Published: August 20, 2009

NEW LEBANON, N.Y.

Excerpt:

A few weeks ago Mr. Lee headed, so to speak, back to the garden. He and Mr. Schamus returned to Columbia County for a “people’s screening” of “Taking Woodstock” at the Crandell Theater, a slightly decayed 1926 movie palace in downtown Chatham. A flimsy red carpet decorated the sidewalk. A lone news van from a local cable channel parked across the street, and police officers in spotless uniforms cast a leisurely eye on the proceedings. Locals sported themewear like tie-dyed and tiered skirts, and an aging hippieish woman with flowing gray hair serenaded the crowd with folks songs on an acoustic guitar.

 

Senator Kennedy

I got this email today, Senator Kennedy worked hard for the middle class, welfare, healthcare and civil rights. We should all be indebted to his life of service.

Cathy --

Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy.

For nearly five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well-being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts.

His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives -- in seniors who know new dignity; in families that know new opportunity; in children who know education's promise; and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just, including me.

In the United States Senate, I can think of no one who engendered greater respect or affection from members of both sides of the aisle. His seriousness of purpose was perpetually matched by humility, warmth and good cheer. He battled passionately on the Senate floor for the causes that he held dear, and yet still maintained warm friendships across party lines. And that's one reason he became not only one of the greatest senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy.

I personally valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've benefited as President from his encouragement and wisdom.

His fight gave us the opportunity we were denied when his brothers John and Robert were taken from us: the blessing of time to say thank you and goodbye. The outpouring of love, gratitude and fond memories to which we've all borne witness is a testament to the way this singular figure in American history touched so many lives.

For America, he was a defender of a dream. For his family, he was a guardian. Our hearts and prayers go out to them today -- to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family.

Today, our country mourns. We say goodbye to a friend and a true leader who challenged us all to live out our noblest values. And we give thanks for his memory, which inspires us still.

Sincerely,

President Barack Obama

sounds of the countryside

Tractor cutting the field in my right ear (careful not to find any sleeping does), chainsaw in the woods cutting up trees downed from last winter's ice storm in my left ear (careful not to cut any fingers), dump truck unloading 3 loads of stone to rebuild wall and parking area washed away after the intense storms of summer (like 5" all at once more than once), cicadas are competing and people think the city is noisy....

Trying to create amidst these sounds.

Interesting to say the least.

first Times Square Alliance booking @ 45th and Broadway

Taking the train to NYC tomorrow to perform in Times Square. I had planned on being away from the hot sticky, and smelly city, in exchange for the country air 2 hours north of Manhattan. Back in Spring I auditioned for the Times Square Alliance and they now have the permits necessary to let an amplified performer like me play. Apparently the city afraid of the “noise” doesn’t want performers amplified, but as a more acoustic type performer, even I can’t sing and play 3 hours un-amplified without losing my voice, or breaking picks and strings.

My first gig with Music Under New York in 1999, I had a quite romantic view of busking and did perform purely acoustically. That was in the lower level of Grand Central Station, and the one and only time I ever performed without a small portable amp.

I do hope that the city can come to some sort of agreement regarding the amplified issue. At this point the Naked Cowboy gets the work-he only needs to be seen not heard!

It will be interesting performing above ground. Now that the city has closed off the portion of Broadway to vehicular traffic, it should be interesting to be in the midst of summertime pedestrian chaos (also matinee day), and part of the ongoing experiment that is now a Times Square strolling park. In a strange way my perception today is that I feel safer and more insulated in the underground. After tomorrow that perception might be different.

 

NYC Subway mini Documentary featuring Cathy Grier


"Street Licks" guitar guys with Tommy Anthony and Dan Warner for Guitar Xpress MagRack 8/4/04 Lifeskool (formerly MagRack) featuring Cathy Grier aka NYCsubwaygirl and other NYC subway artists.  Cathy's jams with the guys and they call her guitar playing "Clickin Pickin Magilin Lick"

'Question Of Desire' words/music C. Grier SESAC Singerfish Publishing