Photo by myself, in the subway station at 42nd Street and 6th Avenue.
Yet another (slightly blurry) character entertaining the masses. You gotta love him.
Accordian, cello, violin, guitar, drums, xylophone, banjo, erhu, harmonica, sax, plastic bins. You can fashion just about anything to entertain others.
The greatest thing about musicians in the subway is that they don't mind your taking their photo.
Well, they don't look like they mind. And they can't really escape. I usually leave a tip in the bucket as a thank you, which helps.
In a city where you can be fined for getting out on the wrong side of the cab, panhandling, not picking up your dog poop, jaywalking, not having a license to drive or man your food cart, it's nice to know you can still play music and be paid money for it.
Related posts: All That Jazz and Recovering From Friday Night.
9 comments:
New York Portraits porte bien son nom, j'aime ce portrait de ce musicien dans le métro
New York Portraits carries its name well, I like this portrait of this musician in the subway
The whole romantic notion that you can make some kind of a living by playing your music on the streets like this makes me smile.
It's his age that interests me. He's still kickin' it and that's wonderful.
that platform looks clean! nice moody capture..
As long as no one complains and the cops dont decide you need to 'move along'
:-Daryl
He looks like an old country singer. He reminds me of Stomping Tom Connors.
This is a wonderful portrait Kitty. I'm not sure, but I think you need a permit to play in the Subway or Penn Station.
Thanks Olivier!
Hi Spandrel
I'm hoping these musicians can squeak by. With the old rent stabilized and controlled apartments, yes. With current rental rates, probably not.
They are a tough bunch, though.
Hi PJ
Yeah, I bet he has a lot of stories to tell. I'd love to know some.
Hi Ken
Good point. That particular stop is actually okay. I think it was renovated recently (within the last decade).
Hi Daryl
I hope they never legislate something against musicians. It would be a shame.
lol Tammy. He does look country!
Thanks Lily!
I wonder whether you do need a permit? I'll have to ask one of these guys someday.
This is a beautiful photo - kind of melancholy.
In answer to Lily above - there are 28 spots within the subway where one can get a permit for. One can also freelance (no permit) because it falls under freedom of expression, but then one is more likely to get approached by the police.
If you see a banner hanging behind a musician - he/she have a permit.
All the best,
Saw Lady
www.SawLady.com/blog
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