Photo by myself at the West 4th subway platform.
The other night I was standing on the platform at West 4th Street, when my ears pricked up at this incredible sound. What I heard was something between a thunder and a rumble.
Two bucket drummers were riffing, without a care in the world. Different plastic drums, the kind used to store soy sauce and building supplies, made a whole range of tones.
When I got home, I showed my fiance Mark my photos. He said immediately, 'That's Larry the Busker!'
A quick look online made me a bit speechless - Larry was the first to use five-gallon plastic buckets as drums on the street. He's been drumming since the age of five. He even has his own Wiki page.
Nothing is off limits as part of the 'drum set'. Larry moved seamlessly between banging on the buckets, the ground, and the subway structure next to him. He uses his feet to manipulate another bucket, while twirling the batons in the air, no less.
Larry and his wife Sonia were in a world of their own, and didn't seem to even communicate while performing. I was lucky enough to find a video of them performing in the exact same spot (!).
A short movie made about Larry when he was 15.
Related posts: Early Snowfall in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Even More Snow, in Central Park, and Fresh Snow, at the New York Public Library.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Bang on a Can, Below West 4th Street
Saturday, July 28, 2012
On the Subway Shuffle, Below Ground
Photo by myself, in a subway car.
A man wearing a highly decorated jacket stood in a subway car.
A photo from the stash, taken when people wore more clothing. Sometimes while sitting on the subway, there will be various body parts or backpacks or purses in front of your face. It's hard to get away from people.
Speaking of subways, there was a short video clip on the front page of the Times website the other day. On subway platforms where an express train is on one side and the local is on the other, riders have to choose between which train to board.
You will see people running back and forth between trains.
Sometimes the train that pulls in first leaves first. But not always. It can be a sometimes funny sight to watch riders scamper back and forth in their flip flops.
The Times calls this 'the Subway shuffle'. New Yorkers call it 'commuting'.
Related posts: Sunset, on the Ride to Brooklyn, Ghoulish Greetings, on the R Train, and All Clear, Below Ground.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
A Rupert Update from Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Photo by myself in Prospect Park, Brooklyn.
In the mornings, the rolling green lawns of Brooklyn are sometimes misty with fog. Above, our Boston Terrier, Rupert, was playing keep-away with friends.
Before 9am daily, dogs are allowed to run around off leash for exercise and play*. After 9am on the weekends, the fields are filled with Little League baseball games, with teams of little kids dressed in uniform.
Prospect Park is large and an incredible amenity for Brooklynites. There are public grills and picnic tables for public use, ponds filled with wildlife, and enough space to be able to relax without sitting on top of each other.
Here's a recent video I shot on my iphone of Rupert playing fetch. I call him 'Pupkin' in the video because his full name is Rupert Pupkin, after a character in the movie 'King of Comedy'.
*In case you're wondering, all owners are required to clean up after their dogs at all times. Most do.
Related posts: Boston Terriers Gone Mad, at the Mad Dog Run, In Chinatown and a Rupert Update, and Roaming Free, in Prospect Park, Brooklyn.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Hurdy Gurdy Player, in Union Square
Photo by myself in Union Square.
A fellow named Davin sang along to an instrument called a hurdy gurdy in Union Square, Thursday evening. I'd never seen one of these before, though wikipedia says they are common in European folk music.
A crank on the bottom of the instrument turns a wooden wheel, which rubs against six strings. The result sounds like a nasally, stringed version of the bagpipes. Meanwhile, the player presses keys with the other hand to change the pitch.
At one point, Davin rubbed the wheel with a square of rosin, the same stuff that violinists use on their bows. The rosin maintains the friction between the wheel and the strings, which creates the nasally sound.
I managed to speak with Davin for just a minute, between songs. He said he fell in love with the instrument after hearing it by sheer accident. When I got home, a quick search on youtube shows Davin playing in the same area just last night (!).
Related posts: The Morning Serenade, Young Man, on the Subway Platform, and The King of Song, Below Ground.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
On Taking Naps Outside and Images Around the Globe
Photo by myself, in Bryant Park.
Some photos from the stash show a couple things: the cliche about New Yorkers being overworked may be true after all, and that Bryant Park serves as a convenient rest stop.
Bryant Park is surrounded by tall-ish office towers. In the warmer months it's difficult to find a seat, let alone a spot of grass on the lawn.
During lunch, I have seen men take off their ties, shirts and undershirts to tan. Egad.
I wrote back saying I would do it, and then procrastinated for a few days. I was busy preparing for my trip, and wound up taking the photos the day before I left.
Tomasz told me he was compiling a set of photos taken around the world for his girlfriend's birthday. I was floored by the video he made, showing photos taken in Dubai, London, Paris and Tokyo, among other places.
The first four New York photos of Times Square, the New York Public Library, the Empire State Building and the Plaza are from me.
Related posts: Zzzzzzzzzz, As the World Walks By, on Fifth Avenue, and Stealing a Nap, Underground. Read more...
Sunday, March 25, 2012
On Sixth Avenue and the Starbucks Challenge
Photo by myself on Sixth Avenue, in Midtown.
The drug of choice here in New York is without a doubt, coffee.
Whether with a ton of milk, a ton of sugar, or black, we *loves* our caffeine. Loves, loves, loves. What other beverage gets our edge on, makes us more productive and talk quickly? Delis on every street corner serve coffee and iced coffee (in the summer), and of course there are Starbucks locations everywhere.
Above, two women sported hot coffees and one had an iced coffee, last week. Already. I know, it's only March, but it was obscenely sunny last week, the perfect weather for an iced cuppa joe to go.
Thanks to my fiance Mark for finding a very funny video on the matter of coffee. Below, a comedian named Mark Malkoff visited all 171 Starbucks locations in one, very long day.
This video was done way back in 2007, when there were only 171 Starbucks locations in Manhattan. At this writing, there are 255. Enjoy!
Related posts: On the Mud Truck and Hotel Gramercy Park, Cuppa Joe to Go, and On Line, in Midtown. Read more...
Friday, March 16, 2012
Twilight, in Soho
Photo by myself, in Soho.
There is a fine line between daytime and night, when stores roll down their doors, people stagger home from the subway, and the bars open up for business.
There are still some cobblestone streets in this neighborhood. Here, you can just barely see the texture of the stones.
The Times continues to offer more tidbits on its website, like photo essays and video. They are all wonderfully shot and edited.
The Metro section has snippets of video on regular New Yorkers. There's a food critic who eats her first dirty water hot dog, a high school student who taught himself over a dozen languages, and a fellow who tap dances on the subway to pay his tuition.
I haven't seen the tap dancer before in real life (yet). He supposedly sticks to the #2 and #3 subway lines and is pretty darned good with his feet:
Related posts: Down Broadway, All Aglow, in Soho, and After the Snow, in Soho. Read more...
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
A Costumed Serenade, at 59th Street Columbus Circle
Photo by myself, below 59th Street.
Everyone has a schtick these days.
This three-piece ragtime band features a pink gorilla playing a string bass. A fellow in a dog suit and his young friend played the xylophone, at the 59th Street subway station.
From their website, it looks like they have been around for a little while. I saw them for the first time Tuesday night. Their suitcase was half full with donations.
This group calls itself 'Xylopholks'. They've been written up in the New York Times and Village Voice. Other band members include a giant frog, giant chicken and the cookie monster, who must have had the night off.
Here's a super authentic self-produced video of their tour through around New York, haha:
Related posts: What's Hoppin' in Park Slope, Brooklyn, Man of Steel, Hawkin' Stuff, and All Abuzz About a Bee, in Union Square.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Doo Wop, on Friday Morning
Photo by myself at the 34th Street subway station, in Midtown.
A doo-wop group called Select Blendz entertained a crowd at 34th Street, Friday morning.
As these fellows crooned 'Stand by Me', a crowd gathered. One woman danced by herself without a care. The energy was high.
The members of this group varies, and I feel I've taken photos of them before in Soho and Washington Square Park. My only regret is that the lighting at this station is terrible. It was difficult to get all four in focus.
Here's one sample among many that the Select Blendz has on youtube. I think the fellow in the plaid pants, the fellow in the brown shirt and the bass player are in my photos.
Enjoy!!
Related posts: Singing for Supper in Washington Square Park, Playing the Blues in Union Square and On Singing Groups and the Current Vibe.
Friday, August 5, 2011
On Herald Square and Bodega Cats
Photo by myself around 34th Street and Sixth Avenue, in Herald Square.
The best time for photos is right around sunset. Just about everyone looks their best.
There's not much going on here in New York. We are all enjoying the last hurrahs of summer. The weather has been strangely good recently, not overly hot.
The Times is currently honoring a very specific New York animal, the cats that live in and work in bodegas. Bodegas are hispanic/Spanish convenience stores you find on many street corners in New York.
It's not uncommon for bodegas to have cats living there, to ward off mice. The cats sometimes come out to the sidewalk but generally stay indoors.
Readers are encouraged to send in photos and descriptions of bodega cats they know. A slideshow will be compiled from the submissions.
The video from the Times' article.
For the article in the Times, click here.
Related posts: Start Spreading the News, Strolling Down Fifth Avenue, Hand in Hand and Lost in a Crowd, in Midtown. Read more...
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Swinging to the Welf Dorr Group, at 34th Street
Photo by myself below 34th Street, in Midtown.
Yet another hoppin' jazz group underground, the Welf Dorr Group entertains passersby at the 34th Street subway station. Welf is the fellow on alto sax, to the left.
The group has appeared in various configurations over the years,with Welf at the helm. You can see a video of them here:
Related posts: See Saw, Underground, On Drums and the Brooklyn Bunny and Subway Jam Session.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
On Contortionists and Viral Videos
Photo by myself in Union Square.
A contortionist entertained a huge crowd, earlier this year. He was a part of a group of acrobatic muscular men. The fellow in the turban to the right was the ringleader of the group.
Below, a viral video that's been all over the place: Atomic Tom, a band from Brooklyn (woohoo!!) performed a song accompanied only by four iphones.
The four guys, none of whom are named Tom, performed on a quiet B train ride between Brooklyn and Manhattan. Most of the video occurs above ground, on the Manhattan Bridge. The video would not have worked so well if the train were going through a tunnel. There wouldn't be the same variety of light and shadow.
Spontaneous musical and acrobatic performances on the subway are pretty normal. I wouldn't say they happen every day, but it is not uncommon to have your ride interrupted by two guys doing back flips or a trio of mariachi.
Atomic Tom is doing pretty darned well. They're performing at Macy's in Herald Square next Wednesday.
Related posts: On Singing Groups and the Current Vibe, Music While You Wait and Acrobatics Below 34th Street. Read more...
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Where the Kids Are - The L Train Platform
Photo by myself on the subway platform at 14th Street, Union Square.
If you want to know where the kids are, get thee to the L train platform at Union Square.
The L train takes these young lads and lasses home to Williamsburg, Greenpoint and other Brooklyn neighborhoods. Everyone, male and female, is wearing a shirt two sizes too small.
The other day, a bluegrass band was the entertainment. No one looked older than 35.
I always thought I'd be limited to seeing Japan in photos. Beautiful, pristine, striking photos, of course. I've been to other parts of Asia, but for some reason Japan seemed off limits.
Why?
I don't know. Perhaps because it seems so perfect, the antithesis of New York - jam packed, urban, historic yet civilized, safe and clean.
A place full of incredible design. A place where good surprises lurked around each corner. A place full of wild food experiences. How can such a place exist?
To get me excited for the trip, Mark sent me a video (best seen in 720p). While watching I had the odd feeling like I was tuning into another planet. This incredible photographer has authored a whole series of videos using his Canon 5D digital camera, mostly of Japan.
No worries, daily posts will continue here. Mhmmm.
Related posts: Living in Style, in Williamsburg, The Hipster Olympics and Seranading the Crowds on the Subway Platform. Read more...
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Bluegrass Music, Below Ground - The Ebony Hillbillies at 34th Street
Photo by myself, in the 34th Street subway station.
There are almost always musicians playing in this subway station near the turnstiles. These musicians are sponsored by the MTA 'Arts for Transit' program, which brings artists and musicians underground.
The fellows above are the Ebony Hillbillies. They call themselves 'the last black string band in America', carrying on a tradition of African-American bluegrass fiddlers from the 18th century.
Though they usually play in the NY Subways, the Hillbillies have been touring. (Don't you love the internet?) They just performed a concert in Charleston, South Carolina.
Here they are caught on video, bringing down the house:
For more about the MTA Arts for Transit program, click here.
Related posts: See Saw, Below Ground, Music While you Wait and Performing Free, in Bryant Park.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Greetings from a New York Pie, in Midtown
Photo by myself on Fifth Avenue, in Midtown.
I got a wave and a smile from a slice of New York pizza, Tuesday.
New York is known for our thin crust pizza - the many Ray's Pizza locations, John's Pizza in the Times Square area, Lombardi's in Soho, Grimaldi's in DUMBO. And we have a few places that offer pies with ridiculously fancy toppings and Sicilian pies, too.
I had my first 'Grandma's Pizza' in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, at Casanova, on McGuiness Boulevard.
What is Grandma's pizza, you ask? It's a square pie that's covered in plum tomato sauce mozzarella, garlic and olive oil. The crust is thicker than 'thin crust' pizza, but not so doughy as a Sicilian pie. Trust me, it is deelish. (My mouth is watering, just thinking about it).
Here's a video of a guy named Chef Bruno, demonstrating how to make a Grandma's pizza. He is not known for speed, nor spelling! No criticisms, please, or he breaka your legs.
Cow Appreciation Day, Fifth Avenue, Big Green Monster, in Midtown and Step Lively.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
A Tale of Two Towers, The Chrysler and The Empire State
Photo by myself of the Chrysler Building, around Fifth Avenue and 40th Street.
One of the gems of New York, the Chrysler Building is clad with stainless steel. This is good news - since there is very low chromium in stainless steel, it is protected from rust.
The green roof at the bottom of the photo is the roof of Grand Central Terminal.
We have 21 days left until Spring! Oh yes, time to take your hand out of the potato chip bag and get the hamhocks to the gym.
Speaking of fitness, did you know there is an annual race in another famous tower in New York? Yes, just a couple weeks ago, over 100 runners ran up to the 86th floor of the Empire State Building.
It took the fastest male runner a little over 10 minutes (!). I'm pretty sure you have to have a medical exam before participating.
The race is sponsored by the New York Road Runners (NYRR), a popular club which promotes running and hosts weekly races in Central Park.
Below, a NYRR video with footage from the 2009 race. I have to say, seeing 100 runners sprint through a lobby and into a stairwell is rather odd!
42nd Street, Grand Central and Tall Tales and 1 Central Park, At Night. Read more...
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
On the View in Times Square and Street Photography
Photo by myself in Times Square, around Broadway and 43rd Street.
A photo from earlier this year, showing the public space that Broadway has become in Times Square. The street has been shut down from car traffic. Many lawn chairs were strewn about for tired visitors to rest their feet.
The street furniture may have changed since I took this photo in mid-June.
For a side view of this scene, click here.
Yesterday in relation to street photography, Gail's Man of Nottingham Daily Photo referred to the photographer Bruce Gilden.
A respected Magnum Photographer, Gilden was born in Brooklyn. New York figures prominently in his work, which is decidedly 'in your face.'
Mark found a youtube video showing Gilden in action. Mind you, I'm nothing like this guy.
I hope you enjoy this video as much as I do.
Related posts: Times Square, NYC, Life in the Balance and Time for Valentine's. Read more...
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Passing the Time, Underground
Photo by myself on the subway.
Many subway riders occupy themselves with games on their cell phones or other devices. Other riders read books or magazines. The rest either sleep or stare off in space.
Once again, subway fares are going up, here in New York.
The once $2 per ride fare will be $2.25, starting today (Sunday). The increase is New York State's solution to the $1.8 billion dollar deficit in the transportation sector.
Bridge and tunnel tolls are going up 10 percent, too. In this economy.
On another note, here's the latest video of our dog Rupert, who just turned 11 months old. There's footage of some typical tug-of-war antics and shenanigans.
I've set up a new spot on the sidebar for his fans.
Enjoy!
Related posts: On Taking Candids, A Much-Needed Nap and The Trains are Hopping. Read more...
Monday, February 16, 2009
Doggone It, Rupert is 6 Months Old
Photo by myself at a Boston Terrier meeting in Soho.
Perhaps 40 or so Boston Terriers convened not too long ago in a pet store. There was much running about, licking, sniffing, prancing and playing. Apologies for the poor photo, these guys could not sit still!
Despite what you might think, there was enough variation in color, markings and collars among the dogs that you could tell where your dog was. It was an exciting couple hours that was enjoyed by all.
Mark and I took Rupert, our Boston Terrier, to a Meet Up for Boston Terriers a week ago.
Typically New Yorkers take their dogs to parks, where they remain on leash, or dog runs, where they can run around off the leash. The dog runs are contained areas typically covered with gravel. Sometimes there are smaller pens nearby where small dogs can play amongst themselves.
These meetings where only one breed of dog meet are different. One in particular is called the Dachshund Parade. Hundreds of dachshunds (those little weiner dogs) meet in Washington Square Park every April and October, and I can only imagine what it's like.
Anyway, here's the latest video from Rupert, who is now 6 months old:
Related posts: Braving the Chill in Bryant Park, Unleashed in Long Island and On Bowling and Critters. Read more...
Monday, January 26, 2009
The Guy with a Cat on His Head
Photo by myself, in Union Square.
A man walked around with his cat on his head Sunday afternoon in Union Square. Despite being windy and very cold, the area was crowded as usual. People stepped aside to let the two pass.
I came home Sunday after doing a little shopping. I told Mark I thought I'd seen it all - cats on leashes, rabbits on leashes, cats on park benches, people wielding pet parrots and pythons.
'Today I saw a guy with a cat on his head.'
'Was he wearing a hat?' I couldn't remember.
'Was there a leash involved?' I hadn't noticed.
On to Google, where we did a search for 'guy with a cat on his head'. We were rewarded with photos of this acrobatic duo in various New York neighborhoods.
Here's a video of the same pair on the Upper West Side, with Broadway behind them. The guy looks a bit hairier but it's obviously the same, stoic cat:
Related posts: Cats on Leashes, The Hills Are Alive In Prospect Park, Brooklyn and Out Getting Some Air. Read more...
