Busking Hopefuls Audition for Shot at Big Time: The Subway

Yesterday, for the 23rd year in a row, musicians gathered at Grand Central Terminal to audition for a chance to perform for free in the Big Show: The NYC Transit System. Although it's legal to perform in the subway system (in accordance with certain rules), try telling that to a transit cop. (We have.) But when you've got an official Music Under New York [MUNY] banner, the sky's the limit. As one hopeful told the Post, "It means the cops won’t chase you away or ticket you." MUNY approval also means prime real estate.

There are about 30 locations throughout the transit system designated as MUNY performance spots; the MTA-run organization schedules thousands of performances at these choice locations throughout the year. The best spots are in commuter-packed subway stations like Times Square and Herald Square, and competition for these locations is fierce, especially around the holidays, when a performer can make upwards of $100 an hour from donations.

This year MUNY received over 300 submissions, from which 68 were invited to audition for about 25 slots, judged by a panel of active MUNY musicians, music industry professionals, and MTA reps. Meanwhile, the rejects had to accept the fact that they can't even get an audition to perform in the subway. But some keep coming back year after year—this was the third audition for musician Natalie Gelman, who told the Post, "I was on tour for the past four months all over the country. But I can't get in to this." The subway's tough, honey—don't quit your day job... as a professional musician.

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By John Del Signore in Arts & Entertainment on May 12, 2010 3:27 PM

Comments [rss]

Strapper

Theo Eastwind is MY favorite. http://TheoEastwind.com

Artistic performances in the subway truly brightens commuters day.

Be it drummers or saws or simply AMAZING talent such as Theo Eastwind. It affirms strongly the foundation on which our country was built. Long live Freedom. Long live busking.

There are plenty of countries to move to if you like oppression and censorship.

Sincerely,

Strapper

610dean

If the girl at 51st and Lex (you know with the massive escalator) who sings like Madonna from the 80s isn't MUNY... then there is no justice in the world. She genuinely has a fantastic voice.

Michelle

I like Edwardo! (to alice17 above) I also like the 'Saw Lady' http://www.sawlady.com/blog The bucket drummers don't play with a permit, I don't think (to jpeditor above).

alice17

So does that mean that Eduardo, the super creepy old guy with the dancing dolls, auditions and wins a permit every year? I have to say he freaks me out a little.

Strapper

He only had to audition once.:) Fair comment:)

ganghiscon

Oh, Professor Eduardo Alvardo! I love that guy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yJUl39ludQ

jpeditor

Whichever MTA moron approves those bucket drummers should be chained to a post for a week in front of them.

Strapper

The founding fathers approved it via the constitution.

I guess you missed your chance. Maybe its time for you

to migrate somewhere else. Freedom might not be "for" you.:)

Gwinny

Nobody approves those. They aren't part of this program. And yes, they suck.

Kojak

" when a performer can make upwards of $100 an hour from donations."

Shit. Now I know how much that damn flute player at Penn Station makes. He probably drives home in an Audi S5