Street Performers: NYC’s Elevator Music

A solo guitarist strums in Times Square.

By Teyahna Pridgen

Along with iconic buildings, centers of urban and high fashion, and great places to eat, New York is a city known for its artistry. They say if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. Not all artists get their shot at stardom, but their talents become the background music for New Yorkers’ lives.

Musicians flock to the streets of New York, begging to be heard, knowing that even if you may not look, you may still hear their music. Street performers are as New York as Macy’s on 34th, Times Square, or the Empire State Building, and their numbers are growing.

You could buy tickets for a show at the Met, Carnegie Hall, or Madison Square Garden, or you could simply take a walk around the city and listen for the passionate sounds of an undiscovered singer, guitarist, or band. The best part? It’s completely free! Although, you still should never forget to tip!

The Caribbean rhythms from this man’s steel pan are heard throughout the 34th Street station. He jokes and laughs with travelers between songs.

A Latina singer-guitarist sings about peace and harmony in Spanish.

A saxophone-snare drum duo performs in Union Square.

A 13-year old percussionist, Joshua, plays on the 2 train heading to the Bronx. He says he hopes to use donations to buy his own drum set.

Peter Joseph at 34th Street-Herald Square plays electric guitar, drums, and vocals all at once.

A solo guitarist plays Latin Jazz music for travelers as they pass by.

Some do it for money, some do it for fun, but up and coming singer Von Middleton performs in the train station for exposure.

A soloist brings culture to the 42nd Street train platform with his Erhu, a Chinese string instrument.

People look on as a political band performs in Union Square in the late afternoon.