Jessica's Street Performers
SepTue 2010 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
What’s his deal: Plays the alto saxophone
Why he’s cool: What’s not to love about a man and his sax?
Where to find him: Playing in Union Square
Brief history on the saxophone: Alto saxophone history begins in 1840 with the Belgian, Adolphe Sax, who invented the musical instrument in that year. Sax was a music student at the Brussels Conservatory. He played the clarinet and the flute and studied instrument making from his father. In fact, his father had a part in designing the rotary valves used on trumpets and other brass instruments.
Sax thought his “saxhorn” would combine the elements of a brass instrument with a woodwind, and thus work well in orchestras and military bands, and it does. Popular musicians, however, have made it best known for use in jazz and other popular styles.
Watch as he plays “In A Sentimental Mood” by Duke Ellington...
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Jessica's Street Performers
AugTue 2010 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
What’s his deal: A vocalist with a kick pedal and a banjo
Why he’s cool: Morgan debuted a full-length recording called “Nine Lives”
Where to find him: http://www.myspace.com, http://facebook.com
A capable one man band, Morgan is often accompanied around the globe by a revolving door of inspirational musicians such as fiddle player Ferd Moyse of the Hackensaw boys, Dobro player Ezekiel Healy, Banjo "ninja" Philip Roebuck, singer/songwriters Domino Kirke, Zack Orion, and cellist Ben Sollee.
Jessica's Street Performers
AugMon 2010 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
What’s his deal: Plays electric violin
Why he’s cool: Has a great project called “Paganini XXI Century" solo project
Where to find him: http://www.blackviolin.com/
The all-instrumental "Paganini XXI Century" is dedicated to showcasing my playing style and the technical aspects of it while also giving me an opportunity to fully express my emotions. Based in the tradition of both classical music and rock, it offers to a listener a rare glimpse into the progress the violin can achieve as an instrument by going along with the advancements of the modern era.
Watch “Night of the Slunk” (filmed by David J. Rathbon)
Jessica's Street Performers
JulMon 2010 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
What’s her deal: She’s a singer/songwriter and pianist.
Why she’s cool: Writes and records her own songs in her homemade studio.
Where to find her: Myspace.com/maryelizabethgrimes
“Music always has been one of the most important things in my life. I love to play anywhere for any occasion!” Watch as she performs Summertime at the Central Park Bandshell.
Jessica's Street Performers
JunTue 2010 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
What’s the deal: Here’s the Official NY Michael Jackson Tribute!
Website: youtube
Directed by: Louis De Cavnes and Dominiqe Filhol
Playing Michael Jackson: Moses Harper
Other Dancers: Nicholas D’Aurizio, Meita Harahap, Shariyf Clark and volunteers
Last Friday, June 25th, was the one year anniversary of Michael Jackson’s passing. What better way to celebrate this week’s NY street performers than with the official Michael Jackson Flash Mob Tribute. We think they did a brilliant job!
Jessica's Street Performers
JunMon 2010 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
What’s the deal: 60 pianos will be placed throughout the city for anyone to play, for free!
When: Starting Monday June 21st to July 5th.
Website: singforhope.com
Where to find them: Landmarks such as Lincoln Center, Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park. For locations: streetpianos.com
Cool Fact: The effort is being supported by everyone from Alicia Keys to actress Lauren Ambrose and Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Play Me, I’m Yours is an art installation that's touring the world. Each piano will have its own attendant who'll unlock the keyboard every day at 9 a.m. and remove the protective tarp. The pianos were donated, painted and decorated by artists.
Jessica's Street Performers
JunMon 2010 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
Their Thing: A furry group of musicians who play novelty ragtime music while wearing furry animal costumes.
Website: http://www.myspace.com/xylopholks
Where we found them: Union Square
Contact: xylopholks@gmail.com
What’s not to love about a group whose wish is to make people happy and perhaps even dance?
Jessica's Street Performers
MayMon 2010 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
His Thing: Voguing like nobody’s business
Cool Fact: He’s the father of the House of Ninja, a post given to him by the late Willi Ninja of Paris is Burning fame.
Cool Fact #2: He also appeared as coach and judge on America’s Next Top model.
Where we found them: Union Square
Watch as Benny Ninja turns it out...
Jessica's Street Performers - Part 2
MayMon 2010 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
Her Thing: Violinist
Cool Fact: She began violin lessons at the age of 7 and was sent to study with Michael Davis at the age of 13.
Cool Fact #2: Megan has collaborated with VulpesVulpes, The Winston Jazz Routine and Perhapsy.
Where we found her: Union Square
Where to find her: myspace.com/meganfayeviolin
Jessica's Street Performers
AprMon 2010 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
Their Thing: Performance Artist
Cool Fact: Roger G has appeared & performed with Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder & Lionel Richie.
Cool Fact #2: Was in Michael Jackson’s Bad Video & Jay Z’s 99 Problems.
Where we found them: Union Square
Where you can find them: http://www.myspace.com/uniqueforce
Video: youtube
A native of Brooklyn, New York, Roger G is a man of many talents - from rap to hip-hop to mime to native Australian dance, musical production and dance skating.
Jessica's Street Performers
AprTue 2010 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
Members: Bobby, Joey & Gary
Their Sound: Folk American, Blues & Soul
Where we found them: Union Square
Where you can find them: http://www.myspace.com/thomaswesleystern, http://www.youtube.com/joemack
Contact: jm3433@nyu.edu
“We love taking the old sounds and making them new and fun again”
Here them play their own original song titled When God Come
Jessica's Street Performers
AprMon 2010 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
His Sound: Pianist
Cool fact #1: Self-proclaimed World’s Happiest Boy
Where we found them: Union Square Subway
Contact: thepowerofthehands@yahoo.com
Jessica's Street Performers
AprMon 2010 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
Where: The Greene Space
MC’d by: Radio host Terrance McKnight
Battle of the Boroughs is a showdown series designed to bring out the best undiscovered bands and ensembles of all genres in the five boroughs. Artists initially selected by WNYC judges, performed this past Friday to stay in the competition to represent Manhattan.
One of our absolute favorites Cathy Grier, aka NYC Subway Girl, was selected as one of the artists to compete (and seem to be the only subway performer). If she’s selected as one of the top five, she will move on to the next round. Ultimately, top performers from each borough will compete and one final artist will be selected for a solo gig at The Greene Space this Summer.
Cathy Grier has quickly become a good friend of ours and we were thrilled when she invited us to this event. If her performance we recorded below doesn’t blow you away, then I don’t know what will.
UPDATE from Cathy Grier: “I’m thrilled to share that I've made it to the next round of WNYC's Battle Of The Boroughs with 4 other finalists. The Friday night event was great fun with 9 other groups of talented musicians and a fantastic audience.”
Voting is now up to the internet audience. If you want to go directly to vote for Cathy Grier,
aka NYC Subway Girl, go to this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/R2YVBSQ.
Jessica's Street Performers Series
MarMon 2010 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
Their Sound: String Band
Cool fact #1: Influences include Uncle Dave Macon, The Carter Family, Missippi Sheiks.
Cool fact #2: They play old songs, imitations and variations.
Where we found them: Washington Square Park.
Contact: www.myspace.com/thebvds
Jessica's Street Performers Series
MarMon 2010 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
Heidi, originally from DC, often described as a Renaissance woman, is a singer/songwriter, actress, dancer and voiceover artist.
1. Why we think she’s cool: Just released her book, The Subway Diaries.
1. Cool fact #1: Influences include Bill Withers, Eva Cassidy & Don Henley.
3. Cool fact #2: She’s also a stunt person for film/TV.
4. Where we found her: Union Square.
5. Contact: www.twitter.com/heidikole
www.thesubwaydiaries.com
www.bohemiantherapypublishing.com
Listen to her perform Ain’t Nobody by Chaka Khan
Jessica's Street Performer's Series
MarMon 2010 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
As St. Patrick’s Day is this Wednesday, we ran into Malcolm Murray, a Scotish musician who strongly feels that “for the month of April, we’re all Irish temporarily.”
1. His sound: Plays the Great Highland bagpipe from Scotland which has also been adopted by Ireland.
2. How long has he been laying: For 30 Years.
3. Cool Fact: Gets equal requests for both funerals and weddings.
4. Where we found him: Union Square outside Barnes and Noble.
5. contact: malgremor@yahoo.com
Jessica's Street Performer's Series
MarMon 2010 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
photo by Janice Muscio
1. Their sound: These brothers transform public spaces into sound labs.
2. How do they do it: They use live looping and an array of effects to explore sonic textures.
3. Cool Fact: They spent most of their youth stuck backstage at the Hollywood Bowl listening to their classical flute-playing father rip it up with the L.A. Philharmonic.
4. Cool Fact #2: The boys were also featured in the forthcoming Documentary film, Playing For Keeps (2010).
5. Where to find them: hethandjed.com
Jessica's Street Performer's Series
MarMon 2010 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
1. Her sound: Folked Up Blues
2. How long has she been around: Has participated in MTA's "Music Under New York" program for 10 years.
3. Why she's different: Co-founded Synergy Records in 1980 as one of the few female-headed independent record companies of its time.
4. Fun fact: Sang with a 14-piece band in the Paris Opera at the Hermes/Rostropovich wedding.
5. Where to find her: Favorite venues are underground in the subway stations, which inspired her blog/website, nycsubwaygirl.com
As this week is our 20th issue, I wanted to have someone really special. I started to go through some of the past musicians we’ve featured, and one of my absolute favorites is Cathy Grier. She’s got energy like nobody else and always “brings it.” As you will see in the video below, she’s a great supporter of her fellow musicians. Not to mention, she’s been a cool supporter of The Five Outsiders. So once again, I present to you Cathy Grier!
Grand Central Mezzanine Jam - nycsubwaygirl
video is courtesy of Cathy Grier at nysubwaygirl.com
Jessica's Street Performer's Series - Thalys Peterson
FebMon 2010 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
Things to know about Thalys Peterson
1. What’s his deal: He’s a Brazilian guitar player
2. Cool Fact: Has been playing since he was 12 years old.
3. Cool Fact #2: Moved from Curichiba, Brazil almost two years ago.
4. Cool Fact #3: He’ll do weddings, events & parties.
5. Where to find him: caught him at Union Square Station.
6. Contact: thalyspeterson@hotmail.com
Jessica's Street Performer's Series - Colin Huggins
FebTue 2010 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
Things to know about Colin Huggins
Plays the acoustic piano IN THE SUBWAY!!!!-(the inside of my chest lept into my throat while listening. for me it was the most magical subway experience I've had in NY.)
1. What’s his deal: Pianist-Rock Star-World's Happiest Man
3. Cool Fact: He's the music director for the Joffrey Ballet School
4. Where to find him: caught him at West 4th Street Station
5. Contact: Thecrazypianouy@gmail.com
Check out this great clip of him here: www.youtube.com
Jessica's Street Performer's Series - The Raices Group
FebMon 2010 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
Things to know about The Raices Group
1. What’s his deal: In 1992, a group of talented musicians from Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador joined together with the desire to express their nostalgia and feelings of longing for their respective homelands. And with this, Raices group was formed.
2. Cool Fact: They have performed in medium and large concerts halls such as Avery Fisher Hall, Symphony Space Townhall and Carnegie Hall.
3. Where to find him: Union Square, For upcoming events check out their website: raicesgroup.com
Jessica's Street Performer's Series - Peter Joseph Paul
FebMon 2010 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
Things to know about Peter Joseph Paul
1. What’s his deal: He’s a high-tech one man band!
2. Cool Fact: He’s a multi-instrumentalist who plays full and complex drumbeats with his feet while playing acoustic guitar and singing, all at the same time.
3. Cool Fact #2: Peter is a serious, prolific songwriter and writes an average of 400 songs annually, complete with full arrangements, lyrics and music.
4. Cool Fact #3: His setup consists of four bass drum pedals, four electronic drum triggers using 24 bit real time drum, percussion, and musical instrument sound samples available in his drum computer.
5. Where to find him: 42nd Street Station, Time Square
Check him out as he jams to “Hey Jude”.
Jessica's Street Performer's Series - Will & Becky
JanSat 2010 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
Things to know about Will & Becky
1. What’s their deal: A guitar and violin duo that plays pop music; everything from Duke Ellington to Michael Jackson
2. Why they’re cool: They met in private school when they were just 13 years old.
3. Cool Fact #2: Reconnected at their high school reunion and have been dating for a year now and performing as a duo for only a few months.
Check out this medley of "In a Sentimental Mood" and "When I'm Sixty-four"
Jessica's Street Performers - Breeze Team Dancers
JanMon 2010 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
Things to know about Breeze Team Dancers
1. What’s their deal: He’s "the Cajun Cellist"
2. Why they’re cool: They’ve been performing in NYC and abroad for the past twenty years. The performance include breaking, popping, locking, hip-hop, reggae, gymnastics, and comedy.
3. Cool Fact #2: They’re willing to travel up to 300 miles out of New York to entertain you!
4. Where to find him: In and around the New York sreets. You can also check this video out on myspace.
Jessica's Street Performers - Sean Grissom
JanMon 2010 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
Things to know about Sean Grissom
1. What’s his deal: He’s "the Cajun Cellist"
2. Why he’s cool: He designed and made his own electric cello.
3. Cool Fact #2: A trained teacher of the Suzuki approach
4. Cool Fact #3: Hosts an annual "Holiday Vaudeville" show on the Millenium Stage at The Kennedy Center.
3. Where to find him: In and around the New York subways. You can also check this video out on Youtube.
Jessica's Street Performer's Series - Frank Picarazzi
JanMon 2010 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
Things to know about Francesco Picarazzi
1. What’s his deal: He’s an accomplished vibraphonist and percussion soloist.
2. Why he’s cool: He was the recipient of the 2000 American Music Center Margaret Fairbank Jory prize for his composition "Struggle in Microcosm", a quintet for mixed ensemble.
2. Cool Fact #2: He was featured in the movie, Adrift to Manhattan.
3. Where to find him: In and around the New York subways
Jessica's Street Performer's Series - Ralph U. Williams
DecMon 2009 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
Things to know about Ralph U. Williams:
1. What’s his deal: Plays the Tenor Saxophone
2. Why he’s cool: Regina Spektor chose him as her "Prez" on the Billie Holiday tribute recording titled, "Lady." [Begin to Hope (CD Sire)]
3. Where to find him: Along "The Mall" in Central Park.
Ralph was a much appreciated accompaniment to the crisp atmosphere in Central Park on Christmas day.
Jessica's Street Performer's Series - "The Saw Lady"
DecMon 2009 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
Things to know about Natalia Paruz “The Saw Lady”:
1. What’s her deal: Plays
2. Why she’s cool: Organized a Saw Players Convention with 55 musicians performed as a group and made it into the Guiness Book of World Records..
3. Where to find her: http://www.sawlady.com/
NOTE: As we normally produce our own videos, we weren’t happy with the quality of our video that day. So with the permission of Mike Kobal and Natalia, we decided it was much better to use this amazing video from Mike Kobal Films.
Jessica's Street Performer's Series - The Meetles
DecMon 2009 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
Things to know about The Meetles:
1. What’s their deal: Beatles and 60's music tribute band
2. Why they’re cool: They really draw a crowd. The subway riders really love them.
3. Where to find him: They play almost every weekend underground, often at Times Square Station.
www.myspace.com/meetles
Jessica's Street Performer's Series - Select Blendz
DecMon 2009 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
Things to know about Select Blendz:
1. What’s their deal: Acapella soul singers!
2. Why they’re cool: Their harmonies are pure honey perfection.
3. Where to find him: Performing all over the city.
Check out their performance of “My Girl” here on Youtube.
Jessica's Street Performer's Series - Ray King
NovMon 2009 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
Ray King
Things to know about Ray King:
1. He plays: Percussion (Random Object)
2. How long has he been around: Started making music ten years ago. Began playing in Time Square with some friends.
3. Where to find him: Union Square station on the uptown train.
Jessica's Street Performer's Series - James Johnson
NovMon 2009 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
Jessica's Street Performers - Maestro Moses Josiah
NovMon 2009 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
5 things to know about Maestro Moses Josiah:
1. Why he's cool: He plays the freakin' saw!
2. Why the saw is cool: In the subway, you hear the saw singing before you see it - sounds like a soprano opera diva!
3. Where's he from: A coastal village in Guyana where as a teenager he taught himself to play on his father's saw.
4. Cool fact: His saw, which was once gold plated, is engraved "Maestro Moses Josiah, the Master Sawyer."
5. Where can I find his music: Check out his version of "Imagine" on YouTube, which is a fan & straphanger favorite!
Jessica's Street Performers Series - Tin Pan Blues Band
NovMon 2009 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
Members Include:
Jesse Selengut - vocals/trumpet/guitar
Clifton Hyde - vocals/guitars/producer
Pete "Baby Hands" Maness - vocals/acoustic bass
Stefan Zeniuk - saxaphones/clarinets
Dancers
\ - George Yi and partner Akemi Kinukawa
5 things to know about Tin Pan Blues Band:
1. Their sound: American roots music featuring elements of jazz, blues, country and rock3.
2. Cool Fact: They've had television performances on The Today Show, NY1 and Fox News
3. Cool Fact #2: Clifton Hyde is a Mississippi native who has played with Lou Reed, Debbie Harry & The Blue Man Group
4. Where have they performed: Joe's Pub, Guggenheim Museum, Guests for Michael Bloomberg & Louis Armstrong House Museum.
5. Where can I find out about their music: tinpanbluesband.com & Online distribution with Itunes, CDbaby, Best Buy
Jessica's Street Performers Series - Paul Mueller
OctMon 2009 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
Paul Mueller - Mecca Bodega5 Things to know about Paul Mueller:
1. What's the deal: Co-founder of NYC based percussion group Mecca Bodega with brother Marc Mueller
2. Paul's sound: Plays hammered Dulcimer, an ancient instrument from Persia that influenced the invention of the modern day piano.
3. Cool Fact: The brothers have composed for directors Spike Lee and Jonathan Demme
4. Where to see him perform: Mecca Bodega performs regularly at several local music festivals as well as underground at Tmes Square and Penn Station as part of the MTA Arts for Transit program.
5. Where can I find his music: Mp3 downloads available for purchase on-line at www.meccabodega.com
Jessica's Street Performers Series
OctSun 2009 Filed in: Jessica's Street Performers
(guitarist/Keyboardist/Composer)
5 Things to know about Geo:
1. Originally from: Ecuador
2. His sound: Latin-spanish Fusion
3. Members: Jose Juan (wooden bongos) & Valeriy Zhmud (Violin)
4. He was selected by: Music Under New York - MTA's effort to promote quality music throughout the transit system.
5. Where to see him perform: Union Square & Time Square
For more information on Geovanni Suquillo visit:
myspace/newyorkgeo
Day Trippin' with Jess
OctMon 2009 Filed in: Write-ups
"I'm here on Lafayette Avenue in Fort Greene, Brooklyn to begin one of my lazy afternoon strolls..."
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