Give it up to the Metro-North for the most rhapsodic lede you’ll read all day:
The sound of harmonious voices and musical instruments from across the globe echoed into the granite halls of Grand Central Terminal today as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority held its 25th annual auditions for its Music Under New York (MUNY) program.
Open to the public, around 70 acts–from an all-female mariachi band to a woodwinds quintet to a bluegrass trio–got five minutes to perform in front of a panel of judges consisting of musicians, performing arts professionals and MTA representatives.
There was R&B, jazz, gospel and more, banged out on classical piano, violin, accordion, ukulele, vibraphone, steel drums, harp and balafon.
Yes, balafon.
“I love seeing the way New Yorkers enjoy the Music Under New York program,” said MTA Chairman Joseph J. Lhota. “Some people just like a quick pick-me-up after a long day’s work. Some people get really into these groups as they stop and listen. But it always puts a smile on peoples’ faces.”
The MTA will announce the names of the musicians who have been accepted to perform in the train stations just after Memorial Day.
Currently, MUNY has more than 350 individuals and groups on its roster, performing 7,500 weekly performances in 25 transit locations around the City.
Indeed, these musicians do put a smile on my face, especially the ‘Saw Lady’ http://youtu.be/lPvTTc7jAVQ who has a contagious smile on her own face
I love relaxing to her angelic sounds while waiting for the #6 train.