What's MY Inspiration?

Here's the short I created and premiered at last night's Hudson Opera House concert. It's about my experience performing in the underground of NYC. Here are the things I see, the people I meet and the moments that turn my music in collaboration with commuters into it's own version of public art. And why I created the Inspiration Project.

Inspirations from people I meet, spontaneous jams with other artists. Life, humanity and human connection. Filmed throughout NYC subway and train stations by NYCSubwayGirl.

words and music Cathy Grier singerfish publishing SESAC

Question Of Desire, Keep You Out, Cool Trick, Jungle.

Leonie- Graybar; Jeremy- Graybar; Vicky- Grand Central mezzanine; Ruth - Columbus circle; Jimmy-Grand Central mezz; Valerie- Graybar; Graham- 34th st; Fidel-42nd @6th; Sarah-LIRR; Aubrey Lynch-LIRR; Michael Zaleski- Shuttle; Nancy-LIRR; Michael- Grand Central mezz; Cathy- SI ferry terminal; Sonia, German student- Shuttle; Richard Green- Columbus Circle; Jessie- Graybar; Myah -Union SQ; Terry-Union Square; Michael- Grand Central mezzanine; Qainat- Shuttle; Jorge - Columbus Circle; Mustafa- LIRR

and musicians, Break dancers, Poet Myah, Cathy sings duet Amazing Grace, Joshua bucket drummer,Justin sings duet-You've Got A Friend-Carole King, Ray saxophone and Don The Shoe Dude.

Music Under NY auditions Wednesday May 16

Wednesday is the annual Music Under New York auditions held all day in the Vanderbilt Hall of Grand Central Station.  I was lucky enough to get an audition back in 1999 and am proud to still be a member of such a wonderful program.

This year I'll be one of the many judges and look forward to hearing the different musical acts vying for a slot in the MUNY program.  For a truly NYC experience come and witness the art of performing in public spaces.  It will not disappoint.

Wednesday May 16th Grand Central Terminal Vanderbilt Hall 9-3pm

WNYC our amazing public radio station is calling for video and photo submissions of your favorite subway performer.  I know of so many fantastic performers, you pass them every day.  It would be wonderful if you come and find me too and capture it for the WNYC audience. follow the link and submit. 

here are my 2010 and 2011 audition clips:

2011

2010

Thula Sizwe Inspired Ferry crowd

While performing at SI ferry terminal, a group arrived with some gorgeous large African drums, colorful shirts and warm glowing smiles. They came over and performed a song for people awaiting the 3:30 ferry. Little by little the crowds drew closer until they filled the area in front of the group. This clip is an excerpt and I could only film from my vantage point (I still had my guitar on and was frozen in my feet with amazement).

I later learned the group Thula Sizwe was in America thanks to a wonderful organization Bridges Of Peace and Hope.

Enjoy.

What's Your Inspiration?

Bridges of Peace and Hope is an international network of teachers, students, and friends collaborating on creative, arts in education projects that promote respect, understanding, and communication. You can like them on facebook