NEW YORK—The city hosts a variety of musicians and artists who bring a dash of life to quiet subway rides, parks, and otherwise dull subway stations. These street performers range in genre from break dancing to poetry reading and the serene playing of a violin.
Tracey Maher, 37, studio administrator, Manhattan
“Theo Eastwind is my favorite. He has a CD out and plays pretty often at Union Square. He plays folk guitar and pop.”
Drew Har, 22, student farmer, New Jersey
“I really like the mariachi singers, the accordion player, and the break dancers. I really like street performance in general. It's a great way to use public spaces. It makes community space in what would otherwise be just a public area.”
John Colon, 34, advertising, Brooklyn
“Probably the homeless guys. There's two who play the drums with water containers—it's like improvising with garbage. There's also a magician I like.”
Chatdalin Sinthorn, 17, student, Queens
“I like the drummers. They're usually in the 4, 5, 6, or L trains. They just kind of add their own spice to the trains. They wake you up in the morning and give New York subway rides more of an urban feel.”
Criston Flores, 17, student, Queens
“I don't really have a favorite. I just sleep on the subways and find it annoying when they wake me up. I just don't like it when they're on the trains—they're fine outside.”
Torrell Vinson, 21, film student, Manhattan
“The only ones I notice are the break dancers. They're all really vocal. I like them all really [street performers], but don't pay much attention to them since it's New York.”