Here I am in Union Square station. I follow my ears to the bluegrass music I hear on the yellow line platform. As I get closer I realize it is my friend Maggie along with the guitarist from her band Spirit Family Reunion. I say hello and start filming, figuring this would be the perfect opportunity to give them some publicity and get some awesome bluegrass up on the blog. After I finish filming the first song, I realize a man had walked up behind me and was sketching the musical duo. I ask him if I could film him as he draws and he says yes. And so here is my video of caricature artist Kenly Dillard sketching Spirit Family Reunion as they jam out in the subway. Enjoy!

NYC got a much needed pick-me-up yesterday with the 10th annual No Pants Subway Ride, organized by our friends at Improv Everywhere. Several groups of pantless pranksters rode various subway lines and converged at Union Square Park.

The Pro-Pants Alliance was back once again to administer free pants tests, distribute pamphlets and even give out pairs of pants in hopes of converting the pantless to the warm side.

There was a blast of energy running through the city last night. A bit of goofy fun is just what we needed after going stir crazy these past few weeks with the snow and cold weather.

The Xylopholks jammed out underground amidst the chaos.

A band called Atomic Tom performing their song called “Take Me Out” live in the subway… with iPhones! I think Apple should make this their next TV commercial.

via NY Times Bits

Graffiti and Hip Hop are supposed to go hand in hand, but it’s actually quite rare to see a direct relation between these two cultures; the music video above by Meyhem Lauren is atypical in this respect. The song’s lyrics and the stunning visuals give a wonderful insight into the world of graffiti writing. Watch it now!

What’s next, a thirteen piece subway didgeridoo ensemble?

Photo by Phill Romano

When visual journalist, Kate Lord moved to New York in February, she was immediately intrigued by the musicians of the city’s transit system. “People just don’t burst into song in a crowded place in Charlotte, North Carolina,” she said of her hometown. Featured in this post are several photos from her ongoing project on subway musicians. The image above is of Marques Toliver, one of Kate’s favorite underground musicians. Press play below to listen to one of his songs, Sights and Sounds of the City as you enjoy the sight of Kate’s amazing photographs.

Sights and Sounds of the City by Marques Toliver

[Kate Lord's Photo Blog]

[Marques Toliver's My Space]

There’s another Subway Show coming up with an interesting new twist. This time around attendees will meet on the 7 train at Times Square and sing along to train-themed covers like Ozzy Osbourne’s Crazy Train and Soul Asylum’s Runaway Train during the ride. Once the train arrives at Flushing Meadows Park, there will be a mass migration to the World’s Fair globe for a show with the Eskalators and friends.

[Subway Show #5 - Sat, June 27, 5pm]

]]> http://subwayartblog.com/2009/06/18/subway-show-5/feed/ 0 http://subwayartblog.com/2009/06/07/dan-deacon-under-the-m-train/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dan-deacon-under-the-m-train http://subwayartblog.com/2009/06/07/dan-deacon-under-the-m-train/#comments Sun, 07 Jun 2009 13:30:24 +0000 Jowy Romano http://subwayartblog.com/?p=266

I always find myself watching videos on YouTube of various DIY subway events in envy of the attendees.  This time, though, I was able to make it to a pretty cool subway show.  The same night as the Crash/Daze gallery opening, a bit deeper east into Brooklyn, Dan Deacon and friends put on a very energetic electro show under the M train at Myrtle Avenue.  Check out the video they put together above.

It looks like the subway show was a blast!  We couldn’t make it this time, but we eagerly await more events like this.  Check out the link below for more photos.

[Subway Show 4 - Hellanina's Flickr]