The global pandemic has changed a lot about New York City, but busking is one of the few things that has remained a constant. Street performers are back in business, bringing live music to the masses to heal and lift spirits and earn some cash.
A trio in Washington Square Park performs “Follow You Follow Me”by Genesis — a song about the security of support and comfort through love for another. Passersby drop dollars and coins into the open cello case, pausing to glimpse up at the musicians and attempt to make an obvious smile through their masks.
Photos by Avery Schuyler Nunn
Over at the John Lennon Memorial in Central Park’s Strawberry Fields, a busker plays song after song by The Beatles.
The guitarist strums while singing the lyrics, “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you will join us, and the world will live as one,”and a fatigued listener nods his head with eyes closed, saying, “We really are all dreamers.” Those surrounding him nod and clap in agreement.
As always, Beatles’ music can also be heard downtown in Washington Square Park, where a man performs “And I Love Her ”by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Passerby stop to watch, and a young couple holds hands on the bench across, gently kissing as they listen and cheer on the man with the sax.
A man busking in Central Park performs “Three Little Birds”by Bob Marley, “Cause every little thing, is gonna be all right!”
This man in Central Park pours his heart, soul and smiles into an original piece, catching the eyes and ears of passersby.
In the Bethesda Terrace Arcade in Central Park, this performer gently strums the wistful, nostalgic and dream-sparking theme from The Princess Bride, “Storybook Love.”