Secret Talents of New York: 11 Performers Lighting Up the Streets

New York City’s vibrant street performance scene is a testament to the city’s diverse cultural landscape. From iconic figures to hidden gems, these performers bring life and energy to the bustling streets and subway stations.

Street performers, also known as buskers, have been an integral part of New York’s urban fabric for generations. They showcase a wide array of talents, including music, dance, comedy, and unique artistic expressions.

In this article, we’ll explore 11 of the best street performers who have made their mark on various New York neighborhoods. Each of these artists has contributed to the city’s rich tapestry of public entertainment and cultural expression.

1. Naked Cowboy (Times Square)

Robert John Burck, better known as the Naked Cowboy, is a Times Square icon. Clad in white underwear, cowboy boots, and a hat, he has been entertaining tourists and locals alike since the late 1990s.

The Naked Cowboy’s act consists of playing guitar and posing for photos with passersby. His unique brand of entertainment has made him one of the most recognizable figures in New York City’s street performance scene.

Despite his provocative stage name, the Naked Cowboy’s performances are family-friendly and have earned him both local and international fame. He has appeared in numerous television shows and commercials, further solidifying his status as a New York City legend.

2. Moondog (Sixth Avenue, Historical Figure)

Louis Thomas Hardin, known professionally as Moondog, was a blind American composer, musician, and poet who was active on Sixth Avenue from the 1940s to the 1970s. His distinctive Viking-inspired costume and unique musical style made him a legendary figure in New York City.

Moondog’s compositions blended Native American rhythms, jazz, classical, and ambient sounds. He invented several musical instruments, including the “oo” and the “uni,” which he often played during his street performances.

Although Moondog passed away in 1999, his legacy as a pioneering street performer and composer continues to inspire musicians and artists worldwide. His contributions to New York’s street performance scene remain an important part of the city’s cultural history.

3. Thoth (Central Park)

Stephen Kaufman, known professionally as Thoth, is a Central Park fixture known for his unique operatic performances. Dressed in a loincloth and feathered headdress, Thoth combines violin playing, singing, and dancing in his one-man “prayformances.”

Thoth’s performances are based on a complex mythology he has created, incorporating elements from various world cultures. His eclectic style and otherworldly presence have made him one of Central Park’s most intriguing and enduring street performers.

In 2002, a documentary about Thoth won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject, bringing wider recognition to his artistry and dedication to street performance.

4. Saw Lady (Subway Stations)

Natalia Paruz, known as the Saw Lady, is a musical saw virtuoso who has been performing in New York City subway stations since the 1990s. Her haunting melodies, produced by bowing a carpenter’s saw, create a unique and ethereal sound that echoes through the underground passages.

The Saw Lady’s performances often include classical pieces and popular songs, demonstrating the versatility of her unusual instrument. Her dedication to this rare art form has earned her a devoted following among New York City commuters and tourists alike.

In addition to her subway performances, Paruz has appeared on numerous television shows and has performed with major orchestras, bringing the musical saw to wider audiences and preserving this unique form of musical expression.

5. Joshua Bell (Subway Experiment)

While not a regular street performer, world-renowned violinist Joshua Bell participated in a famous social experiment in 2007. Dressed as a busker, Bell performed incognito in a Washington D.C. Metro station, playing some of the most challenging classical pieces on his Stradivarius violin.

The experiment, organized by The Washington Post, aimed to explore public perception of beauty and talent in an everyday context. Despite Bell’s virtuosic performance, only a handful of passersby stopped to listen, highlighting the often-overlooked nature of street performances.

This experiment, while not conducted in New York, has had a lasting impact on discussions about street performance and public appreciation of art. It serves as a reminder of the exceptional talent that can be found in unexpected places.

6. Tic and Tac (Washington Square Park)

Tic and Tac, a dynamic acrobatic duo, have been entertaining crowds in Washington Square Park for over two decades. Their high-energy performances combine comedy, dance, and impressive acrobatic feats that captivate audiences of all ages.

Known for their witty banter and audience interaction, Tic and Tac have become beloved figures in the park’s vibrant street performance scene. Their act often includes daring flips, human pyramids, and comic routines that showcase their physical prowess and comedic timing.

Tic and Tac’s longevity and popularity demonstrate the enduring appeal of traditional street performance arts. Their ability to draw and engage large crowds has made them one of New York’s most successful and recognizable street performance acts.

7. Dance Cartel (Various Locations)

The Dance Cartel is a New York-based dance company that frequently takes its performances to the streets. Known for their high-energy, immersive dance experiences, the group blends contemporary dance with pop culture references and audience participation.

Their street performances often pop up in unexpected locations throughout the city, creating spontaneous moments of joy and movement. The Dance Cartel’s approach challenges traditional notions of dance performance, breaking down barriers between performers and audience.

By bringing their artistry to public spaces, the Dance Cartel contributes to the diversity and vibrancy of New York’s street performance scene. Their work exemplifies how contemporary dance can thrive outside of traditional theater settings.

8. Busk NY (Subway Musicians Collective)

Busk NY is not an individual performer but a collective of subway musicians advocating for the rights of performers in New York City’s transit system. The group works to protect and promote the longstanding tradition of music in the subway.

Founded in response to increased policing of subway performers, Busk NY educates musicians about their rights and works with the MTA to ensure fair treatment of performers. Their efforts have helped maintain the subway as a vibrant space for musical expression.

Busk NY’s work highlights the importance of street performance in New York’s cultural landscape and the ongoing challenges faced by performers. Their advocacy ensures that the subway remains a stage for diverse musical talents.

9. Matthew Silver (Union Square)

Matthew Silver is a performance artist known for his eccentric and often thought-provoking acts in Union Square. With his signature long beard and often minimal clothing, Silver’s performances blend comedy, social commentary, and audience interaction.

Silver’s act often includes improvised dance, absurdist monologues, and signs with messages promoting love and anti-materialism. His performances challenge social norms and encourage passersby to question their assumptions about art and society.

Despite the unconventional nature of his performances, Silver has garnered a significant following and has become a recognizable figure in New York’s street art scene. His work embodies the spirit of free expression that characterizes much of the city’s street performance culture.

10. Drum Cafe (Various Parks)

Drum Cafe is a group of percussionists who bring interactive drumming experiences to various parks and public spaces in New York City. Their performances combine traditional African drumming with contemporary rhythms, creating an immersive and participatory experience.

What sets Drum Cafe apart is their focus on audience engagement. They often provide drums to spectators, turning their performances into communal music-making events. This approach breaks down barriers between performers and audience, creating a unique shared experience.

Through their energetic performances and inclusive approach, Drum Cafe contributes to the diversity of New York’s street performance scene. Their work demonstrates the power of music to bring people together in public spaces.

11. The Persuasions (Started as Street Performers)

The Persuasions, while now a renowned a cappella group, began their career as street performers in Brooklyn in the 1960s. Their soulful harmonies and doo-wop style caught the attention of passersby and eventually led to a successful recording career.

The group’s journey from street corners to international stages illustrates the potential for street performance to launch significant musical careers. Their success story has inspired countless other performers to hone their craft in public spaces.

Although The Persuasions are no longer active street performers, their legacy continues to influence New York’s a cappella and street performance scenes. Their story serves as a testament to the talent and potential that can be found on the city’s streets.

Comparative Analysis

Street performers in New York City showcase a wide range of talents and styles, each contributing uniquely to the city’s cultural landscape. From the iconic Naked Cowboy to the ethereal sounds of the Saw Lady, these performers demonstrate the diversity of street art.

Some performers, like Moondog and Thoth, create entirely new art forms, blending multiple disciplines and cultural influences. Others, like Joshua Bell’s subway experiment, challenge our perceptions of art and its context. Groups like Busk NY advocate for the rights of performers, ensuring the continuation of this vital art form.

The longevity of performers like Tic and Tac and the Naked Cowboy speaks to the enduring appeal of street performance. Meanwhile, newer acts like the Dance Cartel show how the art form continues to evolve, incorporating contemporary styles and audience interaction.

Rankings Table

Rank	Performer	Location	Style	Longevity	Audience Interaction	Uniqueness	Cultural Impact
1	Naked Cowboy	Times Square	Music/Comedy	High	High	High	High
2	Moondog	Sixth Avenue	Music/Composition	High	Low	Very High	Very High
3	Thoth	Central Park	Music/Dance/Theater	High	Medium	Very High	High
4	Saw Lady	Subway Stations	Music	High	Low	High	Medium
5	Joshua Bell	Subway (experiment)	Classical Music	Low	Low	Medium	High
6	Tic and Tac	Washington Square Park	Acrobatics/Comedy	High	High	Medium	Medium
7	Dance Cartel	Various	Dance	Medium	Very High	High	Medium
8	Busk NY	Subway	Music/Advocacy	High	Medium	Low	High
9	Matthew Silver	Union Square	Performance Art	Medium	High	Very High	Medium
10	Drum Cafe	Various Parks	Music/Interactive	Medium	Very High	Medium	Medium
11	The Persuasions	Brooklyn (historically)	A Cappella	Very High	Low	Medium	High

What makes a great street performer?

A great street performer combines talent, charisma, and adaptability. They must be skilled in their art form, whether it’s music, dance, or another discipline. Equally important is the ability to engage and captivate an audience in a public setting. Adaptability is crucial, as street performers must be able to adjust their act to different environments and audiences.

How do street performers make money?

Street performers typically make money through voluntary donations from their audience. Some sell merchandise like CDs or t-shirts related to their act. In certain cases, particularly successful performers may receive sponsorships or be hired for private events. However, it’s important to note that income can be unpredictable and varies greatly depending on factors like location, weather, and audience reception.

Are street performances legal in New York City?

Street performances are generally legal in New York City, but there are regulations. Performers must not block pedestrian traffic or create excessive noise. In the subway system, performers must follow MTA rules, which include not performing in certain areas and not using amplification in subway cars. Some locations, like parks, may require permits for certain types of performances.

Who was the most famous street performer in New York?

It’s difficult to definitively name the most famous street performer, as it often depends on personal perspective and the era. However, some of the most well-known include the Naked Cowboy, who has become a Times Square icon, and Moondog, who was a fixture of New York street life for decades and influenced many musicians. The fame of street performers can also extend beyond New York, as seen with The Persuasions.

How has street performance in New York changed over time?

Street performance in New York has evolved significantly over the years. In the early 20th century, it was often associated with immigrant communities sharing their cultural traditions. The 1960s and 70s saw an explosion of creative street art, including performance art and experimental music. Today, street performance has become more regulated, particularly in the subway system, but continues to be a vibrant part of New York’s cultural landscape.

What impact do street performers have on New York City’s culture?

Street performers contribute significantly to New York City’s cultural vibrancy. They provide free entertainment, add character to neighborhoods, and often reflect the city’s diversity. Street performances can transform public spaces into impromptu stages, creating shared experiences for New Yorkers and tourists alike. They also serve as a grassroots platform for artists to develop their craft and potentially launch professional careers.

Conclusion

New York City’s street performers are an integral part of the city’s cultural fabric, bringing art and entertainment to public spaces and enriching the urban experience. From iconic figures like the Naked Cowboy to avant-garde artists like Thoth, these performers represent a diverse range of talents and styles.

The enduring presence of street performers in New York speaks to the city’s longstanding tradition of public art and expression. Despite challenges such as changing regulations and the unpredictability of outdoor performance, street artists continue to thrive, adapting their crafts to new environments and audiences.

As we’ve seen through this exploration of 11 notable performers, street performance in New York is more than just entertainment – it’s a vital form of cultural expression, a launching pad for artistic careers, and a unique way for the city’s residents and visitors to engage with art in their daily lives.