Traveling from Staten Island to Baruch College, I always get to see at least 2 street performances. This is why most of the time I end up with no change for my bag of chips or the extra dollar to buy myself a drink between breaks. It's because I love the street performers and performances so much, I am bound to give them some support/ contribution (money). Whether the the performers are playing an instrument, doing magic tricks, dancing, or singing, they're usually not given the attention as they deserve, which upsets me many times. Although some people might see them as hustlers(which is totally wrong, in my perspective), such as my friend, in truth, they're just trying to earn a living while enjoying something they really like. They want to share their talents with NYC, so why not support them?

Think about how fortunate we, as students going to school in NYC, are in being able to watch such incredible and talented people perform FOR FREE. Instead of spending time and going to concerts, which I do myself, one can simply just step into the streets or subway on the way to work or school in NYC, mainly Manhattan, and stumble upon FANTASTIC street performers do their thing on the way to where ever you're heading to!

One group I notice and like the most is the acapella group containing 5 men that usually performs in front of the Whitehall Ferry terminal and believe me, they're just as good as the ones you might see on T.V. They're voices are amazing and they have such great rhythm.They make their own beats with their voices (hence Acapella) and their voices match very well with eachother. It's too hard not to stop and watch them perform and move your feet and sometimes your head along with their beat and rhythm, even though you might be late for work or school. It's even harder not to contribute. Watch the video of them below!

Another street performance I encountered and was shocked by it, was the breakdancers in the subway. They're athleticism is unmatched and ridiculously superior. As you can see in the video from below, they do flips and freezes ( a breakdance term) so precise and seemingly effortless. They also did a move, which might blow your mind, the human wheel. Not only did they roll through the entire cart from front to end, they dodged the poles set in the middle. However, the passengers hardly payed any attention to them as they deserve. Nonetheless, they are great performers and a necessity in NYC because its known to be diverse in every aspect.

Suggestions to encounter Street Performers: Whitehall Ferry Terminal, 42nd street train station (there's usually a band or singer there), 14th street train station (extremely good singer/Chinese instrument player), and Bowling Green train station (singer). There are plenty more throughout NYC and many times they might just come onto your train.

(Both videos do not belong to me. ENJOY!)

5 Men Acapella

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UQhVEnvf7I

2 Men Breakdance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4e_eiuiWvps