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MTA Concludes Auditions for 35th Anniversary of Music Under New York Program

Fifty-four artists competed for 20 coveted subway performance slots as rising underground crime shapes musicians' safety strategies.

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Playing the tenor sax during the 35th annual Music Under New York auditions.

Overview

  • The Music Under New York program celebrated its 35th anniversary with auditions on May 14 at Grand Central Madison, featuring 54 performers selected from 130 applicants.
  • Judges evaluated artists on quality, genre diversity, and suitability for the subway environment, with final selections for 20 new acts to be announced in June.
  • The program currently includes over 350 performers delivering approximately 10,000 shows annually across 40+ designated subway locations.
  • Subway crime remains a concern, with felony assaults up 9% year-over-year and 55% since 2019, influencing performers to prioritize stations with visible police presence.
  • Last year’s attack on cellist Iain S. Forrest at Herald Square highlighted ongoing safety risks for subway performers, prompting calls for improved security measures.