For Musicians, It’s a New Gig Economy

For Musicians, It’s a New Gig Economy

From opera and classical to hip-hop, out-of-work musicians find inspiration—and even a little money—in a network of pop-up street performances across the city. g

Opera(ˈäp(ə)rə) singers delivered arias(ˈärēə) from the balcony(ˈbalkənē) of a historic Victorian(vikˈtôrēən) house to a masked audience on the street below. In Prospect(ˈpräˌspekt) Park, jazz(jaz) combos(ˈkämbō) played for onlookers sprawled(sprôl) on blankets or dancing in the slanting(ˈslan(t)iNG) autumn light. As the sun began to set, about a mile(mīl) to the south a saxophone(ˈsaksəˌfōn) player took a long porchfront(pôrCH) solo(ˈsōlō), the notes shimmering(ˈSHim(ə)riNG) above the rumble(ˈrəmbəl) of a passing train.

Such gatherings have been taking place across the country, from front-yard concerts(ˈkänˌsərt) in Cleveland(ˈklēvlənd) and Pasadena(ˌpasəˈdēnə), Calif(ā)., to open-air performances in Nashville(ˈnaSHˌvil, ˈnaSHvəl). The events highlight the challenges musicians face because of Covid-19—and especially as they prepare for the winter.

Pop-up music events have proliferated(prəˈlifəˌrāt) across New York during the warmer months, giving isolated(ˈīsəˌlādəd) and underemployed musicians a chance to play together. The performances range from classical and bluegrass(ˈblo͞oˌɡras) to reggae(ˈreˌɡā) and hip-hop, drawing audiences from the neighborhood, the city and beyond.

Some began as busking(ˈbəskiNG) and evolved(ēˈvälv) into tip-supported D.I.Y. residencies(ˈrez(ə)dənsē). Others function more like traditional gigs but take place on stoops, sidewalks or even a Queens parking lot. In Long Island City arts nonprofit Culture Lab LIC has turned one into an open-air beer garden with a taco(ˈtäkō) truck(trək), where players perform for outdoor diners.

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https://www.wsj.com/articles/for-musicians-its-a-new-gig-economy-11603912421