Music Under New York's 17th Annual Audition

On Wednesday, June 30, 2004, MTA Arts for Transit presents the 17th Annual Music Under New York (MUNY) Audition in Grand Central Terminal Vanderbilt Hall. Open to the public, the auditions consist of two parts: a morning session from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and an afternoon session from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. A talent committee selected approximately 73 acts to audition live on June 30th from over 200 submissions.

MUNY performer Lorenzo LaRoc.

A panel of judges, chosen for their expertise in the field of music and performing arts, their familiarity with the MTA’s Transit system and for their understanding of New York’s varied cultural spectrum will judge the auditions.

The auditions this year consists of an exciting line up of performances. The public can experience a variety of music from Irish pipes to Gypsy pianist; Bluegrass to Chicago Blues; 17th Century gamba to the Indian log drum; as well as Gospel and R&B singers to Finnish Folk A Capella.

Every year MUNY conducts a citywide outreach to all types of musicians and performers. In an effort to appeal to the MTA's entire ridership, the program seeks musicians who reflect the diversity of our customers. All submissions are welcome and considered for the audition.

Performers accepted into the program attend an orientation meeting where they are given materials explaining the regulations of the program, especially regarding passenger safety and comfort. Performers are also given a MUNY banner imprinted with their name and phone number and other materials such as t-shirts and buttons.

Music Under New York (MUNY) is one of many visual and performing arts programs administered by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Arts for Transit office that increase the attractiveness of transit facilities for customers. MUNY began as a pilot program in 1985 and became official in January 1987 with the receipt of a $75,000 grant from The General Electric Foundation. The program is now funded and directed by the MTA Arts for Transit office.

At present more than 100 individual performers and ensembles — ranging from classical to Cajun, bluegrass, African, South American and jazz — participate in over 150 weekly performances in approximately 25 locations throughout the transit system.