Meet the Longest-Running Show Under Broadway: Lawrence Rush & Underground Harmony
“I started [performing in subway stations] when CATS were still kittens.”
In the busy subway stations throughout New York City, underground street musicians performing for transit riders can sometimes outlast Broadway productions above ground.
It was over 90 degrees on a hot summer day when we heard Lawrence Rush & Underground Harmony play in the Times Square subway station in New York City. Inside the station it felt like 105 degrees because of the lack of air conditioning, air ventilation, and the sheer number of people walking about emanating body heat.
Despite the stifling air, the band had a set to perform. Their classic rock and roll music could be heard reverberating throughout underground New York, and many riders stopped to enjoy music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Some danced to the tunes, and some pulled out wallets to drop their appreciation in the donation box. Pretty typical New York scene.
Beyond these few seconds of engagement with the band, do passersby stop to think about what it’s like to perform in the subway stations, and what these gigs mean to the musicians? Whatever the answer may be, we were genuinely interested and stayed behind to catch a chat with the band.
Lawrence Rush with his equipment for street performances.
Why Do Musicians Perform in Underground Subway Stations?
What we didn’t expect to hear was that busking in underground New York is as important to these musicians as any other gig. Not only is it a means to making money, it's also a promotional tool to getting gigs to private events. Judging by the time they put in and the extreme weather conditions they need to cope with, it’s hard work. Without the comfort of a show venue and the assistance of the venue staff, each member in Lawrence’s band brings in their own instruments plus piles of equipment. This is not an easy job for any musician.
Perhaps the most surprising part was how long Lawrence, as the band leader, has been busking in the streets of New York City. “I kid you not,” he smiles as he counts the years, “I started [performing in subway stations] when CATS (the Broadway musical production) were still kittens.”
The wikipedia page for CATS the musical shows that the Broadway production started in the 80s. It ended after 18 years, but Lawrence Rush and band are still going strong.
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