The MTA is bringing free outdoor concerts above ground

The MTA is presenting 50 free outdoor performances across Midtown Manhattan during summer, moving subway musicians into Broadway plazas for lunchtime concerts and spontaneous dance breaks. The program is delivered through partnerships among MTA Arts & Design, the Garment District Alliance, and the Times Square Alliance, extending the transit system’s live music program into busy pedestrian corridors. Broadway Rhythm runs from June 9 through October 22 along Broadway between West 39th and 40th Streets, with Tuesday and Thursday performances from noon to 2 pm. Times Square Live runs from May 27 through September 23, with Wednesday performances from noon to 2 pm along Broadway between West 44th-45th Streets and West 47th-48th Streets. The performer roster includes more than 150 ensembles and styles such as jazz, classical strings, folk, world music, and a cappella, including instruments like Korean drums, steel pans, Andean pipes, and a musical saw.

"This summer, the MTA is bringing 50 free outdoor performances across Midtown Manhattan, bringing some of the best subway musicians out of the stations and directly onto Broadway plazas for lunchtime concerts and spontaneous dance breaks."

"The larger of the two series, Broadway Rhythm, runs from June 9 through October 22 along Broadway between West 39th and 40th Streets. Performances will take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 2 pm, turning the Garment District plazas into a free midday concert venue for office workers, tourists and anyone looking to romanticize their lunch break a little bit."

"Meanwhile, Times Square Live (TSQ LIVE) kicked off May 27 and runs through September 23, with Wednesday performances from noon to 2 pm on Broadway between West 44th-45th Streets and West 47th-48th Streets."

"The lineup isn't limited to one style of music, either. MTA Music's roster spans more than 150 performers and ensembles playing everything from jazz and classical strings to folk, world music and a cappella. Depending on the day, you might hear Korean drums, West Indian steel pans, Andean pipes or even a musical saw drifting through Times Square."

Read at Time Out New York