THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
Stephen Colbert and the famous performers are supporting NYC Next, a grassroots volunteer organization which aims, as it says, "to create the next New York, to help the city we love recover and rebuild, and to energize and inspire others to act by creating moments of joy. If you love NYC, this is a chance to give back and make a positive impact on the place we call home."
Even if you don't call NYC home, you may be inspired by their enthusiasm for the Big Apple, and enjoy one of the ways they're spreading that joy, after a period of traumas that have included the pandemic.
They have gathered some of New York's biggest names from the entertainment world to sing and play Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind”.
An astonishing array of talent said yes to NYC Next: three former cover stars and interviewees of The American – Idina Menzel, Sara Bareilles and Kelli O'Hara; Stephen Colbert, the host of The Late Show; Joan Osborne; actor and singer LaChanze; Tony Award-winner Brian Stokes Mitchell; Suzanne Vega actually in Tom's Diner; legendary American saxophonist Mark Rivera; classical pianist and composer Chloe Flower; multi-instrumentalist, singer and record producer, Cautious Clay; Miss Peppermint, an actor, singer and drag queen; multi-Grammy-award winning The Klezmatics; and the singer, songwriter, pianist and native New Yorker Alexa Ray Joel – daughter of 'Mr New York' Billy; and more. A brilliant video starring all the performers was shot in all five boroughs of New York.
As Broadway shows start to reopen after the pandemic, the arts could introduce a much needed infusion of vitality to New York City. Stephen Colbert said, "This city can’t be its best self until we all can go to the theater, and then talk about it over a drink. The arts are the oxygen of New York, and Broadway reopening is like the city can breathe again.”
Find out more about NYC Next here: www.nycnext.org
