A salute to those who perform in the NYC subway system. (I was one.) I read this article this morning and remembered.
The toughest gig in America: lugging your gear, often unsafe, freezing in winter, boiling in summer, no toilets(!), entertaining your heart out to get people to stay another few seconds, playing for tips.
Many first-rate talents working below ground for peanuts: the city pays them nothing. What are they worth to you, then? Put a $20 in the jar, but only if you have been entertained to your satisfaction. Don’t ever feel sorry for them — they are tough as nails. (This has been a public service message.)