An artist in Central Park, New York, adheres to citywide face-covering policy even in the middle of a traditionally solitary endeavor; photo by Jane Feldman.
An artist in Central Park, New York, adheres to citywide face-covering policy even in the middle of a traditionally solitary endeavor; photo by Jane Feldman.

TLC #81 — NTRVW: NYC/Berkshires Photographer Answers “The Call To Unite”

Global 24-Hour Global Livestream Event stands in solidarity with those experiencing pain, fear, loneliness, and grief — and offer hope and support as humanity builds a new future together.

We speak with Jane Feldman, a photographer who has called both New York City and the Berkshires home for decades. Her recent photos of the city during the COVID-19 crisis will be the backdrop for the performance of Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind,” by saxophonist Richie Cannata during the worldwide livestreaming solidarity event, “The Call to Unite.”

Watch performance now.

Richie Cannata performs Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind” to the kaleidoscope of visual impressions of the city captured by photographer Jane Feldman. Watch the entire performance HERE.

From the official release:

Today, billions of people around the world are isolated and anxious because of the COVID-19 pandemic— unable to gather with loved ones, go to work, or even mourn those they’ve lost. Still, in this moment of isolation, millions are rising to the occasion by showing each other love and support in countless ways. The Call to Unite is a celebration of those acts of humanity, and an invitation to the world to join in lifting one another in this moment of need.

“New York State of Mind”

by Billy Joel

The photography of Jane Feldman will illustrate this iconic song, performed by Richie Cannata, longtime saxophonist for Billy Joel. Tune in to the livestream between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. ET on May 2.

THEN, find out more about Jane Feldman in this excellent article in YES! magazine.
The Unexpected Gifts of Photographing Mandela, Tutu, and the Dalai Lama

Selfie, by Jane Feldman.
Selfie, by Jane Feldman.

The Call to Unite is a 24-hour global livestream event that will unite people across the world to celebrate our shared humanity. Over 200 cultural, spiritual, civic, and community leaders will offer lessons, performances, conversations, and more – to support all of us in coping with the challenges of this moment in order to emerge from this crisis better than when it began. All participants and viewers will be invited to #answerthecall by giving, serving, and sharing their stories. Everyone is invited. And everyone belongs.

Messages of inspiration, left in chalk on sidewalks, may provide passersby doses of hope at random times and in unexpected places in New York City; photo by Jane Feldman.
Messages of inspiration, left in chalk on sidewalks, may provide passersby doses of hope at random times and in unexpected places in New York City; photo by Jane Feldman.

The Call to Unite will be livestreamed at unite.us and on supporting partners including Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, Twitter, LinkedIn, and SiriusXM Stars channel 109 . Spotify will provide segments from the event on demand within the 24 hour-period and afterward. Media connection technical details can be found here to further amplify The Call to Unite.

Central Park has likely not been this devoid of foot traffic in years; photo by Jane Feldman.
Central Park has likely not been this devoid of foot traffic in years; photo by Jane Feldman.

Jason Velázquez

Jason Velázquez has worked in print and digital journalism and publishing for two decades.
Phone: (413) 776-5125

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