The Saw Lady

Natalia Paruz, known to many as simply "the saw lady" is one of the most devoted musicians who can be found in the New York City subway. She has been playing the musical saw for twenty years and underground for 14. Although she is a working and acclaimed musician she considers the subway her "preferred venue". Her life's dedication is raising awareness and appreciation for the saw, which she does by performing in high profile venues (such as Lincoln center), on the radio (NPR's A Prarie Home Companion), on television programs (Good Morning America) and closest to her heart on the streets for everyday people. 

Natalia on street performing: 

"Since the emergence of whimsical court jesters and the strolling minstrels of the Middle Ages, audiences have been enthralled by the unique blend of mysticism and magic that buskers have used to entertain. Busking (the Shakespearean term for street performance) stages have varied from royal courtyards to sidewalk benches. While kingdoms and monarchs have long since disappeared, this unique form of entertainment thrives globally. 

A busker is someone who can turn any place into a stage. It's a gutsy business to be sure-- but buskers are gutsy to begin with. They're the traditional performers who bring entertainment to the street. 

A lot of people feel sorry for buskers, thinking we perform on the street because we can't get gigs elsewhere, but they've got it all wrong. We love the street."

I have been asking subway riders for their opinion on buskers and it is true, as Natalia says, that most of them assume these are people who aren't capable of performing anywhere else. They're often viewed as just a few steps above beggars. 

Natalia genuinely appreciates every donation she receives in the subway but mostly because she views them as signs of encouragement and appreciation. She says "no one has to like you, and if they do it's genuine appreciation, an honest reaction." In fact it is the unexpected donations, not the monetary  ones that bring her the most joy. Her donation box, which she has proudly painted gold and bejeweled with rhinestones, has been the recipient of many odd and exciting gifts such as a swiss army watch, a stuffed bear wearing a yellow sweater, packages of coffee, herbal supplements, cat food, books, poems written in appreciation for her, flowers, flags, notes, candy and jewelry. 

Natalia is the epitome of a dedicated street performer. She values "the thrill of knowing you're doing something you wouldn't normally do" and stresses the magic and joy of unexpectedly adding music into peoples days. She is one of the most widely known performers, and a bit of a gem of new york- many local publications such as the village voice have placed her on their best of list. Her passion for the musical saw and sincere love of exposing it are as beautiful as her music.