Brooklyn Busker: Joe Crow Ryan

For the last couple of years we’ve been charmed by the late-night musings of Joe Crow Ryan, a folk musician and busker who can be found at the Metropolitan G stop on Wednesdays after midnight. Joe takes requests, jokingly letting the crowd know that they will be “approximated,” and he always announces a “train solo” upon the infrequent arrival of the G.He also plays original pieces, often with abundant social commentary on current events. One of the things we found most intriguing about Joe is that he seems to make everyone smile, one in 10 people recognized him and would give him a hug or even chat for a moment. This all contributes to his feeling that living and playing in Brooklyn is the most he’s ever felt “at home” in his entire life.