Video: 'Brass Queens' Crowned NYC's Best Subway Buskers

NEW YORK CITY — Turns out New York City straphangers love the brassy sound of New Orleans in the subways.

Brass Queens, an all-woman horn ensemble, tooted their way to the top of the first Riders' Choice Award for MTA's Music Under New York subway performer program Thursday.

Their high-energy tunes and performances garnered them roughly 56 percent of 55,000 votes cast in the best busker battle, which ended with an award presented in Times Square by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Playing in the subways gives a chance to share music more directly with New Yorkers, the group said in a video for the contest.

"We've played venues like Blue Note and Brooklyn Bowl, and it doesn't measure up to the experience you get when you're on the ground with your people," a Brass Queens said on the video.

The MTA's Music Under New York program provides an official stage for subway performers.

More than 350 individual performers and ensembles are part of the program, which was temporarily silenced by the coronavirus pandemic. After it returned, performers recounted to Patch how playing in subway stations had changed and lifted up New Yorkers.

Related coverage: 'The World Passes In Front Of Us': Meet NYC's Subway Performers

The Riders' Choice Award was the brainchild of the "We Love NYC" campaign.

The award came down to three finalists, including Brass Queens. The other finalists were, as described by an MTA release:

Brass Queens, as winners, will receive a recording session with Atlantic Records.