Then Grant, a Maine transplant to the Big Easy who spent years
in Zambia with the Peace Corps, and Roznowska, a
conservatory-trained classical violinist from Poland, decided to
take their show on the road.
The two have named their effort the Mobile Music Box. Grant
peddles the pedicab that carries Roznowska as she plays, the
performance winding its way through New Orleans neighborhoods.
"We didn't know how much people needed it," said Roznowska.
In a city that typically throbs with live music, shuttered bars
and quiet streets have created a void. Strict limits on
gatherings have canceled concerts, parades and the Jazz and
Heritage Festival, which would have brought hundreds of
thousands of people together this week and next.
Now Roznowska's ethereal freestyle melodies on her violin,
augmented by a playback loop and vocals, echo through oak-lined
New Orleans streets.
"It's amazing and uplifting and, you know, live music is what we
miss most right now, and it brings everyone out and makes
everyone, you know, feel like it's a beautiful day," said
resident Elsa Kern, who stopped to listen as the women rolled
past.
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Residents Willie Anderson and Wanda Brown were glad for a break from
the monotony of self-isolation.
"Fantastic, something to cheer up the neighborhood," Anderson said.
Added Brown: "Something to make you laugh to keep from crying."
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Roznowska and Grant vary their route every day. While they accept
tips, they also appreciate the good vibes that come their way.
"If we make money, awesome... but it was something that was
definitely born out of love and probably has a bit of a life of its
own," Grant said.
"So there's no real plan except just to keep doing it," she said.
(Reporting by Catherine Koppel, Writing by Cynthia Osterman, Editing
by Rosalba O'Brien)
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