Outside of Tompkins Square Park, Kevin Hylton can be found playing the mbira, sitting and smiling at those who pass by. He has chosen a relatively shady spot on a day when the sunlight has brought so many New Yorkers out onto the streets and into the parks. 

    Amidst the urban environment, the natural sounds of his mbira seemingly deafen the world of artificial noise around him. In some ways it seems as though he has created a small ambience where the coming and going of people is dictated by the sounds of the chime-like instrument, not the distractions of busy city life.

    As a result of this, it feels as though Kevin’s playing represents the capacity of music, even in a city, to transport, and in this case to transport us back to nature. In the midst of the mbira music, anyone can close their eyes and allow themselves to be separated from their immediate surroundings. Kevin’s music doesn’t only invite you to join him in this, but asks you to stay a while as well.