This is an interesting article that came my way recently. Rather than answering the question: “What value does beauty have in our society,” I feel the experiment asks us to ponder the importance of beauty in our own lives. If our lives have become too fast paced to enjoy a moment of music, perhaps it’s time to re-evaluate. I’d like to think art still has a chance - to level the playing field of our “differences”, connect us, take us beyond our small views of life into a bigger picture. Of course, it could be that people are just jaded with street performers. With a trajectory and a deadline, all the sights and sounds just run together. As a performer, interest, or the lack thereof, can’t be taken too seriously. I’ve certainly had mixed experiences with busking myself - either appreciative crowds, indifference, or...oddly, angry folks..!? But, please, we’re talking Joshua Bell here!!