NYCNext: New York State of Mind with Idina Menzel, Stephen Colbert, Sara Bareilles and many more

New York City actors, singers, musicians, and late night hosts have come together to produce a video rendition of Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind” to encourage the city’s recovery from the pandemic and drive civic engagement.
The “New York State of Mind” video features an array of artists from multiple disciplines and industries - including Zeshan B., Sara Bareilles, Mario Cantone, Victoria Clark, Cautious Clay, Andy Cohen, Stephen Colbert, Jerry Dixon, Chloe Flower, Billy Joel’s daughter and singer-songwriter Alexa Ray Joel, Joseph Joubert, Tom Kitt, The Klezmatics, The Yankees, LaChanze, Idina Menzel, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Brian Newman, Kelli O’Hara, Joan Osborne, Peppermint, Angie Pontani, Anaïs Reno, Mark Rivera, David Rosenthal, Bobby Sanabria, Ben Stiller and Suzanne Vega.
The performers were shot and recorded in all 5 Boroughs in locations such as Birdland, the Brooklyn Museum, Columbia University, La Casita de Chema, Maimonides Park, NYU, Open Jar Studios, Red Hook Winery, Russ & Daughters, Steinway & Sons Factory, Tom’s Restaurant, and the Wonder Wheel among many others.
To get involved with organizations throughout New York and see the full cast and more footage go to nycnext.org
Produced by NYCNext
Executive Producer, NYCNext, Andrew Lerner
Co-Conceiver/Music Supervisor/Co-Arranger and Co-Orchestrator, Tom Kitt
Director, Joshua Seftel, Smartypants Pictures

[@maenanellingson2942]

Love that they included Billy Joel’s long time saxophone player on this. He always kills this song. O

[@bobjackson7516]

For decades now, I've always felt I've never had enough Mark Rivera in my life. He's always in the background. But props to him and Billy for keeping that relationship together for so many years.

[@dianaprince1347]

Just found out that my amazing 16 year old son saved his money and bought us both an amazing trip to NYC December 4-13! Going to see Earth Wind and Fire! Going to a Nets game! Going to see Book of Mormon on Broadway and a Giants game, too! Too far in advance, but we are absolutely desperate to get LSSC tix. Huge fans. Can't wait. See you then♥️. P.S. We are super poor, he doesn't even have a car yet, this was a huge accomplishment and a selfless act for a 16 year old. He/we love NYC, haven't been anywhere for so long now, and he is so excited to go.♥️

[@dadaaxel3189]

Sounds amazing! December seems like the perfect time to go to NYC

[@AC-ny8ce]

Your kid is going places! Be proud of yourself Diana! 👏🏼🥰

[@dianaprince1347]

@@AC-ny8ce Thanks! Yes, he certainly is. When people tell me that they "fear for the future," because of the two that I have, can't help but be happily hopeful.

[@nicholasthompson7690]

Awesome

[@dianaprince1347]

@@nicholasthompson7690 🤗 Thanks ♥️

[@ArtificialBanana]

I would have liked to see Billy Joel sing the last word!

[@joyofmn]

I was thinking the same thing! A surprise appearance at the very end.

[@sunnysister806]

Me too though it was nice to see Alexa sing in this!

[@sandyfeet9502]

ABSOLUTELY!!! The Piano Man was the ORIGINAL New Yorker with this AMAZING rendition of one of his most popular songs. Billy Joel played and sang New York State of Mind in Madison Square Garden after 9/11. It WOULD OF been the correct thing to do to and to PRAISE and acknowledge the writer...Alexa Ray did make a small cameo.

[@Historian212]

I had the same thought.

[@Historian212]

@@sandyfeet9502 Yes, I cried watching that Madison Sq. Garden performance, just broke right down.

[@kristilambert3416]

And this is why I love Idina💯💜

[@rebecca8525]

I’ve been a fan of her since Rent

[@fbayer72]

Not to mention the GREAT Mark Rivera & Dave Rosenthal of Billy Joel's band who this great beautiful timeless song would not be without them also! 🎹🎷🌟❤

[@BarneysVideos]

I wish they would have had Liberty on percussion.

[@rolfschroder6851]

That´s the truth.

[@JnTmarie]

Ritchie cantata was the original sax player. Just saying. Respectfully. Love Mark. . Doug Steigmeyer original bass player passed away years ago. Nice to see Alexa Joel

[@fbayer72]

@@JnTmarie Agree !

[@OrionAdvertising]

Made this born-and-bred NYer cry. Oh, how I miss my city!

[@jameskelvin5589]

I'm very pleased to know I'm not the only one that loves him songs, how often do you like to listening to him songs

[@jameskung1117]

Hello Susan 👋

[@billyjoel786]

Hello Susan Bodiker, Is nice meeting you here. How're you doing?

[@stevewozniak8950]

I have been to a lot of places, but there is NO PLACE as great as NYC! I loved it so much!

[@josephkearsey8951]

Best tourism ad ever, plus great short film and super music video; winner on every and all counts. Thank you, I will be back to New York. I need a martini at Sardi's.

[@Justusson]

Colbert kicks ass!! 🤗

[@deaconbluezzz]

This really makes me wish Jerry Orbach was still with us :(

[@sunnysister806]

Oh man! I agree 100%!! I miss that man and his amazing talent. Jerry Orbach is missed!!

[@kimberlyhonig8030]

Awwwww. Me, too!!!!

[@Historian212]

Wow, Billy Joel's daughter. And Rupert Jee! As a NYC native I loved it, although could've done without the constant camera movement and with more focus on the city rather than the faces. But -- great performance in an excellent cause.

[@rhondasmith6438]

So on my bucket list, someday I will stand before that precious lady liberty and toast her for her symbolic love and courage and strength!❤

[@skipmagil]

There’s nothing like it .america the beautiful

[@camillemckenzie3235]

I LOVE New York City. ♥️

[@jameskelvin5589]

I'm very pleased to know I'm not the only one that loves his songs, how often do you like to listening to his songs

[@sophielem59]

Idina and Sara gave me chills! Their voices are amazing!!

[@brooketaddy6309]

right! i wish they had a version of just them

[@marga_mld]

Idina Menzel ❤️

[@robertnaggar2678]

What a joy !!! Thanks

[@NicoleFranklin]

Terrific!!! Welcome Home, NYC!!

[@billyjoel786]

Hello Nicole, Is nice meeting you here. How're you doing?

[@chrislafargue-bonet6054]

Wow. What a sizzling, heartfelt rendition of an already soulful song. Amazing voices and such talented musicians too!!! You guys all just killed it. (Sara and Brian, you should sing together more!!)

[@bobjackson7516]

Wow. Blown away. My first album was "Glass Houses", so I've been a fan a very long time. NY State of Mind has always been one of my favorites. While I've not heard of most of these folks, this version is amazing. Thank you Billy. Thank you all. Cheers from STL Missouri.

[@Astr0Devv]

Sara Bareilles! What a voice!

[@GraciesMom]

I’ll have the pleasure to see her this fall in Waitress and I’m so excited! All these artists sound SO good in this vid-I’m so glad Broadway is opening up…NYC needs it!

[@kathleenmorrock5475]

Love this! Love New York!!!

[@jameskung1117]

Am very pleased to know that am not the only one who love his song, so how often do you listen to him?

[@bettinagranda2931]

idina’s high note at the end!! so good!

[@jasminderpinder]

She's totally defying gravity!

[@justin5646]

Medium note.. like a mid range e flat

[@Historian212]

She's the queen, imho.

[@rebecca8525]

And she’s over the moon, too! She sure knows how to let it go!

[@beachbag8]

Proud to have lived in NYC for a fraction of my life ♥️

[@PerryVillanueva]

I lived it my whole life.

[@RBnj5]

And Rupert Jee! This is beautiful and does my heart good.

[@cathieludemann5879]

He outlasted Dave! 😁

[@lizzyo.2273]

Been apart for almost two years because of the pandemic, but you're always in my heart NYC, always my fav city. This song is NYC! Great job everyone.

[@dee_dee_place]

You can take the girl out of the city but you can never take the city out of the girl. Whenever I get homesick, "New York State Of Mind" gets played on loop. I can't wait to GO HOME again.

[@sandyfeet9502]

YOU ARE SO RIGHT!!! New York is MY home no matter how far I am away from it....when I go back I always say I GOING HOME!!!!

[@Historian212]

Same. I miss my town so much.

[@GravesRWFiA]

it's been 20 years since i moved form NY to pennsylvania but i still consider myself a new yorker and the line 'hudson river Line starts me choking up. it's always home no matter how far off it is.

[@emailmydoc]

Please god may we not have to close up again. These flowers need a stage upon which to shine their lights and New Yorkers to appreciate their glow.

[@martincho0702]

Idina Was on Fire 🔥🔥🔥

[@rebecca8525]

Fire and ice!

[@LawrenceNealsGeekLifeRules]

This is SO FREAKIN' AMAZING! Every single person poured their talent and passion and LOVE for this city into this recording. This was such a beautiful thing to wake up to this morning. No matter how hard it gets sometimes, THIS is why I will ALWAYS ❤️ NY!!

[@nmichave]

Rupert Gee got in there!!!! Yay Hello Deli!

[@LuisRodriguez-bo4xg]

Seeing Brian Stokes Mitchell, Alexa Joel and my La Chance!!! baby it don't get more NY than dat'! &that band inside baseball stadium!!!

[@ianjames3078]

As a Brit who’s been fortunate to have spent time in NYC over the past 25 years I have to say this version of this iconic song is really something special. The NY marathon has to be one of the greatest social events ever, loved being a part of that when there’s so much love. Stay strong great city and great people, keep singing and smiling. 🙏

[@melissabarnosky6639]

Have always wanted to visit the UK. Whereabouts are you from if you don’t mind me asking?

[@ianjames3078]

@@melissabarnosky6639 Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@PerryVillanueva]

Wales is awesome too. But NYC is still the City.

[@joelperez-pickens6131]

Wow. What a great way to start a beautiful morning in Tulsa, OK. I just love NYC! I lived in Rome, NY for many years, and truly I miss it. It's just the NYSM that gets me every time. Talk about tear drops in my coffee. All of you are so beautiful!

[@CrystalLynn1988]

Greetings from Rome 😀 I hope all is well in Tulsa 💕

[@joelperez-pickens6131]

@@CrystalLynn1988 oh wow, hello Crystal. My father was a Lt. Colonel at Griffiss AFB. We lived at 109 Knoll Wood Circle. It's actually in Ava. What fond memories I have of Rome. I hope some day to be able to return with my son to show him where we lived. I'd love to chat further on Facebook if you're okay with it. facebook.com/joel.perezpickens.10/

[@PerryVillanueva]

I lived in Rome, NY too. What years did you live then?

[@joelperez-pickens6131]

Wow never saw these responses! Long long ago….like late 70’s. Went to Stokes elementary school. Lived near Kettle Hill in a triangle neighborhood. Never will forget our school and getting stuck on that hill every winter! 😊

[@PerryVillanueva]

@@joelperez-pickens6131 Live there from October 1986 to July 1989.

[@pearlejam7115]

Cannot tell you how much this made me smile!! Then gave me chill bumps! So many talented artists. Nice to see Alexa Ray in her dad's song and some of the band members. Also was that Rupert from Rupert's Deli? Shout out to all the Dave fans. Stephen is doing a really good job. And can sing 🎶✌

[@penelope1]

Yep, that was Rupert!

[@ArtificialBanana]

Hello Deli

[@Historian212]

Rupert Jee!

[@Vinces_Animations]

Chill bumps

[@CameronCuevaClarke]

I’ll never get over hearing Colbert sing. We love to see it.

[@lafeinman634]

Back to his theater roots!

[@j.rperez5193]

Mr.Colbert that’s how it’s done my friend! Top shelf! 😘

[@karenmeneses3790]

I still can't get over the amazement, this music video brings together the best voices of all time, when you come out of the awe of hearing LaChanze's voice you enter the majestic voice of Idina Menzel, simply majestic.

[@billyjoel786]

Hello Karen, Is nice meeting you here. How're you doing?

[@simaadelifar4511]

Stephen Colbert can SING TOO? Oh I love him even more now.

[@lauriehere6408]

He did a musical parody of that song Friday with Jimmy Fallon on Jimmy’s old show, it was fantastic!

[@reneenewman9115]

Look up the Gorillaz appearance on his show! He can rap too!

[@drmacvetsounds419]

Check out him singing with Jennifer Hudson

[@reneenewman9115]

@@drmacvetsounds419 that was AMAZING!!

[@drmacvetsounds419]

@@reneenewman9115 Sara Bareilles posted her outtakes where you can her sing more of the closing. I like Indina but….SARA

[@ellenhepburn8659]

Well done, everyone. (Didn't know Colbert could sing)

[@susannial9249]

He’s a great singer.

[@NicoleFranklin]

He used to have a band. :)

[@David-le2kr]

He took a break from the Colbert Report about a decade ago to star in COMPANY with Neil Patrick Harris and Patti LuPone. As Colbert tells the story, his agent turned down the gig, then Sondheim himself asked Colbert to do it. Colbert's wife then informed him he had no choice but to join the production. He was marvelous.

[@MichaelFenichel]

@@David-le2kr And last night he teased (on Late Show) that he'll be singing a song with Jon Baptiste at tomorrows Central Park/NYC Homecoming concert.

[@MichaelFenichel]

Still ♥️ New York! One of the safest/sanest places to be. Wonderful tribute. Saw a snippet now playing on our local ("NY 1") television channel.

[@jameskung1117]

Hello👋

[@nycnext6220]

Thank you! If you’re a fellow NYer, who ❤️ the city we’d love your feedback for a quick 5-minute confidential, survey. We want to hear from you on what makes NYC unique and how we can improve it. Our goal is to make sure that NY remains the best city in the world. Here is the link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/wlnycsurvey Deadline: Fri, July 1st.

[@PerryVillanueva]

@@nycnext6220 NYC is simply called the City!

[@DARWINZOO]

Beautifully produced Steinway Piano Ad! Shout out to Suzanne Vega & that Sax!!

[@malindafarrington7354]

This is awesome!

[@jameskung1117]

Hello Malinda 👋 How are you doing?

[@cloudshine]

beautiful...

[@themightyhudson]

beautiful beautiful beautiful xxxx

[@walterpleyer261]

What an awesome collection of brilliant artists performing this magnificient song!

[@ronaldbrown6638]

Just what I needed this morning🙂😉😎

[@rolfschroder6851]

One of the greatest songs for one of the greatest cities. Thank you.

[@PerryVillanueva]

Because this song celebrates only one city that is the city of all cities in the world. That is why NYC is called the City.

[@whereyoubean]

Love hearing Stephen Colbert sing ❤️

[@jamesm6413]

Watched it a 2nd time just because of Stephen Colbert.

[@barbararperkins1379]

Just came back from NYC!! ❤️🎶❤️🎶❤️

[@jameskung1117]

Hello Barbara 👋 How are you doing?

[@feliciab2]

This song is a freaking masterpiece, and Billy Joel is a musical genius. Hearing this song makes me want to go back to NY SOOOOO much. There's a reason so many songs have been written about this city, but this has to be the best.

[@PerryVillanueva]

It is the number one place where most songs are written about in the world.

[@kathyolsen9176]

Joseph Joubert is amazing in this

[@jameskelvin5589]

I'm very pleased to know I'm not the only one that loves him songs, how often do you like to listening to him songs

[@billyjoel786]

Hello Kathy Olsen, Is nice meeting you here. How're you doing?

[@jeffpluth7812]

YES! The energy of the lights of Broadway are getting brighter. Great job! Big squeeze Kelli O'hara!

[@snapdoc]

I was glad to discover that Alexa Ray Joel has a really good voice! Shouldn’t be surprised. Love this recording!!!

[@evilbb02]

You should check out some of her music - amazing singer-songwriter-pianist, just like her dad!

[@billmccomb4629]

Oh my God, did I need this! An NYC resident for thirty years, and a New Yorker at heart, I now live in Florida; and I've been worried about "my city". While there is still much reason for concern, I now feel better. Special thanks to Ben Stiller and Brian Stokes Mitchell who I know had a great deal to do with making this video.

[@schmeggynz]

I have watched this video every morning since I found it, it's such a great way to start the day, just love it so much. After what everyones been through it's a really positive piece. Thanks for doing this.

[@paytonborland2327]

Dang, I didn't know Stephen had that range in him!

[@Justusson]

He has done numerous of songs on the show, all the way from the Gorillaz to Jack Johnson and Sondheim. But his pipes sure are clean in this one 😉

[@MaryNYC1]

Bravo!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@maryannemackie7077]

One of Billy Joel’s best….

[@jameskung1117]

Hello Mary 👋 How are you doing?

[@billyjoel786]

Hello Mary Anne, Is nice meeting you here. How're you doing?

[@rodawson530]

We expect to hear great vocals from Sarah and Idina, but listen to Anais Reno. She is an 18-year-old phenomenon who we will be hearing a lot from.

[@jameskelvin5589]

I'm very pleased to know I'm not the only one that loves his songs, how often do you like to listening to his songs

[@jameskung1117]

Hello👋

[@billyjoel786]

Hello Ro Dawson, Is nice meeting you here. How're you doing?

[@masonresnick5105]

Is Suzanne Vega actually singing in Tom's Diner?

[@rebecca8525]

I believe so!

[@leojbramble]

Nice catch!

[@marygreen1694]

Music says it as nothing else can. Fabulous!

[@KConradG]

Hearing Stephen sing will never not remind me of Charlene (I'm Right Behind You).

[@markekstrom5132]

I need more Colbert in this video.

[@emilymiller8228]

I generally need more Colbert in my LIFE.

[@jasminderpinder]

His singing voice was a very pleasant shock to me. One more thing to love about him.

[@rozreich2381]

Beautifully done. Always proud to be a New Yorker.

[@nycnext6220]

Thank you! If you’re a fellow NYer, who ❤️ the city we’d love your feedback for a quick 5-minute confidential, survey. We want to hear from you on what makes NYC unique and how we can improve it. Our goal is to make sure that NY remains the best city in the world. Here is the link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/wlnycsurvey Deadline: Fri, July 1st.

[@sillythingsme186]

Sara’s pipes: hello sister Idina’s pipes: nice to hear you

[@mandolinot]

so so good. WOW! but can Stephen Colbert really sing?! he was good.

[@Historian212]

Yes, he can and does.

[@mandolinot]

@@Historian212 that's awesome! i just didn't know.

[@manhattan123]

He appeared in a revival of Sondheim's "Company" a few years ago.

[@jameskung1117]

Hello Teresa 👋 How are you doing?

[@billyjoel786]

Hello, Is nice meeting you here. How're you doing?

[@OetteTV]

sehr schön - Ich komme da hin 24.8. love you all NYC SOM

[@jasminderpinder]

This is simply outstanding! One fantastic song, one fantastic city and one fantastic group of amazing performers from all genres. Tears of elation. Respect!

[@Zatzachi]

Fantastic; yes, we need to move ON...

[@michaelb2685]

This is FIRE. Man, I miss living in NYC. What an amazing set of musicians.

[@eltonej]

Same hear same reason.

[@josephlucianosr.5941]

BRAVO, BRAVO, BRAVO, BRAVO, BRAVO

[@insidexistance]

I love 💕 how they included Peppermint, but left out "Broadway queen" Alexis Michelle. Hahahaha

[@theodoremacbride6197]

It was an incredible song/video! I grew up in Nyack, NY, just up the Hudson River from N.YC. . I remember walking the streets of the city, Soho, the Village, the upper East Side, Central Park, an apartment building near basket ball court. I once accidently knocked on a wrong door and a woman came out and asked "How far did you run?" I left, and went down to the right apartment, taxis, and the best pizza, thin crust, good, with garlic powder and oily melted cheese. Excellent! Excellent Good song!

[@nycnext6220]

Thank you! If you’re a fellow NYer, who ❤️ the city we’d love your feedback for a quick 5-minute confidential, survey. We want to hear from you on what makes NYC unique and how we can improve it. Our goal is to make sure that NY remains the best city in the world. Here is the link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/wlnycsurvey Deadline: Fri, July 1st.

[@rebecca8525]

Stephen Colbert, Idina Menzel, and Sara Bareilles are some of my favorite celebrities, and it was great to see them all in this video along with so many other stars. But where’s Lin-Manuel Miranda?

[@leojbramble]

He is literally everywhere else, LOL

[@emilymiller8228]

Bravo! I ❤️ 🗽And I ❤️#NYCNext!

[@billyjoel786]

Hello Emily, Is nice meeting you here. How're you doing?

[@kimberlyhonig8030]

LOVED THIS SO MUCH!!!!

[@jameskung1117]

Hello Kimberly 👋 How are you doing today?

[@esoteric76]

Amazing video -- I have chills!

[@teecee9660]

love this..

[@anotherNYer]

Wonderful, I love New York and I miss New York but I'll always be a New Yorker.

[@nicholasthompson7690]

Awesome!

[@agustinlyon]

que vaina tan arrecha, congratulations to you all !

[@YesItsMeGuys68]

THAT was quite thrilling !

[@christiannienaber7628]

Awesome interpreation, especially the end scene. Bravo!

[@3104068]

Perfect song, video, settings & singers. Real good vibes!

[@enriquedelacruz3971]

great song, great video, great city, great artists for so few views I love you New York

[@youmaycallmeken]

I've seen the lights return on Broadway That was since a year and a third ago Before thousands left for the suburbs When the red caps controlled Washington. There are many who remember Although too many didn't survive To tell the world about The way the lights went out But now we went right back with the shows.

[@elysiaaa]

Oh hey Miss Peppermint!

[@fatalanisnape]

I smiled through this whole thing. so good!

[@billyjoel786]

Hello Fatalani Snape, Is nice meeting you here. How're you doing?

[@elianevdb]

Superbe!

[@xoLatte]

#Dicamitutto 🌺🌿🤎🌿🌺 #NewYorkStateOfMind #HomeIsWhereTheHeartIs (I left my heart on LI)

[@carmelaszymanski8104]

What A Wonderful Tribute To NYC. Was waiting for the Master to Appear. Still Beautiful..Lovely..Well Done By ALL. I 💞 NY..🤗💖😽

[@Historian212]

Yes, really wanted to see Billy at the end.

[@justin5646]

WHAT! There's NO WAY that was Stephen Colbert singing 🤣🤣🤯🤯🤯

[@susannial9249]

Yes it was Stephen. He is a great singer!

[@Historian212]

Yes! He used to sing more on the Colbert Report than he has lately, but he sure can sing.

[@pec2pec]

He sang in Stephen Sondheim's COMPANY (the one that starred Neil Patrick Harris). Yup, he can sing!

[@schmeggynz]

this is brilliant

[@patriciaoneilNYC]

Absolutely beautiful, and so well needed. thank you all for doing this, can hardly wait to share this with family that left NY. This'll get them in for the holidays for sure. Bravo, Brava & thank each & every one of you. xoxo

[@nycnext6220]

Thank you! If you’re a fellow NYer, who ❤️ the city we’d love your feedback for a quick 5-minute confidential, survey. We want to hear from you on what makes NYC unique and how we can improve it. Our goal is to make sure that NY remains the best city in the world. Here is the link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/wlnycsurvey Deadline: Fri, July 1st.

[@laurawagner91]

one of the best love songs ever written

[@hans.z7217]

AWSOME and SOO beautyful!!! Thank you all for your spirit and good vibes!!!

[@joelangford7601]

Very nice. Would have liked more pics of the cityscape, but good vibe.

[@styler6311]

I could listen to this on repeat. Is there anywhere I can download the audio? Also, Idina = MVP.

[@KG-fu5ik]

Never forget where you came from. 😍🥺🥺

[@billyjoel6516]

Hello fans I just want too say thank you for listening too my music I love you all 😘😘😘

[@billyjoel786]

@@maryambanikarim8332 hello Maryam, Is nice meeting you here. How're you doing?

[@PerryVillanueva]

If that is you Billy then thank you for the best 'hometown' song of the City. Remember, there is only one place in the world that is called the City.