It just rained in New York for about 48 hours and I stayed inside for the duration. I got lots done, and my students seemed happy to have their lessons here (where they get tea, more time, a better piano, and juicier stories). But today is sunny and beautiful and I finally have to leave my aerie. To celebrate, a clip from one of my favorite modern artists, Lypsinka. She is the alter ego of brilliant drag performer John Epperson. Lypsinka is just that: a live-action show which Epperson/Lypsinka performs, meticulously, to a sound-track collage of movie clips, night club recordings, and TV interviews. Ricky Gordon once said to me, “OK, Steve, the great artists of the twentieth century? Matisse, Stravinsky, Bernstein, Tennessee Williams, and Lypsinka.” He meant it, and I do not disagree.

For all the artifice, Lypsinka is best seen live. The accuracy of the sync-work, the brittle charm, and the utter madness in the eyes make their best effect in a theater. Catch her next appearance if you can, but in the meantime, here is her version of “Anything Goes” to brighten your day.