In these extraordinary and uncertain times of COVID-19, with venues closed and live performance at a halt, NiteLife Exchange is reaching out and covering the effect the crisis is having on performing artists.
Actress-singer Dayna Grayber is a singing waitress at Marie’s Crisis. She’s participating in the virtual piano bar that the Marie’s Crisis team has begun. Grayer hails from Paramus New Jersey and currently resides in Jersey City. She’s a grad of New York University and Emerson College.
For the virtual Marie’s Crisis piano bar schedule, and for the Venmo addresses of the performers, click here.
NiteLife Exchange (NLE) asks Dayna Grayber (DG) Six Questions:
NLE: What’s it like being a “virtual waitress” for the online Marie’s Crisis piano bar?
DG: It’s an honor, really. When I first started waitressing at Marie’s Crisis, I knew I was stepping into history. Thousands of people have been touched by this “basement bar” and even though we aren’t there physically, it hasn’t stopped. In fact, we are able to bring joy, passion, and music to so many more all at once! It’s really exciting to be a part of.
NLE: In what ways are you adjusting for the need to stay largely indoors/isolated?
DG: I’m an extroverted introvert. So as long as I have my internet and can FaceTime friends and family, I’m feeling ready for the long haul! I have a friend who loaned me a keyboard to practice my songs. The main difference is we have been keeping larger stocks of food and alcohol in the apartment to drink and sing along with my Marie’s family during their shifts.
NLE: How do you keep centered and sane during this crisis?
DG: Talking to loved ones, singing a LOT, and the most important thing may be to be more forgiving of myself and those around me. This is a brand new situation we all are in and everyone is at different levels of sensitivity.
NLE: What’s your best advice to others who are coping with isolation?
DG: 1. Reach out if you’re feeling lonely; 2. Start that thing you always wanted to try but may not have had time for; 3. Make up your own rules; 4. This too shall pass.
NLE: What’s your favorite thing to do now that our lives and behaviors have changed so dramatically?
DG: Go outside—haha, or drive in my car!
NLE: Do you think positives will come out of this situation? If yes, what?
DG: Yes. Perspective shifts will happen. Empathy will be more apparent in people. I just don’t know how long it will last. The way I see it, we, the world, all have a common enemy for the first time in a long time. Something good must come from that.
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