Crossing the BLVD: strangers, neighbors, aliens in a new America

Series produced by Judith Sloan

Caption: Crossing the BLVD, Credit: Judith Sloan, Warren Lehrer, Scott Johnson
Image by: Judith Sloan, Warren Lehrer, Scott Johnson 
Crossing the BLVD 

At a time when immigration issues and policy are being hotly debated throughout the nation, Crossing the BLVD: strangers, neighbors, aliens in a new America shares the stories, sounds, and images that reveal the human toll of a cold- and post-cold war-world, and pre- and post-9/11 world. Nineteen audio sound and music pieces composed by Judith Sloan, Warren Lehrer and Scott Johnson form a rich and original musical soundscape that reflects the immigrant experience at the crossroads of a paradoxical and ever-changing America.

“Truth isn't always stranger than fiction, but it can be a lot more interesting. Crossing the BLVD is a rich...varied listening experience, a demonstration of the way you can explore the world without leaving home. BLVD emphasises the rhythmic musicality of everyday speech. You hear laughter, sorrow and many moving tales of hardship, flight, splintered families and the difficulties of assimilation. A turbo-driven Eyewitness guide - and riveting first-person testimonies.” The Guardian, London


7 Pieces

Order by: Newest First | Oldest First
Caption: Crossing the BLVD, Credit: Judith Sloan, Warren Lehrer, Scott Johnson
Shekaiba Wakili's aunt was en route to New York, September 11, 2001, when her plane turned around and flew back to Peshawar, Pakistan. Shekaiba str...

Bought by WMNF


  • Added: May 30, 2009
  • Length: 07:37
  • Purchases: 1
Caption: Crossing the BLVD, Credit: Judith Sloan, Warren Lehrer, Scott Johnson
Seven people from six different countries tell stories about their names. Produced by Judith Sloan

  • Added: May 29, 2009
  • Length: 04:07
Caption: Crossing the BLVD, Credit: Judith Sloan, Warren Lehrer, Scott Johnson
Scott Johnson uses samples of Janet Xiong's voice as she explains what it was like for her to come to American and meet white people and black peop...

Bought by Remix Radio


  • Added: May 29, 2009
  • Length: 06:51
  • Purchases: 1
Caption: Crossing the BLVD, Credit: Judith Sloan, Warren Lehrer, Scott Johnson
Traditional, Sergey Ryabstev arrangement and violin. Yury Lemeshev Accordion

  • Added: Feb 21, 2009
  • Length: 01:57

  • Added: Feb 21, 2009
  • Length: 01:18
Caption: Malika Kalontarova, Credit: Warren Lehrer, photo ©2003
A family of Bukharan Jewish dancers and musicians escape war-torn Tajikistan. They move to an apartment near Queens BLVD, and go from dodging bulle...

Bought by Remix Radio


  • Added: Feb 21, 2009
  • Length: 03:39
  • Purchases: 1
Caption: Crossing the BLVD, Credit: Judith Sloan, Warren Lehrer, Scott Johnson
Born in Poland, Joanna Pittner thought she was only visiting America for a vacation.

Bought by WERU


  • Added: Oct 22, 2005
  • Length: 02:24
  • Purchases: 1