travel – Modern Mystery

Nestled just steps away from the dazzling lights of Times Square and the world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, Hell’s Kitchen offers a striking contrast to Midtown Manhattan’s holiday frenzy.

It’s a neighborhood that pulses with history, resilience, and creativity – a vibrant mix of artists, shopkeepers, and locals who form the backbone of its enduring charm.

In her latest holiday single music video, “Hell’s Kitchen at Christmas Time,” Sarah Pillow and the team at Buckyball Music captures the spirit of this unique corner of New York City.

Part love letter, part festive celebration, the video is a heartfelt tribute to the small businesses, quiet streets, and resilient community that make Hell’s Kitchen feel like home. Even as the chaos of the holidays unfolds just a few blocks away.

With playful nods to iconic New York traditions, from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to the glittering Fifth Avenue window displays, the video weaves together a narrative that celebrates both the hustle and the haven that define Hell’s Kitchen. Featuring a talented ensemble of musicians, actors, and local shopkeepers, it’s a project that shines a light on the people and places that keep the neighborhood alive.

Watch here:

We asked Sarah to tell us about the inspiration behind the song, the challenges of filming in the heart of Manhattan, and why shopping locally is more important than ever during the holiday season.

1.Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically in this way?

I’ve lived in Hell’s Kitchen since 1996, and while the neighborhood has evolved over the years, it has managed to retain its unique charm. I was reading about how local businesses are struggling due to reduced foot traffic as more people turn to online shopping.

This inspired us to create a fun holiday video celebrating our neighborhood – the artists, the community, and the small businesses that make it special.

The holidays are an especially meaningful time here, as we’re right next door to one of the busiest places in the world during this season.

2.What was the inspiration behind this new video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?

We were inspired by the juxtaposition of our quiet neighborhood nestled right next to Times Square – the center of the world, especially during the holidays – which led to the lyric, “you’re in it all, but off to the side.”

The storyline follows me navigating the chaos of Midtown Manhattan – Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and Saks – while also highlighting the anchors of my neighborhood: Hudson River Park, Restaurant Row, and long-standing local businesses that have been part of the community for decades.

It’s a celebration of their resilience and enduring spirit.

3.What was the process of making the video?

We invited some actor friends to play the roles of crazy holiday shoppers and collaborated with our colleague Eliane Amherd – also a Hell’s Kitchen local – to play guitar and sing with me. For the horn section, we enlisted three excellent horn players who were students at the time (one has since joined the band of Saturday Night Live). The marching at the beginning of the video is a nod to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

We visited some of our favorite local businesses and asked if they’d like to participate, celebrating the importance of shopping locally.

We also wanted to feature the musicians, highlighting the artists and performers who make New York City so vibrant. Filming took place in our studio, along the West Side Highway, driving through the streets of Hell’s Kitchen, on our rooftop, and even in front of Saks Fifth Avenue (who were surprisingly cool about it). To add to the festive spirit, we included Manhattan holiday window displays in one segment of the song.

Hell’s Kitchen at Christmas Time

Sarah Pillow, vocals

Marc Wagnon, drums, percussion and vibraphone.

Eliane Amherd, guitar and vocals

Summer Camargo, trumpet

Coby Petricone-Berg, alto sax

Cole Palensky, tenor sax

Jonathan Price, bass

Holiday Shoppers:

Carol Scudder

Robert Arthur Altman

Justin Anderson Taylor