I'd hate to think I was taking money from some other street performer who was doing it to really survive, just for the challenge. So I'd look for an environment where there are no such persons, or maybe if I was doing this "for the challenge", at the end of the day I'd turn over my take (or some portion) to them if I felt comfortable they weren't going to just blow it on booze or junk.
PS I know, I've seen the "60 Minutes" spot about how some of these "street performers" are pulling in six figures! But some are really doing it as a means to live/survive.
You're going to have to check with the local police I would say. Some spots that come to mind are New Orleans, Key West, the Wharf in San Fran, Baltimore's Inner Harbor, etc. You are also going to have to be able to deal with the inevitable "turf" issues as a newcomer on any scene. These folks have well defined and well-staked out spots. Often, they pay for them and "protection" from illicit sources. Sounds like fun, but be careful out there.
-----Original Message----- From: harp-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:harp-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of David R. Fertig Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2005 3:27 PM To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx Subject: [Harp-L] BUSKING
Around 1970-76, while I was mostly on - or nearly on - the street, I would often make money on the street by playing some pretty poor harp, I guess it was a step up from panhandling. I would also at times do simple street theater, again, a step up from panhandling. Okay, I'll admit I did some panhandling too. Hey, I was 14, what were my choices?
Now, 30 years later, I am contemplating taking a hat and some harps to the street, mostly for the challenge (certainly not for the money, thank goodness!) and to maybe learn something about me, my playing, and what the "street" is like, thirty years later.
Many of you know about busking in today's climate, it's been so long for
me, but I am becoming tempted to go try my hand at it. I sure play better now, anyway.
So, what about it, anybody got advice, warnings, location ideas, legal info (for Pasadena California, Paris France, and anywhere else?), styling hints and spare hats? OK, forget the styling hints, I'm beyond saving. . .
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_______________________________________________ Harp-L is sponsored by SPAH, http://www.spah.org Harp-L@xxxxxxxxxx http://harp-l.org/mailman/listinfo/harp-l