Hi, I would like to answer your first 2 questions. It's a long time ago, but I used to play in the streets of Europe a lot (not so much harmonica, but the answers stay the same) :
1) we always took the small rubish out. The idea was that people don't wanna look cheap themselves and they want to contribute what others gave as well. plus, you don't wanna give em the impression: 'oh, this guy is used to small coins, lets give him some more' or 'he is probably not very good cause he gets only small coins'.
We also emptied it from time to time. Don't let it get too full. But, if you empty it leave some bigger coins & some notes in there. That's for Europe cause in the US it'll probably all be notes.
2) Clothes: be yourself! Feel comfortable. You're not putting up an act, but your making the music you love! Well, that's what we did anyway. Your not a beggar either, but you're proud of what your doing. And you should be!!
Cheers! Bart the Netherlands
PS. stay away from very rich parts of town. You could have the idea that they can afford more. Well they do, but that doesn't mean you're gonna get it as well :-) The opposite is true.
We experienced it many, many times: the 'not so rich folk' or even very poor folks rÃally appreciate your music; you have a way better time; you meet and speak with more people; you make more friends, and you'll probably make more money in the process. But ... that last thing shouldn't be your first goal: Have fun; Experience and have a beer afterwards :-)
----- Original Message ----- From: "martin oldsberg" <martinoldsberg@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, September 18, 2012 6:46 PM
Subject: [Harp-L] Three questions to the experienced busker
A friend and I have considered taking up busking here in our hometown. Not with the primary motivation of finding a showcase for our musical talents but simply because weÂre in equal dire straits. SumthinÂs gotta be done. (I donÂt honestly think this is going to generate any greater amount of money, but who knows, it could also be a fun experience.)
Guitar, vocals, and harmonica (w/ small amplification), thatÂs it.
Three concrete questions for those with experience of this:
1) In the unlikely case that weÂre finding our guitar case filling up with some money, is it good policy to remove those coins from time to time â or does the presence of money act like a sort of Pavlovian motivator for the audience: âHey, thereÂs money there, letÂs give them some more!â?
2) Do you have to dress down for the occasion? I mean, look ragged and dirty and really in need of that money â or does the clean and sober appearance give the impression: âThis guy is trying his best to look decent, despite his being obviously down and out, having to play in the streets: that should be rewarded.â? (IÂm one of those who feel quite uncomfortable if IÂm not wearing a tie and jacket â A dying breed, you could say.)
3) It may very well be that IÂm walking into denile sementia here (IÂm 55), but I cannot for the life of me come up with one single instrumental that could provide a catchy intermission form my friendÂs singing. Really strange.
Any suggestions? It doesÂnt have to be simple, I can handle most stuff, but, as I said
âcatchyâ, something people know and like and can whistle along to.
Hoping for some wise instruction here.
Thanks, Martin