Your video about Petaluma was an amazing job well done and an eye opener for someone down under. Your video is an inspiring story for all buskers – showing us a different way to connect with the local community and gain their support when playing on their streets. A classic example how to create a successful busking situation out of thin air! Congratulations John. Stay in touch

Johnnie Mac
http://www.BuskerWorld.com

Loved the video.

I’ve been busking for 20 years. My base is Key West and I usually take a cross country journey every summer to places like New Orleans, Memphis, Austin, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle. I play bebop jazz and blues on the saxophone. I would not trade my life as a busker for anything else.

Check out the video and sounds on my web site:
http://www.sweetmac.net

Stay Cool,
Sweet Mac

Fantastic piano….I want one!!!

This is an excellent way to get information out there to buskers. I’ve been a street musician – diatonic accordion two row – for about 8 years now. It’s the best way I know to make extra money and have a great time with no job constraints. With busking you can pretty much start and stop when you want, if you are in a city that allows it in that fashion. We have so many stories from playing on the street. Each time is different and so interesting. If you need a pick me up – or some excitement in your life, then busking is the way to go. My dream is to retire from my day job as a systems analyst and busk full time to make ends meet. For people who are shy are about performing in public, busking is also the way to go, and that is because when you are busking, you don’t normally have people watching for long periods – maybe a song or two, but most are just passing by – or dancing by (which is always a thrill to me)…..and so the stress of being onstage is not there. Plus if you get stressed out while playing and someone does stop to watch and it’s unnerving, you just finish you tune and smile and say thank you when they clap. It’s easy as pie after awhile. The more you do it – the more you love it. If I don’t go out for awhile I need my busking fix!!! Go for it….

Kind regards,
Kay

Thanks for stopping by my site. I’m not personally a busker, but do enjoy buskers from time to time.

@ Merlock: I can understand the fear of performing publicly, it can be a scary prospect. I grew up in a music school and performing publicly (not in a busking capacity though) was something we did on a regular basis.

What I can tell you is that the first time might be the most unnerving, but once you’ve done it you’ll get used to it.

I wish you good luck in your endeavor to begin busking

Once I get over that hurdle, I’ll let you know how it goes!

Thanks for the comment.

Welcome to the team.

Glad you like the music.
The tone you get out of that saw is simply amazing.
You don’t have the tuning hassles I do, or the transportation challenge, that’s for sure.

I visited you web site and I encourage others to do the same.
A web site is another great idea, especially the tip jar feature!!!

That’s another very helpful tip for other buskers who tune in here.

Personally, I don’t know that many other buskers but, if you do, can you refer me to them?

Love to get their input as well.

- JM!

I LOVE stride piano! Your playing is great (thanks for sharing the video above).

Reffering to your #1 above –
I have been playing in the NYC subway for 14 years. Even in the subway it is better NOT to repeat your songs too often – there are police officers, sanitation personnel, token booth clercks, track workers, etc., who work in the subway and you might get on their nerves if you repeat the same song over and over.

All the best,

Saw Lady
http://www.SawLady.com/blog