Seeing New Orleans Street Performances???

[Eric Starkey]

Greetings,
I will be in New Orleans at the end of this month (Aug. 24-26) and I have seen several people on this list mention that they perform in N.O.

Anyway, I am curious who/where/when I should see busking in the Big Easy...

I look forward to your replies.

Eric Starkey

[worldwidese]

Eric, This time of year (dogdays of summer) is not peak season for buskers here. Plus there has been a police crackdown which has had a further effect.
But the usual places are- Jackson Square, mainly the Cathedral side, or over on the steps by the river, or Royal Street by day when they block of the traffic, and by night on Bourbon Street. Happy hunting.

[Eric Starkey]

Thank you very much for your reply.

[GlassHarper]

Hey, Worldwidesse -- The Glassman here. I've been on the road for a month now & keep hearing distressing rumbles about "the police crackdown." With the new council person, Jackie Clarkson, being on record as anti-street performance and someone else's comment on the new 8th Dist. captain doing a survey of the scene in civilian outfit I suspect we should have a more detailed discussion of the subject. What can you tell me? I'd hate to think I'll be coming back in Ocotber to find I don't have a home on the street anymore!

My address is glassharper@hotmail.com. confused.gif mad.gif <img src="graemlins/jester.gif" border="0" alt="[jester]" />

[The Pretty Good]

Ok everyone,
New Orleans is still there the only differance is some construction and they took out the benches in Jackson Sq(wich makes life easier). From what I have gathered the couple of people that got shutdown had it coming. I was there 2 weeks ago and it was fine. No problems but the heat and I mean Degrees not the man. Oh yeah I heard they banned performing after 8 on bourbon st. It used to be legal to work on the 100 block at night. but I guess you will have to check it out for yourself. But Dont worry Peter everything is ok.

[worldwidese]

Southern Decadence Fest (held here every Labor Day weekend) has just ended. Jampacked the French Quarter with overdressed (full black leather gear in 90 degree heat) or underdressed (thong only) bodies.
A good time had by all. Good hats for all.

But Jackson Square isn't the same without the benches. And it's SO CLEAN! Last night I counted 7 clean up guys each with a broom and rolling trash can plus 1 supervisor. Now audiences have no place to sit, and if they stand around they get swept away by the trash can guys.

A group called "Bring Back The Benches" has been formed. Includes buskers, visual artists and readers. A protest meeting is scheduled in front of the Cathedral next Sunday afternoon. Could be exciting.

[The Pretty Good]

I think the benches being gone are great. It really opens things up and you can preetymuch do a show where ever you want. The bring back the benches campain. They will probably just wait to put in new benches when they finish the construction.

[mnozzolio]

The New York Times today had a piece on the crackdown against street musicians in New Orleans. One of the council members behind the effort said she's using Rudy Giuliani as her model.
Here's the link to the story:

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/12/national/12SING.html

According to the article, some performers welcome the tougher policy, but they didn't really talk with any.

[Evan Young]

So what's the latest? Are there still shows in N.O.? Is it worth it to drop by for a few weeks this winter?

[Doctor Eric]

It's real tough to get a spot these days Evan, those !*%$#@!?ing Artists an Tarot readers wake up at some ungodly hour, and things are a bit wierd, but, I'd say it's still one of the better American options for winter, and you know that you're welcome to share with me.

[the amazing beaumanz]

hey eric,

Seen Checkers lately??? I talked to him the other day. How's things??

[Sunshine]

Mardi Gras is almost here and it's just about time to start heading to New Orleans.

I usually arrived a week early and stay a week late, working in Jackson Square before and after and non-parade days.

Having read the posts in this column I would like to inquire about the current mood in Jackson Square, and if New Orleans has instituted a "Premit System" , as so many other cities have done.

If so I will have to arrive a few days earlier to get my papers in order.

Any information will be helpful.

Thanks,

Sunshine

[Doctor Eric]

The mood sucks, but mostly only for circle shows,ther is no 'Premit' (or permit even) it's just that the cops have been ticketing and arresting people for not having a license that does not exist. The attorney who helps us out on occasion, Mary Howell (see the book 'Passing the Hat', that lady was fighting the good fight the same year I was born!), scheduled a meeting with our police chief, and the ticketing and arresting mysteriously stopped the same day that she left him a message. The busking scene is probably going to stay political for a while, but you'll be fine, the tourists are still here.

[Sunshine]

Eric,

Thanks for the info. See you in New Orleans.

Sunshine

[GlassHarper]

to: performers.net
from: glassharper@hotmail.com

Well, the good news is the ticket the New Orleans police
gave me for "performing with out a license" was dismissed in
court.
The bad news is the ticket the New Orleans police gave me
for "performing with out a license" was dismissed in court.
I had (naively) thought a court trial would answer once and
for all the age-old question of whether or not a "street
performer's" license is required in New Orleans. It turns out
it's not quite that simple.
A week ago I was on Bourbon Street about to set up my glass
harmonica. A rather nasty policeman screeched his patrol car to a
stop and demanded to see my license. When I couldn't produce one
he gave me a ticket returnable in Municipal Court (interestingly
enough) on Martin Luther King Day. Needless to say the court
wasn't open. It was the next day that a nationally recognized
civil rights atorney (Mary Howell)got the ticket thrown out. "There is no such thing in N.O. as a street performer's license," she told me, "but we need a strategy conference before we let it go so far as a
court case." So now we're trying to organize a meeting of street
performers to discuss the situation and determine what to do
next.
As the office manager of the Cultural Preservation Society
of Key West once wrote me in a letter, "There is some degree of
difficulty in organizing a group of anarchists."
One thing is clear, however, there is a vendetta against
street performance here in New Orleans. Coming at the beginning
of a new administration (the last time such a crack-down happened
was when the LAST mayor took office), with a new City Council
member representing the French Quarter (who has long spoken out
against street performance) and just before Mardi Gras (beginning
of March this year) it shouldn't be surprising.
Stay tuned for further developments.


Best Regards,

PETER BENNETT
website: www.glassharper.com (http://www.glassharper.com)
email: glassharper@hotmail.com
mad.gif

[Scott Niederlander]

I would like to know if I went to New Orleans if I would be arrested. I read all of the responses but come on. New Orleans seems like the place to be if you are a street performer and it is not allowed? So is there any kind of permit, and if one were to visit, where would the good locations be?

[worldwidese]

Hi Peter! Sorry to hear about your brush with the cops. Do you think they've had orders to clamp down before Mardi Gras? At least they didn't tell you to leave town like they do the panhandlers! By the way, how much was the ticket worth? Incidentally, there is a $75 licence issued to visual artists. I guess if you're selling something tangible, it's okay?

[Allison]

Howdy howdy!
I'm going to New Orleans around March 24, 2003 to do some henna/ mehndi busking. Does one need a license for body-art in NOLA? If so, where can I obtain this license? Also*** Anyone need a ride to New Orleans around that time? I will need help with the driving and the gas. Please email me at squidink45@hotmail.com -Thanks, Allison

[ 03-09-2003: Message edited by: Allison ]</p>

[Irina]

You can get arrested in NOLA if you work after 8pm on Bourbon Street. There is no street performing licence. Henna is considered street art, not busking, and you need an artist permit from the City Hall, which is 175$, and you have to wait for about a month or two to get it after you apply in person.

[Evan Young]

I'm on my way to NOLA to see Jazz Fest and prolly try to do some shows. Can performers still store their stuff at that magic shope? If not, is there anyplace in the french quarter to stash my trunk at night?

[Miss Banana]

Hey....

I am coming down to Nola in a couple of weeks. I am confused.. can I do a circle show? Can I use fire?

Where is the best place to stay ?

[Evan Young]

I went to the New Orleans city council meeting today where they made it really hard to do shows on Jackson Square. Basicly they made it illegal for anyone other than artists who do paintings to set up anywhere other than on Chartres St. And on Chartres you cant perform in front of the cathedral at all, and you have to stay 20' away from the fence and 20' away from the buildings. You won't have much space, and you will have to fight a bunch of taro card readers for it. Usually the readers set up on the side streets, but they won't be able to any more with this new law, so they will move in on the circle show space.
They mayor hasn't signed the bill yet, so it isn't official, but it probably will be; we wont' know until they start handing out tickets.

You can still perform on Royal street.

This law is totally illegal, as it specificly favors one group of artists over another, but it will take time to fight. A civil injunction has allready been filed, but it will take time and money.

Fire- you need an open flame permit, which costs $30 a month and you have to show them what you are doing with it.

BTW, it's hot here and the season has aparently been really crap so far. From what I understand it will be getting slower after this weekend.

[ 05-03-2003: Message edited by: Evan Young ]</p>

[Evan Young]

http://www.nola.com/news/t-p/neworleans/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1051856851174060.xml

Here's the story.

[GlassHarper]

Well, it isn't as if we weren't warned, even though Councilperson J. Clarkson did sneak the legislation (Cal.No.24,708) thru with no notification of those affected. I learned about it the night before the council meeting and Evan's report (and the newspaper article) outline the basic facts.

Folks, this is the old salami game. As early as last summer (see this thread) there were indications that Clarkson and her puppet police captain fully intend to run street performance out. A slice at a time, this legislation purports to help "save the dying artists colony." They speak with fork-ed toungue. The (licensed) artists say the colony is dying. Yet in the next breath they say their favored venue (the iron fence around Jackson Square) is being overrun by artists! THAT DOESN'T COMPUTE! If the "colony" is dying how come there are so many artists out there competing for space?

Ms. Clarkson lies when she says her "pro artist" legislation won't affect street musicians. My instrument weighs about 50 pounds. It sets on two waiters' stands. That qualifies as a "table" which is forbidden for any but the privileged visual artists. Tuba Fats can't sit in the few iron benches that were reinstalled after the construction work because they installed "arms" on the seats (ostensibly the keep drunks from sleeping on the benches). He can't sit there because he is too fat! Here is an internationally known jazz performer who will be banned from Jackson Square because he must bring his own chair with him -- which is forbidden for any but the privileged visual artists.

By the way "street performance" is defined in the ordinance as "musical performances, dances, mime, juggling, sword swallowing (!!), and magic shows."

As I say, it is the old salami game. They are intend to slice off our rights to perform on Jackson Square. Will Royal Street be next?And what about that paragon of virtue and abstinance Bourbon Street? And what is the City Council of Santa Cruz going to do when they find that New Orleans was able to get away with it?

Street performers of the world unite, you have nothing to loose but your chains (and handcuffs and juggling clubs and musical instruments)!

(By the way, how DO the police handcuff an escape artist?)

[Miss Banana]

Riighhht...

So do I even bother schlepping my gear down there? I can travel much lighter sans amp, hoops and fire...

But I need to work goddamn it...

[GlassHarper]

Ms.B -- After a careful reading of the new ordinance (which I understand has not yet been signed into law) it appears there has been some misinterpretation. I'm never willing to give up venues we have taken the time and energy to develop without a fight, but its important that we fight for valid reasons. At this point it looks as if there will still be room for circle shows to share. [BOY, WAS I WRONG. BRAD OTT WENT OUT WITH MASKING TAPE TONIGHT AND MARKED OFF THE AREA AVAILABLE FOR PERFORMANCE. IT IS A STRIP ABOUT FIVE FEET WIDE RUNNING THE LENGTH OF THE SQUARE IN ITS CENTER. IN FRONT OF THE CABILDO, WHERE THE DOREEN KETCHANS/TUBA FATS BAND PLAYS, AND THE PRESBYTERE, WHERE WILLOW PLAYS, THE STRIP IS A BIT WIDER]. As witness the stealth with which this legislation was passed, however, vigilance is required!
Here is a letter to the editor I'm posting today:

May 3, 2003
Letters to the Editor
3800 Howard Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70140
To the Editor:

"City Expels Entertainers from Square" (Metro Section,
5/2/03) is an inflammatory headline and (probably) misleading.
Either your reporter misread the ordinance or he is privy to
information not available to we of the general public. It appears
to me (upon reading the eight pages of verbiage in the hastily
passed law) that the ordinance reserves for the exclusive use of
the 200 "licensed" visual artists a huge twenty-foot swath around the
Charters, St. Peter and St. Anne sides of Jackson Square. That,
in actuality, leaves some small amount of space for performance
artists, musicians and other buskers, if only on Charters St. and if only a strip about five feet wide!
What distresses me is that this legislation was apparently
prepared and snuck into the Council agenda without its sponsors
being courteous enough to alert the rest of us affected. I
learned of the impending council action by word-of-mouth only the
night before when, by that time, it was impossible to get an
official copy of the proposed law for review.
I have used the down-river side of the Jackson Square
Charters Street gate as a pitch for my glass harmonica act since
coming to town nearly ten years ago. Since I seldom take up space
along the fence when it is being used to display art I have
seldom had problems with area artists. I feel unhappy that this
venue will no longer be available to me. I feel unhappy that the
popular "circle" shows (some of which draw very large audiences)
will now lap over into the emergency vehicle lane in front of the
Cathedral. I feel unhappy for the card readers who will be forced
out of areas where their clients have come to find them.
It is ironic that the artists on the one hand warn that the
"Art Colony" is dying while, on the other, claim they are being
squeezed out because there are too many artists. That doesn't
compute! Folks, a little courtesy goes a long way. Lets talk
rather than shout at each other. As that great American
philosopher Rodney King once said, "Can't we all get along?
Can't we all just get along?"

Sincerely,
Peter (The GlassHarper) Bennett
rolleyes.gif

[ 05-04-2003: Message edited by: GlassHarper ]

[ 05-04-2003: Message edited by: GlassHarper ]</p>

[Miss Banana]

Anyone know the process for getting a fire permit?
What about amplification?

I realise Jackson square could be an issue at the mo, but is it legal elsewhere?

[GlassHarper]

At the New Orleans Common Council meeting this morning action on the next phase of the "crack-down" on street performance (disallowing any "structure" in the right-of-way -- apparently defined as tables, chairs, gear boxes, etc.) was postponed 'till the meeting of June 5th.

When I got back to the square about 2:30 p.m. there was a patrolman going around telling all card readers that starting at 7 a.m. tomorrow (Friday, May 16th) they will be ticketing street performers (EXCEPT MUSICIANS) under the 20-foot "Artist's Zone" ordinance passed May 1 (which reserves to the exclusive use of licensed visual artists a 20-foot swath of publicly owned plaza land around three sides of the Jackson Square fence [five feet on Decatur Street]). This apparently applies to circle shows, too, since the only legal place for performance now (according to my reading of the ordinance) is a five to seven foot strip along the center of the Jackson Square Plaza. This, by the way, is aparently not the interpretation of Capt. Dabdoub, since the memo the officer showed me made no mention of the residual performance strip.

He said all Tarot card readers, mimes, joke-tellers (there are at least two in town)and balloon artists are included. He said musicians are not included in the order (to which I might add, "at least at this point).

The Attorney Joe Cook of the ACLU and an assistant were present at a protest demonstration of performance artists yesterday afternoon on the Square.

[ 05-15-2003: Message edited by: GlassHarper ]</p>

[worldwidese]

Peter. you're a musician, so you should be okay. As for the table you use, well it's more or less a part of the instrument, so again, you should be okay.

[GlassHarper]

Well, so much for "not at this point." Tonight at 9:40 p.m. four foot patrolmen led by a Lt. Vacarella shut me down in the middle of a show saying it was, "...because the new ordinance prohibits any entertainers other than (visual) artists on Jackson Square." This certainly doesn't square with my reading of the ordinance and the specific measurements included therein, nor does it square with statments made in this morning's Times-Picayune by the Captain of the Police District and the Common Council member who represents the district.

Confusion reigns, if not rains. More news at ten!

[The Amazing Beaumanz]

Did they shut down the "big pitch"???? (the pitch opposite of the cathedral under the cannon??) I was under the impression that that was private property owned by the marketplace.

[worldwidese]

Shame! At least they could have shut you down AFTER your show, and just quietly told you. And did it really need FOUR of those gorillas? Were you in the designated strip? Looks like they only want that one jazz brass band playing.

[David Libertine]

I wonder how this will all pan out as the great sucking sound of revenue leaves the Quarter.

I have seen several letters to the editors from across the US in the paper. Everyone seems to believe this is a major stupid idea... except the few fools behind it of course.

I believe if they try to force this issue it will have a far reaching impact on the entire tourism economy. Why go to NOLA if it's just like every where else? Most people want to go there for it's unique character. The performers are part of that tradition and character.

I was planning on working the Quarter this summer. Now, I think I'll sit tight and see what happens in the next few weeks.

Best of luck to all of you there. If there's anything those of us outside the state can do, let us know.

Dave

[Doctor Eric]

pinpoint some of these articles, Dave. Please. The city needs to be made aware that this decision is not in their best interests.
And worldwide, they're writing tickets to the Jazz band too. For some reason, they only want painters. Those painters will see what happens when there are no longer performers making sound, motion, and energy to attract people to thier wares.

[ 05-18-2003: Message edited by: Doctor Eric ]</p>

[Barry]

"I believe if they try to force this issue it will have a far reaching impact on the entire tourism economy. Why go to NOLA if it's just like every where else? Most people want to go there for it's unique character. The performers are part of that tradition and character."--LIbertine

my two cents worth...every where seems to becoming the same as everywhere else...you can buy the same shoes, drink the same espresso, have the same dinner, shop for the same art, and watch the same mtv on the street in Madrdid, Copenhagen, San Fransisco or Zürich and the people keep coming. It doesn´t stop them but rather makes them feel safer...so, eliminating anything unctrollable removes the city´s liability, while maintaining the flow of commerce...i have been playing streets for fifteen years and my answer to this problem is...GIGS GIGS GIGS...if you can stop the change and keep a city alive with its own style...Great and more power to you, AND YOU SHOULD FIGHT FOR IT...just be aware this is a big fucking steamroller you are trying to stop!!!

also...my only advice is this : it is always better to appeal to a person´s self interest rather than their sense of justice...GOOD LUCK PEOPLE

[ 05-18-2003: Message edited by: Barry ]</p>

[scot]

Barry is right. People can feel like they're on vacation without going anywhere. Some need the geological shift.

Everyone's always complaining about this crap. If you think there's supposed to be job security in the streets, you're mistaking busking for heaven. You can't have everything.

I see the US openning up more and more to street performers. Business districts see them as a cheap way to boost business. Try leaving N.O. It's been a tar pit to my passion for years.

I know, first amendment, makes the city better, crippled children smile, etc. So, go improve a city that cares about you. Quit whining.

Scot

[Barry]

does the story just sit still or is there more?...

[Dr. Harmonica]

There is a very big spoon and we must make sure it doesn't get stuck up our ass

[ 05-21-2003: Message edited by: Dr. Harmonica ]</p>

[Dr. Harmonica]

This is to Dave Libertine down the page.
Sorry Bro bad advice about the boy and the spoon. That's just neo buddest pacifism bullshit!!!Being "buskers" who's "GOD" given right is to play and rule the streets we not only have to bend the spoon but we must break the spoon, eat the spoon and shit it out as pure Gold.
So Says: "Dr. Harmonica"

[ 05-21-2003: Message edited by: Dr. Harmonica ]</p>

[David Libertine]

Hey dude...

Why are you busting my balls over a sig line?

Don't you have anything more constructive to add to the discussion?

Don't let your harmonica fall into that gaping pie-hole.

[nick nickolas]

Just went to your site and it seems it is locked in secret for fear of exposure and plagerism...whats the story ??

And talking of tags and signitures what's the story with the Matrix quote ??

Nickolas

A mirror is something you look into without always seeing a reflection of thyself

[David Libertine]

[quote]Originally posted by nick nickolas:
<strong>Just went to your site and it seems it is locked in secret for fear of exposure and plagerism...whats the story ??

And talking of tags and signitures what's the story with the Matrix quote ??
</strong><hr></blockquote>

Yes... there are sections secured from public access to prevent exposure.

As for the Matrix quote... let's just say that silverware isn't safe around me. Some of my friends have matching sets of twisted cutlery.

[nick nickolas]

What about us 'non public' peoples ?

[David Libertine]

It's been about 10 days since the last report of what's happening in the Quarter... any new "news"?

Are they still roustin' folks?

[The Pretty Good]

I was told that circle shows are ok just no shows in front of the cathedrial(same as always). And also a new one to me was we had to be 20' away from the fence. Was that why you were shut down Peter? Anyway with my math that contradicts another law where we have to keep the firelane clear. Oh and the Big Pitch is Private Property(French Market) so I dont think there would be a problem with working there. I assume the main focus of the French Quater cleanup was the Taroists. Of course I will not know until Monday when I get there. But thats what I know for now. Does anyone know if the benches are still gone?

[The Pretty Good]

oops my mistake tarotists. sorry.

[The Pretty Good]

Oh and for the record I agree with Scot.

[worldwidese]

I passed through Jackson Square twice yesterday (Sunday) afternoon.
Plenty of Artists, Readers, but no shows.
On Royal Street I saw three "Statues" no shows.

[The Pretty Good]

So I guess its bussiness as usual here in NOLA. I do admit that I didnt take full advantage of being alowed to do my show in New Orleans. I decided to do one show today and one yesterday. I figured I would have a better time under the hood of the Checker. By the way its hot here. Like real hot.

[Doctor Eric]

Brendan, what the hell are you doing in New Orleans? It's hot. I'm up in New York, stop by.

[worldwidese]

I just saw on the local TV news that yesterday the New Orleans Police thugs came up to an Australian tourist who was listening to a street musician. They said "You're the one!" and gave him a black eye and a busted nose, right there in front of everyone. What's going on?

By the way Evan, didn't they teach you the facts of life? It's REALLY hot and humid here in the summer. Today's heat index shows it feels like 102 degrees! That's why we get very few conventions and very few tourists here and so very small hats in the summer. Go west, young man, as they say, or north where it will be more pleasant. i'd kill to be in California right now.

[GlassHarper]

The New Orleans Council has, as of 6/2/03, put off public hearing and action on Calendar #24,747, the "Tables and Chairs" ordinance that would terminally interfere with Tarot card readers as well as many musicians who busk in the French Quarter.

This is the second (or third?) postponement. Ostensibly the postponement was due to the absence of Council Person Jacqueline Brechtel Clarkson, in whose district ALL of the available performance pitches in N.O. exist.

The same thing happened five years ago when then Dist. "C" Councilperson Troy Carter tried to introduce restrictive legislation. Consideration, at that time, was postponed several times until, finally, it died. We mustn't assume this will happen again, but I suspect a letter from the ACLU to the Council has much to do with the reluctance of the administration to enact the legislation.

The text of the ACLU's letter, drafted by staffer Julie Rozenzweig, is available at:

http://www.laaclu.org/News/2003/June%205%20Table%20and%20Chairs.htm

[The Pretty Good]

[quote] The visual entertainers engage in protected speech because their visual art often portrays a form of political parody or statement.spam<hr></blockquote>
Really?
Whatever works. Thank you ACLU.

[ 07-04-2003: Message edited by: The Pretty Good ]</p>

[Peter Voice]

The issues seem to have changed. I'm just hoping every-one is OK.