Article Ottawa Citizen - "Buskers Ungrateful"

[Brian R Wilson]

Here's an article that popped into the Ottawa Citizen two days after the Busker Festival. It might make you reconsider your hat pitch.

"Buskers Ungrateful"
As a great fan of street performers, I recently took my two teenagers and my nine-year-old daughter to the Sparks Street Busker Festival. We raided the change jar, so each of the children had $1 for each performer and I took enough to give each busker $4. I was shocked when two buskers announced that they "did not want my change." They were looking for bills. My family was willing to give $7 to the performers and yet change was unacceptable. My nine-year-old had trouble understanding why she couldn't put her money in the hat when she had enjoyed the show. My child was taught a poor lesson about people that day.

Yet there were buskers who would take whatever we could afford - thank you. With great joy, my child ran up to them to throw the jingling coins into their hats. I hope it is their message that will stay with her.

In the future, all the performers should realize that change is money and whatever a family is able to give is better than nothing at all. We did enjoy the performances, but the attitude of some left a bad taste in everyone's mouth and in the end, the buskers' actions cost them some income.

Ann Noonan, Kars
Ottawa Citizen - Wednesday August 6th, section B2 - editorials.

[Charles - Corporate Entertainer]

I sometimes play around with adults who give small amounts of change, but NEVER with the kids.

Young children are the easiest members of an audience to provoke reactions by other, harder to please, members. Make the child laugh and smile and even the staunchest old bugger at the back will soften his outlook a little.

If an adult offers me a tiny amount of change, AFTER lots of others have put money in the hat, I sometimes take a larger amount, say a dollar or two, or a note, and give it him from the hat.

I tell him he obviously needs it more than I do.

That's it. I don't say how I don't want his change, or anything else, just focus on the fact that he may need financial help.

Of course, he ALWAYS puts the money back in the hat, and often drops a bit more in afterwards too.

If, for any reason, he does need the money, I would be happy for him to keep it too.

[grOmmet]

"Yet there were buskers who would take whatever we could afford - thank you. With great joy, my child ran up to them to throw the jingling coins into their hats. I hope it is their message that will stay with her.

In the future, all the performers should realize that change is money and whatever a family is able to give is better than nothing at all. We did enjoy the performances, but the attitude of some left a bad taste in everyone's mouth and in the end, the buskers' actions cost them some income".
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Brian..What CAN Isay??!!
Coming from a family background where [lack of] money was always an issue, and my parents INSISTED that if ONE child had an icecream / whatever.. we ALL had one... I recall how we would have EACH be given a small proportion of what would go into a performer's hat.. in order that we could ALL participate in the process of THANKING / APPRECIATING / ACKNOWLEDGING their efforts..

I can't speak for other parts of the world, but I DO know that here, in the UK, everytime that MY hat contains coinage which add up to 100 pennies, that's ANOTHER Pound Stirling towards my income!!

I ALWAYS smile and express my thanks, because from a young age I was taught that having done the work.. I am ENTITLED to hold out my hand and accept the payment for it.. with a smile..

When it all comes down to money, alone, and I lose my perspective... I shall simply STOP performing, rather than putting out such negativity!!.. Though I trust that day will never come!!

Have FUN out there!!

[and REMEMBER.. INTELLIGENCE IS A POOR COUSIN TO UNDERSTANDING ]

[Dr. Harmonica]

One of the reasons American Buskers might complain about their tips is the fact that American coins are vertually worthless. In Europe where I perform there are coins that are worth close to $3.00. People throw them as an American might throw a quarter. At the end of a working day these coins can add up to a respectable sum. Paper currency is not gives so readly except if one is selling cd's. In the days before the Euro however things were different especially in countries like Italy, Belgium, Spain and a few others. Italy was always amusing because it took about 2000 lire to equal one dollar and the coins were valueless. Italians many times gave a few 1000 Lire bills as a tip so at the end of the day it would be possible to have many, many, many of these small and usually beat to shit bits of paper money. Bag fulls of the stuff. Going to the bank to try to get rid of it was always a joke too and sometimes a problem. Generally I find that people prefer to give buskers pocket change so it is an advantage to work in a country where the change has a high value...................if possible. See you all in Europe
Keep the faith...Dr. Harmonica
Oh yeah I forgot to mention...STAY OFF MY PITCH!!!!:laugh:

[Evan Young]

I've never said anything about not wanting change. I do drop the "hint, hint $20" jokes and then sugjest a few dollars as a reasonable tip. then I tell them in all seriousness that a simple complement will do if that's all they can give. I've always done this (hat lines have been fairly consistang for the last three years). In my early days I made a lot of change, and now I don't. so... I think people just respond more to a strong show than guilt trip hat lines.

I heard that peter panic collects his money in a fishing net to prevent coins. now that's funy.

[faloshow]

hey,
I have a funny story to tell about. I have been in Holland (Amsterdam). Every performer talk about bills of 10 in his money line. So after a view time, I try, and it works. So, then I went to Germany (Cologne). In my first show, I used by accident, the same money line. Half of my crowd was pissed of and they just walked away. So, I used my old money line in the next show's. And the funny thing was, I maked the same money, but everybody goes home happy. This is how life goes.

Falo

[Glenn Orange]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Evan Young
[B]I've never said anything about not wanting change. I do drop the "hint, hint $20" jokes and then sugjest a few dollars as a reasonable tip. then I tell them in all seriousness that a simple complement will do if that's all they can give. I've always done this (hat lines have been fairly consistang for the last three years). In my early days I made a lot of change, and now I don't. so... I think people just respond more to a strong show than guilt trip hat lines.

Personally, I avoid any mention of money in my act. People tend to give more and more often when they don't feel like they're being hustled. We've had some busker's come through here begging like junkies...

Glenn

[Evan Young]

Originally posted by Glenn Orange
[Personally, I avoid any mention of money in my act. People tend to give more and more often when they don't feel like they're being hustled. [/B]

I've never heard anybody say that before. I guess that could work for a more passive act (not a circle show).

[Doctor Eric]

"Personally, I avoid any mention of money in my act. People tend to give more and more often when they don't feel like they're being hustled."

Mentioning money doesn't make people feel like they are being hustled. Hustling them does.

[Evan Young]

Make people want to give you money. It might be a bad aproach to try and make them feel like they owe you money.

[Dr. Harmonica]

I'm a musician playing in Europe and I've been sharing pitches with jugglers for years. Just about all the ones I've ever heard have long and strong hat lines. The amusing ones are the most successful. Of course here in Europe you can ask the audiance if your worth the price of a cup of coffee or a beer. That works well because coffee and beer sometimes cost up th five dollars in local money.
Cheers Ya'll Dr. Harmonica

[Mr.Taxi Trix]

I try never to mention money more than just the fifteen or siixteen times within the opening five minutes, because more than that just puts 'em off. (Not counting the chanting.)

[Doctor Eric]

I've used this one for a while now (it only works if you say it with a shit-eating grin, though)
"Hey Kids! If your parents give you change, go ahead and keep it!"

[Dr. Harmonica]

Hay Mr. taxi....Is that all...Your just a light weight. I know some folks who only talk about money. In fact their whole show is based on a money rap. Performing would only get in the way. Maybe we should start a new subject....something more interesting then money like getting laid...:laugh:

[Glenn Orange]

Originally posted by Evan Young
I've never heard anybody say that before. I guess that could work for a more passive act (not a circle show).

Never done a circle show; I'm just a solo guitar player and, admittedly, only been busking for about 6 months. I just feel it's undignified to ask for money. I make them want to give me money by giving my absolute best performance, which in the end is all I can do. I play my best, and they either WILL or WILL NOT tip me. Begging just lowers me from performing musician to something else.
Glenners

[J-P]

It helps when you live in a country that tips.

As a walkby with a hat out in Oz you'll get tips but it's just working for charity if you try not hatting a circle show. People think your paid by the council or something similar.

99% of the audience will walk, not out of spite, just not thinking about it. They probably enjoyed the show!

J-P

[Dr. Harmonica]

Dear Mr.. Glen Orange. It is painfully obvious that you are just a rookie in this business. The longer you do it the the sooner that you will realize that there is no such thing as begging. It is called educating. Teaching the public that they have a moral responsibility to respect your talent and pay you a fair wage otherwise you might be forced into a life of crime and have to mug them some dark night.......or sell drugs.....or steal their car radios ....It's up to them to keep you from that life of crime.....Therefore don't be shy. If you have a good audience and they don't pay. Insult them, harass them, beg them, threaten them. do what ever it takes because in the end only one thing is important............THE MONEY

[martin ewen]

Given Glens admitted working the streets for only 6 months its painfully obvious to point out that its painfully obvious he's a rookie.
I've met whores who let customers shit in their mouths because at the end of the day its only about one thing...the money.
Glen, perhaps start slowly and expand your comfort zone gradually. Do you have people stopping? Try eye contact. Try some sort of written notice. Try anything that extends your relationship with the audience. Of course if you include dylan covers I'll just withdraw and leave you to continue being savaged by the rock god.

[Mr.Taxi Trix]

And if you do perform Dylan covers, please include "Queen Jane", as I consider it a tad overlooked. I'm also one to stop for a John Prine cover, though, so it's painfully obvious that I'm a nebbish, and an easy mark.

It is possible, what you seek. I watched a harp player working Harvard Square one night, and she simply played. She was extraordinary, gifted, and a member of an orchestra, seeking release, kicks, or dates, I suppose. She did smile and nod, but that was the extent of it. People were asking things like "Hey, wasn't that Rachmannanov's 67.49th movement?" more to prove their savvy natures than for any real contact, and as she nodded, they rained it on her. Whoa, the weight of it, watching them wheeeling over fives upon fives.

Tomco doesn't say much, but what he says is dry as sand, and funny, on unassuming levels. (refreshing, in the street.) He does wonders with candles, too. Plays the trapezoidal money box.

Love them, grasshopper. Exude love. be a source of love. People desperately want to be loved by you. Let every note communicate love, everything else will follow.

You'll find that "begging" is a term that meets with mixed reviews here. We're a proud bunch, we are fond of what we provide people, and are unafraid of informing them of their need for it. Many of us here have tried your preferred way, of just perform really great stuff, and the money will follow. It has proved helpful to kind of nudge that generosity impulse along. Really helpful.

God, Martin, you've known some Lulus. Letting people shit in their mouths? Jesus, that's almost as bad as selling timeshares.

[martin ewen]

Well I never knew her in the biblical sense, we just bumped into each other at some party and you know how it goes. "So what do you do?" she asked.
"Why I'm a successful international disgruntled pantomime....and you?"
"Oh nothing THAT exciting! no I just injest the fresh feces of strangers for cash...can I freshen that for you?"
We were just like colons excavating in the night.

[Evan Young]

gross

[Dr. Harmonica]

Baa, humbug...hmph...all this talk about money is boring. Who's been laid lately. That's what's important. I will lay one thing on you. Having a sign reminding the public about donations is an excellent idea. I've had my sign for more years then I care to admit to. It's geared for musicians but I'll lay it on you all and you can do with it what you will.....

It's true that music can cure all ills
But even musicians must pay their bills
So while the music soothes your mind
A small donation would be very kind
A wondering minstral wishes to say
Have much joy and a very fine day

Thank You...Dr. Harmonica

This can be adapted to suit any kind of act

Cheers folks....Now lets talk about sex.......Who's first?????

[gav]

It's not all about the money !!! What about entertaining people ? Isn't that what it's all about? Of course you want to be paid for it, but if you go out there with only the intention to make money then I don't think you'd do very well. You need to want to entertain people and make them happy, then they'll think about paying you.
there is a difference between asking for money for a service or product you have supplied and begging for money in return for nothing.
It's important to point out to people that if they have enjoyed what you have given them, then perhaps they can give something in return.
I don't recomend throwing insults at people who don't give anything though. Well, maybe in a comical way sometimes.

Now on to the sex topic.
I have it EVERY DAY !!
Life is sweeeeeeet.

[Dr. Harmonica]

My Dear MR.. Gav.....What is this BULLSHIT!!!!! of course it's about money. We are trying to make a living and we expect to receive a good wage for it. I enjoy going out and performing my craft to the best of my ability but I don't do it as a hobby, I do it to support my self in the style to which I have become accustom to and that is a very high style in more ways then one. If I have a bad day at work I am not happy. Why....because I did not make enough MONEY. There has never been a bad day when I earned a lot of money. When you earn a lot of MONEY it is impossible to call it a bad day. It is a good day and I like good days. Earning a lot always means it's a good day and why you may ask. Not only because of the MONEY but because when you earn well on the street it means that the people like you and you were good. MONEY is the way the audience shows it's appreciation of your talent. Now occasionally I have a bad day and I don't make enough MONEY. What does that mean. It means that the audience sucks. Yes they suck. Sometimes that happens. It's a group karma kind of thing that sometime an entire audience can suck. Some times an entire city can suck. I have enough confidence in my skill and talent to know that it's not me, It's THEM.....It's always them......
Now can we talk about something more interesting like pussy.....

:laugh: [B]

[gav]

I guess we'll have to disagree on this.
I've done shows that I thought were bad, with audiences that gave very little response, only to find out later that the hat was very good. On the other hand I have done shows that I thought were great, the audience was well into it and then later I find that the hat was crap !
The amount of money people give you can vary for so many reasons and should never be used to measure the quality of your performance. Better to use the audiences reaction to measure that.
I've seen fantastic performers doing original material that don't make a lot of money, and I've seen totally generic copycat tall unicycle shows performed badly by ego maniacs that make a lot of money.
He who makes the most money on the street is not the best performer, he's the best salesman !

[Dr. Harmonica]

Actually I tend to agree with you on this but the psychology of a musical performer is different then that of a juggler doing a circle show. Since we are pretty much stuck to our instruments and don't really build up to some amazing climax the tips tend to come in slow and hopefully study. Also CD sales are the big breadwinner now. If one is playing music without selling a CD or two it's almost not worth the effort. 20 Cd's sold at $15 a piece or the local equivalent can add up. Anyway there are good days and there are bad days. Usually my show is very consistent. I'm always great.......so if I have a bad day it can't be MY fault now can It????. Listen, we have to stop meeting this way. I have a life to lead...sort of

[Glenn Orange]

Originally posted by martin ewen
Given Glens admitted working the streets for only 6 months its painfully obvious to point out that its painfully obvious he's a rookie.
I've met whores who let customers shit in their mouths because at the end of the day its only about one thing...the money.
Glen, perhaps start slowly and expand your comfort zone gradually. Do you have people stopping? Try eye contact. Try some sort of written notice. Try anything that extends your relationship with the audience. Of course if you include dylan covers I'll just withdraw and leave you to continue being savaged by the rock god.

Hey, if you have a heroin habit to support and wanna beg like a street junkie, go right ahead. I make more than enough to maintain my roomate-free apartment STRICTLY on money I don't be for. I have a great relationship with my audience, people DO stop and appreciate what I do.
Begging is for homeless addicts. Busking is for musicians.
Glenn

[Glenn Orange]

Originally posted by Dr. Harmonica
Dear Mr.. Glen Orange. It is painfully obvious that you are just a rookie in this business. The longer you do it the the sooner that you will realize that there is no such thing as begging. It is called educating. Teaching the public that they have a moral responsibility to respect your talent and pay you a fair wage otherwise you might be forced into a life of crime and have to mug them some dark night.......or sell drugs.....or steal their car radios ....It's up to them to keep you from that life of crime.....Therefore don't be shy. If you have a good audience and they don't pay. Insult them, harass them, beg them, threaten them. do what ever it takes because in the end only one thing is important............THE MONEY

Oh, give me a friggin' break...You sound like every homeless hippy I've ever dealt with. It's MY respinsibility to make sure you are fed and housed. I may be a rookie, but at least I make RENT-PLUS , and get to maintain my dignity. Maybe YOU would be able to make money based solel on your performance if you put down the crack pipe.
Glenn :D

[Dr. Harmonica]

Yo Glen....Are YOU talking to me....You talking to MEEEEE....Dr. Harmonica.......Homeless hippy your ass!!!!! I don't have enough hair left anymore to be a homeless hippy. I'm a hairless hippy but when I did have hair I was the happiest of hopeless hippies while you were in Nappies sucking yo mama's tittie...You don't know diddly doo. I just fed you one of the most commonest juggler line in the common book of over used juggler lines. Look here BOY....You need some experiance. Learn to respect your elders sonny. Learn more then three chords!!!! Why one months interest on my Gold Card is more then you make in a lifetime:mad: I'm out of here. I have to go and polish my Mercedes

[Peter]

Originally posted by Glenn Orange
Oh, give me a friggin' break...You sound like every homeless hippy I've ever dealt with. It's MY respinsibility to make sure you are fed and housed. I may be a rookie, but at least I make RENT-PLUS , and get to maintain my dignity. Maybe YOU would be able to make money based solel on your performance if you put down the crack pipe.
Glenn :D

Sorry Glenn, but you are writing bullshit. I make very good money busking. I use hat lines all the time to remind the entertainees that this is how I make my living. Their tips are my pay. There was an artical in the locval Cincinnati paper about a musician that busks and has made "up to $60 a day" and the day the reporter was with him he made "$5.65 for 3 hours work." He just plays his music and sings along with the music.

I work the same streets doing magic and use hat lines and my take is never less that $60 an hour. I don't beg for money. I don't tell them to "help me." I tell them that : if you enjoy watching what I do show your appreciation by dropping a bill or two in the hat That is NOT begging, it is doing an honest days entertainment and getting paid for it.

BTW, I also don't have a room mate in my apartment. I have a wife, who does not have an outside job, and a real mortgage that I am paying. I also pay child support to an ex wife and am very generous to my four kids.

I feel thatwWhat you are doing, on the other hand, is begging. playing your heart out and wishing that someone will drop a coin or two.

Peter

[gav]

You musos' are an angry bunch aren't you.
I suggest you both go toke on a reefer and subdue your madness.
Most guitar buskers I've seen don't ask for money, at most they have a little sign in their guitar case that says 'thanks for the tip' or something like that.
Most statue shows I've seen don't ask for money either, but they can make 50 euro an hour, sometimes more.
I've never seen a circle show not ask for money, but that does not make us a bunch of junky beggars !!!

[Dr. Harmonica]

My Dear Mr. Ewin. I couldn't help but notice that you member has turned gangrenous after only some 1030 post. You have my unending sympathy. What will happen next???

[Dr. Harmonica]

I don't ask for money. I have a big sign on my guitar case with the poem that I posted earlier that does that. I sell CD's with a large sign that explains the pricing schedule. The more you buy the less per unit they cost. I have five different ones. Since I've been selling CD's the case change has gone down but who cares, The paper cash has really gone up. I used to carry kilo's of coins home. Now it's wads of paper. Life is tough out here in Buskerland.
Say y'all, this has been fun but I have things to do,
places to go and people to see

Just remember.....

I'm old enough to know better

But young enough to do the wrong thing

[martin ewen]

Mr mouth organ. I've been secretly keeping tabs on you for years, since way back when you had a head full of tresses. Every time a clump fell out I'd match it with a pnet post.
Back to topic; Playing your heart out is the point, music has the luxury of you being able to immerse yourself in it and it projecting by itself.
Have a sign with your own stuff your happy with explaining yourself.
Seed your hat or case with the denominations you prefer.
Make eye contact.
There's differences between musicians and song and dance men and their both interesting in different ways.
You can put yourself anywhere between those definitions you wish.
This has turned into a bit of a self justification blather. Theres a lot of variety out there. I've seen silent magicians make good money.
Now must go and apply my ointment

Oh and the Dr's right CD's are a superior revenue stream for a muso.

[Dr. Harmonica]

My Dear Mr... Gangrenous.. Quite right, quite right. Seeding the hat or case is very important and I would never dream of starting the day with an empty case. From little seed grow big bills. In my younger days I used to empty the case from time to time but not any more. I like to watch the change grow. Of course the big bills get buried because sometimes a hopeless crack smoking hippy busker amateur guitarists might get jealous and try to steal. It's happened before. A quick hand in the case and out comes a bill. . Sometimes I catch them and sometimes they're bigger then I am It's a part of operating expenses

[harmonicakev]

Personally, I avoid any mention of money in my act. People tend to give more and more often when they don't feel like they're being hustled. We've had some busker's come through here begging like junkies...

Glenn [/B][/QUOTE]

This is a somewhat common attitude among street musicians I've met in Boston and Cambridge, but lets face it folks, if your case is open, that's asking for money, and where is the problem with asking for money anyway? Everybody has to end up finding their own way of working a crowd, unless they have relatives who will support them. Personally I would never actually ask for money. e.g. my old hat line back when I had hair...." all donations go so that I, Kevin M., can get a haircut and look for a real job." Happy Spring! - Kevin M.

[Mr.Taxi Trix]

I'll second that. The "well, I'm too good to actually speak of money" attitude, from someone who relies on tips for a living, is just a little too much like a prostitute claiming that while yes, she will certainly allow a certain amount of her client's bodily fluid into her various orifices, she would never stoop to holding hands with someone in the park, much less a carriage ride, because that would be behaving like a whore.

Dignified though your perception of your position may be, you're right down here with the rest of us.
When a garbageman brags that he would never pick up a discarded chair and throw it in the truck, he's still a garbageman, though he may prattle on about being a refuse engineer.

So blow me.

[Peter Voice]

The best paying solo music act I ever saw was a guitarist in Sydney who played Chicago bluesy stuff with just a little amp, harmonica and voice.
He played and sang like an angel but what made the difference was two-fold.

First was he had the moves, this guy could dance.

Second was that he did a little show with crowd-build, lead-up and climax with hat-pitch.

And he did pack-up at the end but only to move a little and begin again.

Only 2-3 pieces after a short, loud crowd-build then a hat pitch. It was similar to some of the musos I saw working the underground trains in Paris in the late 70's. He had about a 10-15 min. turn-over and would do different pieces in each set.
I saw him one day do 8 little shows in Martin Place during a 2 and half hour lunch-time stint, then several sets in 2 hours at Circular Quay that afternoon. That evening I saw him doing it again Manly.

He was making about 80 a show and this was about 20 years ago.

[Dr. Harmonica]

Money, money, money money, money.....I'm only writing in here because I'm jealous of you guys. We got Gangrenous members, Amputated members, Senior members and Member members but do we have any members who are using their member for it's intended purpose??? If I keep writing enough bullshit maybe my member will grow big and strong like some of you guys....I hope....
My last wish is for somebody to suck my member!!!!!

[martin ewen]

Personally, I'd find that a bit distracting.
If I were dying, I'd be concentrating on profoundly funny things to say. (and I doubt my relatives would volunteer)

[Peter Voice]

Personally, I'd find that a bit distracting.
If I were dying, I'd be concentrating on profoundly funny things to say. (and I doubt my relatives would volunteer)

Punctuation can be almost as funny as dental surgery.