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Dirty-South Blues Harp forum: wail on! >
Summer is Upon Us, Who's Busking?
Summer is Upon Us, Who's Busking?
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jbone
1608 posts
May 10, 2014
9:50 PM
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The local farmers' markets are open as of last weekend. We've been to the big one downtown both Saturdays pretty early and done double sets.
We've been the only musicians out at 9 to 10 or 11 so far.
Now is the time in the south and maybe middle part of the country, to look into busking at your local market, and whatever other outdoor venue is nearby.
Our set list is along these lines: Mind Your Own Business, Midnight Special, Shake Rattle and Roll, No Mo' Doggin',
Tangled Up In Blue, Lonesome Blues, St. James Infirmary, a few Jimmy Reed, some Little Walter, Goin' Down the Road Feelin' Bad, Jesus On the Main Line, Folsom Prison Blues, John Henry, Wait On Time, Mellow down Easy, New Stranger Blues, Betty and Dupree. A few originals in there. Plenty of harp runs.
One cool thing about this sort of gig is you can play pretty much any song you want, as long as it's not too r-rated. Or if you can kind of slur any racy lyrics a bit... Another is, people toss a buck in the case here and there. Someone has bought a cd both times out so far. Jolene and I love playing live with each other as partners and it's a great way to tighten up stuff and try new songs out. Last week we did Everything Is Broken, the Dylan song, and it was a big draw for a few minutes there.
People come by, take a pic or two, ask Jo about her Western Auto Trutone guitar, look my harps over, and just want to chat. Kids want to dance. Even elderly folks put a spring in their step while they are going by!
One funny thing to see is, someone will turn and look at us grey head old folks and do a double take like they can't beLIEVE it's us playing THAT!
We've played the market there on and off for several years and are pretty well liked. This season we will be doing some Tuesday evening spots, something new they are trying and they want some artists and musicians to be a part of.
No matter how new you may be, if you take the chance, get out and play with someone who knows how to get through some songs, you will grow. You will be validated. Maybe not all the time, but some of the time. What I came to do as a matter of course was, I did my best to ignore the audience and focus on my playing and singing. Eventually I did develop a repoire with the crowd and passers-by, but first I had to get decent on the harp and my singing as well.
My tendency early on was to play and sing overly loud, since it is outdoors and there are people "over there" who may want to listen. I had to learn to not blow up harps, or my voice. If folks want to hear, they get to come closer! This puts them in range of the tip jar or a cd sale as well.
So if you're wondering what the heck to do on a Saturday morning, check this idea out. Or go to a coffee shop and see if you can set up out front. Deli or sandwich shop. We're about to see if the library system will support us doing a once-a-month acoustic jam nearby. My point is, if you want experience and exposure- and some great moments- reach out and grab them!
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa7La7yYYeE
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Goldbrick
431 posts
May 11, 2014
6:42 AM
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Always busking. Being in Florida helps weather wise- but blues and old timey format just not real popular down here . We actually draw our best audience from the European tourists who want to hear American music.
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jbone
1610 posts
May 11, 2014
7:12 AM
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We do plenty of roots rock too, Not Fade away, Knockin' On Heaven's Door, etc. The more attractive blues we do is swing or up tempo stuff. I think people want some extra stimulation to get them moving a bit more.
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http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa7La7yYYeE
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orphan
345 posts
May 11, 2014
7:21 AM
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Just curious jbone. Are you playing completely acoustic or are you playing through amp/PA?
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kudzurunner
4688 posts
May 11, 2014
8:51 AM
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jbone is absolutely right: No matter what level you are, from relatively inexperienced to a gigging veteran, busking will help you grow. It will force you to grow. It's usually a thrill. Sometimes it's just tiring. Sometimes you make a lot of money; sometimes you make a little money. Occasionally you make nothing, or next to nothing. It will teach you what "the public" wants to hear. It will expose your weaknesses and shore up your strengths.
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jbone
1611 posts
May 11, 2014
12:32 PM
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@ orphan- total acoustic. No amps allowed at most of these markets around here. This serves to absolutely challenge you to be your best with no dependance except on your own ability. You will learn to project but also to find the level where you don't kill harps and go hoarse. You perform just below that. People who WANT to hear you and interact WILL come over close that way.
@ Adam- I KNEW we would hear from you sir! You know it's nice to break even or better- gas and maybe a couple of bottled waters, whatever fee is charged for the day- but it just does not happen all the time. What we have found is, THE primary reason to play in public, for all ages and all audiences, is because we love playing. Doing it in front of folks is a real validation. And one time a particular song will fall flat, next time it wins big. You can never tell. To me the key component is to show your love through your performance. When you do that you are rewarded both from within and without.
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http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000386839482
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa7La7yYYeE
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A440
151 posts
May 11, 2014
2:43 PM
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Indeed... time to play outside!
I will be playing with my band (and other friends) at ad-hoc sessions around Paris all summer - outdoor cafés, parks, on the pedestrian areas along the river.
We are also booked to play at the FeelGoodMarket in Eindhoven on May 18th - next Sunday.
Last Edited by A440 on May 11, 2014 2:44 PM
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jbone
1612 posts
May 11, 2014
8:49 PM
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A440, we'd love to join you! Bit of a drive from here in Arkansas!
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http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000386839482
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa7La7yYYeE
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BronzeWailer
1261 posts
May 11, 2014
9:00 PM
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Autumn here in Oz. I busked last week in a pedestrian tunnel near a train station. Just me and half a dozen harps. Played and sang. Good acoustics from the tunnel. 99% of people just rush by (kids to pick up after work etc.) but I saw five people I know, some of whom stopped for a chat. A friend/neighbour, girl I used to work with, son's friend, guy I used to play soccer with, and one of my "regular" tippers who always throws a coin in. No tips on the first five songs, but then they started (nothing huge, but enough to make me feel appreciated). And when nothing happens, well, that's character building.
BronzeWailer's YouTube
Last Edited by BronzeWailer on May 11, 2014 9:01 PM
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SuperBee
1972 posts
May 11, 2014
9:24 PM
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'Autumn in Oz' is a phrase which can be interpreted with a degree of latitude.
depending on your latitude.
Here in The south there are still opportunities but it's rather unpredictable. When it's not sunny, it's cold. When it is sunny, it's still cold.
About this time, days are short. 'This time' means the next 12 weeks.
And I argued with the guitar player, so I guess it's just gonna be me for a while.
'Character building'. You bet. I think my character may already be established.
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oldwailer
1995 posts
May 12, 2014
8:37 AM
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I did my first Farmer's market yesterday--it's a good time of year to play--just barely warm enough and people are generally pretty happy to be out in the sun for a change from the winter doldrums. I only got an hour and went hoarse as a bullfrog--gotta re-stress the pipes for the season--I'll be back next Sunday to the same place--ten minute drive from home.
I had a great time--lots of kids to play to, and that is always fun. . .
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"Too Pretty for the Blues."
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