oda
433 posts
Feb 11, 2011
5:36 AM
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I live in Toronto. I'm going to make it a summer-thing to go out and Enjoy other places like NewYork. The thing I love most is that both of these places have an abundance of buskers, street/subway musicians, and a lot of the time they are good - too.
I really want to be able to just pull out my harmonica and jam with some of these guys.
How do I go about living my dream? I still haven't played in public, and I haven't even been to a jam. But god damn, I wanna sponto-jam (haha, walter)
What are the fundementals when you spontaneously jam with someone? have you ever done this kind of thing? The most important things are like; obviously, knowing the key.
There are some neat sax players and guitarists here.
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I could be bound by a nutshell and still count myself a king of infinite space
OdaHUMANITY!
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waltertore
1047 posts
Feb 11, 2011
6:27 AM
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Oda: It is great you are inspired to get out and play! I really don't want to offer much advice because that may sidetrack your dream! All I will say is work on getting to know the buskers. Setting up a relationship is first. The respect factor goes a long way. These guys probably have spent years working up to and playing thier spots. I would search out guys that have personalities that fit yours. Follow your heart and let your dream unfold! I look forward to hearing about it all. Walter
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walter tore's spontobeat - a real one man band and over 1 million spontaneously created songs and growing. I record about 300 full length cds a year.
" life is a daring adventure or nothing at all" - helen keller
2,600+ of my songs
continuous streaming - 200 most current songs
my videos
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harpdude61
735 posts
Feb 11, 2011
6:48 AM
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Make sure the guitar or whatever is in tune with you. I'm sure if you throw them $5 you can play a song...if it goes well and your playing can help THEM make money then you might get to play several...Good Luck!
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Joe_L
1057 posts
Feb 11, 2011
9:38 AM
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Find out if you need a street performer's license unless your dream includes a visit to the city jail.
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The Blues Photo Gallery
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Jim Rumbaugh
404 posts
Feb 11, 2011
11:04 AM
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Carry as many keys of harps that you can.
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intermediate level (+) player per the Adam Gussow Scale, Started playing 2001
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sydeman
31 posts
Feb 11, 2011
11:11 AM
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Permits are required..TTC has auditions once a year for the subway for single or duo acts fee is $150. Also need a sidewalk permit from the city..not sure of the cost as it has been a couple of years since my TO days..
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dougharps
46 posts
Feb 11, 2011
11:38 AM
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Most of my sitting in is in clubs with people who have heard me play, and with previous discussion and approval.
@Joe L
@Sydeman
Are you saying that if someone "sits in" (in NY or another city requiring permits) with a busker for no compensation, they could be ticketed if they don't have a permit?
To a certain extent I can somewhat understand the rationale used for requiring a permit for public performance for money. You are talking about setting up a business in a public place.
But if you just sit in a bit (not for profit), what about freedom of expression? Seems like a lot of "expression" gets a pass as free speech in other situations.
You are saying that Oda can't just get an OK from the busker and play along, without risking arrest or a fine???!!!
Are you sure about that?
@Oda
Harp content (if it is legal to make spontaneous music in NY):
Yes, take a bunch of keys, check with the person you would want to play with, tip them, don't step on their vocals, solos, etc, and watch for cues as to when to lay out, and when you are no longer welcome to continue. If you can't add to the song/music, don't play.
I am interested in replies about the legality of sitting in with a busker.
Also, I hope Oda lives the dream and tells us about it... without doing time for unauthorized expression.
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Doug S.
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eharp
1148 posts
Feb 11, 2011
1:15 PM
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when i go downtown detroit, if try to find some busker (and i use this term loosely).
i listen a bit to see if i am able to play with them. throw some bucks into their hat. listen a bit more and then show them my harp.
if i get a nod, i'll ask if they can play in a key i can match up with. (i usually have a few harps so matching up isnt that tough.) i start slow, just comping and short fills.
if it looks like things are going well, i step it up a bit, maybe suggest some rhythms or tunes for him to play.
inbetween songs i will work the crowd for more tips.
there are 2 different guys that yell me over when they see me.
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didjcripey
36 posts
Feb 11, 2011
3:00 PM
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As regards to the permit situation, I say stuff 'em. If you're just jamming with someone and not taking money, to hell with permits. If the fun police want to lock you up for playing a harmonica, then what sort of country is it?
That said though, a little common sense and sensitivity goes a long way. It is fair that people be prosecuted for public nuisance, but if you're reasonable, you should be able to talk your way out of any drama. Keep your eyes open too; see a bulliman come your way and slip your harp back in your pocket.
I suspect that America is becoming as over regulated as Australia now is. A little public disobedience and disrespect for authority has been part of our national character and I hope that it continues to be as our civil liberties are slowly but surely eroded.
Anyway, you could find you get some good practice in the lockup, and a bit more cred and authentic experience as a bluesman!
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Lucky Lester
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waltertore
1051 posts
Feb 11, 2011
6:14 PM
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playing on the streets here in the USA varies widely. The bigger cities are doing the permit thing more and more, but if one just takes the time to get to know a shopkeeper and has their act together musically and emotionally, it still is a wide open scene. I played in front of this music store in santa rosa, ca, for 4 or so years pretty much everyday in the summer. the sidewalk was part of the music stores property and I kept the volume down and my area clean, polite, and drug/alcohol/crazy street people/clean. It was a great gig. the police all got to know me, the music store business went up when I played, and a Turkish woman sold flowers off a cart next to me. She cooked me lunch everday and swept up on the hour and on the music beat too! I have met more interesting people, situations, playing the streets than in any club. the day this photo was taken I was recording the session and a guy watching as he was driving by rear ended the car in front of him at the red light. the crash is on the recording. Luckily nobody was hurt. Also it has the Turkish woman sweeping to the music.
Going in with a peaceful and respectful of the scene/laws attitude will make or break your experience. I also have been run off by the police many times. I would always appologize, and ask them how I needed to go about playing legally. Walter
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walter tore's spontobeat - a real one man band and over 1 million spontaneously created songs and growing. I record about 300 full length cds a year.
" life is a daring adventure or nothing at all" - helen keller
2,600+ of my songs
continuous streaming - 200 most current songs
my videos
Last Edited by on Feb 11, 2011 6:23 PM
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Joe_L
1058 posts
Feb 11, 2011
7:30 PM
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Doug - I don't live in NYC, but I have lived in plenty of big citiies. I don't care what Oda does on his trip, but nothing will ruin a fun time faster than a run in with a law enforcement official might not be understanding of Oda's dreams.
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The Blues Photo Gallery
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Greg Heumann
1043 posts
Feb 11, 2011
10:10 PM
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So you're getting social advice - that's good. But you say you haven't played in public. How good are you? Can you jam along with jam tracks? Are you able to recognize chord progressions? Do you know where the "I" is? Can you identify the key of a song without having to ask? Do you know how to add rhythm backing ("comping") without stepping on the other player(s)? Can you solo for 24-36 bars? for several tunes in a row without repeating the same licks, while remaining musical? Answers to these questions will guide you. If you answer "no" to more than a one or two of these questions, you might not be ready. This isn't as supportive an environment as a jam that is designed to beginners a chance to play. You don't want to embarrass yourself, or hurt the busker's income chances.
I say all the above in a supportive way - I have no idea whether you're ready or not. I can tell you I've seen plenty of people who are not ready "insert" themselves into such situations, and it can cause discomfort all around.
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/Greg
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