Just got back from my last time busking as an elf this year! Woo-hoo! (Don't worry, I'll still be an elf to go to the airport tomorrow to get my brother and at the subsequent holiday parties).
It's way past bedtime, but once the Christmas festivities start I certainly won't have time to blog, so I wanted to get it down quickly now before I forget:
Friday, December 23, 2011
First: I played briefly last Tuesday. A down-on-his-luck looking man showed up to collect for the Salvation Army. I thought he was totally bogus and it was a scam to get money: he wore a Salvation Army hat, rang a ratty old bell and held out a stocking. Eek. But then someone delivered the actual collection bin and good bell, so he was legit! As it turned out, he used to play bells in a band, and he's a really good percussionist! He played along, and did all sorts of fancy moves (triplets, vibrato-ish rattling at the ends of songs). Nice.
Tonight, 5:15-9:00, Faces:
1. Two women walked by, mid-conversation about elves: "....just like that! [Points to me.] A little elfy!" I said, "I'm more than a little elfy." She said, "Yeah, you don't get any elfier." (My spell-check is having a field day)
2. A young woman asked me if I'm the one on Youtube who she saw playing Twin Peaks. I confirmed that I was, and played it for her! When I learned it I was reeeeeally hoping for people to request it. Done and done!
3. Two adorable toddler twin boys held hands and watched, totally mesmerized. Cute.
4. A man told me a history of my elf shoes: he said the curly-toed shoe tradition is from Norway. These shoes easily hook onto your homemade skis!
5. A man asked if I was a real elf, and if my toes actually curl. I should have been telling people that all along!
6. I ran into a man named Nol (sp?) who looked familiar. He placed me before I placed him: he vends at the Wellfleet Flea Market in the summers, and we chatted when I bought vintage Valentines with accordions on them last summer. This is a man who likes to talk. I remember that from last summer, that he went on and on. Same thing happened tonight, he came over at least twice and talked and talked. Lots of potential customers went by!
7. A guy dropped $11 in the box and said that he honestly had found it on the street and that it must be mine. Wow. Nice guy.
8. "This is for your tights...and shoes...and hat...and everything."
9. "This is for degrading yourself by dressing like an elf." Hey!
10. A man asked for "O Holy Night," which I agreed to limp through, since it's not one of my stronger songs. I made quite a few mistakes, and he said, "Well I was going to give you a dollar but you missed some notes." JK!
11. A guy said that he's working the door at the club Elevens tonight and invited me to play in the foyer between bands, since people will have singles! That was nice of him. The thing I liked about this conversation was that he said, "Sounds good!," I said, "Thank you!," then he said, "You're welcome," in this funny, aside sort of voice. You had to be there.
12. A man complimented my costume, and we talked about what other holidays I could dress up for. He suggested Columbus Day. Hmm. "Just imagine all the possibilities!"
13. A guy dropped in a tip while chewing. This isn't uncommon, but he was holding a bottle of hot sauce. Got to keep warm somehow!
14. An interesting character who later introduced himself as "Meatball" made an appearance. He was walking with a cane with no hook, and recommended that I hide some money, as many others do. He said that kids come up on the bus from Holyoke and "scout" which buskers make money to rob. Eek!
15. A man exclaimed, "10 points for Gryffindor!" as he dropped in his tip. That's a first!
16. My parents listened at the end! I always love that because a) they bought me my accordion and I like to make them proud; b) when they listen it looks like a crowd so others listen; c) they know my songs so they make intelligent requests; and d) extra security!
17. While my folks were there these two guys stopped to listen. One was smoking a cigar, and asked if I knew this old carol which he started singing. I didn't, but my mom joined him in song. He asked about another Italian one, then we agreed that I'd play "Santa Lucia," but I couldn't find the key. In the end I played the Godfather theme, and with a little nudging from his friend he sang. Turns out he's a professional singer! He sounded fabulous, obvs, and it was really nice. Great way to end the night!
Okay time for a warm winter's nap. Thanks, Northampton, for being great to an Elf! See you next year!
Love,
S + S's S' S
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011
"What Are You, a Pumpkin?"
The past two days have proven once again that Northampton is so awesome. Within ten seconds of parking my car it began: smiles, compliments on the costume, messages for Santa, etc., and didn't stop until I drove away hours later. People were into it, super friendly, and generous both with tips and with goodies to keep me warm and fed.
I'll keep this post short and cut right to the good stuff. My pen wasn't working well in the cold, so my notes are tricky. Hope I don't miss good ones! This is two days worth of material: (bold=my favorites)
Friday, December 16, 2011
Set up first outside Thornes, across from Cedar Chest. 5:30 pm.
1. The Occupiers were set up outside of Bank of America, as they are on Friday nights. Tonight, they were going to sing their versions of "Jingle Bells" and "The Twelve Days of Christmas" and asked me to accompany them, which I did for an audience of about zero. "You are crooks, you are crooks, we need a tax break...."
2. A guy knew he recognized the song I was playing, but bore a puzzled expression as to where he might have heard the song before. The song in question was "Angels We Have Heard on High."
3. I took my dinner break at Sam's Pizza, where I had my first acquaintance with the employee known as "Big Gay Bob." I can appreciate trying to make jokes, but this guy did not say a serious thing. (I got wine with my pizza). "How old are you?" "23." "Prove it." (After ringing me up,) "That will be...all of your money. Your pizza will be ready eventually." Pretty pessimistic there, Bob! Later I heard him take another customers order. He asked, "And are you drinking heavily?"
From 6:30-9 or so I set up at my favorite spot, outside Faces. Good because it's by the crosswalk, so good foot traffic, centrally located, and Faces projects green dots on the sidewalk that people stop to figure out and thus have to listen to me.
4. As I was walking back from Sam's, these two young folks asked me if I knew where to score some weed. In this town, the "ask a stranger on the street" technique sometimes works, but did they really think the Christmas Elf of all people was their best bet?? When they walked by later they caught my eye and shook their heads, indicating that they hadn't yet found any. That was helpful, since I was on the edge of my seat.
5. A member of one of the many packs of teenage girls walking by loudly said, "Hello my gypsy friend!" I guess my elf costume can't mask my true identity!
6. A gender-ambiguous wheelchair-bound fez-wearer called me a "hot elf." Only in Northampton.
7. Some folks asked me to play "L'Valse d'Amelie" (too many apostrophes?). I usually play other songs from that soundtrack other than the main theme, but I did it and warned them that it gets really tricky and complicated. They said, "It's okay, we have a friend who teaches accordion in North Adams and he has trouble with that part too."
8. There's a note where the pen only starting working for "nicest ever," but I forget who that is :(
9. This incredibly grumpy, sour looking woman stormed by with a very corny snowman pin. I thought that was a funny combination of expression and accessory.
10. This guy went on and on about how I HAVE to go play in Glastonbury, England. Maybe I'll check it out.
11. I saw my childhood next-door neighbors Jeff and Amy which was nice. I saw them in Ptown last summer too! I also saw a good friend from high school, Christine. Great!
12. A young man said he wanted to hear a non-Christmas song, since he's sick of Christmas music since his bagpipe band is playing a lot of it (a normal comment in the Valley). I showed him my set list and he confessed his Beirut fandom. Yay!
13. Lots of people asked about bringing them presents as such, and I asked what they wanted. One guy finally agreed that what he wanted most of all was an accordion!
14. I got a lot of tips just for my costume, or parts (wreath earrings, shoes, even "candy legs").
15. When I played in November I mentioned a Colombian man I met and talked to about tangos. He was out Friday night and danced to my songs!
16. As I mentioned, people are baffled by these moving green lights on the sidewalk in front of Faces. They come from a little projector hidden above the neon Faces sign. If, after a minute of looking, they can't figure out where they come from, I'd pipe up and tell them. But I got cynical after a while, and after asking "Do you want to know the secret?" I'd confess that it's pure Christmas magic.
17. Someone said something like, "It's not what's being played, who's playing it." That's not the right wording, but regarding that it doesn't matter how well I play. It was nice to hear, since I don't actually play well.
18. I met a photographer who recently had a photo in the Advocate of the Coyote Choir, a fellow busking band. ("That was my photo! I'M Doug!") He would've gotten one of me too but didn't have his equipment. How am I going to get famous then, Doug?
19. An adorable little boy lingered for a while with his dad. He wore a frog hat that extended way past his head, and a Red Sox jacket. When he put money in, he giggled the cutest little giggle ever. Too bad Flaca's on vacation!
20. "We expect great things since you look so cute."
21. "That box is going to be full and God's going go bless you for playing his songs out here." Oh, he's a composer too?
22. Lastly, a group of women came out of Faces with a tiara and placed it on one of their member's head. I mouthed to another to ask if it was her birthday, and I got a nod. I played "Happy Birthday," and they loved it. I love doing that! Then they went to the ATM but couldn't tip till they got change. I offered to make change but they said they'd be back. They weren't before 9:00 though. No pasa nada.
And.....Saturday, December 17th, 2011
I started out once again by Thornes, around 1:00 pm, since Steve the guitar player was outside Faces.
1. There was this horribly obnoxious juggler. He obviously is used to working big tourist crowds, and paid no regard to the busking bylaws. he wore an orange vest and a top hat and walked around with three balls. He stopped right outside of Thornes, obviously not 50 feet away from me. He'd get one ball stuck on his hat and ask children where the red ball was. They'd giggle and say "On your head!" I was so mad. I didn't want to leave my stuff to go give him a piece of my mind, so luckily he came over to me. I thought he might ask if it was okay that he was there, but no. He came over and asked me, in a silly voice, "Have you seen my red ball?" Ohhh the nerve of that man. Not only do you invade my pitch and steal my children, but now you're acting like I'm one of them? I nicely told him, "Sir, I'm going to ask you to please move down so we're fifty feet apart. As you can see, I'm more than fifty feet away from that musician over there." He did a minimal job of acknowledging it, and eventually went on his way. This messed me up though, because during the anticipation, execution, and aftermath of a confrontation such as this I always get a huge adrenaline rush. It's annoying, because it's substantial enough that I'm shaky and lightheaded for a long time after. It made it hard to focus, smile, and play well. Later, when a cop checked permits I totally tattled on him. Hopefully he's in the Big House now thinking about what he's done.
2. A stressed mother stopped by with her crying toddler, hoping that I would stop the crying. I switched to Jingle Bells, and it actually worked!
3. There were two little girls around (offspring of Salvation Army bell-ringers?) who had beautiful colorful tutus on. They would come close and listen, but then run back when I tried to talk to them. The older one finally told me about this long, complicated video she had seen with a talking snowball and an elf. It was all she could do to get the ending out, since she was in hysterics. I have no idea what went on in that video.
4. A guy said, "You look cute," and his girlfriend immediately whipped her head around to glare. Oops.
5. A man saw my loans sign and asked if I went to Smith. This line of thinking was the "Sophie" sign, because of the legacy of Sophia Smith. That's a new one!
6. I got some strange costume identifications. Some thought I was a leprechaun, and someone that I was a character from "Alice in Wonderland." Guys, it's Christmas!
I took a long break from around 2-3:30 to do my own shopping. I wanted to leave my accordion somewhere so I could move more swiftly and have hands, so I headed to the Northampton Pottery studio where my old friend Frank crafts (no, he's not related, yuk yuk). I had just missed him, but the other artists extended the invitation to accordion-sit. Thank you!! This break ended at Bueno y Sano, for a lunch/dinner stop.
7. A woman in Bueno told her daughter, "Your quesadilla pizza will be ready soon!" I took this to mean that this child would only eat pizza, so everything was called pizza in that household. Oy.
8. At 3:30 I took over Steve's spot, where I stayed until about 8:30. Steve's so awesome, he told me about all the places he's traveled. Maybe I'll winter in Savannah! It was his 65th birthday yesterday. He suggested that I find some cardboard to stand on, since it works wonders for keeping your feet warm! Awesome, I'll have to try it.
9. For the first time ever in my 18 months of busking, I was asked for my permit. A Northampton cop walked down Main St. and stopped in front of this young guitar player. I saw him pack up his stuff and wondered if there's a bylaw restricting busking on this day. 'Twas not the case, that guy simply "hadn't renewed" his yearly permit, which means he's gotten away with it for 11.5 months! I proudly showed the cop mine when it was my turn, and he was super nice. He said that if anyone's giving me a hard time I should flag him down. I totally tattled on the obnoxious juggler, which will come back to bite me in the ass karmically if I try playing Harvard Square without a permit again.
10. A lot happened at once, suddenly: the guitar player came to talk to me which I was glad about, since I hadn't talked to him before. Then I switched my attention to a lady who asked to hear a French song, so I played her "Parlez-moi d'Amour" (quick note: I'm so sick of Christmas songs and I'm so happy when people request others!). Right on her heels was a family I totally love who I babysit for. I hadn't seen them in a long long time, so it was so nice to see them. The dad mentioned my green hair which I thought was a joke until his wife said he's color-blind. Oops.
11. "Only in Northampton do you see a teenager dressed up like a what's-it-called!" D'oh.
12. A guy was really enthralled by my two-dollar bills (I have six now), and asked if he could swap for one. I agreed, since he had never seen one. But then he thought out loud to me about how much time he should leave to get to Westfield to see his niece's band performance. Can't help you with that one, buddy.
13. A lady said, "I don't have money, but would you like a clementine?" I said I would. "Would you like...two?" She magically pulled a second out of her small-looking pocket. Awesome.
14. I saw lots of old friends! Kristen, Ginny and David, BZ. Love running into loved ones (duh).
15. A guy asked to play a Yann Tiersen song, then said all the Amelie songs are based on the melody of one Christmas song, or something. That didn't make sense. But I also can't hear shit in my elf hat.
I was so so so cold. I had to be careful smiling, since my teeth were freezing. I wore the minimum leg layers, since it's been okay, but that was a bad idea. I also forgot one thermal shirt, but I thought I made up for it in sweaters. I was about twice my normal bulk due to all my layers. But, more importantly, my poor accordion was cold! I could hear it suffering, so I took it inside for a hot chocolate (although I decided it was safer if I drank it myself rather than pouring it onto Lil' Red). It felt so good to go into warm Thornes. I wasn't in any danger of losing my spot since only two buskers were up for playing in the cold and one had gotten the boot for his lack of permit! I had my choice of pitches. It was 6:00ish after my break, so I still had three hours to go. Ugh. I noticed that there had been a clock above the bank the whole time, which was nice to track the passing of time (yep, that's what clocks are good for).
16. I had talked to these two super nice young women who were also paying back student loans. They were on their way to Woodstar Cafe, and came back around 6:30 with a large coffee for me. That's not all...they had folded a paper into a tray so they could bring me an assortment of sugars, a stirrer, and a little cup of milk. So nice. If you two ever happen across this, thank you so much!! That was one of my nicest things ever done. Unfortunately, though, I'm caffeine-free these days, so I couldn't consume it. ...
17. ... I asked several people if they wanted it before a young man finally accepted it. Poor guy was having a hard time. He told me he's trying to find money to fill his prescriptions and get to the Amherst shelter. I offered him the clementines but he has acid reflux. He kept saying that he's looking for money, which was an obvious hint, but I resisted giving him some because I can't help out everyone! I decided a little too late though to give him a few bucks, and he was elsewhere.
18. On a happier note...a guy asked if I ever teach, because his wife wants to take lessons. I said I would, but I'm not around the Valley much. He asked if I know anyone. Thinking of Jazer Giles I said, "Well I know a guy who's an experienced piano teacher and he plays the accordion, so although I don't know for sure, there's a very good chance he teaches accordion too." The guy said, "Oh no, that wouldn't work at all!!! Thanks anyway!" Weird.
19. More sad encounters...a drunk (or just really weird) older guy up way too close and asked, "Are you an angel?" Nope. "A pumpkin?" Colder. "I'm an elf." "Me too, I'm an angel. Let's go do the same thing." "Well an angel's a totally different ball game!" This conversation continued for a bit. Finally, I got him to leave, and he said, "If anyone gives you a hard time send them to Little Jimmy" or something.
20. Soon after Little Jimmy was Raymond, an equally drunk but much less creepy older guy. His whole mantra was things being "dead in three minutes." Caffeine came up, since I offered him the coffee (these are out of order, sorry). "Oh no, I'm on medication for high blood pressure so if I have caffeine I'll be dead in three minutes!" He was worried about me out here, not convinced by my strategies of being safe. It was a genuine concern, not like the men who have brought it up insinuating that they should be the ones protecting me. He feared that if I went alone to the South to play that I'd be dead in three minutes. And when the New York Police decide they don't like a busker, that busker will be dead in three minutes. Three times through this conversation he extended his hand and said, "I'm Raymond." He told me to not stay out too late and to watch out for the drunks. "I'm one of them!'
21. Speaking of which...some young folks said, "I hope you're not a recovering alcoholic" as they put a bottle of beer in the box. Yessss. I thought about setting it up with a straw for easy concealed consumption, but it didn't fit, so I downed some tea then transferred the beer into the tea cup. Cools the body, but warms the soul.
22. I saw Becky, who brought me tea and warmed my pen! Yay!
23. Oh, this was way earlier, but a men's a cappella group, "The Dreamboats," was caroling and asked to use my spot for a few numbers.
24. Some parents with a cute baby stopped. They were great, and implied that they have lots of musical instruments at home--awesome. Got to start them young. They listened for a while, then came back with a big bill! So nice.
They were followed by another big bill, so I decided to pack up early (8:30ish rather than 9:00).
Oh, I discovered a great technique for tremolo: simply hold your instrument and shiver! Sounded great!
These two days were just so joyful. I enjoyed being an elf, no one thought I was totally nuts, and the Christmas spirit was tangible in the air. Plus, I made approximately One Buttload of money. My presents are paid for! I'm taking today off so I don't get pneumonia, but I'll do another day or two at the end of the week.
Happy holidays!
P.S. Edit: I forgot that I briefly overlapped with the Salvation Army bell-ringer outside of Faces who totally rang his bell in rhythm! He did a wonderful job on "The First Noel." Loved it.
I'll keep this post short and cut right to the good stuff. My pen wasn't working well in the cold, so my notes are tricky. Hope I don't miss good ones! This is two days worth of material: (bold=my favorites)
Friday, December 16, 2011
Set up first outside Thornes, across from Cedar Chest. 5:30 pm.
1. The Occupiers were set up outside of Bank of America, as they are on Friday nights. Tonight, they were going to sing their versions of "Jingle Bells" and "The Twelve Days of Christmas" and asked me to accompany them, which I did for an audience of about zero. "You are crooks, you are crooks, we need a tax break...."
2. A guy knew he recognized the song I was playing, but bore a puzzled expression as to where he might have heard the song before. The song in question was "Angels We Have Heard on High."
3. I took my dinner break at Sam's Pizza, where I had my first acquaintance with the employee known as "Big Gay Bob." I can appreciate trying to make jokes, but this guy did not say a serious thing. (I got wine with my pizza). "How old are you?" "23." "Prove it." (After ringing me up,) "That will be...all of your money. Your pizza will be ready eventually." Pretty pessimistic there, Bob! Later I heard him take another customers order. He asked, "And are you drinking heavily?"
From 6:30-9 or so I set up at my favorite spot, outside Faces. Good because it's by the crosswalk, so good foot traffic, centrally located, and Faces projects green dots on the sidewalk that people stop to figure out and thus have to listen to me.
4. As I was walking back from Sam's, these two young folks asked me if I knew where to score some weed. In this town, the "ask a stranger on the street" technique sometimes works, but did they really think the Christmas Elf of all people was their best bet?? When they walked by later they caught my eye and shook their heads, indicating that they hadn't yet found any. That was helpful, since I was on the edge of my seat.
5. A member of one of the many packs of teenage girls walking by loudly said, "Hello my gypsy friend!" I guess my elf costume can't mask my true identity!
6. A gender-ambiguous wheelchair-bound fez-wearer called me a "hot elf." Only in Northampton.
7. Some folks asked me to play "L'Valse d'Amelie" (too many apostrophes?). I usually play other songs from that soundtrack other than the main theme, but I did it and warned them that it gets really tricky and complicated. They said, "It's okay, we have a friend who teaches accordion in North Adams and he has trouble with that part too."
8. There's a note where the pen only starting working for "nicest ever," but I forget who that is :(
9. This incredibly grumpy, sour looking woman stormed by with a very corny snowman pin. I thought that was a funny combination of expression and accessory.
10. This guy went on and on about how I HAVE to go play in Glastonbury, England. Maybe I'll check it out.
11. I saw my childhood next-door neighbors Jeff and Amy which was nice. I saw them in Ptown last summer too! I also saw a good friend from high school, Christine. Great!
12. A young man said he wanted to hear a non-Christmas song, since he's sick of Christmas music since his bagpipe band is playing a lot of it (a normal comment in the Valley). I showed him my set list and he confessed his Beirut fandom. Yay!
13. Lots of people asked about bringing them presents as such, and I asked what they wanted. One guy finally agreed that what he wanted most of all was an accordion!
14. I got a lot of tips just for my costume, or parts (wreath earrings, shoes, even "candy legs").
15. When I played in November I mentioned a Colombian man I met and talked to about tangos. He was out Friday night and danced to my songs!
16. As I mentioned, people are baffled by these moving green lights on the sidewalk in front of Faces. They come from a little projector hidden above the neon Faces sign. If, after a minute of looking, they can't figure out where they come from, I'd pipe up and tell them. But I got cynical after a while, and after asking "Do you want to know the secret?" I'd confess that it's pure Christmas magic.
17. Someone said something like, "It's not what's being played, who's playing it." That's not the right wording, but regarding that it doesn't matter how well I play. It was nice to hear, since I don't actually play well.
18. I met a photographer who recently had a photo in the Advocate of the Coyote Choir, a fellow busking band. ("That was my photo! I'M Doug!") He would've gotten one of me too but didn't have his equipment. How am I going to get famous then, Doug?
19. An adorable little boy lingered for a while with his dad. He wore a frog hat that extended way past his head, and a Red Sox jacket. When he put money in, he giggled the cutest little giggle ever. Too bad Flaca's on vacation!
20. "We expect great things since you look so cute."
21. "That box is going to be full and God's going go bless you for playing his songs out here." Oh, he's a composer too?
22. Lastly, a group of women came out of Faces with a tiara and placed it on one of their member's head. I mouthed to another to ask if it was her birthday, and I got a nod. I played "Happy Birthday," and they loved it. I love doing that! Then they went to the ATM but couldn't tip till they got change. I offered to make change but they said they'd be back. They weren't before 9:00 though. No pasa nada.
And.....Saturday, December 17th, 2011
I started out once again by Thornes, around 1:00 pm, since Steve the guitar player was outside Faces.
1. There was this horribly obnoxious juggler. He obviously is used to working big tourist crowds, and paid no regard to the busking bylaws. he wore an orange vest and a top hat and walked around with three balls. He stopped right outside of Thornes, obviously not 50 feet away from me. He'd get one ball stuck on his hat and ask children where the red ball was. They'd giggle and say "On your head!" I was so mad. I didn't want to leave my stuff to go give him a piece of my mind, so luckily he came over to me. I thought he might ask if it was okay that he was there, but no. He came over and asked me, in a silly voice, "Have you seen my red ball?" Ohhh the nerve of that man. Not only do you invade my pitch and steal my children, but now you're acting like I'm one of them? I nicely told him, "Sir, I'm going to ask you to please move down so we're fifty feet apart. As you can see, I'm more than fifty feet away from that musician over there." He did a minimal job of acknowledging it, and eventually went on his way. This messed me up though, because during the anticipation, execution, and aftermath of a confrontation such as this I always get a huge adrenaline rush. It's annoying, because it's substantial enough that I'm shaky and lightheaded for a long time after. It made it hard to focus, smile, and play well. Later, when a cop checked permits I totally tattled on him. Hopefully he's in the Big House now thinking about what he's done.
2. A stressed mother stopped by with her crying toddler, hoping that I would stop the crying. I switched to Jingle Bells, and it actually worked!
3. There were two little girls around (offspring of Salvation Army bell-ringers?) who had beautiful colorful tutus on. They would come close and listen, but then run back when I tried to talk to them. The older one finally told me about this long, complicated video she had seen with a talking snowball and an elf. It was all she could do to get the ending out, since she was in hysterics. I have no idea what went on in that video.
4. A guy said, "You look cute," and his girlfriend immediately whipped her head around to glare. Oops.
5. A man saw my loans sign and asked if I went to Smith. This line of thinking was the "Sophie" sign, because of the legacy of Sophia Smith. That's a new one!
6. I got some strange costume identifications. Some thought I was a leprechaun, and someone that I was a character from "Alice in Wonderland." Guys, it's Christmas!
I took a long break from around 2-3:30 to do my own shopping. I wanted to leave my accordion somewhere so I could move more swiftly and have hands, so I headed to the Northampton Pottery studio where my old friend Frank crafts (no, he's not related, yuk yuk). I had just missed him, but the other artists extended the invitation to accordion-sit. Thank you!! This break ended at Bueno y Sano, for a lunch/dinner stop.
7. A woman in Bueno told her daughter, "Your quesadilla pizza will be ready soon!" I took this to mean that this child would only eat pizza, so everything was called pizza in that household. Oy.
8. At 3:30 I took over Steve's spot, where I stayed until about 8:30. Steve's so awesome, he told me about all the places he's traveled. Maybe I'll winter in Savannah! It was his 65th birthday yesterday. He suggested that I find some cardboard to stand on, since it works wonders for keeping your feet warm! Awesome, I'll have to try it.
9. For the first time ever in my 18 months of busking, I was asked for my permit. A Northampton cop walked down Main St. and stopped in front of this young guitar player. I saw him pack up his stuff and wondered if there's a bylaw restricting busking on this day. 'Twas not the case, that guy simply "hadn't renewed" his yearly permit, which means he's gotten away with it for 11.5 months! I proudly showed the cop mine when it was my turn, and he was super nice. He said that if anyone's giving me a hard time I should flag him down. I totally tattled on the obnoxious juggler, which will come back to bite me in the ass karmically if I try playing Harvard Square without a permit again.
10. A lot happened at once, suddenly: the guitar player came to talk to me which I was glad about, since I hadn't talked to him before. Then I switched my attention to a lady who asked to hear a French song, so I played her "Parlez-moi d'Amour" (quick note: I'm so sick of Christmas songs and I'm so happy when people request others!). Right on her heels was a family I totally love who I babysit for. I hadn't seen them in a long long time, so it was so nice to see them. The dad mentioned my green hair which I thought was a joke until his wife said he's color-blind. Oops.
11. "Only in Northampton do you see a teenager dressed up like a what's-it-called!" D'oh.
12. A guy was really enthralled by my two-dollar bills (I have six now), and asked if he could swap for one. I agreed, since he had never seen one. But then he thought out loud to me about how much time he should leave to get to Westfield to see his niece's band performance. Can't help you with that one, buddy.
13. A lady said, "I don't have money, but would you like a clementine?" I said I would. "Would you like...two?" She magically pulled a second out of her small-looking pocket. Awesome.
14. I saw lots of old friends! Kristen, Ginny and David, BZ. Love running into loved ones (duh).
15. A guy asked to play a Yann Tiersen song, then said all the Amelie songs are based on the melody of one Christmas song, or something. That didn't make sense. But I also can't hear shit in my elf hat.
I was so so so cold. I had to be careful smiling, since my teeth were freezing. I wore the minimum leg layers, since it's been okay, but that was a bad idea. I also forgot one thermal shirt, but I thought I made up for it in sweaters. I was about twice my normal bulk due to all my layers. But, more importantly, my poor accordion was cold! I could hear it suffering, so I took it inside for a hot chocolate (although I decided it was safer if I drank it myself rather than pouring it onto Lil' Red). It felt so good to go into warm Thornes. I wasn't in any danger of losing my spot since only two buskers were up for playing in the cold and one had gotten the boot for his lack of permit! I had my choice of pitches. It was 6:00ish after my break, so I still had three hours to go. Ugh. I noticed that there had been a clock above the bank the whole time, which was nice to track the passing of time (yep, that's what clocks are good for).
16. I had talked to these two super nice young women who were also paying back student loans. They were on their way to Woodstar Cafe, and came back around 6:30 with a large coffee for me. That's not all...they had folded a paper into a tray so they could bring me an assortment of sugars, a stirrer, and a little cup of milk. So nice. If you two ever happen across this, thank you so much!! That was one of my nicest things ever done. Unfortunately, though, I'm caffeine-free these days, so I couldn't consume it. ...
17. ... I asked several people if they wanted it before a young man finally accepted it. Poor guy was having a hard time. He told me he's trying to find money to fill his prescriptions and get to the Amherst shelter. I offered him the clementines but he has acid reflux. He kept saying that he's looking for money, which was an obvious hint, but I resisted giving him some because I can't help out everyone! I decided a little too late though to give him a few bucks, and he was elsewhere.
18. On a happier note...a guy asked if I ever teach, because his wife wants to take lessons. I said I would, but I'm not around the Valley much. He asked if I know anyone. Thinking of Jazer Giles I said, "Well I know a guy who's an experienced piano teacher and he plays the accordion, so although I don't know for sure, there's a very good chance he teaches accordion too." The guy said, "Oh no, that wouldn't work at all!!! Thanks anyway!" Weird.
19. More sad encounters...a drunk (or just really weird) older guy up way too close and asked, "Are you an angel?" Nope. "A pumpkin?" Colder. "I'm an elf." "Me too, I'm an angel. Let's go do the same thing." "Well an angel's a totally different ball game!" This conversation continued for a bit. Finally, I got him to leave, and he said, "If anyone gives you a hard time send them to Little Jimmy" or something.
20. Soon after Little Jimmy was Raymond, an equally drunk but much less creepy older guy. His whole mantra was things being "dead in three minutes." Caffeine came up, since I offered him the coffee (these are out of order, sorry). "Oh no, I'm on medication for high blood pressure so if I have caffeine I'll be dead in three minutes!" He was worried about me out here, not convinced by my strategies of being safe. It was a genuine concern, not like the men who have brought it up insinuating that they should be the ones protecting me. He feared that if I went alone to the South to play that I'd be dead in three minutes. And when the New York Police decide they don't like a busker, that busker will be dead in three minutes. Three times through this conversation he extended his hand and said, "I'm Raymond." He told me to not stay out too late and to watch out for the drunks. "I'm one of them!'
21. Speaking of which...some young folks said, "I hope you're not a recovering alcoholic" as they put a bottle of beer in the box. Yessss. I thought about setting it up with a straw for easy concealed consumption, but it didn't fit, so I downed some tea then transferred the beer into the tea cup. Cools the body, but warms the soul.
22. I saw Becky, who brought me tea and warmed my pen! Yay!
23. Oh, this was way earlier, but a men's a cappella group, "The Dreamboats," was caroling and asked to use my spot for a few numbers.
24. Some parents with a cute baby stopped. They were great, and implied that they have lots of musical instruments at home--awesome. Got to start them young. They listened for a while, then came back with a big bill! So nice.
They were followed by another big bill, so I decided to pack up early (8:30ish rather than 9:00).
Oh, I discovered a great technique for tremolo: simply hold your instrument and shiver! Sounded great!
These two days were just so joyful. I enjoyed being an elf, no one thought I was totally nuts, and the Christmas spirit was tangible in the air. Plus, I made approximately One Buttload of money. My presents are paid for! I'm taking today off so I don't get pneumonia, but I'll do another day or two at the end of the week.
Happy holidays!
P.S. Edit: I forgot that I briefly overlapped with the Salvation Army bell-ringer outside of Faces who totally rang his bell in rhythm! He did a wonderful job on "The First Noel." Loved it.
Friday, December 16, 2011
The Elf Life
Being an elf is not all it's cut out to be, especially in a city like Boston. Last year I made enough money and had enough crazy comments to make it worth it, but this year was quite disappointing.
1. Appearance:
To be a proper elf, one must bundle up. It was warm this week, so I wore the minimum: warm socks, wooly tights, and long johns, a t-shirt, thermal shirt, under-armor ski shirt, fleece vest, and super warm sweater dress. I have many more layers I could add if need be. As a result, I can't wiggle my toes, bend my knees or elbows very far, and my hips are bruised by all the layers of elastic. All of this goes under my homemade elf jacket, skirt, shoes, and hat, and striped red and white tights. Jingle bell earrings complete the ensemble.
Half the fun is just walking around/riding the T as an elf. Sometimes people will smile, sometimes I'll get a thumbs up, often I'll be ignored. Some people even talk to me, either curiously asking if I'm in a show, or telling me messages for Santa. Kids are enthralled, and I try to seek them out. Last year they were even more into it, asking if I'm a real elf, and such. This year they just waved.
Oh, any my accordion wore a reindeer costume.
2. Songs:
To be a musical elf, one must learn holiday songs on their instrument of choice. My family has always had this nice piano book of Christmas Carols, so I chose some of those and wrote the chords out on notecards. I obviously don't practice these as much as my usual songs, so it took a while to sound decent. This year I've written out a set list with more songs, but my best ones are "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," "The First Noel," "Angels We Have Heard on High," and "Deck the Halls." I was glad that I was able to remember them pretty quickly this year.
Another new thing I'm doing this year is Klezmer versions of Christmas songs. Years ago I discovered The Klezmonauts . This year I figured out Klezmer (mostly just minor) versions of Jingle Bells, Deck the Halls, and Joy to the World as a medley for my performance at Yule for Fuel. Over the past couple days I've added "Feliz Navidad," and "The Twelve Days of Christmas." They didn't get any reaction in Boston, but hopefully they will this weekend in Northampton.
3. Location:
This is always the hard part, finding a good place to play. My research indicated that one needs a permit for Fanueil Hall, the subways, and Cambridge. Here are the places I played:
a. Newbury St. at Exeter. I liked this corner because there are two restaurants. I set up right in front of a tree with lights on it. There are pedestrian lights so people came in waves. Bad because the people there are rich snobs.
b. Downtown Crossing, outside of Borders. Good because you can set up opposite benches, it's a busy shopping area, but bad because a lot of the people are businessmen and -women who are going about their day, and they're not into stopping.
c. Copley Square. Good because I was right outside the T. Bad because, well, it's Boston.
d. Park St. Same as above.
These places were all extremely bad. I was making very little money, and most people ignored me completely. Every once in a while someone with a kid in a stroller would stop, which was my best business. I did okay on the weekend nights there, but not well enough to call it a good spot. I found around the Downtown Crossing area that the people around either had executive office jobs or no jobs, and these aren't the types that care about bohemian gypsies/have money to tip, respectively. The best patrons are artsy types that you typically find in the Pioneer Valley, and these people don't hang out in Downtown Crossing on random weekdays.
e. Davis Square and Harvard Square.
This time around, I added these two squares to my list. Davis wasn't great, but I think I was just early and people weren't around. Harvard Square, on the other hand, was perfect. You need a permit which I didn't have, and I didn't want to pay $40 for just a couple days. I thought I would try it anyway and see if I got caught. This was Wednesday night. I set up a little ways down, by the Harvard Bookstore, so a cop in the Square proper might not hear me. I made good money, and got a lot of nice smiles and compliments! I had my student loan sign out then, which always helps. I was just struck by how nice people were here, and how many smiled and tipped and complimented me. Boston and Cambridge are night and day. If I busk there again I'll spring for the Cambridge permit.
I decided to go home a little early. I got to Boston Tuesday night and I was going to leave Saturday morning to be home for some things this weekend. Playing was so discouraging, and I didn't know if I'd be able to play in Harvard Square again without getting caught. It was supposed to rain all day Thursday anyway, so I came home. I'm excited to play in Northampton this weekend, where I know I can make money.
4. Random assessment:
2010 was a bigger year for Elf busking, but it was exhausting. I was staying with my cousins in Concord, MA which was super cozy, but a ways out of town. My aunt works at Harvard, so I had the option of driving in with her really early, at like 6:30 am. The other option was for my teenage cousins to drive me to the commuter rain station on their way to school, closer to 8:00. That was good, but either way I was getting into Boston very early in the day. Sometimes my aunt's amazing friend Jody would come pick me up and bring me to the commuter rail at like 11:00 am. Whatever happened, my uncle Alex packed four lunches each morning, for his three kids and his elfniece.
These days were grueling. It was COLD. In the mid twenties. I avoided warm drinks because I wanted to avoid bathrooms all day since I had eight layers of tights on. My arms were sore because I was playing a lot and also pulling my accordion around and carrying it up and down stairs in the subways. Sometimes I would take breaks, sitting in comfy chairs in Borders reading my book; once I ate my lunch in an H&M fitting room. Some places were too hot in my full attire. I loved the feeling of jingling my way back to my aunt's office at Harvard to drive home with her. I got to strip off many layers and regain mobility, thaw my extremities, eat a snack, and SIT.
Some days I stayed later and took the commuter rail back, where I got comments from this one woman who collected tickets, in addition to other riders whom I most likely smacked with my box. North Station was always interesting too. On occasion I'd give out business cards to people looking for entertainment for their office parties, but none of those panned out.
I was having glove troubles. I hadn't busked in the cold before, so I had some fingerless gloves. These didn't work, my fingertips froze. That was no good. I tried many combinations, but they were either not warm enough, too slippery so my fingers flew off the keys, or too loose so I hit several keys at once. With one pair, my left palm kept slipping, so I couldn't hold the instrument. This was the era of Silly Bands, so I wound the ones I had around my left hand making a rubbery web to grip the instrument. That helped a lot!!
Finally I sewed together a few pairs, which are making do. I sewed the fingers to be super tight at the tips, and sewed grippy fabric on each fingertip. They were topped with a fingerless layer, mostly to provide two layers so I could slip a handwarmer between them. On the left hand I sewed more grippy fabric. They work okay, but could be better. I'm going to sew a new pair...today.
In 2011, I put in less work and got less out of it. People were just not feeling the outfit. I got the occasional complement, and one ditzy runner saw me and literally squealed, but it was a waste of time. I can remember clearly this woman on Newbury St. who gave me this look of disgust. I did notice, though, that since everyone already thought I was a crazy person I could get away with singing out loud as much as I wanted.
Another good thing about this year was that I didn't have to put in full days since I was staying with friends right by Porter Square. I could come and go whenever I wanted. It was also a lot warmer, which helped. The best part was just seeing friends who live in greater boston, although I didn't get to see all the ones I wanted to. I think I'd have better luck as an elf in the future if I didn't busk, if it was just a study of walking around as an elf. Maybe in New York? I also planned to go to Children's Hospitals or something, but I didn't organize it in time.
Now...for the fun part.
RANDOM THINGS THAT HAPPENED:
2010:
1. One time when I was walking around Harvard to go to my aunt's, I was chased down by some students. It turns out they had seen me from their dorm window, and ran down to get a picture. Not bad for twenty degrees out!
2. My favorite story: the red line was down at one point, and we couldn't go past Central Square. There was a bus from Harvard to Alewife. Beside me on the T was a mother with two kids who had come into the city to see The Nutcracker. They weren't sure what I do. I ended up walking with them to Harvard Square so they could catch the bus. On the walk, I asked the kids what they wanted for Christmas, and they agreed that they wanted a hamster. They had a dog, however, so they were concerned that the dog would eat it. "And then the dog will get a hairball." The tragedy here was not the demise of the hamster, but rather the dog's hairball.
3. A reoccurring character from 2010 was a man I call "Scott the Not Pretzel Man." Scott works in Downtown Crossing outside of Macy's vending something that isn't pretzels. I walked over there, where there's a "holiday market" with Santa photos and everything. He said he'd try to get me a gig there. I passed him a lot, and we'd always check in.
4. On my first day I was wandering around, trying to figure out where to go, and this guy talked to me and ended up walking me back to the Borders I think. I guess he's an undercover FBI agent, he had some strange stuff to say. At the end it came out that he had a gun. I wasn't sad to part ways with him.
5. One of the first places I played was in Copley Square. I met Joe the Piano Mover. He was between moving pianos and came to talk. I wanted to put my chord cards on my accordion stand, and he luckily had some tape that he gave me. Awesome.
6. I saw a few people I knew on Newbury St., which resulted in hugging. But when you hug someone with an accordion on, it makes a crazy sound. Sort of funny.
7. One day I was on the Red Line back to Harvard, and there was an a cappella group singing Christmas songs. I asked who they were, since I had likely heard of them since I was in charge of contacting guest groups to sing with my own college a cappella group. I hadn't hear of them. I joined them for a few rounds of carols, which was lots of fun. It turned out at the end that they're the Tufts Christian a cappella group. You can't really tell at Christmas time!
8. Speaking of singing, I sang with the Sounds of Concord, a men's barbershop choir. There was a special holiday shopping night in Concord, and I went, hoping to make money. I would have, except I only played for a few minutes until I saw the group doing their caroling rounds. I decided to ditch my accordion and sing with them. Besides being the only female in the group, I was also the only elf. This was a lot of fun. I actually saw one of them just a few days ago (2011), and it took a long time to place him.
9. When I was playing on Newbury St. one night I met an artist. He set up right by me to paint the intersection in all the Christmas lights. I ran into him in Ptown last summer, and he reminded me how we had met. Small world.
2011:
1. When I played in Harvard Square, these two young folks came over and said they're doing a scavenger hunt. I didn't expect "accordion playing elf" to be on there, so I was not surprised when they said they had to hug a stranger. It wasn't the first time I hugged a stranger for a photo in an elf costume, but at least they tipped!
2. A stranger on the subway fed me my favorite question: "Is [my costume] something for work?" "Yes," I answer. "What do you do for work?" "I'm one of Santa's elves, of course." Although no one asked where I'm from this year, so I can't say "the North Pole!"
3. A man in a store asked if I'm from Greece. I said no, with a puzzled expression. He pointed to my elf shoes and said they look like traditional Greek shoes. Hm.
4. I always look at the cars who are stopped in front of me at the light on Newbury St. Sometimes they roll down their windows to listen. Behind one window was Jody, my aunt Laura's friend who drove me around last year! So nice to see her, albeit brief and far!
5. This has nothing to do with busking, but between sets I met my bff Liz for coffee. I was fiddling with a pen, and dropped it. I was up on a stool with my accordion in the way, so I couldn't go get it. This kind lady got up and picked it up for me! She said, "I was in the position to get up, you weren't." I played with it more carefully after that.
That's all I can think of. I'll be playing in Northampton alll weekend, starting around 4:00 today. I'm excited to give this one last push, then just enjoy my holidays with my family.
Happy holidays, and please give your local buskers their holiday bonus!!
1. Appearance:
To be a proper elf, one must bundle up. It was warm this week, so I wore the minimum: warm socks, wooly tights, and long johns, a t-shirt, thermal shirt, under-armor ski shirt, fleece vest, and super warm sweater dress. I have many more layers I could add if need be. As a result, I can't wiggle my toes, bend my knees or elbows very far, and my hips are bruised by all the layers of elastic. All of this goes under my homemade elf jacket, skirt, shoes, and hat, and striped red and white tights. Jingle bell earrings complete the ensemble.
Half the fun is just walking around/riding the T as an elf. Sometimes people will smile, sometimes I'll get a thumbs up, often I'll be ignored. Some people even talk to me, either curiously asking if I'm in a show, or telling me messages for Santa. Kids are enthralled, and I try to seek them out. Last year they were even more into it, asking if I'm a real elf, and such. This year they just waved.
Oh, any my accordion wore a reindeer costume.
2. Songs:
To be a musical elf, one must learn holiday songs on their instrument of choice. My family has always had this nice piano book of Christmas Carols, so I chose some of those and wrote the chords out on notecards. I obviously don't practice these as much as my usual songs, so it took a while to sound decent. This year I've written out a set list with more songs, but my best ones are "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," "The First Noel," "Angels We Have Heard on High," and "Deck the Halls." I was glad that I was able to remember them pretty quickly this year.
Another new thing I'm doing this year is Klezmer versions of Christmas songs. Years ago I discovered The Klezmonauts . This year I figured out Klezmer (mostly just minor) versions of Jingle Bells, Deck the Halls, and Joy to the World as a medley for my performance at Yule for Fuel. Over the past couple days I've added "Feliz Navidad," and "The Twelve Days of Christmas." They didn't get any reaction in Boston, but hopefully they will this weekend in Northampton.
3. Location:
This is always the hard part, finding a good place to play. My research indicated that one needs a permit for Fanueil Hall, the subways, and Cambridge. Here are the places I played:
a. Newbury St. at Exeter. I liked this corner because there are two restaurants. I set up right in front of a tree with lights on it. There are pedestrian lights so people came in waves. Bad because the people there are rich snobs.
b. Downtown Crossing, outside of Borders. Good because you can set up opposite benches, it's a busy shopping area, but bad because a lot of the people are businessmen and -women who are going about their day, and they're not into stopping.
c. Copley Square. Good because I was right outside the T. Bad because, well, it's Boston.
d. Park St. Same as above.
These places were all extremely bad. I was making very little money, and most people ignored me completely. Every once in a while someone with a kid in a stroller would stop, which was my best business. I did okay on the weekend nights there, but not well enough to call it a good spot. I found around the Downtown Crossing area that the people around either had executive office jobs or no jobs, and these aren't the types that care about bohemian gypsies/have money to tip, respectively. The best patrons are artsy types that you typically find in the Pioneer Valley, and these people don't hang out in Downtown Crossing on random weekdays.
e. Davis Square and Harvard Square.
This time around, I added these two squares to my list. Davis wasn't great, but I think I was just early and people weren't around. Harvard Square, on the other hand, was perfect. You need a permit which I didn't have, and I didn't want to pay $40 for just a couple days. I thought I would try it anyway and see if I got caught. This was Wednesday night. I set up a little ways down, by the Harvard Bookstore, so a cop in the Square proper might not hear me. I made good money, and got a lot of nice smiles and compliments! I had my student loan sign out then, which always helps. I was just struck by how nice people were here, and how many smiled and tipped and complimented me. Boston and Cambridge are night and day. If I busk there again I'll spring for the Cambridge permit.
I decided to go home a little early. I got to Boston Tuesday night and I was going to leave Saturday morning to be home for some things this weekend. Playing was so discouraging, and I didn't know if I'd be able to play in Harvard Square again without getting caught. It was supposed to rain all day Thursday anyway, so I came home. I'm excited to play in Northampton this weekend, where I know I can make money.
4. Random assessment:
2010 was a bigger year for Elf busking, but it was exhausting. I was staying with my cousins in Concord, MA which was super cozy, but a ways out of town. My aunt works at Harvard, so I had the option of driving in with her really early, at like 6:30 am. The other option was for my teenage cousins to drive me to the commuter rain station on their way to school, closer to 8:00. That was good, but either way I was getting into Boston very early in the day. Sometimes my aunt's amazing friend Jody would come pick me up and bring me to the commuter rail at like 11:00 am. Whatever happened, my uncle Alex packed four lunches each morning, for his three kids and his elfniece.
These days were grueling. It was COLD. In the mid twenties. I avoided warm drinks because I wanted to avoid bathrooms all day since I had eight layers of tights on. My arms were sore because I was playing a lot and also pulling my accordion around and carrying it up and down stairs in the subways. Sometimes I would take breaks, sitting in comfy chairs in Borders reading my book; once I ate my lunch in an H&M fitting room. Some places were too hot in my full attire. I loved the feeling of jingling my way back to my aunt's office at Harvard to drive home with her. I got to strip off many layers and regain mobility, thaw my extremities, eat a snack, and SIT.
Some days I stayed later and took the commuter rail back, where I got comments from this one woman who collected tickets, in addition to other riders whom I most likely smacked with my box. North Station was always interesting too. On occasion I'd give out business cards to people looking for entertainment for their office parties, but none of those panned out.
I was having glove troubles. I hadn't busked in the cold before, so I had some fingerless gloves. These didn't work, my fingertips froze. That was no good. I tried many combinations, but they were either not warm enough, too slippery so my fingers flew off the keys, or too loose so I hit several keys at once. With one pair, my left palm kept slipping, so I couldn't hold the instrument. This was the era of Silly Bands, so I wound the ones I had around my left hand making a rubbery web to grip the instrument. That helped a lot!!
Finally I sewed together a few pairs, which are making do. I sewed the fingers to be super tight at the tips, and sewed grippy fabric on each fingertip. They were topped with a fingerless layer, mostly to provide two layers so I could slip a handwarmer between them. On the left hand I sewed more grippy fabric. They work okay, but could be better. I'm going to sew a new pair...today.
In 2011, I put in less work and got less out of it. People were just not feeling the outfit. I got the occasional complement, and one ditzy runner saw me and literally squealed, but it was a waste of time. I can remember clearly this woman on Newbury St. who gave me this look of disgust. I did notice, though, that since everyone already thought I was a crazy person I could get away with singing out loud as much as I wanted.
Another good thing about this year was that I didn't have to put in full days since I was staying with friends right by Porter Square. I could come and go whenever I wanted. It was also a lot warmer, which helped. The best part was just seeing friends who live in greater boston, although I didn't get to see all the ones I wanted to. I think I'd have better luck as an elf in the future if I didn't busk, if it was just a study of walking around as an elf. Maybe in New York? I also planned to go to Children's Hospitals or something, but I didn't organize it in time.
Now...for the fun part.
RANDOM THINGS THAT HAPPENED:
2010:
1. One time when I was walking around Harvard to go to my aunt's, I was chased down by some students. It turns out they had seen me from their dorm window, and ran down to get a picture. Not bad for twenty degrees out!
2. My favorite story: the red line was down at one point, and we couldn't go past Central Square. There was a bus from Harvard to Alewife. Beside me on the T was a mother with two kids who had come into the city to see The Nutcracker. They weren't sure what I do. I ended up walking with them to Harvard Square so they could catch the bus. On the walk, I asked the kids what they wanted for Christmas, and they agreed that they wanted a hamster. They had a dog, however, so they were concerned that the dog would eat it. "And then the dog will get a hairball." The tragedy here was not the demise of the hamster, but rather the dog's hairball.
3. A reoccurring character from 2010 was a man I call "Scott the Not Pretzel Man." Scott works in Downtown Crossing outside of Macy's vending something that isn't pretzels. I walked over there, where there's a "holiday market" with Santa photos and everything. He said he'd try to get me a gig there. I passed him a lot, and we'd always check in.
4. On my first day I was wandering around, trying to figure out where to go, and this guy talked to me and ended up walking me back to the Borders I think. I guess he's an undercover FBI agent, he had some strange stuff to say. At the end it came out that he had a gun. I wasn't sad to part ways with him.
5. One of the first places I played was in Copley Square. I met Joe the Piano Mover. He was between moving pianos and came to talk. I wanted to put my chord cards on my accordion stand, and he luckily had some tape that he gave me. Awesome.
6. I saw a few people I knew on Newbury St., which resulted in hugging. But when you hug someone with an accordion on, it makes a crazy sound. Sort of funny.
7. One day I was on the Red Line back to Harvard, and there was an a cappella group singing Christmas songs. I asked who they were, since I had likely heard of them since I was in charge of contacting guest groups to sing with my own college a cappella group. I hadn't hear of them. I joined them for a few rounds of carols, which was lots of fun. It turned out at the end that they're the Tufts Christian a cappella group. You can't really tell at Christmas time!
8. Speaking of singing, I sang with the Sounds of Concord, a men's barbershop choir. There was a special holiday shopping night in Concord, and I went, hoping to make money. I would have, except I only played for a few minutes until I saw the group doing their caroling rounds. I decided to ditch my accordion and sing with them. Besides being the only female in the group, I was also the only elf. This was a lot of fun. I actually saw one of them just a few days ago (2011), and it took a long time to place him.
9. When I was playing on Newbury St. one night I met an artist. He set up right by me to paint the intersection in all the Christmas lights. I ran into him in Ptown last summer, and he reminded me how we had met. Small world.
2011:
1. When I played in Harvard Square, these two young folks came over and said they're doing a scavenger hunt. I didn't expect "accordion playing elf" to be on there, so I was not surprised when they said they had to hug a stranger. It wasn't the first time I hugged a stranger for a photo in an elf costume, but at least they tipped!
2. A stranger on the subway fed me my favorite question: "Is [my costume] something for work?" "Yes," I answer. "What do you do for work?" "I'm one of Santa's elves, of course." Although no one asked where I'm from this year, so I can't say "the North Pole!"
3. A man in a store asked if I'm from Greece. I said no, with a puzzled expression. He pointed to my elf shoes and said they look like traditional Greek shoes. Hm.
4. I always look at the cars who are stopped in front of me at the light on Newbury St. Sometimes they roll down their windows to listen. Behind one window was Jody, my aunt Laura's friend who drove me around last year! So nice to see her, albeit brief and far!
5. This has nothing to do with busking, but between sets I met my bff Liz for coffee. I was fiddling with a pen, and dropped it. I was up on a stool with my accordion in the way, so I couldn't go get it. This kind lady got up and picked it up for me! She said, "I was in the position to get up, you weren't." I played with it more carefully after that.
That's all I can think of. I'll be playing in Northampton alll weekend, starting around 4:00 today. I'm excited to give this one last push, then just enjoy my holidays with my family.
Happy holidays, and please give your local buskers their holiday bonus!!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Elf in the City
Yesterday I began the 2011 season of Elf busking! Last winter, I sewed an elf costume and played Christmas songs on the streets of Boston. I didn't keep the blog yet. It didn't go very well so I didn't plan to do it again, but here I am. I made a few changes to my costume, mainly constructing new shoes:
I meant to make temporary covers for my favorite Keen sneakers, but I ended up supergluing it all together, so those shoes are now elf shoes. I also wanted to puff out my skirt. I bought a tutu/petticoat last year, but I didn't leave enough room in the skirt to fit it. I wanted to expand it but Jo-ann no longer had green velvet, so I had to use white.
I went just for the day yesterday, and set up on Newbury St. I hadn't actually practiced the Christmas songs, so I was surprised when I was more or less able to play them. Luckily there isn't really anyone who's hearing everything, so it was okay that it took some time to play them right.
There isn't really anything to report. People are very straight in Boston and no one really stopped to talk. I played for a couple lingering children, but that's it. I was actually surprised that I still made my usual hourly rate, because it didn't seem like I was getting any donations.
The fun part was walking through Boston in an elf costume. I got a lot of smiles and thumbs up from children and old men, but no one gave me messages for Santa like they did last year. The whole thing made me miss Northampton, despite the few times I've busked there. I was planning on being there the whole week of December 12-16th, but I might go home early to resume in the Valley. I think I'll try Harvard Square. You need a permit, and I'd rather not pay for it, but it could be worth it.
The one thing worth mentioning is my new favorite busker. I was at Park St. waiting to get on the red line back to the car, and there was this Asian lady probably in her thirties playing guitar and singing to a Christmas kareoke cd. I just loved her. We came in during "Feliz Navidad." She was just so smiley and cheerful, and her accent made "Feliz Navidad" so charming. She thanked everyone for donations, and was super impressed when this guy threw a quarter across the rail and landed it right in her box. I knew that if I was a regular Boston busker she's someone I would get to know.
The end!
I meant to make temporary covers for my favorite Keen sneakers, but I ended up supergluing it all together, so those shoes are now elf shoes. I also wanted to puff out my skirt. I bought a tutu/petticoat last year, but I didn't leave enough room in the skirt to fit it. I wanted to expand it but Jo-ann no longer had green velvet, so I had to use white.
I went just for the day yesterday, and set up on Newbury St. I hadn't actually practiced the Christmas songs, so I was surprised when I was more or less able to play them. Luckily there isn't really anyone who's hearing everything, so it was okay that it took some time to play them right.
There isn't really anything to report. People are very straight in Boston and no one really stopped to talk. I played for a couple lingering children, but that's it. I was actually surprised that I still made my usual hourly rate, because it didn't seem like I was getting any donations.
The fun part was walking through Boston in an elf costume. I got a lot of smiles and thumbs up from children and old men, but no one gave me messages for Santa like they did last year. The whole thing made me miss Northampton, despite the few times I've busked there. I was planning on being there the whole week of December 12-16th, but I might go home early to resume in the Valley. I think I'll try Harvard Square. You need a permit, and I'd rather not pay for it, but it could be worth it.
The one thing worth mentioning is my new favorite busker. I was at Park St. waiting to get on the red line back to the car, and there was this Asian lady probably in her thirties playing guitar and singing to a Christmas kareoke cd. I just loved her. We came in during "Feliz Navidad." She was just so smiley and cheerful, and her accent made "Feliz Navidad" so charming. She thanked everyone for donations, and was super impressed when this guy threw a quarter across the rail and landed it right in her box. I knew that if I was a regular Boston busker she's someone I would get to know.
The end!
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Black Friday, Black Friday, Gotta Get Down on Black Friday
Yesterday marked my first Black Friday as a busker. Northampton, Massachusetts is the perfect place to perform on this day, since the residents are gung-ho about supporting local businesses. Sure enough, the parking garage was full: a good sign for having ample foot traffic. It was a beautiful day, and within minutes of setting up I had to shed several layers, eventually donning only my sleeveless piano dress and tights. The sun felt so good!
Buskers were out in full force. My friends The Coyote Choir were set up immediately outside Thornes, where the Salvation Army bell-ringer didn't even try to stay in rhythm--wtf? They sounded fantastic. I tried that side of Main St. first, but every few feet someone was set up: the old black guitar player who's been there for years, a young talented hipster-ish guitar player, and a saxophone player at the intersection. I went to the other side of the street and saw Steve, the veteran guitar player in his usual spot across from Faces.
I ended up around the bend outside Sam's Pizzeria. It seemed to be a good place, since there were people sitting outside and lots of foot traffic, but I was doing poorly. I finally realized that my back was directly to the sun. Great for me, but that meant folks had to look directly into the sun to look at me. D'oh. I moved to right outside Synergy. The management there gave me a really hard time. One employee came out and said "Oh, no! The owner is NOT going to be okay with this. You're going to have to move." I explained that it's the biggest shopping day of the year and that the buskers were out in full force and that once another spot opened up I would move. In this case, she had no legal leg to stand on. There are specific busking laws in Northampton, and I was not in violation of any. The sidewalk was six feet wide, I was on the road side, I wasn't sitting on a bench, etc. Regardless, I moved about six feet to my right so I wasn't directly in front of their door. A while later, the owner came out. She snapped at me, "I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but you're too loud. It's hard to hear customers as it is inside." She turned and went back in, not even demanding that I move, thinking it was just implied. I didn't point out that she could have just closed her door. I don't expect that kind of reaction in a city that promotes the arts as much as this one. Even so, I moved about six feet in the other direction. I liked it here because I could see my reflection in the store window, and could thus remind myself to smile and use my whole bellows, but the sun was at a weird angle and I kept tripping over loose bricks around a tree.
After a while I decided to take a break. I got a chai and went to listen to the Coyote Choir for a bit. My wrists and shoulders have been sore since I'm playing a lot these days around the house, so it's important to take breaks! I began my second set around 4:30. Steve had left and I took his spot outside of Faces. This was really great, since, as you know, once the sun sets I start playing better and everyone starts tipping better. The Faces crew never gives me a hard time. I had to put some sweaters on eventually, but the evening set could not have been better.
Here's what happened, in both spots:
1. I ran into a lot of former high school classmates who were home for Thanksgiving! Some ignored me while I ignored them, and others I exchanged pleasantries with. Some showed surprise at my current occupation, and others just said, "Hi Sophie" as if it wasn't the first time we were seeing each other in five years. The most interesting of these interactions was with Leland Moore, a unique character from high school. He confessed that he's in law school, and I told him that I would not have guessed in high school that that's where he'd be in five years. He said, "Howie did." Apparently another strange classmate, Howie, told him "You'll either be a Greenpeace hippie or a corporate lawyer." We all expected the former. These things happen!
2. There were adorable children out. The first was this little brunette girl who couldn't have been more than a year and half old. She was super serious, and didn't change her expression as I played my repertoire of kids' songs, but she flexed her hands as she watched mine. Finally I took out Flaca, and her mom manipulated her. It wasn't until she grabbed Flaca and had a go with her that she let her smile shine, and it was worth the wait. Such a pretty little girl! She had her do the dance that Flaca most often does at the mercy of little kids: bouncing flat on her back. She must have great abs! Another kid was out, and I asked for a favorite song to play. The answer was "Happy Birthday," even though it was no one's birthday. Another little boy danced all over the place, and asked for "more" after every song. He wanted "the cow song," after I played Old MacDonald once. Right when I set up some parents revealed their 7-week-old, who was about to hear her first accordion. It did not end well. They can try again in a year!
3. Two people were waiting to cross the street as I did Bad Romance. The man showed excitement, and naturally wanted to dance. The dance he did was the whole arms crossed, kick legs out routine that one associates more with Jewish weddings than with clubs. Usually I don't do the pop songs in an area as sophisticated and indie as Northampton, but I was playing everything yesterday so they came out, and people liked them, even here. Dynamite is still an ace card. No one recognizes Friday, even on Black Friday!
4. A strange thing happened: "I Want You Back" was sooooo good. I arranged the timeless Jackson 5 hit last winter, but it's been super challenging. For whatever reason, I was just nailing it yesterday. Hope it'll be true other days!
5. I had a very nice talk with Steve, and guitar player, as I was switching spots. He immediately offered me his spot, which I declined, but was so nice. He smiled as he jested, "Your music's great, but I don't know about that haircut." As I was walking away, he sang a song about me. I forget the words, but it used my name and rhymed with "fun." He's a notable colleague.
6. There was a guy between Steve and I sitting on a bench playing guitar. I wasn't sure if he was trying to busk, so I felt a little bad setting up so close to him. He came over at one point, and I was sure it was to complain, but he was just listening! I dusted off my old arrangement of "What is Love?" to which he did the Night at the Roxbury head dance.
7. People were reacting to my signs! Some commented on the loans, and other just read "Sophie's Smokin' Squeezebox" aloud to their party and chuckled.
8. A man came up to talk. He looked sort of haggard and held a paper bag with a bottle in it. He reminded me in appearance of the people in the Mission District of San Francisco who would see my money and ask me for it. I stood a little closer to the box. As it turned out, I very much misjudged this man. In broken English, he asked me to play an Argentinian tango. I told him, in Spanish, that they were very hard. But I said I'd try "El Dia Que Me Quieras," but then I couldn't find the key. He sang it anyway. We conversed in Spanish a bit (felt so good!), and he said I should go to Colombia, where he's from, to learn accordion songs. I said I would try. He took my hand and kissed it before wishing me a good night and leaving. This was a very nice interaction.
9. Someone told me about a band called Bela's Bartok that features accordion, I guess! They were playing at the Iron Horse last night.
10. Best donation ever: a standard alternative Northampton teenage girl came up and laid a single red rose wrapped in yellow tissue paper in my box. It looked so beautiful next to Flaca and the painted box. It touched me that she would give me such a wonderful donation at a young age, and it was such a perfect gypsy touch for my setup. She said "accordions are sexy." Damn straight! She and her friend lingered for a while, joined by more friends. I told her to pick a song, and she studied my set list and chose the Tetris theme song. Her friend confessed that his life was now complete after hearing it. They're great people, it's nice to know there's hope for teenagers!
11. There was an interesting sight that walked by twice: a woman with her real dog and her latex one. She had an adorable little white dog on a black leash. In her other hand, she walked the craft of a balloon man who had folded her a little white dog on a black leash. I wish I had a photo. Only in Northampton or Ptown.
12. I talked to a fellow member of the 99%, who asked about my loans. He was just laid off from his job so money was tight. He used to be in a cover band. Cool!
13. Around this time of year, Faces sets up a projector in their window that throws tiny green dots on the sidewalk in front of it. They move around and explode when they collide. This is great entertainment for people trying to figure out where it's coming from, and it was surprisingly not competition for me.
14. I met someone who works at Faces. He said he has his mother's old accordion. I told him he had to learn Jingle Bells by the time I was back in town.
I packed up because it's Thanksgiving and my family was going to the movies! In summary, it was a great day and I want to play more in Northampton. I have to always wear my piano dress since I got tons of compliments! The end.
Buskers were out in full force. My friends The Coyote Choir were set up immediately outside Thornes, where the Salvation Army bell-ringer didn't even try to stay in rhythm--wtf? They sounded fantastic. I tried that side of Main St. first, but every few feet someone was set up: the old black guitar player who's been there for years, a young talented hipster-ish guitar player, and a saxophone player at the intersection. I went to the other side of the street and saw Steve, the veteran guitar player in his usual spot across from Faces.
I ended up around the bend outside Sam's Pizzeria. It seemed to be a good place, since there were people sitting outside and lots of foot traffic, but I was doing poorly. I finally realized that my back was directly to the sun. Great for me, but that meant folks had to look directly into the sun to look at me. D'oh. I moved to right outside Synergy. The management there gave me a really hard time. One employee came out and said "Oh, no! The owner is NOT going to be okay with this. You're going to have to move." I explained that it's the biggest shopping day of the year and that the buskers were out in full force and that once another spot opened up I would move. In this case, she had no legal leg to stand on. There are specific busking laws in Northampton, and I was not in violation of any. The sidewalk was six feet wide, I was on the road side, I wasn't sitting on a bench, etc. Regardless, I moved about six feet to my right so I wasn't directly in front of their door. A while later, the owner came out. She snapped at me, "I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but you're too loud. It's hard to hear customers as it is inside." She turned and went back in, not even demanding that I move, thinking it was just implied. I didn't point out that she could have just closed her door. I don't expect that kind of reaction in a city that promotes the arts as much as this one. Even so, I moved about six feet in the other direction. I liked it here because I could see my reflection in the store window, and could thus remind myself to smile and use my whole bellows, but the sun was at a weird angle and I kept tripping over loose bricks around a tree.
After a while I decided to take a break. I got a chai and went to listen to the Coyote Choir for a bit. My wrists and shoulders have been sore since I'm playing a lot these days around the house, so it's important to take breaks! I began my second set around 4:30. Steve had left and I took his spot outside of Faces. This was really great, since, as you know, once the sun sets I start playing better and everyone starts tipping better. The Faces crew never gives me a hard time. I had to put some sweaters on eventually, but the evening set could not have been better.
Here's what happened, in both spots:
1. I ran into a lot of former high school classmates who were home for Thanksgiving! Some ignored me while I ignored them, and others I exchanged pleasantries with. Some showed surprise at my current occupation, and others just said, "Hi Sophie" as if it wasn't the first time we were seeing each other in five years. The most interesting of these interactions was with Leland Moore, a unique character from high school. He confessed that he's in law school, and I told him that I would not have guessed in high school that that's where he'd be in five years. He said, "Howie did." Apparently another strange classmate, Howie, told him "You'll either be a Greenpeace hippie or a corporate lawyer." We all expected the former. These things happen!
2. There were adorable children out. The first was this little brunette girl who couldn't have been more than a year and half old. She was super serious, and didn't change her expression as I played my repertoire of kids' songs, but she flexed her hands as she watched mine. Finally I took out Flaca, and her mom manipulated her. It wasn't until she grabbed Flaca and had a go with her that she let her smile shine, and it was worth the wait. Such a pretty little girl! She had her do the dance that Flaca most often does at the mercy of little kids: bouncing flat on her back. She must have great abs! Another kid was out, and I asked for a favorite song to play. The answer was "Happy Birthday," even though it was no one's birthday. Another little boy danced all over the place, and asked for "more" after every song. He wanted "the cow song," after I played Old MacDonald once. Right when I set up some parents revealed their 7-week-old, who was about to hear her first accordion. It did not end well. They can try again in a year!
3. Two people were waiting to cross the street as I did Bad Romance. The man showed excitement, and naturally wanted to dance. The dance he did was the whole arms crossed, kick legs out routine that one associates more with Jewish weddings than with clubs. Usually I don't do the pop songs in an area as sophisticated and indie as Northampton, but I was playing everything yesterday so they came out, and people liked them, even here. Dynamite is still an ace card. No one recognizes Friday, even on Black Friday!
4. A strange thing happened: "I Want You Back" was sooooo good. I arranged the timeless Jackson 5 hit last winter, but it's been super challenging. For whatever reason, I was just nailing it yesterday. Hope it'll be true other days!
5. I had a very nice talk with Steve, and guitar player, as I was switching spots. He immediately offered me his spot, which I declined, but was so nice. He smiled as he jested, "Your music's great, but I don't know about that haircut." As I was walking away, he sang a song about me. I forget the words, but it used my name and rhymed with "fun." He's a notable colleague.
6. There was a guy between Steve and I sitting on a bench playing guitar. I wasn't sure if he was trying to busk, so I felt a little bad setting up so close to him. He came over at one point, and I was sure it was to complain, but he was just listening! I dusted off my old arrangement of "What is Love?" to which he did the Night at the Roxbury head dance.
7. People were reacting to my signs! Some commented on the loans, and other just read "Sophie's Smokin' Squeezebox" aloud to their party and chuckled.
8. A man came up to talk. He looked sort of haggard and held a paper bag with a bottle in it. He reminded me in appearance of the people in the Mission District of San Francisco who would see my money and ask me for it. I stood a little closer to the box. As it turned out, I very much misjudged this man. In broken English, he asked me to play an Argentinian tango. I told him, in Spanish, that they were very hard. But I said I'd try "El Dia Que Me Quieras," but then I couldn't find the key. He sang it anyway. We conversed in Spanish a bit (felt so good!), and he said I should go to Colombia, where he's from, to learn accordion songs. I said I would try. He took my hand and kissed it before wishing me a good night and leaving. This was a very nice interaction.
9. Someone told me about a band called Bela's Bartok that features accordion, I guess! They were playing at the Iron Horse last night.
10. Best donation ever: a standard alternative Northampton teenage girl came up and laid a single red rose wrapped in yellow tissue paper in my box. It looked so beautiful next to Flaca and the painted box. It touched me that she would give me such a wonderful donation at a young age, and it was such a perfect gypsy touch for my setup. She said "accordions are sexy." Damn straight! She and her friend lingered for a while, joined by more friends. I told her to pick a song, and she studied my set list and chose the Tetris theme song. Her friend confessed that his life was now complete after hearing it. They're great people, it's nice to know there's hope for teenagers!
11. There was an interesting sight that walked by twice: a woman with her real dog and her latex one. She had an adorable little white dog on a black leash. In her other hand, she walked the craft of a balloon man who had folded her a little white dog on a black leash. I wish I had a photo. Only in Northampton or Ptown.
12. I talked to a fellow member of the 99%, who asked about my loans. He was just laid off from his job so money was tight. He used to be in a cover band. Cool!
13. Around this time of year, Faces sets up a projector in their window that throws tiny green dots on the sidewalk in front of it. They move around and explode when they collide. This is great entertainment for people trying to figure out where it's coming from, and it was surprisingly not competition for me.
14. I met someone who works at Faces. He said he has his mother's old accordion. I told him he had to learn Jingle Bells by the time I was back in town.
I packed up because it's Thanksgiving and my family was going to the movies! In summary, it was a great day and I want to play more in Northampton. I have to always wear my piano dress since I got tons of compliments! The end.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Where the Coffee is Strong and So Are the Women
Yesterday we rocked the streets of Northampton! It was Bag Day, the annual sale day for folks carrying their brown paper bags. Stores were mobbed, and foot traffic was ample. I played for a couple hours between Faces and the Mountain Goat. I like that side of the street, but I had forgotten that a lot of hooligans hang out around there smoking and stuff and it sort of looked like they could be my groupies. Oh well.
It was a very typical afternoon of playing: there was the pianist who asked about how accordions work, thinking about playing one. There was the little girl with her mom who played Flaca. People loved Yann Tiersen. Also...
1. There was an 18-month-old with his dad. He stood at his very tall dad's feet, reaching up to hold his dad's finger, transfixed. The dad explained that he's always had a thing for accordions. The boy's expression didn't change at all, and he wouldn't budge. Adorable.
2. I got a tip for "Ring of Fire."
3. There was a weird, very disheveled looking guy who asked me a lot of questions. Even as some kids came up and I started playing for them, he kept trying to talk.
4. I had an encounter with the worst kind of listener: the musical know-it-all. I was playing "La Vie En Rose" and he stopped me and told me to play it slower, and do just the simply melody rather than the arrangement I do. I started a different song. He protested, telling me to go back to La Vie En Rose and do it that way. Then he asked if I play any Astor Piazzola. I told him it's way too hard for me. He took that to mean I hadn't heard of him, and took a very long time telling me who that was, with a long story about him. Dude, it's Bag Day, I need to play. Then he stayed and listened, which I hated. Luckily my mom came back soon and we left. Ugh.
I saw a ton of people I know, which always happens. Sometimes they recognize me (if I knew them as a kid) and sometimes they don't.
That's pretty much all I remember.
I went back out later while my parents were out to dinner with friends. That was really the best. As my faithful readers know, I love playing at night. I thought about trying to play on the Thornes side of the street, and when I went over there a group was set up. It turned out to be the Coyote Choir, an accordion-guitar-vocals duo that I had heard about and had contacted, but hadn't met. They're super nice, and they sound great. I hope to be friends with them/collaborate. The accordion player had trouble with cold hands, so I showed him my accordion gloves. He wants a pair. I want to start working on a better version! They were packing up, so they gave me that spot, right across from the Cedar Chest.
I love playing at night because people are more relaxed, just strolling, maybe on dates, maybe having drunk something. Accordion is especially good at night because of the relaxed Italian restaurant/Paris Cafe reputation it has. I am also more relaxed at night and play better. The air felt better at night too, probably because the wind had settled down. I ended up only using my left glove (and thus wasted a hand warmer).
1. There was a group of young folks from Boston who were up for the night. The lingered for a while, and gave me a few requests to which they danced ("The Way You Make Me Feel," "Dynamite," etc.)
2. Some Russians came by and asked if I knew a Russian song. I said I didn't, but the Tetris theme song sounds Russian. They were okay with that. I played it, much to the amusement of the Boston folks, and everyone was happy!
3. One girl said she didn't have money, but had an English pound. Nice!
4. A couple walked by and the guy offered me a square of their chocolate. Yesss.
5. Two girls came by and recognized me from First Night. They said they heard the accordion and wondered if it was me.
6. A man named Jesse said he recognized me from Provincetown. I assumed he was just a passerby, but then I saw his stuff. He's a busker too, a harp player. He confirmed that he's the one sometimes playing outside the candy store that I like to play at in Ptown. Cool!
7. A guy told me to play a New Orleans song "Echo Echo." I'll have to look that one up!
8. A bunch of kids came by, and two girls came right up. One said "I play piano!" and the other said "I play violin!" That one saw Flaca and said, "You must have bought that in Mexico!" or something. Smart kid!
9. A group of teenage boys kept walking by, and one danced and tipped me. Love those surprising donors!
10. I made a new set list, and included some of the songs I don't really play anymore ("What is Love?" "Love Me Tender"). They went over well!
I didn't play for long, and when I was done my parents and their dinner mates came by (who I've known my whole life). Having six people standing there listening drew others, and I had the biggest crowd I've had. They applauded after songs! I'm so not used to that, but I played better with them there. These two guys stayed as long as the parents. My mom played Flaca on one number. Having my parents there is always fun because they know my best songs and know what to request.
I'm getting excited to Elf again this year! I need to get started on other shoes, though.
Till next time!
It was a very typical afternoon of playing: there was the pianist who asked about how accordions work, thinking about playing one. There was the little girl with her mom who played Flaca. People loved Yann Tiersen. Also...
1. There was an 18-month-old with his dad. He stood at his very tall dad's feet, reaching up to hold his dad's finger, transfixed. The dad explained that he's always had a thing for accordions. The boy's expression didn't change at all, and he wouldn't budge. Adorable.
2. I got a tip for "Ring of Fire."
3. There was a weird, very disheveled looking guy who asked me a lot of questions. Even as some kids came up and I started playing for them, he kept trying to talk.
4. I had an encounter with the worst kind of listener: the musical know-it-all. I was playing "La Vie En Rose" and he stopped me and told me to play it slower, and do just the simply melody rather than the arrangement I do. I started a different song. He protested, telling me to go back to La Vie En Rose and do it that way. Then he asked if I play any Astor Piazzola. I told him it's way too hard for me. He took that to mean I hadn't heard of him, and took a very long time telling me who that was, with a long story about him. Dude, it's Bag Day, I need to play. Then he stayed and listened, which I hated. Luckily my mom came back soon and we left. Ugh.
I saw a ton of people I know, which always happens. Sometimes they recognize me (if I knew them as a kid) and sometimes they don't.
That's pretty much all I remember.
I went back out later while my parents were out to dinner with friends. That was really the best. As my faithful readers know, I love playing at night. I thought about trying to play on the Thornes side of the street, and when I went over there a group was set up. It turned out to be the Coyote Choir, an accordion-guitar-vocals duo that I had heard about and had contacted, but hadn't met. They're super nice, and they sound great. I hope to be friends with them/collaborate. The accordion player had trouble with cold hands, so I showed him my accordion gloves. He wants a pair. I want to start working on a better version! They were packing up, so they gave me that spot, right across from the Cedar Chest.
I love playing at night because people are more relaxed, just strolling, maybe on dates, maybe having drunk something. Accordion is especially good at night because of the relaxed Italian restaurant/Paris Cafe reputation it has. I am also more relaxed at night and play better. The air felt better at night too, probably because the wind had settled down. I ended up only using my left glove (and thus wasted a hand warmer).
1. There was a group of young folks from Boston who were up for the night. The lingered for a while, and gave me a few requests to which they danced ("The Way You Make Me Feel," "Dynamite," etc.)
2. Some Russians came by and asked if I knew a Russian song. I said I didn't, but the Tetris theme song sounds Russian. They were okay with that. I played it, much to the amusement of the Boston folks, and everyone was happy!
3. One girl said she didn't have money, but had an English pound. Nice!
4. A couple walked by and the guy offered me a square of their chocolate. Yesss.
5. Two girls came by and recognized me from First Night. They said they heard the accordion and wondered if it was me.
6. A man named Jesse said he recognized me from Provincetown. I assumed he was just a passerby, but then I saw his stuff. He's a busker too, a harp player. He confirmed that he's the one sometimes playing outside the candy store that I like to play at in Ptown. Cool!
7. A guy told me to play a New Orleans song "Echo Echo." I'll have to look that one up!
8. A bunch of kids came by, and two girls came right up. One said "I play piano!" and the other said "I play violin!" That one saw Flaca and said, "You must have bought that in Mexico!" or something. Smart kid!
9. A group of teenage boys kept walking by, and one danced and tipped me. Love those surprising donors!
10. I made a new set list, and included some of the songs I don't really play anymore ("What is Love?" "Love Me Tender"). They went over well!
I didn't play for long, and when I was done my parents and their dinner mates came by (who I've known my whole life). Having six people standing there listening drew others, and I had the biggest crowd I've had. They applauded after songs! I'm so not used to that, but I played better with them there. These two guys stayed as long as the parents. My mom played Flaca on one number. Having my parents there is always fun because they know my best songs and know what to request.
I'm getting excited to Elf again this year! I need to get started on other shoes, though.
Till next time!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Old Posts
There are two days from August that got lost that I didn't write about. I took notes, but unfortunately so much time has passed that I forget what most of them mean. Here they are anyway:
August 4th
Played outside of the candy shop by the Shell Shop.
1. I met Nikita, one of this year's henna boys at the West End Salon. He's from either Ukraine or Bulgaria (notes are confusing), and he was totally into my act. He said he plays guitar, but could never perform. "I suck," he explained with a heavy accent.
2. Someone said "You play nicely." I liked that, since I'm not a good accordion player. Bad accordion players can still play nicely, so that was a good compliment.
3. I saw some kids from Leverett on vacation with their parents. The little girl obviously recognized me, I've subbed in her class, but more importantly my accordion and I made an appearance in her Kindergarten classroom last year as elf and reindeer. Her parents didn't see me and didn't stop.
4. The main event: an old man came out of the shop. He said I could only play there if I got some lessons. He's Italian and he's a musician. He notices every wrong note. He says he wants to support musicians, but bad performance drives him crazy. (Another time I went back there and asked if I could play for a bit if I only played good songs. He smiled and said I could, and said no Italian songs if I was going to murder them." Fair enough.)
5. His comment surprisingly didn't bother me. It made me laugh in spite of myself. I was fine with it until this super nice lady who witnessed the whole thing said not to listen to him, that I sounded great, etc. etc. For some reason her kindness about it made my feelings on the matter turn on the spot, and suddenly i was fighting tears. i've got to get out of this town.
The rest doesn't really need noting. For my own reference:
-Ben Pegg pulled over, didn't talk to me
-Flaca, boy in trouble, buttons
-dog on skateboard
-cell phone girl
August 19th
The day after Carnival! Carnival was awesome because my BFF Kai spontaneously came to visit. He's one of my favorite people in the whole world but we rarely see each other. I bought some piano key fabric and crafted a dress for the occasion. Kai and I walked the parade route in the wrong direction and got lots of attention. I didn't busk, but I had a grand time.
The next day I thought I'd play a bit since I was driving Kai to the ferry anyway. Here's what I can decipher from my notes:
1. A guy from Minnesota said "girl's too fat for me." No idea what that means anymore.
2. Some girls said "We couldn't leave you like that!" I think that means they saw me then came back later with a tip.
3. Kid named Minna, sign language, songs, parents singing. Oh yeah, perfect kid interaction.
4. German boy with beautiful hair, serious girls, looks like Wesley Snipes (the 30 Rock character), sang along with Chim, Somewhere, Morir, What is Love.
5. Accordion in basement for 11 years (someone has).
6. Folks from Buffalo, 43rd anniversary, he's the son of a steel worker (told me life story). "Music helps" (staying married for 43 years).
7. Guy with trombone playing daughter, Long Center in Texas.
8. There was a baby in a stroller with an unconventional toy: a lint roller.
9. Teenage girl from before
10. Lots of people I know! (Jeff and Amy, Yael, Melissa McClung)
August 4th
Played outside of the candy shop by the Shell Shop.
1. I met Nikita, one of this year's henna boys at the West End Salon. He's from either Ukraine or Bulgaria (notes are confusing), and he was totally into my act. He said he plays guitar, but could never perform. "I suck," he explained with a heavy accent.
2. Someone said "You play nicely." I liked that, since I'm not a good accordion player. Bad accordion players can still play nicely, so that was a good compliment.
3. I saw some kids from Leverett on vacation with their parents. The little girl obviously recognized me, I've subbed in her class, but more importantly my accordion and I made an appearance in her Kindergarten classroom last year as elf and reindeer. Her parents didn't see me and didn't stop.
4. The main event: an old man came out of the shop. He said I could only play there if I got some lessons. He's Italian and he's a musician. He notices every wrong note. He says he wants to support musicians, but bad performance drives him crazy. (Another time I went back there and asked if I could play for a bit if I only played good songs. He smiled and said I could, and said no Italian songs if I was going to murder them." Fair enough.)
5. His comment surprisingly didn't bother me. It made me laugh in spite of myself. I was fine with it until this super nice lady who witnessed the whole thing said not to listen to him, that I sounded great, etc. etc. For some reason her kindness about it made my feelings on the matter turn on the spot, and suddenly i was fighting tears. i've got to get out of this town.
The rest doesn't really need noting. For my own reference:
-Ben Pegg pulled over, didn't talk to me
-Flaca, boy in trouble, buttons
-dog on skateboard
-cell phone girl
August 19th
The day after Carnival! Carnival was awesome because my BFF Kai spontaneously came to visit. He's one of my favorite people in the whole world but we rarely see each other. I bought some piano key fabric and crafted a dress for the occasion. Kai and I walked the parade route in the wrong direction and got lots of attention. I didn't busk, but I had a grand time.
The next day I thought I'd play a bit since I was driving Kai to the ferry anyway. Here's what I can decipher from my notes:
1. A guy from Minnesota said "girl's too fat for me." No idea what that means anymore.
2. Some girls said "We couldn't leave you like that!" I think that means they saw me then came back later with a tip.
3. Kid named Minna, sign language, songs, parents singing. Oh yeah, perfect kid interaction.
4. German boy with beautiful hair, serious girls, looks like Wesley Snipes (the 30 Rock character), sang along with Chim, Somewhere, Morir, What is Love.
5. Accordion in basement for 11 years (someone has).
6. Folks from Buffalo, 43rd anniversary, he's the son of a steel worker (told me life story). "Music helps" (staying married for 43 years).
7. Guy with trombone playing daughter, Long Center in Texas.
8. There was a baby in a stroller with an unconventional toy: a lint roller.
9. Teenage girl from before
10. Lots of people I know! (Jeff and Amy, Yael, Melissa McClung)
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
This is Halloween/Goodbye Provincetown
Since growing up, whenever that began, the magic of holidays is disappearing. Simply going through the motions of holiday rituals doesn't bring that spirit back, but, as I've learned several times now, exploiting the holiday for money does! In the past year I discovered that nothing restores the youthful romance of Valentine's Day, patriotism of Independence Day, winter wonderland of Christmas, and, now, mystery of Halloween quite like going all out and being a part of others' celebration.
We considered several owner/pet costume ideas (Wallace/Gromit, Man with Yellow hat/Curious George, Dorothy/Toto, etc.) before deciding to be especially Halloweeny and dress as a witch and black cat. I copied the old reindeer costume in black fur (in fact just covering the legs with fur) and the amazing Nate rigged up the tail and head supports using coat hangers. I had a witchy dress which I put over striped tights, gypsy boots, and many many sweaters. Here we are:
Additionally, we had to learn Halloween music. "This is Halloween" from "The Nightmare Before Christmas" was suggested, so we spent the past few days practicing that.
Around 5:00 pm we went to Ptown, expecting to see lots of people milling about in costumes. Town was totally empty. I could count the number of people I saw on one hand. I set up in front of Town Hall anyway since a family I know was coming up. I stayed there for about an hour. People were few and far between, but the donation rate was very high. All but one or two parties that walked by in this hour donated. Score! After this, I went to check out the haunted house in the Aquarium to see if the people were there. They weren't, but the man expected people once it started at seven. I decided to warm up both my fingers and insides with a drink (and wait for it to get to be later) so I went to the Squealing Pig. I've decided that if I'm going to be a real gypsy I need to develop a taste for whiskey, so I'm practicing. The cat's tail and head were attached pretty well so I didn't want to take them off to put the accordion away and risk not getting them back on. I kept the accordion out and went into the bar with my hands full of box, accordion, and witch hat.
Around 7:30 I went back out to play, and set up in Ellie's old spot across from the Crown + Anchor where I played for another hour. The nice thing about playing this time of year is that most businesses are closed so it's easy to find places to play. It was in this spot that I got that feeling of adding to the spirit. I love feeling that I'm not doing this for my own money-making or story-gathering but rather to give to others. People thanked me for being out there. For the first time in Provincetown history, I was the only street performer out. I had the soundwaves to myself. It was cold, but I felt good, and played slow, quiet songs when I wasn't playing "This is Halloween." Oh, here it is, by the way: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxdmcjox4-g
I reflected a little bit on the fact that this was likely my last time playing in Ptown, the place where it all started. I considered all that has happened since that first fateful day, as well as my adventures to come.
Here are the little things that happened:
1. A man commented "I've never seen anyone play one of those before!" I asked him if he meant an accordion or a cat. "Both," he confirmed.
2. People responded way more to my student loans sign than usual. I thought I'd get more comments on the cat costume, so that surprised me.
3. A pack of teenagers was wandering around, continually growing in size. One of them had heard me play TIH before and asked me to play it again. I was glad that teenagers these days still know the Nightmare Before Christmas!
4. A young man who lives above the Crown and Anchor also liked TIH. He said the sound wafted up to his apartment. Nice.
5. Some folks recognized me from last summer!
6. A man told me about his intentions to end his life. His name is Warren or something and I met him my first day ever playing. He said that he didn't have spare change because he was on disability. He said it'll all be over in January. He suffers every day, and has stopped his HIV medication. He wanted to wait till after the holidays for his family's sake. Pretty heavy stuff.
Only one kid gave me candy, which disappointed me. It was a fine last night of playing, although it didn't do much to help my cold :(
Next, I'll be going back to Western Mass to turn this into a book and busk in Northampton a little! After that....who knows.
Thanks for reading!
We considered several owner/pet costume ideas (Wallace/Gromit, Man with Yellow hat/Curious George, Dorothy/Toto, etc.) before deciding to be especially Halloweeny and dress as a witch and black cat. I copied the old reindeer costume in black fur (in fact just covering the legs with fur) and the amazing Nate rigged up the tail and head supports using coat hangers. I had a witchy dress which I put over striped tights, gypsy boots, and many many sweaters. Here we are:
Additionally, we had to learn Halloween music. "This is Halloween" from "The Nightmare Before Christmas" was suggested, so we spent the past few days practicing that.
Around 5:00 pm we went to Ptown, expecting to see lots of people milling about in costumes. Town was totally empty. I could count the number of people I saw on one hand. I set up in front of Town Hall anyway since a family I know was coming up. I stayed there for about an hour. People were few and far between, but the donation rate was very high. All but one or two parties that walked by in this hour donated. Score! After this, I went to check out the haunted house in the Aquarium to see if the people were there. They weren't, but the man expected people once it started at seven. I decided to warm up both my fingers and insides with a drink (and wait for it to get to be later) so I went to the Squealing Pig. I've decided that if I'm going to be a real gypsy I need to develop a taste for whiskey, so I'm practicing. The cat's tail and head were attached pretty well so I didn't want to take them off to put the accordion away and risk not getting them back on. I kept the accordion out and went into the bar with my hands full of box, accordion, and witch hat.
Around 7:30 I went back out to play, and set up in Ellie's old spot across from the Crown + Anchor where I played for another hour. The nice thing about playing this time of year is that most businesses are closed so it's easy to find places to play. It was in this spot that I got that feeling of adding to the spirit. I love feeling that I'm not doing this for my own money-making or story-gathering but rather to give to others. People thanked me for being out there. For the first time in Provincetown history, I was the only street performer out. I had the soundwaves to myself. It was cold, but I felt good, and played slow, quiet songs when I wasn't playing "This is Halloween." Oh, here it is, by the way: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxdmcjox4-g
I reflected a little bit on the fact that this was likely my last time playing in Ptown, the place where it all started. I considered all that has happened since that first fateful day, as well as my adventures to come.
Here are the little things that happened:
1. A man commented "I've never seen anyone play one of those before!" I asked him if he meant an accordion or a cat. "Both," he confirmed.
2. People responded way more to my student loans sign than usual. I thought I'd get more comments on the cat costume, so that surprised me.
3. A pack of teenagers was wandering around, continually growing in size. One of them had heard me play TIH before and asked me to play it again. I was glad that teenagers these days still know the Nightmare Before Christmas!
4. A young man who lives above the Crown and Anchor also liked TIH. He said the sound wafted up to his apartment. Nice.
5. Some folks recognized me from last summer!
6. A man told me about his intentions to end his life. His name is Warren or something and I met him my first day ever playing. He said that he didn't have spare change because he was on disability. He said it'll all be over in January. He suffers every day, and has stopped his HIV medication. He wanted to wait till after the holidays for his family's sake. Pretty heavy stuff.
Only one kid gave me candy, which disappointed me. It was a fine last night of playing, although it didn't do much to help my cold :(
Next, I'll be going back to Western Mass to turn this into a book and busk in Northampton a little! After that....who knows.
Thanks for reading!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Back in the Saddle Again
Yesterday, I took advantage of the beautiful Friday afternoon to head up to Ptown. I now have an accordion trailer for my bike, so I was able to achieve my summer goal of driving up with a full car, parking far away, and biking the rest of the way in. This was also the first time Ptown saw my newly painted bike. I wore my carnival piano dress for the hell of it.
The trailer is the perfect size for my accordion. I was donated a children's trailer and used the wheels and hitch from it. The amazing Nate built the trailer, and his neighbor Bob did all necessary welding. It's bare as it's not yet painted, but it works wonderfully.
This was the first time I took it out with my accordion in it, and I was a nervous wreck. I didn't really know how wide I was and feared hooking something and launching myself. I packed so much stuff in the trailer and basket that I didn't have my helmet. Oops. For the fear, there was also pride. I got a lot of smiles and compliments, and rode like this was something I do every day. Hopefully it will be someday! I checked out the spots as I paraded by: Amy Scotts was in the Pig pitch, and Marsha was at Town Hall with the guitar player/singer whose gender is still a mystery to me on deck. I went to show Topher my setup, and by the time I rode back Marsha had packed up and the on-deck busker was up. He/she isn't as loud as Marsha so I was confident that I could be heard at the Shell Shop corner. Here, though, I sometimes have trouble with the taffy store owner, an older Italian man. (Have I written about him yet?) I poked my head in to ask if he was there so I could ask him if I could play. The man working said, "Sorry, he's out of town till Monday." Hallelujah! I set right up.
It wasn't an extreme day in any way. There was enough crowd, enough gave me money to satisfy me, and it was perfectly room temperature outside. Often when I play I either feel really great about it or really bad. I didn't have any strong feelings (until later).
Only three things worth noting happened here:
1. This young man kept going in and out of the store and was generally lurking. He came over. I expected him to complain. Instead, he told me that he was going to do some cooking in the basement and would have to turn the fan on. He was concerned that my set list paper would blow away. Sure enough, I was right in the line of fire. I moved two feet to the left and all was fine. It was so nice of him to warn me!
2. Someone told me I was their favorite street musician, and he hoped that I come back next year. Obviously that made me feel happy, since I assume Marsha and Ben Pegg were everyone's favorite.
3. I'm at an intersection where many cars turn right towards Bradford St. One such car pulled over and the passenger got out to drop a bill or two in my box. Cars often smile, wave, honk, and thumbs up out the window, but they rarely stop.
I quit after an hour and a half or so because I was sucking pretty bad and I was worried that the guy working at the shop would develop the same sentiments as his boss about my performance. I decided to bike to the hardware store on Conwell St. and buy a second bike lock for the trailer. For the first time, I biked against traffic on the one-way Commercial St. THIS was scary. The advantage, though, was that no cars were coming up behind me so I could angle my rear-view mirror to keep an eye on the trailer at all times.
The hardware store was closed, but as I came back into town I found two men packing up their yard sale. I stopped and asked if they had any chickens. (I collect chicken figurines.) Did they ever! I scored four chickens in addition to two painted wine glasses for Anne. Then came the challenge of packing it all up. They bubble-wrapped everything, but I had to rearrange things. The trailer and basket were jam-packed, and the non-breakable wooden chicken stood proudly in the trailer peering out. All my wares made me even more nervous biking, since they were breakable. As I went back down commercial street, my fear came true and I hooked a sign post. It made a loud noise and I promptly received a huge dose of adrenaline. Everything was fine, though. The trailer was okay, the sign was okay, and I wasn't launched headfirst into oncoming traffic. I decided I needed a beer, but first I went to Arnold's bike rental place to see if they sold bike locks. Success. The guys there complimented the trailer, and the man in charge said that he's thinking about building similar models to rent to dog-lovers to transport their canine pals.
After having a deliciously Autumnal pumpkin beer and meeting the Squealing Pig bartender (important for later) I set up at my favorite spot across the street. It was prime dinner time, but the streets were pretty bare. It was getting cold fast, and my fingers weren't cooperating very well. I loove playing after dark though, and the chill reminded me of my days playing in Boston. I wasn't sure if the Patio owner was in, but I played as softly as I could anyway. I played only slow songs, hoping to provide a pleasant sound from the shadows. It paid off, since two things happened:
1. A middle-aged couple came out of the Squealing Pig and said it was their anniversary. They wanted a romantic song. I played "La Vie En Rose" and they danced. It was very cute. Later, I went to dinner at the Pig and the bartender presented to me an envelope. It turns out this couple bought me a gift certificate. That touched me so much that my music provoked such generosity. I had a delicious dinner on Rich and Bonnie.
2. A waitress from the Patio came over. I assumed she was sent to deliver her boss's usual message of "scram." Instead, she said that there were newlyweds at the corner table who would love to hear "That's Amore." I couldn't think of how it went before "When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie" so I called my brother to ask him to sing it. He couldn't think of it either so he brought it up on youtube and held the phone up. Aren't brothers the best? After a secret practice round I sauntered over and performed it for the new brides and their friends. I followed it with a round of "Here Comes the Bride" then we settled on "Bella Notte" as the finale. The couple posed for many kissing photos during this, as did other members of their posse. They handed me the money I usually make in a half hour! Not a second too soon, because I was freezing and wanted to quit.
The moral of this day of playing is that I can't half-ass it. I undoubtedly half-assed it this summer and as a result I forgot all my songs. I couldn't finish anything I learned from sheet music (Beyond the Sea, La Vie en Rose, Fly Me To the Moon--my best songs). If I'm going to do this right, I should suck as little as possible, and that can only be achieved through playing as often as I can.
I biked back to my car which was the scariest part yet. I was against traffic, without a helmet, my bike was full of chickens, AND it was dark out. I'm excited to use the trailer more and get used to it! Too bad winter's a-coming.
Hope we can go out in Ptown again!
The trailer is the perfect size for my accordion. I was donated a children's trailer and used the wheels and hitch from it. The amazing Nate built the trailer, and his neighbor Bob did all necessary welding. It's bare as it's not yet painted, but it works wonderfully.
This was the first time I took it out with my accordion in it, and I was a nervous wreck. I didn't really know how wide I was and feared hooking something and launching myself. I packed so much stuff in the trailer and basket that I didn't have my helmet. Oops. For the fear, there was also pride. I got a lot of smiles and compliments, and rode like this was something I do every day. Hopefully it will be someday! I checked out the spots as I paraded by: Amy Scotts was in the Pig pitch, and Marsha was at Town Hall with the guitar player/singer whose gender is still a mystery to me on deck. I went to show Topher my setup, and by the time I rode back Marsha had packed up and the on-deck busker was up. He/she isn't as loud as Marsha so I was confident that I could be heard at the Shell Shop corner. Here, though, I sometimes have trouble with the taffy store owner, an older Italian man. (Have I written about him yet?) I poked my head in to ask if he was there so I could ask him if I could play. The man working said, "Sorry, he's out of town till Monday." Hallelujah! I set right up.
It wasn't an extreme day in any way. There was enough crowd, enough gave me money to satisfy me, and it was perfectly room temperature outside. Often when I play I either feel really great about it or really bad. I didn't have any strong feelings (until later).
Only three things worth noting happened here:
1. This young man kept going in and out of the store and was generally lurking. He came over. I expected him to complain. Instead, he told me that he was going to do some cooking in the basement and would have to turn the fan on. He was concerned that my set list paper would blow away. Sure enough, I was right in the line of fire. I moved two feet to the left and all was fine. It was so nice of him to warn me!
2. Someone told me I was their favorite street musician, and he hoped that I come back next year. Obviously that made me feel happy, since I assume Marsha and Ben Pegg were everyone's favorite.
3. I'm at an intersection where many cars turn right towards Bradford St. One such car pulled over and the passenger got out to drop a bill or two in my box. Cars often smile, wave, honk, and thumbs up out the window, but they rarely stop.
I quit after an hour and a half or so because I was sucking pretty bad and I was worried that the guy working at the shop would develop the same sentiments as his boss about my performance. I decided to bike to the hardware store on Conwell St. and buy a second bike lock for the trailer. For the first time, I biked against traffic on the one-way Commercial St. THIS was scary. The advantage, though, was that no cars were coming up behind me so I could angle my rear-view mirror to keep an eye on the trailer at all times.
The hardware store was closed, but as I came back into town I found two men packing up their yard sale. I stopped and asked if they had any chickens. (I collect chicken figurines.) Did they ever! I scored four chickens in addition to two painted wine glasses for Anne. Then came the challenge of packing it all up. They bubble-wrapped everything, but I had to rearrange things. The trailer and basket were jam-packed, and the non-breakable wooden chicken stood proudly in the trailer peering out. All my wares made me even more nervous biking, since they were breakable. As I went back down commercial street, my fear came true and I hooked a sign post. It made a loud noise and I promptly received a huge dose of adrenaline. Everything was fine, though. The trailer was okay, the sign was okay, and I wasn't launched headfirst into oncoming traffic. I decided I needed a beer, but first I went to Arnold's bike rental place to see if they sold bike locks. Success. The guys there complimented the trailer, and the man in charge said that he's thinking about building similar models to rent to dog-lovers to transport their canine pals.
After having a deliciously Autumnal pumpkin beer and meeting the Squealing Pig bartender (important for later) I set up at my favorite spot across the street. It was prime dinner time, but the streets were pretty bare. It was getting cold fast, and my fingers weren't cooperating very well. I loove playing after dark though, and the chill reminded me of my days playing in Boston. I wasn't sure if the Patio owner was in, but I played as softly as I could anyway. I played only slow songs, hoping to provide a pleasant sound from the shadows. It paid off, since two things happened:
1. A middle-aged couple came out of the Squealing Pig and said it was their anniversary. They wanted a romantic song. I played "La Vie En Rose" and they danced. It was very cute. Later, I went to dinner at the Pig and the bartender presented to me an envelope. It turns out this couple bought me a gift certificate. That touched me so much that my music provoked such generosity. I had a delicious dinner on Rich and Bonnie.
2. A waitress from the Patio came over. I assumed she was sent to deliver her boss's usual message of "scram." Instead, she said that there were newlyweds at the corner table who would love to hear "That's Amore." I couldn't think of how it went before "When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie" so I called my brother to ask him to sing it. He couldn't think of it either so he brought it up on youtube and held the phone up. Aren't brothers the best? After a secret practice round I sauntered over and performed it for the new brides and their friends. I followed it with a round of "Here Comes the Bride" then we settled on "Bella Notte" as the finale. The couple posed for many kissing photos during this, as did other members of their posse. They handed me the money I usually make in a half hour! Not a second too soon, because I was freezing and wanted to quit.
The moral of this day of playing is that I can't half-ass it. I undoubtedly half-assed it this summer and as a result I forgot all my songs. I couldn't finish anything I learned from sheet music (Beyond the Sea, La Vie en Rose, Fly Me To the Moon--my best songs). If I'm going to do this right, I should suck as little as possible, and that can only be achieved through playing as often as I can.
I biked back to my car which was the scariest part yet. I was against traffic, without a helmet, my bike was full of chickens, AND it was dark out. I'm excited to use the trailer more and get used to it! Too bad winter's a-coming.
Hope we can go out in Ptown again!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Smokin'
Last night may have been the best night of busking yet. I played well, I played a lot of songs, I had a good spot, interesting people stopped, no one gave me a hard time, and I didn't get cold, hot, hungry, bored, or tired. Oh, and I made good money!
I almost didn't go because I worked that day and was kind of pooped, but it was a lovely Saturday night so I went for it. I took the bus since I have two friends who were working in Ptown that night with whom I could carpool home. I love taking the bus, I always talk to interesting people. Also when I take the bus I head straight to the public restroom, where the monitor there recognizes me. She asks about business and if I got a good spot that day. Even though I don't feel bad not tipping other buskers, I do feel bad not tipping her.
I chose to not even try the Pig spot since I would be there for a long set and surely Mr. Patio would have something to say. I went to Town Hall where Will had the big pitch and a new statue in town had the corner. He's a older gentleman dressed as a bronze military man. I politely asked him how much longer he planned to use that spot. He ignored me. Good job of staying in character. Some of his crowd watched our interaction and applauded his stillness. I approached him several times but he wouldn't respond! What an asshole! Finally, I went really close to talk quietly in case he could subtly indicate a period of time to me without breaking character. He saw me and made a talking gesture and pointed to another gentleman. It turns out he's deaf. Oops. Well, good for him. The assistant/translator was super nice, and said that he had just come back from a break and had a few hours to go. He suggested I play across Ryder St. in front of the the Shell Shop building. Usually I hate when people tell me where to play rather than negotiating a compromise for the spot I want, but I considered it. I always thought it was a private spot, but the assistant assured me it wasn't.
As it goes, this is my new favorite spot. It could not be any better. At first a fan was blowing loudly, but it turned off. There, I have a great street in front of me with the foot traffic off the pier (which I don't always get at the Pig). I have a view of the beach for my own pleasure. There is a wide sidewalk across the street where people lingered to watch/listen to me. There is a set of steps into the candy store on my left where people sat to listen. As darkness fell and other buskers were obscured, I had a spotlight from the candy store. Best of all, I was at a busy intersection with cars and people that necessitated a crossing guard. He would stop foot traffic to let cars park which meant large groups were forced to stand there for minute right in front of me. I thought immediately of playing at the Ferry Building in San Francisco that gave me the same benefit of pedestrian rules. When people were again allowed to walk, I had big packs coming towards me as well for whom I could save my best songs.
In addition to the spot being so ideal, I was doing better than usual as well. A couple weeks ago, a guy biked by and said "Don't just stand there, move to the music!" It's true that I'm so used to my songs that I usually space out and just play the notes and don't give much of a performance. That was also a comment I got from May last year, that the songs I'm into are more fun to watch than the ones I don't care about. Last night, every song was my favorite song and I played the hell out of them. I smiled, bounced/tapped a little, and held my instrument up high. The new thing I like to do to look super passionate is to use my pectoral muscles. When my arms have extended the bellows as far as they can but I need more air on a note, I puff up my chest to give the bellows an extra inch or two. I get more air this way, and I imagine that I look like a professional accordionista. I also played all my songs, which I don't usually do. I have a long set list but I usually skip most of it. It occurred to me that I chose to learn all these song for a reason, and I need to give them some bellows time so they can climb the ranks to be as popular as my ace songs.
The main reason things were so good is that I simply loved what I was doing. More often than not these days I don't enjoy myself while playing and wonder what the hell I'm doing. Last night, however, was not one of those nights. I was greatly enjoying myself, and I was so proud of how far I've come on the instrument and how I'm using it. It was one of those nights that makes you want to quit your day job. Additionally, I wondered about the effect of my positive attitude last night and the positive response of passersby on each other: were people listening and donating because I looked like I loved what I was doing or was I loving it because people were listening or donating? I'm sure both matter. I received my record number of 5-dollar bills last night, and the well-lit nature of my pitch indicates that they weren't accidental. Ptown's been slower this year, but last night I got my New Year's Eve hourly wage! Anyway, that was a very long introduction. Here's what happened!
Saturday, July 23, 2011:
1. A little girl with curly hair and a green dress ran over and stood in front of me to listen. Then she saw a dog so she ran over to see it. Then she ran back to listen more. I asked if she had a favorite song, and she didn't say anything. Finally her adults caught up with her, and explained that she speaks only French. The universe is giving me so many signs that I need to learn French. They're French Canadian and have a son, Antoine, in addition to young Genevieve. The dad asked if I knew this French singer, Charles N-something, and played me a song of his iphone. I didn't recognize it. Their friend saw my babysitting flyer and exclaimed "un guardian!" or something. Sure enough, I have a babysitting gig this week! I guess the little boy speaks a little English, but otherwise I'm on my own language-wise.
2. A couple made their mark when the man asked, "Can I put the money in your squeezebox?" I assumed the worst and commented accordingly, and they stayed and listened for a while. They're nice people from Maine who wanted to hear my most "kickin'" song. I forget what I played. Probably Beer Barrel Polka.
3. With my old sign, green marker on cardboard, people would see it an exclaim, "Sophie's smokin' squeezebox!" with glee. That hasn't happened with my new sign, but last night it did! You can still read it! People pay more attention to the loan sign these days, so I'm glad to know my stagename is still a source of entertainment.
4. A young guy recognized "Elephant Gun," declaring Beirut the best band ever. Rightly so.
5. Right at the beginning of my set (song #2) I played "Beyond the Sea." An older gentleman talked to me after, and commented, "That is a French song that Americans know because it was given English lyrics." I confessed having not known it was French until I started getting comments like that. He said that people like him and me are lucky to know the background of the song. True that. I like it better in my "French" category rather than my "Older" (1920s-40s) category. Speaking of "La Mar," it was requested by the French family as well!
6. I met a woman named Sophie! This interaction is a perfect example of why last night was so damn good. Usually my interactions with Sophies are quick and non-profitable. They like to take pics then walk away. This Sophie, on the other hand, stuck around to talk and was generally super nice. She was older, in her sixties. We're both Sophias. I asked if she knew that in 2009, Sophia was the #4 baby girl name in America. She added that it started with dogs, and then moved on to children. When she was a kid, she didn't know any other Sophies. Grey-haired Sophies are the best. I hope to find a young Sophie doing something fun when I'm a grey-haired Sophie.
7. A woman dropped a bill (a fiver, I think!) "This is for having guts. I have an accordion too." "You should bring it out!" "Oh, no, people would pay me to stop!"
8. A kid ran by with a dollar in his hand. He dropped a coin into my box, then continued and gave the dollar to the statue. Ouch. At least hide it, kiddo!
9. A man who looked vaguely familiar lingered for a song. He asked, "I'm Shawn. Do you remember me?" When I hesitated, he said, "We met on Newbury St." "The artist?" I asked. The artist indeed! When I was an elf in Boston last winter, an artist set up near me to paint the street at dusk. I loved his work, but didn't stay long enough for his show. I jokingly asked him if he finished his portrait of me in my costume. He gave me a postcard and said he has an art opening tonight. In fact, he said through a straight face, his life-size portrait of me as an elf was hanging front and center at the gallery! If only. He's just as nice as I remembered, and encouraged me to come by. I agreed to, once it was confirmed that there was wine and cheese. It turns out he lives in Falmouth and commuted to both Newbury St. and Ptown, so I'm sure I'll see him again. I ended up not going to the opening because the playing was so good that I didn't stop until it was time to go. 'Twould have been fun though.
10. People asked for Beer Barrel Polka twice! Good thing I remember it!
11. I ran into two ARHS faculty members, as I did last year. This year they brought their kids!
12. Guess who biked by? John Waters, movie director. Looked at me, but no reaction.
13. Two guys stopped and asked if they could take a picture with me. One photographed while the other posed and a lady walking by offered to take one of the three of us. I liked this, because it is the personal rule of Tim, my host dad in San Francisco, to always offer to take the group photo when you see this scenario. I adopted that rule as well, and have implemented it a few times (once in Mexico in Spanish!). I told this lady that I share that philosophy and she agreed that more people should do it.
14. I was right outside of one Salt Water Taffy store and across the street from another. I kept waiting for a kid to find a flavor he/she didn't like and drop it into my box. Finally a girl dropped something into my box that landed with a thud. I exclaimed, "Finally, I've been waiting for someone to drop me some taffy all night!" The girl and her mom politely smiled. When I emptied my box later that night, there was no taffy to be found. She must have dropped coins all along, and wondered what the hell I was talking about.
15. A guy I recognized but couldn't place (maybe the Swiss man I met last year?) made a joke: "The statue said he wants to switch. He can play accordion and you can go stand there in his place!"
16. Amy Winehouse. Let's talk about her. As you have probably heard, she died yesterday. I reckoned I was one of the few who knew, since most passersby had spent the day on the beach. I tried out a couple of her songs, which were actually quite easy ("Rehab" and "You Know I'm no Good"). Playing them made me super sad. I never gave her much thought, but she should inspire us all to get to work on our projects. I'm sure she intended another album, but she waited and mucked around and then it was too late. Of course she took steps into the negative in addition to not working on the positive, but it's still a good lesson. What am I waiting for with all my projects and goals and dreams? (I drove super carefully on the way home that night with mortality on my mind. It occurred to me that maybe this night of playing was TOO good. I barely exceeded 40 MPH on route six.)
Anyway, somehow Amy came up with this middle-aged lady. Her take on it was, "She had such a talent but just couldn't figure out how to live!" In her company I gave Rehab another spin and she teared up a little. "She shouldn't have said 'No no no!'" This lady laughed in spite of herself, but also confirmed my own sadness. Death at 27 is always sad! That said, I want to actually practice her songs, now that I know how easy they are. ("You Know I'm No Good" is the chord progression I use when I Klezmer-ize songs!)
17. At one point, a band set up at the main Town Hall pitch and they were too loud! I was going to wait for someone I knew to walk by and asked him/her to either ask them to turn it down or watch my stuff while I did, but alas no one showed up. For a while it was mayhem. When the statue left, he was replaced by the balloon man who sings along with recording of old standards while making balloon animals. He's loud and annoying as well. Because I was in this magical spot, though, neither was enough to drown me out.
When I packed up I went to talk to the band. It turns out it was Ben Pegg, a guitar player who I've never had much of an affection for, with an upright bass player. I always expect the worst when complaining to other musicians about their volume, but the bass player was super nice.
18. One interesting thing is that I like to play "Donna E Mobile" early on to test my ability that day. It's so easy, so if I mess it up I know I'm doomed that day. I didn't play it for a while last night but when I did I totally butchered it. That was surprising because everything else was okay!
19. Should have mentioned this sooner: I saw some old friends! When I was boarding the bus to Ptown I got a text from Chris Skoglund, friend from college and band-mate in The Farhanettes (2006) asking if I was in Ptown. He was there with Jon Moran, Sune, and her boyfriend Sam, all folks I lived with freshman year at Clark. They came to Ptown for the day. It was great to see them! Hopefully Chris will quit his day job and come on the road with me.
20. Funiculi Funicula. Note to self: learn the ending!!! I played it several times last night, and a man stopped to listen. He said that he knows that one and explained that Jerry Garcia used to pick the melody in the middle of a song. This man also asked, "You know how electric guitar players made faces while they're shredding?" "Yeah." "Well you totally do it too!" Ha.
21. There were lots of bachelor/ette parties last night! They're usually characterized by groups of women in heels, one of which wearing a crown made of penes (I first saw "penes" used as the plural of "penis" in Cat's Cradle, and will forever use it). When I see these groups, I like to play "Here Comes the Bride." Usually they ignore me (typical heteros, right??). Tonight, there was a bachelor party as well. A group of men wearing all white strolled along wearing colorful veils. The two men in front donned rainbow veils. Unlike they women, they LOVED their bridal serenade. Their laughter continued when I seriously offered to play at their wedding on Thursday!
22. Sometimes I get people who stay for a while, contribute suggestions, and chat. Sometimes they're cool, sometimes they're annoying. I had two last night. The first, a dude, was annoying. It's nice that we share a passion for music, but his long detailed description of this new piece of equipment he bought took away from my playing time. Did sound cool, though. The second was a teenage girl from NYC. She was super pumped about the ocean, and told me about pier jumping that day. Apparently she belly flopped and it really hurt. She had a lot to say about people being cheap when she witnessed an interaction between some teenage boys regarding a donation. I was pumped that a teenage boy was choosing to donate to my cause on his own. The girl listened to what they were saying, and took offense somehow for my sake. Nice to have a fan! The song she requested was Lady Gaga's Alejandro. While I played it another teenage boy came over, so I turned it into the medley. The boy sang along, and I got a small crowd! This was nice, because I've been phasing out the Gaga medley since it's getting a little outdated with all the new songs out there. Glad to know it still works!
23. Something I noticed last night was that my donors represented many different races and nationalities. With the exception of traditions in Louisiana and Mexico, the accordion really has its history with white people, and it's usually white people that donate, comment, and also play. Last night, we were all one family under the sky, we're a family under one sky (as Dayspring would sing).
24. Some more Ptown characters: the pedicab captain and the mean hippie. I've come to recognize the Pedicab pedalers and we usually smile wave. There's one older guy who I take to be in charge. Usually he ignores me, but last night I got my first smile and save from him! Conversely, I continue to get nothing from the mean hippie. There's this young man who rocks a style straight from a 1970s halloween costume: long hair, beard, round glasses, flowy shirt, vest, belt, bell-bottoms, boots. He's clearly a local, and I've found that the locals I see regularly at least acknowledge my presence, if not talk to me. He just walks by coolly every time.
25. A [gay] man walked up, and not breaking eye contact, came in really close, as if he was going to whisper something in my ear. Instead he kissed me on the cheek, smiled, and walked away. (That's a good thing)
26. Towards the end of the evening, a woman tipped me and said, "This is for all the Italian songs." I knew I was learning them for a reason! That brings us to...
27. Italian songs! I learned a couple, and they were being well-received. I've decided to prioritize learning more. Lil Red is Italian, of course, and she seems to love playing Italian songs. I quickly learned a couple more this week, so now "Come Back to Sorrento" and "Marianna/Marina" (which is it??) have joined "Santa Lucia," "La Donna E Mobile," and "Funiculi Funicula."
28. A man dropped a bill and said, "Carry on, my friend." Obviously rehearsed. Will do, sir.
29. Best interaction of the night! Two men stopped, and one said he has an identical accordion! It's a red Iorio! Later he revised that statement and said it's a 48-bass and a little bigger. Still so cool to hear that, mine's the only Iorio I know. He asked about my story, and I told him. He lives in New York and took lessons for ten years. The conversation ended with joking about buying his from him which took a turn for the not-humorous (as in, not a joke. Could happen). He said his Mom is downsizing and he might actually sell it to me. That would be absolutely amazing if the accordion I upgrade to is a slightly bigger version of my perfect accordion. I've been calling mine "Lil Red," and then I could call his "Big Red," naturally. I even offered foster care for a year or two rather than a permanent sale. I hope to hear from him.
30. My notes say "paint." I'll have to get back to you on that one when my memory kicks in.
31. Wow, how's that for timing. I just saw that I have a new email, and it's from the PAINTER I met last night, which is clearly what #30 is about! I met a painter who asked if he could take photos to paint from, and he sent it over:
Check out his work at http://www.davidwellsroth.com/
32. Chris Jim John Tom. These young men whose appearance Clarkies would describe as "metal" (long hair, scary band t-shirts) kept walking by and showing excitement about my act. Finally as I was packing up we talked. Two live in Wellfleet and two are visiting. I asked for requests, and Jim asked for Sublime. Luckily I learned Santeria last winter! I played it and fun was had by all, including two girls walking by. I haven't been playing it because it appeals to a very small set of people (not children, not elderly, not gays), but it could be quite a success with the right audience. They also told me to learn Funkytown right as the Funkmobile drove by. They introduced themselves as Chris, Jim, John and Tom. I commented that it was a mouthful, and they said they also respond to "Hey douchebags." Ha. Hope to see them again!
33. As I was packing up at 11:00 (when the permit ends, the latest I've ever packed up), a lone teenage boy came over. I told him to make a request and he said "Ice Ice Baby." Then he ran off. The cops were right there monitoring traffic so I didn't want to exceed 11:00, even though I doubt they'd say anything. Also, I had to meet Alice for a ride back then. When I lingered in Saki while Alice got ready, a co-worker of hers tried to guess what was in the box. He asked if it was alive and I pointed out the lack of airholes. He then guessed "A dead rabbit or pigeon, then?" Almost.
34. Almost forgot, a little boy was transfixed by the instrument. I presented him with Flaca, hoping to bend gender norms by getting a little boy to play with a doll. Alas, he was not into her, but totally into the accordion. Mom played Flaca instead.
I don't dare remember anything else or my brain will melt being at the computer for this long! This was such a lovely night, thanks for reading!
I almost didn't go because I worked that day and was kind of pooped, but it was a lovely Saturday night so I went for it. I took the bus since I have two friends who were working in Ptown that night with whom I could carpool home. I love taking the bus, I always talk to interesting people. Also when I take the bus I head straight to the public restroom, where the monitor there recognizes me. She asks about business and if I got a good spot that day. Even though I don't feel bad not tipping other buskers, I do feel bad not tipping her.
I chose to not even try the Pig spot since I would be there for a long set and surely Mr. Patio would have something to say. I went to Town Hall where Will had the big pitch and a new statue in town had the corner. He's a older gentleman dressed as a bronze military man. I politely asked him how much longer he planned to use that spot. He ignored me. Good job of staying in character. Some of his crowd watched our interaction and applauded his stillness. I approached him several times but he wouldn't respond! What an asshole! Finally, I went really close to talk quietly in case he could subtly indicate a period of time to me without breaking character. He saw me and made a talking gesture and pointed to another gentleman. It turns out he's deaf. Oops. Well, good for him. The assistant/translator was super nice, and said that he had just come back from a break and had a few hours to go. He suggested I play across Ryder St. in front of the the Shell Shop building. Usually I hate when people tell me where to play rather than negotiating a compromise for the spot I want, but I considered it. I always thought it was a private spot, but the assistant assured me it wasn't.
As it goes, this is my new favorite spot. It could not be any better. At first a fan was blowing loudly, but it turned off. There, I have a great street in front of me with the foot traffic off the pier (which I don't always get at the Pig). I have a view of the beach for my own pleasure. There is a wide sidewalk across the street where people lingered to watch/listen to me. There is a set of steps into the candy store on my left where people sat to listen. As darkness fell and other buskers were obscured, I had a spotlight from the candy store. Best of all, I was at a busy intersection with cars and people that necessitated a crossing guard. He would stop foot traffic to let cars park which meant large groups were forced to stand there for minute right in front of me. I thought immediately of playing at the Ferry Building in San Francisco that gave me the same benefit of pedestrian rules. When people were again allowed to walk, I had big packs coming towards me as well for whom I could save my best songs.
In addition to the spot being so ideal, I was doing better than usual as well. A couple weeks ago, a guy biked by and said "Don't just stand there, move to the music!" It's true that I'm so used to my songs that I usually space out and just play the notes and don't give much of a performance. That was also a comment I got from May last year, that the songs I'm into are more fun to watch than the ones I don't care about. Last night, every song was my favorite song and I played the hell out of them. I smiled, bounced/tapped a little, and held my instrument up high. The new thing I like to do to look super passionate is to use my pectoral muscles. When my arms have extended the bellows as far as they can but I need more air on a note, I puff up my chest to give the bellows an extra inch or two. I get more air this way, and I imagine that I look like a professional accordionista. I also played all my songs, which I don't usually do. I have a long set list but I usually skip most of it. It occurred to me that I chose to learn all these song for a reason, and I need to give them some bellows time so they can climb the ranks to be as popular as my ace songs.
The main reason things were so good is that I simply loved what I was doing. More often than not these days I don't enjoy myself while playing and wonder what the hell I'm doing. Last night, however, was not one of those nights. I was greatly enjoying myself, and I was so proud of how far I've come on the instrument and how I'm using it. It was one of those nights that makes you want to quit your day job. Additionally, I wondered about the effect of my positive attitude last night and the positive response of passersby on each other: were people listening and donating because I looked like I loved what I was doing or was I loving it because people were listening or donating? I'm sure both matter. I received my record number of 5-dollar bills last night, and the well-lit nature of my pitch indicates that they weren't accidental. Ptown's been slower this year, but last night I got my New Year's Eve hourly wage! Anyway, that was a very long introduction. Here's what happened!
Saturday, July 23, 2011:
1. A little girl with curly hair and a green dress ran over and stood in front of me to listen. Then she saw a dog so she ran over to see it. Then she ran back to listen more. I asked if she had a favorite song, and she didn't say anything. Finally her adults caught up with her, and explained that she speaks only French. The universe is giving me so many signs that I need to learn French. They're French Canadian and have a son, Antoine, in addition to young Genevieve. The dad asked if I knew this French singer, Charles N-something, and played me a song of his iphone. I didn't recognize it. Their friend saw my babysitting flyer and exclaimed "un guardian!" or something. Sure enough, I have a babysitting gig this week! I guess the little boy speaks a little English, but otherwise I'm on my own language-wise.
2. A couple made their mark when the man asked, "Can I put the money in your squeezebox?" I assumed the worst and commented accordingly, and they stayed and listened for a while. They're nice people from Maine who wanted to hear my most "kickin'" song. I forget what I played. Probably Beer Barrel Polka.
3. With my old sign, green marker on cardboard, people would see it an exclaim, "Sophie's smokin' squeezebox!" with glee. That hasn't happened with my new sign, but last night it did! You can still read it! People pay more attention to the loan sign these days, so I'm glad to know my stagename is still a source of entertainment.
4. A young guy recognized "Elephant Gun," declaring Beirut the best band ever. Rightly so.
5. Right at the beginning of my set (song #2) I played "Beyond the Sea." An older gentleman talked to me after, and commented, "That is a French song that Americans know because it was given English lyrics." I confessed having not known it was French until I started getting comments like that. He said that people like him and me are lucky to know the background of the song. True that. I like it better in my "French" category rather than my "Older" (1920s-40s) category. Speaking of "La Mar," it was requested by the French family as well!
6. I met a woman named Sophie! This interaction is a perfect example of why last night was so damn good. Usually my interactions with Sophies are quick and non-profitable. They like to take pics then walk away. This Sophie, on the other hand, stuck around to talk and was generally super nice. She was older, in her sixties. We're both Sophias. I asked if she knew that in 2009, Sophia was the #4 baby girl name in America. She added that it started with dogs, and then moved on to children. When she was a kid, she didn't know any other Sophies. Grey-haired Sophies are the best. I hope to find a young Sophie doing something fun when I'm a grey-haired Sophie.
7. A woman dropped a bill (a fiver, I think!) "This is for having guts. I have an accordion too." "You should bring it out!" "Oh, no, people would pay me to stop!"
8. A kid ran by with a dollar in his hand. He dropped a coin into my box, then continued and gave the dollar to the statue. Ouch. At least hide it, kiddo!
9. A man who looked vaguely familiar lingered for a song. He asked, "I'm Shawn. Do you remember me?" When I hesitated, he said, "We met on Newbury St." "The artist?" I asked. The artist indeed! When I was an elf in Boston last winter, an artist set up near me to paint the street at dusk. I loved his work, but didn't stay long enough for his show. I jokingly asked him if he finished his portrait of me in my costume. He gave me a postcard and said he has an art opening tonight. In fact, he said through a straight face, his life-size portrait of me as an elf was hanging front and center at the gallery! If only. He's just as nice as I remembered, and encouraged me to come by. I agreed to, once it was confirmed that there was wine and cheese. It turns out he lives in Falmouth and commuted to both Newbury St. and Ptown, so I'm sure I'll see him again. I ended up not going to the opening because the playing was so good that I didn't stop until it was time to go. 'Twould have been fun though.
10. People asked for Beer Barrel Polka twice! Good thing I remember it!
11. I ran into two ARHS faculty members, as I did last year. This year they brought their kids!
12. Guess who biked by? John Waters, movie director. Looked at me, but no reaction.
13. Two guys stopped and asked if they could take a picture with me. One photographed while the other posed and a lady walking by offered to take one of the three of us. I liked this, because it is the personal rule of Tim, my host dad in San Francisco, to always offer to take the group photo when you see this scenario. I adopted that rule as well, and have implemented it a few times (once in Mexico in Spanish!). I told this lady that I share that philosophy and she agreed that more people should do it.
14. I was right outside of one Salt Water Taffy store and across the street from another. I kept waiting for a kid to find a flavor he/she didn't like and drop it into my box. Finally a girl dropped something into my box that landed with a thud. I exclaimed, "Finally, I've been waiting for someone to drop me some taffy all night!" The girl and her mom politely smiled. When I emptied my box later that night, there was no taffy to be found. She must have dropped coins all along, and wondered what the hell I was talking about.
15. A guy I recognized but couldn't place (maybe the Swiss man I met last year?) made a joke: "The statue said he wants to switch. He can play accordion and you can go stand there in his place!"
16. Amy Winehouse. Let's talk about her. As you have probably heard, she died yesterday. I reckoned I was one of the few who knew, since most passersby had spent the day on the beach. I tried out a couple of her songs, which were actually quite easy ("Rehab" and "You Know I'm no Good"). Playing them made me super sad. I never gave her much thought, but she should inspire us all to get to work on our projects. I'm sure she intended another album, but she waited and mucked around and then it was too late. Of course she took steps into the negative in addition to not working on the positive, but it's still a good lesson. What am I waiting for with all my projects and goals and dreams? (I drove super carefully on the way home that night with mortality on my mind. It occurred to me that maybe this night of playing was TOO good. I barely exceeded 40 MPH on route six.)
Anyway, somehow Amy came up with this middle-aged lady. Her take on it was, "She had such a talent but just couldn't figure out how to live!" In her company I gave Rehab another spin and she teared up a little. "She shouldn't have said 'No no no!'" This lady laughed in spite of herself, but also confirmed my own sadness. Death at 27 is always sad! That said, I want to actually practice her songs, now that I know how easy they are. ("You Know I'm No Good" is the chord progression I use when I Klezmer-ize songs!)
17. At one point, a band set up at the main Town Hall pitch and they were too loud! I was going to wait for someone I knew to walk by and asked him/her to either ask them to turn it down or watch my stuff while I did, but alas no one showed up. For a while it was mayhem. When the statue left, he was replaced by the balloon man who sings along with recording of old standards while making balloon animals. He's loud and annoying as well. Because I was in this magical spot, though, neither was enough to drown me out.
When I packed up I went to talk to the band. It turns out it was Ben Pegg, a guitar player who I've never had much of an affection for, with an upright bass player. I always expect the worst when complaining to other musicians about their volume, but the bass player was super nice.
18. One interesting thing is that I like to play "Donna E Mobile" early on to test my ability that day. It's so easy, so if I mess it up I know I'm doomed that day. I didn't play it for a while last night but when I did I totally butchered it. That was surprising because everything else was okay!
19. Should have mentioned this sooner: I saw some old friends! When I was boarding the bus to Ptown I got a text from Chris Skoglund, friend from college and band-mate in The Farhanettes (2006) asking if I was in Ptown. He was there with Jon Moran, Sune, and her boyfriend Sam, all folks I lived with freshman year at Clark. They came to Ptown for the day. It was great to see them! Hopefully Chris will quit his day job and come on the road with me.
20. Funiculi Funicula. Note to self: learn the ending!!! I played it several times last night, and a man stopped to listen. He said that he knows that one and explained that Jerry Garcia used to pick the melody in the middle of a song. This man also asked, "You know how electric guitar players made faces while they're shredding?" "Yeah." "Well you totally do it too!" Ha.
21. There were lots of bachelor/ette parties last night! They're usually characterized by groups of women in heels, one of which wearing a crown made of penes (I first saw "penes" used as the plural of "penis" in Cat's Cradle, and will forever use it). When I see these groups, I like to play "Here Comes the Bride." Usually they ignore me (typical heteros, right??). Tonight, there was a bachelor party as well. A group of men wearing all white strolled along wearing colorful veils. The two men in front donned rainbow veils. Unlike they women, they LOVED their bridal serenade. Their laughter continued when I seriously offered to play at their wedding on Thursday!
22. Sometimes I get people who stay for a while, contribute suggestions, and chat. Sometimes they're cool, sometimes they're annoying. I had two last night. The first, a dude, was annoying. It's nice that we share a passion for music, but his long detailed description of this new piece of equipment he bought took away from my playing time. Did sound cool, though. The second was a teenage girl from NYC. She was super pumped about the ocean, and told me about pier jumping that day. Apparently she belly flopped and it really hurt. She had a lot to say about people being cheap when she witnessed an interaction between some teenage boys regarding a donation. I was pumped that a teenage boy was choosing to donate to my cause on his own. The girl listened to what they were saying, and took offense somehow for my sake. Nice to have a fan! The song she requested was Lady Gaga's Alejandro. While I played it another teenage boy came over, so I turned it into the medley. The boy sang along, and I got a small crowd! This was nice, because I've been phasing out the Gaga medley since it's getting a little outdated with all the new songs out there. Glad to know it still works!
23. Something I noticed last night was that my donors represented many different races and nationalities. With the exception of traditions in Louisiana and Mexico, the accordion really has its history with white people, and it's usually white people that donate, comment, and also play. Last night, we were all one family under the sky, we're a family under one sky (as Dayspring would sing).
24. Some more Ptown characters: the pedicab captain and the mean hippie. I've come to recognize the Pedicab pedalers and we usually smile wave. There's one older guy who I take to be in charge. Usually he ignores me, but last night I got my first smile and save from him! Conversely, I continue to get nothing from the mean hippie. There's this young man who rocks a style straight from a 1970s halloween costume: long hair, beard, round glasses, flowy shirt, vest, belt, bell-bottoms, boots. He's clearly a local, and I've found that the locals I see regularly at least acknowledge my presence, if not talk to me. He just walks by coolly every time.
25. A [gay] man walked up, and not breaking eye contact, came in really close, as if he was going to whisper something in my ear. Instead he kissed me on the cheek, smiled, and walked away. (That's a good thing)
26. Towards the end of the evening, a woman tipped me and said, "This is for all the Italian songs." I knew I was learning them for a reason! That brings us to...
27. Italian songs! I learned a couple, and they were being well-received. I've decided to prioritize learning more. Lil Red is Italian, of course, and she seems to love playing Italian songs. I quickly learned a couple more this week, so now "Come Back to Sorrento" and "Marianna/Marina" (which is it??) have joined "Santa Lucia," "La Donna E Mobile," and "Funiculi Funicula."
28. A man dropped a bill and said, "Carry on, my friend." Obviously rehearsed. Will do, sir.
29. Best interaction of the night! Two men stopped, and one said he has an identical accordion! It's a red Iorio! Later he revised that statement and said it's a 48-bass and a little bigger. Still so cool to hear that, mine's the only Iorio I know. He asked about my story, and I told him. He lives in New York and took lessons for ten years. The conversation ended with joking about buying his from him which took a turn for the not-humorous (as in, not a joke. Could happen). He said his Mom is downsizing and he might actually sell it to me. That would be absolutely amazing if the accordion I upgrade to is a slightly bigger version of my perfect accordion. I've been calling mine "Lil Red," and then I could call his "Big Red," naturally. I even offered foster care for a year or two rather than a permanent sale. I hope to hear from him.
30. My notes say "paint." I'll have to get back to you on that one when my memory kicks in.
31. Wow, how's that for timing. I just saw that I have a new email, and it's from the PAINTER I met last night, which is clearly what #30 is about! I met a painter who asked if he could take photos to paint from, and he sent it over:
Check out his work at http://www.davidwellsroth.com/
32. Chris Jim John Tom. These young men whose appearance Clarkies would describe as "metal" (long hair, scary band t-shirts) kept walking by and showing excitement about my act. Finally as I was packing up we talked. Two live in Wellfleet and two are visiting. I asked for requests, and Jim asked for Sublime. Luckily I learned Santeria last winter! I played it and fun was had by all, including two girls walking by. I haven't been playing it because it appeals to a very small set of people (not children, not elderly, not gays), but it could be quite a success with the right audience. They also told me to learn Funkytown right as the Funkmobile drove by. They introduced themselves as Chris, Jim, John and Tom. I commented that it was a mouthful, and they said they also respond to "Hey douchebags." Ha. Hope to see them again!
33. As I was packing up at 11:00 (when the permit ends, the latest I've ever packed up), a lone teenage boy came over. I told him to make a request and he said "Ice Ice Baby." Then he ran off. The cops were right there monitoring traffic so I didn't want to exceed 11:00, even though I doubt they'd say anything. Also, I had to meet Alice for a ride back then. When I lingered in Saki while Alice got ready, a co-worker of hers tried to guess what was in the box. He asked if it was alive and I pointed out the lack of airholes. He then guessed "A dead rabbit or pigeon, then?" Almost.
34. Almost forgot, a little boy was transfixed by the instrument. I presented him with Flaca, hoping to bend gender norms by getting a little boy to play with a doll. Alas, he was not into her, but totally into the accordion. Mom played Flaca instead.
I don't dare remember anything else or my brain will melt being at the computer for this long! This was such a lovely night, thanks for reading!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Be Kind to Your Fine Feathered Friends part 2
The actual 4th of July! I played in the afternoon because I had to work that evening. Booo.
1. A woman named Sheryl came by with her small daughter. It turns out she used to work with my parents and they had run into each other at the campground. The daughter was great with Flaca.
2. A drunk annoying man also played with Flaca, no thanks.
3. Saw some Leveretteers!
4. A guy walked by, gave my accordion the up and down, and declared, "Mine was bigger."
5. Some folks asked what was in the box as I was walking to meet my brother (fun!) I told them to guess. The guy thought it contained a cat costume that I was going to put on.
6. Someone requested "Smoke on the Water." Not a bad idea.
The end!
1. A woman named Sheryl came by with her small daughter. It turns out she used to work with my parents and they had run into each other at the campground. The daughter was great with Flaca.
2. A drunk annoying man also played with Flaca, no thanks.
3. Saw some Leveretteers!
4. A guy walked by, gave my accordion the up and down, and declared, "Mine was bigger."
5. Some folks asked what was in the box as I was walking to meet my brother (fun!) I told them to guess. The guy thought it contained a cat costume that I was going to put on.
6. Someone requested "Smoke on the Water." Not a bad idea.
The end!
Be Kind to Your Fine Feathered Friends, part 1
Part 1 because I did a 4th of July practice round the Saturday before, which is what this post is about! I never leave enough time to get outfits ready (except for the elf), so we scrambled a patriotic outfit together: a blue and white polka-dot dress that's way too short uncomfortably yanked down to almost reach my knees topped with a formerly white blouse that went through the wash with a yellow scarf once and tied around the waist with some red ribbons borrowed from another dress. I covered a party hat with white paper and blue stars to go with it's natural red tinsel-y stuff. Nothing for my smokin' squeezebox. I started playing at the bench area by the pier, and moved to the Town hall.
1. I played "Blowin' in the Wind" for one of the first times, and I immediately got a thumbs up from an obvious hippie across the street. Way to stereotype yourself, guy.
2. Some parents gave their kid money to give to me, but he tried to pocket it instead (this happens not infrequently). When his parents made him fork it over, he stuck his tongue out at me. All mine!!!
3. I solved one of the greatest mysteries of all time! There are three personae I would see in Provincetown, and I suspected that they might all be the same man. One is a street performer who sings along with old songs on a bad sound system. Really obnoxious. But he also makes balloon animals. Another is the local pilgrim, this guy who rides around on a huge tricycle in a pilgrim costume ringing a bell. The third is Ellie, the famous cross-dressing Diva ("78 years young and still living the dream!"). However, this notion of body-sharing was dismissed once I was waiting to play in front of Town Hall. Ellie died last year and there was a memorial to her outside Town Hall. The balloon guy was performing. Then the Pilgrim rode by. THAT would be an impressive feat for one person!
4. While I was waiting for the Town Hall spot (and eating a delicious dinner of veggie sticks), this guy came and sat next to me. We had a strange conversation. I started to write it down when it happened, but stopped because I was sure I would never forget it. But I did. I can tell you the following things: my converser's name is Ian, he has green hair, he does martial arts and has a baby daughter named Sophia. He informed me that sex and weed are good, and invited me to have sex with him.
5. A guy made a bad joke about distracting me and taking all my money or something. Ha.
6. A guy said he plays the concertina! Usually these folks chip in if they're into squeeze instruments enough to come talk. He said, "I'd give you a dollar, but I'm on a budget." Gee, thanks.
7. May rolled by in time to see me in my getup playing "Stars and Stripes Forever." She said, "That's my girl." She loves the gimmicks!
8. A man came up to me and asked, "Do you have an aunt named Laura?" I sure do! It turns out this guy (Jamey) went to high school with my Aunt Laura. They had reunited when she was on college tours with her kids, and had mentioned her accordion-playing niece in Provincetown. Cool!
9. Someone asked where the statue lady was. I said "She's retired from the statue business." They paused for a second, then asked, "Is it you??" Nope, sorry.
10. I had previously established that the tour bus driver lady loves Wallace and Gromit. I played the song when she went by, but she totally didn't react.
11. I played "Morir Soñando," a Mexican waltz that literally no one but Flaco Jimenez and me has heard of. One guy must have mistaken it for something else, because he barked at another passerby, "You know the words, sing!" I don't even know the words!
12. Someone asked exactly how much I have in loans, then bragged that his kid has $400,000 of loans for medical school. Fine, your kid wins.
13. A dog walked by with 4th of July face paint. Oy.
(Stuff I noted but can't remember:
-Ambulance HEY
-Blow kiss
-asians "Red" balloon)
On to part 2!
1. I played "Blowin' in the Wind" for one of the first times, and I immediately got a thumbs up from an obvious hippie across the street. Way to stereotype yourself, guy.
2. Some parents gave their kid money to give to me, but he tried to pocket it instead (this happens not infrequently). When his parents made him fork it over, he stuck his tongue out at me. All mine!!!
3. I solved one of the greatest mysteries of all time! There are three personae I would see in Provincetown, and I suspected that they might all be the same man. One is a street performer who sings along with old songs on a bad sound system. Really obnoxious. But he also makes balloon animals. Another is the local pilgrim, this guy who rides around on a huge tricycle in a pilgrim costume ringing a bell. The third is Ellie, the famous cross-dressing Diva ("78 years young and still living the dream!"). However, this notion of body-sharing was dismissed once I was waiting to play in front of Town Hall. Ellie died last year and there was a memorial to her outside Town Hall. The balloon guy was performing. Then the Pilgrim rode by. THAT would be an impressive feat for one person!
4. While I was waiting for the Town Hall spot (and eating a delicious dinner of veggie sticks), this guy came and sat next to me. We had a strange conversation. I started to write it down when it happened, but stopped because I was sure I would never forget it. But I did. I can tell you the following things: my converser's name is Ian, he has green hair, he does martial arts and has a baby daughter named Sophia. He informed me that sex and weed are good, and invited me to have sex with him.
5. A guy made a bad joke about distracting me and taking all my money or something. Ha.
6. A guy said he plays the concertina! Usually these folks chip in if they're into squeeze instruments enough to come talk. He said, "I'd give you a dollar, but I'm on a budget." Gee, thanks.
7. May rolled by in time to see me in my getup playing "Stars and Stripes Forever." She said, "That's my girl." She loves the gimmicks!
8. A man came up to me and asked, "Do you have an aunt named Laura?" I sure do! It turns out this guy (Jamey) went to high school with my Aunt Laura. They had reunited when she was on college tours with her kids, and had mentioned her accordion-playing niece in Provincetown. Cool!
9. Someone asked where the statue lady was. I said "She's retired from the statue business." They paused for a second, then asked, "Is it you??" Nope, sorry.
10. I had previously established that the tour bus driver lady loves Wallace and Gromit. I played the song when she went by, but she totally didn't react.
11. I played "Morir Soñando," a Mexican waltz that literally no one but Flaco Jimenez and me has heard of. One guy must have mistaken it for something else, because he barked at another passerby, "You know the words, sing!" I don't even know the words!
12. Someone asked exactly how much I have in loans, then bragged that his kid has $400,000 of loans for medical school. Fine, your kid wins.
13. A dog walked by with 4th of July face paint. Oy.
(Stuff I noted but can't remember:
-Ambulance HEY
-Blow kiss
-asians "Red" balloon)
On to part 2!
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