In College (at U.C.D.) in the late '60's, I needed money for drink, so I took up busking.
I soon realized that it could pay for drink AND a good meal too.
Then when I came to the States in the early '70's, I did a little in New York while establishing myself on the Irish bar-performing scene, and when I was "between gigs".
I moved to Boston, and did it there outside the MTA stations, then went to a bar gig at night.

It sure augmented the income from the saloons.I always give a busker something even if he's lousy, because he's giving something in exchange for the money, unlike guys who just sit with their hand out.

If the busker is good I give more, and I'll usually listen to an entire song, maybe more, and applaud when he's done.

I saw two young French guitarists in Galway this summer playing hot club-style jazz in the street, a la Django. They were brilliant! I stood and listened for 45 minutes, and they played just for me while people walked by. I gave them a good bung and bought 3 of their CDs.
Theye were called Hot Frogs; keep an eye out for them..


Seamus