Kelida,

When I'm concerned about being hassled, like with the cello 'cause it's big and I bring my own seat too, I use the private property approach. Get into a lane or doorway of an empty retail space that's not too closed off from the street and they can't do anything without a complaint from the property owner. This is better in a town or small city, or on the weekend, when I can find parking close to where I want to play. --CH

General anecdote:

Once, but this was years ago, at the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival (Ontario, not NY) the site manager had her knickers in a twist. She was bothered, not by the music but because I hadn't paid for booth space! So I asked would it would be okay if I closed the case? She didn't quite know what to do with that. As I made my request I waved my arm over the small crowd that had gathered to listen to farmer who'd joined me on harp; I said something to the effect that I think people are enjoying the music. She uttered a confused yes and got the hell outta there. And I promptly reopened my case. She didn't come back and we made a small fortune in no time flat. Still had plenty after paying out to the harpist, too. Bloody cold when the sky clouded over, though. Stopped when my fingers froze.

Think I'll stop, now. Time for others' stories.

Singing & dancing, CH