Worst of all, they have access to a ready supply of fruit or vegetables...

Good for you David!

That can be the hardest part of the whole gig, to have a good relationship with the market vendors. (One key is never impede their customer traffic flow.) Some of them are cool, some of them are jerks.

Marion, there have been a rather long string of changes in the busking regulations/bylaws in Ottawa. You needed a permit for a few years, then they gave up on it awhile back. So certain self=-appointed guardians of public aesthetics--or cops-- sometimes tell you you need a licence.

Lots of good practical advice here. I might add: people are shy. "Salt" your case--put some change in it when you start so they don't have to be the first. And it's a little dance how you position the case--close enough for security, but 2-3 feet from you usually so people can get to it without invading your personal space, and while walking past...and try to play an instrument that will make people want to ask questions about it.

Funny, I can't say I miss the old busking days that much. Got out of the habit. I miss the good days, though.

I did that audition for the TO subways once. Played my damn best too. I was not accepted. Me and Toronto just never have gotten on very well.

Bill