Pied Piper I guess is a good example of how you can make that idea work. Play a specialty instrument -- one that is SO LOUD that amplification equipment is not a concern -- and work in a well-defined area so you know what to charge for a show so you'll be working for more than bus fare.

And don't play "showcases" and all that vanity press stuff, or do so very sparingly.

From what I've seen of bus fares recently, you couldn't really work as a travelling musician in Canada and make any money without yer own vehicle. As a local musician, you can and many do.

Reminds me of a story...I'm pretty sure this is true although I don't remember the source.

Seems a violinist was hired to play at a wedding in a remote village in Northern Scandinavia. He got there the day before the ceremony, in typical hardy Norwegian fashion, by skiing.

At a party the night before the big day, disaster occurred. He broke a string--and didn't have a spare, (big mistake) and there were none to be found locally.

No problem. Jan straps on his skiis and heads for the nearest music store. Gets his new strings (and a spare I hope) and headed back to the gig location. Skiied all night, and got back just in time to play the Wedding March, having made a round trip of 110 miles in 16 hours or so!

Now that's true grit. Wonder what time he woke the music store guy up? (Halloo! Halloo! Emergency!)

Willie-O
half a mile on the x-country sticks and my knees are done.