Buskers came to the Santa Fe Plaza legally on August 11, 2006.
The first tune played was "Whiskey on a Sunday."
Michael Combs, a substitute teacher, and Gary Schiffmiller, a State of New Mexico biologist, and both amateur fiddlers, had enlisted the help of the American Civil Liberties Union to convince the city to allow busking (performing on the street for tips).
"Itsy Bitsy Spider" was a hit with a two-year-old in a stroller.
A vendor dropped $5 into a fiddle case and asked the buskers to come and play by his stand some time.
City councilors expressed concern, but City attorney Katz said the City risked a lawsuit if it didn't lift the ban and stop police from running off street musicians.
Donaldo Coviello, a vendor and frequent candidate for city elected office, yelled Frank Zappa lyrics from a ladder. He said "Free expression is out of the bag...".

Meanwhile, city councilors are working on a new City ordinance; the City can impose regulations but not a complete ban. It will be interesting to see what the restrictions will be.

At this time of year, the City is loaded with outsiders, and few locals except vendors and merchants from stores in the area, are seen in the Plaza.

Santa Fe New Mexican: http://www.freenewmexican.com/story_print.php?storyid=47729