In New York they have attempted to control our industry by allowing for a permit to play on the subway. We have been busking before the likes of them learned to walk upright. I wouldn't wear their bloody t-shirt for love or money. In Quebec there is now licenced busking, so I break the law there with regularity, as folk music belongs first and always - to the people. The decline in traditional music, in some small way, in my opinon, is linked to the regulation of this ancient right - the privalege of Bards Seanachies and Troubadours. My advice, write a ballad to saterise any government which seeks to control our age old industry. As to how much do we make in New York - Too bloody little!
All the best
Keep the music our own
Larry
PS In the sevinties I put together an association of buskers to fight against our being pushed out of the theater district, Phillip Petit, the airalist who walked between the world trade towers on a tight rope, used to come and listen to me all the time, he loves the pipes, but refused to join the association saying, "when they legalise our profession, I will stop doing it." God bless him.