I just spent the day busking at the Pike Place Market in Seattle. It turned out to be quite a good day for a Wednesday. I got in three one hour sets on my razor sharp handtool (my musical saw). I really get a kick out of playing it and exposing others to it. I spent two days of the recent Memorial Day weekend and two days last weekend, at a local street fair in the Freemont district of Seattle, doing the same and all things considered had a great time. I played some guitar last weekend as well, (my homemade rezophonic Nobro bottleneck guitar), and I was surprised at the response I got. Guitar players seem to dominate the scene so anything one can do to stand out helps, my Nobro and saw work well at this. Of course standing out in a crowd is just one aspect of success at this. A strong presentation is another. Presenting yourself well and communicating with those who may stop and gather before you are two more points that should be emphasised. Here again my Nobro and saw create immediate subjects upon which to expound, to say nothing of my 1929 Maytag Eldorado Rhythm Board. Talking about the instruments I have created and the obscure music I play and those who authored it are all things I enjoy and employ in my performances. Then just having fun with creating wild, crazy or weird intros and stories, and finding strange, bent material to play is another good way to gather some listeners. Watch other buskers who seem to have a successful show together and steal, (okay, borrow), some of their lines, practice them, make them your own, as you would a song you enjoy playing. Do these things, keep a positive mental attitude, learn some silly jokes, give of yourself, from your heart not just your hands and voice and you'll be surprised at what chords you'll be able to strike in the hearts of those around you and the rewards you'll reap will be far greater than any cash you may receive. (Cue organ music and choir.) And now brothers and sisters we'll be passin' the collection plate. Please give to help fund my vasectomy operation. You can help keep future generations of people like me from repopulating the streets of (Insert your towns name here)!

Reggie, I gotta get a vasectomy, Miles