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Busking is begging?

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GUEST 28 Jul 05 - 05:19 PM
Le Scaramouche 28 Jul 05 - 07:01 PM
Paul Burke 29 Jul 05 - 04:02 AM
GUEST,Dave'sWife 29 Jul 05 - 04:36 AM
PoppaGator 29 Jul 05 - 06:06 PM
GUEST,ciao buddha 09 Oct 05 - 02:56 PM
Hopfolk 09 Oct 05 - 04:12 PM
The Fooles Troupe 09 Oct 05 - 08:05 PM
GUEST,www.ciaobuddha.co.uk 19 Oct 05 - 09:36 PM
InOBU 19 Oct 05 - 09:52 PM
Big Mick 20 Oct 05 - 12:55 AM
GUEST,reggie miles 20 Oct 05 - 01:51 AM
alanabit 20 Oct 05 - 04:27 AM
InOBU 20 Oct 05 - 11:06 AM
GUEST 20 Oct 05 - 08:53 PM
IanC 21 Oct 05 - 03:54 AM
Teribus 22 Oct 05 - 12:32 AM
alanabit 22 Oct 05 - 02:54 AM
Stephen L. Rich 22 Oct 05 - 05:30 AM
Bobert 22 Oct 05 - 08:57 AM
DannyC 22 Oct 05 - 09:24 AM
GUEST,www.ciaobuddha.co.uk 24 Oct 05 - 09:20 PM
GUEST 24 Oct 05 - 09:34 PM
Stephen L. Rich 25 Oct 05 - 01:09 AM
GUEST, www.ciaobuddha.co.uk 14 Nov 05 - 01:06 PM
GUEST 03 May 09 - 01:46 AM
breezy 03 May 09 - 11:38 AM
Don Firth 03 May 09 - 01:54 PM
SylviaN 03 May 09 - 02:40 PM
stallion 04 May 09 - 06:57 AM
Bonzo3legs 04 May 09 - 07:08 AM
breezy 04 May 09 - 07:13 AM
meself 04 May 09 - 12:32 PM
High Hopes (inactive) 04 May 09 - 12:41 PM
GUEST,John from Kemsing 04 May 09 - 12:46 PM
Tug the Cox 04 May 09 - 04:02 PM
meself 04 May 09 - 04:37 PM
stallion 04 May 09 - 05:37 PM
Tug the Cox 04 May 09 - 08:14 PM
GUEST,The campaign for real busking 10 Jul 09 - 06:40 PM
meself 10 Jul 09 - 06:59 PM
GUEST,s-j in newcastle 11 Jul 09 - 06:07 AM
GUEST,Sonofman www.rebelzpromoter.com 09 Aug 09 - 04:53 PM
GUEST 17 Sep 09 - 05:05 PM
Stewart 17 Sep 09 - 05:30 PM
breezy 18 Sep 09 - 05:56 AM
GUEST,Bardan 25 Sep 09 - 11:34 AM
GUEST,fiddlinmike 03 Oct 09 - 09:02 PM
GUEST 21 Feb 10 - 08:28 AM
meself 21 Feb 10 - 10:06 AM
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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Jul 05 - 05:19 PM

I also have a God given right to beat the shit out of you if you disturb me while I am travelling.

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: Le Scaramouche
Date: 28 Jul 05 - 07:01 PM

Busking is the most stylish form of begging! However, if you are doing it on the tube and someone asks you to stop, it's just good manners.

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: Paul Burke
Date: 29 Jul 05 - 04:02 AM

Of course busking is begging. So is working. You think you have a right to your wages? Ask the people just thrown on the street by Tiny Computers- they didn't get paid last month. You don't realise how much working IS begging until you are self employed, and try to extract payment from someone.

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: GUEST,Dave'sWife
Date: 29 Jul 05 - 04:36 AM

When I lived in NYC and commuted to Mahnhattan from Staten Island, there was a 'busker' (and I use that term loosel) who could neither sing nor play. He would set up near large groups on the SI Ferry and begin to warble out of tune until somebody paid him at least $5 to go away.   I'd say he made at least $25 a trip in the AM. Eventually, people stopped paying him to shut up and would just get up and move en masse to another section of the Ferry. I wonder what ever happened to him? He had a nice racket going - kinda like the 'Viet Nam vets' on the subway who will shake a cup at you and go on about their trouble forever unless you give them some money.

There was also a guy on the SI Ferry who peddled bad shoe shines for $2-$3 who would make his rounds shouting "CHINE! CHINE! CHOO-CHINE!" until somebody couldn't stand it anymore and would pay for a 'Chine' just to make him stop yelling. Unfortunately, he'd make quite a mess of your shoes.

The "Choo-Chine' guy and the awful 'busker' had hostage audiences so maybe they don't qualify as performers. I always considered them terrorists. Real Buskers I like.

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: PoppaGator
Date: 29 Jul 05 - 06:06 PM

"Of course busking is begging. So is working...You don't realise how much working IS begging until you are self employed, and try to extract payment from someone."

Right on the money, Paul Burke; tell it like it is!

I'd say "LOL," except that it really isn't funny...

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: GUEST,ciao buddha
Date: 09 Oct 05 - 02:56 PM

Mr "God given right to be violent." Slight mistake there old bean.You missed out the word 'TRY'....you have God given right to TRY and beat the shit out of me if I disturb you.Funny though how if a crowd of drunken footie thugs disturbed you whilst travelling you'd just sit there like a good boy that you are and hope none of them look at you. When it's just one guy you get all bwave.hahahaha ....... bring it on my son but make sure you are ready.

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: Hopfolk
Date: 09 Oct 05 - 04:12 PM

A couple of mates and I are going to try "Busking" in our local town soon, with the difference that there won't be any hat/guitar case/tin cup etc. for collections because we're doing it for the fun... and to get a little folk on the streets.
The relevant laws that we will be breaking are pretty obscure - stuff like causing a disturbance and obstruction etc. but I think we're ok so long as we move when moved on.

CamoJohn

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 09 Oct 05 - 08:05 PM

Tell your audience you've been asked to move along, and if they like the music to come back.

Try also asking them to donate to a charity of their choice if they liked the music.

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: GUEST,www.ciaobuddha.co.uk
Date: 19 Oct 05 - 09:36 PM

Begging or busking, if either offends you then you need to find a life. Beggers are generally people with drink/drug/mental health problems who really need to find help that money cannot buy.
          Musicians, jugglers, poets, painters etc are artistes and it is only the philistines and artless folk of this world who find any of them offensive. If you don't like it, don't pay. Simple as that. Although I suspect you'll happily go and pay 10 quid or more for some dreary crap like a Coldplay CD because some stupid mag told you they are the best band on the planet.
          It's all about mind conditioning and it is enforced upon the individual from an early age.Your parents, school, T.V, The Beano, The Sun. If you are a free-thinking, nonconformist who can take a step outside of 'what you were always told was right' you will realise that anyone making a living outside taxmans vast and unforgiving web, or surviving beyond the matrix of this so called society without hurting anyone should be applauded. They deserve MORE than they get for setting a wonderful example. Just because you have wasted a third of your life in the wrong job paying taxes to a government you don't like or trust don't expect everybody else to.
                LIFE IS TOO SHORT.......ENJOY IT!

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: InOBU
Date: 19 Oct 05 - 09:52 PM

No way is busking begging. ANy busker who comes off as a begger wont be on the road long. Frankly, in this nation we pay folks to drop high explosives on folks... don't look down your noses at what we do... and as far as a god given right to etc, and the just try responce... hey folks... it' s effing MUSIC here... are humans that poor of soul that you guys are going to pound each other over busking!!!!! JEEZE LOUEEZE if you don't like the act... god gave you two legs or the doctors gave ya wheeles... it is a big effing world with room for buskers and wowzers alike!!!!!!!!
Play nice
lor

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: Big Mick
Date: 20 Oct 05 - 12:55 AM

A person who calls busking the same as begging doesn't know a thing about either of these subjects. Busking is honorable, and when I am in other cities I often go out and do a bit of it. Usually I give the money to a local soup kitchen because I am otherwise employed. I never compete with another busker because I am not doing it for a living.

Begging?? Not hardly. It is hard work.

Mick

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: GUEST,reggie miles
Date: 20 Oct 05 - 01:51 AM

"You Can Be A Street Musician" just about sums this entire subject up in one song. You can even here a snip of it via a link at this site. Enjoy!

Larry, another copy of this CD is in the mail to you shortly. Sawry it's taken sooooooooooooooooooo long.

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: alanabit
Date: 20 Oct 05 - 04:27 AM

I enjoyed those MP3s very much. They reminded me of Woody Guthrie at his most biting and ironical - but with better musicianship and a smile all the time. Are you up for that album swap Reggie? I had been hoping to see you in Europe this summer.

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: InOBU
Date: 20 Oct 05 - 11:06 AM

Back at ya Reggie, been running around and nutz of late, will send my latest to the return address with great thanks, lor

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Oct 05 - 08:53 PM

The original meaning of the word 'busk' is improvise.

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: IanC
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 03:54 AM

Actually, that's not the original meaning of the word.

Most of the dictionaries give it as deriving variously from the Spanish or Italian buscar/buscare/boscar ... ultimately to seek ... in the 19th century.

There was, however, already an English verb to busk (it appears in the 1828 Websters Dictionary, for example) meaning to be busy or to go around busily. It is still (rarely) used ... as in "He busked about".

:-)

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: Teribus
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 12:32 AM

Yes it is.

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: alanabit
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 02:54 AM

One can hardly make oneself look more stupid than to join a discussion this long, fail to follow any of the argument and debate and then pronounce a previously held bias, which contradicts all the facts.

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 05:30 AM

Teribus,

    A couple of years ago I was one of the performers in a three day event in Chicago called Buskerfest. The breadth and variety of entertainment was astounding. There was on juggling act that was astounding. They juggled flaming torches (allright you're unimpressed). They passed back and forth between one another (you've probably seen that, too0. They did so while they were on POGO STICKS (I think I have your attention, now)! They decided that the act still needed something, so they rigged up the pogo sticks to shoot flames from either side at seemingly random moments. An act like that MUST be done out of doors! There isn't a fire safety law in the western world that would let them do that inside anywhere.
    Is dropping a few coins in thier hat any worse than paying the U.K.'s television tax so that you can watch Tony Robinson dig up some poor jerk's garden in an attempt to find archaeological evidence of Vikings, or, as in the United States, sending thirty-five bucks to the local PBS station because they just aired a showcase of over-aged rock and rollers who haven't learned any new songs in the last fourty or fifty years?
    Buskers, at the very least, make some sort of effort to provide some entertainment. They provide a service. Admitedly, not a vital one, but a service nonetheless. The fact that it is not part of some organized program does not diminish its value. Beggars walk up to you and say, "Got any spare change?" or something like it. They offer nothing in return. How can you reasonably equate busking with begging?

Stephen Lee

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: Bobert
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 08:57 AM

It ain't really Teribus anyway, alan, 'cause the real Teribus is totally incapable of a three word response...

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: DannyC
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 09:24 AM

In Oliver Goldsmith's "The Vicar of Wakefield" one of the characters (the good Vicar's son, I believe) busks his way across Europe and back. I assume that Goldsmith was drawing from his own experiences. I have heard the County Longford native was a fine flute player.

The story mentions:

(1) how his music was enthusiastically received in many different areas;
(2) he found it difficult to get the attention of comfortable, distracted rich people;
(3) in a certain region, the quality of the locals' music was so high that his own music was merely commonplace (Brittany maybe?)

I have held the story in reserve to ward off my own relations' concerns ("...and a grown man - with children of his own!!") about my enthusiasm for the music.

Hopefully, by linking my own efforts to this "Big Name" - the bedeviler of Johnson - a connection to the classical era (and all that stuff) I can add some justification to my single-minded, public pursuit of my music passions. Maybe I can make my kin feel better, for I have no plans to cease my embarrassing ad hoc performances.

Cheers,

Danny

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: GUEST,www.ciaobuddha.co.uk
Date: 24 Oct 05 - 09:20 PM

CALLING ALL MUSICIANS.I am a struggling musician who often resorts to busking for a living. YOU ARE ALL INVITED TO LOOK AT MY SITE.......and if you want to hear some of our own music I am willing to send you an MP3 FREE OF CHARGE...just look at the LYRICS PAGE and tell me which lyrics you like the sound of and i will send you the song FREE OF CHARGE.... and I encourage you to send it on to anyone you might think would like it also. Dont worry I wont sue. Even though I do own the copyright. lots of love etc www.ciaobuddha.co.uk

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Oct 05 - 09:34 PM

If soldiering is an honest job then surely busking is an honourable profession. Since busking I've managed to keep my invasions, killings and occupation on foreign soil down to a bare minimum. Not to mention taking polaroids of prisoners of war tied up into embarrassing positions. Though it is hard to quit the latter 100% etc www.ciaobuddha.co.uk

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 25 Oct 05 - 01:09 AM

Rotflmao!!!!! That is the most twisted and wonderful thing I've ever read!!!!

Stephen Lee

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: GUEST, www.ciaobuddha.co.uk
Date: 14 Nov 05 - 01:06 PM

thanks stephen. twisted and wonderful?...there is a cheque and a barrel of oil in the post and on it's way to you!

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: GUEST
Date: 03 May 09 - 01:46 AM

busking is a real job. we are encouraged to get a business number.
why should we not pay tax?
everyone else does.
begging is when there are drunks trying to play the guitar thinking they are Elvis or something.
I saw a drunk guy last year half heartedly playing in a band at the station behaving like a chippendale performer.
it was a sight everyone obviously wasn't expecting.
scare away the tourist why don't you!!!!

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: breezy
Date: 03 May 09 - 11:38 AM

Busking is not a 'real job' its not a 'job' at all, its not 'work' in the true sense of the word, its an activity that one can regard as a job , but that is to delude oneself into believing it is so to thereby justify doing it to oneself, but its never a 'real job'.

It is nothing to do with begging, though some buggers may use it as a guise.

Busking is a performing art, requiring many patrons in order for the artiste to sustain his performance over a long period of time thereby making it unnecessary for the busker to get a real job in the true sense of the word.

Still, what do I know ?

Its a form of entertainment, thats what it is.

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: Don Firth
Date: 03 May 09 - 01:54 PM

And an honorable one at that. It's a tradition that goes back over a thousand years or more.

Don Firth

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: SylviaN
Date: 03 May 09 - 02:40 PM

Hi this is the Derby Ram commenting from Sylvia Needham's page.

Busking is not begging. Begging is a form of procuring remuneration for doing nothing in the hope that people will take pity on you for your lowly plight.

Busking on the other hand is, I have always considered and still contend, is possibly the most honest and submissive form of retail transaction.

If I sit in the street, legitimately and play my music for free on the off chance that someone will take a choice to reward me for my efforts because they have enjoyed it - how can that be begging? If no-one chooses to pay for it - then I am giving it away for free.

I do concede that if no-one offers to pay it's likely that you ain't good enough or simply no-one likes it - whatever....but it still can't be begging - it's a voluntary transaction for services rendered on trust.

I have way back in the past busked in the street in many towns and have never asked anyone to pay me for it - payment has always been voluntary and spontaneous.

Fortunately, I don't have to do it anymore but I will defend to the last anyone's right to engage in busking if they have a quaity act to transact.

Tra fer nah
Derby Ram (dislaying his horns)

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: stallion
Date: 04 May 09 - 06:57 AM

The first time I ever busked was a total accident, I was in a village in Lancashire camping with a mini bus full of blokes, being the driver the treat was to receive a drink from the other 11 on arrival, a pint glass full of brandy was the reward. In the morning I woke up laying on hard lumpy stuff, my pockets were stuffed full of small change, apparently I had sat on the steps of the pub all night singing and someone had put a hat down, when the lads came out of the pub they put the cash in my pockets and carried me to my tent. I had no recollection of any of it, oh we had been to wedding and I had stayed sober to drive to the evening bash.

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 04 May 09 - 07:08 AM

Let's hope that the forthcoming Cameron government takes a more lenient view of buskers in the UK!

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: breezy
Date: 04 May 09 - 07:13 AM

O K stallion, but now explain the red ribbons and lack of trousers

Well said Sylvia, and its unfortunate that you dont do it any more as you are most talented.

regards to KK, has he performed 'Old Ben' yet !

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: meself
Date: 04 May 09 - 12:32 PM

First of all, busking and begging are completely different activities; there is no relationship between the two other than that they both take place in public spaces and involve money.

Second of all - where did this notion come from that there is something honourable about having a "real job"? Having a "real job" means giving up your autonomy and submitting to the authority of another person or group of people. In exchange, you receive a measure of financial security. I fail to see what is admirable about such a transaction. If you need to put yourself in that position, fine, do it, but don't try to paint it as something particularly virtuous. Likewise, if you like to follow orders, go ahead, but don't criticize others who are cut of a different cloth.

I spent many years with a "real job". I certainly do not feel that I am somehow a better person for that. In fact, I'm glad to be back scraping and hustling and not knowing how much money I'll make in the course of a day - and being my own boss.

Those who equate busking with begging, or who claim to, are either soulless automatons or simply jealous of those who have managed to retain a measure of independence.

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: High Hopes (inactive)
Date: 04 May 09 - 12:41 PM

"Let's hope that the forthcoming Cameron government takes a more lenient view of buskers in the UK!"

*picking self up off floor, still slightly hysterical* You did just say that, right?

the short answer to the question, posed, is no.

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: GUEST,John from Kemsing
Date: 04 May 09 - 12:46 PM

Of course "busking" isn`t "begging". Busking is asking for money having demonstrated a public performance of one sort or the other. Begging is asking for money to tide you over current financial difficulties without preforming a service or entertainment.

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: Tug the Cox
Date: 04 May 09 - 04:02 PM

The difference was made very clear in my Youth. On the way to football matches at Millwall, just as the crowd entered A small side road in New Cross, leading to the ground, there were two opportunities to be generous. On one side of the street stood an old guy playing the saxophone, on the other, a one legged chap on crutches, smiling and saying thank you while holding out his hat. The beggar seemed to attract more donations.

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: meself
Date: 04 May 09 - 04:37 PM

Don't know how many of these guys are actual buskers, but I imagine some of them are. It seems to promote the idea of busking anyway.

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: stallion
Date: 04 May 09 - 05:37 PM

my god breezy you were there!

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: Tug the Cox
Date: 04 May 09 - 08:14 PM

Meself, 'these guys' are street musicians.

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: GUEST,The campaign for real busking
Date: 10 Jul 09 - 06:40 PM

Under UK law busking cannot be classed as begging.

This is not an opinion this is fact under UK Law

Source: Butterworths. Law Report. [1983] Crim LR 45

Gray v The Chief Constable of Greater Manchester

"A street musician who played the guitar in a passageway and was given coins by passers-by, was held to be not guilty of the offence of placing himself in a public place to beg or gather alms created by Vagrancy Act 1824 s 3. His conduct did not fall within the section because (i) he gave value for money, and (ii) passers-by were not forced to deal with his activities."

The Law Report introduces the idea that busking is value for money, and therefore people gave him coins because of the music not because of need. Busking has nothing to do with need, instead it is being tipped by the public for providing the service of bringing live music into the city centre.

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: meself
Date: 10 Jul 09 - 06:59 PM

How do you like them apples, Mister Chief Constable!

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: GUEST,s-j in newcastle
Date: 11 Jul 09 - 06:07 AM

Funny, am just having a cup of tea before going into town to go busking for a while and came across this thread! I enjoy hearing and seeing buskers when I am out and about I think it adds to the ambience of the city, I dont see it as begging at all. We are not directly asking for money, just if you enjoy/appreciate what we do we are grateful for contributions and yes, quite often I am there out of financial difficulty, but isnt that why alot of people go to work?!
Anyway, weathers not too bad in Newcastle and as well as hoping to make money it's good practise for playing out, trYing out new songs and having fun.
Think will try out Durham for a bit of variety next week!
Sarah

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: GUEST,Sonofman www.rebelzpromoter.com
Date: 09 Aug 09 - 04:53 PM

I'm joining this topic late, but having taken time to read every thread am really grateful nonetheless for the information contained.

Having been laid off I put every penny of my severance into building my artistry, recording an album, setting up a webstore (www.rebelzpromoter.com), registering a trademark, coming up with merchandise and now faced with taking my art to the people.

I carry my guitar with me everywhere I go. Whenever the opportunity arises I take it out and play, simply to get as much practice as I possibly can and because I simply love what I do. Music breaks down barriers and I always get smiles and positive gestures from passing folk.

Coming from a conservative background and taking account of peoples perceptions (prejudices), not to mention my earnings in my previous career I have never opened my guitar case to invite donations.

The closest I have come was in The Netherlands where I played outside a music store where my album is stocked (I justified this as legitimate promotion). Still people were happy to pay me for the songs I sang. I found this embarassing and offered a copy of my EP in exchange.

Reading this thread I can feel a changing in my personal perception of street performing.

Perhaps governments instead of frowning and licensing street performers should view the art more in the terms of social workers and should pay for the service, for surely brightening up the day of commuters and the public at large is a public service.

The benefit would be two fold

a) removing the stigma from the point of view of musicians like myself who when I do take out my guitar and play my self penned songs in public bring joy to the lives of passersby and

b) change the perception taken by some on this forum and society in gerneral who look down on and see street performers as beggers.

Regardless, having read this I will take a different view of myself and the next time I feel the urge to take my guitar in public will do so with pride!

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Sep 09 - 05:05 PM

Wakefield Council apologise to buskers over slanderous allegation of begging.

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&bID=510575094

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: Stewart
Date: 17 Sep 09 - 05:30 PM

Artis the Spoonman is a regular long-time busker in the Pike Place Market in Seattle. He has also busked in many US cities and abroad. I asked Artis to write a piece on busking for the NW HOOT.

He says it very eloquently HERE.

The following is an excerpt from his article.

"Busking is the most admirable, honourable, respectable, integrated and difficult form of entertainment there is. Busking has no cover charge, no minimum drink, no ethnic, sex, age, religious, or economic segregation and there is no "middle man" restricting material. Busking is presented to everyone, whether they slept under a bridge or on the 40th floor the night before. Busking is performed for fair exchange, i.e., the audience pays what they determine applicable, having viewed and enjoyed the show, they care to contribute at all. However, as essential as the money is, the first contribution an audience member makes is when they stop."

"Keep in mind; before becoming an audience, a citizen has already predetermined a destination, if only strolling. There is no intention to see a show. We are going from point A to point B and along the way there's an act that attracts our attention. Stopping to listen is, straight up, a 100% compliment and contribution to the show. To remain is an addition to the 100%. To applaud is a further addition, to tip is yet again an increased contribution, and to talk of the act later that day, or the next, is an astounding plus from the first determination to stop while bound elsewhere. People often arrive late to work deliberately, miss appointments intentionally, skip classes at schools, colleges, and universities, and some actually change their whole lifestyle and vocational direction. Those are massive compliments and effects contributed to busking. " ... more.

Cheers, S. in Seattle

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: breezy
Date: 18 Sep 09 - 05:56 AM

Thanks for that Stewart

Artis says it comprehensively


So when a total stranger tracks you down weeks later and places an order for Cds from out of the blue and says listening was a highlight of their holiday, that too is a heck of a boost.

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: GUEST,Bardan
Date: 25 Sep 09 - 11:34 AM

As far as I'm concerned, if I thought I was begging I'd be doing a different job. I wonder how many of the musicians on this group have done five or six one hour sets in a day to audiences who were unfamiliar with folk music? Not all that easy. Sometimes you get real appreciation in a verbal and monetary sense. Sometimes, you have to choose between a bed and a decent meal. I'm not arrogant enough to say I'm a great musician or anything, but I've been playing the fiddle for about fifteen years and I think I've got a decent level together. I see myself as giving people a fairly decent musical experience, maybe a happy moment or something. In exchange, and only if they do enjoy it and can afford it, idon't think it's too much too ask for a tip. Still if they don't want to pay me no-ones making them. In my experience there's a definite difference in the pot if I'm a bit off- tired, hung-over or just playing below par. I would have thought this would generally apply to other buskers and the ones who are less talented are making less cash. I see busking as an art-form in its own right and a tougher one than most. Still I'm always willing to listen to another opinion.

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: GUEST,fiddlinmike
Date: 03 Oct 09 - 09:02 PM

Heres what I learned. You can't do anything about what people think.
They will think whatever they want. Since the word busking is in the oxford dictionary and has its own wikipedia page I tend to go with the english language myself. Fuck em. Don't let the bastards grind
you down. Remember the good.
   Man I've done my part. I have biz cards and have been booked at weddings parties and even street festivals. No one pays a beggar
to come hang out at their event.
   Music excites whatever is inside the listener. An exceeding positive reception tells me more about the heart of the person in
front of me and I am blessed for having met them and makes me try
to play even better less they come again .

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Feb 10 - 08:28 AM

Hi Guys. Been busking in Manchester for around a year and a half now. First, when I became homeless thru a nervous breakdown, a redundancy from my £60K a year job and my wife leaving me. I now have my own apartment and a somewhat way less hectic lifestyle!!

I go out most nights to play, not with the soul intention of making money but to have fun playing music. I think my enjoyment shows thru as I always seem to walk away with VERY heavy pockets filled with coinage.

In my case as I am sure of most others it certainly is not begging. I never ask for money just merely play guitar and sing, however should they offer me a few coins I will not turn it down.


Kind Regards Guys,


Heath.

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Subject: RE: Busking is begging?
From: meself
Date: 21 Feb 10 - 10:06 AM

Good for you, Heath; congratulations. (However, IMO, it's better not to mention the VERY heavy pockets to anyone, unless you want other, 'new-born' buskers moving in on your favourite spot. I would even make a point of not letting too much cash accumulate in the case/hat/tub. And give vague, evasive answers when Nosey Parkers question you about your income. FWIW.)

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