Saturday, March 17, 2007

Busker's bad day





I was playing away on my button box this morning down at St. Lawrence Market when I was approached by the security guy. I recognized him, as he is there all the time on Saturdays. We usually exchange hellos. He told me that one of the vendors had complained about my music to the market manager and he had to ask me to stop playing.

I guess one of the vendors didn't like my music, and I respect that they are paying for space and I'm not. However, I am very, very disappointed. I have really enjoyed playing down there, and most people seem to really enjoy the music. I get lots of positive comments, and I don't think I've had anyone say they didn't like it.

The good thing about St. Lawrence is that it is busker-friendly. Lots of people play down there. Now I will have to come up with another place to play. Perhaps outdoors at Kensington? I think Harbourfront licenses buskers but I don't know how it works or what kind of fees are involved. The subway is an option, but I don't see a lot of joy in playing to people who are trying to get to somewhere else.

Back to the drawing board. Suggestions welcome.

Note to the fellow who asked this morning how to contact me...just send me an email or leave a comment here.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Greetings from a fellow busker!
Similar problems all over the world...

Saw Lady
www.SawLady.com/blog

Timmer said...

Phooey on the complainer, go to Kennsington, no one will complain and there is a little parkette with benches. It's time to be outdoors anyway! I see people practising instruments there from time to time.

Gardenia said...

I am so sorry, it's a loss to a lot of people who enjoyed your paying, I'm sure.

I know New Orleans cut way back on buskers before the storm - but maybe they'd welcome some now? Well, that's a drastic relocation -
Good luck...........

Gardenia said...

oooops - PLAYING

Karen said...

So what if one vendor doesn't like it? It's a free country last time I checked. Now if three or four people had complained or shoppers were avoiding the area because of you, I could understand. Is it possible to move to another corner of the market?

Geeky Tai-Tai said...

That really stinks!

sp said...

Maybe the vendor was having a bad day. What if you didn't like what s/he was selling would you complain? Maybe you should. Just kidding.
What about Dufferin Grove park during the market day (Thursdays if I remember correctly). It's a great venue. I've seen a guitar player there once or twice, and everyone there is really friendly and I'm sure would be supportive.

mister anchovy said...

That's a good suggestion, sp. I'm also thinking about the Flea Market on Old Weston Rd. and maybe Saturdays in Kensington.

Candy Minx said...

I think the park in dufferin Grove is an awesome idea...I love that place skate there quite a bit...and that program for the kids of making bread and selling homemade bread slices wow are they good and so cool for kids who never taste homecooking.

I like Kensigton too...as a busker you need to keep moving anyways because then you don't wear out your visit and you have different audiences all the time. I've given your number to my circus pals in case they need an acordiaon player okay?

* (asterisk) said...

Man, that's a bummer. I hope you find a new spot soon. Keep us informed.

Anonymous said...

screw him just go back you paid for your (unconstitutional) permit to busk on the sidewalk according to the terms on the back of that permit. you have a right to earn a livelihood in any province and also to occupy any public space, freedom of expression too. the security doesn't have a right to silence.that guy was probably just jealous because you have that freedom and you make more money than him. a powertrip.