SERENA SMITH
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Busking Life

Busking in Newark

6/10/2017

2 Comments

 
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I had a bit of a strange day today. It was perfectly bright and sunny so I thought there would be lots of people out. Unfortunately it was a quiet day in Newark today. I would’ve packed up and gone to Lincoln in the afternoon but I didn’t feel like doing lots of driving today, so I stayed for just over an hour before heading home. Think I’ll stick to busking in Newark on Saturdays only from now on!
Anyway, while I was in Newark, there was a guy who approached me and pulled out his harmonica. He asked if he could join and I said sure. I was playing ‘I’m Still Standing’ at the time and his harmonica didn’t seem to be in the same key as my backing music. He tried to talk to me for a bit while I was playing and I could smell the alcohol on his breath so I knew not to pay too much attention to him. After the song finished, he asked me how long I’d been playing violin for. I said ‘about 25 years.’ He was like, ‘Huh? No I said how long have you been playing that thing for’ (as he pointed to my violin). I repeated my answer. He asked me the same thing a third time and again I gave him the same answer. In disbelief he said I must’ve started when I was a baby. I said, ‘no I’m older than you think I am.’ (I get this all the time).

There were some teenage boys sitting nearby and one of them interrupted (after we told each other our ages). One boy told me I suck and the old man plays way better than me. I figured he was just trying to wind me up, so I shrugged my shoulders and said ‘Cool story bro.’ I started to play some tunes and the man wanted to join in again. He couldn’t keep up so he kept trying to talk to me as I was playing. Eventually he went away as I started to ignore him.

I think I need to make a sign that says I’ve been playing for about 25 years and busking for 10 years. No, I’m not a student, I teach violin. No, I’m not associated with the violin school or the university. I think that would save me having to answer the same old questions all the time! Ha! On the other hand, looking young may be working to my advantage?

Any ideas on keeping hecklers and alcoholics away? Write your thoughts in the comments below!
2 Comments
Neil Dorin
8/10/2017 16:28:24

hi Serena.
I also busk and I see we both follow busker Samantha Edge on you tube.
She put out a video on the subject and its worth looking at. It's on her episode 17 ! She has a list of 10 things to do and avoid about half way through but watch the whole video. It's really good.
How do i follow your blog. I liked you fb thing on your blog, is that all I do ?
I'm in Calgary, Alberta. I play guitar and started using a sign that helps a lot. I fold it up so it fits in my case and I used white cardboard from a dumpster and a black felt marker and 2.5 inch high capital letters. I have another one that I fit into my case that won't blow out on windy days. Its a lot smaller than the other one that I think is 2 feet by 1.4 feet in size.
I find in Calgary people read the sign, stop and right away give genorously. Calgary is known for being a very caring and generous city but the sign is a sure fire way to help.
I busk at transit stations and hockey games and outide bars.
I went to you tube and checked out panhandler signs and found one that really brings in donations. I'm not actually going to trell you what my sign says but I'll tell you this. It's on the video where a news station sends out 3 of their news team to find out who makes the most using 3 different signs and 3 different locations.

You can check out my Instagram account at Neil_Dorin_ if you want to see some of my busking stuff and other buskers I have recorded. I have a couple violinists on there.
I use a Blackstar Fly 3 mini amp and it works on both electric and acoustic guitar . Check it out on you tube. There is even a video of how to attach a strap to it using strap locks and a guitar strap for over your shoulder allowing me to move around in the station instead of being stuck in place beside my guitar case.

Hope to hear from you !

neil

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Serena
8/10/2017 22:37:16

Hi Neil,

Great to hear from you. I had a look at your instagram, good stuff. Although I can't seem to find the video about a news station. Which news station is that?

You're right, Samantha has some good tips. Sometimes you have to ask people to back away other times you can ignore them and they might disappear. All sorts of strange people on the streets!

That's good that you are able to move around while playing. I have a problem with my shoulders so it's best for me not to carry anything on them really. Would be better safety-wise if I'm more free to move around a bit.

Cheers
Serena

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    I am an American British violinist and fiddle player.  I play full time as a street musician in addition to the live gigs I perform with several bands.

    Disclaimer - All views expressed on this site are my own and do not represent the opinions of any entity whatsoever with which I have been, am now, or will be affiliated.

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