[Dixielandjazz] playing on the streets

[billsharp]

     This is in response to the article about "play music on the 
streets"   In Europe, it is apparently a way of life, and people 
returning comment on the number of musicians they see performing on the 
streets and plazas of the various countries.   The official term for 
this is "busking"  It seem to me that one way to keep our music alive 
and acquire new listeners would be to create(recreate?) a whole new 
generation of buskers.  Why can't the "old farts" who can play OKOM 
start busking, if they truly love the music?  They could ,as the author 
of the article said ,"..take it to the people"   Man, if the people 
aren't coming to us, then let's go to them.  I have busked many times, 
and it's always rewarding to watch the smiles on peoples faces, 
especially the little ones, and quite often teenagers will pause and 
show off some dance steps in front of the band, as they "strut their 
stuff" for their friends and girl/boy friends.   Sometimes the tips 
aren't much, but oftentimes they're great, so things balance out.  All 
those folks playing OKOM wait for jazz festivals to play, but what the 
heck do they do between gigs? - -sit at home and wish that there was 
another gig?

I know that in some large cities, like San Francisco, there are codes 
licenses involved . . . .so? - -don't play those towns.  Most other 
towns don't mind at all.   the basic rule for the law to leave you 
alone is 1) Don't block any access to building/sidewalks and 2) don't 
be loud.   Some suggestions for finding good-sized "captive" audiences 
. .... read the papers to find events where people will be gathering, 
like a Hot-Air Balloon Lift Off Festival.  Gather at the side of the 
area where they'll be eating lunch, and play.
Play in the plaza of a small town where lots of tourists sit to relax, 
or in a small park across from a conglomerate of large office buildings 
where the office workers eat their lunch---like the county courthouse 
areas.

One great way to get an unofficial "license to play" is to ask a store 
owner if you can play near the entrance to their store as a way to drum 
up business (for their store, of course),  making sure once again to 
obey the 2 cardinal rules (above).  In 95% of time, the owners are 
thrilled to have you playing.  Play a couple of songs, then stick your 
head in them door and ask, "Are we too loud?"

This notion of busking is not just for for the young, but is for anyone 
who loves playing, wants to keep our music alive (and you  may end up 
with a little spare change in your pocket).  And why aren't the youth 
who we send to jazz camps, and who certainly have plenty of talent, not 
doing this between summer camps?

OKOM is being played by a lot of senior citizens - - -well, before they 
put you "in the home". why not get out in the fresh air doing what you 
love? And, If you don't love it that much - -sell the axe and buy 
another cable channel to watch the world go by from indoors - --

[As an aside - - -
I've noticed  a resurgence in an interest for people wanting to learn 
the ukelele, and clubs are popping up all over the place.. Along the 
same line, perhaps we need to form OKOM BUSKING CLUBS  for people to 
meet, pick a locale to go play at, then go do it!]