Busking on St Catherines

It's funny how playing music on the streets makes you so aproachable. On Sunday of the May Long weekend I went out busking at noon. I set up infront of this beautiful church with shade from a tree. The moment I started strumming this tiny, round, italian man strode over with a purpose. He walked right up to me turned around and started shaking his tooshie at me! Now, keep in mind I was playing a slow romantic jazz tune to set the mood and this man must have been at least 65...As he was dancing these four, young, bravilian travellers decided to join in. They started clapping and dancing with him and then came over and started to do the same with me. They tried to convince me to pack up and go for a drink with them, but I declined seeing as I had only begun playing.. Usually when I play I bring a tea and a big bottle of water, my shades and my set up includes my amp a mic and stand a funky outfit and some flyers or buisness cards for people to grab while passing.

After about what I would say was an hour this alternative midthirties street kid named Rob aproached me. He had sat across the street while I was playing and had made a soap stone carving and was now presenting it to me. He asked if I would give him 5 dollars because he wanted to by some shoe polish to finish the job. " It's doesn't need any shoe polish," I said, " But did you need the 5 dollars?" " I haven't eaten yet today, so yes that would be nice." And so we exchanged gifts and I continued playing. I would say one of my all time favourite songs to play on the street is Video by Indie Arie.

All the city folk were in they're hussle and bussle with there new packages, or strutting in there Sunday best. I particularily noticed this old Lady scuttling along with quite a few shopping bags. She looked down at my case and ask, " Dear, do you think you could use a bag?" I smiled' " Well sure!" So she produced a brand new plastic wrapped handbag and without a word dropped it in my case and continued on her way...How funny is that?

I really appreciate the small things....I think now more than ever:)