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hikabe
Lokahi
USA
358 Posts |
Posted - 04/19/2007 : 1:23:41 PM
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One guy at Pier 36 was charging people to take photos of him in his robot suit as he posed. He chased down a tourist and made them pay after snapping a shot without asking. I would have refused. But I am bigger then both of them. A few feet away a fellow named Daryl was riffing on the sax. He was incredible and I gave him $20 for his $15 CD. People are scrounging for money for all kinds of reasons, some bad but mostly good reasons. Give if you can. But you don't need to feel guilty if you don't give anything. If you smile or start tapping your feet, put a dime in the hat. Anyway, this type of work cannot support anyone with normal finacial obligations. |
Stay Tuned... |
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RJS
Ha`aha`a
1635 Posts |
Posted - 04/20/2007 : 10:29:38 AM
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Hiram, Thanks for your comments -- I guess my real gripe with having a loud crowd at the restaurant is more that when that happens my tips go down. Other than than I try to use it as a kind of "meditation" to help me see when my ego is really tied up with my playing.
Also interesting what you say about smiling and presenting an image. I once tried to play one set with a very serious/concentrated look, and the same songs for the next set while smiling and making some eye contact, especially when people were applauding. It absolutely floored me how much of a difference it made both in the atmosphere, and the way people perceived my music as well as the tips. In truth, I also enjoyed myself more, which I'm sure, affected my playing even in subtle ways. This is not a question of being phoney. It really has to do with helping to create an atmosphere for people to enjoy what you are offering. |
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rendesvous1840
Ha`aha`a
USA
1055 Posts |
Posted - 04/20/2007 : 1:41:04 PM
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Part of the fun of watching Red Skelton on tv was his smiling and laughing at his own jokes, mistakes by unseen sound effects staff, and other performers. His laughter was infectious. Paul |
"A master banjo player isn't the person who can pick the most notes.It's the person who can touch the most hearts." Patrick Costello |
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RJS
Ha`aha`a
1635 Posts |
Posted - 04/20/2007 : 6:09:55 PM
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Amen to that -- if there are any "youngsters" lurking here - you might find it a real treat to rent a Red Skelton DVD. That was a man who could enjoy and laugh at human foibles without insulting people. A gentle-man. |
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sandman
Lokahi
USA
181 Posts |
Posted - 04/20/2007 : 6:15:07 PM
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When I was a little boy I saw Red Skelton in L.A. in a Hollywood open air venue. It may have been a football field What a performance! He laughed, cried, shouted, and fell down on a wooden stage above us. No props, no back ups, and just a single mike which as I recall didn't make make much difference. We were all crowded up against the funky stage and loved every minute of it.
Some performers got it,
Sandy |
Leap into the boundless and make it your home. Zhuang-zi |
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thumbstruck
Ahonui
USA
2168 Posts |
Posted - 04/21/2007 : 04:30:06 AM
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The key: communication. A note about crowds- Slipry1 observed that Americans are the only folks who shout in restaurants and bars. Smiling, having fun when you're performing, does indeed make a difference. (Hans is always telling me to smile, but he is using some fo my under my breath comments as jokes now.) Street performance: if you're touched, respond. |
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noeau
Ha`aha`a
USA
1105 Posts |
Posted - 04/21/2007 : 1:26:00 PM
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Most people don't take the time to smell the flowers let alone listen to the music. It usually takes another musician to fully appreciate what someone is doing. |
No'eau, eia au he mea pa'ani wale nō. |
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marzullo
`Olu`olu
USA
923 Posts |
Posted - 04/21/2007 : 2:27:42 PM
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aloha e no'eau,
you're right. but, like mike, i'll try to figure out how to connect better.
i like your inoa! how did you get the name no'eau?
aloha, keith
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