Saturday, November 26, 2011

Black Friday, Black Friday, Gotta Get Down on Black Friday

Yesterday marked my first Black Friday as a busker. Northampton, Massachusetts is the perfect place to perform on this day, since the residents are gung-ho about supporting local businesses. Sure enough, the parking garage was full: a good sign for having ample foot traffic. It was a beautiful day, and within minutes of setting up I had to shed several layers, eventually donning only my sleeveless piano dress and tights. The sun felt so good!

Buskers were out in full force. My friends The Coyote Choir were set up immediately outside Thornes, where the Salvation Army bell-ringer didn't even try to stay in rhythm--wtf? They sounded fantastic. I tried that side of Main St. first, but every few feet someone was set up: the old black guitar player who's been there for years, a young talented hipster-ish guitar player, and a saxophone player at the intersection. I went to the other side of the street and saw Steve, the veteran guitar player in his usual spot across from Faces.

I ended up around the bend outside Sam's Pizzeria. It seemed to be a good place, since there were people sitting outside and lots of foot traffic, but I was doing poorly. I finally realized that my back was directly to the sun. Great for me, but that meant folks had to look directly into the sun to look at me. D'oh. I moved to right outside Synergy. The management there gave me a really hard time. One employee came out and said "Oh, no! The owner is NOT going to be okay with this. You're going to have to move." I explained that it's the biggest shopping day of the year and that the buskers were out in full force and that once another spot opened up I would move. In this case, she had no legal leg to stand on. There are specific busking laws in Northampton, and I was not in violation of any. The sidewalk was six feet wide, I was on the road side, I wasn't sitting on a bench, etc. Regardless, I moved about six feet to my right so I wasn't directly in front of their door. A while later, the owner came out. She snapped at me, "I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but you're too loud. It's hard to hear customers as it is inside." She turned and went back in, not even demanding that I move, thinking it was just implied. I didn't point out that she could have just closed her door. I don't expect that kind of reaction in a city that promotes the arts as much as this one. Even so, I moved about six feet in the other direction. I liked it here because I could see my reflection in the store window, and could thus remind myself to smile and use my whole bellows, but the sun was at a weird angle and I kept tripping over loose bricks around a tree.

After a while I decided to take a break. I got a chai and went to listen to the Coyote Choir for a bit. My wrists and shoulders have been sore since I'm playing a lot these days around the house, so it's important to take breaks! I began my second set around 4:30. Steve had left and I took his spot outside of Faces. This was really great, since, as you know, once the sun sets I start playing better and everyone starts tipping better. The Faces crew never gives me a hard time. I had to put some sweaters on eventually, but the evening set could not have been better.

Here's what happened, in both spots:

1. I ran into a lot of former high school classmates who were home for Thanksgiving! Some ignored me while I ignored them, and others I exchanged pleasantries with. Some showed surprise at my current occupation, and others just said, "Hi Sophie" as if it wasn't the first time we were seeing each other in five years. The most interesting of these interactions was with Leland Moore, a unique character from high school. He confessed that he's in law school, and I told him that I would not have guessed in high school that that's where he'd be in five years. He said, "Howie did." Apparently another strange classmate, Howie, told him "You'll either be a Greenpeace hippie or a corporate lawyer." We all expected the former. These things happen!

2. There were adorable children out. The first was this little brunette girl who couldn't have been more than a year and half old. She was super serious, and didn't change her expression as I played my repertoire of kids' songs, but she flexed her hands as she watched mine. Finally I took out Flaca, and her mom manipulated her. It wasn't until she grabbed Flaca and had a go with her that she let her smile shine, and it was worth the wait. Such a pretty little girl! She had her do the dance that Flaca most often does at the mercy of little kids: bouncing flat on her back. She must have great abs! Another kid was out, and I asked for a favorite song to play. The answer was "Happy Birthday," even though it was no one's birthday. Another little boy danced all over the place, and asked for "more" after every song. He wanted "the cow song," after I played Old MacDonald once. Right when I set up some parents revealed their 7-week-old, who was about to hear her first accordion. It did not end well. They can try again in a year!

3. Two people were waiting to cross the street as I did Bad Romance. The man showed excitement, and naturally wanted to dance. The dance he did was the whole arms crossed, kick legs out routine that one associates more with Jewish weddings than with clubs. Usually I don't do the pop songs in an area as sophisticated and indie as Northampton, but I was playing everything yesterday so they came out, and people liked them, even here. Dynamite is still an ace card. No one recognizes Friday, even on Black Friday!

4. A strange thing happened: "I Want You Back" was sooooo good. I arranged the timeless Jackson 5 hit last winter, but it's been super challenging. For whatever reason, I was just nailing it yesterday. Hope it'll be true other days!

5. I had a very nice talk with Steve, and guitar player, as I was switching spots. He immediately offered me his spot, which I declined, but was so nice. He smiled as he jested, "Your music's great, but I don't know about that haircut." As I was walking away, he sang a song about me. I forget the words, but it used my name and rhymed with "fun." He's a notable colleague.

6. There was a guy between Steve and I sitting on a bench playing guitar. I wasn't sure if he was trying to busk, so I felt a little bad setting up so close to him. He came over at one point, and I was sure it was to complain, but he was just listening! I dusted off my old arrangement of "What is Love?" to which he did the Night at the Roxbury head dance.

7. People were reacting to my signs! Some commented on the loans, and other just read "Sophie's Smokin' Squeezebox" aloud to their party and chuckled.

8. A man came up to talk. He looked sort of haggard and held a paper bag with a bottle in it. He reminded me in appearance of the people in the Mission District of San Francisco who would see my money and ask me for it. I stood a little closer to the box. As it turned out, I very much misjudged this man. In broken English, he asked me to play an Argentinian tango. I told him, in Spanish, that they were very hard. But I said I'd try "El Dia Que Me Quieras," but then I couldn't find the key. He sang it anyway. We conversed in Spanish a bit (felt so good!), and he said I should go to Colombia, where he's from, to learn accordion songs. I said I would try. He took my hand and kissed it before wishing me a good night and leaving. This was a very nice interaction.

9. Someone told me about a band called Bela's Bartok that features accordion, I guess! They were playing at the Iron Horse last night.

10. Best donation ever: a standard alternative Northampton teenage girl came up and laid a single red rose wrapped in yellow tissue paper in my box. It looked so beautiful next to Flaca and the painted box. It touched me that she would give me such a wonderful donation at a young age, and it was such a perfect gypsy touch for my setup. She said "accordions are sexy." Damn straight! She and her friend lingered for a while, joined by more friends. I told her to pick a song, and she studied my set list and chose the Tetris theme song. Her friend confessed that his life was now complete after hearing it. They're great people, it's nice to know there's hope for teenagers!

11. There was an interesting sight that walked by twice: a woman with her real dog and her latex one. She had an adorable little white dog on a black leash. In her other hand, she walked the craft of a balloon man who had folded her a little white dog on a black leash. I wish I had a photo. Only in Northampton or Ptown.

12. I talked to a fellow member of the 99%, who asked about my loans. He was just laid off from his job so money was tight. He used to be in a cover band. Cool!

13. Around this time of year, Faces sets up a projector in their window that throws tiny green dots on the sidewalk in front of it. They move around and explode when they collide. This is great entertainment for people trying to figure out where it's coming from, and it was surprisingly not competition for me.

14. I met someone who works at Faces. He said he has his mother's old accordion. I told him he had to learn Jingle Bells by the time I was back in town.

I packed up because it's Thanksgiving and my family was going to the movies! In summary, it was a great day and I want to play more in Northampton. I have to always wear my piano dress since I got tons of compliments! The end.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Where the Coffee is Strong and So Are the Women

Yesterday we rocked the streets of Northampton! It was Bag Day, the annual sale day for folks carrying their brown paper bags. Stores were mobbed, and foot traffic was ample. I played for a couple hours between Faces and the Mountain Goat. I like that side of the street, but I had forgotten that a lot of hooligans hang out around there smoking and stuff and it sort of looked like they could be my groupies. Oh well.

It was a very typical afternoon of playing: there was the pianist who asked about how accordions work, thinking about playing one. There was the little girl with her mom who played Flaca. People loved Yann Tiersen. Also...

1. There was an 18-month-old with his dad. He stood at his very tall dad's feet, reaching up to hold his dad's finger, transfixed. The dad explained that he's always had a thing for accordions. The boy's expression didn't change at all, and he wouldn't budge. Adorable.

2. I got a tip for "Ring of Fire."

3. There was a weird, very disheveled looking guy who asked me a lot of questions. Even as some kids came up and I started playing for them, he kept trying to talk.

4. I had an encounter with the worst kind of listener: the musical know-it-all. I was playing "La Vie En Rose" and he stopped me and told me to play it slower, and do just the simply melody rather than the arrangement I do. I started a different song. He protested, telling me to go back to La Vie En Rose and do it that way. Then he asked if I play any Astor Piazzola. I told him it's way too hard for me. He took that to mean I hadn't heard of him, and took a very long time telling me who that was, with a long story about him. Dude, it's Bag Day, I need to play. Then he stayed and listened, which I hated. Luckily my mom came back soon and we left. Ugh.

I saw a ton of people I know, which always happens. Sometimes they recognize me (if I knew them as a kid) and sometimes they don't.

That's pretty much all I remember.

I went back out later while my parents were out to dinner with friends. That was really the best. As my faithful readers know, I love playing at night. I thought about trying to play on the Thornes side of the street, and when I went over there a group was set up. It turned out to be the Coyote Choir, an accordion-guitar-vocals duo that I had heard about and had contacted, but hadn't met. They're super nice, and they sound great. I hope to be friends with them/collaborate. The accordion player had trouble with cold hands, so I showed him my accordion gloves. He wants a pair. I want to start working on a better version! They were packing up, so they gave me that spot, right across from the Cedar Chest.

I love playing at night because people are more relaxed, just strolling, maybe on dates, maybe having drunk something. Accordion is especially good at night because of the relaxed Italian restaurant/Paris Cafe reputation it has. I am also more relaxed at night and play better. The air felt better at night too, probably because the wind had settled down. I ended up only using my left glove (and thus wasted a hand warmer).

1. There was a group of young folks from Boston who were up for the night. The lingered for a while, and gave me a few requests to which they danced ("The Way You Make Me Feel," "Dynamite," etc.)

2. Some Russians came by and asked if I knew a Russian song. I said I didn't, but the Tetris theme song sounds Russian. They were okay with that. I played it, much to the amusement of the Boston folks, and everyone was happy!

3. One girl said she didn't have money, but had an English pound. Nice!

4. A couple walked by and the guy offered me a square of their chocolate. Yesss.

5. Two girls came by and recognized me from First Night. They said they heard the accordion and wondered if it was me.

6. A man named Jesse said he recognized me from Provincetown. I assumed he was just a passerby, but then I saw his stuff. He's a busker too, a harp player. He confirmed that he's the one sometimes playing outside the candy store that I like to play at in Ptown. Cool!

7. A guy told me to play a New Orleans song "Echo Echo." I'll have to look that one up!

8. A bunch of kids came by, and two girls came right up. One said "I play piano!" and the other said "I play violin!" That one saw Flaca and said, "You must have bought that in Mexico!" or something. Smart kid!

9. A group of teenage boys kept walking by, and one danced and tipped me. Love those surprising donors!


10. I made a new set list, and included some of the songs I don't really play anymore ("What is Love?" "Love Me Tender"). They went over well!

I didn't play for long, and when I was done my parents and their dinner mates came by (who I've known my whole life). Having six people standing there listening drew others, and I had the biggest crowd I've had. They applauded after songs! I'm so not used to that, but I played better with them there. These two guys stayed as long as the parents. My mom played Flaca on one number. Having my parents there is always fun because they know my best songs and know what to request.

I'm getting excited to Elf again this year! I need to get started on other shoes, though.

Till next time!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Old Posts

There are two days from August that got lost that I didn't write about. I took notes, but unfortunately so much time has passed that I forget what most of them mean. Here they are anyway:

August 4th

Played outside of the candy shop by the Shell Shop.

1. I met Nikita, one of this year's henna boys at the West End Salon. He's from either Ukraine or Bulgaria (notes are confusing), and he was totally into my act. He said he plays guitar, but could never perform. "I suck," he explained with a heavy accent.

2. Someone said "You play nicely." I liked that, since I'm not a good accordion player. Bad accordion players can still play nicely, so that was a good compliment.

3. I saw some kids from Leverett on vacation with their parents. The little girl obviously recognized me, I've subbed in her class, but more importantly my accordion and I made an appearance in her Kindergarten classroom last year as elf and reindeer. Her parents didn't see me and didn't stop.

4. The main event: an old man came out of the shop. He said I could only play there if I got some lessons. He's Italian and he's a musician. He notices every wrong note. He says he wants to support musicians, but bad performance drives him crazy. (Another time I went back there and asked if I could play for a bit if I only played good songs. He smiled and said I could, and said no Italian songs if I was going to murder them." Fair enough.)

5. His comment surprisingly didn't bother me. It made me laugh in spite of myself. I was fine with it until this super nice lady who witnessed the whole thing said not to listen to him, that I sounded great, etc. etc. For some reason her kindness about it made my feelings on the matter turn on the spot, and suddenly i was fighting tears. i've got to get out of this town.

The rest doesn't really need noting. For my own reference:
-Ben Pegg pulled over, didn't talk to me
-Flaca, boy in trouble, buttons
-dog on skateboard
-cell phone girl

August 19th
The day after Carnival! Carnival was awesome because my BFF Kai spontaneously came to visit. He's one of my favorite people in the whole world but we rarely see each other. I bought some piano key fabric and crafted a dress for the occasion. Kai and I walked the parade route in the wrong direction and got lots of attention. I didn't busk, but I had a grand time.

The next day I thought I'd play a bit since I was driving Kai to the ferry anyway. Here's what I can decipher from my notes:

1. A guy from Minnesota said "girl's too fat for me." No idea what that means anymore.

2. Some girls said "We couldn't leave you like that!" I think that means they saw me then came back later with a tip.

3. Kid named Minna, sign language, songs, parents singing. Oh yeah, perfect kid interaction.

4. German boy with beautiful hair, serious girls, looks like Wesley Snipes (the 30 Rock character), sang along with Chim, Somewhere, Morir, What is Love.

5. Accordion in basement for 11 years (someone has).

6. Folks from Buffalo, 43rd anniversary, he's the son of a steel worker (told me life story). "Music helps" (staying married for 43 years).

7. Guy with trombone playing daughter, Long Center in Texas.

8. There was a baby in a stroller with an unconventional toy: a lint roller.

9. Teenage girl from before

10. Lots of people I know! (Jeff and Amy, Yael, Melissa McClung)

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

This is Halloween/Goodbye Provincetown

Since growing up, whenever that began, the magic of holidays is disappearing. Simply going through the motions of holiday rituals doesn't bring that spirit back, but, as I've learned several times now, exploiting the holiday for money does! In the past year I discovered that nothing restores the youthful romance of Valentine's Day, patriotism of Independence Day, winter wonderland of Christmas, and, now, mystery of Halloween quite like going all out and being a part of others' celebration.

We considered several owner/pet costume ideas (Wallace/Gromit, Man with Yellow hat/Curious George, Dorothy/Toto, etc.) before deciding to be especially Halloweeny and dress as a witch and black cat. I copied the old reindeer costume in black fur (in fact just covering the legs with fur) and the amazing Nate rigged up the tail and head supports using coat hangers. I had a witchy dress which I put over striped tights, gypsy boots, and many many sweaters. Here we are:





Additionally, we had to learn Halloween music. "This is Halloween" from "The Nightmare Before Christmas" was suggested, so we spent the past few days practicing that.

Around 5:00 pm we went to Ptown, expecting to see lots of people milling about in costumes. Town was totally empty. I could count the number of people I saw on one hand. I set up in front of Town Hall anyway since a family I know was coming up. I stayed there for about an hour. People were few and far between, but the donation rate was very high. All but one or two parties that walked by in this hour donated. Score! After this, I went to check out the haunted house in the Aquarium to see if the people were there. They weren't, but the man expected people once it started at seven. I decided to warm up both my fingers and insides with a drink (and wait for it to get to be later) so I went to the Squealing Pig. I've decided that if I'm going to be a real gypsy I need to develop a taste for whiskey, so I'm practicing. The cat's tail and head were attached pretty well so I didn't want to take them off to put the accordion away and risk not getting them back on. I kept the accordion out and went into the bar with my hands full of box, accordion, and witch hat.

Around 7:30 I went back out to play, and set up in Ellie's old spot across from the Crown + Anchor where I played for another hour. The nice thing about playing this time of year is that most businesses are closed so it's easy to find places to play. It was in this spot that I got that feeling of adding to the spirit. I love feeling that I'm not doing this for my own money-making or story-gathering but rather to give to others. People thanked me for being out there. For the first time in Provincetown history, I was the only street performer out. I had the soundwaves to myself. It was cold, but I felt good, and played slow, quiet songs when I wasn't playing "This is Halloween." Oh, here it is, by the way: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxdmcjox4-g

I reflected a little bit on the fact that this was likely my last time playing in Ptown, the place where it all started. I considered all that has happened since that first fateful day, as well as my adventures to come.

Here are the little things that happened:
1. A man commented "I've never seen anyone play one of those before!" I asked him if he meant an accordion or a cat. "Both," he confirmed.

2. People responded way more to my student loans sign than usual. I thought I'd get more comments on the cat costume, so that surprised me.

3. A pack of teenagers was wandering around, continually growing in size. One of them had heard me play TIH before and asked me to play it again. I was glad that teenagers these days still know the Nightmare Before Christmas!

4. A young man who lives above the Crown and Anchor also liked TIH. He said the sound wafted up to his apartment. Nice.

5. Some folks recognized me from last summer!

6. A man told me about his intentions to end his life. His name is Warren or something and I met him my first day ever playing. He said that he didn't have spare change because he was on disability. He said it'll all be over in January. He suffers every day, and has stopped his HIV medication. He wanted to wait till after the holidays for his family's sake. Pretty heavy stuff.

Only one kid gave me candy, which disappointed me. It was a fine last night of playing, although it didn't do much to help my cold :(

Next, I'll be going back to Western Mass to turn this into a book and busk in Northampton a little! After that....who knows.

Thanks for reading!