First, let me say that I respect and honor every type of magical performance that there is. I say this because many times I am mistakenly thought to be a bit harsh, or too judgmental of folks. Often times, attitudes towards "buskers" (that's street performers to the thesaurus challenged) can be a little condescending, and ill-founded. I'm not angry at anyone, I'm just proud of what I do.
In fact, I am very passionate about the way in which I and many others make a living outside on the street corners, and sidewalks. I think it's incredibly important for others to realize the roots of their magical art are anchored in the streets. I believe it to be the most honest form of entertainment in the world and also the most rewarding. I have met so many GREAT performers over the years that the question that I have heard again and again is "Why haven't these guys been discovered or why aren't they working in Vegas or in Holly-weird?" Some would say that it's a matter of luck, and others a matter of timing, but I think it's more a matter of choice. Many of the buskers I have met had at one time or another, a career or a job that paid all the bills. Almost all of them have families and pretty close to normal lives. There's only a few that sleep in their cars, and I can tell you even that is a matter of choice. (Many sleep in their cars with a wad of cash in their pocket!)
The point I'm driving at is that these people (myself included) have many choices in front of them and they choose to work on the street! There's a freedom there that is tough to explain to a guy that does birthday parties six times a week, or to a guy that has a fulltime job and does some table hopping on the side. I believe this freedom is a piece of Gold that can't be found anywhere, but the street. You can reinvent yourself. You can be anything you want. You can make mistakes and overcome them almost immediately by just doing one more show, and "getting it right this time".
However, the price of freedom can take its toll. The weather makes or breaks you. Your health can be in jeopardy due to weather (sickness, cold, and heat stroke to name a few). The occasional gang, mugger, or over-zealous police officer can be a chore, too. Case in point: we are free to make our money anywhere but still fight with municipalities to have our rights to FREE speech, which honestly is your right to free speech too! Imagine not being allowed to say "Abracadabra" because "it's against the law." These are the drastic hurtles we jump from time to time, but we do jump them.
Squeezing Gold from Bricks isn't just about the monetary reward. The Gold comes in many forms. The experience that I have gained over the years working the streets and the humility that I have learned in the face of failure is Gold. I have gained the ability to stop a crowd of people with nothing but a look, and to read a crowd and understand what they want from me. The ability to make someone forget about their problems for a while even though they didn't know they were going to see a show. The fact that I can go anywhere and make a living gives me a confidence that is unmatched. The fact that I am a part of a tradition that goes back to before biblical times gives me pride. More important than any of these is the fact that my family is happy, safe, and taken care of. All of these are the pieces of Gold that I have managed to squeeze from the bricks on the streets and sidewalks of America, and I want to share a few of them with all of you.
It is my hope that each and every one of you goes out and gives Street Performing a try. Be it money, pride, humility, or a bit more respect for the Busker on the street corner, I hope you find a little piece of Gold that will make you a richer person; not only in hat ...but in heart.
I look forward to writing more about some of the lessons learned in my travels, and adventures I have had on the road, and I look forward to seeing a few of you along the way.
As we say out here on the brick... Until next time and Fat Hats!
