NYC

[Mama Lou]

Going to NYC for the first time since I started doing circle shows. My busker brains says it seems like a good place to work. Any word on current pitches and/or the difficulty of working them?

I heard that some pretty established buskers have recently been shut down by cops & tickets. Is that true? Is NY dead?

Mama Lou
Strong Woman

[jayrodin]

Hey, I'm actually going to NYC today. I'm a one man band. If you figure anything out let me know and I'll do the same for you.

Peace.

[jayrodin]

Okay. Went to NY for a few days. Washington Square Park is the place to be. Peace.

[Mama Lou]

Heading there in 3 days

Did you have any problems with cops or tickets?
And did you use amplification?

Cool! Thanks for the info.

[jayrodin]

Didn't use amps but alot of people in that park do. If you go to time square you might have trouble with the cops. Tell me about your act.

[The Pretty Good]

Friday in Washington Park $50 ticket for fire. Sunday (not Washington Sq) I was on my table ready to do the finish when I noticed a Parks Dept. guy that has told me a few times not to do fire so I jumped off the table and switched the torch with another knife. Got back on table and continued. hen a few minutes later my lovely assistant was about to throw me the last object for the finish when I see one of the sweeper guys right next to my table. He says "can I talk to you?" I scan the huge crowd and say "NO". Then he said "if I can't talk to you then that guy there is going to write you a ticket". I scan the crowd again "I'll take the ticket" The crowd lost it. Finished up and the Parks guy walks up telling me I need a permit and I cant ask for money and no fire. I told him I didnt do any fire. He then replied "when one of the artists called they said you were doing fire". Wait one of the artists?(it looks like a yard sale there) I could not believe what I heard. So he lets me off with a warning again. After he leaves I get on my case and announce that who ever called the authorities was messed up. Thats not all I said but soon one of the artists approaches and it turned out to be a supporter. He is arranging a meeting with the community arts guy or something. The guy who helped make it legal for the sidewalk yard sale that goes on everyday. My favorite comment from an artist "oh your one of those gimic guys, we are artists"

[lucky john]

hey brendan,

if its a public space the courts have ruled in favour of performers asking for donations its covered under the first ammendement.
that is one of the issues in play when huntington beach police shut my show down in Dec. the court ruling was pretty clear. thr ACLU is addressing my situation.

cheers and good luck,
lucky john

[The Pretty Good]

well its a city park and they do have rules. One being no soliciting and no crowds over 20 people without a special events permit. on the sidewalk I dont think they can stop you but in the parks they can. But mostly dont this weekend they were out in force.

[Mama Lou]

Thanks for the info. Still planning on hitting it at Washington Sq. Park this weekend... but a little worried. I'll just have to keep an eye out. And I guess no fire.
Crap-tastic NYC.