SF Update

[kennethkahn]

I went to a meeting on March 11th where the port commission approved a plan to approve a pilot program.

SF is an interesting situation, as the STREET has taken over the Performing aspect of the equation.

Regardless of whether this new program will work, I think everyone realizes there has to be a new system put into place at the wharf.

I think for any system to work at the wharf, ultimately there has to be a recogition by the buskers themselves that on the streets, it is first come first serve, and that no performer, regardless of how "great" they are, or think they are, can own, or control a pitch. The Robots, do this, as do the break dancers, as do some of the buskers that I have seen at the wharf.

I know my show sucks, but if other performers feel they have more rights to the steets than myself, or anyone else, it can only lead to problems.

[jeep caillouet]

crate slugs

I've worked SF a few times it could be a great place except it is very territorial. there seemed to be a lot of crate slugs, there begging for money as well. I also had trouble at the trolley turn around with a guitar player and a lot of amps that said I was in HIS spot . I told him to go to work I don't care, as I have strong musical act. He turned his amps on 10 and blew all the tourist ,and me away so know one made any money!!!! Hope you guys can work these problems out so that us performers that like to travel can again come to your great city without all the hassles. Chair of performers Mallory square Key West.

[jeep caillouet]

I forgot

Maybe you can explain some of the rules that are being discussed. Good luck and happy days...

[kennethkahn]

Jeep,

I agree with your sentiments exactly. It's very territorial and the crate slugs are giving street performers a bad name. The problem is that there are about 10 of them, as well as about 8 break dancers, a bushman, and assortment of other characters with street mentalilites that all want the best spots, not because they were there first, but because might makes right.

In addition the police do not want to get involved in the process of figuring out who's right and wrong, which further makes it the law of the jungle out there. I've also seen buskers who pose as professionals not using good ethics out there as well.

I think it's going to take some time to sort itself out.

Stay tuned.

Kenny (aka Kenny the Clown)

[kennethkahn]

As far as the new rules. They are saying that there will be about 10 designated places for performers, that you do not need a permit to perform. There some kind of lottery system to get a performing spot. To me it's just a bunch of mumbo jumbo, that's completely unecessary if they would just properly enforce the honor system.

[Lee Nelson]

what honor?

How do you properly enforce an honour system?

This is such an age old question man.

Throw everything you have behind that lottery.
Sounds like there are a lot of people that dont know the "rules" so by making a lottery system they all get to know the new ones.

SF seriously sounds like the kind of place where you might get stabbed at the moment.
I came thru in 2002 and it wasnt like that!

[kennethkahn]

You're right on both accounts. An honour system is very difficult to enforce, and the streets have over ridden the buskers to the point that SF no longer is a hot spot for the busking community.

I think an honour system, could work, however, the busking community would have to fall in line behind the streets in terms of their code of ethics, because once the streets realize theirs no honor. the law of the jungle comes into efect.

In SF right now, might makes right.