The South American busker problem

[worldwidese]

For what it's worth, most of them are Central American buskers- they're from Ecuador.

[jester]

Martin

If I were a South American I would ignore the white colonial racists and hope that the more sensible white privilaged bastards would sort the race problem out amongst themselves.

I certainly don't believe that anybody here on this forum is a racist but I do think the title of this thread would only encourage the many bigots out there who resent foreign people.
And I am not going to apologise for being white. I am very lucky to have been born in a wealthy society and I am bloody grateful for it. But I think you knew what I was saying.

As you well know. I don't bite, I just like arguing the toss. Now my style may be less poetic than yours but my views are still as valid. However, if I did fancy a bite it would be with someone like you cos you is fun to argue the toss with and you don't cry. So if you would kindly disagree with me strongly on something.....

[img]wink.gif[/img]

[Mr.Taxi Trix]

Great. So we've sorted out that Martin's not trodding the fascist path, and by all means let's all hold hands and sing a hymm.

But the interesting issue of vendor vs performer has me snagged. Is my friend Ed Stander, the glass player, a vendor infringing on the rights of performers to expresss themselves in public? Is Tomco a cd salesman in performer's jeans? I like the line of inquiry. I feel a tasty opportunity for elitism and self righteousness approaching. My one and only attempt at tee shirt sales was such a full on failure I've never thought to repeat it. Does this make me pure?

If you sell a product during your act, are you a mere demonstrator? Is it a ratio thing, where if over 33.3% of your income is derived from material bits and bobs, you are just one more trinket pusher with a gimmic? Most importantly, can you be then swept off the pitch, and have your pan pipes confiscated, and given a decent burial? Can bagpipers be shot on sight, cd or no?

[Pyromancer]

Interesting point, Taxi. Last year in Halifax I thought it would be nice to sell some pictures, just as some others did. I tried to hide the fact that I was actually selling, by telling the audience that if they would give me a minimum of I can't remember how many dollars, they'd get a nice photograph.
And all of a sudden, I felt more like a vendor than a street performer. I had to check whether people did throw in enough money and some people were actually trying to rip me off. And I had people throwing in double the amount, demanging two pictures. I had to disappoint people if they were nog generous enough.
After one show I stopped selling and went back to my old plan: just giving the pictures to people that I like.
Now, I am again considering some merchandise, as there is so much money to be made with it. But I honestly don't know how to deal with the actual selling part of it. So I may end up giving stuff away. Again.

[Rich Potter]

Just a note:

I have found that in most cases, if I ask politely in broken Spanish how long a South American group is going to play because I want the spot, they are willing to work things out.

Making an effort to meet them on their terms (meaning speaking their language) has generally opened doors.

In general, with anyone, it is best to treat them like an ally first. And second, and only once they've revealed themselves to be selfish pricks should you go to war. (or move)

There used to be a group of breakdancers from Brooklyn I knew in Japan (eons ago). Their rule of thumb seemed to be "might makes right" -- the louder act rules. I hated working next to them as I didn't have an amp and they had a drum set and loud stereo. I did one gig with them, and we hung out and had fun. After that, they always tried to give me space on the street.

The moral? Friends try to take care of each other. Any way to become friends with these South Americans ... or just to be a fellow human ... can make negotiation easier. Maybe offering them drinks or cigarettes would help. Or enjoying and complimenting them on their music. Or looking after their till. Or just showing them you want to be friends rather than enemies. The thing to remember though is that these guys have to feed 10 people (probably plus families) and you are just one or two people.

--Rich
(Catching flies with honey since 1992)


--Rich

[jugglermatt1]

Ive never had a problem with our pan pipe friends , they are not salesmen , they put on a show , which people like . They do occupy a place because their equipment is in such quantity . They are always smiling . And anyone giving them a hard time should lookat their own life and see whether they are more pure .

[Ash Circle]

Dave (Pyromancer)-

For $2 donations, we give audience members a sticker, postcard, or temorary tattoo. I know what you mean about feeling bad about disappointing people. Our solution is this- I do what I feel comfortable with at the moment. If a kid puts in 75 cents and sticks their hand out, I give them what they want. Anything less hurts my heart afterward. Every couple of shows, an adult will throw in a $20 bill and just ask for a couple of postcards for their kids. That person has just paid for all the items we'll be giving out at that show. I find it works out.

I don't think we're vendors. I believe in our show. We put on a performance that we would want to see and would be entertained by. I also believe that a kid who has one of our postcards up on their wall will be reminded of the good feelings we helped give them at our show every time they look at it. You've got a great promo shot of you in front of those trees, Dave. I think almost anyone who came to your show would love having that shot to remind them of the experience.


Rich-

Right on. I've found the "make them give a crap about you" method works in a lot of life situations. Good on ya.


Cheers,

Rick
aka Loki

[ 09-06-2003: Message edited by: Ash Circle ]

[ 09-11-2003: Message edited by: Ash Circle ]</p>

[kennethkahn]

SF

Now if you want to see bad pitch ethics come out to San Fran(sillyness)cisco. It's a mess out here. To me, a lot of it stems from performers ego's. Many performers out here actually feel as though they've put in the time, and therefore the sidewalk is there's. It crazy.