Especially along the downtown SF exits, there are always performers inside the station, by the exit elevators. Whether it's a string quartet, gospel singer, saxaphone, harp, barbershop singers, mariachi or Chinese instrument, you always expect some form of entertainment when you exit one of the downtown stations.
I always wonder though, if they take a spot on a first come first serve basis. It seems like there is a different one each day of the week, but on a given Friday, or a Tuesday, you see the same performer.How do they work out the schedule, if there is one? Or is it truly just first come, first serve.
I also wonder how much they make? I think the good ones do pretty well! I've seen the same gospel singer many times and he is really good! I always give him a buck, and see many others open up their wallets. The mariachi guitarist is not very good at all. The mariachi guitarist is not very good- he cannot sing in tune- it might just be better if he sticks with guitar! His guitar case is always near empty, with a couple coins, and I've yet to see someone give him money.
What I don't understand is why a string quartet would sit inside the station to perform? Is it to practice? They can easily get at least $500 for playing an hour at a wedding. Do they need the spare change that badly for all 4 of them to get out there with a cello case open?
Well, for whatever reason, I think it's good that they're out there, making a few bucks, with their musical talent!
6 comments:
try being the Station Agent and have to hear the same crap over and over again!
Yeah, that must get old pretty fast, especially with the not so pleasant performers.
I enjoy the string quartet, that is the only group of performers I will actually take a 5 minute delay getting to work to stop and listen to for awhile. I always give them a buck or two for their performance.
With whatever meager ammount they earn, I have a feeling they enjoy their work a lot more than many of the grim faces I see everyday day on the train.
I agree with you- the string quartet is good. They definitely brighten up my morning. The gospel singer is good too. They perform with a lot of passion!
in the UK Busking is illegal in stations, as it should be here.
performing in public venues is a good way to make contacts for private gigs. Do these folks have a stack of business cards in addition to the open instrument case? They should.
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