Tuesday, May 1

My favorite subway musician

I never give change (or bills, either) to people playing music or otherwise panhandling in the subway. "I can't afford to," I insist to myself. It always seems to make much more sense to spend $3.80 on a Chai latte from Starbucks, the cup half filled with ice. See how that works? Makes much more sense.

I even have a favorite subway musician. This guy used to play all the time in the passageway when I transferred from the 7 to the BDFV. He had a guitar and he sang, and the music was actually good. I didn't recognize any of the songs, but I really liked his voice and his style.

I actually thought about him a couple weeks ago, when I passed by the flutist who only plays "My Heart Will Go On" from Titanic. "Where is the awesome guitarist guy?" I wondered. "I haven't seen him in a while. I hope he's okay."

Then, last week, he was there. I couldn't keep the smile off my face: my favorite subway musician was still around! And yet, I didn't give him any money.
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17 comments:

  1. The Ambiguous BlobMay 1, 2007 at 1:54 PM

    I once fell in love with the guy who played a red guitar near at the bottom of the escalator in the sub station.

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  2. Dropout!May 1, 2007 at 3:30 PM

    I feel bad for whoever ends up being your favorite kid.

    I feel worse for whichever poor sap gets suckered into being your baby daddy.

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  3. A. MarigoldMay 1, 2007 at 4:50 PM

    I wish the panhandlers near the LA subway would play music. I still wouldn't give them any money, either, but they'd piss me off less.

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  4. magickatMay 1, 2007 at 10:36 PM

    My favorite is the Hispanic duo who ride the N/W back and forth between 59th Street and Queensboro Plaza. They have a captive audience for almost two whole minutes. One sings and they both play the mandolin.

    Good times, good times.

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  5. AnonymousMay 2, 2007 at 8:24 AM

    I alway hate walking by pan handlers especailly when they are doing something nice like playing music...but I never give any money

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  6. meMay 2, 2007 at 10:02 AM

    i don't give the money either...

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  7. The Very Reverend Ace Clemmons, Jr.May 2, 2007 at 10:51 AM

    a commando flash would be acceptable as well.

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  8. The Cajun BoyMay 2, 2007 at 11:56 AM

    throw the kid a buck for christ's sake TAB!!!

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  9. AnonymousMay 2, 2007 at 1:52 PM

    I have to be in a particular frame of mind to be able to deal with the subway musicians. Must have had coffee first.

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  10. AnonymousMay 2, 2007 at 2:14 PM

    $1 per day wouldn't break you.
    I ALWAYS give at least a dollar. Because at least they are doing something productive.

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  11. ModeratorMay 2, 2007 at 3:17 PM

    I used to work with a guy that was a street musician. He was apeshit nuts.

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  12. RipsyMay 2, 2007 at 4:40 PM

    I give money to the awesome ones. I wonder if the musicians have turf wars and fight westside story style.

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  13. Beatrix KiddoMay 3, 2007 at 11:33 AM

    Don't give him a dime, TAB. You know he's just going to blow it on a cardboard box to live in. Or a slice of bread. Or maybe even a brand-new guitar pick.

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  14. SipwineMay 3, 2007 at 1:33 PM

    I almost cried at Dropout's comment.

    You never know who you are listening too.
    Link
    That is a long story, but the gist is:
    Joshua Bell(who's tickets run 40 dollars a pop) was playing for a busy plaza. One woman noticed who the famous violinist was. Most people ignored him, and he made 35 dollars.

    Bruce Springsteen has done something similar as well.

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  15. Dropout!May 4, 2007 at 5:30 PM

    Sipwine-why?

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  16. The Accidental BitchMay 5, 2007 at 11:29 AM

    the ambiguous blob - With him, or with his music? Did you pay him?

    dropout - Oh, I do too. And I think sipwine meant that she thought you were funny.

    strange bird - Yeah, it helps us fool ourselves into believing they're just playing for fun rather than actually asking for money.

    kat - I almost want to go to the N/W now, just to see them.

    princess extraordinaire - I don't know, the music makes it better. At least then they're busy and not staring at you.

    kittenpower - Does it make you feel guilty?

    the very - I am impressed by your ability to write a relevant commando comment! Kudos

    the cajun boy - He hasn't been back! But I will.

    sex & moxie - So do you plan your morning around that?

    anon - There is no way I'd give $1/day. Because then I'd feel like I had to give $1 to EVERY panhandler, and there are way more than one on my way to work.

    grant miller - Work with him? In an office? So he played on the street for fun? ... or is this your sly way of telling me that you were once a street musician?

    ripsy - I don't think they fight westside story style. Maybe eastside, though.

    beatrix kiddo - That's exactly why I didn't give him money. Doesn't he know that carbs are bad for you?!

    sipwine - That's pretty impressive. I bet the more skilled players make the most money. Kind of a street musician meritocracy...

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  17. The Ambiguous BlobMay 7, 2007 at 3:30 PM

    with him! I didn't even hear his music for long enough to know if I liked it. There was just something about him... and no- I didn't pay him.

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