OUR MAN in EUROPE: part 40: the rules of engagement

Part 40: the rules of engagement

...just in case I croak on this trip; my tips for fellow Buskers/strasse musikers

!) Play NON busy periods, never lunch-rush hours.
2) Always sit, public above you
3) Dont make eye contact unless approached
4) Choose quiet (main street) spots with passing traffic; i.e. never by bus stops AND Cinema queues are over-rated
5) Cold weather always best. Competition stays home
6) NEVER hand over your guitar to anyone!
7) Always pocket big money/copper money-change OR non-cash gifts (fruit, food, etc)
8) Look clean, dont drink
9) If you attract a crowd, stop playing/pack it in/take a long Smoke break (stare em in the eyes)
10) keep an eye on your money/keep it close/dont expose more than 3 or 4 coins, look poor
11) Always DEMAND money from people who photo/film you
12) Never waste time "chatting" to folks UNLESS they donate major Ducats
13) Stop playing if a panhandler or scum-bag "hang-outer" is loitering.
14) Always BE alone. Friends with you dont help...and dont encourage "jam sessions" with other guitar folks. They probably suck or dont UNDERSTAND the Street
15) Xmas-New Year is ($) Prime Time.
16) Dont be territorial. It´s a big world
17) Always say: "Thank you"
18)Night time is MORE profitable...but more dangerous... drunks/thieves, etc
19) Dress warm/sit on carboard-newspapers
20) KEEP MUSIC SIMPLE
21) When you are DONE, tired out, too cold...always play a song or 2 for the Street: a "thank you"/kharma deal....do it.

c 2011, dave del, ouzr man in europe, nurnburg.