Diary Of A Busker Day 16 Friday December 24th Winchester High Street (down from WH Smiths) Time: 1:15 – 4pm.
A mild day, for once! So mild, in fact, that I was able to play for over 2 1/2 hours with no more than three 5 minute breaks. my set up time is no more than four minutes, including tuning up – then I’m off.
‘Ragtime’ Phillip, from yesterday, turned up after an hour, enquiring again about how to play the verses for Music To Watch Girls By – Chet Atkins’ arrangement from ’68, so I’m going over it slowly for him..”E minor, descending, Eb,D,C#, F#7th, then a key change to A minor…” Fifteen minutes later and he’s almost got it… he thinks.
Later, a woman comes up and says, “I sing, you know – I could stand next to you and you’d get twice as much money.” She starts singing “The hills are alive…etc”. “I could do that – what do you think?” “I’d rather you didn’t.” “Well, I’ll give you some change – I’m not giving these drug addicts anything. I used to work with them, you know.” Off she went.
So, the day before Christmas, and alot of people about – I took over £30 – alot for me. Thirty pounds and a used green Rizla packet that some guy threw in. I thought there might be a rolled up note – a message even, but… nothing. Some odd people about.
Earnings: £33.18p.