Diary Of A Busker Day 479 Wednesday November 27th 2013 Winchester (1. The Butter Cross, Time: 2:05-3:05pm, 2. Next to The Slug & Lettuce, Time: 3:57-5:07pm).
Man, I was in a fowl mood yesterday – I was just reading some of it. Delia must have thought ‘What a miserable so-and-so’. But I was really worried and depressed about the hearing. I didn’t know what was going on. Anyway, I woke up this morning (there’s a blues song in there) and whatever it was, was fixed. So at least I know if it happens again, it’ll probably be gone by the next day.
So, I was in a much better mood, going into town today, and the temperature was fine. Maybe it was because there was no wind, but whatever it was, I was able to do an hour in front of The Butter Cross, with relative ease even. The money was slow, though: 20 minutes before the first donation – a hell of a long time. It was from a man, for which he received profuse thanks, which led to a brief chat. He said ‘When I got married, I had to get rid of my violin, mandolin, and guitar’. I asked if that was a condition and he said ‘No, just…gradually’. Silly man.
Song Of The Day – the evil Borsalino, with the excruciatingly long stretch in the middle bit. It was grudgingly awarded SOTD status, as it secured a CD sale – £8, no less.
For most of the session, I keep my head well down, due to an overwhelming sense of self-consciousness, as it’s been quite awhile since I’ve been brave enough to put myself in this rather out in the open, exposed spot: the famous meeting place for millions of people over hundreds of years. The famous Butter Cross. It’s particularly bad during the first half, when I get almost no money. Well, I just felt embarrassed to be there, officer.
After the hour, the hands were feeling the cold, so I took the usual break in Waterstones…the book I was reading on First World War fashion was still where I left it – on a table next to a chair on the upper level. The book of choice today? – How To Be A Victorian. I’m moving backwards in time.
Back outside, my hands warmed up, I’m ready for one more, not far from the first one. The Slug & Lettuce spot, which turned out to be worth it, as I grossed(?) almost twice as much in almost the same time – and with hardly anyone about. My theory: almost all the donors were those coming from the cathedral area. In other words – tourists. I think alot of people, especially in the High Street, ignore me, but the people from out of town haven’t heard this stuff. Also, I quite liked it around quarter to five, when it got darker. Slightly more ‘intimate’ perhaps. Maybe it suits the music, like I was playing in some cosy club. A rather cold club – they should turn up the bloody heating!
One (almost) amusing incident from this set: My left foot (there’s a film in there) went to sleep and I tried without success to wake it, by shaking it about, until a little girl appeared and started dancing about. This distracted me and after a few minutes, she left and I realised my foot was OK.
Earnings: £29.95p (Including 1 CD)
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