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DCL
Performing on the street can be hit or miss. It can be warmly welcomed or absolutely taboo and unwanted. It all depends on where you are (and in some cities, you need a permit to even open your mouth and sing). But I've found that more people than not enjoy music and more musicians I know than not can make a few extra bucks by popping a squat and busting out some tunes. After all, it's a greener way to perform. It doesn't require electricity like a venue does. In fact, performing on the street doesn't require a lot of things that venues require (trash and alcohol make the list amongst others). The weather is warming up and acoustic guitars are coming out of their closets. If you'd like to make some new fans the green way, by performing out in the open completely unplugged, just make sure you're doing it easy way.
Tips for performing on the street:
1. First and foremost, make sure you're allowed to perform. The money you earn performing will probably not outweigh the money you'd have to pay in a fine should you get ticketed.
2. Don't make anyone feel awkward. You won't get anywhere in your music career by singling people in the crowd out. Don't make unnecessarily long eye contact with those stopping by to listen. Don't kick your hat in their direction. Don't scowl if they don't tip you.
3. Check the weather. Sounds obvious, right? Wrong. I'll be the first to admit to planning an afternoon of outside performance without checking the weather. This either yields wet and damaged musical equipment or wasted gas/transportation energy. Neither one is cool.
4. Don't over-perform. No matter how much you oh my god lovvve playing music, it's better if you just limit yourself to an hour or two. You're less likely to annoy nearby business owners or residents this way. And the less you annoy the people in the neighborhood, the less you'll be singin' the blues.
5. Practice (inside your own home). Unlike a scheduled show at a music venue, you know, where people choose to go and see you, no one is choosing to hear your music on the street. Rather, they're kinda being forced to. The least you can do is make sure you practice and have your art down pact before imprisoning the ears of every passing stranger.
Playing on the street is certainly greener than playing in an arena (should you be so lucky to have this kind of option). Playing on the street is even greener than playing in a club, regular music venue, or even that sketchy bar down your street. So go ahead. Take a seat on a bench with your guitar case open. Just make sure you follow the tips above so that your green endeavor doesn't waste your time—or anyone else's.
