buskers

Photos: Musicians on the T

adamg — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 18:41:38 +0000

Fred Palmerino has posted photos of buskers in action in 1999 and 2000. Any still performing?

Possible CharlieCard side effect: Fewer performers underground?

adamg — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:02:19 +0000

Harold M. Clemens reports he wanted to reward a cool harmonica and guitar player on an Orange Line platform at Downtown Crossing yesterday, but realized he couldn't, because he had no change:

... in an instant I recognized what must be an externality - Charlie Cards have likely put a pinch on pan handlers, curb-side musicians and others. to be more specific: since automated machines have obsoleted the exchange of petty cash at train stations, passengers probably have less exchange change, if any at all, to give to impromptu performers.

that's kinda messed up and not only because of the human element of it. curb-side performers are often good entertainment and pleasant background noise while waiting for transportation. it's safe to say they've become hallmarks of many major cities. ...

Transported on the T

adamg — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 00:51:26 +0000

Jane Kokernak was having your basic Park Street-type commute when she heard the guitarist:

... Against the red tiles of one of those square pillars that hold the Green Line and all its trains up over the Red Line's sublevel, a small man sat. His black guitar case was open in front of him. A music stand, adjusted down. An acoustic guitar, a high buttery voice, a Spanish song. "Noche ... noche ... noche," was the only word of what he sang that I recognized. Another verse, full of the sound of longing but no words I knew, and then again, "Noche ... noche ... noche." ...