STREET PERFORMERS/ARTISTS
So dig it…I’m on the
GreenLine El [elevated train], heading into downtown Chicago, when all of a
sudden this mid 30s something guy start snapping his fingers and stomping his
feet to a reggae rhythm, [to date I’ve never heard anyone snap their fingers
louder, his snaps sounding like hand claps]. His rhymes were conscience, well
spoken and either freeStyled or rehearsed sounding like a cross between Heavy D
& Super Cat. Brotha was unemployed at the time, but using his street
hustler skills to not only bide his time in a productive manner, but do it and
entertain the riders simultaneously.
After his quick
performance [about 3 mins long], he would ask the riders if they could spare
some change, but preferred the type of money that folds, (lol) make a quick
tour of the train car to collect his offerings, then he would come back down to
the end of the car where I sat, and we started an impromptu relationship as I
would catch his act probably once a week, and we would repeat our ritual. We
talked politics, religion, civil rights, economics and the changing times [all
those things we were told not to talk about while growing up]. I enjoyed
listening to his show, and enjoyed even more our conversations.
Fast forward to NYC, M
subway train rolling thru Lower Manhattan. A duo appeared, one dressed like
Terrance Trent D’Arby with acoustic guitar, the other like the chubby dude from
Silk [Gary Jenkins] and began singing their version of How Many Drinks by Miguel
feat Kendrick Lamar. Major swag as the crooners delivered their song. The
chubby guy started in on his Marvin Gaye, then parlayed into a rap aimed at a
couple of cuties who were riding as well [left them blushing]. I didn’t want to
listen as I had my headphones on, but after they started, I was glad I decided
to give them a minute. End of show, and gathering of offerings in a hat, I had
to share a word with the budding stars. Again what I appreciated most of all
was their well mannered approach to dealing with strangers who become family
members while trapped on a train.
This is the history of how
I began critiquing street performers as some are really talented. Using this
platform to share their skills with the public, I noticed they really enjoyed
that moment in time that someone showed interest in them and their craft. Kudos
to all of you brave souls that spread your heart, and life’s passion to the
passersby hoping to catch their attention, meager offerings and admiration.
Keep up the good.
Be on the lookOut for music reviews coming soon………………Peaces.
-ELU
