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7 thoughts on ““I don’t need no consolation, I don’t want your reservation”

  1. boatrocker

    The busker’s reserved spot which he may busk in for (is it 2 hr limit I think?) might just about cover his tab for the local beer.

    I can’t discern whether that lady is a maitre’d or a wedding planner- they both look and act so much alike. Creeeeeepy!

  2. Josh Newton

    False equivalence. The issue is that the City does not need to, nor has the resources, nor any business, curating which local talent plays when and where.

  3. Josh Newton

    Also, busking pays significantly better than the clubs, boatrocker; that’s a good part of why we’re out there in the first place. Even on a rough day, at least we aren’t being screwed

    • boatrocker

      Yea, I get it for your 2 posts- same with the Spoon Lady. I was riffing on the ironic situation presented in the cartoon itself, not the context of why the cartoon was written/drawn in the first place.

      I’m not sure buskers are free of exploitation, however.
      Yes, some/many/quite a few/I better stop now local places to play in town treat you like a sharecropper. Remember. however all those who stop to listen to buskers, enjoy themselves. don’t tip and move on after grabbing the elbow of their girlfriend/wife have enjoyed your music and not paid for anything as they consider buskers beneath contempt. You just gave it away for free in their mind.

      It’s humor. Cartoons do that.

      I’d also assume that any fees for arranging and herding buskers come from busker permits, which are a ridiculous idea as permit fees come from buskers themselves. It’s only a step away from pay to play situations or bands having to pay out of pocket for doormen/bouncers and soundmen instead of them being paid by the establishment. Oh wait, that happens here already.

      So many cities would be so happy to have buskers, but not Asheville. Whiny tourists who fear tattoos and combat boots-well, sadly the city listens to them more than buskers. $$$$.

  4. Abby the Spoon Lady

    registering plus scheduling = booking. not busking
    If the city wishes to book buskers, I’m wondering where the cost of booking fees is coming from.

  5. Phil

    “so many cities would be so happy to have buskers , but not asheville”

    What do you mean? I have heard a steady stream of negativity in all of this yet Asheville is the only city I have been in that works so closely with the busking community , to account for change yet make sure they have a voice. Last I had heard , the city responded to our grievances and all talk of reservations and permits was tabled so why are we bashing the city of Asheville?

    I love this town man , whic h I am sure at least a couple of you guys do to , it doesnt matter if people stiff us , we go out there and play , bring our music to these unsuspecting ears and maybe they will hit just the right person that needed it , that was having the worse day of their life , that felt like no one understood them yet your song , your riff showed them otherwise.

    Yea we put up with some shit being buskers , but its all worth it and just needs to be protected.

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