Busk Break: James “The Guitar Man”

Although he’s originally from California and was initially planning on simply passing through town, James “The Guitar Man” says he ran into some sticky legal troubles shortly after arriving in Asheville which will require him being in town until at least early next month. In the interim, he’s more than happy to play covers by folks like Johnny Cash, and even the occasional instrumental original composition. Here, he plays one of his many short, untitled tunes.

Busk Break: Benjamin

Before performing his original tune “Don’t Turn On Me,” traveling busker Benjamin wanted to make absolutely clear that his song was about his struggle with heroin addiction. Benjamin also explained that he doesn’t have any recordings or a website for future performances, so this may be the only publicly available recording of his gritty, honest tune.

Busk Break: Michael Stutesman plays “Waltz of the Wooden Horses”

Accordion-player Michael Stutesman may hail from Morganton, but he’s a regular visitor to Asheville. Unlike many of our local buskers, Stutesman isn’t looking for tips, performing without so much as an open case or upturned hat, insisting he’s only playing outdoors because he loves doing it. Here, he performs a traditional tune known by many names, including “Waltz of the Wooden Horses,” on his Hohner Erica.