Talent is More Than Beating On A Bucket
I would like to speak on behalf of all street performers - if you don't have an act, get off the sidewalk. Step aside and let some old school professionals show you how it's done.
My partner Gissuepi and I were recently working the boardwalk in Atlantic City. For those of you who don' know - that's the big-time, baby. When you can play the boards, you've arrived. So we're playing right across from Caesar's Palace - all the big acts play across from Caesar's - and a guy wanders up with two drumsticks and starts beating on a plastic bucket. I almost threw up all over my velvet pants! Anybody can beat on some plastic with sticks. That's not an act! An act is something others can't do. Like dancing to the beat of an organ grinder. Ever try that? Now try doing it wearing a leash, a pillbox hat and pockets filled with dirty pennies. NOW you've got an act! See the difference? This no-talent poser was begging for change while I'm EARNING it.
And another thing - I never phone it in. Sure, there are days I don't feel like performing. But do I pull back and only give 95 percent? No! I give and give and give. THAT'S how you earn the coveted spot next to the salt water taffy cart outside Caesar's.
Of course I also have to give props to Gissuepi. I couldn't have taken the act this far without him. Somebody has the count the change.
My partner Gissuepi and I were recently working the boardwalk in Atlantic City. For those of you who don' know - that's the big-time, baby. When you can play the boards, you've arrived. So we're playing right across from Caesar's Palace - all the big acts play across from Caesar's - and a guy wanders up with two drumsticks and starts beating on a plastic bucket. I almost threw up all over my velvet pants! Anybody can beat on some plastic with sticks. That's not an act! An act is something others can't do. Like dancing to the beat of an organ grinder. Ever try that? Now try doing it wearing a leash, a pillbox hat and pockets filled with dirty pennies. NOW you've got an act! See the difference? This no-talent poser was begging for change while I'm EARNING it.
And another thing - I never phone it in. Sure, there are days I don't feel like performing. But do I pull back and only give 95 percent? No! I give and give and give. THAT'S how you earn the coveted spot next to the salt water taffy cart outside Caesar's.
Of course I also have to give props to Gissuepi. I couldn't have taken the act this far without him. Somebody has the count the change.
Comments (6)
my first comment. I am a puppy beta tester. you got love me.
hehe that was funny!!!
My dad hung a piece of rope on a pulley from the ceiling. When I bit on it, he hoisted me up about 2 feet off the ground. I wasn’t sure what to do, so I just hung there for about a half an hour. No one gave me any money for it.
Hey Coleman, I know how you felt. I once bit into a hook and then hung from a rope off the back of a boat once. After awhile the rope broke. I didn’t get any money either.
can you buy dog treats with pennies? if so, can i come and pee around guiseppi, while you do your thing? it might enhance the act, and i could use some pocket change. let me know.
Hey Felix, that one photo looks kinda like your wearing glasses. ; )My people have been to that noisy Atlantic City place. I’m sure you work hard for your pennies-ever think of trying to get some of those tokens, take a break and hit the slots? Have a few in your pocket and the lame people will get the hint. And then go to town! I’m sure you can push the slots with the big buttons! Good luck pal!