I think Amanda has valid points. In the early 80s after a heap of drinks at a work function we went to Kings Cross in Sydney. Kings Cross was full of buskers sitting about usually strumming guitars with no one listening. The place was full of country folk as the rugby league grand final was on next day. In my intoxicated state I offered a busker $50 for his guitar for 30 minutes. He could keep the $50 if I could not raise more than the $50. I set about entertaining, not amusing myself but doing songs (actually Chad Morgan type stuff) and getting every drunken yobbo involved. Money flowed in. Another busker came up and asked how are you raking in the money. My answer “put $5 in the hat and I’ll tell you.” “That’s how I’m doing it, playing what the folks want and asking for money, doing requests for money”.

Well I made the busker $180 in about 30 minutes. I never paid for another drink all night. Was offered several jobs in local venues but I had a band I had to fly back to next morning.

The trick is simple. Entertain the audience and ask for a return. Give more than they ask.

My thoughts
Tony

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