Fabulous Friday

Another day, another session in Launceston to "keep the wolf from the door."

Friday had promised to be busy, and to my pleasure it didn't disappoint!

Firstly I had the morning time slot booked for busking outside the Myer building. My day started with a blast as the first donation was a five dollar note, which was soon to be followed by two more within the first hour!

It was one of the very first true Spring mornings I have had in Launceston, and the crowds were getting outdoors and obviously feeling generous. 

The Myer window that I sit next to was displaying their range of Christmas trees, and a little present train going round and round on it's tracks, drawing much attention and many comments of the festive kind. Which made me think that once again I need to relearn my Christmas repertoire in preparation for December mayhem!

Once again I had people come and question me about the harp, and my life plans in relation to playing. Do I intend to join the conservatorium of music? How long have I been playing? etc.

Even after several years of street performance I am not tiered of answering the same general questions each time. It is a joy to have strangers express their interest, and almost always they have a story or some personal experience to share with me also. It never fails to astound me, peoples generosity and eagerness to encourage.

Possibly my favourite interaction of the day was when a little boy, roughly 5 years old with pure blond hair and Forget-me-not blue eyes waddled up and dropped 20 cents in my box. 

Then proceeded to dig around in the pocket of his trendy jeans for some more, dropping the coins in with the casual demeanour of a business man just disposing of his spare change.

The boys mum patiently stood by him, amused and possible a little astounded while this occurred. She then provided me with the Comment of the Day #1

"That's all his own pocket money."

Thanks little man.

I would also like to share a little interaction I had with an obviously proud new father, who knelt down to the donation box holding a gold coin in one hand, and in the other carefully held his tiny premature baby. 

Wearing a too big hat, red faced and sleeping soundly, completely oblivious to the fact that his father was humorously trying to make it appear that his son was donating the money. 

It is, in these circumstances totally fine and almost expected of you to gush. 

So merely to oblige to social niceties... I gushed!!

 provoking a humorous response from the mother 

Comment of the Day #2

"We can swap the baby for the harp!?"

After my session was over, my fingers sore from three hours of plucking, I drove straight to Latrobe on the "high" I normally experience after a successful day performing.

My day only got better. As I met up with an old friend and fellow muso 

Jesse McCormack, who's family, skills and talent always leave me inspired to reach further and practice harder.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Velvet-Sledgehammer/317512911629498 

After a couple hours talk of our experiences traveling with our instruments to Europe, both our dreams to travel again, and a mostly one sided exchange of information, we proceeded to the up and coming music venue of Ulverstone, that is Pier01.

                 Jesse McCormack                                                            Johanna McCormack             Maggie Edwards

The music night started off with an amazing duo, guitarist and singer Johanna McCormack, and singer Maggie Edwards who together showcased the fresh new talent of Tasmanias female artists that the night was dedicated to displaying, and that the crowd had come to hear.

It was an amazing time, with a few familiar faces making appearances on stage and off. 

Namely the beautiful Leah Woodberry, who brought the crowd to heel with her usual on stage presence and varied repertoire. 

I am sure we will be seeing much more of all those who performed in the months and years to come!

The music wrapped up, the crowd gradually drifted off, and I drove home slowly under a full moon floating in a perfectly clear Tassie sky.

What an idillic way to end an idillic day.

Many thanks!