The Buskers Box: April 2014

Returning for it's second year

as a part of Youth Week on Saturday the 12th April, Burnie held it's Young Makers Market and Buskers Festival. A day for creative folk and street performers aged between 12 and 25 to congregate in the cbd and expose their talent and creations to the public.

Deciding to finally take the Puppet Act out on the streets, as it was originally intended for, I loaded Dads van and we headed off to introduce Puppet Winder to the life of street performance.

Setting up was a bit of an ordeal as it took two trips to get ladder, harp, puppet and box of accessories to our designated spot.

I dare say Puppet Winder was a little nervous, but he overcame his fears of performing publicly and soon was rejoicing at the experience and reactions of our unsuspecting audience.

During our time playing on the street, I made a new little friend who added some enchantment with her energetic dancing. She and her patient mother stayed for ages, listening, and dancing blindly amongst the amused pedestrians. She came close to a collision several times, yet managed in the nick of time to bound out of harms way. This little ballerina brightened my day, I love to see this uninhibited expression in the kiddies!

Many thanks for allowing us to capture the moment, and to share it with others.

And thanks to mum, forever camera ready!

Puppet Winder masterfully manipulated the strings to the applause of the onlookers.

After three hours of playing and with the extra strain of the retractable "puppet strings" my shoulders and wrists were pretty stiff, interesting how even a slight resistance while playing can really affect you after a couple of hours. Yet not only was it worthwhile for the thrill I got from the day's lovely interactions and the fact that I had finally got the act out on the street, but also for the amazing generosity of the passers by, who more than showed their appreciation for my act.

Puppet Winder and I having a break at the Makers Market, on our way to the car after an inspiring day.

Cheers to my sister Marika, for enabling us to get all the gear back in one trip.

Thanks to the organisers, and of course the public who were so enthusiastic in their encouragement.

ONE

A quick change on the road side!

Saturday the 22nd, was a special date for two lovely beings who wished to vow to be one for the rest of their lives.

The wedding I had been booked for took place on Nudie Beach, near Claraence Point about a hour and a half each way from my home town of Sheffield.

The day was slightly overcast, yet warm, and "perfect for photos." as my mum pointed out. Having decided to come along firstly to make sure I got to the right place, and secondly to help me get into my tricky dress. She was as ever, a great source of calm and encouragement while along with the celebrant playing the part of wedding organiser, as we, the groom and best man changed location from a rocky natural stage, to a beautiful carpet of sand, to a jutting rock then back to the sand. All the while negotiating the incoming tide, which started to reclaim the beach three metres in twenty minutes!
not only was is great exposure for me as a musician but as I joked "exposure to the elements as well."

With the beautiful entrance of the bridesmaids followed by the glowing bride herself, came a heartfelt ceremony with a unique ring warming and coloured sand ritual, punctuated by the sound of the harp strings whimsically playing as the wind lightly blew through them.

The view from the track.

Appropriate attire.

The first sitting.

The sun comes out to play.

Jutting rock.

A sandy stage.

My stool rescued from the sinking sand,
and propped up
perilously for the brides entrance.

Comment of the Day
from a kindly man assisting me with my disappearing stool.

"Wiggle your bottom... Oh I shouldn't say that should I?
I just meant for you to try out sitting..."

A few final tunes from the gorgeous bridesmaids.

An Eagle spectacle.

To top off a day spent in the embrace of nature, we glimpsed a beautifully regal

wedge-tail eagle on out way home.

Arriving home after a long day.

TWO

The chariot.

Saturday the 29th, one week after the Nudie beach wedding, mum and I once more set out on an adventure. To Perth this time, for a wedding set in the grounds of a beautiful old stone house facing the river.

The ground was soft from the recent rain, but the weather remained fine as I greeted the groom and got organised to play as the guests arrived, spreading out under the trees to await the brides entrance.

My only concern during the event were the aphids, that descended from the Birch above me to crawl up my neck, into my hair and ears in a somewhat distracting manor. So my serene performance was punctuated by many a subtle slapping and brushing. Apart from those pesky bugs, the day went like clockwork. The bride arriving in her shiny red chariot, with her two bridesmaids proceeding her down the petal clad isle. A bit of improvising was needed for the chosen piece Cannon in D, as the entrance of the bridal party took far less time than expected. Beginning four lines in to play the most recognised part of the piece, and ending a little abruptly half way through at the nod of the waiting celebrant.

I continued to play though the signing of the register and as the party flittered around the large garden at the whim of the photographer. Eventually the gathering departed, and with a quick farewell to the newlyweds we crammed the harp and props into our small car, shook off the remaining Aphids and left in high spirits.