Busking at Bloor - Random Observations

We just finished a four day stretch of scheduled afternoons at Bloor Station. Even at off-peak hours it’s still one of the busiest stations to play at. And one of the most popular stations among TTC buskers. There so much going on there, I thought just for fun I’d share some observations…

- It’s surprising how many people risk life and limb (their own and those of innocent bystanders) running full-speed to catch a train, even though the next one will be along in just a few minutes. Not only does it look goofy but it is so dangerous. I can’t count the number of near collisions I witnessed.

- On Sunday afternoon, one older gent walking by stopped for a second to listen to us, made a face like he’d smelled the worst stink of his life and then walked away. Nice.

- There are more than a couple of men who look like Elvis walking around.

- Bloor is such a noisy station…when trains are arriving simultaneously in different directions, we can’t even hear our own guitars.

- The lottery business is booming in the kiosk across from the busking stop. Same goes for the photo booth.

- I always think it’s so interesting (nice) when people toss money into our guitar case and THEY say “Thank You”. That happened several times over the past four days.

- Today, a woman with a small baby strapped to her front stopped and the two of them bounced along to the music. Then an older woman, who they didn’t know, stopped and danced along with them. It was really very sweet.

- There is so much going on at Bloor station…people coming and going from all directions…that it’s easy to get distracted (i.e. forget lyrics and chords)!

- Lots of Ian and Sylvia fans pass through Bloor station..we’ve been playing the songs we’ll be performing at The Riverboat Revival at Hugh’s Room on June 27th.

- This isn’t exclusive to Bloor station, but it’s surprising how many people stop right near the busking spot and start digging earnestly in their purses, wallets, or pockets. The whole time you’re thinking…”Wow, they must really like us to go to all that trouble.” And, then they walk right past without putting anything in the case. Ha ha ha!

- There seemed to be an inordinate number of people carrying instruments (many guitars, violins, a cello, an accordian) passing through the station over the past four days.

- And why were so many people with luggage (multiple large suitcases) passing through the station this afternoon?

- I’m never really up on the latest fashion trends, but Middle East style scarves seem to be a really hot item…especially with a black and white print.

- This afternoon a young woman with a white cane was asked by at least a dozen people if she needed assistance as she stood waiting for a friend not far from the busking spot. Nice to see caring people.