Winter Busking In The Subway!

Well, I’m not off to the greatest start with my New Years Resolution to blog more frequently…it’s the middle of January already. 

For those of you from other parts of the country and world, it’s important to know, before reading any further, that we are experiencing a colder than normal January here in Toronto. Yesterday the temp was around -20C (windchill -30C) so I stayed in all day. But the whole time I was just itching to go out and busk.

Well today, my desire to busk overruled my common sense. I rationalized that it was only -15C so it was definitely warmer than yesterday. I decided on Dundas station because the spot isn’t located too near an outside entrance.

My first two songs were carefully chosen…”Prairie Girl” to remind me of my hearty Winnipeg roots where this would be a balmy winter day, and then “Mercury Rising” to conjure up thoughts of warm temperatures. In theory it was a good idea. In practice, not so much. 

Dang it was cold! I was well bundled but of course, my fingertips were exposed to play guitar and they froze up real fast. I didn’t want pity money from passersby so I smiled and tried to appear as comfortable as possible. I don’t think I was fooling too many people though, judging by the many smile-at-the-crazy-person type smiles I got.

My friend Maria, a fellow busker, was passing thru the station and stopped to say hello. She didn’t have her guitar…she’d wisely decided it’s too cold, if not for her, for her instrument. I felt a bit guilty subjecting my Norman to these conditions. So after a total of almost 30 minutes, with numb fingers, I packed up and headed for home. I hope this cold snap doesn’t last too much longer.