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Bodgit New user 89 Posts |
Wall of text warning!
I'm a 56 year old street performer. Born in Africa, of Cornish parents, now living in Wild West Wales [UK]. That makes me an Afro Celt. The Street really began for me when I left Cornwall at 16 to busk the Paris Metro with my trusty guitar. Learned how to work Café terraces as well, and escape police clutching my bag and guitar. I was fit and fast in those days. I returned to Cornwall when it got too wet and cold to keep on working. Finished school, then spent a few years playing in a couple of pub bands at night, busking during the day. Decided to go to University....still not too sure why, but seemed like a good idea at the time. Was accepted at York and my life changed. In the same week my landlady's son taught me to juggle 3 oranges, I bought a thumbtip and silk, and saw my first quality street sight acts. Spent 3 years there. Busked mostly with guitar, mandolin, and hammered dulcimer for cash. Worked on my juggling and a little magic, did as much theatre stuff as I could, while muddling through my Uni course. Somehow I ended up with a joint degree in English and Philosophy, so I'm qualified to read books and argue with people. Most importantly I had a full Street sight act that worked. Years of fun followed. I could work just about anywhere I wanted. In time I was booked most weekends at festivals I loved, taking gigs I wanted, with the freedom to play in the Street. Good times. Eventually, however I sold out. Did the best part of two seasons at Alton Towers theme park. I learned a lot there though. Primarily never to repeat the experience. I had one day a week off, and usually went busking, not for the cash so much. It was just more fun. Unfortunately It lead to me falling from a free standing slackrope rig while juggling fire, near Betty's Tea Shop in York. Yes, I literally crashed and burned! Broke a foot in two places, cracked a vertebrae, and punched out the discs either side of it. I was lucky, I'm still walking. That was almost twenty years ago. Losing the ability to perform at the level I had achieved shattered me. Eventually I moved from Cornwall to Wales and became almost hermit like. The Street never really lets go though. This year I just knew I had to go back. So I practised and reworked some old magic routines, and crashed my local village show. I had a blast, most people there had no idea I performed in any way. Since then I've been out a few times in Swansea and Carmarthen. The thrill is still there. Decided to work up a new act for next year, all books, props etc being bought with cash made on the Street this year. Recently received a 4" silicone Contact Ball from Spotlight, and a wonderful package from House of Fakini. Looking forward to becoming part of this community. Cheers....o/ |
Mary Mowder Inner circle Sacramento / Elk Grove, CA 3659 Posts |
Welcome Bogit,
Well worth the wall of text. You've led an interesting life so far. Sorry to read about your health issues. I used to walk slack rope in my back yard and a tween and teen. I never had an act, I just loved the feel of it. I used to unicycle as well. Looking back I was lucky not to have been hurt with some of the stunts I was doing. I'm so glad I found Magic! Now I risk embarrassment but not my neck. I consider my 4" dube contact juggling ball a real friend. Great fun. I'll see you in the fora. -Mary Mowder |
Bodgit New user 89 Posts |
Thanks Mary,
Seems you have led an interesting life yourself, with an unusual skill set. Have fun....o/ |
Mr Sausage New user 1 Post |
Ullo Bodgit
I have no real idea what drives buskers but from what you say it is a powerful force. So I wish you well. We all get our kicks in different ways and I am of a different ilk. No one believes the things I have done so that is bad, you on the other hand can demo with a gig. |
troppobob Veteran user Crescent Head Australia 372 Posts |
G'day Bodgit
Welcome to the Café. I will keep an eye out for you in the section called "The Sidewalk Shuffle". Bob Latta (aka Troppo Bob) |
Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
Hello Hello!
I think perhaps we had the same mother! We've both had a "colorful" life! Carnival side shows, a bit of 'the street', school assemblies (Lyceum), ETC. I'm retired now (and enjoying it) but I do miss the road. You'll find a lot of old 'knights of the tripe and keester' here. Dick Oslund Sneaky, underhanded, devious, and surreptitious itinerant mountebank..............
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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jcrabtree2007 Special user 627 Posts |
Welcome ,
You sure are an interesting guy. Welcome to the Café. You will be a great addition. Good for you for not letting your ailments prevent you from performing. One of the greatest buskers (and magicians) In the world hails from the UK. He had a stroke but you would never know it. It sure didn't affect his tongue or gift of Gab. didn't keep him down a bit. Everyone loves Gazzo. So welcome. I look forward to your posts. Jim |
Bodgit New user 89 Posts |
Thanks all, took me a long time in "retirement" to appreciate it is who we are, not always what we do, that defines us. That realisation freed me, rekindling my desire (or need) to make things happen on the Street. UK weather, and health, permitting next year should be a blast.
Used to watch Gazzo in Covent Garden, long time ago. After a while I stopped watching him and scrutinised his audiences. The way he plays them, and the gifts he leaves them with, is an education in itself. [ Good hats too ] |
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