Just wondering if any of you have heard if New Orleans is safe to go busk? I live about an hour and a half away, I would hate to make the drive and get thrown in jail. What are some safe places to busk? I know Jackson Square is getting tough. Thanks for any help.

nolan

Nolan,

Last time I was there in early August, Royal St. was the place to be.

The artist colony ordinance specifically kicks our butts out of Jackson Square completely (along with the 4,032 goofy tarot readers)...thank God.

I was on Royal St. for a couple of hours. The money wasn't fabulous by any means, but then, neither is New Orleans in August.

I've been in touch with Peter Bennet (The Glass Harper). He's still out of the Big Easy, was planning on returning sometime soon. He hadn't heard anything new on the city councils assualt on humanity.

When I get down there we'll connect and maybe go do some shows upon Royal. (I've almost perfected Gazzo's show HA! *that's a joke)

Later days dude!
Robert Bloor

Dude! There's only one Gazzo. Leave his show alone, get your own...

New Orleans is not easy. It's tough to stop them there. Only the best survive in New Orleans.

koz

Now that the heat has left (FINALLY!) I've gone out (in the French Quarter) the last three weekends and have had no probs.

I'd suggest working Royal Street (or if you don't mind drunks, you can do sidewalk/close-up on Bourbon St. at night).

Another option: Woldenberg Park (along the Mississippi River) is good if there are enough people out. Set up near the "Natchez" riverboat. You're guaranteed at least a few good shows/crowds (when the boat docks).

There is one (cramped) spot available in Jackson Square. You'll have to rotate with a few other variety performers. If you do a "big hat" show, go there.

In the good ole days, there were two BIG spots for variety acts to rotate. Perhaps if some of the "big" acts (ladder/jugglers/glass walkers, etc.) come back to town, the square will open up a bit more...but I'm not gonna hold my breath. All the tarot readers were moved to the front of the church (where the street performers used to enjoy a bit more space).

Words of Warning: New Orleans can be challenging (on many levels). I've been here for 15 years and I've seen many street magi come and go (quickly). There is good money to be made, just plan to "work for it." If you do not have a strong act, be prepared to struggle (or work ALL day).

That's the news,
Doug Conn

Doug,

Do you join Jon Racherbaumer and the Knights of Sleights at Bennigan's every Monday?

Do you need a license to perform street magic or can you just jump in?

No license needed, jump away.

Re: Knights—was a weekly part of my life for almost 10 years...Less frequent now, but I show up now and again.

Koz, good to see you haven't lost your sense of humor.

I really don't do Gazzo's show. Just his final load sequence.

Robert Bloor

New Orleans...Hey Doug, gonna join you soon. Lookin' forward to it. Maybe like early November or perhaps late October but for sure over Thanksgiving.

koz

Late October is good here. Halloween is very popular here and I know you like to work nights. TONS of folk out and about then.

Looking forward to it (just what we need, more magi in town). If you count "Istawa" (I don't) that'll make it five! And I'm just waiting for Sonny to roll back into town (ya never know when he'll show up).

Hey, maybe we could have a street magi-convention! That was a joke...but it might be a good idea?

Kozmo,

I'd love to catch your show while I'm down south. Where do you generally set up pitch?

Robert Bloor

Is dante there?

koz

Nope. No Dante...yet. A recent email from him says: soon.

He should be here by the time you arrive.

UPDATE

Speak of the devil (no pun intended). I talked to Dante last night.

He's here.

Now, everyone come to New Orleans and see this "Young Lion" kick butt but leave your stuff at home, we have enough magi in town now!

I'll be there the end of this month. I am looking forward to catching some shows.

(But I can't promise to leave my stuff at home.)

Robert Bloor

Hi doug, I will be there in two weeks 21 days. (We can go out for ice-cream?)

I'm game. On my way. See y'all soon like...that is if the creek don't rise.

BTW, Doug, if you see Dr. Eric, tell him hello for me. Most grateful.

Gazzo: Ice cream it is. I'll be looking forward to it!

Eric: The Doctor migrated to San Fran...I haven't seen him for several months. I expect him back for the winter (but ya never know). Are you coming to town!?! Missed ya last time (the creek was high around my house!).

FYI: I was out yesterday and the Square is a mess! There's only one workable spot (the front of the church is swamped with tarot readers) and there are five acts working that spot now, be forewarned (or prepared to work Royal Street, etc.).

Sidenote: A juggler just rolled into town (12-foot unicylce, ladder, etc.). He was able to build a decent crowd, in fact they were spilling over onto the tarot tables, boy were the readers *****! I see a new "power stuggle" coming soon (readers vs. entertainers).

I decided to avoid the drama and took my cards to Bourbon Street where I was molested by a bosom female (which wasn't so bad) and lost a crowd to an O.J. sighting (go figure!). Other than that it was smooth $ailing (the drunks tip big).

That's the news from the Big Easy,
Conn

Doug,

Good lord it's busy down there.

I'll be in touch once I'm down on the coast as I'd love to see some real street entertainment (i.e. not people standing in one spot doing nothing).

Cheers!
Robert Bloor

You gotta love the Crescent City! Thanks for the news Doug.

Yes, if I can work it out, I'll be there.

Greetings and Salutations Eric,

Please pardon me for butting into a semi-private conversation, but I was wondering if you were the author of Street Magic and The Art of War?

If so, is the book currently available?

Thank you.

Joe in KC

Live a great adventure, make magic happen!

Hi Joe,

No need for the apology but thanks, and thanks for asking about the book.

By curious coincidence, the book is being prepared for the publisher. A lot of last minute considerations and decisions, however, Street Magic and the Art of War is only the first of two sections of the larger work entitled...well more on that later as the time draws nearer for its release.