Street Musicians

Do you know what this is?
A rare and unique mineral, whose special feature constitutes in a bunch of “golden needles" piercing through it in all possible directions. Of course, in the old days the mineral was called Venus-hair stone, for obvious reasons. Today it’s called Golden Rutilated Quartz . However, no matter what name it bears, the mineral has never ceased to wow gem lovers with its unique character.

Such is our glorious city of Baltimore, filled through and through with golden needles of music. Not only do we have the good old Meyerhoff and the newly re-incarnated Lyric – we are widely exposed to jazz, pop, country, rock and what not. Thus, it comes as no surprise that Baltimoreans, washed over and over with all kinds of music waves come across as musically (and culturally) diverse people.

I tend to mentally divide all musicians into two major categories: stage musicians and street musicians. The two co-exist really well during the official classical season. However, once the season is over, music comes to us in a different format, leaving it up to street musicians to take over, rule and rock!

Considering music my air, I live by the rule: Whatever the genre, if there is music there, bring it on!

Needless to say that Troy and I have been enjoying a variety of music genres. At his young age, he is already familiar with classical (or should I say very familiar), Celtic, country, some rock-n-roll and of course, – jazz.

Meet Troy’s Number 1 favorite: “Mr. Phone” (standing for saxophone), who plays in front of a fancy food market in our area on holiday weekends and  special occasions. The guy is good in a live, street way, if you know what I mean. No contest material, but very vibrant and so inspiring for Troy that he always asks to go to that store with a secret hope that "Mr. Phone" will be playing again.
However, because it does not happen too often, Troy even went as far as working out a way to get over it, by saying: "Mr. Phone not here? That’s OK – that’s OK. Next time”.
One time “Mr. Phone” noticed Troy listening to him with all his attention, greeted him and let him push a couple of keys on the sax. It was an eye-opening experience for Troy. He has been mesmerized with saxophone ever since.

About a week ago I took Troy to a little concert in our neighborhood where a band was playing a catchy fusion of Celtic and country. It was lovely and Troy loved it. He and his friend were standing at “the stage”, dancing to the music and pretending to play violins, drums, tambourines and what not.

And then, of course, besides the music being lovely, it was live – and live music, my friends, whatever the genre, is always very powerful and sometimes just  a little magic.

God bless all the fearless, motivated and talented street musicians, for theirs is a major contribution.

One really has to have that special drive in them to be able to perform without as much as a stage or an audience of fans, a contract or even a pay, and in the summertime - without an AC! One really has to have that sparkle to keep going and give us, the listeners the bug of inspiration. God bless street musicians, for they have got it all!