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Street music whilst on holiday

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wirralaccordion

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If you were to consider a place to go for holiday on the basis of being able to hear some accordion music in the streets I guess you would immediately think of Paris.
Would there be any other venues where you would expect to hear some accordion music whilst dining al fresco. It might seem strange to book a holiday location on this basis but I think I might be inclined to do just that! What about others and where would you go for such a unique experience?
P.S. I don't know of any such venues in England!
 
Whilst in Avignon thirty years ago I sat and ate in the main square....it was often frequented by accordionists 'playing the tables'...some real showmen who would dance the length of the plaza before going round with the hat.....the lunchtime was more often played by local gypsy combos
Funnily enough I went to castelfidardo a few years back and didn't hear an accordion played anywhere other than in showrooms...think there is a curfew...saw a good opera at the local church which pissed over the karaoke I'd have had to endure had I been at home <EMOJI seq="1f609">?</EMOJI>
 
Prague in the Czech republic, often saw accordionists with other instruments out in the streets in the "Old Prague" section. Munich Germany, especially in the fall (September-November) you can also see a lot of street accordionists there. Downtown of Vienna Austria and a lot of the parts on weekends during the summer, there were a couple that I saw when there back in 2013, but they were far more rare.
 
An interesting subject, for sure, but one with some obvious drawbacks.

It would be upsetting to travel a great distance, only to find that the music on offer is not to your taste. I am also wary of people who coerce or otherwise place an implied obligation on anyone in earshot of them to stump up cash.

When holidaying in the UK, I always look for Folk Clubs in the region I am thinking of visiting, then message or email the club for further details. More often than not, the answers I receive far exceed my expectations. Brenda & I have been invited to people's homes, where we have enjoyed impromptu "gigs" with some very colourful and pleasant individuals. On one occasion (as the Folk Club would not be open during our visit) some of its members arranged to meet in the very large seaside home of their club leader. That was a very pleasant and memorable afternoon, and I am still in touch with some of those lovely people.

Apart from a few drinks and a bit of petrol, none of my visits have cost me a single penny. Nobody has waved a hat in my face, and all that was expected of me was that I joined in with my own little musical contribution. Life is what you make it.

Kind Regards,

Stephen.
 
Just to clarify...if a man should give up his kudos in society and choose to study/play an instrument for a living perhaps don't look down on them....they have no pension, no holiday pay, no security...but have instead taken the time to hone a skill to professional level in a trade that rarely sees full pay... the accordionist i met in Avignon was one of these people...taught accordion in the day and played each evening for an hour and put on a west end worthy show...worth dropping a few franc too for sure.
As to the gypsy players in France be aware they are second class citizens and cannot get 'real' jobs...poverty is not a crime...if entertain you and you can help them then why not.
The opera i attended in castelfidardo was a free event where wine and simple food was freely shared...the warmth of the people was touching...
Human nature itself is kind, i have dancing, musician, cycling, skateboarding friends all over the uk/europe who invite me to stay and share time...and likewise these people are welcome at mine....nothing unique to folk clubs there
Love All Serve All...
 
France has become rather regulating when it comes to street music and often requires a permit to play if you don't want to be moved on by the police.
Our group play in Saint Malo every Thursday evening during the summer and every week, we receive our permission to play (which we have to have with us) just in case there is a control. It's a shame as it can produce some superb talent. However, it's possible that some areas are more controlled than others - perhaps it depends on the local administration.

You can hear some wonderful music in the Paris metro - I remember listening to some South American flute music (which the French love) and it gave me goose pimples it was so good. I've seen violin and 'cello students playing for their supper - such talent, who can refuse them ? Conversely, the metro is plagued by eastern Europeans who get into a carriage, play a few lines very badly, go round with a hat then go off into the next carriage.

I love listening to street musicians who are often people from all walks of life, some with incredible talent, some less so, but having the courage to give it a go.
 
My experience is that you can find accordion street music everywhere. I stumbled on (Russian) bayan virtuosi in Rome and Dublin and good accordion players most everywhere. For quality music it helps to be in cities that have a conservatory and nice weather. I had wonderful experiences in Utrecht (the Netherlands) for instance, both in the station and in the old center, with excellent students playing really difficult but nice pieces.
 
Yup, I've seen it all over the place in Europe. And every single one of them seems to plays "Never on a Sunday". Not sure why that is. :-)

One time, in Graz, I struck up a conversation with a street accordionist, who then insisted I sit down and play his accordion for a bit. It was an obvious ploy to get a big tip, but it worked. And now I can say that I've busked in Austria. 8-)

The aforementioned Munich seems to really do a good job of welcoming street performers, with accordion well-represented. We once listened to a five-piece chamber music ensemble while dining al fresco on Neuhauser Straße. They actually managed to wheel a baby grand piano out onto the street!
 
Rome often sees them working the tables in the summer but often they play the same music over and over. Sometimes you may be lucky. One time I had a lovely street concert with an excellent accordionist and an opera singer. Was delightful. They got and deserved a good tip :)
 
I was in Paris and Rome last summer and agree with Corsaire, having seen some wonderful musicians in the subway, including accordions. Same in Rome, around the tourist centers. To be sure, there were plenty of disapointing, talentless buskers but fortunately they were overshadowed by the good. I did not talk to these musicians, so don't know if they were making a living, a few bucks, or what, but I was pleasantly surprised. (And contributed quite a few euros, mind you!)
 
losthobos,

Perhaps I should clarify my position a little. I have absolutely no problem with people busking or otherwise playing in public places, providing they refrain from any activity which is coercive or demanding.

I have often thrown a few coins into the guitar case of a busker, but would not do so if he/she put any pressure on me to do so.

It is not the busking I mind, but the attitude of entitlement which a few of them display.

I once befriended a young couple who lived on a small cabin cruiser on the canal. They talked quite openly about their lifestyle, telling me that they wanted nothing to do with society in general. I suppose I would consider them to be "drop outs", though I do not say this as an insult.

Anyway, they would moor their boat in various locations along the canal, usually in the countryside, from where they would catch busses (separately) to the nearest urban conurbations. They told me that they would spend only two or three hours in their chosen locations, averaging around £30 each in earnings.

These young people had few needs, and £60 per day between them was more than adequate to cover their fuel, food and cigarettes. I saw them quite often over a period of about two years, but they seemed to just disappear a few years ago.

In some ways (though not in every way) I admired their uncomplicated lifestyle. We did form a genuine friendship over the time I knew them, and this was based on mutual respect. I certainly did not look down on them, nor do I look down on any busker who is trying to make a living. Just thought I would clear that up.

Like yourself, I have friends all over the World. I know them from my profession, sporting interests, hobbies and political activities. I was not suggesting that "Folkies" are in any way unique, merely that I personally know quite a few very nice people who happen to like folk music. I am still in touch with old Army pals who I first met over 50 years ago, but the thread led me to mention ways in which music can be combined with holidays.

Kind Regards,

Stephen.
 
I have seen accordionists play at al fresco restaurants in Paphos. Popular, too - no tables free.
 
Lacking specificity in the opening post, you might try Austin, Texas [as good as it gets, around here], San Antonio, Tx as well. Nashville, Tennessee would be a good option. Also, any Mexican border town [bring your Uzi].
 
WaldoW post_id=48743 time=1500353545 user_id=1663 said:
Lacking specificity in the opening post, you might try Austin, Texas [as good as it gets, around here], San Antonio, Tx as well. Nashville, Tennessee would be a good option.

Yeah, if the US is on the list, those are good choices, both as vacation destinations and music spots.

Ill add: Boulder, CO (tremendous street performer culture on Pearl St.), Portland, OR (once heard a very good accordionist on the street there), and Boston, MA (Faneuil Hall area, where the performers have to actually apply and be accepted!).
 
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