My name is David Reichenbacher. I moved to Corpus Christi in July of 2012 from Philadelphia where I played in a couple of bands and also busked on the streets of Philadelphia and in the subway, playing a mix of original songs as well as cover songs. Playing for the people out in the open like that was an incredibly rich experience. I had a blog called Busking in Philadelphia, where you can read about the people I met, people so wonderful I had to write about them and share my experiences. (Buskinginphiladelphia.blogspot.com) People of all walks of life...lawyers, painters, ministers, dancers, farmers...the world came to me, as I positioned myself on a street corner or in the subway concourse. People from all over the world, all funneling past me, all connected through music.
After all, it was more about the people, than the music, I discovered. Music is a ministry for peace.
When I moved here I scoped out the downtown of Corpus looking for just the right spot to set up shop. I wasn't very successful. I couldn't find any street musicians here. There just wasn't the foot traffic of a large city like Philadelphia. I found myself playing a few open mics, the Art Walk, playing in art galleries and bookstores. My music is not bar music. I'm too mellow. Beatles, Donovan, Neil Young, just don't make people drink whiskey. Anyway, I found a spot on Leopard and Carancahua, where people are heading to lunch and pass by the corner and it felt just right to play there.
So far it's been going very well. People smile, stop and chat, express curiosity, request a song. Many have never seen a street musician before. Children like it, too, and I manage to pull out a few songs like "Itsy, Bitsy Spider" to bring smiles to their faces.
I also have found myself playing in nursing homes. Playing songs from the 40's and 50's.
Music is ministry. It touches the soul. It brings people together. Regardless of race, color, or creed or financial status.
I'm not playing everyday, but often you'll see me in front of the American Bank between 11:30 and 1:30 during lunchtime. Stop by and say hello. And I just might be able to play a song you know.
I am loving Corpus Christi, and I'm glad I'm making it my home..
