Finding My Way as a Busker in Corpus Christi

The experience of finding my way as a busker in Corpus Christi has been very interesting and rich.  I had started out singing on the street uptown on Leopard St. near the food court at lunch time.  I had a good reception from people taking their lunchbreak.  Many people stopped to chat and offer support.  People from all walks of life from street people to judges and everyone in between.  Even the police were very supportive.  I even got over the fact that I was robbed once by a young man who probably needed the money more than me.  Bless him.
Recently, however, a new sandwich shop opened up and the owner came out onto the street and told me to leave.  They didn't want any bums playing in front of their establishment.  I moved further down the street.  Shortly thereafter a cop on a motor bike screeched to a halt in front of me, demanding to see my permit.  Well, didn't know I needed one, I responded.  We had a polite conversation about panhandling, soliciting and the difference between the two.  I needed a permit he said.  He told me to pack up and leave and he waited till I did so.  I checked with the city about the permit.  $25 a month.
This same week I started playing at the Farmer's Market, located at the Art Center on Wednesdays from 5-8 PM.  I also started playing at the Farmer's Market on Everhart and Holly on Saturday mornings from 9-12 noon.  In both locations no permit is required.  There are many people strolling by, shopping for organic locally grown food, as well as oils, soaps, hand-crafted jewelry and more.  I am very happy at my new locations for sharing my music.  I'm sorry to all the lunch crowd who enjoyed my music uptown, but I won't be returning there.
Join us at the Farmer's Markets and on the Art Walk, first Friday, downtown CC.
I feel I'm just beginning.