PLAYING ROME
It is odd to busk — play the streets — when you’re middle aged. (Or old.) I played Rome last month. I played the Jewish quarter — the ghetto. My musician son, Jack, skedaddled. He would have nothing to do with me. I didn’t know any Italian Jewish music, but who does? I played “Erev Shel Shoshanim,” some klezmer and standards like “All of Me” and “That’s Amore.”
My most appreciative fans were a group of college-age boys. They plied me with coins.
Afterward I said to them, “Here’s your money back. You were my best fans.”
Lucy (Stratton) Kaegi with gelato. “Larry David” with clarinet, background. August 2014
They insisted I keep the money. One kid said, “Do you watch Curb Your Enthusiasm? It’s our favorite show.” Another kid said I looked like Larry David.
“I’ve seen Curb,” I said.
“What about Seinfeld?”
“Also, good.”
“You guys Jewish?” I said. I wasn’t sure; their English accents threw me off.
They said yes.
“Where you guys from?”
“Australia.”
“I’ve never been to Australia,” I said.
“Come to Sydney. It’s beautiful!”
“I’d like to.” If I can clear at least $10 on the streets, I’m there.
—
Footnote:the photo is not from the Jewish quarter. But it’s Rome. I roamed.
—
Here’s a second busking story, from the archives: “Busking in Israel and Elsewhere,” Times of Israel, 7/12/12.
—
A new essay from City Journal: “Bubbles, Booms, and Cash Flow.” Not about busking.
5 comments
The only people I can think of I’ve ever met from Australia was a family at Versailles walking around with us and our tour guide.
Good for you! At 34 I was embarrassed to play the streets, too (figured it out, later). Experimenting. BTW…lots of buskers on 4th St. Cleveland this summer.
(Good for you for experimenting is what I wanted to say)
Where did you learn or hear the Song of Glory? We sing it every week in our shul.
To Marc:
Off the Andy Statman CD “The Hidden Light.” A great record.
Leave a Comment