Busking For A Buck

By Samuel Smith

The unofficial soundtrack of downtown Saint Augustine is performed by talented musicians, young and old. Their songs can be heard from alleyways and street corners on sunny afternoons.

Whether it’s college students trying something new, seasoned violinists, street musicians, or “buskers,” people are drawn to play their music near St. George Street due to its tourist culture and heavy foot traffic.

Buskers, or people who entertain in a public place for donations, perform on different days, and each one has their own unique sound.

Everyone plays for their own reason; some play for fun and to connect with people, others play in order to make ends meet.

“Necessity,” said The Mighty Quinn, a homeless guitarist. “I used to build houses around here, and I never thought I’d end up here.”

Quinn, a former professional carpenter and now busker, plays country rock covers as well as his own original songs to make enough money for food and necessities. Not only does he get paid, but he also gets to do what he loves: play his music.

“Raise your own schedule, do something you enjoy, not just working for the dollar,” Quinn said.

Quinn has always been musically inclined. In his early busking days, he invented his own instrument that he called a “one-man band.”

“I made it out of a wash tub, washboard, and a popcorn can, then attached it on a harness,” Quinn said. “I’d sing and play guitar. I’d play five instruments at the same time.”

While many of the tourists and regular commuters enjoy the serenades, the city actually has stipulations on where buskers are allowed to perform. The city prohibits performers from busking along Hypolita Street, St. George Street, the east portions of King Street, and Cathedral Plaza, and the first 50 feet connected to St. George Street of Cuna and Treasury streets.

“I’ve been busted for playing on St. George. You’re only allowed within 50 feet of it, right up to that lamp post there,” Quinn said.

According to the City of St. Augustine, street performers and vendors should apply for a permit to perform in the downtown area. Despite the restrictions on buskers, musicians are still determined to show off their talent and creativity for anyone who might be interested.

James Sattler, a professionally trained violinist who has been a part of over 50 bands, spends his time performing classical violin songs. Some are original pieces while others are covers of pre-existing songs.

Originally, Sattler had his own business teaching the violin, but when COVID forced him to close his doors, he had to adapt and overcome.

“I started street performing, and I fell in love with it,” Sattler said.

According to Sattler, busking is much more open-ended and accommodating than a formal business. There are no guidelines or schedules, as long as it’s not obscene or rude.

“You get to play what you want and people will listen, you get to explore your creativity,” Sattler said.

For Sattler, the most rewarding part of busking is being on the same level as everyone and the opportunity to connect with people on a human level. While street performers may not receive the same level of fame or fortune as bands performing in bars or concert venues, the human connection and freedom of expression are worth the tradeoff for most.

“When I’m out here, I feel like people are just more receptive, and if you work at it, like most things, there is a reward,” Sattler said. “It’s a lot of hard work, but a lot of reward.”

Sattler’s busking business extends beyond the streets. He runs his own website and lets people hire his talent for private events.

“When I get out here, I’m showing my face to people, and maybe someone will be interested in a private party,” Sattler said. “I do weddings too, where I pre-record music and then play along with it.”

Buskers aren’t always outsiders, though. Sometimes, the talent is hidden in plain sight, right here at Flagler College.

Jeb Stevens, a junior at Flagler, plays for fun when he feels the creative energy in him. He has only been playing for about three years, but he enjoys what he does.

“I like playing around people,” Stevens said. “Sometimes it was fun to play at the gazebo. I guess I just wanted to see if people would like it, and now it’s just kinda fun.”

He doesn’t need to play on the street; Stevens just plays for the pure fun and enjoyment of it. To him, connecting with people is what it’s all about, and audience engagement and interest are always better than a few bucks in tips.

“Smiling, just being into it, digging it,” Stevens said. “Like if you can tell someone is digging it, that’s just the greatest thing.”