Cologne, Germany

Cologne is not a beautiful city.  This is due the bombings from the 262 air raids during World War II.  It is a relatively modern European city with unexciting architectural design.  However, I thought Cologne was the bomb, pun intended.  It was a young city filled with rowdy bars and restaurants, the people where so cool and friendly, and the river and cathedral were actually beautiful.  My friend Denise, who I met in Morocco, was the perfect tour guide and knew all the hidden spots.

On Saturday, during the day Denise and I went downtown to perform on the street, but I ran into one small issue: there were already way to many buskers.  It seems that Cologne has been over run by street performers.  I counted ten on the few blocks that I walked down.  I tried to play a couple of songs but since I forgot my mic stand and the crowds were huge not to mention I was already in a competitive situation, I decided to give up after two songs.  In fact it is the first time this trip I did not make any money.  Apparently after talking to one of the musicians there are certain rules in Cologne.  First of all, you can not use amplification, but EVERYONE was using amplification, typical buskers.  The second rule was that you must start your show on the hour ending half past the hour.  Besides that feel free to play!

Aachen, Germany

Aachen is a beautiful German city located right across the border from the Netherlands.  It is known for its large university and for being the home of Charles the Great in the Middle Ages who used Aachen as his imperial city.  So I thought:  why not come to the home of the King of the Franks and busk right in front of the Aachen Rathaus?  

Upon arriving in the city, I met up with a friend of mine, Max, who showed me around.  It was a cheery town that radiated a feeling of youthfulness and excitement, most likely due to the large university.  I met some of Max’s friends and we enjoyed a night of bar hopping, music, and a late night jam session in a bands studio rehearsal room.  Of course, I enjoyed my food of shwarma and the famous currywurst, which was actually just a sausage in ketchup and french fries.

The next day I took off to play right in front of the Aachen Rathaus, which sits on the old castle of Charles the Great.  After setting up and playing my first song, Picture of Love off my new album, I quickly realized how amazing the acoustics were.  It seems like these old squares were designed just for me.  Even with a small little amplifier the sound like you are in a concert hall.  Of course, my sound engineering success was short lived because the police showed up and told me to shut it down.  Apparently in Aachen you need a license to play on the street, you are not allowed to use amplification, and finally you can never play in front of the Aachen Rathaus.  I guess I broke three rules all at once.  However, the cops were really friendly and also explained to me where I should get a license.

All in all, Aachen is an awesome town that I would highly suggest visiting.  And if you are looking to busk here be sure to stop off at the green building across from the main train station.  For only 5 euros you can have a week long busking pass.

Brussels, Belgium

It took me over 4 1/2 hours to get to Brussels from Paris.  To be honest, I thought about skipping Brussels altogether but I am so happy I didn't.  I arrived near the Bourse in Brussels and took a little stroll around the city.  It was beautiful and I knew the only thing that could make this adventure better was to bust out the guitar.  I decided the best place to set up was in front of the the Grand Palace.  This turned out to be an awesome decision!  As soon as I finished the first song, I knew it was going to be a great set.  The acoustics in this plaza were absolutely amazing.  It was loud and clear and the echo off the buildings across from me were perfect.  The best part was people were loving the whole scenario.  They were dancing and singing along and I was getting applause after each song.  Towards the end of my set a group of university students came to thank me for playing, which is better than any tip.  

I really wish I had more time to stay in Brussels but it is time to head to Aachen, Germany to see friends and play music for the germans!

Lisbon, Portugal

The gang and I arrived in Lisbon late tonight and we were in the mood for a party.  So after showering and getting ready we hit the rowdy streets of Lisbon. Of course I had a different goal in mind from the rest of the group.  I knew that on this Saturday night, Lisbon would be the perfect setting for a street show.  

As the group moved closer to the clubs in town I searched for the best corner to set up my equipment.  I choose a spot at the end of the Cais do Sodré street and began to play.  It was awesome!  The energy in this place was pumping and it surely helped that all my friends were there.  Massimo played the guitar case, which you would have thought was a complete trap set the way his hands kept rhythm.  And then Aurelio joined in with a modern day twist on flamenco clapping.   Meanwhile people sang along and danced in the streets.  It was so much fun.  

I played a couple of originals including Umami from my album.  I was also approached by a group who was doing a remote year, and they requested all kinds of 90s hits including Semi Charmed Life, Santeria, and Santa Monica.  

All in all it was a great evening of music and fun.  The gang wanted to continue into a club at 4:45 am, but after playing for a couple of hours I was spent and headed back to the hostel.

The following day, everyone woke up late, most likely because they came home at 9:00 am.  Oh Portugal!  It was slow moving, but evidentially everyone decided to go and visit the Miradouro de Santa Catarina which is a beautiful park known by the locals as Adamastor.  On the left side of this park is a cool little cafe / bar and in the center everyone is sitting around listening to live music.  

When we arrived there was already a musician from Brazil playing his music.  He let me play one song while he took a break and I chose "Picture of Love."  I wanted to keep playing but I had to wait my turn.  Unfortunately what I did not know is that busking in this park is serious and territorial.  While I sat and listened for over two hours another Brazilian started setting up and the first one told me he was next.  There was nothing I could do, especially because at this point I believed them both to be locals. 

After 5 hours of music I finally got the opportunity to play.  It was well worth the wait.  There was over a 100 people in this park and my built in fan base was there (thanks guys!).  I played for about 1 1/2 hours and I really got a great response.  However, my amp did have some issues.  I think the park was just two large and the sound was lost in the wind.  As a busker you are always learning how to tune in your equipment based on your surroundings.  I guess this was just another learning lesson!

So in conclusion if you are looking for a great city to busk in, I would highly suggest Lisbon!  It also has some amazing people and sites to see!