Boston Street Musician Builds Compact Car
Some months ago, I met a fellow musician named Dan. He explained that he’d been a street musician in Switzerland, and that he’d just returned to the states after more than two decades. Apparently, his gimmick was that he was a one-man band with a truck that acted as his multi-instrument noisemaker. He described it as a sight to be seen. According to Dan, after years of success, his truck was confiscated by the Swiss government, and without his money machine, he had no choice but to return to the US.
So, I was delighted to spy him on Newbury Street yesterday with, well, a slightly more compact version of his old getup.
Look at that kid. He’s mesmerized. Dan uses pedals and a stick, which he uses to hit both the guitar and percussion instruments. He sings through a headset attached to an on-board PA. And all those stuffed animals dance around to the beat of his kick drum. As for the performance, he puts on a show that makes kids bouncy and gleeful–and moms part with their money. Cool.
March 21st, 2010 at 8:15 am
I’m curious what reason the Swiss government gave for confiscating his van…….
K
July 18th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
Hi Dave, Thanks for the blog about my show. It’s awful hot for daytime busking lately so I’m taking it easy. In answer to the other comment, my truck got confiscated by the Swiss because it didn’t match their high standards for vehicles. They did give it back once I got a few things fixed and agreed never to drive it in Switzerland anymore.
Dan