While playing piano out on the sidewalks of downtown Petaluma, I have stumbled upon a street rhythm that changes with every passing hour, and repeats with every passing day. - I am learning, learning, learning about how we are the ultimate creatures of habit. I'm getting to know and love the merchants, the tourists, the families, the homeless, the cops, the tippers and the tight wads.
I'm beginning to think my perspective might be unique and maybe even helpful to others who are interested in learning more about the "People Vibe" of this historic downtown, so please allow me to start here:
After almost two years of playing music out there on the street, day or night, I have never had a problem or even been worried about having a problem with anyone. To say that this is the most peaceful, well managed downtown on the planet might not be realistic... but to say the safety of our citizens is in good hands would be the understatement of the year. - For me, out there with my back to the general public, downtown Petaluma feels like my living room.
I share downtown Petaluma with two other frequent street musicians who play violin and flute up on Kentucky outside the book store. Out of respect, I keep my loud and raucous honky-tonk upright far away from these fellow buskers. My favorite corner is Western and Petaluma Blvd, directly under the clock tower. The traffic is a lot louder there than up on Kentucky, but the activity is much more fun to watch. - I have a mirror installed above the tuning pins so I can watch the reactions of my brief visitors as they pass by.
My personal objective is to get people to forget about their troubles long enought to break into a dance, however brief, and proceed down the sidewald with a smile. - If I can make that happen, my life is worthwhile and I have made my contribution to human kind.
Do you own a musical instrumet? If so, what is it?
- PP
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
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