Downtown Vibe

Buskers add to the vibrance of any city and this is certainly the case in St John's Newfoundland. We have buskers who perform year round and we also have the annual St John's Busker Festival every summer which draws thousands of people downtown. While some people do it for the fun of performing most rely on the income from busking for their basic needs. In addition to this they also have to deal with the cost of maintaining their instruments.

Some of the buskers have been given strings for their guitars and banjos which is fabulous because performing in our damp climate, especially over the winter months, does cause issues for the strings for sure. I can also thankfully say that in three cases I know of, buskers have been given guitars.

Donnie gets a new Squeezebox

There are also other issues to deal with. Just last week Donnie had his new accordion case stolen. He got a new case this past Christmas and after returning from The Rocket, where he went to get himself a sandwich, the case was gone! Now he's back to using an old luggage case. If you know someone who might be able to help, please pass this along!

Any help is appreciated, I hear the stories all the time! Thank you for that!

Now for a few more photos,

James

The Card Trick Man

Songs for the Book of Love

Joey the Sculptor

Steve

Curt - Backstage Pass

Thank you to all who gave, It will help keep our downtown alive. And thank you for stopping by! 

Harry Gentle Heart

My street photography project has lead me to become connected with many people from all walks of life. Some of these people have various social problems often associated with mental illness and substance abuse. Alcohol is almost always an issue for people with ongoing social problems and continued use is an obstacle for the support groups wanting to help.

Frozen

Below is a photo of Harry taken yesterday. People have been giving him food, money and clothes to help him get by and here he was showing me three pairs of gloves he would like to give to someone who needs them.

Harry Gentle Heart

Harry, or "Harry Gentle Heart" as I like to call him, has been living in the streets of St John's Newfoundland for the last few months despite the fact that various local support groups have tried to help him. His continuing use of alcohol is no doubt a problem.

Harry

Harry in the Snow

Finding Harry

Given the harshness of the Newfoundland winter living outside is a hazard! Raising awareness on-line and on social media may spark a glitter of hope.