Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Well, this was the Saturday when everything that could go wrong, did. We were so excited about finding the right spot last weekend (see my July 15 Blog). The little tunnel near the clock tower in the zoo was perfect. So, we went back there again.

We had been singing for about 15 minutes when, right before my big high note at the end of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” a very stern looking security guard came and stood right in front of us—like 2 feet away—and scowled. I think I managed, in between spinning a lyric line and breathing to say, “Only four more measures!” before we finished the tune. He shook his head and said, “You can’t sing here. You can’t perform anywhere inside the gates of the zoo.” Where was that guy LAST week when we were here?

We were sad yet compliant. We picked up our things and started to wander like gypsies in the desert looking for an acoustic home. Our first try was right outside the south gate of the zoo. There was a little area where 3 paths met to form a “Y” and there was a lot of foot traffic. We were feeling hopeful when a guy came walking up to us and pointed to a large black duffle bag sitting on a nearby bench and said, “That’s my bag, that’s my place, I’ve been here for 10 years, even before they reopened the zoo. I mean, you can stand here for a few minutes, but it’s my place and when it gets busy, I’m going to have to kick you out.” Dagnabit!!!! It turns out he was a very nice juggler who did know the lay of the land and was a colleague of the balloon guy who stood a few feet away, making balloon animals and nodding at what the juggler was saying. They were both polite and informative and I was digging the busker fellowship. They suggested we try standing just outside the zoo’s south gate, which we did.

Meanwhile, the sky was darkening and it was becoming clear that a storm was brewing. So, we knew we were on borrowed time. We finally placed ourselves in an attractive, leafy corner just outside the south gate. It was a great spot…until the skies opened up and the 40-day flood started. At that point, we huddled together, sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” a number of times and then retired to the café for a beer.

Highlights were: 1) Doug Skinner, the composer of our rounds, staying the WHOLE time sitting under his umbrella and listening intently, 2) Gregory Peterson, our friend from the Blue Hill Troupe, showing up and singing along with us AND 3) a really sweet looking family sitting across the way in rain slickers who actually sent their teenage son over as an emissary with a soaked dollar to place in our basket. The audience-performer connection had been made, even in the midst of a deluge!

It was a moist, yet satisfying, day in the park.