Free London Harmony: Feel the Beat by Erik Schubach Page B

and experience as you hone your craft.”
    Then I smiled wistfully. “Then there is the side effect that I find the most satisfying. If you can bring joy to someone listening to your music, that makes everything worth it. If I can see someone smile and forget about the tedium in their lives for just a moment, it warms me and gives me a sense of peace and oddly, vindication.”
    She was just looking at me now as we walked, a soft smile on her face. Then I shrugged. “Most boroughs or neighborhoods require permits and sometimes auditions in order for you to perform on the streets. This ensures the quality of the performances and keeps their areas in a positive light. Nobody wants a performer who makes your ears bleed, driving people away. Sure there are plenty of performers who don't get the proper authorization, but they are usually chased away by the bobbies or other performers.”
    She nodded and asked, “So that's the permit you have inside the lid of your case?”
    I grinned at that. “Yes, it is. Covent Garden is the strictest borough in the city since it is the heart of the art district, and most performers are turned away. You can imagine how chuffed I was when I passed the audition and they issued a permit.”
    She used her arm to squeeze my hand as she beamed at me. I blushed then added, “There are rules that must be observed. Not just for the businesses around the area but between the performers so that everyone gets a fair shake.”
    I held up a finger. “You mustn't be too loud as to be a nuisance, people are, after all, trying to conduct business in the buildings or markets.” I held up another finger. “You can only stay at one location for forty-five minutes. This is to ensure one performer does not monopolize the 'sweet spots' and makes it fair for everyone.” I held up a third finger. “The most important is that you never, under any circumstance, ask for money.”
    Her brow furrowed. “But every street performer I pass has people giving them money.”
    I nodded as I dropped my three fingers. “We never ask for the money, it is always appreciated if someone wishes to express their appreciation for our music by giving us a quid or two. Think of it as a tip for services rendered. It isn't compulsory and we don't ask for it. That would constitute begging and there are many statutes against that in the city.”
    She tilted her head in thought. “That seems a fine line.”
    I shrugged. “It may be, but again, the lolly isn't the reason we do it.” Then I added, “True it does constitute the bulk of my income at this time. Singing backup for local bands doesn't pay well. I'm saving the money to get a flat of my own and to make a demo disc to send out to record companies. I hope to sign with one one day.”
    She smiled at that then asked, “What kind of music do you perform?”
    I was feeling playful and pulled her to a stop on a corner. “This is a good place to set up. I sing the music of life. Let me show you.”
    I took the case handle from her and let go of Percy's lead. He leaned into my leg as I unpacked my equipment. I noted the meter on the new inverter showed a full charge on my deep cycle battery, Tink must have charged it for me.
    I grinned as I placed the new pedal assembly in front of me. I took a moment to run my hand across it. I noted that the pedal switches were spaced almost the same as my prior setup even though it was in one sleek unit instead of multiple stomp boxes ganged together. That would make it easier for me to adapt to with my glasses off.
    I set up the mic stand and then grinned like a bloody git when I looked at the mouse ears on my case. I pulled out the cables on their spools and plugged them in then I just stood there blinking. Belle cocked her head and furrowed her brow. “What's wrong.”
    I blinked again then looked at her and I felt my smile grow on my face. “Actually, nothing. I'm done setting up. That was amazingly fast.” Then I bowed my head slightly at