By Lauren Mook
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-921997.mp3
Buffalo, NY – Musicians typically make money by booking shows and releasing albums. But sometimes they choose to do things differently. WBFO's Lauren Mook shares the story of one group of musicians who are playing their way across the sidewalks of Western New York.
Reverend Soapbox and the Rabble Rousers are buskers -- which means they regularly perform on sidewalks, in parks and in other public places. And they attract audiences with toe-tapping tunes that blend bluegrass, ragtime, jazz and blues.
The band features Andrew Pellak on guitar, Justin Davidson on mandolin, Patrick Johnson on upright bass and Alex Cline on trumpet.
Busking, or performing in a public place for tips, dates back thousands of years, even to ancient Rome. Even though the practice is old, there are still many challenges for the modern street performer. Add to that the physical difficulty in lugging around an upright bass, and you might be more inclined to toss a dollar in their hat.
Though the band enjoys these sidewalk concerts, they've been expanding their musical map to include weddings, picnics and bar shows. You can catch Reverend Soapbox and the Rabble Rousers on streets around Buffalo or find more information about the band on their MySpace page.