Sprucing up one of the homes. Quaint, huh?
A few days ago, I was having a lovely lunch overlooking the harbor in Marblehead, Massachusetts, and I had to admit, I’d been totally charmed by this city’s narrow winding streets with American flags hanging over green, crisp gardens in front of wood-sided homes. Not to let me down, the local paper, The Salem News, had a couple of “reader-friendly” articles on its front page. And over lunch, after reading one of its headline articles (a woman won the lottery, and gets $50,000 a year for life but is still going to keep her job after she pays off her bills), I saw this title:
It was the almost that got my attention.
It appears that at a pedestrian mall in Essex, Massachusetts, a saxophone player is irking those around him with his repertoire, which consists of his own rendition of two standards, which he plays over and over – “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
I think we’ve all been here. No one has escaped the heartlessly bad, street musician.
This bad, and loud, saxophone player also struck a cacophonous chord at City Hall, who could actually hear the instrument (of torture) a few blocks away, and they proposed to rewrite their rules on street performers to include – no saxophones allowed.
I snapped this performer in Boston's Little Italy. While he was no accordion master, his playing was not painful. What did he play? Italian tunes!
Of course this proposed rule dangerously impinges on this musician’s right to freedom of speech and expression, something we hold dear in this country. We have the right to speak our minds, that is unless it presents a clear, and present danger, such as – yelling “fire!” in a crowded theater, or inciting people to riot. Which, maybe this saxophone player was tempting the public to do – draw blood. I mean, bad music can be really painful.
I know there have been a few times that I’ve wished some sub-par street performers would just go away. In some cases I thought it might be a good idea to form a picket line, with signs that said, “Don’t give this man any money!” figuring if they didn’t make any, they’d move on. How else can you stop them..? It’s hard. You could plant a garden where they usually stand. Or, bring your own performers, like, little girls in yellow tutus that spin around to a cuter version of “Twinkle, Twinkle.” You could cordon off the player’s usual area with yellow tape and say it’s a crime scene that can’t be entered (yeah, buster, that’s right, and you’re the crime).
Haven't seen this, but I think these people are probably watching an accident in progress.
I always wonder – Is there no one in this man’s (and others like him) life that will tell him how bad he is? I know as a performer myself that I would be horrified to find out that City Hall was passing a law to prevent me from doing so. I’d want someone to tell me. And hey, what about those outtakes on “American Idol?” Are you with me in wondering how some of these people actually think they have a shot at the title? Is there is no intervention from friends and family? But maybe his/or her family is in the dark, too.
We all have had bad ideas at one time or another, and usually someone kindly stops us from our folly. I remember when we first moved into our LA ranch, my husband was enamored with our many citrus and fig trees, and enthused how we could stand on the street corner and sell bags of them, and make money. His cast members on the TV mini-series “North and South” loved this! So, they – Kirstie Alley, Jim Reed, Terri Garber, Genie Francis, and Jonathan Frakes, bought him a crazy raccoon-looking coat and replaced the buttons with dried figs, and presented it to Patrick, telling him that he needed to wear it while he was selling oranges out on the street! – He got a great laugh out of it, and stopped talking so much about fruit.
But obviously, not all people can get the message. Either they have no one around to hold up a stop sign, or are simply unable to listen and understand what’s being said (you know, crazy).
My view of the Marblehead harbor at lunch.
In Essex, Massachusetts, the new ban on saxophones came before a meeting, where upon hearing the new rule, an elected official jumped to his feet to protest that under the proposed Draconian ban, good players would also be banned – players with the talents of Charlie “The Bird” Parker, or John Coltrane would be silenced.
Oh, okay…
Freedom of speech’s a good thing. And deserves to be guarded very, very carefully.
And so. The proposed sax ban did not go through, although the criteria for street performer permits was revised. In the meantime, the musician still blows all day, everyday. And for now, everyone within a 2 and a half block radius of the Essex, Massachusetts mall is just going to have to endure a little bad sax.
Well, I kind of think everyone should have a chance to show if they do or do not have what it takes to be a performer. yes, there are bad singers on ‘Idol’, always has been, always will be. To be perfectly honest with you that is the reason alot of people watch, to see the ones who make fools of themselves. I think that is the producers fault. As far as someone playing a sax on the street corner, wish I lived in a city or town where I heard music, good or bad on the street corner. I am a music lover and even if they were bad, at least they are trying to entertain someone and maybe they are entertaining to some people. I am not taking sides, I just beleive everyone needs a chance to try. If they are not good then someone can tell them , nicely, that they need to try something else. Don’t be rude and hurt feelings and discourage people from doing something they love. It might just be their whole world. This is just my opinion.
I agree! Everyone should be allowed to pursue their dreams and visions. And people are allowed to have their own opinions. I think it’s healthy and makes us grow. And in some cases, we have laws to protect those rights!
I LOVE this blog! So funny! Glad you had a great time in Massachusetts! I have definitely endured those “not so talented” street performers. And, yes, I am totally with you about the American Idol contestants-especially the ones who say “My family/friends/vocal instructors tell me I’m really good.” Hmmm…kinda makes ya wonder, doesn’t it?
As always, much, much love to you, Lisa! XXX
PS. Whatever happened to Patrick’s raccoon-looking fig coat? 😉
PPS. Hope your niece made it through her graduation ceremony without panicking!
The raccoon coat finally started to fall apart, and was thrown away.
Dear Lisa, you are right sometimes people don´t have good sense to recognize they are not talented.I don´t understand why they do it but sometimes these Tv Shows can serve to realize those ones they made an error.
But i admire so much those ones who are talented and they come to show it.
I like the photos you post. Thanks for telling us your adventures.
Take care ,
Oh, no! Ha, ha! I’m sure you have some pictures to remember it by! 🙂
– Where would the ban stop… Ever heard bagpipes played loudly and badly?!!…
– And with a ban in place, no one would be able to do justice to Patrick’s song, She’s Like The Wind -complete with Sax, ( wearing Rocky Raccoon coat)…!
Hah! BTW, I looove bagpipes.
Hi Lisa,
I am so thrilled that you got to visit my beautiful part of the country. I live in a small town ten minutes North of Marblehead. Quaint is the perfect description of Marblehead, I just love that little town. Bummer that you were so close and I did not get to meet you as I am a number one fan. I hope you enjoyed your stay on the North Shore and congrats on your niece’s graduation!
Sally
The fruit story was great!!
Don’t know if your Mom or Patsy is in a “retirement community”, but I always take my garden produce and fruit by the sacks full when I go visit my Dad. I pass them out to as many as I can. Many of them don’t get FRESH fruits and vegetables any longer….they really appreciate it. (just a thought)
Brenda, we used to do the same thing when my great-grandmother was living. We took fresh tomatoes and cucumbers out of our garden to her nursing facility, and shared them with the other residents. They sure did appreciate it!
It’s amazing what we take for granted,, isn’t it?
It sure is!
That is sad when people bad or good can’t express their love for music. music is is one thing that everyone can relate to. I feel sorry for the guy this was about, not only having a sign placed do not give money, but to put a write up in the paper about him, a bit excessive I think. if they are not that good then switch off, and keep walking. I say good on him to have the confidence to do it no matter how bad they are.
sorry If its seems abrupt but really are we that shallow as to humiliate a person to this extent?
p.s I see plenty around that cant play or sing and I acknowledge them and keep walking.
You are such a kind person. And I guess I can be a little harsh. I’ve been in entertainment since I was twelve, and know how hard and how much courage it takes to develop and become a really good artist, singer, actor, or dancer. To me, this guy is just looking to make a quick buck. And you know what? More power to him!
No I don’t think your harsh, you worked hard to get where you are, and opinions vary. this was just.my opinion on one subject
I guess I see it from another perspective in that, reality people continue to give him money because out of pity and therefore feeding his quick buck scheme, and then complain if he continues to play, thus a conclusion can be made that the reality check isn’t really for him it is the people that keep giving money and then complain that needs the reality check and posting the sign do not give money will not discourage people from giving, people are going to do what think is right at that moment of time, so would of it been better to drop a note into his money tin and tell him to stop as there has been many complaints.
Hah! That’s an idea!
Hey Lisa, loved the blog. Let the poor guy play that’s what I think, who’s he hurting really???? He may get better with a bit of practice!!
And to Lynn, bagpipes are ace I had them playing at my wedding. Though our friend who played said he wasn’t doing anymore events cos he couldn’t puff his cheeks like he used too!
Lorna .xxx
Ps. Lovely pictures! It looks like a beautiful place.
I think it was the people who had to listen to him all day that were complaining. We can walk away!
Yeah I suppose your right, hearing bad music all day. Nightmare it would send you mad.!!!
Hello Lisa,
It’s a terrible question! Should we really ban this “musician”? I love music and I wonder how many those that I hear have started playing in the street. But I guess that we think of those who suffer bad musicians. So why not give him music lessons?
Still as a fan of your blogs.
Thank you for sharing this.
Great solution – the donations goes towards lessons!
I imagine the raccoon-looking coat and I had a great laugh!!!!
Great to find out your travel experiences, thx for sharing them. Love it!
Ahhhhhh I love all these street performers… Especially funny when you have several in close proximity to eachother like in covent garden… The good, the bad, and the downright HORRENDOUS!! ;o) As for the blatantly horrendous on all these wonderful reality talent shows I am certain that some of them perform badly just to get some air time… Must admit though that is the main reason I watch a couple of them, they do make me chuckle… Btw you got any photos of Patrick in that coat before it was thrown out? That is a pic I would love to see!!!
Lots of love
Jo xx
It’s probably a good thing that I don’t have any photos!
Dear Lisa,
thank you so much for your new blog! It`s always great to hear from you and get to know that you are doing good!
I want to use my comment to send you all my Love and all the Best for your birthday! Do you celebrate it at home? Whatever you are planning to do… hope you enjoy!!
All The Best to you from Regine!
My Uncle, Roy raised the morale of the troops during the Italian Campaign in World War 2 playing the bagpipes with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders – and we all love “Mull of Kintyre”, (don’t we!?) Fortunately there’s no law that can prevent Ghostbuskers from persistently singing “I’m Henry The 8th I Am, Henry the 8th, I Am, I Am!…” on street corners, wearing raccoon coats with fig buttons, simultaneously doing a juggling act with several fresh oranges, followed by saxophone solo from “She’s Like The Wind”, then a Ghostdance, if they so choose! – (“Don’t Stop Me Now, I’m Having A Good Time!…) And Paul McCartney, who wrote Mull of Kintyre with Denny Laine, can often be found busking on street corners in heavy disguise because he likes to do that, though I don’t know if he’s yet tried the raccoon coat!!!
Ha, ha!
This was funny Lynn. Made me laugh and I Thnak You for that. Everyone needs a good smile 3 or 4 times a day. It’s good for the soul.
Thank*
OOOOOH, that was good Lynn!!
Thank you guys!! I’m sure Patrick is close by. Of course Paul (“Macca”) , being veggie, would only wear an imitation Rocky Raccoon coat…maybe he would put the pennies he gets while busking towards a scholarship at his Liverpool “fame” school ( LIPA) to help deserving buskers who need to work on their musicianship skills?! His former brother-in-law, (Heather Mills’ brother) has joined the many buskers in the city of Bath, near my home. Some of them are excellent, others not so hot but in genuine need of some money to scrape a living and could do with some help in more ways than one. I am sure we have all been there at some time or another, needing a little help from our friends. Something Patrick and Lisa wrote about in their book, surviving on almost no income when they first went to join the Ballet in New York. We can never know what others have suffered in their lives until we get to know them – please spare a thought for my close family friends in Mirandola, Italy, where the strong earthquake struck on Sunday a few days ago, and their homes and the cathedral in which they were christened and married etc has just collapsed, thousands of people evacuated and will need to rebuild their entire lives all of a sudden. There but for the grace of God go all of us – ( as again in the chapter of Patrick and Lisa’s book about fighting the fire in California that threatened their ranch – thankfully saved!) xxx
Prayers for all the victums in italy. Where I live we might get a small quake once in a while but we deal with tornado’s, where everything is wiped away. God be with all your family and friends and all the others who are having to live through this. God Bless.
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family friends in Italy.
Ditto..so, so sorry to hear about the earthquake!! In Tx we mainly only deal w/hurricanes. Hope your friends recover soon.
Many thanks for all your so kind thoughts and prayers re earthquake in Italy, as when Patrick was ill, they really do help. In Mirandola the cathedral which collapsed had been there since the sixteenth century – but they felt thankful it did not happen when the town’s schoolchildren would have been there a few hours later to receive their first commnionh on Sunday morning. Whether earthquake or tornado, fire or flood etc, losing homes in a sudden disaster is inevitably extremely traumatic but these things can eventually be rebuilt – it is loss of life and injury we all pray may be avoided at such times. May 20 was a strange day with solar eclipse and earthquakes in both Italy and Japan. With apologies to Lisa for taking us somewhat off course from the original subject of the sax player – of course in the past Santorini has experienced volcanic activity and destructive tsunamis – at the time of that blog the earthquake had not yet struck. Everyone hopes not to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, but difficult it you happen to live there! My friend, Lara from Mirandola had just returned from a two week stay with my familoy in England and as soon as she returned home to Italy during a thunderstorm she was killed outright by a bolt of lightening as she walked across her own farmyard.It is sometimes difficult to make sense of the things that happen in life. But you can almost be one hundred per cent certain it won’t happen to that sax player – ( however much some people might wish it would)!!! And to end on a more amusing ( but true!) note – I once wore earplugs when invited to a gig by friend’s son’s ( truly terrible) band. They were not meant to know that and I planned to be polite about their (lack of) brilliance at that stage that evening – however unfortunately one of the earplugs disappeared into my ear and got stuck so that I ended up at a nearby hospital Accident and Emergency department to have the device retrieved from my ear. My secret was revealed since I was mysteriously absent from the after gig party,and the band paid me a visit at the hospital, greatly amused by my temporary medical predicament !!! So from my own experience, for that reason, I would not recommend earplugs as a solution to the bad sax dilemma!!! LOL!….xxx
music … I recieved my issue of the ost “one last dance” and I couldn’t be more happier!!!!
Like the movie it is a jewel! You both put hard work in it and it work out …
in the classrooms, in our kitchen cooking a meal, on the way to school or to work. This ost is so breathtaking, so lovely, drive by so much passion and love.
Listen to Patrick is wonderful. Even for peops who not knowing this brilliant movie, this kinda music will enlightening their days!
Lisa, thank you so so much for doing this movie with your heart!
It’s a jewel and I enjoy it from time to time. Love the audiocomments of you both. Very lovely and sweet!
You know, music transport feelings and passion so fast and so intense, that is remarkable ……..
Every time I hear the sound of dance I can see you dance <3
Thank you so much. I really appreciate your comments! And yes, the movie comes from a very deep place. XL
Thanks for your attention Lisa 🙂
Many thanks again for all the thoughts and prayers for my friends near the epicentre of Sunday’s magnitude 6.0 earthquake in Italy. On the subject of musicianship, Lisa will remember the party hosted by Patrick, together with other Planet Hollywood owner investors for the opening of the London restaurant in the 1990’s – Schwarzenegger, Stalllone, Bruce Willis, Demi Moore, etc were co-hosting the event. Just about every major Hollywood and UK star had been invited and I was then working as an entertainment television reporter, interviewing some of the stars and afterwards I was interviewed on camera about the party. Money appeared to be little object for the launch party so that just about any band from Bon Jovi to The Rolling Stones could have been booked for the event. However I recall that Bruce Willis ( better known for his “Die Hard” movies than for his musicianship!) had decided he and his band would play at the party. There were many who accused Bruce of single handedly clearing the party as soon as he started to perform with his band at around midnight! I ended up at a small table with Charlie Sheen and Helena Bonham Carter, who together with Bruce and Band, stuck it out until around 4 a.m. that night! And without the assistance of earplugs! In my television report I reasoned that if Bruce couldn’t play his music at his own party, where could he play!!!?!…(Bless!…) But it was a fun and memorable night! In my report I noted that Patrick had been forced to use the Ladies’ restroom, since Melanie Griffith and her (then) husband Don Johnson were occupying the Mens’ at the time, allegedly struggling with a faulty zip on Melanie’s dress – ( a likely story!) I speculated on the excitement of the ladies of London, upon finding Patrick in there! However security ensured that Patrick’s visit there was undisturbed! I still have the videotape ( as then was) from the TV footage we recorded and broadcast on that night – LOL – will have to dig it out and maybe put it on You Tube at some stage, including footage of Bruce and his band!!! Same it wasn’t Patrick, singing that night! Do you have enough of Patrick’s recordings to produce an album in the future, Lisa? He had a real talent for sonwriting and performing his own songs and others ( one or two including “Love Hurts” on “You Tube” at various events for us to still enjoy). x
Sending my thoughts and prayers for those who suffer with the recent earthquake.
And yes, I would love to put together an album of Patrick’s song sometime in the future. There were even pieces he was working on, and never published.
Oh yeah!!!
I know that they are many many people out there who would love to hear his songs!
That would be wonderful … <3
hah … I can’t stop enjoy the pieces of passion 🙂
The songs are all so timeless, I feel so much comforting listen to it …
Especially “When you touch me” is overwhelming, really! Maybe because it’s my favourite scene in the movie,- love the spirit and the message of this outstandungly dance, it is so sensitive and fragile …..
it shows so many vulnerability, so much pain but also so much deep faith and love, I can’t put it in words …….
Lisa, you create a masterpiece of emotions! And this piece will never die. It will always live. Always.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Ha ha I love the story about the raccoon-looking coat!!
And thanks for sharing the ‘Bad Sax’ story..
I don’t understand why some people don’t get the message and embarrass themselves….
Like the people who audition for talentshows on TV…It’s fun to watch though..
I do like street performers as long as they are good at their thing…In Middelburg ( Holland) there was this street performer who was very good at singing but he only knew one song so he was playing the same song every day….
I saw your comment about loving the bagpipes.. I love the bagpipes too!! A very emotional instrument.. I know many people hate the sound but I love it.. I’ve been to a few pipes & drums competitions and it was amazing..but if the player isn’t very good at it…….you just want to run away..!
Xxx
Happy Birthday Lisa!
Joyeux anniversaire!
clem
Merci!
Dear Lisa
All my best wishes for your birthday: lots of sunshine, joy in your heart, good friends and family near you, a rainbow only for you. I wished I would have the power to give you back what you wanted most: Patrick. We all miss him terrible. I am sure he is near you, especially today. You are such a lovely Lady and a wonderful dancer. I love “One last Dance”. You look like ONE UNIT. God bless you. Lots of love Dorothea
Hi Lisa, just thinkin of you, sending birthday wishes your way. Have a beautiful day . Take time and enjoy doing what you love. Treat yourself special. Make time for family,visit mom, hang with friends. If you feel a special presence know that Patrick is certainly surrounding you with love as always but especially today. Sending rainbows your way. Love n light, Nadine
Thanks. I do have some good friends coming over today. XL
And also via your website: Happy birthday, Lisa! Enjoy your day with your friends.!
Dear Lisa,
We would like to use the comment option on your website to say Happy Birthday and convey all our best wishes to you!
We just started reading your new book “Worth Fighting For” – thank you so much for giving us such touching and detailed insight into your and Patrick’s last 22 months together as well as into you personal aftermath.
Take care and keep fighting for those affected by pancreatic cancer.
Love & Light,
Yours,
Fan Club Buddy Baerbel & Mike
Thank you!
Dear Lisa,
We would like to use this comment option on your website to say Happ Birthday and convey all our best wishes to you!
We just started reading your new book “Worth Fighting For” – thank you so much for giving us such touching and detailed insight into your and Patrick’s last 22 months together as well as into your personal aftermath.
Take care & keep fighting for those affected by pancreatic cancer.
Love & Light,
Yours,
Fan Club Buddy Baerbel & Mike
Hi Lisa
Hope you had a very Happy Birthday and celebrated with friends, did you go anywhere nice for your birthday ?
Birthdays are a time to access your life and take time to have some spoilt me time and I hope you did this and had some fun. well take care God bless love Julie XXOX
What I did for my birthday is going to be in my next blog (unless something else pushes its way in)! Thanks, L
-“DITTO”!… – Happy Birthday, Lisa! Here in the UK it’s past midnight, but with you in the US it’s still your birthday so we are raising a glass to you on the day! Great news that you would like to produce an album (maybe a double album!?!) of Patrick’s music when you have the time. I am sure everyone would love to hear the songs he was working on and maybe your friends who wrote that beautiful song “Because of You” could help complete anything unfinished… As well as Patrick’s songs not yet released, it would be good to have the songs he recorded for his various movies altogether, as well as any interesting “cover” songs, or recordings made during his stage musicals, etc, from Grease to Chicago, Guys and Dolls – I wonder if there may also be recordings from the new musical Patrick was working on with Melissa Gilbert, as “Pa” in the Laura Ingalls Wilder based stage show? (I have always loved those books – as a child I read “Little House on the Prairie” before the other books were published in the UK and I had the sequels sent over from the States (long before the days of Amazon etc!) because I couldn’t wait to read them all!) I am sure Patrick was terrific in the role and so sorry not to have been able to see his performance in the (not public) previews of the show.However it’s great that he was able to make “The Beast”, and with you directing an episode also. I have not yet seen “One Last Dance” so that will be a treat for the near future for me. I know that as a stage show it was also highly acclaimed. Have you thought that you might reprise your role in the future on-stage if not too painful, perhaps as a tribute to Patrick and a great way to let people see you dancing and directing again? All things in good time, and only if and when you may feel ready for them, however ( like the house cleaning you mentioned recently!)Rest and travel are also good for the soul! We will look forward to hearing Patrick’s songs one day before too long – I know that you have also starred in musicals on Broadway and believe you play piano – did you write or record any songs with Patrick, Lisa? Even if not, maybe you could record your vocal if appropriate on any of the songs? ( I cannot imagine anyone who could not sing would have been cast in a lead role in such as Hellzapoppin’, as you were, so I am certain it would NOT be a case of “bad sax”!) Wish you good luck putting Patrick’s songs together in the near future, Lisa, and will look forward to hearing them when the time is right for that project! x
Hah! You’ve got a lot of ideas, girl! But you know what – I’d forgotten about “Love Hurts” w/ Larry Gatlin. And yes, Patrick and I did write together. Actually, we (and a third collaborator) wrote 2 songs for our “One Last Dance” soundtrack (I’m listed under another name)!
Lisa,
deepest sincere and heartfelt wishes for your birthday… I am so glad you threw yourself a celebration and so you should, I mean I know how confusing and indecisive it would have been for you but I too am certain Patrick would have wanted you to celebrate the day you, his everything, was born into the world and consequently being born into his life…
Much love
xx
P.S Sorry I am a day late, we were having Internet issues yesterday.
Joanna x
Dear Lisa,
Before all, ¡¡¡ Happy Birthday!!! so it’s late, i was busy, but i remembered of it. I hope enjoyed with your friends and family . You know, Patrick was certainly in your party, really, in some way.
I was reading your post of bad sax, i think people on the streets playing music, there are trully musicians on , but another must take lessons for not hurt the own ears.
Everybody deserves an opportunity, and there are musicians haven’t anybody say to them their talent, when they got it. When one doesn’t play well, people must walking out and everybody happy. Music is too much big for playing with her, like a child. For me is one of the most important thing in my life. I understood Lisa very well, and others comments of you.
I hope the musicians, if they have talent, find the really place in their life and enjoyed with their work.
My best wishes as always for you, and now more than never for you birthday, i hope next year i can do it with you.
With Love,
Maite Sánchez Grano de Oro
Hi Lisa- Happy Birthday! I actually sent you a message on Twitter but I guess I’m not doing it right because I never see my messages to you, like I see other messages. Anyway, can’t wait for your next blog to see what you did on your birthday!
Ingrid