For Robin O’Herin, who makes her living as a traveling blues and gospel musician, busking is an integral part of her musical career. O’Herin’s mix of slide and finger-style guitar has earned her placements in blues competitions and festivals around the world. On July 21, she will be returning once again to the local Berkshire Busk! festival, which has hosted the performer since its inaugural year.
“I started busking back in 2005 in Harvard Square, Boston.” O’Herin said over email. “When the wind blew my custom-made bottleneck [guitar slide] onto the cobblestones, where it shattered, that ended my Boston Busking career!”
A seasoned performer, O’Herin is familiar with all the highs and lows of playing outdoors for tips, weather included. “In a way, it’s more challenging and more intimate than playing in a ticketed venue. I like both for different reasons.” said O’Herin. “When busking, audience response is immediate. Even people just passing by have positive things to share about my performance. My favorite busking gig is with Berkshire Busk! because [they] have created a welcoming environment for both musicians and audiences. I look forward to it every year.”
The blues guitarist knows that curating a show for the audience at hand is key. That is why she curates different set lists for each occasion, mixing in covers by artists she finds inspirational like Blind Willie Johnson and Memphis Minnie, as well as her many original tunes. O’Herin also makes sure to get a gauge on the audience that finds her each night, leading to one of her favorite busking experiences:
“Last summer I was playing on the street in Northampton. Across the street people were eating dinner and I knew they were listening. Suddenly I felt a strong urge to play a Grateful Dead tune that I probably hadn’t played in 20 years! When the couple finished dinner they came over to talk with me. The husband said, ‘We loved your performance. Last night we were in NYC for a Grateful Dead Tribute Show and I said to my wife, “I wish she could play ‘I Know You Rider’…and then you did!”‘ They thanked me again and gave me a $50 tip.”
Serendipity aside, O’Herin also teaches music and has plenty of tips for those looking to begin busking. Besides layering up and using your best judgment on the safety of your equipment when it comes to weather-based challenges, busking is like any other skill: Practice makes perfect.
“Practice in front of a mirror and learn to look up, don’t close your eyes, and SMILE! Then get out there and play as often as you can.” said O’Herin. “Set a goal for a minimum of 100 gigs a year. Interact with people when performing and always thank them when they leave a tip. Be kind and thankful and really good at what you do.”
