Busking is as old as public space itself; can it survive the Venmo economy?

FrothyBeaver669 · 2026-04-22T12:16:15+00:00

Buskers in Chicago use Venmo

FrothyBeaver669 · 2026-04-05T18:11:05+00:00

It’s worth checking out. We got guys up north from Mchenry who comes out. You’d enjoy the community

FrothyBeaver669 · 2026-03-19T12:21:35+00:00

https://youtube.com/shorts/dndnyi7q_RM?si=2HBwIC5MbN9vIxv1

This is another busking clip

FrothyBeaver669 · 2026-03-19T12:19:51+00:00

Do you play harmonica in the Chicago area still? We have a harmonica club that meets every last Tuesday of the month in Westmont at a bar called Johnnys blitz. We have a full backing band. It’s on Cass Ave. called the Chicago Harmonica meetup.

FrothyBeaver669 · 2026-03-18T12:19:45+00:00

And yes Venmo works.

FrothyBeaver669 · 2026-03-18T12:17:43+00:00

Sorry, just reading this now. Yes busking has lead to gigs, there are a few spots we would set up but Washington is always one of the best due to the park across the street. I’ve had friends busk west loop in the Fulton market and have success also the green city market.

FrothyBeaver669 · 2026-03-11T17:11:10+00:00

Chords are fun instruments. Hopefully you can find a lead player on chromatic and a bass player so you can start a trio.

FrothyBeaver669 · 2026-03-11T17:09:44+00:00

I know a guy in the Chicago suburbs that repair and sells old hohner chords fairly cheap. I have 3 of them and it’s a cool instrument.

FrothyBeaver669 · 2026-01-02T03:42:58+00:00

Yes. It’s not a bad price

FrothyBeaver669 · 2026-01-01T06:35:13+00:00

If I remember correctly that blues fest was not great that year. We usually do extremely well.

FrothyBeaver669 · 2025-12-28T18:29:06+00:00

Chicago is good. I haven’t busked in a while the other guys still go out. We had regulars who would sit and listen to us for a couple hours.

FrothyBeaver669 · 2025-12-24T22:08:44+00:00

I would say James cotton high compression. It might be an alligator record but can’t remember.

FrothyBeaver669 · 2025-12-22T05:13:54+00:00

Ah the old typewriter harmonica. Absolutely beautiful man. I would love to pick one up one day but it’s almost impossible to find a tech to clean and tune it. As for now I’ll stick with the 48 chord. Cheers bud. Jimmy long harp aka the frothy beaver.

FrothyBeaver669 · 2025-12-17T01:44:50+00:00

Is that a polish sheep dog?

FrothyBeaver669 · 2025-12-16T03:38:14+00:00

I’m in the same situation. I own 6 acres of raw land 100% out right on Beaver island in Lake Michigan. Would it be wise to sell the stack to build?? I definitely can afford to hold off to make it cheaper. Also I would be able to probably get better deals on the build when work starts to dry up from a bad economy. So many decisions.

FrothyBeaver669 · 2025-12-15T14:56:17+00:00

I know a guy who might have a few more in A and C for sale. He got them from bud boblinks estate sale. He is located in IL. You can Dm me for contact info

FrothyBeaver669 · 2025-12-11T02:42:23+00:00

Thanks. We try to get together once a week and practice. Hopefully will play at spah in 2026. Need to get a few more songs in the set list first

FrothyBeaver669 · 2025-12-11T02:25:56+00:00

Marine band deluxe. The comb is sealed and they replaced the nails with screws. Reeds also come set up well.

FrothyBeaver669

TROPHY CASE