Homeless drummer marches to his own beat -- and he's happy
"People can live on a lot less money than they think they can."
United States News
See other United States News Articles
Title: NOPD boots homeless drummer from his usual spot. It was legal, but shouldn't be.
Source:
The Times-Picayune
URL Source: http://www.nola.com/music/index.ssf ... /busking_new_orleans_laws.html
Published: Nov 26, 2017
Author: Chelsea Brasted
Post Date: 2017-11-24 20:43:10 by Deckard
Keywords: None
Views: 1693
Comments: 48
Drive past the Carrollton Avenue neutral ground between Costco and Xavier University, and you're likely to see Memphis Mike. You can't miss him: He's the guy playing music by himself. But on Sept. 13, Memphis got booted from his spot. According to Memphis and as evidenced in a photo of the incident, two NOPD officers approached the musician and told him to pack up his things and move along. The officers, Memphis said, told him he was violating City Ordinance 14:1, and that he needed a permit to play his drums there. "After discussions with the City Attorney's Office, we have determined this individual must obtain a permit to play on the neutral ground," NOPD spokeswoman Ambria Washington wrote in an email about the incident. Memphis, who is homeless and makes his way to his usual Carrollton spot almost daily, shrugged it all off and showed back up the next day with his bass guitar, ready to keep playing along with his accompaniment: a small radio tuned to 95.7 FM. The ordinance, Memphis said, "is a real big bulls-- law." The ordinance -- which makes it "unlawful to keep any piano, organ or other musical instrument whatsoever" in a "public park or place of public resort or recreation," including a "licensed theatre or restaurant," without a permit -- was adopted in New Orleans 100 years ago. Back then, some powerful folks in the city tried to buckle down on vice. Storyville was notably shut down just months after 14:1 was enacted. The ordinance "can have no other aim than to hold the ground already gained in the stricter regulation of the saloon and the expulsion of the cabaret, which had become a stench in the nostrils of the community and whose removal earned for the city government the gratitude of every self-respecting man and woman in the community," reads a March 30, 1917, Daily States news item regarding challenges to the ordinance. I don't doubt anything about the stench of the cabaret; I've walked down Bourbon Street. But, 100 years later, when we've come to appreciate live music in our bars, throw down cash for performers busking in Jackson Square and actively sell the image of New Orleans as a place of music and culture -- what does this ordinance actually do? The Music and Culture Coalition of New Orleans' Guide to New Orleans Street Performance notes that permits aren't required for buskers to perform on the street, though there are guidelines about the specifics. You can't, for example, block any public rights of way, nor can you perform on Bourbon Street between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. There are also some noise level restrictions, and performers can't aggressively ask for tips. Ordinance 14:1 is not only vague -- what does "keep" an instrument mean? -- but read it one way, and it makes it illegal for any performer to actually have a music instrument without a permit. "Calling it hypocritical is too kind," said MACCNO spokeswoman and co-founder Hannah Kreiger-Benson. "It's an incredibly, stunningly clear example of the ways the laws in the books in the city are deeply hostile to culture." The law isn't often enforced, Kreiger-Benson said, but when it is, it's detrimental and confusing to performers. The ordinance "not being enforced is sort of the norm, but ... what the city values, the laws on the book kind of go beneath the lip service that everybody pays." "The fact that it ever existed and still exists -- it's that continuum of deeply unfriendly laws, which are occasionally pulled out as weapons," she said. A request for clarification on 14:1 was sent to the Mayor Mitch Landrieu's office, but it has yet to be answered. Memphis, for one, isn't worried. His bass doesn't even get plugged into anything, and he uses hunks of wood for make-believe pedals. His whole act is just for fun, and sometimes he gets a couple bucks out of the deal. "I entertain people, and if they want to give me money, they can, and if they don't that's fine," he said. "I guess you didn't like it." Memphis has been playing the drums for about 25 years. He started playing after injuring his hand in a motorcycle accident made his dexterity on the bass strings more difficult. He said he's played in reggae bands, country bands, gospel groups, and even a hip-hop group. And he's got a plan if police show up again to move him along. "If they say something about the bass, guess what?" he said. "I've got a harmonica."
Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread
Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest
#1. To: Deckard (#0)
There, I fixed your yella article. I'm the infidel... Allah warned you about. كافر المسلح
And he's got a plan if police show up again to move him along. "If they say something about the bass, guess what?" he said. "I've got a harmonica." "If they say something about the bass, guess what?" he said. "I've got a harmonica." Uh…how is a harmonica exempt for the ordinance which makes it "unlawful to keep any piano, organ or other musical instrument whatsoever?" How can the harmonica not be considered a “musical instrument?” Can you please explain that? You are such a simpleton …
It seems you like to enforce tyranny. Fuck those asshole who harassed him. He didn't break any law. Read the stupid words in the pretend law carefully.
Anyone worried about the man playing music is an asshole and should be beaten with rocks.
Unfortunately, he won't do "pretend" time or pay a "pretend" fine. I'm sure the law would stand the constitutional test. There have been millions of laws from millions of municipalities... regulating the sheeps ability to be the most important person they know... like subjecting other people in PUBLIC to their noise, smell and filth... just because they like it. You are on the cusp of normal thinking. Goldie was similar... but would cater to the internet FR kooks, because she wanted to keep her posting base. Someone needs to create a home for the CT, drug loving antifa kooks, after they get banned from the bigger, more normal forums. We are a nation of laws. When you pick and choose which one you will obey, you live on a slippery slope... and most likely, the filth that caused the laws you don't agree with, to be made. I personally loath those that cause laws to be made. They are kinda like those few cops I use to work with that did such outrageous things, they caused new POLICY... and in most cases reduced some sort of freedom in the why you could perform the job. If you worked in my department and created new policies because you felt you could pick and choose what policy you'd follow or do stupid shit (because you're the most important person you know)... I'd take care of your problem, behind the scenes. I'm the infidel... Allah warned you about. كافر المسلح
ROTFL
It's not exempt - that's the point. This guy refuses to be cowed by a bullshit law like this, and surprise surprise - here you are cheering just such a law by displaying your submissive fetish for authority. A law against playing a harmonica ! Can a law possibly be any more petty than that? How about a slide whistle - should he be cited for that if he chooses to play one? I knew when I posted this you would be one of the first statist pricks to respond. Spoken by a person that doesn't have to live with the noise or the condition(s) it creates. How self important of you... to choose what should and shouldn't bother the other sheep. Liberals think the same way about other people's money. You turning a little liberal... because socialist and racist Willie Green doesn't agree with the law... and you two are running elbows on this subject quite the same. You're starting to worry me Stone. I think you've been acclimated to the liberal filth that post here, too much. It's probably like being forced to watch CNN 24/7... running this forum. I'm the infidel... Allah warned you about. كافر المسلح
The definition of criminal cock sucker... a guy that refuses to be cowed by a bullshit law I'm the infidel... Allah warned you about. كافر المسلح
ROTFL
You are so predictable, everyone has you nailed.
If some ways, I can also predict in some cases. I predict you had Rose take your “mug shot looking” picture off her FB page after my post to you about it.
When standing on the same street corner in the same spot all day and day after day panhandling tourists as they walk by….sure. He wasn't "panhandling". "I entertain people, and if they want to give me money, they can, and if they don't that's fine," he said. "I guess you didn't like it." It's hilarious watching the statists on this thread doing what they do best - cheerleading for their god, the State. The law isn't often enforced, Kreiger-Benson said, but when it is, it's detrimental and confusing to performers. The ordinance "not being enforced is sort of the norm, but ... what the city values, the laws on the book kind of go beneath the lip service that everybody pays." "The fact that it ever existed and still exists -- it's that continuum of deeply unfriendly laws, which are occasionally pulled out as weapons," she said. New Orleans IS a music town - tourists flock there for the MUSIC, whether it's being played in clubs and bars, or played on the street. You and the other totalitarian government worshipers would have any vestige of culture erased. Because he didn't "ask permission" from some petty bureaucrat. Do you not see the utter pettiness here? I have no doubts that you would praise the city for citing someone for whistling or even singing The fact that this archaic law is arbitrarily enforced is lost on you clowns. Probably. But if he did “Mr. Bojangles” a cappella [for your uneducated soul, that means without instrumental accompaniment]….that probably would be okay. Just guessing….what do you think?
It's like predicting that the sun will rise in the east. Probably. That statement succinctly sums up your entire world-view. What a colossal ass! Oh ….hmmm. I see … He just had his tin cup on the sidewalk where he was playing so tourists could throw money into it thinking they were throwing the money in the trash.
Ever seen a tip jar? Are all those coffee shops with tip jars on the counter "panhandling"? The guy did NOT ask for money - you just can't seem to grasp the simple concept that passersby were entertained by his musical performances so they would give the money VOLUNTARILY. If the law is determined to be ”archaic” by the citizens, then it should be either changed or abolished. The should be no selective disregard for a current law….as there should also be no arbitrarily selective enforcement of a current law by LEOs. If TFTP thinks City Ordinance 14:1 is so bad, then they should be doing their civic duty and making a move to have it changed or abolished instead of trying to embarrass cops for doing their job as dictated by city officials. Nah, they don’t want to do that….they want to get you bleeding heart libertarian assholes crying and stamping your “wittle” feet then rolling on the floor.
You don’t verbally ASK for money to “panhandle” idiot. A tin cup on the sidewalk while you play an instrument is PANHANDLING.
But it's not panhandling when the tip jar is in a coffee shop? Good grief! He's that good, huh? People give him money because his musical performances are entertaining, not because he's begging on the street. Well then, perhaps he should do as the rest of musicians do and perform at a theater.
panhandle: beg in the street So, by definition, no.
Contributions are voluntary. People CHOOSE to give him money for a service rendered. Not panhandling. Hey, Bubba….you can’t make up your own definitions as to what is and what isn’t panhandling.
Panhandling is asking for money. The drummer provided a service - people chose to give him money for entertaining them. No matter how you and paulsen keep claiming that it's panhandling - it really isn't. Panhandle verb (used without object), panhandled, panhandling. I will give you this one….I will accept this definition of panhandling. By definition, he was not panhandling. However, since you went to the dictionary….I will also go there. By definition…he was soliciting. solicit He didn’t ask for, but he was definitely trying to obtain money since he had his tin cup on the sidewalk. He was definitely soliciting. So instead of calling him a “panhandler”….I will in the future refer to him as a “solicitor.”
He didn’t ask for, but he was definitely trying to obtain money since he had his tin cup on the sidewalk. He was playing music. The passersby enjoyed what he was doing and were entertained. They were under NO OBLIGATION to give him any money. Unless of course you believe that the mere act of performing music is solicitation. In that case - anyone standing at an intersection or in a park whistling, singing or humming is also "soliciting" He probably forgot to pay them off.
In the entire history of the world,the only nations that had to build walls to keep their own citizens from leaving were those with leftist governments.
Just cut of their fucking heads like the other asshole barbarians do: Go all the way against the heathen….let’s don’t be so shy.
Just cut of their fucking heads Entertainment envy is an ugly thing. You can only dream of this kind of rockin' action including the kids, at your dilapidated "gated community". Memphis Mike won't be coming to your sleazy venue! Eat your heart out.
***SNICKER*** There is nothing “dilapidated” in Scottsdale. Scottsdale's wealthiest areas might surprise you. Nah, tomorrow I will again be eating at one of the most essential restaurants in Scottsdale. Now, peckerhead, you eat your envious heart out….and quit jealously cyber stalking me to continually post your asinine low-intelligence memes.
Pretty sure Gatlin would approve of beheading potheads. No one gives a shit where you eat. Hmmm … Man, high on pot candy, gets 30 years prison for killing wife If the guillotine were the selected method of execution instead of a lethal injection and this pothead had been given the death penalty, then I could see it fulfilling its apparatus design for efficiently carrying out his execution by beheading.
Au contraire mon ami….I certainly do and it will be most enjoyable.
Follow up: I could probably find a few potheads who caused traffic fatalities that were linked to marijuana in Colorado to drop the blade on also. On a case by case basis of course.
I am sure being the Christian you are, you know the verse well that I am about to quote….as most all of us do, since it is virtually universally known and often times quoted. So, if you will please now permit me, I would like to share John 8:7 with you….if for no other reason but to keep the sentiment behind it constantly in my own mind. Here we go … And you have a Blessed Sunday …
I just LOVE this!
I prefer something more exclusive than snobby. https://www.castawayburbank.com/home-v2
Memphis, shrugged it all off and showed back up the next day... basically saying, fuck you and your laws. I'll do what I please.
#2. To: GrandIsland (#1)
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul
Those who most loudly denounce Fake News are typically those most aggressively disseminating it.
#3. To: Deckard, GrandIsland (#2)
And he's got a plan if police show up again to move him along.
#4. To: GrandIsland (#1)
#5. To: Gatlin (#3)
#6. To: Deckard (#0)
#7. To: A K A Stone (#4)
(Edited)
Pretend law
#8. To: GrandIsland (#7)
drug loving antifa kooks
#9. To: Gatlin (#3)
Uh…how is a harmonica exempt for the ordinance which makes it "unlawful to keep any piano, organ or other musical instrument whatsoever?"
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul
Those who most loudly denounce Fake News are typically those most aggressively disseminating it.
#10. To: A K A Stone (#5)
#11. To: Deckard (#9)
This guy refuses to be cowed by a bullshit law
#12. To: GrandIsland, A K A Stone (#10)
I think you've been acclimated to the liberal filth that post here, too much.
#13. To: Deckard (#9)
A law against playing a harmonica!
When standing on the same street corner in the same spot all day and day after day panhandling tourists as they walk by….sure. Can a law possibly be any more petty than that?
You would say that it would be more petty…if he were standing in street corner smoking a reefer.
#14. To: Deckard (#9)
I knew when I posted this you would be one of the first statist pricks to respond.
Well if you are such a great psychic medium then you also would have known exactly what I would post. If I give you permission to make my responsive posts….then you will save me some effort. Eh?
#15. To: Gatlin, Deckard (#14)
#16. To: buckeroo (#15)
#17. To: Gatlin (#13)
(Edited)
A law against playing a harmonica!
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul
Those who most loudly denounce Fake News are typically those most aggressively disseminating it.
#18. To: Deckard (#9)
How about a slide whistle - should he be cited for that if he chooses to play one?
#19. To: buckeroo (#15)
You are so predictable, everyone has you nailed.
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul
Those who most loudly denounce Fake News are typically those most aggressively disseminating it.
#20. To: Gatlin (#18)
How about a slide whistle - should he be cited for that if he chooses to play one?
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul
Those who most loudly denounce Fake News are typically those most aggressively disseminating it.
#21. To: Deckard (#17)
He wasn't "panhandling".
#22. To: Gatlin (#21)
He just had his tin cup on the sidewalk where he was playing so tourists could throw money into it thinking they were throwing the money in the trash
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul
Those who most loudly denounce Fake News are typically those most aggressively disseminating it.
#23. To: Deckard (#17)
The fact that this archaic law is arbitrarily enforced is lost on you clowns.
#24. To: Deckard (#22)
Ever seen a tip jar?
Yes, I have seen a tip jar. Are all those coffee shops with tip jars on the counter "panhandling"?
Nope, and those collecting the tips are not on the street in NO violating a city ordinance while playing music to panhandle….are they?
#25. To: Deckard (#22)
The guy did NOT ask for money -
#26. To: Gatlin (#25)
A tin cup on the sidewalk while you play an instrument is PANHANDLING.
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul
Those who most loudly denounce Fake News are typically those most aggressively disseminating it.
#27. To: Deckard (#22)
the simple concept that passersby were entertained by his musical performances so they would give the money VOLUNTARILY.
#28. To: Deckard (#26)
But it's not panhandling when the tip jar is in a coffee shop?
#29. To: misterwhite (#27)
begging on the street
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul
Those who most loudly denounce Fake News are typically those most aggressively disseminating it.
#30. To: Deckard (#29)
(Edited)
#31. To: Gatlin (#30)
(Edited)
...you can’t make up your own definitions as to what is and what isn’t panhandling.
1. verb (used with object), panhandled, panhandling. to accost passers-by on the street and beg from them. 2. to accost and beg from. 3.
to obtain by accosting and begging from someone. “Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul
Those who most loudly denounce Fake News are typically those most aggressively disseminating it.
#32. To: Deckard (#31)
VERB
Ask for or try to obtain (something) from someone.
#33. To: Gatlin (#32)
solicit VERB Ask for or try to obtain (something) from someone.
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul
Those who most loudly denounce Fake News are typically those most aggressively disseminating it.
#34. To: Deckard (#0)
#35. To: A K A Stone (#5)
Anyone worried about the man playing music is an asshole and should be beaten with rocks.
Ah shit, man….why bother with just stoning them, maybe to death.
#36. To: Gatlin, Deckard, Willie Green (#35)
#37. To: hondo68 (#36)
(Edited)
… in your dilapidated gated community …
Scottsdale is a prosperous place. Only Paradise Valley in the entire metro Phoenix area has a higher median income.
A 7,000- square-foot home built into side of Black Mountain across from Boulders Resort. (Photo: The Republic) Eat your heart out.
Scottsdale is sometimes known to a few Valley residents as "Snobsdale" because it's the place to go for luxurious shopping and the occasional overpriced eat. Honestly, this [Scottsdale] is the Phoenix suburb for those who want the best of the best. Sure, it’s not for everyone, but it's hard to deny that, amongst the shiny new shopping malls and a few highbrows, there are some pretty excellent restaurants in town. From steakhouses like the Pink Pony, to unique concepts perfected by local chefs (shoutout to Barrio Queen), these places ensure that Scottsdale is one of the state's top culinary destinations.
#38. To: hondo68 (#36)
You can only dream of this kind of rockin' action including the kids, at your dilapidated "gated community".
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul
Those who most loudly denounce Fake News are typically those most aggressively disseminating it.
#39. To: Gatlin (#37)
(Edited)
Nah, tomorrow I will again be eating at one of the most essential restaurants in Scottsdale.
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul
Those who most loudly denounce Fake News are typically those most aggressively disseminating it.
#40. To: Deckard (#38)
Pretty sure Gatlin would approve of beheading potheads.
#41. To: Deckard (#39)
No one gives a shit where you eat.
#42. To: Deckard (#40)
#43. To: Gatlin (#35)
Go all the way against the heathen….let’s don’t be so shy.
#44. To: A K A Stone (#5)
(Edited)
Anyone worried about the man playing music is an asshole and should be beaten with rocks.
Forgive me for returning to this, but while reading on the Internet I came across a message that caused me to remember your post here and come back to it. The Woman Caught in Adultery -
Thank you.
… They said this to test Him, in order to have a basis for accusing Him. But Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with His finger. When they continued to question Him, He straightened up and said to them, “Whoever is without sin among you, let him be the first to cast a stone at her.” And again He bent down and wrote on the ground.…
~ Berean Study Bible.
#45. To: Willie Green (#6)
#46. To: Gatlin (#37)
Nah, tomorrow I will again be eating at one of the most essential restaurants in Scottsdale.
#47. To: goldilucky (#46)
The Castaway.
I know of the place.
I have never eaten there….some friends have.
I could enjoy a prime rib meal there.
#48. To: goldilucky (#45)
Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest
[Home] [Headlines] [Latest Articles] [Latest Comments] [Post] [Mail] [Sign-in] [Setup] [Help] [Register]