BajaNomad - Roving musician

Roving musician

Santiago - 8-6-2005 at 06:44 AM

My son and I were at an Ensenada resturant about 10pm, about 4 or 5 other patrons. After getting our drinks, the roving guitar player comes to our table and asks if we would like for him to play us a song. You can't say 'No' - right? So we pick a classical song and he does a really good job. When done, he asks if we want another song but we decline saying we would like to order. we thank him profusely, and after quite a few awkward moments, he finely says, "Three dollars please". OK, OK, now I get it! Only having $5, I give him that and wave off the change. How many fax pas did I do here?
1. Must be OK to just say 'no' in the first place?
2. I always feel a little dumb sitting there with a grin on my face, not being able to talk to whomever is with me, while the music is going on 3 feet from my ear. Is it OK to have him play, but on the other side of the room so it's more like background music, or will this be taken as an insult? I enjoy the live musicians, I just don't want them in my lap.

bajajudy - 8-6-2005 at 06:50 AM

Sanitago
That is a tough call. I say No Gracias but it doesnt always work. One thing I definitely do, if I want to listen to some music, is ask how much. $3 is cheap by Cabo standards. I have never heard of anyone asking them to go to the other side of the room to play but it is certainly an idea! When there are 4 or 5 of them it can get to be quite loud.

[Edited on 8-6-2005 by bajajudy]

Bruce R Leech - 8-6-2005 at 06:50 AM

#1 just say 'no' in the first place.

Oso - 8-6-2005 at 08:15 AM

If you can perfect the "finger wag", you don't have to say anything. No, not THAT finger! The right index finger. This is the way Mexicans say no to street vendors etc. You simply wag it from side to side without moving the rest of the hand. You can accompany this with a slight smile and shake of the head, you don't have to scowl, but don't make too big a grin either or you're giving conflicting messages.

Done correctly, it is not impolite and is usually heeded without further attempt. It means "No thank you, end of discussion."

If you do want to hear a favorite song, it's ok to ask ?A como? (How much each?- song or whatever) I don't know about asking him or them to play from farther away. That could be interpreted badly.

Also, don't pay until they finish. Because "Musico pagado toca mal son".- applicable to many things.

bajalou - 8-6-2005 at 08:19 AM

A "Gracias, no" always works around here, maybe adding "otra tiempo". Usually answered with a smile and nod as they depart to the next table.

:cool:

burro bob - 8-6-2005 at 09:37 AM

Santiago
Just saying no thank you usually works. However not all the time.
We get some really sad looking street musicians here in San Felipe. Some of them are ok and some are not. I don't think there is any person or group I would call great.
A few are nothing more than singing panhandlers and will just walk up, ask if you would like a song, and just start singing before you can say no. They can be a real pain in the but. They don't go into the restaurants usually but they do harrass the people eating on the porches and sidewalks. At a couple of restaurants I have seen the waiter go out and start clapping when the person is finished with the song. And then tell them that is all they are going to get and discourage the guests from giving any money. The tourists usually feel obligated to pay something.
The first time in Mexico we were in Puerto Nuevo right before Xmas. The place was dead. We were eating at a different restaurant every night and constantly had roving bands around. One night we were in a nice restaurant that actually had about four other tables of diners. Probably about half of the people eating out that evening. Sure enough it wasn't long before a nice 7 piece band with a horn section came in and they were instantly hired to play. After a few songs while they were between songs another horn section anounced itself at the door with the opening notes of another mariachi song and a second mariachi band marched into the restaurant. They finished their song and it became a battle of the mariachi bands. It was impossible to talk and hard to eat when you are busy clapping. They finished about 45 minutes later by playing a couple of songs togeather, something like 14 or 15 musicians. When they passed the hat we tipped each group $10 US, and felt like we were being real cheap. The waiter later said that since they had just started playing on their own then that was generous. It was obvious that both bands were friends and possibly one of the other tables had aranged it.
I just wish wish we had some really good mariachi bands here in San Felipe. You guys on the west coast have all the good ones.
burro bob

Dave - 8-6-2005 at 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Santiago
I always feel a little dumb sitting there with a grin on my face, not being able to talk to whomever is with me, while the music is going on 3 feet from my ear. Is it OK to have him play, but on the other side of the room so it's more like background music, or will this be taken as an insult? I enjoy the live musicians, I just don't want them in my lap.

Talk to the management/owner instead of the musician/s. Your wish should be their command.

Just belt them across the lips!

yankeeirishman - 8-6-2005 at 04:17 PM

Kidding!

You say "yes" to them window washers too? How bout that great hand painting of Jesus? The clay Red Hot peppers on a string? Well?that guy and his street band understands the word ?no?, clearly too!

Down and dirty.....Say NO Thanks! Politely. Firm. With a smile. At times they have continued with the music after I said no thanks?then hold out their hand for the payoff. I hold my ground.

[Edited on 8-6-2005 by yankeeirishman]

Packoderm - 8-6-2005 at 07:38 PM

If they start playing after you have made it plain that you don't want their services, you can retract any bills or coins that may be lying on your restaraunt table, tightly hold your hands over your ears, shake your head from side to side, and loudly yell, "No! No! No!"

relax and enjoy...

eetdrt88 - 8-6-2005 at 08:09 PM

good live music doesnt always show up right at your table :light:

now i find out??

jerry - 8-6-2005 at 09:27 PM

after getting bugged my the great band in loreto every time i go to eat . i must admit i love it, i one night bought the Bass
solved that problem for 2 weeks he had a new one then i had everyone that knew everone bringing my musical instruments i cant play a lick and i still havent gotten it back to the states oh well it will keep :?:

have a good one