Meredith Mullins Monthly Photo Feature:Paris Street Musicians

Meredith sent me so many fantastic and captivating photos of Paris street musicians, I couldn't fit them all in one posting, so this is part one of a two part series.

There are more street musicians in Paris than in any other city in the world. They are in the long tunnels of the metro, under the arches of the Place des Vosges, and on the romantic bridges connecting island to island and bank to bank. They must claim their territories like guerrilla fighters when competition is fierce and move quickly, like shadows, from the police. They play as much for themselves, for their passion, as for their audience. But when you pass by a spirited musician and the music goes deep, there is nothing like the connection you feel. It is Paris. And, no doubt some day, when the police finally sweep the streets and the artists grow weary of the battles, we'll all say "Where's the music? We need a little beauty in our lives."
Meredith Mullins

Meredith Mullins is an internationally exhibited American photographer, currently living in Paris. Visit www.meredithmullins.artspan.com to see more of the Paris images. Her award-winning book, In A Paris Moment (click here to order), and her 2008 Paris Calendar can be ordered online or in bookstores throughout the U.S.Original photographs are available directly through the artist.

January Special:All tours are 160 euros instead of 175 euros

I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.

I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com

Comments

[Oriole]

Though there still might be some rogue musicians, since 1996 the RATP(French public travel authority) decreed that for musicians to be allowed to perform in the corridors and halls of Metro stations, but not on platforms or in cars, they must obtain a badge issued by the RATP to protect them from police harassment. The result being that musicians must audition before Metro officials to compete for the limited number of badges (250 originally, and about 2/3 goes to non-french musicians). Every 6 months, a new audition is required. Its a great way for professional musicians and conservatory students to make money AND get free rehersal space without the neighbors complaining of noise!

[Maria Ruiz]

Listening to street musicians I feel is one of the most sublime experiences I've had in Paris. I recall a particular female singing outside Deux Magots, it was amazing to be walking around and getting a free concert at the same time.

[JWiecking]

I'm sorry, most of the Metro musicians--in the trains at least, not in the stations like Concorde--I can remember have been real pains for anybody who has a musical education. But those are lovely photos.

[Scooter]

The street musicians are one of my best memories of Paris. On my first visit, on the first day, dirty and tired (delayed flights and lost luggage) my husband and I were sitting in the drizzle in Place des Vosges when I heard a string orchestra playing Vivaldi's Four Seasons (Spring). Fatigue and dirty clothes didn't matter. I was in Paris and it was perfect.

[Jaybird]

I'm not too familiar with the street scene in Paris, but NYC is alive and well. This article is a pretty good look at global street performing.
http://musicnation.musicnation.com/blog/2008/02/street-musicians-part-ii

[Jaybird]

I'm not too familiar with the street scene in Paris, but NYC is alive and well. This article is a pretty good look at global street performing.
http://musicnation.musicnation.com/blog/2008/02/street-musicians-part-ii