Troubadour Collective

30 Jonathan | Laguna Beach

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:26:38 GMT

I met Joanthan on Laguna Beach, like on the beach! It was a beautiful area and he setup in a perfect spot. He was a little shook as he's just been harassed by one of the regulars in the area. He took it in stride and ripped through 4 tunes!

00:00 - Rock and a Hard Place

03:01 - Fast Car

07:17 - Simple Man

12:28 - Savin' Me

29 Warren | Laguna Beach

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:26:37 GMT

Our travels take us West to Laguna Beach, California where I met up with Warren. He was warming up for a performance that night as one half of Keith & Warren. He is a popular fixture with one local stopping to tell me how much she appreciates his playing and how good he is. I couldn't argue, she was right on both accounts. It's one of the shorter episodes but I was more than happy to capture what I was able to. I hope to travel back to Laguna Beach soon to capture a full Keith & Warren performance. A special thanks to Warren.

28 Louis | New York

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:26:35 GMT

I ran into Louis the day before this taping and asked if he would be willing to record. He felt like his strings were being "lazy" and he wasn't sure when he'd have time to get more. I threw my back pack down and handed him a brand new set of house strings from South Austin Music and asked if we could meet up the next day. It turned out Louis loved the strings and we met up the next day in Union Square! I really liked this performance. I love the distortion on the vocals, I love the tripod mic stand, and Louis gives a raw and emotional performance. Enjoy!

00:00 - You Do Something to Me

04:19 - Fall at Your Feet

07:49 - Little WIng

10:50 - Don't Look Back in Anger

14:51 - Creep

27 Evan | New York

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:26:33 GMT

Episode 27 takes us south to Lower Manhattan and Washington Square Park. This is where is met up with Evan, a very well known busker in the area. He, and a few of his friends, put on a lively performance and I felt fortunate to get to be there. I was in the area for work and a couple days later a co worker, who had gone in to the city the night before, walked up to me and said I had to see this video of a busker he'd recorded. It was Evan.

00:00 - Reminiscing

03:17 - Nothing from Nothing

05:29 - Instrumental

07:09 - Everybody Wants to Rule the World

26 Ralph | New York

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:26:31 GMT

On my way out of the park I came across Ralph hanging out on The Mall. Ralph is Ralph Williams, a long time fixture in Central Park, along with his tenor saxophone. He moved to the city to be part of it's jazz scene, inspired by artists like Joe Henderson, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, and Dexer Gordon. According to numerous articles and interviews available on the web he has become a scene all by himself. He's here for a good time, not a long time, enjoy!

25 Carlos | New York City

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:37:53 GMT

Between The Mall and Bethesda Terrace/Fountain in Central Park is a walkway that takes you under Terrace Dr. known as Bethesda Arcade. It is a gorgeous space featuring 49 panels of tiles from the Minton Tile Company. It is one of the only places where their tiles can be found on the ceiling rather than the floor. The scenery and acoustics were the perfect host for Carlos König and his classical guitar. His music suits the environment perfectly and creates a whole vibe that needs to be experienced to truly appreciate it. Carlos is a regular fixture at Bethesda Arcade and it well worth the trip into the park to see. Carlos is also a popular Salsa dance instructor in the park as well!

24 Natalia | New York City

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:37:51 GMT

If you've never heard the sound of a saw being played it is unmistakable. Think a large wood saw with the teeth filed off and played with a bow like a violin or cello. Imagine my surprise coming across someone playing a saw in the Union Square subway station. I was headed to Union Square Park and I as soon as I hit the platform I heard the hauntingly beautiful sound that a saw makes. I almost couldn't believe my eyes when I first laid eyes on Natalia @SawLady Paruz. While I have seen one saw played in this style before, I had never seen anyone with the handle on the end of the blade, that gave Natalia more control of the sound. Enjoy one of the most unique performances I've captured and make sure to be on the lookout for Natalia around the NYC Subway system! She is an official artist with Music Under New York (MUNY) which is a program run by the MTA Arts & Design program. Artist must apply, be accepted, and then are scheduled to perform at certain locations and times.

23 Luis | New York City

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:37:50 GMT

I met Luis in the Times Square subway station in Manhattan where he was entertaining thousands of New Yorkers as they made their way on a Wednesday night. He was belting out some hits and dancing along with the people. New York has an energy that is unique to the city and Luis is definitely one of the people adding to that vibe.

00:00 - My Way

02:09 - Pirates of the Caribbean

04:54 - The Simpson's Theme

06:45 - Pink Panther

09:51 - In the Mood

13:13 - The Glory Days

15:37 - Mamma Mia 18:06 - Let it Go

22:01 - Hedwig's Theme

26:31 - Venezuela

22 Grant | Denver

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:37:47 GMT

In the shadows of Coors Field in downtown Denver is a "micro-district" known as Dairy Block. There is this really neat alley that runs between the buildings and that is where I found Grant strumming along. He recorded 4 original songs that sounded so familiar. After recording, I didn't ask him what songs he'd performed because I was sure I'd heard them before. It wasn't until I started editing the episode I realized they were originals! I have to say I am impressed with the song writing coming out of Denver.

The mural in the video is called "An Ode to the Eyes" and was painted by Nicholas Napoletano (@napoletanoart).

00:00 - Another Day, Another Dollar

06:27 - Through the Breeze

10:14 - Rivers You Must Cross

15:49 - Like a Fountain

21 Mike | Denver

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:37:45 GMT

I met MIke ( @painwavesband ) on the 16th Street Mall in Denver. He was busking outside a 7-11 off Champa and sounded great. He recorded two originals and one verse of a third. He's a talented young man and worth a listen if you find yourself hanging out in Denver.

20 Erin | Nashville

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 07:28:45 GMT

Episode 20! That happened fast! I can't think of a better way to celebrate than a 10 song epic performance from Erin Firman. The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge connects downtown Nashville with East Nashville where Nissan Stadium (Tennessee Titans) is. The CMA Music Festival was wrapping up, while there were some performances downtown, all the headliners were at Nissan Stadium. Erin setup on the bridge halfway between downtown and the stadium which turned out to be an excellent pitch! I am not sure he gets through a full song without getting tipped and stopping to thank his supporters. It was one of those magical moments where you feel like you are exactly where you need to be. The music was excellent and the views are almost as good.

Watch Erin's full performance on YouTube! https://youtu.be/TIwkP1BhUOI?si=NL_AM2DU19W48cOR

00:00 - Simple Man

05:24 - In Color

09:39 - Someone

14:06 - Black

18:58 - Turn the Page

24:47 - Carried Away

28:35 - If You Could Only See

33:27 - Be Like That

37:29 - I'm Gonna Be Somebody

42:33 - Runaway Train

19 Broadway Rapper | Nashville

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 07:28:43 GMT

If you are ever in Nashville, going to watch the Broadway Rapper is a must. It's one part freestyle hip hop, one part stand up comedy, and one part fashion show. He's got the ladies strutting around and the fellas laughing, everyone has a good time.

Watch the full perfromance on YouTube! https://youtu.be/YWWnM7cr-H8?si=LQkzs8o71k3VIqua

18 Rhino | Nashville

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 07:28:41 GMT

I was in Nashville in June and the CMT Music Festival happened to be going on that weekend and there were lots of folks out and about. I ran into Rhino at the corner of 2nd and Commerce just a few blocks from Broadway. I was standing on the corner and could here someone playing a drum but I couldn't find them for the life of me. Well, there is a parking garage above the buildings and that's were I finally found Rhino playing a Jimbay! He was in town to busk for the festival, so we walked down to the street and recorded this set. Rock and roll on a Jimbay!

Watch Rhino's full performance on YouTube! https://youtu.be/YWWnM7cr-H8?si=LQkzs8o71k3VIqua

00:00 - Like a Stone

03:50 - Second Chance

06:56 - Man in a Box

10:53 - I Am the Highway

14:54 - Fell on Black Days

18:07 - Back in Black

17 59th St | New York

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 07:28:39 GMT

I was headed back to my hotel and decided to walk South out of Central Park and catch a ride at the Colubus Circle subway station. As soon as I walked in I could hear someone playing piano! I couldn't believe my ears. I looked around everywhere but couldn't find anyone, or a piano. Right as I was about to give up I glanced across the tracks and spotted a gentleman sitting behind a keyboard tickling the ivory. I raced down the tunnel connecting the uptown and downtown traffic and popped out right behind him. It was a busy stop and I didn't want to interrupt. I patiently waited for my opportunity and luckily he agreed to let me record! I could tell he had been there a while and it was close to quiting time, I felt very fortunate to get the three songs I did. We started packing up at the same time, I turned around to say goodbye and get his information, but he was gone. Does anyone know who this is?

You can watch the full performance on YouTube! https://youtu.be/uACFwSETPWA?si=pq1P6wvSZfC0payn

16 Rachel Herman Trio | New York

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 07:28:36 GMT

I'm sitting at the lake in Central Park, trying to catch my breath. I had just recorded the West Fourth Trio and it was a hot summer day, I needed some shade. As I'm sitting there I keep seeing this thing pop out of the top of a bush and disappear. I didn't pay it any attention at first but soon realized I had no clue what I was looking at. It looked like a very skinny bird playing peek a boo. I finally pulled out my phone and zoomed all the way in to try to get a picture of what I was looking at. I soon realized it was the top of a bow that kept poking out from the top of the bush. Was there someone playing a instrument back there? I walked around to the get a better look and there was a trio playing guitar, bass, and fiddle! It took me a while to work out how to get to them but when I did I was introduced to the Rachel Herman Trio! They had wondered down one of the nature trails in the park to practice for an upcoming gig, at a liquor store no less! They agreed to let me setup some gear and capture this unique performance.

You can watch their full performance on YouTube! https://youtu.be/zwr0BCXXcdk?si=oTuge1fKUMe_KOsm

00:00 - Blue RIdge Cabin Home

03:08 - St. Ann's Reel

05:14 - Old Joe Clark

07:08 - Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms

15 West Fourth Trio | New York

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 05:23:39 GMT

The West Fourth Trio are regular buskers in Central Park with Drummer Alex at the core and a revolving cast of musicians. They are regular fixtures at The Mall. The group is Alex, Billy (Bass), Andres (Sax), Michael (Valve Trombone!). Alex's girlfriend, Nina, joins the group on drums for the first song, Their set includes four jazz standards and it's some great listening.

Watch their full performance on YouTube! https://youtu.be/X7hv7cWUgtY?si=yk4yfxZmYCbUdUx1

00:00 - "Sunny"

07:53 - "It's You or No One"

14:45 - "My Shining Hour"

22:57 - "Close My Eyes"

14 Eli and Marc | New York

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 05:21:00 GMT

Central Park is like a buskers paradise, especially in the warmer months. I ran into Eli and Marc about halfway down The Mall and was fortunate enough to catch their last few songs. There is nothing like some easy listening on a lazy afternoon. This episode not only features the first duo for Troubadour Collective but also the first Sax. Enjoy as these two cover some jazz standards.

You can watch their full performance on YouTube! https://youtu.be/FxpJDEbmCno?si=S3bNNfSOfIuyynhM

00:00 - Caravan

06:36 - Stella by Starlight

12:11 - Anthropology

13 Damien | New York

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 05:17:50 GMT

Damien is an indigenous person from Ecuador who represents his home country and culture while performing. He uses a Quena (bamboo flute), Panpipes and a Pan Flute (several hollow bamboo pipes), plus Chajchas (percussive instrument usually made from shells) during his performance that are all native Ecuadorian instruments.

Damien also sold a variety of handmade goods including bracelets and dreamcatchers. I was fortunate to purchase a bracelet that is still attached to my kit today, as well as a sweet old lady in the video.

Damien was very gracious in explaining all about the instruments he was playing and their significance in his culture. I was honored he was willing to share so much of his music.

This was recorded in the 42nd Street (Times Square) subway station in New York City.

Watch Damien's full performance on YouTube! https://youtu.be/tYSWjjinSvU?si=p0GPhRqCd4X8Fgov

00:00 - Inkas Wambra

03:48 - Native Rhythm

08:49 - Indio Irlandes

15:21 - El Condor Pasa

18:45 - Ponchito

26:53 - Caminemos

12 Jay | New York

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 05:15:09 GMT

For as long time there was a makeshift pedestrian tunnel constructed along Broadway between 41st and 42nd street on the South side of Times Square. That is where I found Jay The Bucket Drummer. I heard Jay's drums booming out of the tunnel as soon as I got to the hotel. I quickly dropped my bags and rushed out to record him. I was lucky enough he agreed. Scores of people would stop to watch him and his performance made almost everyone walking through the tunnel dance a little. You can find more of Jay on TikTok (@jaythebucketdrummer ) and Instagram (@the_famousbucketdrummer !

You can watch Jay's full performance on YouTube! https://youtu.be/-NcZ2lnhf08?si=tYxivl9JuiRgnZUv

00:00 - Unknown Beat

03:54 - Showtime

07:41 - Get On Up

12:59 - Personally

15:33 - Showtime

11 Jose | St. Louis

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 04:02:39 GMT

I met Jose on Cherokee Street in St. Louis. Cherokee Street is a cool area with lots of music, food, and local shopping, kind of an arts district feel but less commercial somehow? It had a very cool neighborhood vibe that you could feel knew how to party.

I saw Jose walking down the street with his guitar but by the time I could turn around he was gone. I decided to look around for him and as soon as I parked he emerged from a small taco shop with a couple friends and to my amazement they quickly setup next to a truck. Jose started playing guitar and everyone was singing. I quickly rushed over and explained what I was doing and everyone agreed to record, the taco shop owner even got involved. Jose offers up some traditional Ranchera style Vicente Fernández, to Norteña Cumbias, and even some Huapango.

Watch Jose's full performance on YouTube! https://youtu.be/mg8iYpqhUpo?si=KmvqwkKjWpBCbz4P

00:00 – El Polvorete

03:00 – Borracho te Recuerdo

05:16 – El Hijo del Pueblo

08:07 – Que Vuelvas

10:00 – Me Caí de la Nube

12:20 – Sin Fortuna

14:07 – La Bamba

16:39 – De Ramones a Terán

18:42 – Pídeme

21:09 – Guantanamera

10 Mike | Minneapolis

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 03:26:03 GMT

Mike Sabath stopped by an empty parking lot in Minneapolis in June as part of his Attention Maximum tour. He performs a one man show on top of the RV he also travels in and it was the most unique concert experience I've ever had! He had run through his set once when the crowd size swelled he decided to run the whole album back and that's what this recording is. Mike would go on to "headline" Bonnaroo a few weeks later. After the festival was rained out, he rolled up in his RV and played for the folks still at the fest. He's got some good energy, good songs, and even a birthday! Enjoy!

You can watch Mike's full performance on YouTube! https://youtu.be/j14a6ofYCms?si=OUK0tKwfyc6V0EGo

09 Ryan | Austin

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 03:23:47 GMT

I met Ryan, and his dog Buster, while I was walking down 6th street. He was setup in front of the historic Driskill hotel and was entertaining the crowds of people as they waited to cross the street. He has a unique voice and slips between a couple different singing styles, as well as, playing both acoustic and electric guitars.

Ryan's set includes some less popular but very well written tunes and an original dedicated to his dog, in addition to putting his mark on a few hits. Ryan is a regular on 6th street where you can catch him most Saturday nights at Brazos and 6th Street.

00:00 - "Mitch and the Birds"

04:38 - Ryan original "That Buster Dog Song"

08:02 - "You Don't Care For Me Enough To Cry"

11:41 - "Amarillo by Morning"

15:39 - "Along the Watchtower"

22:07 - "Superstition"

You can watch Ryan's full performance on YouTube! https://youtu.be/YN-LC8Gm_KM?si=EtCiCvM7-fCUyFwE

08 Tauvy | Dallas

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 03:20:20 GMT

I had been poking around Deep Ellum for a few days looking for someone to record with no luck. The cashier at a pizza place told me about the Bishop Arts District that wasn't too far away, I headed that way. As soon as I turned into the district, I saw Tauvy. He was making a lot of noise for one person, I almost thought it was a full band at first. I had to park far away and was worried he be done by the time I walked back. He was more than gracious and agreed to let me record.

Tauvy is like that cool Uncle that is always the life of the party. He seems to be having a genuinely good time and it was fun to share his energy for a while. I really dig the Shure 55 microphone!

Not to take away anything from the artists already fetured but this recording was the first time I actually felt like I knew what I was doing. All the cameras were set correctly, I had all the audio adapters I needed, my timecode device was charged and useable. Enjoy as he rips some hits and gets some tips.

00:00 - Tauvy busks in front of the Bishop Exchange in the Bishop Arts District in Dallas

00:34 - "This Must Be The Place"

07:44 - "Tennessee Whiskey"

12:00 - "Dreams"

17:24 - "Won't You Won't Do For Love"

22:33 - "Grandma's Hands"

27:29 - "Friends in Low Places"

30:36 - "Contagious"

You can watch Tauvy's full performance on YouTube! https://youtu.be/H_Nfv_XSOOc?si=Ub-nZhETFgpy8Uq3

07 Mark | Austin

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 03:15:44 GMT

We return to the corner of 6th and Congress (04 | Craig) for some drumming by Mark. I have seen several of the paint bucket style drummers out and about but mark had a whole kit, and his dog Nana with him! She makes a special guest appearance!

By the way, his sign reads:

24 years playing beats on the streets of Austin. I am just an old Army vet who comes down here “almost” every day trying to play some music and someone to smile. This place need to remember that it was created because of the music not because of the money. So I have made this my job the last 24 years to keep the music playing and the people smiling. I hope you have a great new year Austin snd that you like the beats. I do accept tips. Thank you for your kindness.

00:00 - "Wanna Be a Baller"

2:27 - "Work It"

5:45 - "No Diggity"

9:08 - "Can't Let You Go"

You can watch Mark's full episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/gRbomrPgiSw?si=SLnKHGU9F9HVbasl

06 Trevor | Montreal

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 01:51:44 GMT

I was headed to Montreal in early May for a UFC fight and the idea of Troubadour Collective was still a very rough idea. It was cold and raining that weekend so I headed into the Metro stations hoping to find some talent. Montreal actually has an official busking program run by the STM called Musicians in the Metro. There are several designated busking areas in the stations designated by a lyre symbol on the wall. I wasn't fortunate enough to find anyone playing in those locations but I did run across Trevor. He was playing in one of the tunnels that lead to the Bonaventure station. Trevor was cooler than a polar bears toe nails, very laid back and went with the flow. The tunnel he was in had some unique acoustics and I really liked his setup, the suitcase is a kick drum! This was only the second recording I ever did and the first outside of Austin and the United States. Enjoy y'all!

05 Apis | Austin

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 23:10:03 GMT

Apis Mellifera is named after the western honey bee and she bounces around the country as a self described music pollinator. I was lucky enough to catch up with her while she was in town for the Kerrville Folk Festival. While I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life that occurred in the region, I hope the festival comes back, I'd love to bring you some recordings from the campgrounds at the festival next year. I met Apis busking on 6th street on a Saturday night but it was unfortunately too loud for me to record her where she was setup. Me met up to record this performance from her the following evening! She was a real delight! You can also visit her online at apismelliferasings.com.

You can watch Apis' full episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/vXJGKSvCPvw?si=aFJEi9dXCQX40IL3

00:00 - Apis Mellifera busks from downtown Austin

25:44 - "Zombie"

27:53 - Apis performs her original song "Ceasefire"

30:41 - Apis performs her original song "Hypocrite"

04 Craig | Austin

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 22:45:35 GMT

I was walking back to the car after recording Siim, it was almost 2 am. As I am approaching the corner of 6th and Congress I am hearing something but I can't make out what it is. It sounds like music so I cross the street to investigate. What I found was one of the coolest setup I've come across. Craig had a Hohner microphone plugged into a bluetooth adapter, with a speaker he was hauling in the trailer behind his bike. He was out playing so he didn't disturb his wife and grandson and enjoyed the music. You are in for a real treat.

You can watch Craig's full episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/ieXkc-qGRww?si=VHp80DYcInCmCuhM

00:00 - "Soulshine"

05:00 - "Price Tag"

08:15 - "The Longer It Takes"

12:50 - "Don't Be Cruel"

17:02 - "I'm Yours"

21:07 - "Hungry Heart"

03 Siim | Austin

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 22:34:55 GMT

I met Siim (seem) the first night I was out recording. He was hanging out for a while when I was recording Alex, truth be told, I thought I'd upset him. He walked off in the middle of recording and I was worried I'd interrupted him and Alex. We ran into each other again a couple nights later when I was recording David Quick. Siim is a great dude, the kind of guy that's never met a stranger. We quickly got along, Siim had lots of insight into the Austin busking community and has become an invaluable resource. He is the one that hipped me to the house brand of acoustic strings at South Austin Music, and was the recipient of the first set as well. Siim killed it. I hope we get to see some more from him.

You can Watch Siim's full episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/r2AV16qv4c4?si=LDXXu2-ajGwd0Rex

02 David | Austin

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 22:29:01 GMT

I had been out an hour or so, driving around Austin, when I saw a man walking down the drag (Guadalupe) with a guitar slung over his shoulder. I made a quick u-turn and met him in a parking lot. I asked if he was going to play that thing (the guitar) and he said he'd just broken a string but his name was Steve Stone and he played in a band call Quick and Stone on the corner of 6th and Red River, the heart of Austin's historic entertainment district. I wished him well and continued my search, hoping to catch him another time.

It was a quick drive to downtown, I decided to head down 6th street. Just as I passed Red River, I spotted a second guitar player. I walked up and introduced myself, the gentleman introduced himself as David and asked how my evening was going? I told David my story about running into Steve Stone and how excited I was to try and catch one of their performances, I tell him all about Quick and Stone. He laughs and introduces himself as David Quick of Quick and Stone. I shit you not. It's a funny world out there. I still have not had the opportunity to record the duo but was very happy to get to record David.

Watch David's full episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/oqS7pvUfGzs?si=xUlTFrskpisIvxAa

00:00 - David Quick busks from 6th Street in downtown Austin

02:20 - "Heart of Gold"

06:47 - "Wish You Were Here"

10:29 - An original by David Quick "Insignificant"

12:32 - "Behind Blue Eyes"

16:15 - "SImple Man"

24:46 - "It's Been a While"

01 Alex | Austin

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 09:24:03 GMT

I met Alex on the corner of Congress and 4th street in downtown Austin, it was the first performance recorded after I came up with the concept of Troubadour Collective. It was a new thing for both of us and I can't thank Alex for being gracious and allowing me to try something. Enjoy!

The full episode is available on YouTube! https://youtu.be/cJRrh6A_-HE

00:00 - Alex busks in downtown Austin

00:25 - "A Song While Your Away"

06:58 - "Don't Push"

09:43 - "Wondering Why"

14:09 - "Rock Salt and Nails"

17:12 - "Laffy Taffy"

18:38 - "It's a Mans Mans World"