Busking in Nanaimo

[Piper]

What started out to be a great night of busking on Nanaimo's waterfront turned into a nightmare. We had people dancing lots of exitement with the crowds of people and just having fun. Along came 2 bicycle police one of them saw my name in my donation case and asked me to leave what I was doing and come chat with him ???????? Now what? He asked if this was my name in the case and I told him yes. He told me that there was a warrant out for my arrest for driving offenses that needed to be dealt with. I told him that's not possible I may have a better driving record than he does (2 speeding tickets in 30 years no accidents) I suguested that he make sure he knew what he was talking about after embarassing me in front of a large group of people I was entertaining. And I handed him my drivers license which he refused to take. He imediately said it must be your son. I knew that,This same officer does not know this particular son because he was talking to him outside the bar for an hour a couple of days ago. Mistaken identity thats an example of the things we as buskers in Nanaimo deal with when we try to keep things strait. Another example is 3 weeks ago my oldest son was driving my vehicle registered in my name on Bowen road and was pulled over and told by a police officer to tell his dad there is a warrant out for his arrest. With all the technology out there today it should'nt be hard for RCMP to determine if a person is born in 1985 or 1958. I don't even look 23 years old. As I have mentioned in this thread busking for both my kids and Queen of the waterfront has been hell in the last 5 years and it needs to be stopped. For all of us music is our lives and we were given our talents to share with everyone. We really don't need anymore road-blocks all we want is to play music peacefully and in an atmosphere of fairness & equallity. What will tommorrow bring? maybe something else to add to this thread.

[queen of the waterfront]

I am so sad for you Piper.
i hope that you will also file your complaint with BC Civil Liberties.
If paying for a licence and wearing a streetentertainer licence is going to make you a target for harassment,it is time for different action.

You are not responsible for the actions of your adult son.
Could they not have called you at home instead of embarrassing you in front of your audience?

I am missing bathtub busking again because I cannot put myself in such a stressful position.
This type of harrassment has been going on with this whole family for years. It has to stop.

[RyanCoffey]

When authority figures give you trouble and going above their head doesn't work, there is always the ignominy of having the story told in the media. The forum has a small audience but if you brought this to the attention of the greater public I think they would be more accommodating to you.

[Piper]

Ryan, i have been wrong before in my time but I'm quite sure that someone along this chain of people giving us problems has the power to decide what goes into the newspapers and what doesn't I call it intimidation. I can give you 2 examples, My picture has been taken on the waterfront twice in a month by 2 different reporters of the same newspaper and I was told by these reporters they would put them in the paper with a small story. they asked about some of our music history and I gave them answers. Both times nothing was in that paper but they did print kids riding bikes on the waterfront where it is illegal to ride - now is this strange? While watching city council meeting a short time ago I heard our mayor Garry Korpan say on tv that the newspapers should be ashamed of themselves for printing something he didn't like. So Ryan what are our chances getting the newspapers to help us when comments like this are sent to them on council? If I'm not mistaken Gary's comment may be on the council meeting broadcast tommorrow. morning.

[RyanCoffey]

It has worked for me in the past. Just trying to help.

[Piper]

No problem Ryan, It's a situation that is very complicated just trying to keep things in order is a chore. But I want to thank you for your support.

[neecy2k]

How about making a bumper sticker? *grin* People sure seem to be paying attention to those!!!

[Piper]

neecy2k, How I would love to make a bumper sticker but what would it say? I thought about spelling my last name with a K rather than a C but the people who print them may end up in court. I can honestly say that busking today was very peaceful I don't get to many of those days and the police officer who thought he would arrest me last night stayed clear of me today. It's amazing what a few calls can do.

[kickidee]

The right newspaper doing the proper job would headkline and discuss that comment. Its not the purpose of the paper to print what G K wants it has a committment to present the news. IT needs to make sure that no one, not even the Queen of England tries to prevent that.

[kickidee]

Oh but that would be funny fitting and witty my friend. I'm sure GK would appreciate the kinship LOL. At least a sign with the K for busking so they can mix you up with some other identity for a change. You could write something under like "K may NOT be for Korupt, just a little Ku Ku and Kontrolling." At the least be karefull not to kuestion or you kould end up koraled!"