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Mall staff invite buskers inside

"I busk all over the place, and this is the nicest reception I've ever had."
buskers
Quadra Island buskers Frankie

Scott Stanfield

Record staff

While awaiting favourable winds, a couple of young buskers on a sailing trip decided to anchor in Comox and play their instruments for a bit of change.

They had been busking on the street until the bylaw officer happened upon them. He suggested they try Comox Mall because it's normally friendly to buskers.

Upon noticing the musicians, HMCS Alberni Museum director Lewis Bartholomew and other mall staff invited them to perform inside.

"We sailed down from Quadra Island," said Matteo, who plays accordion. His partner Frankie plays violin. "We were out in the bay there, so we came in and decided to play some music.

"They were nice enough to let us come inside. They're not normally allowed to do that so he (Lewis) put us on the exhibit."

Bartholomew said the sound of the accordion and "folksy" style adds an element to the exhibit.

"We're sort of using them and they're using us, and everybody's happy," Bartholomew said. "And everybody's warm."

"I'm happy that people like it," said Matteo. "I busk all over the place, and this is the nicest reception I've ever had."

"You never get invited inside," Frankie added.

"You usually get kicked out, don't get asked to stay," Matteo said.