We hear that a resident of the Wilson Club Hotel has recently applied for and received a business license as a street performer.While the name doesn't ring a bell, we can't help but wonder if he's one and the same as this gentleman, who's been regaling Uptowners with his shaking change can and a capella versions of "Oh Susanna" and "Jimmy Crack Corn" at the Wilson Red Line station for years now.
The Wilson Yard TIF's "small business incubator" at work?
Update: Check out Chicago Public Radio's coverage of this "street performer" named Dwayne Story here.
That dude's been carrying a guitar the past few days, but I haven't heard him play it even once. Does he know how to play?
ReplyDeleteWith or without guitar, he looks real old-school, like a hobo during the depression.
Old Time Religion..it's good enough for me!
ReplyDeleteHe plays very well - I've heard him several times, and overheard him talking once to someone else about how he used to play in a band.
ReplyDeleteHe plays the guitar pretty well actually. I think he's a decent guy. I talked to him a couple times and he is a college graduate.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting how this post juxtaposes with the following post. Throughout the day it has made me think about "what is art?" and about "outsider art" which is usually never considered art until the hoity-toity folks become keen to it. I think it very much has to do with who is producing the art.
ReplyDeleteIn any event, getting a performers license was the right thing to do. This an urban neighborhood and people earning some cash by having a "hustle" is part of the territory. How many times have UU readers complained about streetcorner salesmen who just put there wares out there haphazardly?
Does he lift your spirit? Honestly, he doesn't lift mine but I don't want to deny him his right to hussle a few bucks.
ReplyDeleteI see him as a man trapped with his demons and doesn't know how to get out. He reminds me of the many people I see wondering the streets of Uptown with nothing to do; people who have lost hope. Art is ultimately a painting of reality, and I happen to know a little about this man's reality. It isn't pretty, but it is his reality.
I'm okay with it. I just want to see some more art that also expresses some hope. We need some more hope in Uptown. We have plenty of reality.
I got off the train one evening after work, and as I came down the stairs and turned west onto Wilson, I put my sunglasses on. I was passing this guy as I did this and overheard him say "you looked better with them off."
ReplyDeleteThis guy was actually pretty famous at one time in his own genre and was inducted into the Folk Music Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, he had a tragic fall.
ReplyDeleteI feel sort of weird discussing this person and his picture on a blog. Doesn't anyone else? But I am curious, Ron, what is his name? Are there any recordings of him anywhere? My interest has been piqued!
ReplyDeleteI guess it wouldn't surprise anyone here that I don't necessarily look to art to "lift my spirit" although it is nice when it does. Mostly if the art expresses something true about humanity, I can find something to appreciate.
I would agree that art doesn't require the need to lifts one's spirit. With all the gangbanging and shootings that are happening, I think the kids in the neighborhood might like a distraction that is a bit more uplifting. Perhaps not all the time, but maybe every once in awhile.
ReplyDeleteThere's the bigger picture here. This neighborhood could use a shot in the arm of more hope. When I walk my dog, besides picking up her poop, I also pick up empty pint bottles and used condoms from prostitutes getting a little action.
I don't want to see more despair. I want to see more hope.
His singings not that bad. Anybody else wish he'd stop jingling his change though? That's what's actually annoying.
ReplyDeleteAs ronald said, he's actually a folk musician from the 60s, had a band, got a credit on a Peter, Paul and Mary song and was inducted into the Folk hall of fame. More in this NPR interview here:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.chicagopublicradio.org/Content.aspx?audioID=2554
El: That link's incomplete and doesn't go. Can you try again?
ReplyDeleteWe added the link to the Chicago Public radio story on the main post. Enjoy. Thanks for finding it "El."
ReplyDeleteThank you "el" and others who posted the information. What an interesting community we live in.
ReplyDeleteGo yeomen!
His singings not that bad. -nsp
ReplyDeleteAh Uptown, where "not that bad" is good enough.
He is Dwayne Story...he lives, now, in a a rest home in Rogers Park. I've had the pleasure (honor) of passing an ax around with him, he hasn't skipped a beat.
ReplyDeleteIt's spelled "Dwain" and here's a google link to some stories and videos on him.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen or heard him for years. I hope he's doing well and that it's a decent rest home.