Buskers: Street Musicians of Los Angeles

L.A. WeeklyMusic

Trumpeter and composer Gabriel "Mariachi Loco" Cousins was born in New Orleans and grew up there until he leftTrumpeter and composer Gabriel "Mariachi Loco" Cousins was born in New Orleans and grew up there until he left, at age 16. He spent years playing music and acting in and around Hollywood before finding peace in Old Town Pasadena, which is where we found him entertaining the few pedestrians walking by on a Monday night.

Buskers include many forms of street entertainers, but probably the most recognizable throughout time are those who entertain with music. Since street musicians earn at least part of their income from tips, they're often found in locations where they can expect a public who will enjoy their colorful sounds enough to leave a few dollars, or better yet, buy a CD to take home. Los Angeles has many such spots, therefore the sheer number of buskers and the quality of their playing makes for a rich landscape of musical talent. All photos by Bart Babinski.

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