Hey there members of spandex anonymous. I had such a crazy last few days with SpandyAndy. Thursday I paid for a “Spandy Mobiel”, Friday I was forced to stop by the Park Ranger who grabbed the Vancouver Police and Saturday/Sunday I had some of the best shows I have ever had!
The Spandy Mobiel is getting new batteries and won’t be on the road until June 24th, but I can’t wait to start cruising with the 90’s hits pumping. I’m looking for a sequence cape too. Does anyone know where I can get a cool cape or someone who makes costumes?
Friday I decided I would do an evening dance at English Bay. I set up my boombox near the entrance as usual and guess who had to come ruin the fun: Van Park Danger. That is his facebook name anyway. He decided to go as far as become a fan of SpandyAndy and then comment on my status talking about my busking permit, and threaten me with a $200 fine.
After he hopped out of his truck and put his nice shiny orange jacket on he told me to turn off the music. I asked him why and he decided that people in the buildings on the other side of the street (at least 100 meters away) were complaining. I told him how I have been doing this for 3 weeks with no problems. During our argument the police walk by doing their regular patrols of the Bay. Van Park Danger grabs the cops and tells them I have to stop. The cop asks for my busking license and I show it to them no problem. Then Van Danger tells them of the complaints… the police run all this bull with me saying they will compromise. I am allowed to perform for 15min with the music at “conversation” level. I laughed at that “compromise”. I asked him “how about 45 min?” Then the cop starts getting mad and saying “compromise”. I said, “I understand what compromising is, but your not doing it!” Long story cut medium, I had to stop. Mom’s came up and started yelling at the police. I think they are getting more complaints for stopping me then the imaginary one they got for me being there.
Here is a video of the encounter: http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=96696312129 thanks to Kiesha!
Then the weekend came. SpandyAndy was a little nervous to go to the beach again. This is the best spot for my show though. It has the right kind of people, perfect place to relax and listen to music, and the pathway with all the pedestrians. On Sunday the Park Ranger and a new female ranger side kick showed up. He told me to shut off my music and there was ZERO amplified music aloud at the beach. I told him I compromised with the police (who had already walked by twice today). He didn’t care and said, “shut it off”. Then the crowd went CRAZY. Everyone started cheering and could see the frustration I was going through. The female park ranger said to the other ranger, “I think we should go.” Ranger Danger didn’t care and said again, “NO AMPLIFIED MUSIC”. Then they start walking away and everyone goes crazy. Of course with a flick of a switch the music is going and everyone is enjoying their day again. It was awesome to have everyone’s support!
My batteries died a couple songs later, people asked me to run to the store and get another set. I’m so glad I did. Everything was working great and the energy was all smiles and laughter.
All in all it was wonderful whirlwind of a weekend. A film crew did a brief interview of me as well. I should be back at the Bay next weekend. Hope to see you there and thanks again for all your support.
Keep Dancing,
Spandy
