Jeremy and Rama Panhandle

From The Extended Group

Background

In the spring of 2004, Rama approached Jeremy with the idea of panhandling at Pike Place Market. Although not terribly enthusiastic by the proposal, Jeremy nonetheless complied. Over the course of an afternoon, the two quickly rehearsed several covers, including "The Scientist" by Coldplay, as well as several Weezer songs. With Rama on guitar and Jeremy on keyboard and both covering vocal duties, the songs were practiced to marginal competence. Still reluctant to participate, Jeremy, acting in desperation, left the keyboard on all night in the hopes that the instrument's batteries would run out and the panhandling escapade would be called off.

Pike Place Market

The manuever proved fruitless and soon the pair arrived at Pike Place Market. They quickly learned that a license was required for all panhandling within the Market, and thus were forced to relocate to the outskirts of Pike Place. Within a few minutes, the batteries died as anticipated and Jeremy had no choice but to stand sheepishly behind a now-defunct keyboard. After finally working up the courage, the pair began to trudge through their setlist. Most passerbys gave but a fleeting glimpse at the spectacle, although there were a few exceptions. A young couple briefly stopped to sing along to "The Scientist" until it became apparent that no one knew the lyrics. Later, a girl (for whatever inexplicable reason) gave them a five-dollar bill, which prompted the pair to immediately stop playing and blurt out an incoherent "Thank you".

After a couple hours of pandhandling, the pair called it a day. They had earned approximately seven dollars, which was immediately squandered on Pike Place donuts and their parking fee.