Busking In Coffs Harbour

Busking In Coffs Harbour

By Paul McCann

Although my experience as a poet and songwriter has been a lonely journey I have been happy to experience the light and shade of each place I’ve been .

There are many mood swings as well as growth spurts going through the blue periods and colourful moments . Each bringing a unique set of circumstances .

Depending on where you are or who you meet adds the colour to the experience .

Every weekend I loved to travel from Central station in Sydney to Coffs Harbour by train with my Fender six string to do some busking .

Coffs had a great atmosphere with friendly people and lots of tourists passing through . I met a lot of buskers there who played in the mall and outside cafes during the day and at night they would have a regular spot in some bar or restaurant in town .The regular crew of buskers were getting appreciation which takes a while to come but well worth the wait when it does .

There is a magic about Coffs Harbour , it’s got a heart and a warm welcome for people who pass through or others who return like myself on a regular visit to bring music or something else into this fascinating place .

Coffs Harbour has got this image as the Banana capital of Australia and for travellers it’s a must to call in to visit the big banana landmark there .

I often thought that places like the Big Banana make the world a better place because of how it can bring people together , travellers and dreamers like me .

It never ceases to amaze me the wonder of life and all the possibilities of bringing music along for the journey .

I always stayed at The Backpackers youth hostel in Coffs Harbour . Apart from being an affordable accommodation it also gave you the chance to meet up with other people who were touring around the country .

A few days in Coffs Harbour is a life refresher for many on their way north or south to somewhere else .

Many people who I met at the Backpackers were on holiday in Australia from Europe .

Everyone had a story to tell . I loved that and it inspired me to write songs about people and places . Some of those I would share while busking in Coffs .

Standing there busking I saw  the passing parade of people with stories of their own .

Everyone had dreams that touched their soul , some on honeymoons , people with holiday homes , tine share places , others with weekly wages or loans , those who owned speedboats or fast cars . Young ones with romantic conversations on mobile phones . All part of life just passing time around town.

Sure it’s a great thing to do and it will continue to be seen as time moves on . Places like Coffs Harbour will always stand the test of time . It’s a grounding place .

I loved going busking there where each song was a lonely cry in the wilderness waiting to be heard . There are always people out there who will accept you as you stand there with a guitar sharing music and songs . Life is a song we just need the right lyrics to song along .

The End