Whitehouse Hippy Protest

I believe I have mentioned in past posts that protesters often gather in Lafayette Park behind the Whitehouse.

Sometimes people camp out, sometimes they just walk around with sandwich boards and a megaphone. Code Pink likes to get creative - shoe throwing, animal outfits...

A couple weeks ago, Chris and I were walking through Lafayette on our way somewhere and ran into these two (pretty awful) musicians who were giving a concert straight out of 1969.

They had all of about four people grooving to the music and another twenty or so tourists taking snaps and moving on. The sign says "Wanted Wisdom & Honesty Peace Park." Peace Park is a 24 hour a day vigil that has been going on in Lafayette Park since 1981. Not sure how camping in the park is supposed to bring peace, but I guess it can't hurt.

Now if they started a little Lafayette Park agriculture project, that might spread some peace.

Erhu Musician in Washington, DC

I love this guy. He plays an erhu, a Chinese string instrument that goes back like a thousand years.

He plays it over a recording of an odd selection of jazzy pop - the kind of songs you can never quite place.

I often run into him as I am getting off the metro in Dupont or Farragut North. I think he must hop around from metro to metro.

I'm guessing he makes a pretty decent amount of cash, as he is adorable. He also seems like he's digging what he's doing. He may have discovered an enjoyable and recession proof job.

Street Musicians in Washington, DC

It isn't quite New Orleans, but there are still plenty of street performers in DC, especially musicians. On a nice day, Dupont Circle will usually have some entertainment.

These kids were in town from New York and trying to make a few bucks. Later, they were joined by a very strange and possibly homeless man who sang obnoxiously over them.

I think the kids were annoyed with the interruption, but the audience thought it was great. I'll bet they even picked up a few extra entertainment bucks. Besides, street performing isn't exactly a controlled environment.

Another common site is the trash can drummer. Here's one we spotted in Chinatown last week: