The Flying Dutchman of Washington Square
The Seventies was a great time for street musicians in the Village. Some were awful; some were fantastic, but most were good-natured, harmless folks.
The Flying Dutchman was both awful and bad-natured. He played an upright piano which was mounted on wheels, and would often be found on weekends beneath the grand arch in Washington Square Park. Sitting atop the piano was a full-sized mannequin of woman with long blonde hair.
The FD played loud, heavily-chorded music that reeked of anger. I never recall him playing a tune that I recognized. It was just BANG, BANG BADABANG BANG BANG. A scraggly, unkept fellow, he made for quite a sight. He never talked to people, as I can recall, except for one instance when a listener dared to try and sit atop the rolling platform on which his piano was mounted. "Get offa my peeyana!," he yelled.
The Flying Dutchman was both awful and bad-natured. He played an upright piano which was mounted on wheels, and would often be found on weekends beneath the grand arch in Washington Square Park. Sitting atop the piano was a full-sized mannequin of woman with long blonde hair.
The FD played loud, heavily-chorded music that reeked of anger. I never recall him playing a tune that I recognized. It was just BANG, BANG BADABANG BANG BANG. A scraggly, unkept fellow, he made for quite a sight. He never talked to people, as I can recall, except for one instance when a listener dared to try and sit atop the rolling platform on which his piano was mounted. "Get offa my peeyana!," he yelled.
posted by Tony the Tour Guy | 8:39 PM
1 Comments:
I used to listen to the often, when I was in my mid teens. My memories tell a completely different story from what is said here. I remember him as a wizard like person playing songs that were joyful and fun. At times he would look at me and say "expect the unexpected and you'll never be surprised. That quote has been invaluable, helping me get through many interesting but challenging Life Experiences. LOL
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