Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Piano man



Last June (2010) we crossed from Ile Saint Louis to the back side of Notre Dame on Ile de la Cité and saw this "piano-man" singing for coins and pounding the piano keys on Pont Saint-Louis. I snapped this photo not knowing that he was a regular around Paris. I have just discovered his photo in Bill Gillham's book "Parisians' Paris." If I see him on this trip I will get his autograph in the book!

21 comments:

cocoa and coconut said...

He looks very artistic!

Actually, I missed your last post Genie (which is a shame I hate missing your posts). How exciting that your off to Paris! I loved the image! The colour of it is just gorgeous! Have fun! Bon voyage!

Julie said...

He was in the exact same spot on Saturday last when I crossed from one ile to the next. It is amaing how many people are unaware that ND is on an island. I guess they just drift along on the sea of people. *grin*

Dianne said...

He just looks like a piano man - such character - hope you find him again Genie.
Au Revoir et A Bientot.
xx
Dianne

This is Belgium said...

Hope you had a great flight and are not too much suffering from jetlag.. unfortunately the wonderful weather is not there to welcome you...it will be back, just like the piano man !

Cezar and Léia said...

He looks so easygoing, beautiful portrait!
Léia

Kate said...

Serendipity is sometimes the best way to get information. Terrific portrait and good choice of tone!
Send postcards!!

Anonymous said...

I think this is lovely - you now are seeing Paris as a true Parisienne. You see what others see....people who live in this wonderful city --- ahh --- perfect.x

Virginia said...

I took some of him that day as well. Thanks for the info. I'll link here when I post mine.

I've been thinking about you both since I got up this morning. It's 4 there now and I'll bet there is vin involved! Have great fun.
Bises,
V

Gringo said...

Looks like a great character!

Malyss said...

As we say in France, he has "une bonne bouille"! (= a good face). I hope you'll find him again!

Rob Siemann said...

He has a 'belle gueule', as we say in francais

TheChieftess said...

A wonderful portrait!!! The lighting is perfect and I love it in B&W!!!

I don't need to hope you're having a wonderful time...I know you are!!! You're in Paris!!! And probably drinking wine and eating fabulous food!!! Soooo, my hope for you is that you enjoy the food, the wine et al with out gaining an ounce!!! After all, calories consumed while enjoying good company and travels don't count!!

two birds said...

i am loving all of your photographs! i hope you are enjoying your trip!

Loree said...

What a face full of character. I love photos like these. They bring out the soul of a city.

Starman said...

I ran across him also. http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/unsigned/Musicienderue.jpg

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

To all -- what a great day in Paris! Marie and I arrived separately meeting at CDG airport around 8am (Paris time) this morning.

I even found the elusive Air France lounge during my two-hour wait and took a shower there!

We walked miles (and miles) today, found a great lunch place and took many photos. We plan an early start tomorrow to get some shots without tourists/Parisians in them using the low-angle morning light.

Thank you for all of your comments!

Gros bisous,
Genie

Anonymous said...

I would say, welcome in Paris, the heart of Europe!
Lovely to see how you show your love for this beautiful city and people..
Have a good time, make pictures from every point of view and I enjoy it!


my best regards,

Henk Knibbeler

Alexa said...

Saw this guy too and thought "what a great face!" Your portrait is wonderful, Genie.

Rob-bear said...

And did he play your a song, as did Billy Joe's "Piano Man"?

Shelley Smart said...

OH, what a great photo of the Piano Man! And I loved your account of your day. I am exhausted just reading about it! Have a wonderful trip! I look forward to some of those low morning light photos!

Amanda Summer said...

what a great portrait you captured genie!