Music @ the Library: A Busker’s Story

Be transported back to a time:

• Before mobile phones
• When you paid for everything in cash and only rich people had credit cards
• Taking money overseas meant travellers cheques or cash in a money belt
• When people still picked up hitchhikers. If your luck was in. And had cash in their pockets to give to struggling buskers. If you were good enough.

Against this backdrop Nick Turner quit uni in Thatchers Britain of 1984 to busk and hitchhike his way across the world. He’s recently published his memoir of that wild road trip. Immerse yourself in that forgotten world and listen to Nick singing the songs he sang on a thousand street corners and subways, and meet the strange and wonderful characters that shaped his epic journey. From London, to Paris, to New York to New Orleans. And back again. Featuring the songs of Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Edith Piaf, Frank Sinatra, Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash and more!

So come along, climb aboard, and enjoy the ride!

Nick will be joined by the wonderful Jennifer Tingley on ‘cello, lead and backing vocals.

Nick now lives in Fremantle where he continues to write, record and perform music at local venues and music festivals.

Books will be available for sale and signing on the day or are available online and in local bookstores if that’s your preference.

About the book:

Singin’ Your Subway Blues: A Busker’s Memoir by Nick Turner

Nick Turner: son, father, musician, songwriter, lover, scientist, sailor. An Englishman, an Aussie, a genuine guitar-carrying, hitchhiking troubadour.

In this memoir, Nick takes us on an unforgettable road trip. Starting in his hometown of Nottingham in Thatcher’s Britain, he hitches his way from London to Paris, New York to San Diego and back again, busking a thousand street corners and subways.

Along the way you’ll meet the strange and wonderful characters that shaped this epic journey. They may seem larger than life, but – along with the highs and the heartbreaks, the booze and the drugs and of course the music – this trip is all real. It’s a story about coming-of-age and finding your place, geographically and spiritually. So stick out your thumb, climb aboard and enjoy the ride!

“Armed with only a guitar and a backpack full of youthful optimism, likeable rogue Nick Turner takes us on a lyrical journey alongside a gallery of artists, musicians and misfits, painting a thrilling picture of what it’s really like to throw caution to the wind!”

BOB GORDON

Rolling Stone, The Guardian, X-Press Magazine

Nick’s book ($25) and CD ($10) will be available for sale on the night.

Please note this event is for those aged 16+. Mature themes and drug references.