Pete Olson - Solo & Acoustic
Busking (Street Performing)
This is what changed my life...this is where I have paid my musical dues and developed my chops. I had worked as a Paramedic all my life, and had suffered a disabling injury for the umpteenth time; my disability insurance had run out. I tried several different alternate modes of making a living, and none of them worked out. I had had my band for several years, but splitting a small payday six ways doesn't make you a living. One day, with bills overdue and in near-desperation, I recalled seeing performers playing for tips on Fourth Street in Berkeley. It took me a while to talk myself into it, but from the beginning it was obvious - from the way I felt to the overwhelmingly positive response of the listeners and merchants - that I was onto something. That was early in 2003 - and I still do it when I can, not only in Berkeley but all over the country. I love it: I love being outdoors; I feel something strong and positive and uplifting flowing through me when I sing - I am often as much a spectator as anyone else there; all day long people stop and tell me how much they appreciate what I'm doing. I have moved well over 1000 of my home-recorded CDs doing this, and been thanked, complimented, and financially supported by tens of thousands of people. It's a big part of my performing life, and I hope it remains so.
Private Performances
Frequently I am asked to perform for private functions: parties, Rotary Club functions, weddings (I love playing weddings!), and such-like. I have been flown as far as North Carolina to the Smoky Mountains near Asheville to sing at a wedding; sung solo during ceremonies, then kicked out the jams with my band or trio for the reception. Contact me through the bookings page if you are interested.
Venues
I have performed solo in venues all over the San Francisco Bay Area, and all over the country. In Nashville I played at the Bluebird Cafe; in Texas I have played at the Cheatham Street Warehouse (where both George Strait and Stevie Ray Vaughn got their starts), and at the Sangerhalle in New Braunfels. I have been featured several years at the San Francisco Folk Festival, and this year was invited to play as part of the North Bay Bluegrass Festival. I have performed solo at the Freight and Salvage, and The Starry Plough in the East Bay, Murphy's Irish Pub in Sonoma, McGrath's Pub in Alameda, and the Pyramid Brewery in Walnut Creek. If you are interested, contact me through the Bookings page.
