Seen & Heard: On the sidewalk leading from the parking garage to BayWalk, St. Pete.
At dusk, as we emerged from the parking-garage tunnel, we heard an angelic voice up ahead. It turned out to be Stacy singing a gorgeous a cappella version of "Over the Rainbow." She clutched a notebook filled with song lyrics. After a brief chat, Stacy did a version of "Smile" for us that was full of gospel-tinged melisma and tons of heart.
The 47-year-old had dabbled with street singing in the past, but turned it into something of a career in November after quitting her day job. She made good money during the holidays, but says tips have tapered off since.
A native of Kansas City, Mo., she lived in Atlanta for a while and moved to the Bay area six years ago. At the moment, she lives in a small motel in downtown St. Pete and pays her bills by busking. The mother of three (and grandmother of two), who says she's never drank or done drugs, admits that she's struggling a bit. "I'm really winging it," she said. "The room is $145 a week. I come down here and sing and hope that the rent comes through. Sometimes it's tight."
Stacy generally busks on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, and at the farmers' market on Saturday mornings, where someone once put a $50 bill in her tip bucket. "I thought, 'Oh my God,'" she said with a laugh.
Eric: This woman has got soul! You just naturally infuse your music with lots of feeling, and you're gracious, charming and approachable. You give busking a good name.
Leilani: Your smile is a beam of pure joy. You carry yourself so proudly — and your performance came straight from the heart.
Wade: I've heard "Over the Rainbow" done dozens of different ways but never with the straight-up, Southern soul and grace that you delivered. And Stacy — you've got a smile that could melt a statue.
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This article appears in May 9-15, 2007.