Seen & Heard: In front of Fortunato's, 259 Central Ave., St. Pete
He has an e-mail address and a website, gitarchris.com, albeit a very basic one. The site lists scores of songs in his repertoire, from the likes of Kris Kristofferson to Don Ho, Gershwin to Garth Brooks — and plenty of Beatles and Buffett.
Chris says he's been busking in St. Pete for about a dozen years. For the last year and a half, Fortunato's has been his turf. When he shows up, other buskers give up the spot. Chris has no day job, and makes most of his money street-performing on weekends and from the occasional legit gig.
It bugs Chris that buskers are often lumped in with the homeless. "We're entertainers," he says. "It's street entertainment, a noble tradition."
He's also very active in the local Democratic Party.
Eric: That was a pretty fair Willie Nelson impression on "Georgia," Chris. I'd like to hear a couple of those original tunes you told us about.
Leilani: Very amiable. You've been doing your thing for so long that you connect with your listeners right away. Nice, easy-going harmonica-playing, too — it added texture.
Wade: Quite the chameleon, Brudy! A fine reading of "Georgia," and your big grins had a way of grabbing passersby.
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This article appears in May 9-15, 2007.