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Carlos Santiago has been busking for four years. People are tipping less, due to the crappy economy, but Carlos is still getting by. Paying just $290 a month, he and his girlfriend share one bedroom in a group house of ten people. She is an organic farmer.

People tip more in the morning than during lunch time, Carlos said, and they will tip more when Spring comes.

Carlos used to make $1,700 a month teaching at a performance art high school, but he quit because he couldn't stand that working environment. Carlos plays everything, classical, jazz and experimental. He is a member of the band, Normal Love. Carlos also makes money by teaching chess.



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