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Video: Busking in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Busking in Batavia is uncommon -- in fact, I've never seen it before and a couple of longtime residents I spoke to said they've never seen street musicians in the city before, so when I spotted Anthony Coco in front of Aldi yesterday evening, I had to stop and chat with him.

He wasn't too talkative, so no interview in the video. 

He said he's been in Batavia for three months. He's from Las Vegas. He's busking -- accepting donations while playing music -- because that's his only option to feed himself. He's lost his Social Security card and birth certificate so can't get help from any social services. He's been couch surfing since moving to Batavia.

Yes, "that would be the idea" to become a professional musician he said, but right now the best he can do is busk.

Ray Richardson

He can't get help from social services. Did you ask him how many job applications he's filled out in those 3 months? Sounds like this young man needs a serious dose of reality.

Jan 4, 2019, 9:38am Permalink
Ed Hartgrove

So, he wants to become a professional musician, huh?
Without a Social Security card, how's he gonna report his income?
I'm (fairly) confident that there are ways to replace your Social Security card.

Jan 4, 2019, 2:03pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

We don't know what efforts he's gone through to replace it.

To get a new SS card, he would need to get his birth certificate, a certified copy. He would need some other proof of identification.

It's hard to get a job without proper documents.

FWIW: I'm not vouching for anything he said just reporting what he said. I'm mainly interested in the idea of somebody busking in Batavia. But I also know it's not easy to get back on your feet when you have few resources.

Jan 4, 2019, 5:34pm Permalink

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