That Cellist on the Promenade Is Living Off Your Tips

He’s Also Playing the Same Songs Over and Over, Spending Hours Waiting for a Good Spot, and Dealing With the Occasional Hostile Clown

We made the decision in December of 2005.

The two of us had just returned to Los Angeles from a 10-week nationwide tour in support of the debut album that we released independently to showcase our minimalist sound. (We describe it as “cello rock.” Others may call it folk rock.) Boxes full of CDs from our ambitious first pressing were stacked in the corner of our rehearsal space. We sat there brainstorming ways to sell them in an effort to fund our next album. Before we left for our tour, Ed …

El Capitan Theatre

Where Movies Remain Old-Fashioned Magic

The pipe organist has slowly, dramatically descended back into the floor and out of view, while two giant rodents scamper mischievously onstage, tugging at the soon-to-be-parted curtains. Our 3 1/2 …

I Can’t Grouse About the Mouse House

My Unglamorous But Worthwhile Stint as Cinderella

Once upon a time (don’t get any ideas, this isn’t a fairy tale), there was a little girl who dreamed of white weddings, pixie dust, prattling forest animals and kisses …