Buskers warming up Jets fans on warm walk to rink

WINNIPEG – The music coming from Chris Crossroads’ banjo may not be Stompin’ Tom but you can still tell it’s hockey night in Winnipeg.

Crossroads is one of the handful of buskers who set up in downtown Winnipeg’s skywalk every time the Winnipeg Jets play. They’re there to make a buck a pluck at a time.

“Helps pay the rent, helps keep me fed,” said Crossroads. “A very modest living. Nothing to write home about.”

Crossroads performs dressed as a mime. He’s not the only one horsing around.

“It started off as a joke when I would play the Godfather theme song,” said Blaine Mattes who wears a horse mask while playing the accordion. “I tried it one day and people seemed to like it. It became a thing.”

Some of the buskers have even brought the centuries old craft in tune with the 21st.

“With smartphones now, I can take credit card payments,” said Crossroads.

Performers only have a split second to make an impression. Thousands trot by before and after a game but only a few donate. It takes talent, patience and also luck. If the Jets win, so do the buskers.

“People are happy, little kids are happy, everyone is happy,” said Alex Choiselat. “I think happy people give more money.”

Not to worry. They’re also there to console you if the players fall flat.

“In a way, it’s kind of good that we’re here if the Jets lose,” said Crossroads. “At least it picks them up a little bit.”

Helping to warm fans up on their warm walk back home.