I first saw Damián Salazar about ten years ago on my way to change out dollars for pesos.
early footage (volume warning!)He was ever present, all day every day, rarely looking up to see the crowds that had grown around him on Florida Street. I spoke to him several times between ear splitting performances, and always tossed five or ten pesos into the hat. One thing about Buenos Aires, for sure, is that they like things loud.
Florida is a walking-street that runs from end to end through downtown Buenos Aires. It changes into Peru Street as the Pink House goes by on your left, heading into San Telmo. I took quick videos of Damián several times, but mine are shaky and do not show a complete song. I thought it best to find a complete video to give you and idea of where he started. Click the image to open a new tab.
When I talked to this young man, he was very soft spoken and humble. My kids would ask him questions as if he were famous. They have known him since they were toddlers. Damián started playing at age seven, and took up playing on Florida street to help support his family in the mid two-thousands after losing his father at a very young age. in his late teens, he was able to earn money regularly and better their lifestyle with his talent.
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TV interview in 2012To the left is a clip of him when the news media was tipped off that he deserved some attention back in 2012. His humble demeanor is apparent even if you do not understand Spanish. The second part is the guitar part, click here. Blistering speed. This is what he still does on the street, but he has gotten better since 2012, good enough to be noticed by a legendary rock band and whisked away to play on stage with them... read on.
What prompted this post
I was searching for a certain style that I had seen on the subway here in town years ago. I did not find the performer I wanted but when my search contained this video, I clicked on it because I have always loved the Scorpions.
On stage with the scorpions - videoThe results seemed off. This did not seem to be related to street performers or Buenos Aires in any way. I watched thinking What does this have to do with here?
Then Damián Salazar comes out on stage, playing with one hand in the air. He got to play with the band two months ago in Germany. This was a huge step up, playing lead for Still loving you and moving on to do a center stage solo in the middle of the crowd. I had to post this, and I will take a walk down Florida Street tomorrow to see if he is still at it. If so, I would love to congratulate him.
The Scorpions had been here. They had visited Florida Street the same as any other tourists, and the tenacious got noticed! He is now twenty six years old but not slowing down. I know he is on bacefook though that site will never get a click from me. If you use it, give him a look.
For those who did not click the links
Take a look. There are several videos in this post, but below is his moment of fame.
My heart was warmed to see his happiness. I hope you took a moment to see it too.
That's so awesome. I've walked down Florida street so many times I've probably seen him and never even realized. Buenos Aires is filled with talented street musicians-- it's nice to see one of them get recognized for their craft!
What a beautiful story Damian was formed in the pedestrian as if it were his majestic outdoor theater and with a public of all nationalities. What a bless
He's very talented and has obvisously spent a lot of time working on his craft. I was surprised to see people standing behind him talking on their cell phones. They must have been yelling to the people on the line. Ha ha.
It's a directional thing. There are street performers every hundred feet, thieves ever two hundred (see the characters on the right at 2:35), but only the best performers make money. Thanks for stopping by! I hope you find your name one day.
That makes sense if the amp is pointed away. I went back and watched again. I saw the one guy shaking the other. Are they a team that causes a commotion so that people look at them and not at the person behind them who is lifting their wallet?
I saw one lady who was wearing her backpack in the front and wondered about that. I guess it's fairly common.
Thanks for the well-wishes on the name. Some people are calling me Blondie. ;)