Austin Lodge's Favorite Troubador Celebrates 25 years As A Street Musician In Chicago

CHICAGO - Oct. 31, 2014 - PRLog -- Vasa Order of America Austin Lodge #466 that meets monthly in Jefferson Park is well known for special events that often features musicians as well as delicious dinners.

Austin's favorite, hands down is George Banks from Chicago's Near North Side who has a vast repertoire of music ranging from the 50's to the 80's. The guitarist, percussionist and singer can often be found performing around the city. The other night we found him setting up for a performance at the Clark and Division Stop in the Red Line Subway.

In an interview conducted by The Chicago Tribune's Lindsay Friedman and published in the September 5, 2014 edition, Banks said he remembers a time when performers such as himself were embraced by the City. Street Musicians such as himself were even celebrated, he said, during a State Street Council series several summers ago. "When we got up there to the Chicago Theater marquee it didn't just say street musicians...in the Music of Chicago Series, it said "celebrating." Banks said. "That word, celebrating," changed everything. It meant people were accepting us. It's the same wording they use at my church. People are to be celebrated, not shunned."

Nowadays, performers are limited to certain areas of the city and they need two separate licenses to play on the street and in the Subway. Street musicians are also restricted to specific hours. The CTA designates certain train platforms they can use and the musicians are only allowed to play in specific spots on those platforms.

One thing for certain, though, you'll find George Banks entertaining the guests at Austin Lodge's annual Christmas Dinner at the Grota Banquet Hall on Chicago's northwest side December 13 beginning at 12 Noon