Feature by Anna Gorra "I was in this band, and we were playing night clubs. I knew I could sing, but I didn't think I was that good," Patterson said.

Back to Table of Contents | Back to Main Index Previous Features | Send mail to The Voice Street musician dreams of future renown Street musician Theo Patterson has been entertaining all ages at the Saturday Market for 15 years. -Theo Patterson, photo Street musician Theo Patterson [his real name is Theoskei], with only his Gibson guitar and booming Southern, soulful voice, attracts a crowd of all ages. His contagious smile and simple musical setup make him a Saturday Market favorite. Patterson embodies a genuine American spirit, and he proudly displays his U.S.A. memorabilia on his clothes. He calls his style "Goodtime Music" and compares it to campfire songs. It is a mix of rhythm and blues and rock 'n' roll. "The main idea is to make people smile or think about their day," Patterson said. Patterson opens his guitar case for tips, and it's lined with his accomplishments, including two CDs of original songs. In 2001 he released "Theo--Dues on the West Side." His newest compilation came out this year and is titled, "Home Grown." It includes songs such as "King of Dreamers" and "Whenever I'm Around You." No one has given Patterson a negative comment on any of the 300-plus CDs he has sold. His CDs sell for $10 to $12. He doesn't want those who listen to his music to feel obligated to buy his CDs or even give him tips. Patterson has been playing guitar since he was a freshman in high school. "I never really took lessons. I basically play by ear," he said. Patterson has attended three colleges. He first went to Portland Community College for law enforcement; to Clark College in Vancouver, Wash., for graphic arts; and to Portland State University, where he made the dean's list for one semester. When Patterson composes his music, he does so with years of experience behind him, not just as a musician, but as a man who knows how trying life can be. "I was kinda destitute one time, and I was getting threatened to get kicked out of my apartment," he said. He was receiving $114 a week from unemployment and had to pay $400 a month in rent. He was also on food stamps, an experience that he described as being personally humbling because he realized he wasn't the only person struggling in life. "I was in this band, and we were playing night clubs. I knew I could sing, but I didn't think I was that good," Patterson said. "I was thinking of what I could do to make money. I played a song for some friends, and they thought I had a great voice." He decided to go out to the streets and made nearly $15 in a day. On the second day he made around $30. "I was playing on Westmoreland," he said. "Wherever the most people are, that's where you're going to make the most money." Because the noise of the buses was overpowering, Patterson had to sing at the top of his lungs. That night he went home and realized he couldn't sing; he could barely talk. Not long after that, someone told him he should try to play at Saturday Market. Patterson took the suggestion and played at the market, going home with $35 for a day. Patterson has been entertaining at Saturday Market for more than 15 years. He also plays for weddings and clubs, although these offers are usually extremely slim. He said interacting with his audience is extremely important. "If you're going to ignore the audience, then they have no problem ignoring you," he said. "Some people look past me and stare into the case, but I'm looking right at them the whole time." Still, Patterson's hometown feel touches many lives. Several people have approached him after hearing his music to say that was exactly what they needed to hear. "It's really a sad, sad world," he said. "And so I actually think about that sometimes, and I do cry. Sometimes there is so much ignorance. People are so sure of themselves. The world is anything but godly, and it's not going to be long before Jesus comes back." One of Paterson's original songs, "Sometimes I Cry," expresses this musician's heart. His voice sounds wispy and reflective as he sings, "I get sad sometimes when I take a walk around town. Sometimes I'll try to just catch their eye, just so I can smile and say hi...Whole world's going crazy, but then I guess you already knew...I think we lost our way, and we all know why. No, it's not the rain, it's teardrops in my eyes, because sometimes I cry." For musicians looking to make a living as a street musician, Patterson said, "Don't do it for the money. If you want to get exposure, it's a way, but you have to really like what you're doing. I don't recommend being a street musician; it's hard work." When the day is done, Patterson said that he feels rewarded if he makes enough to pay for his dinner and make people smile. He says to himself after a long day, "I didn't need to make fifty bucks today. I just needed to make enough to survive." But the "King of Dreamers" still hopes for bigger things. "I would like to play at a big concert hall where they all know my songs and the whole audience sings along," he said. "That's kinda my fantasy dream." Back to Table of Contents | Back to Main Index Previous Features | Top Of Page Send mail to The Voice| Journalism department website © 2003 The Voice. No part of this publication may be reproduced in written or electronic form without prior written consent from the journalism adviser of Multnomah Bible College. All rights reserved.