For coffee drinkers that frequent lelem Cafe 鈥� just off the banks of the Fraser River in Fort 91原创 鈥� Mike and Oskar may be recognizable fixtures that hang out on a nearby bench.
Michael William Burmeister bills himself as 鈥淭he Ramblin鈥� Gump,鈥� a folk singing harmonica player that roams around 91原创 with his two loves - Oskar the dog and a talent for live music.
鈥淔or years, I didn鈥檛 believe I had a musical bone in my body鈥� but then one day the lord told me to get a harmonica,鈥� Burmeister said.
The penny whistle is his latest instrument of choice, though he said people including himself found it to be too shrill at first. All of the tunes that flow out of Burmeister鈥檚 whistle are original, and most importantly, free.
鈥淢y personal policy is to try and not put that hat down. I鈥檓 getting as much out of it as anybody listening to it. So I don鈥檛 busk much anymore because it鈥檚 nicer to give than receive.鈥�
Then there鈥檚 Oskar, Burmeister鈥檚 furry friend that lays right down at his feet.
鈥淢y faithful companion. That dog is my manager,鈥� Burmeister joked.
Oskar, a Spaniel Poodle cross 鈥� otherwise known as a 鈥淪poonful鈥� 鈥� was given to his owner as Christmas present four years ago.
On occasion, he even becomes part of Burmeister鈥檚 performance by adding a yip or a howl to the music. 鈥淭he dog likes it. He barks and snarls when he wants to.鈥�
The pair start out at lelum Cafe every morning, playing music on one of the benches across from the entrance. Next, they usually make it out to the Uplands dog park in Brookswood where the concert continues.
鈥淚f nothing else, it helps with meditation and is a pleasant way to spend hour in the morning,鈥� Burmeister said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a good excuse to get out.鈥�
Though 鈥淭he Ramblin鈥� Gump鈥檚鈥� music is strictly live, Burmeister said the next step for him will be recording.
He has been seen occasionally 鈥� without his canine partner 鈥� performing in live venues like the NY鈥檚 Indian Grill鈥檚 BC Songwriter Showcase.
This Thursday, June 20, he can be seen at the House of James bookstore in Abbotsford at their monthly open mic night.
Burmeister describes his act as 鈥渁 unique blend of msuic, humor, and truth.鈥�
Read more: Listen up, cats! Dogs dig tunes!
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Email: ryan.uytdewilligen@langleyadvancetimes.com
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