He doesn't want to be discovered... ;)

Very nice... kinda like Buckethead, but.. a paper bag. Anyway great shot Sam! I dont know how you do it.. I sure wish I could...

I'm getting flashbacks from the Gong Show.

I guess I'm not the only one who remembers
The Unknown Comic.

I thinks his mom was plastic and his pop was paper.

I have known him for 11 years. He has started putting the paper bag in the last 3-4 yrs, but he only plays with that bag in front of Roy Thompson Hall.

He plays in the beaches in the summer on sundays, with his shorts and tshirt (no bag). He drives an old (85) Honda Civic. He also plays around Yonge/St.Clair

The above comment is correct (Alper). A woman spent weekdays on the NE corner of Yonge/St Clair for more than 3 years. For some reason, on Saturdays, she had to relinquish her turf to the
guitarist. Don't know why; he had 3 other corners to set up shop. She doesn't come at all anymore, and I hope she's ok.

I remember him from Yonge & Eglinton in the mid 80's when he usually (but not always) played without the bag. I'm not sure what the statement is re: the bag, but, he plays well. Though it seems like an oxymoron, I think the bag is an attention getting device. I'd like to know how he feels while playing with the bag on versus off. Next time I walk by, I'll ask.

great shot. maybe it's a statement about living in the city - being anonymous.

or maybe it's just the picture. the CN tower, the No Crossing sign, with Roy Tompson Hall, and his music sheet stand just infront... awesome.

I once got a paperbag to put over my head at a Tijuana Bibles concert in Amsterdam. They are from Toronto. Maybe it's one of them.

crisp photo. looks like the cover of some odd music mag. maybe its someone famous, but wouldnt mind a bit of extra pocket change.

i have to say, i think id rather see mr. paper bag-head than the naked cowboy that roams nyc.

Thats great! Certainly not something everyone sees every day. The composition is right on with the small group walking off to the right.

Oh man this shot is excellent, how did you manage to take this shot with all the elements in the right place? I loved it. It looks as if a frame of a comic strips has suddenly become real, Superman? the guitarist, the people walking, the tower, the reflection and every detail is great - Bravo!

i'm pretty sure this guy was an investment banker that cracked.

Great photo, it reminds me of the mask series of Saul Steinberg by Inge Morath.
BTW, I love the red traffic light in this picture!

I think it's Nash the Slash in retirement.

He is truly a Canadian Idol.

nice photo. it's kinda fun, and misteryous at the same time. according to your pics canada is fun.

Oh no!!! It's Paperbaghead!!!

I used to live off of King St., so I would see him all the time as well. From what I have been told, he was a session musician (apparently well-known) and did the street corner thing for fun and a few extra bucks.

Doesn't really explain why he's been doing it for so long, though. He's kinda our Toronto "Naked Cowboy"...

Such a great picture! I love everything about it, the composition the crispness, the colors...

Let me know when you do find out the real story behind the picture...

Great photo! I find your photography very refreshing with unique subjects and locations. I often recognize the locations and try and determine where the photo was taken before looking at the caption.

As to why he wears the paper bag, someone else suggested it was because he was a session musician, playing for extra cash. If he's, a professional musician he's probably 'Union' and for that reason is not supposed to play for free. It's the same as Union shops not allowing Volunteer workers. 'volunteer' in Union speak, means 1.5 times regular pay.

Let me see now..June 10th. Nope, wasn't me.

When I saw this photo I instantly thought of the music video for Broken Social Scene's amazing Cause=Time [link at bottom of page]. Aside from being quite blown away by how much talent (and diverse talent at that) this band exhibits, I have been nothing but impressed by who they are as human beings. These are the kind of people who exemplify everything music should be yet are the antithesis of the rock star ego. They have paper bags and other masks over their faces in this video, so you won't get a single glimpse of what they look like. So see them live, it's better than sex. Oh, and I forgot to mention they're from toronto. Aren't they?

Watch it here: http://www.arts-crafts.ca/bss/video.html

Excellent photos, never stop.