Now he and Ooo La La carry on the tradition from December to April, touring the country during the other months. The authorities looked on us as panhandlers rather than as artists providing a service to the city. The police would prevent people from passing the hat. Even though there's no more harassment, Bounce says Mallory Square presents other challenges to entertainers. There is so much competition happening at once, 10-15 other acts, that you die if you can't hold the crowd.
Most people get to do two shows, with the second one timed to end right before the sun goes down.
Bounce's poodle, Sparkplug, is not the only canine comic on the square, however. Matthew Bonnett, who came to Key West in 1979, performs with a boxer named Sarah. She also provides Matthew with moral support, leading the sighs and aahhs when he makes a particularly amazing or astounding move. Two hours practice daily on the beach have built some astounding moves into Bonnett's repertoire. I do what I like and on a good night I make money, too.