BA of the Week: Singer/Songwriter Bhi Bhiman

Every week we feature a different person from the community shedding a little light on their life of brokeitude. Who knows, maybe you’ll learn something about the human spirit — probably not.

Wanna be a Broke-Ass of the Week? Holler at us here and we’ll send you the questionnaire.

Bhi Bhiman won’t tell you this (probably because he doesn’t remember it) but years ago I was at a show he played at Blondie’s in SF’s Mission District. Bhi killed it as always (his voice is incredible) but he was dressed kinda like a schlub. After the show I told Bhi, “You gotta have a look man. Put on a suit and look dapper. It will be perfect for you.” Or something like that. And now look at how sharp he dresses. Can I take credit for that? I’m just gonna say “yes” even if no one else will.

Anyways, I’ve known Bhi for many years now. We met in college back when he was in a good band with a mediocre name called Hippie Grenade. Since then we’ve stayed in touch and I’ve watched his steady rise from playing place like afore mentioned Blondie’s to sharing the stage with people like D’Angelo, The Roots, and Elvis Costello in a Prince tribute at Carnegie Hall. Entrainment Weekly called Bhi’s performance astonishing.

Bhi’s about to release a new covers album called Substitute Preacher and he’s having the release party on Saturday May 18th at St. St. Cyprian’s Church in San Francisco. More details and ticket are right here.

In the meantime listen to this great cover that Bhi does of “Walk of Life” and read his Broke-Ass of the Week answers below.

Name: Bhi Bhiman

Age: 30

Occupation: Singer/songwriter

What neighborhood do you live in?: I just moved out of the Inner Sunset to Redwood City. It is boring but I’m beginning to remember what summer feels like.

Best money saving tip: Find a hobby that costs nothing. If you asked my Dad this question, he would go all Uncle Leo on you.

What do you refuse to spend money on? :Napkins, and parking if I can help it.

Most expensive thing you’ve ever bought: Relatively speaking, a $5 water at the airport.

How’d that feel?: Like I got bamboozled.

Favorite cheap eat: A ButterBurger from Culver’s, an amazingly good fast food chain in the Midwest. They serve deep fried cheese curds and frozen custard. It’s like my Kryptonite when I’m on tour.

Favorite dive bar: The Mucky Duck in Inner Sunset.

Best deal you’ve ever gotten: My wife is a master at finagling. She once got Comcast to include all the sports subscription channels for free. That was a very unproductive period in my life.

Favorite free thing to do: Play guitar.

If you woke up a millionaire, what’s the first thing you’d buy?: I’ve never spent an obscene amount of money on a guitar so that might be a good place to start.

Despite not having money, do you still love your life? I do. I’m very lucky to have what I have.

Do you own my book?: Yes I do. I think I played at your book release party way back when.

Best hangover cure: Pho from Thanh Tam on Valencia.

Are you a hipster?: Well apparently, there is some rule (probably made up by some annoying hipster) that if you make fun of or complain about hipsters, then you are in fact a hipster. So I might be…which is unfortunate.