Old-timey/Celtic Revival and Nontraditional Traditional Music "A busker isn't a panhandler. Making people smile is a noble profession."

to pay the fiddler

1. (idiomatic) To face the consequences of one’s actions.

The three-day party had been a lot of fun, but now it was time to pay the fiddler.

2. (idiomatic) To contribute in order to participate.

If you want to dance, you’ve got to pay the fiddler.