I came across something in my reading that I thought would be of interest to those being persecuted by local authorities for playing in public (and to Anna in particular).
There was a case originating in Nantucket, back in 1979, that made it to the Federal District Court, which ruled in favor of the musician. It seems that one Robert Goldstein had been persecuted by local authorities for playing a hammer dulcimer on the street. The ACLU got involved on Mr. Goldstein’s behalf. The court ruling read in part that “music constitutes free speech, which can not be legally impeded by local government.”
I’m not a lawyer or legal researcher, so I can’t advise you on whether this case set a precedent or how to use that to your advantage. I do have the date of the Federal District Court ruling, though. It was September 25, 1979. Maybe your local chapter of the ACLU would take an interest in your situation.