<![CDATA[Busker Central Odds and ends Feed]]>http://buskercentral.com/buskers/blog.php?page=&mode=random_blogs&feed=ATOM&limit=5&c=8&sid=0ec1171f4cc74cd0c9da3869632fba312024-04-16T19:44:56+00:00<![CDATA[Just what exactly is a busker?]]>http://buskercentral.com/buskers/blog.php?u=2&b=238&c=8&sid=0ec1171f4cc74cd0c9da3869632fba312020-04-01T05:22:23+00:002020-04-01T05:22:23+00:00
(WWW) It's interesting to see what websites come up with their definition of a busker. One such site is the editable Wikipedia.org informing readers since 2001.
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The word "wiki" is Hawaiian for "quick". The definition of 'busker' redirects to the 'street performance' page started in 2003 which has been edited, believe-it-or-not, over a thousand times.
"Street performance or busking is the act of performing in public places for gratuities."
Besides the basic definition, the page also covers etymology, history, forms, collecting money, pitches, legislation, and notable performers. The latter is filled with famous and not-so-famous artists including George Michael, the Violent Femmes, and even Benjamin Franklin.
Early editing was done by the Wiki editors themselves...
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<![CDATA[Calling their bluff]]>http://buskercentral.com/buskers/blog.php?u=55&b=18&c=8&sid=0ec1171f4cc74cd0c9da3869632fba312008-11-17T02:43:04+00:002008-11-17T02:43:04+00:00
I remember I was busking on a popular outdoor mall at a commonly used pitch. As a muse, I played and sang between an outdoor cafe and restaurant. Buskers had used the stage for several years. I usually got a coffee at the cafe while on breaks and was familiar with the staff.
One day, a new staff member came outside and asked me to move down the way. When I asked the blond middle-aged woman why, she simply said she didn't appreciate me singing outside on a beautiful day while she slaved away inside. I told her it was my choice in life to busk rather than being a server and I really couldn't help her. She again requested me to move on and left with the satisfaction of having told me 'what for'. I ignored her request and continued performing.
As a mature busker, I had seen the like before. They have a problem with someone busking because they can't do it. After several other altercations, I had...
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<![CDATA[Space Cowboy sets new Guinness record]]>http://buskercentral.com/buskers/blog.php?u=2&b=73&c=8&sid=0ec1171f4cc74cd0c9da3869632fba312010-02-15T02:16:06+00:002010-02-15T02:16:06+00:00
(AUSTRALIA) Chayne Hultgren a.k.a. "The Space Cowboy" has just set a new Guinness worlds record by swallowing 18 razor-sharp swords.
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The brave performance artist acomplished the feat by swallowing the 72cm swords in Sydney. "The Space Cowboy" beat his own 2008 record of 16 and used different throat stretching methods to perfect the art.
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<![CDATA[Buskin' City uncovers new busking plan]]>http://buskercentral.com/buskers/blog.php?u=2&b=184&c=8&sid=0ec1171f4cc74cd0c9da3869632fba312016-03-04T02:52:43+00:002016-03-04T02:52:43+00:00
(SWEDEN) Buskin' City is a unique busking development for Sweden with a soon to be launched website for pro street performers. Every participating city provides a pitch for an artist. It can be a street corner, on a square, or on a main shopping street.
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Bringing culture to unused public space is the main theme. National and International buskers book themselves easily on a city's calendar.
Halmstad, Varberg, Kalmar, Kristianstad, Jonkoping, Landskrona, and Vastervik are among the 7 cities that have signed up with more expected to join the movement. Each city grants a travel refund up to 1500SEK.
With new approximations about busking popping up almost daily, be sure to include this in your book of ideas. See if you can dream up new and interesting approaches to busking like the one above.
For more information,...
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<![CDATA[Re-imagining Times Square]]>http://buskercentral.com/buskers/blog.php?u=2&b=194&c=8&sid=0ec1171f4cc74cd0c9da3869632fba312016-10-03T04:20:10+00:002016-10-03T04:20:10+00:00
(NEW YORK) Times Square, the self-proclaimed "Crossroads of the World," is the top destination for tourists hoping for the quintessential Gotham experience. An article by John Tierney in City Journal magazine takes us through a 2+ decades trip of Times Square. Recent developments have converted automobile traffic lanes into lanes for street-performers and street-vendors.
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"Fake Buddhist monks begging for money, living statues, the Naked Cowboy, topless women, and a horde of costumed cartoon characters are all pressuring tourists to pay them for a picture - because nothing says New York like a selfie with the Incredible Hulk."
"A remade Times Square could start taking shape at the end of this year when the new plaza is supposed to be finished. By then, city officials hope to have...