Ocean City, Maryland city council passed a resolution limiting it's boardwalk buskers and street performers to two pitches "so everybody can co-exist a little bit better", said Mayor Rick Meehan. The performers lobbied against the the ordinance which would keep them away from store-fronts and benches.

In a written statement that was evidently read to the council, "If it is the intention of the council to eliminate street performing, then I urge them to pass this new ordinance", said busker Alexander Osborn whose reverse-psychology probably didn't help.

The law was passed unanimously by council members. The boardwalk is a well-known beach hangout and visited by over 2.4 million tourists a year. The performers were successful in making one change, however. They can...

[ Continued ]

(INDIA) An article from the Media India Group has some insight that reveals a history of busking.This year buskers are expected to turn the celebratory tune up a notch in Kolkata.

"India also has a rich tradition of street performers. Many renowned artists were known to be inspired by the creation of humble street musicians.

A man with a pointed mustache and colourful elaborate turban playing Ravanhatta (ancient instrument) on the streets of Jaisalmer is a common sight.

Similarly, mystic minstrels of Bengal or locally known as Bauls stroking their Dotara (musical instrument) in the shadowed streets of Shantiniketan (small town in West Bengal) are part and parcel of the cultural scene."

Indians have been busking before it became cool!

Check out the full article at the...

[ Continued ]

(OTTAWA) — Buskers in the ByWard Market want the City of Ottawa to see them as performers, not panhandlers, and keep its hands out of their pockets — and their hats and guitar cases.“I’m going to move if they don’t change,” said Paul Perreault, a Cirque du Soleil-trained acrobat.

Just in time for the municipal election, buskers are getting organized in response to a city bylaw that went into effect last spring. The bylaw requires street performers in the Market to pay up to $200 for licences, rotate positions frequently and make do without voice amplification.

In response, buskers have formed an association, endorsed a candidate in Rideau-Vanier and voted unanimously in favour of a proposal to amend the bylaw.

Perreault said the current rules are so restrictive, they’re making top-notch international...

[ Continued ]

(USA) It's that time of year again when a young man's thoughts turn to busking. It's all about sun, people, and shade as we take a look at some of the hottest performing venues the United States has to offer.An article in USA Today features David Michael, a former street musician and author of Busker: Tales of a Renegade Harpist. The article mentions Michael's insight into the wide world of busking. Waxing philosophical, he elaborates about the different venues some buskers take that, were it not for street-performing, the talent would go to waste. Crowd gathering is also discussed.

Some cities are obvious. New York, Boston, and San Francisco are considered the centerpieces of American culture. Yet, we find some surprising "off-the-beaten-path" pitches that, normally, one wouldn't think there...

[ Continued ]

(CHARLOTTETOWN) Things are rapidly shaping up for Prince Edward Island's inaugural buskerfest to be held over Labour Day weekend in August.The festival will not only feature daytime performances but nighttime performances as well. The international event will feature buskers from across Canada, the United States, and Argentina including some who have broken several world's records.

Jason Henderson is the festival’s artistic director and can be seen walking over glass barefoot while juggling fire among other amazing feats. He said the idea for holding the event came last year on Canada Day.

The New Hot 105.5 FM radio station is the media sponsor for the buskerfest. Other performers for the initial event will include Victor Rubilar, Fire Guy, James Jordan, Trulee Odd, and Dave Cox.

For more information, v...

[ Continued ]