(PARIS) Some 1,000 people are expected to compete for 300 prized permits to busk the Paris métro. The auditions, which started Tuesday, are organised by the Paris transport network, the RATP. The 300 successful candidates will be given permission to perform in the underground passages of Paris's underground stations for the next six months, although many more do so illegally.

Interested musicians can apply at 102, rue de Charonne or by emailing RATP at musiciensdumetro@ratp.fr.

Métro busking has sometimes marked the beginning of distinguished musical careers. Keziah Jones, Manu Dibango, Ben Harper all started as buskers.

The auditions continue until the end of October.

www.rfi.fr ...

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I have been thinking a lot about doing a little busking, just for fun. I used to play in bar bands and the like years ago and still play a bit now and then. I wonder if this is something that could quench my thirst for playing music, telling stories, and just plain showing off.

I would love to hear stories of other ancient buskers especially just starting out.

I'm 60 by the way.

(WWW) It seems the organization 'Ranking4You' has taken on the task of presenting buskers for your approval. In "Top 20 Street Performers", they examine Dea Matrona, Kylabelle, Jesica Doolan, Zoe Clarke, Hannah Kinsella and Caseto.This time around, they visit Grafton Street - one of the two main shopping streets in downtown Dublin. They also visit streets in LA, Colorado, Belfast, Stockholm, Northeast Brazil and Sinchon/Seoul.

"Our intention is to publicize the work of the artists that you guys present to us, that reach us and that we consider to be of good quality, regardless of whether or not they are known to the general public. Don't get us wrong but our purpose is to promote timeless performances that can inspire old and new street artists and touch the audience."

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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...

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