An interesting article at American Songwriter has an in-depth interview of the successful and creative busker by the name of Ori Rakib.Ori is an energetic soul. He's been busking in the New York subway for years. One day after losing his jacket, Ori said to himself, "Alright - I’m going to start busking until I make enough money to buy myself a new winter coat." Survival comes first in busking. Some of us have already been there. At times, it can be hand-to-mouth with even experienced buskers.

"Once you’re past that first stage where it’s not really about being 'good' or 'bad' anymore, you start to realize how many lives you are able to touch by just going out there, opening your mouth, and singing."

"You’re not a brand - You’re just a guitar and a voice. People don’t know you, y...

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Got a number of good reviews on my busking book. Danny Hustle and Jimmy Talksalot both gave me the thumbs up. Thanks guys. Sold a copy of the book to Spain, Sweeden and Australia not to mention all over the US. Looking for feedback from those who got the new book.
I just got a new DSLR camera for my birthday. Can't wait to get it out for some good pictures. I'm taking classes to improve my technique. Hopefully I can post them around. If you're in KC and need some performing pix let me know. I got some good shots of my grandson playing hockey.
Hopefully the weather will start to break in the next few weeks. I have consolidated my street show so it will be easier to transport. I'm getting too old to carry all the stuff around. Hopefully I'll be seeing some of you buskers this summer.
-Gizmo

(HASTINGS) A busker, Dean Langley, set up shop outside the Anchor pub in Hastings and started to play “Wonderwall” by Oasis. He then played “American Pie” by Don Maclean. Then he played Wonderwall again. Then American Pie, then Wonderwall. After two hours, the landlord of the pub approached Mr Langley and pleaded with him either to stop playing or to learn a third song. Mr Langley then became abusive and was arrested.

Is there anyone who can read this without feeling passionate sympathy with the pub landlord? When General Noriega took refuge in the Holy See’s embassy in Panama in 1989, the American army bombarded him with non-stop repetition of terrible old rock records. It has been reported that a torture technique in Guantanamo Bay involved playing Barney the purple dinosaur’...

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(WWW) An extensive article by Ziggy Samuels at TheBrokeBackpacker.com has what is probably the most comprehensive directions in recent years on beginning busking.Recently updated, it covers chapters such as What Does Busking Mean, Ethics and Moral Philosophy, Busking Setups, How to Busk, Picking Your Pitch, Busking Tips and Secrets, and Just Go Do It!

"With this busking guide in hand, you’re gonna learn both how to busk and how to do it right! That is why you should learn how to busk because it’s an adventure", says Ziggy. He adds, "Busking brings joy to people. It brings entertainment and music to the streets. It makes people smile."

Some interesting observations are also mentioned such as How Not to Be A Knob since "not all buskers are saints - some can be right tos...

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(SHELBY) As the days start to warm up, more people are making their way outside. Some for fresh air - others to perform for patrons of uptown shops and restaurants
“Ten years ago no one really went out after dark on the court square,” said Jeff Ledford.
Now that mindset has changed, cities are moving with these ideas.

Moving forward means change.

With the number of people increasing, one of those changes is more musicians taking to the sidewalks.
“With growth comes change, and we are going to see things we haven’t had to deal with like street performers,” said Ledford.

While there have been a few entertainers, Ledford expects more to be coming. Not only due to the expanding uptown area, but also due to the focus on art and music in uptown Shelby. The Uptown Shelby Association sees the addit...

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