(LAS VEGAS) Let's take a trip down the Strip in Las Vegas and see how the buskers are melting. No, it's not that kind of trip. This is for reals.It's never been hotter in Sin City which just tied an all time record of 117 (47.2 C) degrees in June. Regular street-performers seem to be gravitating towards the Fremont Street Experience where it's a tad cooler. But anyone in an enclosure or costume almost has to have a whole thermos of cold water with them.

Cupid has the right idea. This short, chubby busker runs around in his wings sporting a white g-string. Mix in a few drunks and it makes for a good time - assuming you drink. This is, after all, Las Vegas - home to over 400 Elvis'.

Off to the left is a Golden Statue, to the right is Gold Man. In the center is Golden Girl. Down the way is Sponge Bob...

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(WWW) Before the advent of the internet, buskers had to figure out which songs were popular enough to perform in public. Now, we can simply surf the net and and learn in a matter of seconds.Of course, sprinkling the list with an original here and there is always an option. But it all depends on the pitch and audience. Some songs are drunken sing-alongs and others are thoughtful hits. One thing most have in common is a upbeat rhythm.

Two lists we've found cover the "best" songs to play. One list has 31 recommendations and the other has a top 7.


TOP 7:

1. Friends in low places
2. Summer of '69
3. Sweet Caroline
4. 3a.m.
5. When I come around
6. Free Fallin'
7. Livin' on a Prayer

These are mostly 1990's songs that tend to go over well. However, the seasoned busker will have at least one song by the Beatles...

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(WWW) A website by Isaac Wexler has included a history of busking as a means to promote his courses on successful street-performing. A busker for over ten years, Busker Pro is his way of giving back the knowledge and experience of his career as a busker.Some interesting notations include the furthest recorded history of law affecting buskers in ancient Rome back in 462 BC. It was made a criminal offense to sing or make parodies about the government or officials in public places. The result was a very harsh death penalty to the performers without noble protection from the privilege of justice.

Another was in 1530 when Henry VIII ordered the practise of minstrels and players, fortune-tellers, pardoners and fencers, as well as beggars that if they did not obey the law, they could be whipped for two days....

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(LONDON) The story of busker James Bowen and his cat Bob has snowballed into an impressive miracle.
Reported here on Busker Central in November of 2012, the story was first picked up by the London press and spread around the world. The result is selling over 300,000 books and now a feature length sequel.

You can view the high-fiving feline in the inspiring film now streaming on various platforms including the free Tubi.

Played by actor James Treadaway, Bowen and the friendly orange tabby live on forever in film and lore.

There is a sad note concerning James the busker. Somehow, he is about to be homeless once again. Why? Bob the cat is no longer with us pushing James back into the world of drugs and, understandably, depression.

Click the link below for the debut film "A street cat named Bob"....

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We've found some more crazy t-shirts that buskers will love. Bowler or derby hat tees are now available in a variety of colors. Buskers can now let the world know they're a street-performer by wearing their hat on their t-shirt. You can even add a face if you wish.

There's an old busker saying - "A busker isn't complete without his hat. Then, he's finished."

Also featured are "suit & tie" tees and even the Professional Street Performers Association's logo on all kinds of shirts, tote bags, buttons, drinking cups, stickers, posters, and even hats.

Let the public know you're a pro!

You can even create your own logos on apparel for other buskers and street-performers to enjoy. Artists will relish designing their own shirts. Check out the links below for even more busker t-shirt...

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