Welcome to the Seattle Busker page! I hope that you find the links below helpful and entertaining. Included are local busking organizations, opportunities, and Buskers!
City of Seattle PROCLAMATION
A Proclamation Designating "Buskers Week" in Seattle, Washington.
WHEREAS, the art of Busking, or street performing, is a centuries-old tradition recognized the world over and celebrated in many cultures, having origninated when local merchants invited entertainers to perform in exchange for tips in front of their stores, in plazas, and in public squares to attract pedestrians and increase business; and,
WHEREAS, Seattle has the good fortune of being home to a number of world-renowned Buskers, is home to the Pike Market Performers' Guild and celebrates Busker culture with the Pike Market Busker Festival and a special Buskers' performance stage during Seattle's annual Bumbershoot Arts Festival; and,
WHEREAS, Buskers can be passionate dancers, interstellar mimes, jugglers, actors, comedians, magicians, and musicians in the course of bringing enterainment to the public, an entertainment more diverse, more spontaneous, more freely expressive, and more pubicly accessible than any other, and often encouraging spectators to be as active as the performers; and,
WHEREAS, Buskers have helped make Seattle's public places more active, more humane, and more attractive to visitors and residents alike;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL THAT:
From this day forward, the first Monday after labor Day through to the following Sunday, is to be known throughout Seattle as Buskers Week.
Council President Jan Drago
- Councilmember Nick Licata, Sponsor
- Councilmember Jim Compton
Councilmember Richard Conlin
- Councilmember David Della
- Councilmember Jean Godden
Councilmember Richard J. McIver
- Councilmember Tom Rasmussen
Councilmember Peter Steinbrueck
The Pike Market Performers Guild
The PMPG was established in 2001 by a group of buskers in Pike Place Market. They bring a collective voice to interact with the PDA (preservation and development authority) which governs the market. They also produce an annual festival which will happen September 14th, 2008.
Pike Place Market
This link takes you to the Pike Place Market website where they give the scoop on how to become a performer there.
www.BuskerWorld.com
Busker World is based out of Australia. Run by Johnie Mac, a fifteen year busking veteran, who has played all over the world. Definitely worth a look.
What is a busker?
A busker is a street performer who entertains and delights others for voluntary donations.
What do Buskers do?
Well, what don’t they do? Buskers juggle, dance, perform magic tricks…. The list is just too long to fit in here!
How much money should I give the Busker?
It is up to you how much you pay. Buskers actually earn their living by ‘passing the hat’ so if you enjoy their performance let them know when the hat is passed to you. How much would you expect to pay for a ticket to a similar performance at the theatre or circus?
"I get by with a little help from my friends." KEEP ME SINGING ON THE STREET! Click on photo or button above to support with an amount of your choosing!
Donate $10 or more and receive this 20 song Live CD in the mail! (US Only)
Or come find me on the street and "Keep it Live for $Five"
