(Photo Courtesy of The Busking Project)
Street performing has been prevalent for centuries in many major cities and countries around the world. More commonly referred to as “busking,” which originates from a Spanish word meaning “to seek,” street performing includes a wide range of activities. Busking encompasses any public performance that is rewarded with money or another form of a gratuity such as food (World Heritage Encyclopedia, par. 4).
In the United States, busking originated from traveling medicine shows in the 19th century. As the vendors were trying to sell their medicines, they would often perform and entertain in order to cheer up their audience and sell their product (World Heritage Encyclopedia, par. 10). The more entertained and happy the audience was, the more they would buy. Interestingly, storefronts would often use this same logic when they allowed buskers to perform in front of their stores. With a performer in front of the store, the audience would most likely visit the store afterwards because of its proximity and buy something happily. Since then, busking has evolved into a variety of performances such as one man bands, and acrobatics groups. Throughout its history, busking has been a great starting point for performers’ careers. Many artists began on the streets, performing for the public to showcase their music or dance moves, and also to earn a few bucks. The streets of NYC are a perfect place to start an informal career or live out a hobby.
(Photos Courtesy of Wikipedia)
As busking has become increasingly more prominent, there are tactics buskers use in order to maximize their earnings. For one, many street performers, especially dancers, will bring the audience into a tight circle around them. This is a useful tactic for a few reasons. Because outsiders cannot see what is going on within the circle, they are more likely to approach the performance out of curiosity (“Tips,” par. 2). Additionally, this forms a community among the audience and results in a better and more connected audience experience. Another tactic that is used is passing the hat or bucket around for tips during the performance. People are more inclined to give if the person is still performing (“Tips,” par. 3). Also, once the performance is over, most audience members leave without giving anything. This tactic helps eliminate that risk. There are countless more tactics used for successful shows, and as the Positive Brothers point out, much of the success comes from experience and trial and error.
(Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia)
With the amount of buskers in NYC, there are plenty of resources for buskers. For example, Busker Street Union, located in Brooklyn, NY, was formed to create community among buskers. On their website, they provide useful information of buskers’ rights, and generally useful tips. Busker Street Union is just one of many local organizations and websites created to educate the public and help buskers. Busking, with its long history, remains relevant on the streets of New York City and is a large positive attraction for tourists and residents in the city.
Works cited
“Tips.” Busker Street Union, www.buskerstreet.org/tips/.
World Heritage Encyclopedia. “History of Busking | Project Gutenberg Self-Publishing …” Project Gutenberg Self-Publishing Press, World Heritage Encyclopedia, www.gutenberg.us/articles/history_of_busking.
