Prague Possibilities?

[worldwidese]

Have an urge to try busking in Prague. But would like some input from anyone who's tried it. Any problems, permits needed? How does it rate hatwise, accommodation possibilities? What other cities have known pitches?

[charlatan_mudo]

indirect redirecto

Okay, according to a friend who has done Prague last year in the summer (mime/human statue act) the story is as follows. All happens on King Charles Bridge and in the nighttime hit and run-style. Will talk to her tomorrow and ask details.

[Aye Macaroni]

no personal experience. but i was in prague near the castle in 2002 and a busker was being told off by some sort of authority, they were speaking czech so i didnt understand. the busker seemed a bit of a rouse-about, a bit stoned or drunk or something and he was just plucking away at led zeppelin but he seemed nice enough.
i say try it guerrilla stylee.

[charlatan_mudo]

interview with someone who´s been there (summary)

Right, so according to an eye-witness the busking situation involves auditions and permits like Covent Garden. The difference being that auditions are only held once every 12-month period (during the month of november the year before last, for example). The only way to deal with the situation on the Bridge (THE PLACE TO BE apparently) and get a show in sideways seems to be the aforementioned hit-and-run approach between ten thirty pm and midnight. Or use Prague as a base and go around the area to work the surrounding towns. Message ends

[worldwidese]

Thanx for the info. Hit and run it is. May also try other cities. By the way, did your friend say how were the hats?

[charlatan_mudo]

How were the hats? Well I suppose of all shapes, sizes and colours... Okay, seriously now. Said she made good money there. Wish you the same. Good luck and enjoy the sights

PS: http://www.visitprague.cz/

[worldwidese]

Thanx for the info.

Sounds like the bridge should rock. Luckily my husband is Czech, so hopefully a bilingual show may double the size of the hats. Yeah, I know it doesn't really work like that.. just wishful thinking.

[GlassHarper]

Busking in Prague

Hey, Worldwide --

For some time I've been hearing of a glass harmonica player on the bridge in Prague. I had tried to get ahold of him (including sending him a note with a Czech tourist I met in N.O.) to write an article on him for the quarterly journal, "Glass Music World," but I never got a response. His name is Alexander Zoltan and at last I have a photo of him sent me by another Glass Music International member. He's relatively young, has a rather large collection of goblets and, I'm told, is an absolute virtuoso with his instrument.

He has a couple of propane-fueled heaters (like Willow on Jackson Square in N.O.) to keep him warm during what must be bitterly cold winters there.

He apparently has been playing on the bridge for a number of years, so whatever the politics, he's learned how to deal with it.

[worldwidese]

St. Charles Bridge

Hey, Peter, Haven't seen you in a while. Frank is hot to trot to Prague, but I'm heading in another direction. Going to revisit Papeete and on to Auckland 3 weeks total. He'll have to wait till I get back. As you know, he's Czech, so I'll have him talk to the harper if we see him. Pray for better weather in N.O.!

[Pyromancer]

I worked there years ago, 1997, so I think the situation must have changed a bit. But back then, I started at the square in front of the Karl's Bridge, was sent away by some types dressed in normal clothing, but with strong muscles and official looking passes. Then I tried my luck at the old City Square. Policemen were watching my show there, but left me alone.

I made a lot of money, conidering that you don't need (didn't need) much to survive. I lost some of the money when I foolishly tried to change the coins at an official post office. As soon as I pointed out that the friendly, worldwise lady wasn't giving me enough money back, she didn't speak a word english anymore... Be careful, it's a Czech (Prague?) custum to rip you off when money is involved. Don't worry too much about it, policemen do it as well. Just keep your eyes open and don't take it personal.

But that was '97, only two years after the country became 'free'. I was there on holiday in 2002 and the ever expanding global network of tourrorism ate it's way into the city without mercy. It's still a beauty, though...