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Charlotte Center City is having auditions April 29, by appointment only, for the right to be licensed to busk.
Here's a link to their news release:
Here's a link to their news release:
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Hmm...
So let me get this straight...
I have to: 1) make an appointment so I can... 2) audition for... 3) the right to buy... 4) a license to... 5) busk.
This is like visiting the DMV. "Take a number, and we'll help you as soon as we're done eating donuts." -
Licence
Doesn't say you have to pay for a licence. Maybe it's FREE! Supposing it's a sweet pitch, it would be great to get a whole year year with no hassles.Comment
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Charlootte
Do you know of any good festivals in Charlette? I had a layover on a bus trip there, and took my time to explore the downtown - it's beautiful, very clean, a lot of small parks with fountains and sculptures. Very well-dressed and cheerful crowd. There's a motel near Greyhound station - 170$ weekly rates. I have not found any particular 'pitch", but it looks like a great place to visit for a festival...Comment
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i spoke with these people on the phone and they seemed really nice.
They told me that they also have a pitch for people passing-through.Comment
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Here's an update on Charlotte's busker program: 40 have received permits, but few appear to be performing.
From the Charlotte Observer:
Posted on Sat, Jul. 24, 2004
Uptown buskers seem few and far between
40 licenses issued for street performers, but hardly any are seen
HOWIE PAUL HARTNETT
Staff Writer
Few things can make Marvin Wilson remove the headphones that always cover his ears when he plays chess in Thomas Polk Park in uptown.
But JoAnn Kemp's singing is one of them.
For the past two Fridays, Kemp and her husband, Tony, have made Wilson and passers-by nod and clap along to a mix of Motown, country and everything in between.
They are two of 40 street performers that Charlotte Center City Partners issued permits to more than two months ago in an effort to boost uptown's ambiance.
They also are the only two Wilson has seen.
Others who frequent uptown say the same thing: Few street performers seem to be plying their trade.
"We don't see that much in this area," Wilson said. "We want to see more performers. The more people who come out here, the more lively it is."
That was the point when Center City Partners officials announced they would permit busking -- as street performing is called -- in private areas this spring.
Organizers envisioned singers and guitar players and violinists and magicians dazzling pedestrians -- like they do in New York, New Orleans and other large cities.
To jump-start what is usually an organic urban amenity, Center City Partners officials hosted auditions. In part, the tryouts were to screen talent, but mostly they were to let folks know it's OK to sing and dance on city streets.
Anyone can put out a hat and perform on public property, such as sidewalks. But to work on private property you need permission.
About 40 performers eventually were given permits they must display while working in such places as Trade and Tryon streets behind the fountains where the tables and chairs are.
The only advice organizers gave buskers is move to another location if your preferred spot is taken. There are 10 permitted sites around uptown.
"We are never sure where they are going to be," said Moira Quinn, spokeswoman for Center City Partners. "They don't tell us when they're coming."
Quinn says finding a busker can be hit-or-miss. But she believes the program is a success and will grow as the weather gets cooler.
The heat is one reason balloon-animal maker John Luke hasn't performed uptown more than twice since earning his permit. But mainly, he hasn't had the time between his full-time job and volunteer responsibilities, he said.
And the response he got when he did work uptown didn't leave him fulfilled.
"I'll be honest with you, both times I've busked I've gotten mediocre response," he said.
One three-hour show barely netted him gas money, he said.
During his gigs, Luke says he didn't see any other buskers. Uptown property managers say they have seen a few around.
Hearst Tower property manager Susan Schoonmaker said she has seen one near her building at lunchtime.
"The flute player is very nice," she said. "It's impacted us in a positive way at Hearst Tower."
JoAnn Kemp also has seen a flute player, but she doesn't think he's a busker.
"I think we're the only ones who have the courage to do it," she said.
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