Busking in Boston

[Jim]

Hey Kev,

Yeah... If this new ordinance thing is really true, I can't wait to do a show at Copley. That's a mega pitch I've been watching for 15 years. I have no idea how I'd work it, but I can just feel a huge show there.

Also, the waterfront is starting to look good with the highway all gone now. There are little green spaces popping up all over the place.

I look forward to seeeing how this all works out.

[dave buchanan]

That's an affirmative on Copley Square, Jim. I worked it New Year's Day, inside of the fountain, which was shut off for the winter. Massive show, and great energy. Of course, the Park Rangers politely shut me down. But they won't be doing that this year, will they...

I'm not sure how it would be as a regular pitch, but it's worth a try.

Let's all share info on Boston pitches -- with the recent ruling, there will be more than enough to go around.

[harmonicakev]

deja vu?

Spring 2005 Enforcement practices continue to stop performances in City of Boston

I (Stephen Baird) was stopped from performing at Sam Adams Park aka Dock Square on March 30th
Jason Gardner was stopped from performing at Sam Adams Park aka Dock Square on April 2nd
Jason Gardner was stopped from using amplification at Boston Common on April 2nd
Gazzo the Magician was stopped from performing at Sam Adams Park aka Dock Square on April 3rd
Daniel Denney who was with Gazzo was also stopped from performing at Sam Adams Park aka Dock Square on April 3rd

ABOVE is from www.communityartsadvocates.org



affadavits protesting this latest harassment were filed with the federal court, since the case from December is still open. Buskers beware - Kevin M.

[harmonicakev]

Boston Globe story

there is a story about street performing in Boston in this Sunday's Boston Globe - Kev

[harmonicakev]

Boston Globe ran story on Street Artists Federal Law Suit and issues:

Internet version of story:

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/magazine/

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/magazine/articles/2005/05/15/let_the_music_play

Ciao - Kev

[unclescam]

is there an up to date view on bostons availability and different spots?
i hear folks are working around the market.
any hassles? on the waterfront?
the common? coply square or kenmore?
information please? last i see of actual working is new years and stevens list of shutdowns.

[harmonicakev]

Sue them?

Hi Uncle Scam - a street musician was shut down on Newbury St. about 2 weeks ago, and was told by a police officer to never play there again. With all the rain, it's hard to say what else has been going on. the subway is fine!

I heard an interesting rumor, that Faneuil Hall Marketplace Management is booking Sam Adam Park a/k/a Dock Square.
Does anyone know if this is true?

[gazzo osborne]

No Kevin they are not booking Dock Square as yet

[harmonicakev]

Boston update

Hi everybody - happy 4th!
Just an update on Boston from my own personal experience...........I was on Newbury Street (Back Bay) on Friday night, and before setting up I saw 1) a solo classical guitar player who had 3 or 4 different CD's for sale and 2) a jazz quartet - drums, stand-up bass, electric guitar and sax......
and then we set up...accordion / mandolin duo.
Money was not great, but outside of Quincy market, busking has never been particularly lucrative for this musician....and it's not getting any better, but that's another thread...
I would imagine that classical guitar guy might do okay selling cd's.... also, I quit fairly (9 pm) early, and it was still plenty busy; I was just too tired from gigs earlier in the day.

Has anyone tried Copley Square during the day?
Ciao - Kev

[Juggalicious]

boston

street performing is getting exciting

[harmonicakev]

another update

Hi buskers and others,
Saw two groups sharing the Sam Adams Park (aka Dock Square) this past Saturday afternoon. One group looked to be some kind of dance act, just saw the very beginning of their show....the other group was doing acrobatics, at least for their finale... at least two woman, at least 1 man, with matching costumes....they seemed to have a decent crowd... it was a mostly cloudy day, which is better for that spot...Ciao - Kev

[Dillon]

Would you say that Harvard sq. is a good night pitch and are there any other good night pitches in boston: bars, restaurant areas etc...

[harmonicakev]

Harvard Square in 2011? How much does a permit cost? Personally, I'm not sure it's worth it....who knows, maybe this is the year Harvard Square street performing makes a comeback?
I have no current personal knowledge except as a spectator, but my answer would be, no, I wouldn't say that Harvard sq. is a good night pitch...if you should happen to try it and prove me wrong, I would love to hear about it.
If you do music, the subways are still ok. There's lots of info at the MBTA's homepage.

Ciao - Kevin M....Sing-along with Kevin M.

[harmonicakev]

2011 update - Greater Boston

Musicians seen busking in Davis Sq., (Somerville) throughout the spring and summer, mostly on weekend nights.
Harvard Sq. - not much going on
Boston - Stopped by on Columbus Day, saw acts in Cristopher Columbus park.
Saw solo jugglers at Quincy Market, both on the West End and on South Market St.
Have heard multiple reports of musicians in the Public Gardens

The "T" - it would seem that tips are down, as I notice that there is less competition for spots lately.

Ciao- kevin m

[davidkaye]

Haven't there been at least 4 U.S. Supreme Court rulings protecting busking as free speech and therefore not subject to licensing/banning? Or did I dream this?