Busking - Suggestions on Locations

Everton FC · #1 12-03-2017, 04:28 PM

My son is a viola player. He is looking to busk. I've given him some suggestions on location, but he doesn't seem to trust my judgement. Perhaps my judgement is incorrect (I mentioned farmers markets... Outside the C-Train stations... In trendier parts of our city - where local stores and local neighbourhood pride still matters)... He plays classical pieces. Anyone here have any suggestions where a soon-to-be 15 year old w/exceptional skills would be best able to make some side money? That's his motivation. His inspiration is the music. Fortunately!

tippy5 · #2 12-03-2017, 05:09 PM

I am a father of a 23 year old that is just now starting to listen to me. Enjoy the ride.

I would situate him in a safe, commercial or arts district with 10-20 feet of an area that listeners can congregate. Street noise or nearby restaurant/bar noise can be harsh so maybe think of a drug store or other quiet store with foot traffic. Farmers markets are great too.

I hope he does well. Have him play some carols this time of year.

Onemanband · #3 12-03-2017, 06:23 PM

What is someone living in Calgary, Alberta doing with an Everton FC username?...that threw me completely!!

I have played on the street (busked) in the UK & Europe for over thirty years and from your username, I was going to recommend Church Street in Liverpool [UK], where I had many, many happy times over the years.

Scousers are fantastic, lovable people who really appreciate live music and I had some real rockin' on times there but alas, it would be a bit of too far for you I fear!

As for the USA, I don't have a clue where you'd go, but just remember the first rule of busking..........THERE ARE NO RULES!! .........Just set up somewhere you feel comfortable, play a few good tunes and enjoy the reaction...............simple!

Dirty Bill · #4 12-03-2017, 07:04 PM

I think I could do that. I'm an amateur though,compared to a lot of other guitar players.

rokdog49 · #5 12-03-2017, 08:03 PM

Library
Museum

ManyMartinMan · #6 12-03-2017, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onemanband

.......THERE ARE NO RULES!! .........Just set up somewhere you feel comfortable, play a few good tunes and enjoy the reaction...............simple!

There are actually rules. First check with your city to see what the busking or pan-handling laws are. Many cities (I have no idea about yours) have time limits (one hour per location for example) and some don't. Some have application requirements of which some require auditions which are held once annually. Some don't allow money solicitation...... Some have few rules but most have some laws/rules/requirements. Once you know the laws in your city, and if you need a permit, then find safe, well lit, busy street areas to start out at.

Farmer's markets usually require being hired by the promoters which is typical of most events and venues. Once you know the laws/rules in your city, county, territory, state, province...... you'll be set to start looking for locations.

SpiderTrap · #7 12-04-2017, 12:32 AM

My town== Clermont , FL has a little known ordinance NO ELECTRONIC AMPLIFICATION ALLOWED

MikeBmusic · #8 12-04-2017, 08:26 AM

Assuming he would be doing it in Clgary, here are some links for you:
http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Recreatio...uidelines.aspx Lots of info including WHERE, and a link to getting a busking ID card. Buskers under 16 must have a parent/guardian with them at all times.

https://www.calgarytransit.com/busking

pf400 · #9 12-04-2017, 09:41 AM

Just warn him that if he busks in an area where panhandlers tend to gather, he might be approached by some of them. None of them have been aggressive with me but some have gently stated that this is their home ground. I move right away, or just tell him that I'll be gone in x number of minutes. Business owners can be jerks too. On the positive side, I've had the best luck outside of liquor stores that have adjacent drugmarts, and in one case a medical clinic. Also expect the occasional bad day where people are just not in the mood to listen or give.

Everton FC · #10 12-04-2017, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeBmusic

Assuming he would be doing it in Clgary, here are some links for you:
http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Recreatio...uidelines.aspx Lots of info including WHERE, and a link to getting a busking ID card. Buskers under 16 must have a parent/guardian with them at all times.

https://www.calgarytransit.com/busking

He's got the license. I was thinking generically, where the best spots would be. On the street, in the Inglewood neighbourhood here came to mind, immediately. My wife and I, or one of us at least, would be w/him. We have two daughters, 9 & 11, looking to do the same. My son made $20 this summer, busking at our neighbourhood yard sale. Pretty cool.

Everton FC · #11 12-04-2017, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onemanband

What is someone living in Calgary, Alberta doing with an Everton FC username?...that threw me completely!!

I have played on the street (busked) in the UK & Europe for over thirty years and from your username, I was going to recommend Church Street in Liverpool [UK], where I had many, many happy times over the years.

Scousers are fantastic, lovable people who really appreciate live music and I had some real rockin' on times there but alas, it would be a bit of too far for you I fear!

As for the USA, I don't have a clue where you'd go, but just remember the first rule of busking..........THERE ARE NO RULES!! .........Just set up somewhere you feel comfortable, play a few good tunes and enjoy the reaction...............simple!

Born in Brooklyn, NY. Moved to Orange County NY, later on. Went to Univ. of Kansas, met my wife, came to Calgary. Everton's always been my club. Long, harmless story! Would love to busk w/my kids in Liverpool, though.

Goat Mick · #12 12-04-2017, 12:18 PM

He needs to be set up somewhere the foot traffic slows down. Close to a park or restaurant with a strong lunch business. Given that he plays classical, I would recommend somewhere in a high rent district. Many moons ago I busked in a downtown area close to a popular lunch spot. From noon to about 2:00 or 3:00 I could rack in some pretty good cash, but after the lunch business was over tips dropped considerably. And yes please get permission first.

Everton FC · #13 12-10-2017, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mick's Goat Whiskey Picks

He needs to be set up somewhere the foot traffic slows down. Close to a park or restaurant with a strong lunch business. Given that he plays classical, I would recommend somewhere in a high rent district. Many moons ago I busked in a downtown area close to a popular lunch spot. From noon to about 2:00 or 3:00 I could rack in some pretty good cash, but after the lunch business was over tips dropped considerably. And yes please get permission first.

Just getting to this - and I agree 100%. He's got all the permits, and will be able to get the "permissions", I think. Christmas season may also prove beneficial for my busking young lad! Three of my four had recitals this evening - chamber recitals tomorrow evening. They are good, humble kids. All would benefit fiscally, sharing their "craft", in the right location (Ages 15, 12, 10. My 21 year old sings Gregorian Chant. I am downloading some Molly Tuttle off iTunes this evening. We all function in the same household universe!)