Massassians, have any amongst you ever gone out on the streets and performed for the public's entertainment? Busking with a guitar, making balloon animals, cast member of a cable tv sketch show... Whatever.

I'm after some experiences, or failing that some opinions on those who do.

More specifically, has anyone ever ran into a strolling magician?

Never seen anything like it - and if I did, I'd probably think they're working for some advertising company and brush them off.

In all honesty I'd walk away. When I'm walking around I'm usually in a hurry to get where I'm going. I don't have time to stop and watch someone.

My friends used to preform on the streets of Nantucket. They said it was fun, but also kind of annoying because people would only listen to them if they played Dispatch (which sucks.)

And I go to New York City regularly, so seeing this type of thing is very common... Unfortunately it seems like a pain in the *** because to do it you have to register as an employee of the city (or something like that) and you can get in trouble if you don't have the right papers. I think that's the case, anyway.

A few weeks ago I met a guy that is a 4th generation Rennasance perfomer, straight from the guy that invented the style he uses

I hate street performers.

They're annoying.

Eh, they like showing off their talents. But I usually don't have time.

No, they like harassing the **** out of you, and asking for money.


"Hey man wanna see a card/magic/stupid human trick?!"

"No"

"Are you sure you don't wanna see a card/magic/stupid human trick?"

"Yes"

"Are you really sure?"

"WHAT PART OF NO DON'T YOU COMPREHEND!"



Or like you watch them, and then they hold their hand out... Then they get upset when you don't want to give them any money.



One time, there was a mime, and he was miming.

He held his hand out at the end of his routine. I proceded to mime a wallet out of my pocket, and mime him a five dollar bill.

He wasn't too pleased.

Hehe, all valid points.

I guess this is where the "I am different" arguement comes in. It's not about money or about annoying people, it's about the satisfaction you get when someone looks at you totally amazed. Seems like it's definitely better to do something amazing and let those who are interested come to you, rather than being overly proactive.

I try to avoid the streets, except for when I'm driving in my car. I treat the city as if I were on an African safari. I find that humans are unpredictable, and I fear that if I were to get out of the car, they'd attack me and chew on my legs.

Do not.

In Germany they were everywhere. The city was like a carnival every day. It was really amazing. Some of them sould stand still, but the moment you toss them a bit of change they do there act, then stay sill until another person tosses in chage. There were other acts that kept rotating back and forth. Big magic/comedy shows and some street dancers. I LOVE STREET PERFORMERS! WOOOOOOOO!!!!

There's loads of them in the streets of Copenhagen, around Tivoli. I've never seen any card tricks or anything too 'personal', so them hassling you into giving them money isn't an issue. It's all people dancing or playing crazy African instruments, and there was a circle of people doing capoeira.

So much nicer than London.

On vacation this past summer, me and my saxophonist friend played some improviation jazz tunes out on the street. I had my guitar case out, and people were donating, it's not like I was asking for money. But we ended up getting cited for solicitation and were asked to appear in court at a later date. Thankfully, we were relinquished of all charges because

A. We didn't know it was against the law without a permit.
B. We were on vacation and we refused to drive 20+ hours back for one court date.

Moral of the story: Creativity is not allowed in San Antonio, TX.

Nothing is allowed in Texas...unless it's dead and deepfriend. WOO-EE!

Yeah, we have lot's of street performers and I haven't seen a single one that would come up to you and ask you for money. There once even was this rastafarian who was playing great music and I wanted to buy his CD. I told him I needed to get some change and would be back but he left. Now I'm angry, because he didn't want my money and won't buy his CD, when I see him again.

I always see them in fishermans warf down in San Fransisco, they are a little pesky but i don't really mind.

You forgot retarded

Haven't seen them in a while, but man its awesome to see skilled people doing stuff for free. I'd give them money if they're good, otherwise I just pass by.

When I was in Montreal, I saw some really good street performers. There was a string band somewhere underground, and in the subway there were two people playing traditional Chinese music on Chinese instruments.

There's definitely nothing wrong with people expressing themselves on the streets. I enjoy it, myself.

HEHEHE