One thing we determined for a certainty whilst on The Busking Project journey is that street performers are a fact of city living — we saw all types of adversity, many things that would discourage the average artist from taking to the streets, but there were always the hardier-artists, the performers who had ditched stage and studio for something less predictable.
These performers adapt to their city and perform in all sorts of places – on buses and trains, on street corners and in public parks, at traffic lights, pedestrian highways and in city squares or plazas. In these urban landscapes we would rarely be surprised by the presence of a busker. Pleased, elated, annoyed or distracted, but not surprised.
But there are places where you would be surprised if you didn’t see a street performer, and Pike Place Market in Seattle is one of those. If I were a busker then Pike Place may be The Place I’d want to perform. A series of large red musical notes painted on the pavement mark the busking pitches throughout the market. There are undercover and street options, small back alley pitches next to trendy cafes. The original* Starbucks even has a nearby pitch so you can be entertained whilst queueing for a coffee. A strong community spirit, a diverse range of acts and a bonus annual busker-festival that we happened to be in town for. It’s not surprising that a great many famous Seattle musicians, the likes of Jim Page, began in Pike Place Market.
Taken from www.pikeplacemarket.org:
BECOME A BUSKER
“Busker” is an English term meaning street performer. And, there are a wide-ranging variety of Buskers here at the Market. Performing with everything from puppets to violins, the Buskers serve to enrich the Market’s already vibrant cultural community.
There are 13 locations throughout the Market where performers can entertain crowds for an hour at a time. Painted musical notes mark the sidewalks where they stand, and the number painted on the note corresponds to the number of performers that can play there at one time. New performers are always welcome at the Market; however, horns, percussion and amplified music are not allowed.
All Market performers are required to obtain a performer’s badge. To perform at the Market, visit the Market office on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 – 4:00 pm to apply. The cost is $30 for an annual permit. Permits need to be renewed by April 15 each year (or purchased by the first performance date) and remain valid through April 14 of the following year.
Market Office:
Pike Place Market PDA
85 Pike Street, Room 500
Seattle, WA 98101
Pike Place Market is a fantastic example of how street performance can be a positive influence in an urban environment.
For a much deeper idea of who you might meet, read this interview with Artis the Spoonman.
Chris