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Permalink Reply by Lulu Hoop* on June 14, 2009 at 3:51pm

Ok this may be a stupid question... but I am not familier with the term "busking". What does it mean?

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Permalink Reply by Lauren of Voodoo Hoops on June 14, 2009 at 3:53pm

street performing=busking

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Permalink Reply by Lulu Hoop* on June 14, 2009 at 4:15pm

Ok I thought that's what she meant.

In that case you want to contact your cityhall. In most cities you need a permit to do street performing. If that is the case then they will have tips for you that'll prob answer most of your questions. They have set locations and you usually need to pay a fee and sign up for a spot and time. But then it depends on the city.

As per performing, you'll prob want a portable stereo and a box/bin for donations. Most steet performers will save their good moves for when someone gives a tip. But you might just want to jam out at first so people know what they are looking for. :-)
Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Jessica Wormley on June 14, 2009 at 4:17pm

Yah I already checked about busking laws in my city. It's ok, just not on the sea front, which sucks because that's probably the best place. They're none too picky in Bournemouth.

Obviously, I would need some kind of stereo and a hat or something for change, but I was really interested in any experience people may have had...have you ever had a go?

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Permalink Reply by Salali on June 14, 2009 at 5:20pm

My kids have done it before, but in their case they were hooping as a friend of ours played his guitar and sang. Their hooping attracted more attention to his act and they split the tips . He made about 60% more than a usual day. People were definately into their hooping...I think alot of it depends on the type of people who are around in your area and how adept a street performer you are.

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Permalink Reply by Jessica Torus* Wagstrom on December 27, 2009 at 12:00am

Okay, I went to city hall in my town and they had no idea what I was talking about. They said they didn't have a permit for anything like that unless I planned on blocking off a whole street. I even asked some policemen what they would do if they saw someone performing downtown, what their laws are on it, and I got very sketchy answers, IE: They didn't know. I'm not sure how to proceed from here, if I should just go out and try it, or keep investigating the permit thing. At this point, I'm thinking if I try to do it and I get stopped, then at least I will have someone to ask for more information about doing it legally, ha!

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Permalink Reply by Lulu Hoop* on December 28, 2009 at 10:33pm

Hey if the city didn't know... then there isn't a rule! :-) I say just do it!

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Permalink Reply by Andrea Nicole on June 14, 2009 at 7:48pm

I wish we had more street performers here on Guam. There is sometimes a mime in the tourist/night club district, but he freaks me out.

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Permalink Reply by Lauren of Voodoo Hoops on June 14, 2009 at 8:08pm

in most places its not so strict on street performing...then again where i live, almost everyone is a streetkid of some sort....you just have to be careful performing on the street....if a cop were to decide you could be "obstructing the sidewalk" or "loitering". bah....and of course the best places to make the money is where they DONT want you.

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Permalink Reply by SaFire* on June 14, 2009 at 11:02pm

Here are some important steps and tricks for busking.

1. Have music.
2. Have a semi-choreographed set with a specific ending.
3. Start with what's called a "crowd draw." Set up your station turning on an ambient song and run around with your hoop and gather people. "Wanna see a quick hula hoop show, it's starting in 3 minutes! Go ahead and stand over there or you'll miss the show." (Letting people know it's quick will encourage them even if they're in a hurry.)
4. Once you've got enough people, put on your song and do your set, when the song ends have a specific finish and bow accordingly.
5. The best street performers all have a great "Hat Line." You're hat line if what you say to the crowd to encourage them to put money in your hat. This should be something funny or clever. Things like, "If you didn't like the show, feel free to write your complaint on a 5 dollar bill, fold it up and drop your complaint in the hat."
6. Be sure to have a solid finish, don't taper off at all. That way people feel like it was a "show" and be willing to support it.

I hope this helps.
Much love, Safire

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Permalink Reply by Jessica Wormley on June 15, 2009 at 4:45am

Thanks to you all! I wasn't expecting such a prompt response or so many! This site is fantastic Safire!!
xxx

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Permalink Reply by SaFire* on June 15, 2009 at 7:43am

Thanks Jessica!

We're here for you whenever you need us! ; )

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