O
utside the marketplace in Vancouver,
an oldies rock duo belts out
Beatles and Elvis Presley songs and play
their guitars. Inside, an 11-year-old girl,
surrounded by a small crowd, gives a
violin recital—the classics. Both are part of
the ancient tradition of busking.
The people of Canada have many
cultural traditions. The First Nations have
their storytellers, dancers, and singers.
Early immigrants brought their culture
with them. Even during the rough gold
rush days, stock theater companies
regularly performed English comedies
and dramas.
The recreation and arts of the country
reflect the people who live there—none
more so than the art of busking.
In the beautiful Tea Gardens of Victoria,
as well as the busy streets and markets
of Edmonton, especially during festivals
and fairs, street performers “do their thing.”
They juggle, sing, and make people laugh.
Buskers bring business into an area and
into nearby shops and restaurants. A
recent ad, for example, called for bagpipers
and fife and drum players to entertain
outside a new Scottish shop.
The ancient art of busking began in
the days of Egyptian pharaohs, when
jesters and traveling minstrels performed
for them. During the Middle Ages, the lords
and ladies of Europe welcomed buskers.
Today, some buskers are accomplished
jugglers, some eat fire, others play music,
and some ride unicycles or recite poetry.
In appreciation for the entertainment,
spectators are expected to put a “tooner”
($2 coin) in the passed hat.Busking festivals are held worldwide.
Canada has several, including Edmonton’s
International Street Performers Festival
that is held every July. It draws musicians,
dancers, mimics, and other performers
from overseas and across Canada.
Some buskers live hand-to-mouth.
Most do it because they love the freedom
and fun of pleasing crowds. A really good
performer can make up to $200 an hour.
A select few find busking a stepping-
stone to fame and fortune. Did you
know Robin Williams began as a street
performer?
Some buskers are students who
perform during the summer and attend
school during the fall and winter. Others
work on screenplays and books and in
theater productions during their off-time.
The 11-year-old girl uses her earnings
to pay for music lessons. Nine days of
performing paid her tuition to a violin
seminar in Calgary. She is also saving to
buy a full-size instrument.
Busking is not without its downsides,
including the weather. A busker prays for
a mild, sunny day when people will be
out and about. Constant travel is usually
necessary because few places have a
long enough season to allow buskers to
make a good living year-round. Pigeons,
seagulls, and the occasional misbehaved
child can also be hazards.
Some people find buskers
entertaining; others think they are no
better than beggars. In Canada, there are
rules to follow. They must obtain permits
from the government. Failure to do so
can result in arrests and fines. However,by Jane Scherer