(NEW YORK) Times Square, the self-proclaimed "Crossroads of the World," is the top destination for tourists hoping for the quintessential Gotham experience. An article by John Tierney in City Journal magazine takes us through a 2+ decades trip of Times Square. Recent developments have converted automobile traffic lanes into lanes for street-performers and street-vendors."Fake Buddhist monks begging for money, living statues, the Naked Cowboy, topless women, and a horde of costumed cartoon characters are all pressuring tourists to pay them for a picture - because nothing says New York like a selfie with the Incredible Hulk."

"A remade Times Square could start taking shape at the end of this year when the new plaza is supposed to be finished. By then, city officials hope to have...

[ Continued ]

(TORONTO) Human statues, musicians, illusionists, jesters, jugglers, mimes, stilt walkers, and much more will be out on the streets of the Downtown Yonge area every Saturday and Sunday as part of Winter Magic's "Buskertainment."All donations during the Buskertainment event will go towards the Raising the Roof charity. The buskers will entertain shoppers and passersby then pass the hat in support of the worthy cause.

Raising the Roof is Canada's only national charity that dedicates itself toward funding long-term solutions for the homeless. What that means is they focus their efforts on permanent solutions to homelessness including finding proper housing, providing mental health services, and getting a homeless person "employment ready."

Stories, photos, and video are available thru the link...

[ Continued ]

(FILMRISE) A fascinating documentary by Penn and Teller reveals some ancient history when it comes to street magic. Starting from their base in Las Vegas which is home to over 400 magicians, the Magic & Mystery tour heads to India, China, and Egypt.The duo first travel to India to examine the famous Indian rope trick. Upon ariving, they note that Indian magicians like the use of "blood" in their cutting and restoring performances. P & T then take a grueling 4 hour bus ride to the Taj Mahal where the Indian rope trick is to be performed. This version has a rope come straight out of a basket which a little boy then climbs to the top.

Penn & Teller continue traveling to China where the original linking rings were born. They encounter a magician who informs them that the secret to the...

[ Continued ]

(WWW) eBay.com has pages of busker memorabilia available for listening and home decor. Add to your collection of records, vintage photos, art, sculpture, statues, books, playing cards, mime, articles, collages, bell ringers, figurines, stories, and just about anything else you can think of.Notable items include the Cambridge Buskers, Stars of the Streets, the Busker's Album, and the Beale Street Buskers. Some news articles go back as far as 1919.

Keep in mind thaat the some records are outdated 45's and lp's that will need a turntable to play.

The photo featured here is a pre-war busker in Newport, Rhode Island and is listed for $5000!

Click the link below for some amazing items.

...

[ Continued ]

(KANSAS) The city of Lawrence has quite an interesting history concerning women being featured in their town. With their 12th buskerfest, they will be highlighting and honoring the incredible women of the street performing world. Over 20 different acts will perform on 5 different pitches throughout the downtown business district."Linsey Lindberg has performed for the last 12 years as Mama Lou Strongwoman and is a Lawrence Busker Festival favorite. It's not unusual for her audience to be full of young girls who emulate her feats of strength at home. She thinks that it's necessary to be a role model and promote self-empowerment for women."

The First All Female Busker Festival is going to be full of awesome acts from around the world.

Be sure to check out the link below for more information on the...

[ Continued ]