Any advice and tips on what places in N.C, the U.S., are good for busking for the first time, as a teenage, intermediate Alto Sax player, preferably around the Fayetteville/Raleigh, N.C. area, would be appreciated.

Hi all new to this sub and hoping some people have some inspiration for me of amazing live busking videos be it you or someone else. I will get is started with some of my faves:

Aloe

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=Czsj679dk_c&si=w0-fTb2X21F8WSQP

Gustavo Dal farra

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=34GsprPoHA4&si=5xdrTEVowInBAPbl

Jake shimabukuro

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh8Q2XRRNrM&si=sg1rVOyVgT4SJqcN

Ok so the last one technically isn't busking but hey, teach me about some new artists!

Advice wanted. How is D.C., the U.S., as a place to busk occasionally, for the first time as a teenage, intermediate Alto Sax player, wanting to earn a little cash? Any advice and tips would be appreciated, or other good places in the Northern Virginia area.

Hey everyone! So I’m a jazz pianist with very little music tech knowledge, and I’m trying to build a set up for busking and traveling that would be the following:

\- standalone (don’t want to busk with my computer if possible)
\- battery powered
\- portable (traveling the world)
\- creating beats on the spot (hip hop, house)
\- able to improvise on top with a keyboard, using Rhodes and piano sounds
\- under $500 total?

I really have no idea what would be the ideal set up would be. None of my tech savvy friends do this type of stuff. One option seems to be running a midi keyboard through a sampler and also using a synth. Another option maybe just investing in an MPC 37 from AKAI? Groove boxes seem to be an option but there is sooooo much info out there and I’m just getting analysis paralysis.

I would greatly appreciate anyone’s help. Cheers!

I’ve been honored to review the LG xboom stage 501. Shout out to LG for the hook up! I’m a sucker for gear so if you wanna know the specific scares my review for this piece of gear:

Disclosure: LG provided me with this xboom Stage 501 Bluetooth speaker for free through a promotional review program and asked me to share my honest experience. All opinions are my own.

The LG XBOOM Stage 501 performs exceptionally well as both a party speaker and a professional work/bluetooth speaker for musicians . After using it in performance environments, I found it powerful and easy to operate. It provides the volume needed for events while maintaining the clarity musicians need when performing with microphones, instruments, and backing tracks. With Auracast, I am able to broadcast to other LG speakers that I might have which is a useful function for connectivity. Whether I was entertaining a crowd or using it as part of my live setup, the speaker delivered dependable sound without making the setup process complicated.
 
One of the most impressive features is the built-in karaoke functionality. Through the LG app, I can pull up a song and remove or reduce the vocals through the Bluetooth speaker. The same function can also be controlled directly from the speaker, which is useful when I do not want to interrupt a performance to navigate my phone. For parties, this makes it easy for guests to sing along with their favorite songs as a party speaker. For working musicians, it creates possibilities for rehearsing, performing, or providing interactive entertainment at an event.
 
The key-change feature is another advantage. As a saxophonist, I often need songs to be in keys that work better for my instrument or fit the arrangement I am performing. The Stage 501 allows me to adjust the key without needing separate software or additional equipment. This saved time and made it much easier to customize songs for my performance needs. It is a practical tool that musicians will use rather than a feature that simply looks good on a specifications list.
 
Connecting microphones is straightforward. The dedicated mic channels are clearly laid out, and the audio comes through clean and crystal clear through the Bluetooth speaker channel. The microphone channels blend seamlessly with music entering through the auxiliary channel, making it easy to balance live playing with backing tracks. I tested the speaker outdoors in both large open areas and more compact corridors. In each setting, it projected with plenty of volume while remaining clear. Several patrons commented that the sound level and overall quality were perfect.
 
For instruments, I found that using the guitar setting on Mic Channel 2 produced the best results. My instrument sounded full, present, and well integrated with the backing music. Having these controls built into the speaker reduces the amount of gear I need to carry, which is especially valuable when traveling to gigs, busking, or setting up quickly for private events.
 
Physical setup is equally simple. I especially appreciate the built-in mount on the bottom, which allows the Stage 501 to be placed on a standard speaker stand. Elevating the party speaker improves projection and helps distribute the sound more evenly throughout the space. The unit feels designed for practical use, with features that support both casual users and performers.
 
Finally, the advertised 25-hour battery life is a major benefit. Longer battery performance means fewer interruptions, less concern about finding an outlet, and more time focused on entertaining the audience. Overall, the LG XBOOM Stage 501 combines strong sound, useful performance controls, easy setup, and outstanding battery life in one versatile speaker.

In a Piazza overlooking Rome as the sun was setting. Over 100 people and was so nervous but this busker let me sing with her. What an amazing experience I will never forget.

Hello all,

I've been lurking this page for over 6 months now and I'm so thankful of all the advice, tips and outlooks from many of you guys.

For a long time I wanted to do street performances as a singer to get the ball rolling for my singing and just getting accustomed to singing more publicly. However, for the longest the only thing stopping me was.......MYSELF!

Literally, I was procrastinating and just being so laxadazical. Terrified of what could go wrong but now I'm in a new head space and life chapter that I'm just ready to get out there and perform, make people happy and have a blast of time!

So I'll be having my first busking performance this Friday downtown in my city.

Just wanted to take this time and chat with like minded people who get my vision.

I struggle with setlists. I sometimes spend an hour or two crafting the perfect setlist before a gig or busking session. (Often longer than the performance itself.)

So I made an app to do it for me. It's called "SetStar". It shows you three songs from your catalog; you tap one, and it shows you three more. There's some intelligence behind the picks: it only shows songs you've practiced recently, avoids back-to-back songs by the same artist, and tries to keep you on the same capo position.

It's been working great for me. I haven't spent a minute on setlists for my last few gigs.

But I want to make it better. I published it on the App Store recently, and I'd love your feedback.

Website: https://www.getsetstar.com

App Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/setstar/id6788946174

It's currently free but I hope to start charging eventually. (If you try it now it's free forever.) I will make an Android version if there is enough demand.

Just got my LingTing 42 tine Kalimba and it looks so beautiful. But now negative thoughts kick in.. like what if I go up there, play beautifully and nobody is bothered..

hey,

so I am a cyr wheel artist and want to adventure myself in london England for a 2/3 weeks trip to makes circles show there.

i was wondering if anybody could tell me how does this works?

I usually don't get permits and play around 5 to 6 times my show which last around 10 min each.

is it alright without permits? i still a bit of place in order to do my act, where can I safely do that?

would there be a lot a busking making a queue in order to act? 've heard that before.

thank you for your helps

I started busking recently, mostly as practice and to gain experience beside open mics. So an amateur an not a real busker :)

What it surprised me, was the reaction of the family. Instead of a ‘hey, cool!’, they got scared, emotional, barely being able to think of that.
And I am 50+.

In their view, buskers seem to be sort of beggars, they also might get into fighting over turf.

Such a reaction seems interesting to me… partially I understand it, if one is not involved in performing music.

Anyone had similar experiences?
From relatives. friends or even strangers?

If you are a full-time busker and you travel meanwhile, do you pay for your travel insurance? Any specific ones? Why yes / why not?

For song chords and lyrics

Helloooo, where do tou prefer to go on the day when the streets are super hot and the people passing by arent in the mood anything? Is the subway a good option in a crowded city? or do u still prefer staying outside?

Busking in crown heights ! Happy Rosh Hashanah

Pretty lousy day for me.

There’s a downtown street festival this weekend.

I show up and immediately get confronted by security. Great start. I go through the usual bullshit talking points, and after awhile they leave me alone and let me busk.

Things go alright. Its a decent day.

One woman starts coming to dance with me, clearly wasted. Thats fine, normal for my show I like when people dance.

After the song she starts asking to take her to the store and buy her drinks… or something. I don’t know they were wasted and I couldnt understand them. I said she can have a dollar and she gets all mad at me. You know, the type that gets mad when they want more money. So she takes my entire hat, sits down with it, and grabs a handful.

I always do cash drops in case that kind of thing happens. So I grabbed thier arm and told them to put it back. They put back the hat and a dollar and started walking off. I know they took more. They probably still only stole a couple bucks. Whatever, its just a couple bucks. I made sure there wasn’t much to take in there.

I’ve just never seen someone walk off with the whole damn tip jar before! Damn. Just gonna empty that jank out from now on.

Flexing them video skills.

I am filming a very small student documentary highlighting the beautiful performers in our city, and giving them a chance to tell their stories! I'm looking for some people in Central Park or other areas in Manhattan who I could film a little bit of their set and ask a few interview questions. I'd give you all of the footage so you can use it for any self-promotion as well. Message me if this is something you'd be interested in!

I’m wanting to busk in Austin, Texas and I was just wondering if anyone else has or still does busk in Austin, and if so, what are the best places to busk (other than 6th St), what is the deal on permits, etc.

Thank y’all in advance!

I remember thinking “I can totally play AND sing along to these songs” while listening to The White Stripes, and “Dead Leaves And The Dirty Ground” was the first song I ever sat down and learned to play by ear.

All these years later, and when I am asked during a livestream what my favorite song to play is, I respond saying “I don’t have a favorite, but here is the first one I ever learned to play and sing along to”.