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Busking!

AnomeAnome Registered User regular
edited April 2010 in Help / Advice Forum
There are lots of creative people here, maybe some of you might have some experience in this. I live in Vancouver, BC and have been playing the flute for 12 years. I think I'm pretty good at it and would like to start busking on my days off as a source of extra income and to give me something to practice for. Do I need a permit for this? If so, where would I get one? I have heard that if I show up at Granville Island at 6:30 am I will be able to draw a time and place out of a hat for the day, has anyone done this?

Also, what kind of music would you like to hear a street flautist play? The one recommendation I have so far is to play Bach. I have a lot of Bach so this is doable but I'd like to have some variety. Is more modern/weird sounding music a good or bad idea? Jigs and reels? Gypsy? Jazz? Stick to classical?

Help me make money off the tourists this summer, H/A!

Anome on

Posts

  • ThanatosThanatos Registered User regular
    edited April 2010
    I would learn at least one Jethro Tull song to bust out every once in awhile. The Boomers will probably pay you bank to do that.

    Thanatos on
  • claypoolfanclaypoolfan Registered User regular
    edited April 2010
    DEFINITELY learn some modern songs. The kids want the hits. I saw a guy playing Single Ladies on his saxophone, and he had SO MUCH money in his case when I walked by.

    claypoolfan on
  • darkmayodarkmayo Registered User regular
    edited April 2010
    Here you go.

    http://vancouver.ca/engsvcs/streets/retailUse/busking.htm

    Street entertainment
    General information
    Street entertainment can be a positive addition to city streetscapes. Content may vary greatly by performer or group. Currently we have performers from every walk of life, novice to professional that include a good range of instrument, vocal, dance, mime, jugglers, face painting and balloon sculpting and caricature artists. We encourage a wide variety of street entertainers and review performance type and content on a case by case basis. Loud and/or repetitive performances are disruptive to people living and working in the area. Please respect the wishes of nearby residents and businesses. In order to ensure your performance remains a pleasant experience for everyone, the following guidelines must be followed.


    Do not begin your performance in a block face where 2 others are already performing. The exception to this is Robson Street, west of Burrard, where a maximum of 4 performers per block face is acceptable.
    Your permit is only valid between the hours of 10 am to 10 pm and you are limited to less than 60 minutes at any one location. After 60 minutes, you must move to a new location at least one full block away.
    You are responsible for ensuring that doorways, display window and pedestrians are not blocked by your performance or your audience.
    You must comply with all City of Vancouver By-laws and Street Entertainment guidelines. 5. You must not in any way jeopardize the comfort or safety of others. Please respect the wishes of nearby residents and businesses.
    The use of sharp or dangerous objects is prohibited (for example, juggling knives, chain saws or flaming objects is not permitted).
    Musicians are permitted to sell recordings of their original work during their performance without a Street Vending Permit. No other sales are permitted.
    Permit holder must be present during the performance.
    Battery operated amplification approval is subject to the following conditions: selecting locations where your performance will not disturb anyone, keeping the volume at a reasonable level, and responding to the concerns of your neighbours. An amplification system will not be approved to enhance acoustical instruments and/or vocals.
    Portrait artists may use 1 easel, 2 small folding chairs, display up to but no more than 3 pieces of their art including the working drawing. The sale of pre-drawn work or photocopies is prohibited.
    This permit is not valid within 10 Metres (33 feet) of the Gastown Steam Clock located at the corner of Water St. and Cambie St.

    Failure to comply with the above guidelines may result in fines, confiscation, suspension or cancellation of your permit.

    Fees - 2010
    Four Month Permit = $34.81 + $1.74 GST = $36.55
    Download the Street Entertainment Information & Application Form ( PDF 69 kb)

    Street Entertainment Application Please attend in person with valid, current picture identification, to the Streets Administration Branch, Main Floor City Hall, 453 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver.

    darkmayo on
    Switch SW-6182-1526-0041
  • RUNN1NGMANRUNN1NGMAN Registered User regular
    edited April 2010
    Aw, you can't juggle chainsaws? Facists...

    RUNN1NGMAN on
  • AnomeAnome Registered User regular
    edited April 2010
    Thanks. I'm very happy with the list of places where a permit is not required. I may get one anyway but it's nice to know I don't really need one.

    Any other music suggestions are appreciated, both things I should totally play and things that I should probably avoid playing.

    Anome on
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