Attended the first Sunshine Coast "Busking Workshop," run by Kim Cross from the regional council. It was great to see the council actively supporting the busking community and there was a good turnup, although the youth component was noticeably missing; perhaps they'll show next time. A wide range of acts was represented with predominantly musicians but also street performers , such as jugglers, taking part.
The lineup for our first busker's
workshop. Photo By Kim Cross.
You can see by the smiling faces that it was well recieved.
The night was well run with some tales of street experiences from those seasoned performers, and a few pointers thrown in on the do's and don'ts for getting the best out of a crowd.
There were a number of small croup discussions where all buskers got to share their thoughts, both positive and negative on various topics connected to the busking agenda.
In brief we discussed the -
-current locations and other alternative or more sutable sites
-the introduction of more flexible performance times
-possibility of roving performances
-input from buskers on most sutable locations(pitches)
-possibility of selling original CD's
-other venues and an annual buskers festival to bring in nationl and international acts.
-streamlining of the application process
There was also discussion on "what do we get out of busking?"
Apart from the fincancial consideration it was considered that it's a great way to meet people, practise and refine your act, gain feedback on your performance and become more confident with overall presentation.
And of course, a meal and drinks were served, which everyone appreciated.
What does this have to do with library services you may ask? Heaps!
You can't find a better place than the library for accessing all those resources you need. There a books on playing /performing techniques. Videos where you can study other performers and glean those secrets to their success.
Heaps of music CD's for getting ideas about what to include in your repetior and to practise along with so that you can get the songs right.
Books with songs you want, complete with lyrics and chords/tabliture. Also, you'll often meet other muso's who happen to be looking for music as well.
My next post is a review on the Easterfest held at Toowoomba.
Chow and "keepa rockin'."
