Do you street busk because you/you're:
1. Retired?
2. Can't get a 40 hour a week job because of a felony?
3. Need more money to pay child support?
4. Do not believe in paying government taxes?
5. Are receiving financial assistance from the state you live in?
6. Hate working for someone else?
7. Are hoping you might meet the right person on the street so you will be the next David Blaine?
8. Can't get rich working for someone else?
9. Like looking at the sexy ladies coming up to you?
10. Want to promote your business without advertising?
11. Are thinking of a good excuse to stay away from your wife?
12. Entertainment business took a big hit because of the economy?
13. Want to show revenge to a theater across the street for not hiring you?
14. Are practicing new tricks for your paid shows?
15. Want to prove to your ex-wife how she was wrong about you making a living with magic?
16. Are skillful from what you learned in prison?
17. Like challenges?
18. Like to talk to people like Gazzo does?
19. Are homeless, looking for a female to move in with?
20. Can't work with others?
21. Have a different reason?

The reason I started it a couple years ago is because of #12.

I first wanted to do it in the 80's after reading Jeff S. book on Street Busking. But Detroit City Hall did not know what I was talking about dealing with a permit of making money on the streets.

With my kid show props gone (long story), I busk because it's fun and it lets me continue to do magic (which I hadn't done for awhile).
The money, while nice, is hardly enough to be the reason to be out there.

Ed, you rely too much on your day job. I busk for several reasons, none of them listed. 1. I LOVE it!, it's fun, I get to work with people and I get serious money.
2.My ego likes it. We get our "annual review from the boss" after every show when we count our hat. Yes in the years I have been doing this I will admit that I have had some reviews that equaled $0.00 but now that's really rare.

BTW Mike, I do pay taxes, I file every quarter just like I should. Good reason for it. if I have to buy a car or have a major expense where I need a loan, you MUST SHOW your tax returns for 3 to 5 years to the bank to get one. Even tho I use the same bank for years for everything, because I am self employed I still have to prove an income.

My reason...

It's very personal.

I just know I'm supposed to be out there in front of people.

I feel it, and it's who I am. Never knew what I wanted to be until I found this and it found me.

I have committed everything I am and everything I ever had to this.

I don't know how to explain it, but with every fiber of my being I KNOW that I belong here.

I'm kinda feelin' bmav on this...

There is a certain lure for me that has become an addiciton. I am
obsessed with performing and making sure my show is as entertaining
as can be; and the immediate return/feedback adds to all the variables
that make it what it is. I've given up paid shows to be on the street;
the excitement, fun, and energy of being out there is intoxifying.

Or I'm just slightly insane

Looking at Dyna's list above I can relate with 9,7,11,17, and 21 and more...

great post btw, thought prevoking...

Different strokes for different folks.

But ask yourselves this......when I turn 50, will it all change?
Funny how age and experience can change your perspective.

Great Post I am Looking forward to Busking in 2012

http://www.magiciansinlondon.co.uk


Entertainment business took a big hit because of the economy?
I have been a entertainer for 40 years so lets go and Busk got to pay the bills

Freedom... and
I don't need to obey the kids to get paid...
and other reasons...
Get radio and tv interviews...
to do 40 euro hats and so on...
that's life...

Well said sir, very insightful

As for me, as a kid on the street it was a ticket out, well not out but a life jacket!
Every thing pre-learned trained me for it.
Every thing I can now do is because of it.
I have no other Qualifications other than a driving license.
So busking it is,

Paddy, I'm certain you're able to move around freely and find work where ever you want I don't have that freedom or dedication.
(I discovered this way back when I was going to be an actor.) I'm stuck in one city which doesn't have the tourist traffic to really support a lot of busking.

I have fun on the street. I will never make enough in Providence to live on. But I feel better for myself for working.
(I also posted here about the day I stopped a child from crying when she had to leave the playground, a sponge ball routine later, she was all smiles and waves.)

I'm 65 years old and my fingertips are numb from diabetes. I really should be on oxygen all the time for my COPD. But something intrigues me about this world. A bug is starting to bite me. I'd like to find a way to do this, maybe be like the other geezers traveling from trailer park to trailer park in my Winnebago (that I don't have yet), except that I do magic. If I can't fool a bunch of blind geezers who can I fool? Nobody.

Foolsnobody, Don't let that stop you!! I'm 67 with diabetes and a blown set of kidneys so I am on dialysis but now getting my strength back after a year and working the streets again. My goal is to work the gulf coast by Feb or Mar. Yes I am in Ohio

I PM'd Paddy with my take on the subject. I don't take offense at anything anyone here says (the "turtles" was getting on my nerves, but I learned to live with it.)

Whatsa matter with turtles? I LOVE turtles!

I have two reasons: 1) I wanted a place where I can perform for the general audience when I want (no need to wait for bookings). I can hone my technical skills, my performance skills, and people skills. 2) If I can perform on the street, I can perform anywhere.

For me, a 66 year old who was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and given 6-9 months to live, three and one half years ago, and get Chemo every other week. I say it is because I love the challenge of it, and the instant feedback.

Having said that, after reading Paddy's and foolsnobody's posts, I can say that at least I don't have diabetes.

And I think that some of us do it, because it a part of a unique and challenging effort, that makes us feel even more alive.

I think also that it is the purest kind of magic, in that nobody pays up front, and sits and waits to be entertained. But in Busking, you have to round them up, educate them, entertain them, and convince them to "applaud with their wallets", a line I use when it is time for them to fill my hat.

And Paddy, I am in Ohio too. Akron area. Not sure if this state is big enough for the both of us... But I only practice here at a Flea market, and work around the country, especially if it is warm somewhere else. Havent been back to New Orleans since Katrina, but will make it there in a couple of months.

The Doctor

I'm in Cincinnati Doc, Getting strong enough to take my machine and maybe 10 days worth of dialysis fluids and hit the road myself. Looking at festivals on the gulf coast in February thru April. Developed a straight rope act or sidewalk shows, very easy to pack.

Oh Paddy, a southerner, eh?

I wish you all of the best my friend. Doing festivals would mean that I need to plan, and I am not good at that. I just like to pick my spot and go.

But I do indeed hope you have a good run and fat hats.

The Doctor

A *** for applause and a glutton for punishment....