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Roaming performers - how do you deal with them?

Posted by Ruth Finkenbiner on May 23, 2011 at 10:35pm in Art Show Information and Discussions

We will be participating in the NW Folk Life festival this weekend that allows street performers / buskers to roam and perform as they choose, as long as they follow some common sense rules.  This can add some color and entertainment and usually is not much of a problem. In fact we had one group doing performing a wonderful dance routine for about 10 minutes last year just outside our booth, then the leader thanked everyone for coming and even mentioned that they needed to visit the artist right behind them.  We had a few great sales right after that, so most of the time it's not a problem.  This is a show we do well at but just trying to think ahead on how to be better prepared for some of the problems that have arose in the past.

 

What do you do:

When they hang out too long?

When they draw such a large crowd that your art is in danger or in our case, our glass display cases are in danger?

 

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Replies

  • Robert Wallis May 24, 2011 at 10:01am
    I did pay one guy $20 to go somewhere else. He wasn't getting any money and he wasn't going anywhere. After a break, I talked to him and said I used to be a musician (I wasn't) and told him the location was poor.  I thanked him for the music, which wasn't that good, gave him the money for his efforts and suggested another location.  He left and didn't return. It was worth it.
    • Lisa Stewart > Robert Wallis May 24, 2011 at 3:29pm
      I'll remember to bring some green! ;D
  • Larry Berman May 24, 2011 at 7:20am
    If they hang out more than one song, I'd politely ask them to move. Actually I'd speak to the show management in advance and see if they can institute a one song policy for roving musicians.

    Back in the days of the annoying Peruvian or Bolivian musicians at every art show, I once got upset at them permanently set up across from me ruining my good corner space. When I asked the management to have them lower their volume, they all turned around and gave me the finger. Wish I was carrying my camera for that priceless moment.

    Larry Berman
    http://BermanGraphics.com
    412-401-8100
    • Lisa Stewart > Larry Berman May 24, 2011 at 7:27am
      OMG! How awful.
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