Best of the Buskers in Times Square

Yesterday the Times Square Alliance held their Best of the Buskers auditions right at the crossroads of the world. The open call brought in musicians, dancers, magicians, performance artists and yes, even the Xylopholks. The alliance is aiming to bring the best performers together for their ongoing “Grate Performances - Best of the Buskers,” series, providing free entertainment to tourists and local passerby alike. Many of the performers have been legally, and illegally, busking for years. 49-year-old electric violinist Lorenzo Laroc told The Daily News, "I'm trying to bring my work above ground. It's time for me to come into the light and let everyone experience my unique sound." He's been playing the subways for two decades.

And yes, even the Naked Cowboy showed up to join in on the fun, or possibly to mark his territory.

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By Jen Carlson in Arts and Events on May 12, 2009 2:40 PM

Comments [rss]

NannyState

I think that new Nick Cage flick needs another take...

r1b2

The Naked Cowboy is a putz. Further, it doesn't look that cold out; why is his package so small?

r1b2

The Naked Cowboy is a putz. Further, it doesn't look that cold out; why is his package so small?

Dirk

The Naked Cowboy is one of the worst buskers in my opinion.

BTW, the contortionist scares me.

r1b2

The Xylopholks are the Nairobi Trio, aren't they?

r1b2

The Xylopholks are the Nairobi Trio, aremn't they?

schadenfreudian mensch

Wasn't that skunk in a previous pix on Gothamist being hassled by the cops.

schadenfreudian mensch

Found it. Man, I love this pic http://gothamist.com/2009/02/26/early_addition_206.php

John Del Signore

The thing that bothers me about this is that it reinforces the misconception that one needs approval or permission to perform on city sidewalks. As far as I know, there are currently no laws against busking if it's done without amplification. Of course, misdemeanors like "disturbing the peace" and "disorderly conduct" are open to the officer's interpretation, and most performers just agree to "move along" rather than get arrested. Ironically, BID like Times Square Alliance have been the biggest enemies of street performers in recent years, and their rent-a-cops routinely harass buskers.

pudeljung

completely agree. it's not a support of subway buskers - it is a repudiation of them. by conferring "authorization" on a few to perform in the subway, they seem to imply that the other are breaking the law.

this is shitty. I dont' even LIKE buskers, and I still think it's shitty.