Possible new venue near Times Square, NYC

[omnigut]

Hey y'all,
I've been contacted by a real estate company looking to make this small park on 48th Street (a block from Times Square) a place for street musicians. They want me to put up a program for them, probably something a few hours a day, 5 to 7 days a week. I've not run a program before, and am interested in learning as much as possible so that I don't mess anyone around. I'd love to hear your suggestions, and if you're interested in performing there, email me at undercoverny@gmail.com.

E.g., I'm thinking about placing donation boxes around so people don't have to get up or fight through a crowd to slip a dollar in for the musicians. Thoughts?

Thanks, and lets hope this thing turns out well,

Nick

[Isabella]

For me as a donor, I want the personal connection of giving to a particular musician whom I like and feel good about, not necessarily everyone in the park.

For me as an act - how are you going to split the money? Kind of takes away the incentive to connect with the audience if the 5 isn't going to you personally.

Sounds like a great idea to set up the program, though, keep us posted!

[omnigut]

@ Isabella, thanks for the advice. You're right; giving money to a bunch wouldn't be very motivating.

However, I went down there on Monday, and it seems like the lunch hour is the best time, perhaps a two hour slot. So if we only run it for two hours a day, it looks like there might only be time for one performer a day, which would mean that all the donations put in the boxes each day would go to the musician(s) playing.

Will keep you posted. Thanks again!

[omnigut]

Freakin' FANTASTIC!
I've got the go-ahead. As of today, I'm looking for talent to play in the park. It's a paid gig (you get $50 plus whatever tips you make), but there are only 12 spots; the real estate company that owns the park is trying it out first.

If you want to see more, go here (takes you to my website (http://www.thebuskingproject.com) page about it):

http://tiny.cc/k8esd

[FireNix]

Hi there

Just want to confirm whether this is only for Muso's or for Circle shows, magic etc...?
Good luck to all those that undertake and I do hope this grows and grows
Well done and respect for your efforts in opening up another pitch - lets face it its kinda sad that NYC has been so locked down.
If this is dealt with professionally and is a success it could hopefuly lead to good things - so well done

[WayneMagic]

Is there a chance that it could be open to other Busking type shows? A more diverse performers pool may be more beneficial.

[omnigut]

@FireNix and WayneMagic, I'm sorry guys, but it's just for "musos". The company is starting off small and careful, but, of course, if it's a success they might get comfortable with other performers.

I agree that diversity should be a goal, and I've had requests from great artists who do other things beside music. So, if all goes well I'll see about whether we can relax the rules a little. I'm banking on the audience growing as we start to publicize the venue at local businesses.

Thanks for the responses!

[omnigut]

In case anyone's interested, the Street Performer Program did go ahead as expected, and you can see all the results here (http://thebuskingproject.com/ritz-plaza-performances/). What do you think?