Busking in Boston

[Triona]

Hi All!

I was wondering what legalities are involved in busking in Boston?

Jim, I guess you'd be a good one to ask http://www.performers.net/ubb/smile.gif

Also, where are the pitches at (pondering if I'll get an answer to this one).

My partner and I might be up there this summer and I'd like to try it if possible.

Thanks!

Triona

[Jim]

OK, Here goes...

Two main busking friendly areas, several smaller pitches that have been worked but aren't really official pitches.

1. Quincy Market (Faneuil Hall), Boston
The mother pitch. The most organized and highly regarded area for busking in Boston. There are two circle-show sized pitches and about four other smaller pitches for musical acts, small magic shows or ballooning. You're performing on private property. All spots are scheduled. And to perform there, you need to pass an audition and play by the rules.

Auditions are held every April, in public, in front of a normal crowd right on the pitch. You're judged by other acts, local merchants and the Faneuil Hall marketing staff. After auditions, you either get a call or you don't. There are usually only one or two new acts accepted each year. Over 50 audition.

If you're accepted into the program, you will receive a monthly schedule with your spots. Each 'spot' is a 2 hour time slot on a specific pitch. You may be scheduled the first Saturday of the month from 5-7PM on Spot 1, then the second Tuesday from 1-3PM on spot 3, etc. It's completely random. Most people get about one 2-hr spot per week. (More are available on a call in, first come first serve basis.) Your spot is your spot. If it rains for your spot, you lose. It's possible to trade spots with other acts, however each spot has a value to each particular performer (Monday afternoons aren't as valuable as Saturday afternoons.) so you have to deal with that.

Rules: NO FIRE (strongly enforced). No knives (not totally enforced). No offensive material/profanity. Not too loud. Amped bands only work after business hours.

Shows are generally good. Crowds are international/family oriented/touristy.

Overall, if you get in and play by the rules, you do very well. Don't expect to walk in and get a spot every day of the week. Especially in your first year or two. There are many seasoned pros here who have been working 15+ years.

2. Harvard Square, Cambridge
Across the river and into Cambridge, steps away from Haavahd Yahd is a little intersection called Harvard Square, though not square and not affiliated with Harvard University.

This is open performing for anyone with a permit. Walk into the Cambridge Arts Council (M-F 9-5 closed for lunch from 12-2) with $40 (cash only) and ask to buy a permit. Fill out a short form and you're handed the Street Performing Ordinance and your new flourescent colored busking liscense.

The Liscense allows you to perform in any public space in the city of Cambridge between the hours of 7AM and 11PM (12Mid on Fri and Sat nights.) However, everyone rushes right to Harvard Square.

All spots are first come, first serve, but most people share or rotate all day and all night long on each spot.

During the days, most of the acts are musical, playing to lunch crowds. Starting at dusk, the variety acts come out. There's one large Juggling/Variety pitch capable of crowds up to 250-300 people. Also, about three large 'prime' music/band pitches and over a dozen close-up magic/balloon/statue/solo guitar/doorway pitches. People find new spots to work every year.

For the Variety spot, acts show up mid-day and claim the spot. The usual rule is "First three to the spot get to rotate for the evening." However, that is only enforced (or not) by the FIRST person on the pitch that day. One guy will only share with two people, others share with three, and others feel anyone who shows up get to work. There are no rules, it's all self policed.

For the smaller pitches, as I said, most musical acts trade off hour sets, magicians will rotate close-up shows, balloonies will grab any open spot and start twisting.

Smaller acts work off the variety pitche's crowd breaks (usually every 40-45 minutes.)

Harvard Square is a LOUD environment. LOUD, LOUD, LOUD. Uncomfortably loud. (For me, at least.) City rules are NO FIRE (enforced) and no performing after curfew (11PM, MIDnight Fri, Sat.) Amps are OK and pretty much necessary. There are supposedly city monitors walking around checking permits and sound levels and giving tickets to offenders, but I rarely see them. It's pretty much anarchy most weekend nights. There is a lot of bickering between the variety acts and the gas-generator amplified bands.

Crowds are college/high school age on weekends and nights. Business people/tourists at lunch time. Lots of pierced people. Lots of spikey hair. Audiences are a bit more fun/wild/young/interesting at Harvard than at Faneuil Hall. But Faneuil Hall is a more controlled environment, so it's overall more pleasant to work there (if you like that sort of environment.)

There are more (unofficial/sometimes enforced, sometimes not) pitches around Boston... The Common, Newbury Street, Marketplace Center. And I didn't even touch on the extensive Subway scene...(Music only) but my hands are getting tired of typing. I'm sure the other Boston guys will add more....

Jim

[theballoonman]

well....
after i finish crashing the denver buskerfest...i was thinking of san fran or boston...as i found out my ex is currently in san fran....
can anyone recommend good accom. for boston?
i'll be there from the 26ish until the 9th-ish...a private room is preferable to a dorm... but i enjoy hostel comraderie.something in the 150-300$/wk variety(the best of the worst)
also,i do a whacky balloon show(walk by)thats unlike ANYTHING youve ever seen...where can i
best capitalise on the american day of independance??(its the american way)
thanks for all your help...and i look forward to meeting(or remeeting)all you performers out there...
dont use the force,
force yourself.
mike
theballoonman

[mnozzolio]

Concerning Boston -- I'm familiar with the permit requirements for the T and for Cambridge streets. Is anyone know what restrictions, if any, apply to Boston Common and other parks?

Matt Nozzolio

[mnozzolio]

I apologize for my question about Boston. I see that Jim had already covered much of the territory.

If you're traveling between Boston and NY, you may want to stop in Hartford. Street performers are officially encouraged. No permit is needed to perform on outdoor public areas -- sidewalks or public parks -- just be sure you don't block pedestrian traffic. The new Riverfront Plaza has an ampitheater-like seating along the River. There's a fair amount of pedestrian traffic during lunch hour; much more during special events. The city's Department of Human Services can offer advice on where to set up, other events, etc. Number is 860-543-8874.

[scot]

Concerning accomadations:
Hostels will run you around twenty three a night for dorm stays. They are not that great and at first may seem a little scary. When or before you get there check the phone book. I perfered the HI hostel at BU. I think www.hostels.com (http://www.hostels.com) is a place to find that kind of info. Anyway the BU place seemed most secure and pretty clean.

The actual circle show pitch for Harvard Sq is in Brattle square. It's on the corner of Brattle street and some other street by "Words Worth Books". If you want more info on the performers there or you want a contact that is at the place, check www.unclescam.com (http://www.unclescam.com) . I saw some fire going on there but we were careful. It wasn't allowed.

I performed in the common a few times and it was nice but the times I did it were hot and I am not so family oriented. I would get crowds together but the children didn't understand my non-pie-in-the-face type of humor. They won't want you doing fire or knives. That was the only problem I had with the mounties. They didn't like knives. I didn't have a license.

The license thing wasn't really enforced anywhere for me except in front of city hall near Fanieul Hall. It turns out there isn't a license that they would be happy with there but they would shut me down when I couldn't show them one. I was getting a really nice size crowd there and it was great until the middle of my show when the cops came. I didn't pitch it but the people gave me money. I loved that crowd but, I guess I didn't deserve it.

Sorry about the whining.

Quincy market I pirated a few times and was pretty nice to me. I was very careful not to step on anyone's toes. I found out the schedule and figured out when someone wasn't going to show up. I don't feel like I was taking away from the environment. Especially 'cause my hatlines were so bad.

Cambridge has the general performers licence and Boston has a musicians license.

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scot nery
mailto:scot@juggle.comscot@juggle.com</A>
deadjugglers.com (http://www.deadjugglers.com)

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[scot]

sorry,
www.unclescam.org (http://www.unclescam.org)

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scot nery
mailto:scot@juggle.comscot@juggle.com</A>
deadjugglers.com (http://www.deadjugglers.com)

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[The Pretty Good]

last year on the 4th of July a couple of us street performers hit where everyone was waiting to watch the fireworks by the hatch shell along the river. It was fun and packed with people. The cops were ok too. I think that they may have made us stop doing fire but they didnt stop us from doing shows.

[scot]

I'm coming to Boston in about a week for about a week. Check my website to get my contact info. I'll see some people soon.

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scot nery
mailto:scot@juggle.comscot@juggle.com</A>
deadjugglers.com (http://www.deadjugglers.com)

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[Frisbee]

Scot,

Me too...perhaps we will cross paths. I come in 7/31-08/10

-Frisbee

[BFlat]

I'll be in Springfield MA next month... Is that close to Boston? (Not familiar with that area) Anyway, I'll ave some time on my hands to be a tourist for a change. Anyone know about this area? Is there any good things to see? And how about the music scene over there?

thanks

[Danny Hustle]

Howdy,

Sprinfield is about 2 hours from Boston. I dated a girl who went to Springfield College for a couple of years and for the most part, in my opinion, Springfield is a toilet. I'd steer clear.

North Hampton is just a short drive down the highway and there are some great places to eat and drink. It is a college town, with lots of kids out to have a good time.

Fitzwilly's was a great local place to eat, drink, meet people, and have a good time. There was a guy who did magic behind the bar there who was very good. If memory serves his last name was Macmahon.

The Iron Horse is the local spot for music. I remember seeing John Wesley Harding there.

I never did any busking and didn't see anyone else working. This dosen't mean much, lots of people are there it might be a great un tapped spot.

Best,

Dan-

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size="2">Originally posted by BFlat:
I'll be in Springfield MA next month... Is that close to Boston? (Not familiar with that area) Anyway, I'll ave some time on my hands to be a tourist for a change. Anyone know about this area? Is there any good things to see? And how about the music scene over there?

thanks

[BFlat]

Thanks for the imput Danny.

[scot]

Northampton is almost like a whole 'nuther city.

They have buskers there mostly musicians. You need to be licenced by the city government (licensing department I think). I tryed to get licensed as a juggler but, they said they had juggling injuries earlier and were not into allowing more jugglers.

It's a nice town though. I stayed in easthampton with my sister who schooled in Northampton. There are a lot of chicks around but not too good of a place for picking them up in my experience.

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scot nery
mailto:scot@juggle.comscot@juggle.com</A>
deadjugglers.com (http://www.deadjugglers.com)

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[Greedybogle]

Northampton is one of the best small-arts communities in the States. I love it. It's about a 45 minute drive from where I live, and I'm there all the time.

Info is correct - buskers need liscences, and they are almost entirely musical. There's great opportunity there for a variety show, and I plan to look into it myself.

Pinochio's Pizzeria is one of the best in the region, the Calvin theater hosts some fantastic acts (Lyle Lovett, Conor Oberst, others you all might like better), but all music. If you're in the area, check out the Academy of Music and Pleasant St. theaters as well.

[ 06-18-2003: Message edited by: Greedybogle ]</p>

[Juggalicious]

HARVARD SQUARE PEOPLE: Am I just not seeing the variety/magic/juggling acts? where are you guys? I've been three or four times... but it's usually in passing by to go to my friends apartment. I usually look right in front of Au Bon Pain .

Help please.

Thanks,
Alex

[ 09-30-2003: Message edited by: Juggalicious ]</p>

[gazzo osborne]

Faneuil hall,in boston is the best busking pitch in the world

[harmonicakev]

Hey Gazzo, I guess you are claiming that Faneuil Hall Marketplace is the best pitch financially. For us musical types, acoustics are better in the subway, and the crowds at Harvard Square tend to be more fun but noticeably poorer. According to Etiennes posts after the recent election crowds are "smaller, more stingy with their money, and afraid to laugh." I'm not sure if this was referring to Faneuil Hall or Harvard Sq. Harvard Sq. does not seem to be quite as lively on a weekend night as it used to be. From my point of view, the square has become progressively less special a destination; more national chains, less local one-of-a-kind places. Wordsworth R. I.P.
I would be curious to know if other Boston performers agree with Etienne's statement about this year's crowds? I don't have a lot of direct personal knowledge anymore, as I only busk about 30 times a year these days. My party/festival gigs have been steadily getting better since the down year that followed 9/11/01.
Oh yeah, this thread was originally about legalities.
If you are un-amplified, and not blocking the sidewalk, then the Boston Common is ok. Subways (Music Only, no trumpets) require a permit; I'm not sure, but I think they do a criminal records check.
http://communityartsadvocates.org/saahistoryBoston.html has a bunch of info on Boston and other places where people busk.
the City of Cambridge has a web site with the Cambridge ordinance.

[pablo]

I have 2 questions about Harvard Square:

Is it a seasonal venue, or year-round?

Are there any quick-sketch, portrait or caricature artists? Are they busy?

I'm looking for a reliable venue for my slow months - December & January & maybe a few weeks in the spring.

Thanks!

[harmonicakev]

if you can perform when it's freezing out, you're all set.

[Butterfly Man]

Put some vasaline petroleum jelly on your hands and then wait about 20 minutes ... it's like wearing gloves ... without gloves.

[pablo]

Yuck, I hate cold weather.

Maybe I'll leave my wife & kids and go to Key West.

Or maybe I'll stay here and get one of those 9 to 5 jobs that everyone else has.

Or maybe not.

[Butterfly Man]

Hey ... why not come here? ... in Los Angeles you can be miserable with beautiful sunshine everyday.

[harmonicakev]

:) Happy New Year all; had a great time working Dock Square, (the other side of Faneuil Hall) on New Years Day. It was so warm that I was sweating. Got to see Jason the ecape artist from NYC do his show. I really liked the way he handled a mean heckler, i.e. nonchalantly, without drawing extra attention to the guy.
According to Steven Baird's web site,

http://communityartsadvocates.org/saahistoryBoston.html

the City of Boston has promised a federal judge that they will no longer enforce the old anti-street performer regulations. There will be another hearing soon, either in January or February I think.
Realistically, it is unlikely that outdoor busking will be possible again until late February or early March. Even the subways are tough this time of year. Ciao. Kevin Mc.

[harmonicakev]

An article in this weeks Phoenix about the recent civil suit against the street performing laws in Boston at this link:
http://www.bostonphoenix.com/boston/news_features/this_just_in/documents/04383305.asp

OR pick it up free from a box if you live around Boston. Kev Mc.

[Mark Wessels]

Hey boston folks,

I know it's still frigid and snow covered but I am eager as hell to hear about what's being tried and what's working as far as newly legal pitches in Boston. This could really make Boston a decent city to busk in. Someone keep us posted.

See you perhaps this summer,

Mark

[harmonicakev]

There is still lots of snow, but it was pretty nice out this Saturday(2/5), 46 degrees F when I had to leave Dock Square to go to a gig. Not as busy as I thought it would be..someone, I think Dave the Juggler, was working Quincy Market's West end...and I think Cesar from Inca Son was working in front of the NE Aquarium. I don't know what that S. American instrument is that sounds like a flute, but I definitely heard that sound coming from the aquarium area.
I'm not sure where any other big circle pitches might be; there is plenty of room up at government center. Musical acts used to work there alot in the late 70's, early 80's, 'til Mayor Flynn got tired of the Jimi Hendrix guy, and started kicking everybody out.
Iwas talking about this with another performer recently, and I've heard many reports about musicians on Newbury Street, but I'm not sure where. Anyone have a clue?
Also, it strikes me that the plaza at Copley Sq. may have potential both for music and big circle acts.
I'm not really sure what the permit situation is. There were supposed to be some negotiations during the last week of January, but with the blizzard and the little storm in the middle of that next week, it's hard to say what's happening. I would guess that they may be requiring permits at some point.

[teeloo]

Hi,

I was thinking of street performing in Boston/Cambridge this summer as a contortionist. Never seen it before, but I'm primarily an aerial performer, and that doesn't work for busking :laugh:

Anyone got any thoughts on whether it would work or not?

[stickman]

http://www.bendyem.com/

Lovely young lady who's got a great contorsionist show.

Stickman

[harmonicakev]

"There are more (unofficial/sometimes enforced, sometimes not) pitches around Boston... The Common, Newbury Street, Marketplace Center. And I didn't even touch on the extensive Subway scene...(Music only) but my hands are getting tired of typing. I'm sure the other Boston guys will add more...." (JIM)


Where are the other Boston performers besides myself and Jim? maybe in Florida? too bad you're missing all that snow. Maybe they don't have computers? try your local public library.
I'm still curious about Newbury St., in fact the entire Copley Square/Back Bay area. Has anyone seen any busking activity there in years past, and if so where?
and once again, for more information than you thought existed on ordinances, spots, lawsuits etc., go to Steve Baird's web site
communityartsadvocates.org
Still not sure if I really NEED a permit to busk in Boston; we'll find out soon enough.

[Jim]

Hey Kev,

Yeah... If this new ordinance thing is really true, I can't wait to do a show at Copley. That's a mega pitch I've been watching for 15 years. I have no idea how I'd work it, but I can just feel a huge show there.

Also, the waterfront is starting to look good with the highway all gone now. There are little green spaces popping up all over the place.

I look forward to seeeing how this all works out.

[dave buchanan]

That's an affirmative on Copley Square, Jim. I worked it New Year's Day, inside of the fountain, which was shut off for the winter. Massive show, and great energy. Of course, the Park Rangers politely shut me down. But they won't be doing that this year, will they...

I'm not sure how it would be as a regular pitch, but it's worth a try.

Let's all share info on Boston pitches -- with the recent ruling, there will be more than enough to go around.

[harmonicakev]

Spring 2005 Enforcement practices continue to stop performances in City of Boston

I (Stephen Baird) was stopped from performing at Sam Adams Park aka Dock Square on March 30th
Jason Gardner was stopped from performing at Sam Adams Park aka Dock Square on April 2nd
Jason Gardner was stopped from using amplification at Boston Common on April 2nd
Gazzo the Magician was stopped from performing at Sam Adams Park aka Dock Square on April 3rd
Daniel Denney who was with Gazzo was also stopped from performing at Sam Adams Park aka Dock Square on April 3rd

ABOVE is from www.communityartsadvocates.org



affadavits protesting this latest harassment were filed with the federal court, since the case from December is still open. Buskers beware - Kevin M.
:confused:

[harmonicakev]

there is a story about street performing in Boston in this Sunday's Boston Globe - Kev

[harmonicakev]

Boston Globe ran story on Street Artists Federal Law Suit and issues:

Internet version of story:

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/magazine/
http://www.boston.com/news/globe/magazine/articles/2005/05/15/let_the_music_play

Ciao - Kev

[unclescam]

is there an up to date view on bostons availability and different spots?
i hear folks are working around the market.
any hassles? on the waterfront?
the common? coply square or kenmore?
information please? last i see of actual working is new years and stevens list of shutdowns.

[harmonicakev]

Hi Uncle Scam - a street musician was shut down on Newbury St. about 2 weeks ago, and was told by a police officer to never play there again. With all the rain, it's hard to say what else has been going on. the subway is fine!

I heard an interesting rumor, that Faneuil Hall Marketplace Management is booking Sam Adam Park a/k/a Dock Square.
Does anyone know if this is true?

[gazzo osborne]

No Kevin they are not booking Dock Square as yet

[harmonicakev]

Hi everybody - happy 4th!
Just an update on Boston from my own personal experience...........I was on Newbury Street (Back Bay) on Friday night, and before setting up I saw 1) a solo classical guitar player who had 3 or 4 different CD's for sale and 2) a jazz quartet - drums, stand-up bass, electric guitar and sax......
and then we set up...accordion / mandolin duo.
Money was not great, but outside of Quincy market, busking has never been particularly lucrative for this musician....and it's not getting any better, but that's another thread...
I would imagine that classical guitar guy might do okay selling cd's.... also, I quit fairly (9 pm) early, and it was still plenty busy; I was just too tired from gigs earlier in the day.

Has anyone tried Copley Square during the day?
Ciao - Kev

[Juggalicious]

street performing is getting exciting

[harmonicakev]

Hi buskers and others,
Saw two groups sharing the Sam Adams Park (aka Dock Square) this past Saturday afternoon. One group looked to be some kind of dance act, just saw the very beginning of their show....the other group was doing acrobatics, at least for their finale... at least two woman, at least 1 man, with matching costumes....they seemed to have a decent crowd... it was a mostly cloudy day, which is better for that spot...Ciao - Kev

[Dillon]

Would you say that Harvard sq. is a good night pitch and are there any other good night pitches in boston: bars, restaurant areas etc...

[harmonicakev]

Harvard Square in 2011? How much does a permit cost? Personally, I'm not sure it's worth it....who knows, maybe this is the year Harvard Square street performing makes a comeback?
I have no current personal knowledge except as a spectator, but my answer would be, no, I wouldn't say that Harvard sq. is a good night pitch...if you should happen to try it and prove me wrong, I would love to hear about it.
If you do music, the subways are still ok. There's lots of info at the MBTA's homepage.

Ciao - Kevin M....Sing-along with Kevin M.

[harmonicakev]

Musicians seen busking in Davis Sq., (Somerville) throughout the spring and summer, mostly on weekend nights.
Harvard Sq. - not much going on
Boston - Stopped by on Columbus Day, saw acts in Cristopher Columbus park.
Saw solo jugglers at Quincy Market, both on the West End and on South Market St.
Have heard multiple reports of musicians in the Public Gardens

The "T" - it would seem that tips are down, as I notice that there is less competition for spots lately.

Ciao- kevin m

[davidkaye]

Haven't there been at least 4 U.S. Supreme Court rulings protecting busking as free speech and therefore not subject to licensing/banning? Or did I dream this?

[Isabella]

Yes, but more of Boston is private property than you might think.

[Peter]

Haven't there been at least 4 U.S. Supreme Court rulings protecting busking as free speech and therefore not subject to licensing/banning? Or did I dream this?

Yes, but I have been busking for abound 15 years now and I have learned a couple of things. If the locals tell you to stop because it's illegal to busk, get the hell out and don't busk. Nobody cares about what the Supremes say and if you want to push it, then it's going to cost you some serious cash. First for the fine then for an attorney to fight it. Just not worth the effort or the time. Just move on to someplace that's friendly.

[fireperformer911]

Peter

Please tell me someplace that is busker friendly.

Thanks Shel

[davidkaye]

Peter

Please tell me someplace that is busker friendly.

Thanks Shel

San Francisco is. We also have a tradition of people such as Robin Williams and Robert Shields (a mime) having started on the streets here.

Santa Cruz has an interesting situation. The make a big to-do about limiting busking, but there are actually two designated places to busk, but they don't tell anybody about them outright. You have to inquire to find out the exact spots. Yet, there's a longtime busker, The Great Morgani, who has busked in the "wrong" place for years and gets away with it anyway. Here's a link to him: http://thegreatmorgani.com/

I've had a busking license for Santa Monica, which is required apparently. However, I notice that the ordinance mentions all kinds of places there busking is either banned or is regulated, but they specifically don't mention parks, so I think I can rightly assume that parks are perfectly ok.

Los Angeles, especially Venice Beach has a long history of busking without any problem from the authorities, either.

Portland allows busking but at designated places such as at Saturday Market with a signup sheet. I'm sure it's okay at Pioneer Courthouse Square because I've seen it, but I've never attempted it there.

[harmonicakev]

RE: First Amendment rights - The state is allowed to regulate time , place, and manner. In practice they are able to require permits; i.e I've never heard of a court not allowing liscencing of protected activity.
I agree with what Peter says. Local law enforcement officials are not necessarily up to date on the latest in civil rights court cases. Better to live to perform another day, without injury to yourself or your equipment.
The MBTA in Boston is somewhat different. Here we were able to come to an agreement allowing music in the subways because the politicians supported us. This was a fight that went on for more than 15 years, involved a lot of time an effort on the parts of various performers led by Steve Baird, and pro bono lawyers. So, worth it to those of us who live here, probably not a worthwhile pursuit if your just passing through.

[Peter]

Peter

Please tell me someplace that is busker friendly.

Thanks Shel
A LOT of places are willing to leave us alone. When on the road for any reason I always carry my kit and set up for a while every place I go. I've worked Chicago, Minneapolis, thru Canada, Orlando FL. just a few spots. Have I been told to stop, yeppers. just told the cop I was passing thru and didn't know the local rules, then asked the cop where I could busk. Found some good pitches that way.

[fireperformer911]

Peter

Where in Orlando? How long ago?

Thanks Shel

[Peter]

Peter

Where in Orlando? How long ago?

Thanks Shel
Our hotel was across from Universal Studios, Think it was Doubletree, so I worked that area, a couple of restaurants plus anywhere I could build a crowd. This was about 4 years ago, and I made enough busking to pay for the convention my wife attended plus our trip expenses Plus over $1000. now I was there for a week so this didn't happen on a Sat afternoon.