The South Street Seaport, NYC 2008 Festival

[jugglerjosh]

To Whom it May Concern:

I've been a street performer in NYC for 18 years. In 2005 I was one of the South Street Seaport Street Performer Buskers Fare organizers.

Having a little block getting this one off to a start.

Here'e the latest Management reply:

"Thank you Josh! Our long standing summer program is at heart its own festival already. We would love to hear your suggestions to make it better. We even have a staffer flying to Edmonton to examine how the Canadians do it.
Lincoln Palsgrove IV"

Any suggestions?

Sincerely, Josh Weiner, NYC Street Performer

[USA BREAK DANCERS]

Hey Josh maybe I can help? Me and my group tour all the major busker festivals in Canada were actually at one now.
I'm from New York and also work at the seaport I'v worked there for many years of and on.

Give me a call if your interested,
Julio "Klown" Santiago
www.usabreakdancers.com

[Pokie-Poke]

Hay Josh its me Frank, (in front of the zoo back in the day) I'm in philly. now but if there is any thing I can do drop me a line. I'm working with several acts now. If you need them, as a busking fest without buskers is kinda boring. :jester:

[DrBrionics]

This is Brian from the Office of Cultural Affairs in New Haven. I just wrapped up a small street performer "series" up here in the Elm City and we would like to build a culture of busking in New Haven.

We are currently hoping to plan a festival for next summer. I would like to coordinate the timing of upcoming festivals with Josh Weiner from NYC and possibly someone from Providence or other city w/in the region (I'm working on finding someone currently), in order to have three consecutive weekends of festivals in the area.

Julio from USA Breakdancers suggested that this would be a good way to make these events more accessable and appealing to touring performers.

Thoughts....?

[Doctor Eric]

You should start a separate thread about your festival.

[jugglerjosh]

Dear Gentlemen,

Thanks for the replies and support.
As of this writing, there is no festival for the busking program at the South Street Seaport.

I'll call the Dept. of Cultural Affairs in NYC but will need some support on setting up the 501-c3 in order to work with their offices, as they told me last time.

Julio was in town with the other artists from USA Breakdancers, and mentioned that other cities are much easier to work with than the South Street Seaport. I'll keep working, but even as a performer for 16 years on the seaport streets and docks, it has not been a hug or a handshake from their offices. The GGP maintenance just got a union wage increase, yet we are not recognized with the same status, nor have we any parking or salary benefits, health plans, retirement programs, stock options.

Some stores will honor discounts, however, since the 2005 Busker's Fare.

Any additional support would be appreciated. A petition looks inevitable, coming soon.

Sincerely, Josh Weiner

[jugglerjosh]

To The South Street Seaport Management Office
19 Fulton Street
2nd Floor
New York New York 10038

The South Street Seaport Performance Artists hosted a weekend festival from June 15th through 18th, 2005. The festival was affiliated with LOMA (Lower Manhattan Marketing Association), and was included as part of an event series throughout lower Manhattan.

We are writing this letter to establish this successful event as an annual festival to celebrate the South Street Seaport Street Performer program.

"A street performer, or busker, is one who presents an act for tips on the city streets. It has been a part of street life in New York, including the downtown area, since colonial times. The street performer program has entertained and delighted the estimated 10,000,000 annual visitors of the Seaport for over 20 years. Our festival will include over 35 acts from the South Street Performer roster, successful artists that have participated in the program, and invited performers."

Many well known variety acts began their career as street performers, which is one of the hallmarks of a free society. For these great performers, it was a place to develop their act, and quite a few were not very good when they started. For some it has been a place to develop and hone their craft, and for others it is a way of life by choice. We hope that the Seaport continues to foster the supportive atmosphere which allows performers to grow.

This festival proposal will provide a structured and organized weekend event coordinated with the Standard street performer locations. A concentrated information area on the Pier Apron and Festival Stage also highlights the work and promote the artists with information and announcements, in collaboration with patrons and sponsors of the event.

There are many annual festivals on General Growth Properties with similar programs.

We hope to work with the management offices to make this festival, modeled after the June 2005 Street Performance Festival, an annual celebration of these South Street Seaport, New York City artists.

Signed,

(please post to this thread as artist or support of this proposal. thanks. - Josh)

[Pokie-Poke]

Did they stop busking at So. st. altogether? or are you going bigger?

[jugglerjosh]

No, the South Street Seaport Street Performer Program still exists. See this link for how the program continued after 9/11.

http://www.communityartsadvocates.org/saasouthstreetseaport.htm

Please show your support for a planned festival in 2008: (add your signature)

To The South Street Seaport Management Office
19 Fulton Street
2nd Floor
New York New York 10038

The South Street Seaport Performance Artists hosted a weekend festival from June 15th through 18th, 2005. The festival was affiliated with LOMA (Lower Manhattan Marketing Association), and was included as part of an event series throughout lower Manhattan.

We are writing this letter to establish this successful event as an annual festival to celebrate the South Street Seaport Street Performer program.

"A street performer, or busker, is one who presents an act for tips on the city streets. It has been a part of street life in New York, including the downtown area, since colonial times. The street performer program has entertained and delighted the estimated 10,000,000 annual visitors of the Seaport for over 20 years. Our festival will include over 35 acts from the South Street Performer roster, successful artists that have participated in the program, and invited performers."

Many well known variety acts began their career as street performers, which is one of the hallmarks of a free society. For these great performers, it was a place to develop their act, and quite a few were not very good when they started. For some it has been a place to develop and hone their craft, and for others it is a way of life by choice. We hope that the Seaport continues to foster the supportive atmosphere which allows performers to grow.

This festival proposal will provide a structured and organized weekend event coordinated with the Standard street performer locations. A concentrated information area on the Pier Apron and Festival Stage also highlights the work and promote the artists with information and announcements, in collaboration with patrons and sponsors of the event.

There are many annual festivals on General Growth Properties with similar programs.

We hope to work with the management offices to make this festival, modeled after the June 2005 Street Performance Festival, an annual celebration of these South Street Seaport, New York City artists.

Signed,
Josh Weiner, Buskers Hall of Fame, Seaport 2005
Yogi Lazer, South Street Seaport Performer
Bethany Wild, Buskers Hall of Fame 2006
Nancy Lyon, Artist, Buskers Hall of Fame 2005
Magic Brian, Buskers Hall of Fame 2006
Julio "Klown" Santiago, Performer
USA Breakdancers, Performers
Frank Douglas, Performer, United States
Margot, Garite the Mime, South Street Seaport Performer
Brian Harger, Balloonscapes, South Street Seaport Performer
Alan Eisenstein, South Street Seaport Performer
Nicholas Flair, Performer
Jerry Bregman, Attorney
Dallas the Fire Guy, Performer
Anne Timmins, Artist, Pan Asian Repertory Theater
Carol Miyamoto, Retired Teacher
Irina Filatova, face-painter
Jeff Mosche, Busker
Jennifer Dinoia, Director, Performer
Derrick Summers, Worker, Parent

(please post to this thread as artist or support of this proposal. thanks. - Josh)

[Pokie-Poke]

Frank Douglas
pokie-poke.com
I'm in! just posting the full name.

[The Amazing Beaumanz]

www.dallasthefireguy.com

Julio can get ahold of me!!!

[jugglerjosh]

Please show your support for a planned festival in 2008:
(add your signature with POST REPLY: "I support")

To The South Street Seaport Management Office
19 Fulton Street
2nd Floor
New York New York 10038

The South Street Seaport Performance Artists hosted a weekend festival from June 15th through 18th, 2005. The festival was affiliated with LOMA (Lower Manhattan Marketing Association), and was included as part of an event series throughout lower Manhattan.

We are writing this letter to establish this successful event as an annual festival to celebrate the South Street Seaport Street Performer program.

"A street performer, or busker, is one who presents an act for tips on the city streets. It has been a part of street life in New York, including the downtown area, since colonial times. The street performer program has entertained and delighted the estimated 10,000,000 annual visitors of the Seaport for over 20 years. Our festival will include over 35 acts from the South Street Performer roster, successful artists that have participated in the program, and invited performers."

Many well known variety acts began their career as street performers, which is one of the hallmarks of a free society. For these great performers, it was a place to develop their act, and quite a few were not very good when they started. For some it has been a place to develop and hone their craft, and for others it is a way of life by choice. We hope that the Seaport continues to foster the supportive atmosphere which allows performers to grow.

This festival proposal will provide a structured and organized weekend event coordinated with the Standard street performer locations. A concentrated information area on the Pier Apron and Festival Stage also highlights the work and promote the artists with information and announcements, in collaboration with patrons and sponsors of the event.

There are many annual festivals on General Growth Properties with similar programs.

We hope to work with the management offices to make this festival, modeled after the June 2005 Street Performance Festival, an annual celebration of these South Street Seaport, New York City artists.

Signed,
Josh Weiner, Buskers Hall of Fame, Seaport 2005
Yogi Lazer, South Street Seaport Performer
Bethany Wild, Buskers Hall of Fame 2006
Nancy Lyon, Artist, Buskers Hall of Fame 2005
Magic Brian, Buskers Hall of Fame 2006
Julio "Klown" Santiago, Performer
USA Breakdancers, Performers
Frank Douglas, Performer, United States
Margot, Pearl the Mime, South Street Seaport Performer
Brian Harger, Balloonscapes, South Street Seaport Performer
Alan Eisenstein, South Street Seaport Performer
Nicholas Flair, Performer
Jerry Bregman, Attorney
Dallas the Fire Guy, Performer
Anne Timmins, Artist, Pan Asian Repertory Theater
Carol Miyamoto, Harpist, Music Teacher
Irina Filatova, face-painter
Jeff Mosche, Busker
Jennifer Dinoia, Director, Performer
Derrick Summers, Worker, Parent
Cindy Marvell, IJA Champion 1989, Lazer Vaudeville
Goro Tamai, GM Worker, MIT Grad
Dan Rosenthal, HCCS Experts in Healthcare
Jeff Zimmerman, SWFS Emergency Food Program
Brian Dube, Dube Juggling Equipment
Jack Hershowitz, MD
David Rosenberg, Friend
Ted Kilmer, LOMA Organizer, 2005 South Street Seaport Festival
Stephen Baird, Community Arts Advocates, Boston, MA
Megaflash, Seaport Performer
Hal Weiner, Licensed Tour Guide, New York
Maggie, CCNY History Club President

(please post to this thread as artist or support of this proposal. thanks. - Josh)

[jugglerjosh]

Dear Supporters,

Thanks for your help with this festival proposal. I handed in the festival petition as it currently signed on Veterans Day, November 12th, 2007.

I hope the festival will become a reality, and will continue working with calls and requests for assistance and organizational support. The 23rd annual Seaport "tree lighting" and Chorus Tree Concerts is the Friday after Thanksgiving, November 23rd, 2007. Performers include The Big Apple Chorus, American Girl Theater Company, and USO Troupe.

Please continue to sign, and calls or letters of support are also welcome.

Sincerely, Your Seaport Festival Organizer, Josh Weiner

[BuskerFan]

I'd like to add my name to the online petition too!

I support.

Steven Maginnis, supporter and street performer fan

Thank you. :)

[Frisbee]

I add my name in support too, but it seems like this has already been sent in for decision. if not, please add my name.

-Greg Frisbee

[heather@heliummm]

As a Canadian busker/performer now living in NYC, I add my support too!

[jugglerjosh]

Petition as of 11/30/07 for 2008 Festival (please sign)

Please show your support for a planned festival in 2008:
(add your signature with POST REPLY: "I support")

To The South Street Seaport Management Office
19 Fulton Street
2nd Floor
New York New York 10038

The South Street Seaport Performance Artists hosted a weekend festival from June 15th through 18th, 2005. The festival was affiliated with LOMA (Lower Manhattan Marketing Association), and was included as part of an event series throughout lower Manhattan.

We are writing this letter to establish this successful event as an annual festival to celebrate the South Street Seaport Street Performer program.

"A street performer, or busker, is one who presents an act for tips on the city streets. It has been a part of street life in New York, including the downtown area, since colonial times. The street performer program has entertained and delighted the estimated 10,000,000 annual visitors of the Seaport for over 20 years. Our festival will include over 35 acts from the South Street Performer roster, successful artists that have participated in the program, and invited performers."

Many well known variety acts began their career as street performers, which is one of the hallmarks of a free society. For these great performers, it was a place to develop their act, and quite a few were not very good when they started. For some it has been a place to develop and hone their craft, and for others it is a way of life by choice. We hope that the Seaport continues to foster the supportive atmosphere which allows performers to grow.

This festival proposal will provide a structured and organized weekend event coordinated with the Standard street performer locations. A concentrated information area on the Pier Apron and Festival Stage also highlights the work and promote the artists with information and announcements, in collaboration with patrons and sponsors of the event.

There are many annual festivals on General Growth Properties with similar programs.

We hope to work with the management offices to make this festival, modeled after the June 2005 Street Performance Festival, an annual celebration of these South Street Seaport, New York City artists.

Signed,
Josh Weiner, Buskers Hall of Fame, Seaport 2005
Yogi Lazer, South Street Seaport Performer
Bethany Wild, Buskers Hall of Fame 2006
Nancy Lyon, Artist, Buskers Hall of Fame 2005
Magic Brian, Buskers Hall of Fame 2006
Julio "Klown" Santiago, Performer
USA Breakdancers, Performers
Frank Douglas, Performer, United States
Margot, Pearl the Mime, South Street Seaport Performer
Brian Harger, Balloonscapes, South Street Seaport Performer
Alan Eisenstein, South Street Seaport Performer
Nicholas Flair, Performer
Jerry Bregman, Attorney
Dallas the Fire Guy, Performer
Anne Timmins, Artist, Pan Asian Repertory Theater
Carol Miyamoto, Harpist, Music Teacher
Irina Filatova, face-painter
Jeff Mosche, Busker
Jennifer Dinoia, Director, Performer
Derrick Summers, Worker, Parent
Cindy Marvell, IJA Champion 1989, Lazer Vaudeville
Goro Tamai, GM Worker, MIT Grad
Dan Rosenthal, HCCS Experts in Healthcare
Jeff Zimmerman, SWFS Emergency Food Program
Brian Dube, Dube Juggling Equipment
Jack Hershowitz, MD
David Rosenberg, Friend
Ted Kilmer, LOMA Organizer, 2005 South Street Seaport Festival
Stephen Baird, Community Arts Advocates, Boston, MA
Megaflash, Seaport Performer
Hal Weiner, Licensed Tour Guide, New York
Maggie, CCNY History Club President
Meriel Cabral, NYC, Seaport Visitor
Guillermo Cabral, NYC, Seaport Visitor
Patrick O'Connor, Homeless Veteran, Seaport
Nancy Grambanco, Seaport Visitor
Albert Johnston, Hot Dog Vendor, Seaport
Heather Hammond, Helium Productions, Canadian Busker
Greg Frisbee, Performer
Steve Maginnis, Support and Street Performer Fan
Julie Nicholasi, South Street Seaport Marketing, 2005 Organizer
Shelly Switzer, Edmonton International Street Performer Festival
Jacob D'Eustachio, High School Student, Aspiring Juggler
Christina and Seth, Acrobuffs
Positive Brothers, Breakdancers

(please post to this thread as artist or support of this proposal. thanks. - Josh)

[jugglerjosh]

Dear Supporters,

Well, still working on this one. I sent in the proposal on Veteran's Day, but have not gotten a reply. The South Street Seaport is working with their Chorus Tree and Santa, during this shopping season. I will continue to advocate for a festival for next year.

A good E-mail of genuine support came from Julie Nicholasi, Seaport Marketing Manager, who helped plan the 2005 festival, and coordinated meetings and business with LOMA once it was given the green light, has written a support to the managers who can make the festival a reality.

Thanks to her, and all supporters as we continue this effort.

Peaceful days, safe travels, happy holidays.

Sincerely, Josh Weiner, NYC

[heather@heliummm]

Great work, Josh!
Here is a copy of a letter that I am mailing today.
Heather

_________________
The South Street Seaport Management Office
19 Fulton Street
2nd Floor
New York New York 10038

Re: Support for South Street Seaport Busker Festival


Dear Julie,

I am an aerialist and Canadian busker who has recently re-located to New York City.

I would be delighted to support a South Street Seaport Busker Festival, both as a performer and volunteer.

I have performed at many Canadian festivals (Montreal Just for Laughs, Waterloo Busker Carnival, Newfoundland Busker Carnival, Toronto International Circus Festival, Halifax International Busker Carnival) and can assure that these events generate considerable interest, community and revenue for a city. New York is a world class city, and it’s character would be further enhanced by a fun, safe and culture-building event. Your location is superb and a busker festival would attract an incredible crowd to your area.

If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best,


Heather Hammond
Artistic Director

Helium Aerial Dance
www.heliummm.com
heather@heliummm.com
Cell: 917.280.2611
Office: 212.473.4981

[jugglerjosh]

Dear Heather,

As a street performer for over 1000 days, I say:

Thanks.

Sincerely, Josh

[mattfrompratt]

I support.

I am a coorganizer of a juggling festival in New York and know how valuable festivals can be to the community. I fully support the South Street Seaport Performers festival and hope that you can make it work!

-Matt

[jugglerjosh]

Dear Matt from Pratt,

I personally reject your support.

Where were you these last few years? Did you, or ANY Pratt organizers support the last festivals like Cindy Marvell (LAZER VAUDEVILLE) or Andy Eisner (NYC Juggling Club Hobbyist) ??

As a native New Yorker, and professional performer since 1977, I KNOW from my own experience, that the Pratt festival does not care for others outside their inner circles.

I personally volunteered my services at a Pratt festival with a workshop and took off two days from Street Performing.

The juggling community at pratt DOES NOT SUPPORT LOCAL STREET PERFORMERS.

I have been on the Street since before the festivals began. After 30 years in the business, I was given no professional support for my development or to benefit my career.

I will never again attend the Pratt festivals.

YOU KNOW I AM SINCERE ABOUT THIS.

BOYCOTT THE PRATT FESTIVALS IF YOU CARE ABOUT STREET BUSKERS.

Sincerely, Josh Weiner, South Street Seaport Buskers Hall of Fame 2005

[jugglerjosh]

Dear Friends,

The annual meeting was last week, and I once again requested a Festival for 2008. Joan did not have the item on her agenda, but welcomed the many new and talented acts.

Many festivals were mentioned as part of the "Seaport Experience" with their jurisdiction taking precedence over the street performers during those times.

This means that there will be less time for the performers in their locations, as the other festivals are welcomed onto the property, the street artists will be marginalized into the few remaining choices on the property during more limited hours.

Clearly, an annual festival would compensate for the loss of work, but at this point the performers have limited recourse to make this festival a reality in the upcoming season 2008.

Sincerely, Josh Weiner, Festival Organizer 2005, Busker's Hall of Fame