Playing on the Street in DC - How ?

Subject: Playing on the Street in DC - How ?
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 12 Mar 04 - 10:59 AM

I've posted the announcement of our new Jug Band, Special Ed and the All New Genetically Altered Jug Band" on another thread. One thing we have been discussing is playing on the street, or busking, around DC, since we think we would have good crowd appeal. However, no one in the group knows if there are any laws restricting busking, or requirements for licenses that must be obtained before we do it.

Can anyone help answer the following questions ?

Where are good places to busk in the DC area? We have thought about Old Town Alexandria, Bethesda, The Mall or other tourist attractions, Union Station, and outside of Metro Stations.

Will we get run off or arrested in any of these places if we just show up and start playing?

Do any of them require try outs, licenses, or other special permissions in order to play?

JAB

Subject: RE: Playing on the Street in DC - How ?
From: breezy
Date: 12 Mar 04 - 11:06 AM

do it then you'll find out.

Subject: RE: Playing on the Street in DC - How ?
From: Bill D
Date: 12 Mar 04 - 11:10 AM

hey..Jim..congrats! And you know there have been several well-known street buskers before you...so they USED to be free to do it...Dupont circle was a popular site...trying to remember more

(remember Flora..and Bob whatsisname with the little amp?)

Subject: RE: Playing on the Street in DC - How ?
From: GUEST,Nancy King at work
Date: 12 Mar 04 - 03:01 PM

Bill, you're thinking of Flora Molton, right? Little old lady who played guitar, sang, and had a tambourine fastened to her foot. A bit strange, but probably the real thing. And I can't remember Bob-the-One-Man-Band's name either. Shoot, it will probably come to me at midnight. But neither of those folks are around anymore.

Jim, if I were you I'd call the DC permits people and ask 'em if you need to do anything. Here's their web page. Just glancing through it, I don't see anything to indicate you'd need a license unless you have a really big sound system, but you'd better check it out yourself.

Have fun! I'm looking forward to hearing your band!

Cheers,
Nancy

Subject: RE: Playing on the Street in DC - How ?
From: GUEST,Ballyholme
Date: 12 Mar 04 - 03:18 PM

I've seen quite a few buskers in Alexandria - particulary on the waterfront- so I assume there's no local ordinance preventing buskers. I recall a group of South American musicians several years ago and I also remember seeing a guy who played an array of glasses filled with water. Trying running away with that lot when the cops arrive!

A jug band would be perfect for Old Town.

Subject: RE: Playing on the Street in DC - How ?
From: Stewart
Date: 12 Mar 04 - 04:00 PM

I used to busk on the Alexandria waterfront - a great place, but that was almost ten years ago. No trouble then, but I don't know what it's like now. I do remember the guy with the water glasses (glass harmonium) - he was great, and I'm glad he's still around.

Cheers, S. in Seattle

Subject: RE: Playing on the Street in DC - How ?
From: Ferrara
Date: 12 Mar 04 - 09:43 PM

Nancy, it was Bob Devlin.

Subject: RE: Playing on the Street in DC - How ?
From: Nancy King
Date: 12 Mar 04 - 11:07 PM

Yup, I just thought of it not two minutes ago -- before seeing your post! He was a neat guy.

Subject: RE: Playing on the Street in DC - How ?
From: Bill D
Date: 12 Mar 04 - 11:21 PM

I saw Bob Devlin work once downtown...very compact setup...he made sure not to block the sidewalk, just made sure he was seen.