Would you want to attend a festival of street performers in downtown Lawrence? / LJWorld.com

Asked at Massachusetts Street on May 14, 2008

“I think it would be a lot of fun. I’m a little worried about the noise because I work downtown. But as long as it’s well-organized, I think it sounds like a good idea.”

— Sarah Sobonya, teacher/tutor, Lawrence

“That doesn’t really sound like something I’d be interested in. I usually don’t spend any time listening to them while I’m downtown.”

— Michelle Dunson, Kansas University freshman, Wichita

“Yeah, that sounds pretty cool. I think the street performers add a lot to the atmosphere down here visually speaking, and if they’re putting out some cool sounds, that’s even better.”

— Sean O'Dwyer, florist, Lawrence

“I think it’s a cool idea and I would intend to attend, but I’m not sure if I would actually make it.”

— Baylee Suskin, receptionist, Lawrence

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snap_pop_no_crackle 5 years ago

"Speaking of the French, I have an authentic French WWII rifle for sale, never used, brand new, if you are interested."Only dropped once, with original white flag tied to barrel?

To the naysayers...professional "buskers" are in an entirely different league than the typical Lawrence street performer. Give it a chance, and if it's as bad as you have already assumed, then don't throw any money in the hat. However, if you laugh, gasp, or otherwise find yourselves entranced or entertained, please tip generously so that these talented folks will look forward to returning to Lawrence for years to come. I know I will.

BigPrune 5 years ago

Why not call it a "Homeless Convention," because this is exactly what it will be. I wonder if this will change our ranking and make Lawrence more desirable for the homeless to inhabit? Great idea.

sgtwolverine 5 years ago

I'd definitely consider attending it ... if there were street performers like this:http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040401721.html

jonas 5 years ago

multiD: My Japanese is pretty rusty, but if you link the site I can at least tell you if it is or is not Japanese, and maybe give you a clue on what they're trying to say. Can't promise anything, though.

peachesncream 5 years ago

wasnt this a question form a yr ago ?

peachesncream 5 years ago

wow my early morning typing skills lack huh.....lol Wasn't this a ots question from a year ago??? seems like i remember it....

Sigmund 5 years ago

My favorite is the hippie chick belly dancing while some homeless guy pounds on a cardboard box at Eighth and Mass. Oh wait, they haven't started yet?.

ralphralph 5 years ago

"well-organized" street performers?Good grief!Sorta takes the magic away when you plan your spontaneity.

Pywacket 5 years ago

Blue73harley~ Nothing like combining two of the world's creepiest concepts into one big wad of terrifying smarminess. Thanks a lot! Now I will have to wash down my hydrocodone with lots of margaritas to even get to sleep tonight. And who knows what kind of Miming Mother of Christ nightmares I'll have?! ;-)

RETICENT_IRREVERENT 5 years ago

Blue,Are you sure the mummers originated in France? I thought it was a Greek thingy, like take-out food and fried cheese.(Let's all shout opa!)But I too detest all things French, especially those really thin pancakes.

Baille 5 years ago

Mimes? Man, that would be sweet.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glzkWmJgCgY

Kookamooka 5 years ago

Anyone see Hot Fuzz? Buskers and jugglers and mimes! Oh MY!

1wetwilly 5 years ago

I would never attend since it might benefit the cry-baby, whining, subsidized merchants in downtown Lawrence. However, I would travel and pay top dollar to attend it at Arrowhead Stadium.

merrill 5 years ago

Excellent idea. Let's get on with it. But don't forget to advertise the entire USA.

RETICENT_IRREVERENT 5 years ago

Busker Fest would only work if the closed Mass St. to vehicle traffic, put benches and large concrete raised planters in the middle of the street. Oh, and you could rename Lawrence... Boulder East. Thats sorta, kinda catchy.Boulder East.

sdinges 5 years ago

When I lived in Ottawa, Ontario they had an annual Busker Fest - it was pretty cool, definitely worth going to. FYI - the professional buskers who were attracted to the event weren't filthy homeless beggars, but usually talented performers with entertaining and often funny acts. Mostly, when you spoke to them it turned out they did it part time in addition to their actual job - although some were good enough to do it full time.

peachesncream 5 years ago

ok i accidently went down town last night to dine with some friends at a establishment ...... WTH was that noise they so called music??? that was terrible sounded like whales in heat..... and ppl paid to see this ??? the dude at the parking garage was EXTREMILY rude asked us for our ticket to the concert , we said were not going to a concert and he goes well WHERE DO YOU THINK YOUR GOING THEN... we said um out to EAT he got all huffy and said ok FINE.... quiet funny ... as were all the ppl on mass.... kinda like a freak show on parade... my personal favorite was the jugglers.... i hope all went well and no problems happened im sure it was fun for the ppl who enjoy that kind of....of..ummm..music?

Sagecasey 5 years ago

R_I and Blue,Speaking of the French, I have an authentic French WWII rifle for sale, never used, brand new, if you are interested.

Pywacket 5 years ago

No. God, no. I can think of a lot better ways to spend my time than validating the pathetic dreams of narcissistic unemployed garage musicians whose "street acts" consist of strumming 3 chords and warbling an earnest ballad in a nasal voice while entertaining the illusion that they will be "discovered" by a hip agent who just happens to be slumming in NE Kansas and looking for the next hot ticket. As long as you "follow your dream," you are justified in shunning gainful employment, while inflicting your grunts and squeals on hapless passersby, right?The most pretentious are usually the flutists (or flautists, if you will). I just want to smack them over the head with their instrument and say, "No, no!!! You are NOT Ian Anderson! Don't even go there!"Okay... a lot of that is tongue-in-cheek, but I'll still pass. Once every 10 years or so, I might hear one who is actually good--who causes me to stop and listen for awhile and wonder whether he's there to fulfill a lost bet, while on break between gigs with his real job--as first chair violinist with the KC Symphony Orchestra.