Busking Out!

Chicago is very well known for it's very vibrant street musicians, some who have even gone on to become nationally and internationally known. Some famous Chicago buskers include Crystal Bowersox (Winner of American Idol) and R. Kelly (RnB legend, if i say so myself). But first of all, what exactly is busking? Busking means to play or perform entertainment in a public place, usually while soliciting money.

Last week Saturday, my team and I set out to find and meet street performers and listeners for a project we are doing for our business and entrepreneurship class. We started off on south Michigan street, hopped on the red line where we met Mrs Kanye Resa West, a singer who has been doing it for a couple years now. She had a lovely voice and she did a couple song covers that kept her audience (people riding the red line train) entertained and willing to stick around for more.

On our way to Logan Square while riding the red line again train, we found Martial, who was currently being filmed for a TV show. The show was documenting his life as a busker, and we even got to make an appearance. He was very friendly and willing to talk, he played the guitar like he knew it at the back of his head, very talented man he was.

Our last encounter was totally unexpected. We were on State and Lake ready to head back home to Hyde Park when we heard loud pounding noise coming from down the street. We quickly rushed down to see where the noise was coming from and surprisingly found two young men hitting buckets and pans like drum sets. I'm sure you're thinking, "What a racket" but this was the opposite. The two guys in unison entertained the growing crowd with so much energy, I couldn't believe they were just using plastic buckets and old pans to create good music. They were called the Chicago Bucket Brigade and they really were the life of the party.

So as you walk on the streets of Chicago and ride the trains, take a minute or two to appreciate the talented street performers that this great city has to offer, you never know, they just might make it big. 

By Ema Bassey