Sadly, I neglected to keep my camera running through many performances I’ve witnessed while travelling, and there’ve been a few. However, below you’ll find some videos of street performers who I’ve recorded. If you know any of them, please put me in touch with them so I can give them the proper credit.
Flaming Tuba in Poland
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfBsxqqm5pg[/youtube]
Not every day you get to see a guy playing a tuba on fire. I neglected to ask him how he did it, but I can’t imagine it’s the safest thing in the world.
Street Drummer in Taiwan
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKJRNC0hKz8[/youtube]
Wow, this kid impressed me. During my one-week visit in Taipei I saw this kid sitting behind this massive drum kit. I was intrigued. Not only was I impressed that he had lugged his drum kit out on to the street, he pulled quite a crowd to his performance. My apologies for the extended sweeping view of Taipei in the middle. 😛
Ukrainian Kobzar
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_G3NsWF77u4[/youtube]
Following in the long-held traditions of the blind street performers of Ukraine’s length history, this man has taken up the mantle of modern day kobzar. If there’s ONE video I wish I would’ve made more of, it’s of this guy in Kyiv, Ukraine. He was playing one of the subway stations near Kreschatek and I seriously can’t remember why I didn’t stand there and watch him some more. Sadly, this 22-second clip is all I have. 🙁
Enterprising Indonesian Musicians
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqnrByR-clU[/youtube]
I didn’t know what to expect when I first heard these folks on the streets of Jakarta, Indonesia but it soon became clear: money. Learning that, I let them play for a bit (it was kinda neat to the instruments they were using) before dropping them a dollar or so (I figured that’s what most folks pay for an mp3 download).
Polish Buskers in Warsaw
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4hkq0lRv_Q[/youtube]
These guys played their pan flutes along to a sound track near the Warsaw Palace, practically beside Mr. Tuba On Fire Man.
Staroman Dixieland
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUUOqlIWJcQ[/youtube]
I can’t remember their real name, but these guys played some crazy Czech polka-inspired music. The lead singer’s raspy voice caught my attention. I ended up purchasing a couple of their discs. Interesting stuff.
Charles Street Busker
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBI9K1HV3XU[/youtube]
One of MANY buskers, musicians and artists alike, who crowded the popular Charles Street Bridge in Prague, Czech Republic. I supported his efforts by purchasing his disc which was alright, though not playlist worthy unfortunately. 🙁