I love Granville Island, so when I decided to purchase an Air North
flight pass and audition for a Granville Island Busking licence, I was
keen. It was a perfect summer break from my regular teaching
practice. Granville Island is famous worldwide as one of the primo
destinations for buskers. The Granville Island Cultural Society has very
specific rules and guidelines for all licensed street performers.
www.giculturalsociety.org Every morning eligible licensed buskers
draw for the 10 designated outdoor amplified areas, including a few
choice covered sites. If you were lucky enough, you had first dibs on
the best money making spots and times. Each site could only be
played once daily creating a smooth rotation of buskers throughout the
8 hour day. Quite a treat for visitors to the famous Vancouver market!
The quality of acts was outstanding. A unique aspect to this gig was
being outside all day. Relying on my feet for transportation and with a
cart rigged up to pull my amp and gear, I became very efficient at
setting up and breaking down shows. I ended my day with a leisurely
walk home along the sea wall. I loved the challenge of honing my skills
and tweaking my show while the non-captive, fluid audiences renewed
themselves hourly. Connecting with people from all over the globe was
a treat and if I was lucky they would take my CD home. By summer's
end I had learned so much but the most important lesson was how to
ask for tips! The best money making act knew how to draw a crowd
and cleverly involve the audience into their show. Many of the talented
buskers I worked with travelled here every year from Australia, Europe
or Montreal. I loved being a part of this unique community and was
honoured to call myself a Granville Island Busker!