Performing artists needed for first annual Busker Fest in Abingdon, VA

ABINGDON, VA – This Labor Day weekend, the sidewalks of downtown Abingdon will be filled with weird, wonderful performing arts during a brand new busker festival. The Main Street Busker Fest is Saturday September 5th, presented by Abingdon Main Street and the Abingdon Music Experience.

The organizers are calling for performers of all stripes to participate in the festival, whether or not they have busking experience. Artists will receive a fee and a portion of tips.

“Busking” is an age-old tradition in which artists play publicly for tips, performing on street corners or wherever a crowd gathers. Musicians, acrobats, magicians, stilt walkers, living statues and more – street artists add character and fun to their communities.

The Festival will take place Saturday, September 5, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Main Street in downtown Abingdon, followed by Buskers After Dark, a ticketed event at the Barter Tent. Busker Fest is afamily friendly event, with special kid-oriented activities from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon; Buskers After Dark is an 18+ event.

The Main Street Busker Fest is a fundraiser for Abingdon Main Street, a non-profit organization affiliated with the National Main Street program. Abingdon Music Experience is supported by the Town of Abingdon and the Abingdon Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Accepted artists will receive a fee for their work. To apply, artists should visit www.mainstreetbuskerfest.com and submit a description of their act and a link to a video.

Applications will be accepted through April 1, 2015. Artists may contact Event Coordinator Sara Saavedra at (276) 676-2282 or scardinale@abingdon-va.gov with any questions.

Published February 5, 2015