Performers will entertain around the Circle

In Europe, there are Buskers, or performing artists on almost every street corner. On one corner, a trio of classical musicians could be playing Bach; five blocks down a woman could be singing works from Puccini’s“Madama Butterfly”; and scattered between them could be human statues, dancers and mimes.

It’s an art missing from European-influenced St. Armands Circle; something that will change Wednesday, March 14.

The idea came in an email to St. Armands Circle Association Executive Director Diana Corrigan, and she thought it was a great idea.

“It will be a night of visual and performing art and we want to stay with things that are family-friendly,” Corrigan says.

The association will be auditioning hopeful Buskers Feb. 15 and Feb. 22. They plan on booking 20 to 25 artists from 6 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday.

“Sunset Stroll” was the first attempt at live performance on the Circle. On the fourth Friday of every month, jazz musicians were placed at various points around the Circle to serenade shoppers, diners and other guests. This developed into “Smooth Jazz on the Circle,” a concert featuring local and regional jazz artists, which rolled out in 2002. “Smooth Jazz” was attended by about 4,000 people at each event, and it was successful for eight years. But, according to Corrigan, because of city and park usage fees combined with a lack of sponsorship, both programs ceased to continue.

Buskers on the Circle will be different. They will be contracted under a licensing agreement, and instead of being paid to perform, they will perform for gratuity.

“There are so many amazing performers who want free exposure,” Corrigan says.

Electric feel
Money left over from the BID-funded capital improvement project allowed for enhanced electricity in the medians, which the Buskers will be able to utilize. Before, every performer on the bulbouts could only perform on acoustic instruments, but the electricity could allow for electrifying performances.