Street Musicians: Busking in Charm City
[Photo: Buskers Fred Smith (accordion) and Don Teubner-Rhodes (Clarinet)]
Street music is alive and flourishing in Baltimore. “I live for these Saturday mornings. I love to connect with people,” said Fred Smith, who plays jazz accordion most Saturday mornings at the 32nd Street Farmers Market.
Baltimore Farmers Markets, Fells Point, Inner Harbor, Hampden, Mt. Vernon Place, and Charles Street are popular places for street musicians to hone their craft, earn some money, have fun, and bring joy to people strolling by.
“I appreciate how receptive to music people are. The tunes I play with others make me happy and give people a chance to sing along and dance,” says guitarist Kris Belgica.
By performing in public spaces, jazz musicians break down barriers and create a more inclusive and accessible environment for enjoying live music. The spontaneity of street performances allows musicians to reach their audience in real time.
Christian Lumsden, a local jazz enthusiast, captures this sentiment perfectly: “For me, it’s about community engagement. Reminding people that live music exists—welcoming people to it. Getting people to look up from their phones. Bringing people back to the here and now, on their (our) streets, in their (our) spaces.”
Lumsden’s words highlight the unique role that busking plays in fostering a sense of shared experience. It is also a reminder of jazz’s roots – a genre born from the need for expression and community. Jazz is a genre deeply rooted in American history, and Baltimore has a significant place in that story. By busking, musicians help preserve and promote this rich cultural heritage.
“It brings back…that this space is available to all of us, not exclusive to some elite,” says Lumsden. “No barrier to entry—the street is for everyone.” This visibility is crucial for keeping the genre vibrant and relevant, especially for those who might not otherwise encounter live music in more formal performance venues” he said.
Economic necessity is yet another primary reason for many street musicians to busk. “It’s a quick way to earn some cash,” says Gabriel Fricks-Starratt. “Sometimes we make more money busking than at our gigs,” he laughed. It also provides an opportunity to have fun and connect with the community and other musicians in an immediate way. “I just love playing music with my friends,” says Fricks Starratt. “There’s less pressure and a lot more chances to just have fun.”
But busking is not the easiest of gigs. The money is unpredictable, and there is always competition for prime spots. Added to that is navigating the city’s regulations. The current cost of a busking license in Baltimore City is $25. This cost can be more than some buskers make in a day, causing many to choose to ignore the regulations and take the chance to set up illegally.
Festivals, events, and farmers markets often have separate and different processes for obtaining the necessary permits and adhering to noise ordinances. This can be a complex and time-consuming process. Plus, restrictions on amplification and performance times can limit their ability to play in certain locations or during specific hours. For many street performers, who offer an often-spontaneous music performance, this is more than they are willing to do.
The outdoor nature of busking means that musicians are at the mercy of the weather. Rain, extreme heat, or cold can significantly impact their ability to perform or ruin their expensive instruments. Inclement weather can lead to lost opportunities and financial strain for those relying on their busking income.
Competition among musicians for prime spots can sometimes result in conflicts and the need to move frequently to find suitable locations where they can attract an audience without infringing on another performer’s space or music.
Additionally, buskers must constantly engage with a diverse audience, and not all interactions are positive. Dealing with occasional hostility or indifference from passersby is part of the busking experience. Some even report the occasional tips getting stolen. “The worst thing that ever happened was once a drug addict grabbed our tip money and ran. I chased him down and retrieved it,” said guitarist Robert Meyer.
However, most say that the rewards often outweigh these difficulties. The freedom to perform without constraints, the immediate feedback from diverse audiences, and the sense of community among fellow buskers are invaluable. “I love just making music with my friends.” said Kris Belgica.
The presence of live music on the streets enhances Baltimore’s cultural landscape, making it a livelier and more attractive place. It makes shopping more fun during the holidays, too. “I like seeing the smiles it brings to the passersby. It brings joy to the people on the streets. This is especially true when we play Christmas music during the season,” says Robert Meyer.
Those who frequent the Baltimore farmers markets also love the pleasant atmosphere jazz musicians provide. They are not just a haven for fresh produce, but also vibrant stages for local buskers, whose performances add unique charm and energy to the morning shopping.
Jazz musicians busking in Baltimore are more than just street performers; they are cultural ambassadors, community builders, and passionate artists dedicated to their craft. Their music brings joy, fosters connections, and enriches the urban experience, reminding us of the power of live music to transform everyday moments into something extraordinary. So, next time you encounter a jazz musician –or any musician– on the streets of Baltimore, take a moment to listen, appreciate, and support their incredible contribution to the city’s vibrant cultural tapestry.
–by Christy Fricks
Christy Fricks is a resident of Baltimore who loves writing, playing her violin, and especially jamming with her musician family. She is also an accomplished belly-dancer and a student of Middle-Eastern folk dancing and other world folk dancing traditions.