Duluth street performers need a city permit to ply their trade
Wesley Lynch
Issue date: 4/1/09 Section: News
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Hal Abernathy weaves through the aisle, which is clogged with guitar cases and waiting musicians, as he makes his way to the stage.
"I've played guitar for 26 years," Abernathy said, "but I don't know if I've ever played in front of this many people."
Abernathy was one of 31 acts that turned out to compete for the chance to win a city of Duluth 2009 busking permit. The event, organized by the Duluth Public Arts Commission, was held Saturday, March 28, at the Teatro Zuccone on East Superior Street.
Busking is otherwise known as street performing, and the permit allows the holder to legally perform in designated areas, mostly around Canal Park or downtown, and collect money for it. The performers' present actions ranged from African drumming to hula-hooping with more than a few guitarists in between.
Dennis Lamkin, one of the judges from the Duluth Public Arts Commission, explained that everyone who performed would actually receive a permit if they agreed to do their acts at the Gallery Hop on April 18.
"We don't say that in advance," he said. "I guess if there was somebody who was just horrible we probably wouldn't extend the offer, but we've never had that. We've always had talented people show up."
The Gallery Hop is an exhibition of Duluth art galleries on Earth Day. Buskers will be asked to work for several hours in or around the galleries to earn their permit.
Abernathy's performance went over well with the audience. Prior to his going on stage, Abernathy stated that many musicians such as Ani DiFranco started out as buskers.
"It's a time-honored tradition," he said.
As far as his own performing, Abernathy said that he has played at Beaner's Café several times and plays mostly original material but has never busked before. He also said that he was nervous before going on stage.
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