Discussions

They asked me and i said no but it wasnt confrontational or anything, I found it so weird how that played out. I hope they found their phone cause there is still good people out there

Yeah my bad i didnt mean being blamed aha. I didn't see if they asked anyone else. But thats good they found the phone.

It happens more than you think. i get it alot where im from but this is a small town so maybe i was overthinking it. And when they told me to leave I left politely, Just the phone part kinda had me heated

I love busking ! I’d love to see more of that

Have seen buskers outside 10th street liquor store. I don’t know if u need permission or not. I think it’s an honest way to earn money while enjoying your music. Otherwise the forks in Winnipeg is all I have seen

I also love busking! One of my favourite things going downtown in bigger urban centres! I love sitting on outdoor patios by the street and listening to them play. I'm wondering if it would be considered more acceptable downtown along Rosser and Princess. Maybe by some of the outdoor patios like Prairie Firehouse and The Doc or by Princess Park and Town Centre. Possibly Chez Angela. They let musicians come into the hospital and play, but I think you have to become an actual Hospital Volunteer. Even just outside of the hospital entrance would be a good place??  
Check out Music In the Park on Tuesday nights at Princess Park and Rideau Park. Maybe you could busk on the side before or after the scheduled acts.  
Good Luck! Hope to see you around.  
 
Edited by Mamabear2, 2019-07-26 13:33:17

If you're good try getting a gig at one of the several small pubs in town. They have single person musicians singing/playing during the evenings.

Mall parking lot or Corral centre

At the Forks & at Wasagaming, I believe you have to apply to busk. This way, there is no fighting over spots and more people have opportunities in one great space. There are most likely other reasons too.  
 
I think your best bet is to find a spot you like and ask permission of the business that you are in front of. Let them know that you are also looking for work and would welcome any leads. You never know, this could lead to more job opportunities too as you respectfully talk to business owners.  
 
Good luck!

Thanks for the tips everyone!

I work downtown and once in awhile there are people outside the town centre or by the by the CIBC playing music. It’s nice to walk around there and hear it. Busk away in my opinion

I have about 10 years of practicing and learning what sounds people like. Im pretty sure it doesnt take 10 years to learn the skill of washing a window or asking for money. When I busk, Im not even aaking for money I just play my music and people voluntarily throw a few coins here and there. My main focus is to brighten up someones day with some tunes, and If i can make some money for food or put into my car savings, thats a bonus!

Keep doing what you enjoy and obviously many people are with you and support you!  
 
There is always someone who wants to bring you down or paint you with the same brush as something that is less respectful in their eyes. Just remember what people say is a reflection of themselves.  
 
Keep playing!

Most people who I know who busk don't do it for money, they do it because they love to play and it's an outlet for them. As someone who dabbles in music, I can understand that - at some point, you want to share your love and passion with others.  
 
We were up at Clear Lake a few days ago, and my daughter (who's autistic) was enchanted with the buskers there. You could tell they were passionate about what they did. It was a father and his sons.

While I understand you position, I just wanted to point out a few things:  
 
1. When the unicyclist fastball player says he doesn't pay taxes on the money he made on his act, that's not because it's not taxable, but because he neglected to claim it. Money earned busking is most certainly taxable, as are other types of irregular income such as tips. And unless that's their sole source of income, they probably *would* have to pay tax on it as their overall income would be above personal exemption level (I'm assuming).  
 
Technically, a pan handler would also be taxable on the money he collects, but probably is below the taxable threshold (i.e. less than the personal exemption) so no worries there.  
 
2. A busker in a tourist area in Mexico, with the (comparatively) rich gringos abound, probably makes a good living from busking. I don't think you can fairly compare it to someone here that does it in their off hours primarily as a creative outlet.  
 
3. If we assume your assertions are correct - they are really no more than talented panhandlers - why would you begrudge them for doing something they love for money? Isn't that the ideal, doing a job we love in exchange for money?? LOL

The difference is that panhandlers just ask for money. Buskers are performing for you. No different than buying tickets for a concert, only you give some change if you decide to. Music is an art form. The biggest problem is you can write and play great music but nobody will let you into a venue to play without having a following, so busking is a way to get heard and build a following.  
 
My advise to the original post is just ask any place if they have a problem with you being out front. most wouldn't mind. Coffee shops and places with outdoor patio are good. Also Go to Manitoba music website. They have list of venues that you could narrow down by city. There are a few in Brandon like the Prairie firehouse or Lady of the Lake to try.

Once, when in New Orleans, we were eating supper on a balcony of an amazing restaurant. There was an amazing band playing down below, and we were entertained the entire meal. After, when were leaving, we went by, and gave them some money. They were on a break at the time, and were offended at first. "We are not begging". We then explained what happened, and they thanked us.  
 
As to your being kicked off Superstore property, it is a private property. Were anything to happen to you on it, they could potentially be held partially liable. Asking you to move had (most likely) nothing to do with discrimination, but good business sense.