SEATTLE — For decades performers of all kinds have transformed street corners of Pike Place Market into stages and have inspired millions of visitors from all over the world.
Normally licensed buskers perform throughout the day at 15 designated locations, these spots are marked by red music notes which bring life and color to the streets of the Market. Busking acts range from musical performances to performance art, such as miming, balloon art, magic and more.
“This is Seattle. They love music,” said street performer Shanelle Berry. “To really get out here and just, like, be with the people. I'm here for the entire experience.”
Founded in 1907, the Market is one of the oldest and largest continuously operating public markets in the United States and is brought to life by the hundreds of farmers, crafters, small businesses, and performers.
Pike Place Market has been a defining Seattle icon for more than a century. Considered by many to be “the soul of Seattle,” it is located in the center of downtown where everyday locals and tourists alike shop, visit, eat and discover - but then you just hear music. There's a lot of history to it.
“What makes Pike Place so magical is that there's always a different flow of energy, everyone's been very for music and for buskers,” said musician Jonathan Evergreen. “It just creates a really great environment to creatively express yourself.”
The performances happen indoors as well, we visited The Rabbit Box venue on a night that the festival Buskarama was happening, a Busker Festival that honors the amazing performing artists of the past, present and future. Where we founnd Seattle's own Spoonman performing with Cian Frayo an 11-year-old drummer from “Seattle Drum School.” It was a special moment that this young artist will remember forever.
“It's pretty cool to now become part of the tradition of Pike Place Market and busking here, along with fellow musicians,” Frayo said.
The idea of Buskarama is to shine a light on the Emerald City so bright that the world will see the stars on the brick road of Pike Place, and in doing so, great artists from around the globe will sign up for a busking license and join other fellow musicians and artistic acts.
What is clear is that the music will keep playing at this market for many generations to come. A market that works as the main stage street performers.
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