Auditions Held For GRATE PERFORMANCES, Video/Audio Auditions Due By 4/21

Calling all musicians, singers, dancers, performance artists and other street entertainers! The Times Square Alliance is looking for the very best New York City performers to audition for a chance to be part of "Grate Performances - Best of the Buskers," a free street performance series in New York City's best known public space, Times Square.

Beginning in May on Duffy Square (located at the intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue at 46th Street) this ongoing series will feature the most talented and entertaining street performers in town. Performers will also be considered for other Times Square Alliance events or programs in Times Square.

From bucket drummers to classical quartets, tap dancers to hip-hoppers, magicians to comedians, all interested performers are encouraged to enter a video or audio submission (DVD, CD or link to website) by Tuesday, April 21. For information on how to send submissions, please go to TimesSquareNYC.org/StreetPerformers.

Considered a tonic to the stresses of urban life, the centuries-old tradition of busking - or performing in public areas for tips - has recently exhibited a rebirth in cities across the country. These modern troubadours can be found in San Francisco at Fisherman's Wharf, in Los Angeles around Venice Beach and in Chicago on Maxwell Street - but only the very best will be found in Times Square.

"New York City attracts the most diverse array of street talent anywhere in the world, and Times Square is synonymous with inspiration," said Tim Tompkins, President of the Times Square Alliance. "The new, award-winning Duffy Square is the perfect place to showcase small-scale street talent. And who knows - in the tradition of past buskers who have gone onto fame and fortune, such as Bob Dylan, Penn & Teller and Stomp -- the next phenomenal performer might be discovered right here in Times Square. "
"We are excited to partner with the Times Square Alliance to host the Best of the Buskers competition at the new-and-improved Duffy Square," said Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe. "This talent competition will provide free entertainment to the tens of thousands of people who pass through Times Square every day. Soon we will know who are the best street buskers in the world's greatest city."

 

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