10BEST: Cities for street performers

It may be one of the world’s oldest professions, but there’s nothing naughty about busking, or street performing. From fire-breathers to violinists, there’s enormous talent to be found on the street, says David Michael, a former street musician and author of Busker: Tales of a Renegade Harpist. But don’t call it panhandling: “A lot of the most interesting acts or performers don’t go through the normal channels,” he says. With more performers hitting the streets as the weather warms up, Michael shares some top busking cities with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.

BOULDER, COLO.

This university town’s Pearl Street pedestrian mall offers strollers an entertaining mix, from ’60s-era folk singers to contortionists. “It reminds me of a European-style walking street,” Michael says. “Busking thrives in those places where you don’t have car noise, and there are lots of benches and places to sit.” bouldercoloradousa.com

NEW ORLEANS

With they city’s rich musical tradition, there’s no shortage of talented performers working French Quarter spots including Jackson Square and Royal Street. “You’ll likely hear someone blowing a trumpet out there,” Michael says. In recent years, visitors could catch such musicians as Trombone Shorty, who worked the streets before he made it big. Neworleansonline.com

SEATTLE

Back in 1974, singer/songwriter Jim Page performed for the City Council and forever changed the way Seattle sounds by persuading the city to change a law prohibiting street performances. Top busking spots include Pike Place Market and the Northwest Folklife Festival every Memorial Day weekend. “During that festival, there are half a dozen or so formal stages, and anyone else can carve out a little space, too,” Michael says. visitseattle.org

NEW YORK

Manhattan’s subway system has long provided a ready performance venue for musicians and their commuting audience. “I’ve heard some amazing acts down there. There’s something really magical about hearing the music echoing from a long way off,” Michael says. Other top spots include Central Park, Washington Square Park and Times Square, home to the famed guitar-playing Naked Cowboy. nycgo.com

SAN FRANCISCO

Simply head to tourist hot spots like Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square and you’ll find an abundance of street performers, including acrobats, poets and clowns. Michael says San Francisco has a history of supporting the arts in the broadest sense. “It’s one of the first American cities where busking was well known to the public. I’ve seen busking on city buses and in the most unexpected places.” sanfrancisco.travel

BOSTON

A huge student population provides the city with a steady flow of buskers (and fans). Top spots include Boston Common, Faneuil Hall and Harvard Square, where performers rotate through top spots every hour or so. “There are a lot of young, vibrant people around, so it’s only natural it would be a good busking place,” Michael says. bostonusa.com

NASHVILLE

Perhaps it’s no surprise that you’ll find music in Music City, but it’s hardly limited to country crooners. Downtown’s Broadway attracts everything from honkytonk and bluegrass to jazz and blues. You’ll find musicians, cello players, ukuleles and spoon players. Given the talent in the city, you can expect high standards. “You have to have a golden voice to stop people in their tracks,” Michael says. visitmusiccity.com

BALTIMORE

During spring and summer, you’re likely to find jugglers, stiltwalkers, mimes and musicians enlivening Harborplace, the shopping, dining, entertainment and tourist center on the city’s Inner Harbor. Performers say they like the atmosphere, steady foot traffic and varied crowds. Top buskers audition for shows at the outdoor amphitheater and perform throughout the season. baltimore.org