World Square Cellist

Do cellists get RSI in their left wrists? Googling that very question just now it seems that fatigue and tension in the left hand is a real issue. That constant vibration technique, and the neck squeezing,  must take its toll. Anyway, this young man's relaxed style makes it look easy. And I daresay he has a few hours playing behind him. He's not pandering to crowd favourites in repertoire, though, and his street persona suggests he's in it more for the 'playing in public' practice than the bucks - just as well, judging by the take in his instrument case...

World Square Jap Beatbox Duo

I’ve witnessed one or two talented beatbox practitioners ‘round town – notably this genius, performing without amplification – but I think this is the first duo.

What a way for a couple of young Japanese dudes to see the world – setting up on the street and spitting out synchronised blurts and grunts.

And not just any Japanese Beatbox duo but Team Contest Finalists in the Japan Beatbox Championship 2014! Still going strong it seems – book ‘em for your next wedding party or anything here. 

[or check out their Facebook page] 

Galeries Victoria couple

I've seen this couple often, over many years, around Sydney - & this is one of their favoured haunts it would seem. They're always smartly dressed and always come across as very proficient musically - mixing it up with styles and instruments - piano accordion & others . While they have a generally upbeat demeanour they're not the most animated of street performers. But how long could you keep up 'razmatazz' anyway? I'm impressed they've stayed together as a couple for years - can't be an easy way to bring home the bacon but their attitude suggests they're stayers.

Conrad goes to Blue Hawaii

"Blue Hawaii" is far and away my favourite Elvis movie - I've got the soundtrack album and everything. Elv had some nice, simple pared-down numbers - sometimes just him and a ukulele - but I don't think even The King would've had the chutzpah to tackle "Can't Help Falling in Love" with just his own bongo for accompaniment. This guy puts the 'rad' in Conrad...

Trainspotter's footnote: "Can't Help Falling in Love" would become the standard closer for an Elvis Presley concert in the 1970s, & went to number two on the Billboard Hot 100.

Michael & his dogs

Michael presented a pretty relaxed vibe as he rendered his personal stylings of 'Classical Gas' - made famous, of course, by Beach Boys session muso turned solo artist, Glen Campbell. I like Michael's free and flowing interpretation - you don't miss Glen's big brass-backed production among the foot traffic of World Square.
This was 2015 - I wonder how he and other street performers, whose income relies on passing trade, are faring in these lockdown times...

Norton Street HAPI Drum

My son, Hunter, and I caught this young man on Norton St and were gently seduced by his playing's rhythmic charms.
After getting the thumbs-up for filming, dropped a buck [& a BuskerDu card] in the cap that looked like it was picked up on some exotic adventure [another detail befitting the overall flavour].
As we walked away, it occurred to both of us that we should have asked him what the hell instrument he was playing - having never seen one before.
Google helped a bit - I tried 'football sized steel drum' and got a few pages for something called a Hang [pronounced 'Hong' apparently] - but that wasn't quite it.
Then I got all Sherlock and read the name on the bag next to him. Elementary! Turns out it's a HAPI drum (Hand Activated Percussion Instrument) - and very pleasing they are too in the right hands.

Archibald Fountain Guitar Rock Duo

"Musical differences" - that's the pat answer to why the band split up, isn't it?
But, on the flip side, what keeps it together? You'd have to say "musical similarities", yeah?
On the face of it these guys, visually, have differences. But not musically.
They're a novelty for buskerdu - two guitars playing in tight accord. One in the hands of the dude all rock hair and attitude - the other, just about the music. Together, holistic. Nice work.
I must get into the habit of asking if 'groups' have a name. {That's my son, Hunter, slipping them half a buck, btw}