The Newburyport Buskers Festival 2008
Sunday, August 31 and Monday, Sept. 1

Visit downtown Newburyport and be entertained 
by musicians, clowns, jugglers, magicians and 
performers of all stripes!

Though busking was first practiced in medieval Europe, the American busking tradition can be traced to the many traveling circuses that once criss-crossed the nation. In their "off-hours," circus performers would supplement their meager wages by entertaining the townsfolk in public squares and plazas, juggling, clowning, and sword-swallowing for tips.  Buskers are now deeply rooted in our  urban culture...from the street corner to the subway platform, buskers continue to delight and amuse townsfolk the world over. 

The Newburyport Buskers Festival is one of the only Buskers Festivals in the United States. Other great festivals are located in Canada, and international festivals in Italy, Singapore and New Zealand.

Images from the 2007 Festival

The Yo Yo People share a special  moment at the Market Square Stage.	Audience members and Buskers hula hoop to kick off the Labor Day festivities!
Rob Torres brought his unique brand of comedy to the delight of thousands.	Magic Brian successfully escapes from the Straightjacket of Death in record time!
Rob Torres enlists the help of children  in the audience.	Thousands of locals and visitors enjoyed performances throughout the weekend in downtown Newburyport.
Cap'n Arrr shared stories of his pirate life to the delight of children in Market Square.	Eric Royer entertained with his  one-man band which includes a  special guitar machine.

2007 Performers

Rob Torres a physical comedian that mostly does cruise ships but he is in NYC that week before can come up! He is said to be  better than some Cirque du Soleil shows. http://www.funeeestuff.com
	MagicBrian from NYC and he has been on all those VH1 shows and his show is incredible and funny. http://www.magicbrian.com
Won Israel recognized internationally for his visual performance style. He is a protégé of legendary Pantomime Artist Marcel Marceau and he has traveled and toured the world performing his brand of vaudeville-style comedy entertainment for audiences of all ages and cultures! http://www.wonisrael.com
	John and Rebecca Higby The YoYo People perform in Newburyport regularly. Their website is www.yoyopeople.com
Irina the Facepainter Legendary facepainter Irina will also be in town. Her website is www.face-painter.com

2006 performers included: 

LURK
Alakazam  
The Jim Show
Sam & Ryan

Images from the 2005 Festival

Alakazam gets a little help from the audience on Inn Street.	Dave Buchanan balances upside-down while juggling knives with the assistance of 2 volunteers
Peter Panic juggles torches while riding a unicycle around Market Square.	Alakazam does contortionist push-ups on Inn Street
Rebecca, one-half of the Yo Yo People hulas 12 hoops to the delight of hundreds on the Inn Street Stage.	Lurk watches the Market Square show with the rest of the crowd.
Elena Robidoux delights crowds with her juggling prowess	Furry Eggs plays his "glass harmonica" on Inn Street. He plays a wide variety of songs on ordinary wine glasses.
John, the Yo Yo Guy closes the show with the help of a volunteer.

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Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce & Industry
38R Merrimac Street, Newburyport MA 01950
Phone: 978-462-6680  Fax: 978-465-4145
info@newburyportchamber.org

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