By F. A. Coletti
Communications and New Media Major

The term ‘busker’ refers to a person or group who performs on the street. By walking downtown, especially on a day like the First Friday Art-walk, you can witness multiple performers gathering to voice their musical abilities. Portland has a high appreciation for busking because of the value in which the city places freedom of artistic expression. These extremely talented musicians gather in the form of guitarists, rappers, freestylers, and singer to bring the public pleasure to their routine lifestyle.

Walking down Free Street you can occasionally witness a man playing his saxophone to the beats of his portable jazz radio. His harmonies bring light to a darker, dimly lit street corner; passersby often stop and sit on the bench for a few moments to hear the soothing beats. After months of seeing him play with passion it is evident that his musical talent has significantly increased as did his audiences.

There is a new band called The Jungle Boys who occasionally play in the streets of the Old Port. They play an assembly of folk style guitar with contemporary hip-hop rhythms. Listening to their group is intriguing based on the alternative, innovative style and signature time changes. Alongside the group of buskers they sell their newly recorded CD’s to bring attention to their musical developments. It is a good marketing tactic because it shows their involvement with the city of Portland and their appreciation for the public. After they count their dollars you can see them take down a pint on wharf street; music for the people by the people at its finest.