Halifax Busker Festival
August 2-7
Halifax waterfront
buskers.ca
I'm Mighty Mike—AKA Mike Johns AKA brother of Stephanie Johns, Coast arts editor, AKA the world's funniest strongman. I'm performing for the first time in my hometown at this year's Halifax Busker Festival, and I've compiled a list of 10 things that every busker wants you to know but is too shy to tell you.
1. Get involved! The show is way more fun if you participate. If you're into it, we get more into it!
2. Yes, this is what we really do for a living, and we don't have to do it, it's something that chooses you.
3. We don't want to be in a big circus, or on TV— we are happy performing on the street right in front of live audiences.
4. We don't all travel around together. Although that would be fun.
5. A great busking act is less about showing tricks than about creating an experience together and having fun as a group. But we have lots of tricks, don't worry.
6. Don't heckle! Our jokes have been crafted over hundreds of shows, and they are (probably) funnier than whatever you might yell out.
7. If we call you up as a volunteer, we won't humiliate you—much. Play along!
8. Asking for money at the end is necessary. I know we're long-winded but—trust us—if we don't talk about the money, we don't get paid.
9. At the end of the show, please come up to tip us or say thanks. It means a lot when you do.
10. Buskers put themselves out there without a guarantee of being paid, or even an audience. That's why it's so rewarding when people stay and appreciate the whole show.
See Mighty Mike juggle bowling balls and a sledgehammer, bend horseshoes and more at the Halifax Busker Festival August 2-7 on the waterfront. For show details see buskers.ca
