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A Busker is a street perfomer.

They owe their origins to the jesters and traveling minstrels who entertained Egyptian Pharohs, and Middle Age Lords in years gone by.

To define what a Busker actually does, or is, takes some explaining.

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Literally defined as a person who entertains in public places for money, a Busker has no set skills they must have. They can juggle, eat fire, play music, or ride a unicycle; among many other things. As appreciation for a Busker's performance, spectators are supposed to put coins in the performer- provided hat.

You can find Buskers performing around the world in places like England; Canada; Italy; Denver, Colorado; and New Zealand, but not all areas welcome these street performers. Laws tend to lump Buskers together as either panhandlers or venders. Panhandlers cannot be taxed, and are illegal, so Buskers face prosecution if caught. Vendors sell goods, which is what a Busker's performance is termed, and need a permit for tax purposes. This method has its drawbacks as Buskers seldom make large profits in the first place. Often times they must be invited to perform at a location to aviod legal hassles.

Whether making balloon art or using slapstick comedy to draw a crowd, the Busker is a unique performer that has been part of human culture for centuries.

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Photos taken at Buskerfest 2001 - Toronto, Canada

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