Busking in Manchester

   I was walking around town the other day, and heard the constant merge of different sounds and whining voices. But I have to admit they are not all bad.
   The Manchester music scene has evolved over the past few years, and many more people are venturing into town to display their musical talents on the sidewalks. It seems to be a variety of different skills, lining the  streets asking for a bit of spare change in exchange for a good song. I love it when you see a guy, sat on the cold, concrete floor with his guitar, singing along to some old classic tunes, which I often sit there and just have a listen cause it's probably worth it. There is no problem in giving your coppers up for someone who braves  terenchous weathers and who has the guts to do this in front of many people (not forgetting that they can't half string a song together).
   So I took my camera and asked if I could write about some of the buskers I saw...

   I've seen these guys dotted about Manchester a few times, and they are not half bad. They put their own acoustic twist on some pop and chart classics. With a combination of superb guitar playing and great vocals, they manage to pull in big crowds, just to watch them play their next song. Out of everyone on the streets, i'd give my money up for them, and i'm sure there are many other people that would do exactly the same. Ones to watch out for this duo.

   I also saw these guys. They are completely different than anything i've seen in town, bringing their woodwind and keyboard ensemble and twisting it with classic songs. Walking through the horrendous weather, it made me smile.
 
   So as you can see there is a variety of musical talents spread out across Manchester city centre, ranging from a guy and his guitar, to people playing harps and blasting out mini jazzed-up versions of songs on their saxophone. I've always been tempted to join them, and actually planned it with my friend Billy during the summer, but we kept pushing it off as we realised it's harder than it looks. Busking clearly takes a lot more than people think, but if you want to make a name for yourselves, I guess you've got to do this sort of thing. Nowadays, you don't even need a license, so get out there if you're looking to make a name for yourself. Got to start from somewhere haven't you.

Charles.
Ps. Sorry for the non-variety i'm showing you, I didn't have much time on my hands. But go and have a look yourselves, i'm sure you'll find something that takes your fancy.