Springtime in Greenville is marked by sunny strolls on Main St., flowers blooming in Falls Park, and often, the sounds of local street performers. Greenville’s music scene is filled with talent (peep the recent Upstate Music Awards for further proof) – so today we wanted to take some time looking at our local street performers.

“We are the buskers.”

John Wyatt, a retired teacher living in Greenville, recently submitted a Voices piece detailing his experience as a street musician. He and his wife are regular fixtures in downtown Greenville with their guitar and bass.

His article reads, “In addition to numerous music events throughout the summer, Greenville welcomes those of us who just want to play our music any day of the week on the street. We are the buskers. Not all municipalities welcome street performers, but Greenville has an enviable warm air of acceptance.”

Put yourself in the shoes of a local “busker” and read John’s full Voices article here.

Rules and regulations

Ready to take your talent to the street? The City of Greenville has a webpage dedicated to street performers with information on permits + performance exclusions.

Interested performers are required to obtain a street performance permit at least 24 hours prior to performing. The permit fee is $50 ($15 if you’re a student with a valid ID), you can find full application details here.

So, what can’t you do? Excluded performances include:

- Performances with flames or fireworks.* There go our dreams of being a fire breather.
- Performances with knives, daggers, swords and similar sharp instruments.* So long sword swallowing.
- Performances with chalk drawings on sidewalks.* You’ll need to connect with the City’s Public Works Department Director for this one.
- Performances with live animals. ‘Nuff said.

*See the City of Greenville’s website for full restrictions.

Meet the talent

Last year, the Greenville Journal put together a roundup of some of Greenville’s street performers. Included on the list:

Ronnie Elliott | A young jazz musician who has played guitar since age 7 and piano since age 5.
Click here to watch a video of Ronnie performing.

Cole Dockter | Also known as “The Hello Kitty Guy,” this artist is known for drumming on a Hello Kitty kit he bought on eBay.
Click here to watch a video of Cole performing.

Kristen Miller | A classically trained violinist who takes hit songs and makes them her own.
Click here to watch a video of Kristen performing.

Read full bios for these local performers in the article, Music to our ears: Street performers enrich Greenville’s city culture.

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