Last summer I tried a few half-hearted busks, but this summer I decided to give it a proper go. I spent this afternoon at a festival in Kerry, Ireland, where I did two stand-up shows. The hats were not huge - fifteen euro and ten euro - but the experience was great.

After listening to advice I went with a fifteen to twenty minute program of simple and direct magic, ending with a balloon swallow. I was told afterwards that I delivered the hat lines without conviction the first time, and in too jokey a fashion the second show. Tomorrow I will go out again and try with more conviction.

But the bottom line was I enjoyed the day, and covered my petrol. Tomorrow I hope to cover a good dinner as well.

Don't drink as much petrol tomorrow and you will make a profit...

Tim

HAVE ONE FOR ME

Have you thought about trying Ennis during the music festival?

I am from Ennis, and didn't even know about the music festival! Is it a good one?

Tony.. if you're out on the streets now, it won't be long before our paths cross... I've been working Dingle for a bit lately, and I'm considering making the trip to Galway in the near future. As a matter of interest - what festival did you do in Kerry? Caharsiveen, perhaps? or Sneem,maybe?
:)

I lived there when I was 17 and am now nearly fifty and haven't been back since although the music fest is I am told the largest Irish music festival in the world, lots of tourists from all over the world. Have you heard talk of Willie Clancy Week?
I'll try to find more specific particulars from the people on the Chiff and Fipple forum. http://www.chiffandfipple.com a site for irish whistle players as well as flute ,pipes etc. I play keyless wooden concert flute.

Deadcatbounce, the festival I was at was the Puck Fair in Killorglin. My second day there I was nearing the end of my first show when one of the organisers marched through the crowd and stood beside me, gesturing me to stop. The crowd began drifting away, and the show fizzled out, with a tiny hat. Then I was told to clear off. So it wasn't a great festival for me.
But I'll keep going. I'll try the Rose of Tralee next. I am beginning to like street work.
Manal, I have heard of the Willie Clancy week, and have worked festivals in Miltown. But I didn't know Ennis had one. I'll check it out and see if it is worth busking at.

Where is Craggy Isle in comparison to where you're at?

Tony, I'm booked for the Rose of Tralee on Monday, and Tuesday, it seems. In what capacity, I'm not sure yet. Organisation isn't finalised yet, and the budget's been cut by 20 grand.

Puck Fair, huh? I had a look at it last year with a view to pitching Svengalis... decided to give it a miss. It can be a bit of a rough house. Tralee, I'd say, would be the worst place to street entertain, under normal circumstances - but it could be different during the Rose.

Gaddy - Craggy Island is North of where I am, in Kerry. I think it's just off the coast of Galway. They have a Father Ted weekend every year...the actual Craggy Island is in dispute, as two islands lay claim to it. I think the islands take it in turn to host the Father Ted weekend...(TedFest)

The Rose of Tralee have a busking competition from Friday through Tuesday. So I'll be along for some of the days; it is a great opportunity to blood myself in the new discipline. So I might meet up with you and say hello. I'll look out for the red hat. I'll be in a white Fez, unless I can find a white bowler by then.

Friday through Tuesday, huh? I had no idea...I was going to go up to Galway for the Boat Fest.. (Hookers)..but maybe I'll have a look into Tralee... Obviously - I'll only be wearing the red hat if I'm "on"! I'll pm you my number... let me know when you're in Tralee..

Regards,

DCB