TransLink’s Got Talent!
TransLink’s Got Talent!
Last Friday, a fourth floor meeting room in Metrotown Tower 2 was transformed into a battle of musicians. The event dubbed So You Think You Can Busk? was TransLink’s annual buskers contest. In fact, this is the 25th anniversary of the TransLink Musician Program! In total, 40 licenses were up for grabs for winning buskers to perform at a handful of SkyTrain stations. Musicians who win get a license valid for one year and are scheduled to perform at specific stations and times on a rotating schedule. Performances are 90 minutes in length with 15-minute intervals between each one.
Performers of every ilk showed up for the event. Each performer who applied to audition for free was asked to play for up to 5 minutes (although some performers needed some gentle persuading from the front of the room).
If you have a favorite busker at a SkyTrain station leave a comment and tell everyone about it!
May I suggest spell check? It’s “Steel” drum and “bass” guitar.
Thanks a lot.
Right you are! A “steal drum” really is something different entirely.
Dunno if you could pass this along, but my friend is a musician and he is forced to compete with the guys who do not have a licence. I sometimes watch him play and we like it when transit security officers come by and check licences. More checks would be cool.
I approve of the accordion guy in the video above.
There’s also a guy playing pan flutes i see at Burrard every once in a while. he’s great!
John: I’ll pass that info along np!
Rick: I like that guy too! I feel so relaxed when I hear him playing.
Well said! Obviously, this busker knows what he is talking about and has offered some excellent suggestions. I hope Translink will implement some of his suggestions. Don’t suppress music.