Great Barrington — The second season of The Berkshire Busk! came to a close on Saturday, September 3. The event started out in late May with performances every Friday night, Saturday afternoons and evenings all throughout the downtown area, including Railroad Street, The Triplex/Barrington Courtyard, the First Congregational Church, and in front of multiple businesses on Main Street.
This year’s season included musical performances from various genres including rock, classical, bluegrass, country, and hip hop, along with performances by magicians and circus performers.
The term “busk” or “busking” comes from 1860’s England as a term for street performers performing in public spaces. Over the years, communities throughout the United States have started their own busking programs and events.
“I’m thrilled with the spectacular array of performers that we had this year,” event founder and co-organizer Eugene Carr said. “We also had spectacular weather and spectacular audiences. With the town cooperating with us to have Railroad Street to be closed for performances on Saturday nights, it allowed us to have more performers, along with outdoor dining, artists, and vendor booths. The festival took on a whole new array of offerings and that transformed the town. I am very pleased about this.”
According to a presentation about this season’s Berkshire Busk! prepared by both Carr and General Manager Carli Scolforo, this season included more than 300 performers, along with 115 busker groups. The organization estimated that 10,000 people attended this season’s events.
According to a survey of more than 400 attendees conducted by the organization, 65 percent of attendees said that they planned to spend $65 each on downtown businesses, including at restaurants, cafes, and stores.
“I think people keep coming back to The Berkshire Busk! because everyone keeps having fun,” Carr said. “This is a great way to see all of your neighbors and meet with your friends. It’s great that the community comes alive at night here in Great Barrington.” Carr added that the event will be back next season.
For more information about the Berkshire Busk! go to its website.
