The Street Entertainers Of Melbourne

The Street Entertainers Of Melbourne

          He calls himself Albert Stone. And this is for a good reason. On weekends and holidays, when people have enough time to stroll around the city, Albert Stone positions himself on the sidewalk of Bourke Street in Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD). He likes that part of the sidewalk near Myers and David Jones. And clad in a specially-made grey attire, he takes a desired posture and maintains that for an indefinite time. To the passing pedestrians, he looks like a statue. Immobile and seems like emotionally unresponsive. Like a big, unmoving stone. Thus, the name Albert Stone. And to those who are amused, and there are many, they drop coins in a well-placed box.

          Meanwhile, at Swanston Street, the principal road that connects to the side streets and alleys, a man in brown shirt is seated on the pavement, partly blocking the way, as passersby momentarily stop and watch him. With chalks, pencils and crayons, he draws a big, angry-looking figure on the concrete ground to the delight of viewers. This man, with drooping eyes and who appears to have been engaged in a drinking bout the night before, has excellent drawing skills. To show their appreciation for his special ability, and at the same time as a way of helping him, they dig into their pockets and place them in a cardboard box.

          In front of the Southgate Mall, just a few meters away from the Yarra River, two men hold torches and juggle them as they attract promenaders. In a few minutes, the crowd swells and the two exhibitionists become bolder in their acts as they play with fire. This time, they ask for audience participation. The acts performed truly require skills. And to the amazement of the crowd, they end their show with a jaw-dropping stance. The crowd gives them a round of applause, after which, coins and dollars are dropped into a big hat.

          At other secondary streets, men and women either play with a guitar or with a piano as they come up with good music that is pleasing to the ears. Either you buy their personal cds or you drop a coin as a token. A young Asian lady plays a long acoustic instrument at Elizabeth Street. At the next corner, two Salvation Army volunteers play the trumpet as trams en route to various destinations pass by.

          While some have booze or drug problems, most of these people have talent to show. They succeed in entertaining pedestrians, tourists and plain strollers with their exceptional skills. For this, I call them Street Entertainers. They get something from the public but they give something back to them. While police may look at some as a perennial social problem, I look at them as major crowd drawers. In a way, they boost tourism. While many flock to the stadiums to watch thrilling ball games, others look forward to the weekend to ride the Metrolink to Flinders, walk the streets of the City and watch these talented street entertainers. Another round of applause, please.

- Konted

Two men drawing a big figure on the pavement of Bourke St.

This certainly requires exceptional skills. 

Just a few meters away, another man shows his drawing skills.

Starting their show with the simple juggling.

Standing on ladders and maintaining their balance while juggling

They seem to be enjoying the 2-man show near the banks of the Yarra River.

This time, they are playing with fire.

Young and old alike are entertained.

 Bronze Cowgirl  not moving  for a long span of time.

Showing her appreciation when a young girl hands her something.

Old man displaying  his own style at Bourke St.

Using an improvised long wind instrument

Another wind instrument with a microphone attached to it.

Old man, old piano

Playing old instrumentals upon request

Playing good music to the delight of listeners

Man stands on a pole attached to tight strings as promenaders stop and watch near the Southgate Mall.

While doing his act, he cracks jokes to the amusement of the crowd.  No skull guard as protective gear.

An Asian lady plays a long acoustic instrument at Elizabeth St.

Husband and wife team

Donations, please

Two masked men regaling the crowd at Federation Square

Doing their act at Bourke St.

Duo singing near the entrance of a department store

Old man taking a power nap, unmindful of passersby.

Albert Stone doing his act near Myers Department Store

A hard act to follow

Albert Stone becomes Santa Stone during Christmas season.

Santa Stone changing position.

Combo attracting shoppers at a commercial arcade in Docklands

Sexy lady showing her dancing skills

Man sitting on the pavement while drawing a figure using chalks and crayons

Drawing a figure of an angry man.  Is the artist angry with the world?

Demonstrating his balancing act at Federation Square

Communicating with the crowd while maintaining his balance

Injecting humor to his balancing act

Simulating the electronic musical performer near Flinders Train Station

Combining acoustic and wind instruments

Old lady playing beautiful music at Bourke St.

Performing before a  Saturday crowd at Federation Square

Displaying their magic tricks

Playing with big chess pieces at Swanston St.

A Chinese Festival show

Doing his number by the banks of the Yarra River

The show has a story to tell.

At Bourke Street

Two young Salvation Army volunteers

Playing at a street corner

A mini zoo is set up temporarily near the banks of the Yarra River.

With a minimal fee, one gets to play or mingle with the animals.

Young lambs getting the most attention

Making do with what is available

At Swanston St,  2 young ladies displaying  handmade items and asking for donations.

A gathering of cyclists at Federation Square

Cyclists promoting a brand of vinegar - Skipping Girl Vinegar. There is also a musical group of the same name. 

Unique way of displaying affection

 

Hummer Police patrol on standby in case of any eventuality

Bonus pic:

A very nice vintage car used as bridal car in Melbourne