Busker Festival to Thrill Crowds at Seaport Village

Thursday, 16 April 2009

Something wild is coming to Seaport Village. The 2009 Busker Festival is a thrill for the senses and the public is invited to take part in the fun Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19.

Buskers are professional street performers who perform for tips. This year's event features 10 different performers that will be entertaining crowds of all ages for two days, from noon until 5 p.m.  Seaport Village will come alive with amazing feats: everything from sword swallowers, to jugglers, acrobats and musicians.

"We've got Buskers from San Diego and from across the U.S. and even Canada," said Terry Hall, Seaport Village's General Manager. "We have a returning performance from Mango and Dango who were the very first winners of our festival." In addition, there will be a Stomp-type group with metal drums and a Busker named "Wacky Chad" who jumps up and down on a pogo stick and jumps over a flaming shopping cart.

And there's something new this year for the 18 and over crowd: Buskers After Dark. Sponsored by San Diego City Beat and Yelp.com, it will feature live music, food and drinks and an environment where the "Buskers can unleash a little bit," said Hall.

The After Dark portion runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Seaport Village's food court area in the western plaza. Eateries will stay open late to serve up food and drinks. Those attending Busker Fest will play a role in determining who takes this year's top prize.

"The winner of the Busker Festival is voted on by the public. The winner gets a cash prize along with a weekend getaway to San Francisco, and that's all sponsored by the Manchester Grand Hyatt," said Hall.

And if you shoot video during the event, be sure to submit it to SeaportVillage.com. They will host an online competition with winners receiving prizes to Seaport Village."

Seaport Village is located at West Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway (directions), adjacent to Embarcadero Park North. Visitors receive two hours of free validated parking with any purchase. For more information  call 619-235-4014.

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