by Brandon Summers | June 8, 2023
With the non-stop encroachment of corporate and government interests, the future of busking is in danger. Thankfully, that’s not what I saw last week on the Las Vegas Strip. Even on a busy Friday night (with a looming Bruno Mars concert and a Golden Nights playoff game), I didn’t see performers constantly looking over their shoulder trying to evade the police. What I saw somewhat reminded me of what it was like to busk ten years ago before the battery-inverter/amplifier crackdowns. It was wonderful to see street musicians at ease and in their element. I didn’t get a chance to walk by the Bellagio or Planet Hollywood, but I saw some wonderful talent on the bridges. RED was banging away on his buckets while posted on the PH/Cosmo bridge. Just around the corner I heard the pop-classical strings of electric violinist Felicia Zaharoff; and just before I could reach the Crystals shop, I heard the angelic voice of singer-songwriter/guitarist MAEJOY, an artist who is new to busking. I spoke with all of them briefly and everyone assured me that they have not had issues with law enforcement. The following day, I ran into bucket drummer Cosmic Mike near Fashion Show Mall and he told me the same thing. It’s a relief and who knows how long this bliss will last? Regardless, it’s wonderful to see these moments happen.
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Brandon Summers is a Las Vegas native, violinist, street performer, and advocate for spontaneous, unlicensed performance in public spaces. Summers has been busking for over ten years and has performed for Ciroc, Hudson Jeans, Netflix, JBL-Harman and many more. He is a graduate of Fort Valley State University where he majored in mathematics and holds BA in liberal studies.
BuskLV 
What about the people asking for money like Nora and her dog Jodie on the Cosmo bridge? Are they still out there being harassed by Metro?
Probably. You’ll have to ask them.