Hey guys first of all this is a fantastic group! I am heading to Reykjavik Iceland from jan 23 - jan 28/31 not sure when I will leave yet!
I was wondering if anyone could give me advice on where/when to busk and also if anyone wanted to join me for a session :)
Let me know guys and ladies! Thank you so much
Jonathan!
You're pretty hardcore planning to busk in Iceland in January!!
Hahahah so I've been told! I guess I'm just kinda going with the flow and hoping to play along the way. I really wanted to go to Iceland in the winter and kind of decided to busk recently on my Europe adventure! I will be in the uk in February though Chester if you'd like to gig together??
January is not a good month for busking at all.
However, the main busking street is Austurstraeti, because is between the two main squares (Ingolfstorg and Laekjartorg) and close to the main shopping street, Laugavegur. It has spacious and visible spots for busking.
Laugavegur itself is a good street as well: when is sunny and not too damn cold is full of people in a spending mood.
But due to the fact that during winter the sun rises up late in the morning and sets early in the afternoon, not to mention the fact that the temperature is rarely above zero, my advice is to rather look for pubs and bars where to play small gigs in the evening. There are quite many of them (and during winter are crowded, cause the cold puts most of icelanders in a drinking mood) and many are accustomed to have people playing in any season (check Trùno, Bakkus, the Celtic Cross, just to name few I remember).
I'm not sure if to play in bars is a good way to make good money though.
But it might be worth a try.
Please say hello to Iceland from me and tell her I miss her sexy ice caps.
Hope I've been of some help.
Bye.
Domenico
yes Domenico!
I think you have the right idea..#
It may be possible to 'bottle ' bars there.
Just go in, ask the staff if you can play a few songs (I usually just do 3) and pass the hat afterwards. Give them an encore, and move on. If they want more than that I'd negotiate a small fee, a meal or something with the bar.
If it all goes well then maybe you can negotiate a gig for the future too..
Chester
Awesome Chester that sounds like a lot of fun and I'm totally down to play for free or for a beer or some food! Do you usually play original or cover stuff? Thank you man and I will add your Facebook group! Also got your message I will respond in a moment!
Jonathan
Wow Domenico thank you so so much for your awesome response! I will be sure to check out all of those places :)! I really do appreciate it! I will be in Italy in March probably shall we meet up and gig??
Thanks man :)
Mmmm I am not a street musician. I juggle and clown. But sure we can meet and make something up or just get drunk. If I'll be still in Italy at that time.
Which I actually hope not.
Bye mate
Check out my Facebook group too..
There maybe someone on there who has experience..
http://www.facebook.com/groups/10038446819/?fref=ts
Hey Jonathan
I went to Iceland 2 years ago, it is very, very beautiful.
Hope you have had a great time and the busking went well.
I would be very keen to hear how you got on :) I'm thinking of Scandanavia and Iceland over the summer :)
Good luck
Lee :)
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