In case you didn’t realize it, this is World Busk Week, which celebrates the art of busking (the British term for street performing). International concert classical guitarist and University of Washington faculty member Michael Partington will be busking all over Seattle this week, including Greenwood.
He and hundreds of other musicians around the world will perform at noon on Sunday, with the aim of setting a new world record for the biggest busk around the world. They’re also raising money for the charity Musequality, which serves disadvantaged children around the world.
He’ll be performing every day this week from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Greenbean Coffee House, 210 N. 85th St. On Saturday and Sunday, he’ll be at Rosewood Guitar, 8402 Greenwood Ave N., between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., along with other teachers from the Rosewood Guitar and some of his students from the UW.
According to a press release from Partington:
“The Musequality World Busk has motivated me to return to busking, something I did as a teenager growing up in the UK. It’s an opportunity, I hope, for the people of Seattle to enjoy my playing without having to buy a ticket to a concert, and best of all they can contribute to a really fantastic cause. Every dollar donated will go directly to disadvantaged children in the developing world, giving them a chance to learn skills and qualities – and build their self esteem and confidence – that are essential in other aspects of life. This will help lift them off the streets and out of poverty.”
If you can’t watch any of the busking performances, but want to support the cause, you can donate online.
And check out the world map, showing all the Musequality World Busk locations around the world.