---
KANSAN.COM / THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN / MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2011 / NEWS
3A
BUSKING (CONTINUED FROM 1A)
Commission, that face budget cuts. Renner will know by May 20 whether or not they have the funding for the festival scheduled August 19 to 21. As of this week, he still
needs $2,000
but remains
hopeful.
"We're 80 percent there," says Renner.
In the first year there were 20 hired acts performing at designated pitches. The event has added
"They're trying to earn some money. It's an art. I don't see any problem with it."
Busker John Tuttle says that
performing town where the people and city support it," he said. "So far, that's true. There are more street performers showing up locally."
five acts every year, and the number of unhired acts is growing as well, though the exact number is hard to gauge, he said.
MATT SARNA Lawrence police sergeant
Past performances at Busker Fest have included Voler, an aerialist troupe from Kansas City, Mo., and MamaLou Strongwoman, a woman who can rip phone books in half and fold frying pans into burritos. Among others, Renner hopes to add a contortion to the mix.
Not only is Busker Fest good for the buskers, it's good for business, says Kathy Hamilton, director of Downtown Lawrence Inc.
"Busker Fest draws people in from all over; it's a boost to the local economy," she said.
Richard Renner, producer of Busker Fest, said Busker Fest adds an element of organization to busking.
"Our intention was to create an image of Lawrence as a street-
"I'm not a
rattle says that Busker Fest gives busking a sense of respectability by educating the public about what good street performance can be and what it is not: panhandling.
"I'm not a beggar. I'm just out there performing and if people choose to pay me for my performance, then thank you very much," said banjo player Aron Claassen.
Larry Billings, owner of Lawrence Antique Mall, supports good busking because it brings in customers, but he does not tolerate the kind of panhandling that drives them away.
year's tally stands at four so far. According to city ordinance 7891, panhandling and busking are legal as long as there is no verbal request or harassment for money.
"Aggressive panhandling is a problem," he said. "It frightens customers."
If you ask police Sgt. Matt Sarna about buskers he says, "They're trying to earn some money. It's an art. I don't see any problem with it as long as they're doing it within the law."
Busking isn't easy, it's a gamble, says longtime guitar busker Jason Phoenix. Besides needing optimal weather conditions and having to fight dirty hobo stereotypes, buskers are facing the reality that the choice to tip hasn't been an easy one either.
Last year, 19 citations were written for aggressive panhandling, which is more than the citations from 2005 to 2009 combined. This
"People have a harder time giving because everybody's wallets are strapped." Phoenix said.
This economy has been rough
"What it comes down to is giving the audience something to take away that really has value for them."
BILL WACHSPRESS Local busker
interacting with," said Wachspress. "What it comes down to is giving the audience something to take away that really has value for them."
"Buskers really care about the people they're
on everyone but if you ask Balloonman ( B i l l Wachspress) why he's busked for 29 years, it's not about the money.
Busker Tyler Gregory serenades Gracie Mink and her aunt, Bonnie Cherry, in downtown Lawrence.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
STATE
Greensburg theater plans to open in Wichita next year
ASSOCIATED PRESS
WICHITA — Greensburg plans to open a $2.7 million theater downtown next year, on the fifth anniversary of the deadly May 4, 2007, tornado that destroyed the city.
Community leaders credit Wichita theater owner Bill
Warren for his help in equipping and designing Greensburg's new Twilight Theatre.
Gary Goodman, the theater board member heading the project, told The Wichita Eagle that Warren's involvement, direction and introductions made the theater possible.
Warren contributed seats from
renovations at his theater to the Greensburg project and introduced board members to theater sound, video and screen vendors at the National Association of Theatre Owners convention last month in Las Vegas.
"Without Mr. Warren's guidance, we'd still be moving forward with the theater project, but things
would be moving along much more slowly," said Kim McMurry, a teacher at Kiowa County High School and vice chairwoman of the theater board.
Warren also contributed the expertise of his building team that included architect Ron Spangenberg, as well as Ken Crockett and Bill Menke from
Warren's development staff.
"Maybe we realize that theaters can be a very important part of a small town, an anchor of sorts and
another step toward rebuilding," Warren said. "And if you can't step forward and do something good, then what good are you?"
Mr. Goodcents Celebrate with Mr. Goodcents Subs & Pastas PARTY TRAYS!
Call today and let us cater your party!
1410 Kasold
Bob Billings Pkwy (15th) & Kasold
P. (785) 841-8444 • F. (785) 842-3592
2233 Louisiana St.
23rd & Louisiana.
P. (785) 856-2368 • F. (785) 856-0730
GET INVOLVED STAY INVOLVED
Tonia Salas
My involvement on campus has developed my ability to lead. It gave me the confidence to succeed and has built relationships with both students and staff that I will maintain for the rest of my life. As an alumna, I plan to stay involved by participating in alumni events and honoring my graduating class with a monetary donation to KU."
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
KU Dance Marathon; Peer Leadership Consultants;
Kappa Kappa Gamma; Mortarboard; Senior Advisory
Board; Blueprints Leadership Conference Committee
Senior in Human Biology; Alameda, California
KU
ENDOWMENT
The University of Kansas
KANSAN COUPONS
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION The University of Kansas
PRESENTED BY
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
$2.99 Adult Buffet w/ this coupon
25% OFF
YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE
JUST IN TIME FOR SUMMER
WHEN YOU BUY 2
MIX & MATCH ANY ITEM
31st & IOWA
NEXT TO FIVE GUYS
complete nutrition
(785) 856-3535
Not Valid W/ any other offers 1814 W.23rd * 843-6000 Tuesday is DOUBLE Stamp Day
Darling, my idea of cramming is eating two double burgers at the Wheel the day before a final.
Mr. Goodcents Subs & Pastas
KANSAN
COMMUNITY
23RD & LOUISIANA
785.856.2368
ANY 8" HALF COLD SUB
中
14TH & KASOLD
785.841.8444
$2.99
May not be combined with any other offer. Valid only at Lawrence locations. Expires 5/30/11.