Busk on Bowen's This Summer With Newport Bridgefest

Local musicians and performers of all shapes and sizes are invited to bring their talents to the streets this summer during the 5th Annual Newport Bridgefest.

Sponsored by the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County, Newport Bridgefest will bring a unique schedule of street performers - or buskers - to Bowen's Wharf for four days from July 29 - Aug 1.

Newport BridgeFest is a local live music festival spanning Newport County that bridges the gap between the area's prestigious Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals. The event is an opportunity to connect the local music scene with the community in the height of Newport's tourist season, according to Musical Coordinator Aaron Abrahmanson Cote.

5th Annual NEWPORT BRIDGEFEST we are looking for street performers of all types to fill our "Busking at Bowen's" Schedule.  

Many cities, including Newport, ban the concept of busking (street performing), but musicians, jugglers, human statues and other street performers who have a connection to Rhode Island or Newport County may be eligible to join Bridgefest and rock the streets.

For four days, the city will grant Newport Bridgefest a permit to allow stree performers around Bowens Wharf from July 29 - Aug. 1. Performers will be alotted 60 - 90 minute time from 4 - 10 p.m. on each day of the festival.

Groups will be limited to two performers per group due to space and time restrictions. Electricity will be provided and accepted artists will be assigned space along Bowen's Warf.

Musicians are allowed to keep any tips that they make by putting out a case, hat, bucket, or by selling CD's of original music. 

Buskers interested in participating in the Bowens Wharf showcase should send in links to a YouTube video of them performing along with their availability from July 29 through August 1 to ACA board member & busking curator Aaron Abrahamson Cote at CotePercussion@Hotmail.com as soon as possible.