From Busk Till Dawn

Street performing is an art as old as streets themselves. Historically, busking is rooted in intimate, live entertainment, with skilled performers interacting closely with their audiences. But some jerk decided to call these performers “buskers,” which likely led many to turn to a life of crime — the word grifters, after all, sounds cooler.Help redeem busking at the Lawrence Busker Festival, which begins tonight along Massachusetts Street in downtown Lawrence. Like a circus spilling out of its tent, the festival will feature jugglers, magicians, fire-eaters, dancers, mimes and other outlandish performers demonstrating their skills for nothing more than praise and potential gratuities. Also on hand: outdoor artists painting faces, chalking the sidewalk and fashioning animal shapes from balloons. The festival is free and geared for all ages, but tips for performers are welcome. For more information, see lawrence buskerfest.com.

Fri., Aug. 22; Sat., Aug. 23; Sun., Aug. 24, 2008