Can someone tell me about the legality of this?

[seg4527]

So my search for a summer job is kind of...uh...failing.

So I was thinking about hitting the sidewalks in the nearby city of Reading, Pennsylvania, and playing my guitar, and trying to get some money that way. I dont' expect a lot, but it would be fun. And keep me busy.

Is it legal to do that though? Is there any type of permit I should have, or should I contact the city government? Any other suggestions?

Thanks for the help.

[indigobusiness]

1. Can be good

Look for other street musicians. Talk to them.
Or just ask a cop.

[htuttle]

2. I personally wouldn't contact city government about it

Here in Madison, WI you just pretty much set up your stuff, and start playing. Whether the police hassle you depends on whether anyone complains, which generally depends on how well you are playing. :)

You might want to check out where others are playing also, to make sure you aren't inadvertently jumping on someone's 'turf'.

Some cities might have permits for 'street entertainer/vendor', but most cities I know of don't require those, except for saxophones. Saxophone regulation is a necessity due to public health concerns.

New York's alright....if you like saxophones....

[Mandomaniac]

3. We do it in Denver all the time

A few weeks ago we were down in the 16th St Mall playing, a full 5 piece bluegrass band. Probably made about $30.

The cops were even watching us. They ACTUALLY told a homeless guy to leave us alone. This dude was standing in the middle of the circle totally screwing us up. We had a crowd of about 50-60 gathered around us, until this homeless guy scared them off. Nothing against homeless people, but the dude was really pissing us off.

[seg4527]

4. thanks for the info

I appreciate it!

[amazona]

5. it very much depends on the city

You might want to call them anonymously and get information first. In New Orleans you are supposed to pay $100 a year for a license but it isn't too often that you get ticketed for not having the license and I think the ticket is $50 each time, so whatever. (I'm not real up to date on this though.) Since it's a city ordinance type thing, no one can really tell you except the city officials themselves.

Keep in mind you owe taxes on any income earned by street performing, busking, or whatever you like to call it. A friend of mine, alas, was a clown in New Orleans for many years. He used to brag that he earned $10 an hour. He thought it was a gift. It wasn't, since he was dressed up like a clown and performing -- if he had been a flat-out beggar, it would have been a gift, but he wasn't. The minute he got off the street and got a home, the IRS was on him for back taxes, and he ended up homeless again. So either flat out be a beggar and take gifts, or if you are going to give performances for the money, you have to file a schedule C or schedule C-EZ, sort of depends on how much money you make.