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The busking season is in full swing, and for two Kelowna brothers, it’s a way to earn some spending money.
Robert and Joel Hrasko decided that this summer they would audition to be a part of the Kelowna busking program put on by Festivals Kelowna.
"One time when we were picking our grandparents up from the airport we decided to play a song for them while we were waiting. We got a bunch of money while we were doing that, so we wanted to continue," Joel explained.
Joel, 13, has been playing the violin since he was three and his brother Robert, 11, has been playing since he was five.
The brothers like the violin because of the way it sounds and because, they say, it’s easy to play.
All buskers in Kelowna have to audition with Festivals Kelowna to receive a permit. The permit lets buskers perform at any of the 16 "busk stops" found in Kelowna.
Melissa Sbrega, program co-ordinator for Festivals Kelowna, said this year there are about 70 buskers.
"We've gotten a little bit more this year and I think we're going to have overall more this year. We’re hoping to hit about 80 or 90 buskers,” Sbrega told KelownaNow.
"Everyone that comes in gets the same speech about respect. Not only for the community and property but also respect for the other buskers. We say if you've been at a busk stop for two hours, we ask you to move along."
The Krasko brothers said they’ve never had any issues with other buskers and that it’s friendly competition. Their mother, who sometimes performs with them, said she likes the program.
"The program is great. I like how it's set up. It's fair for everyone. It allows you your time and you can pick where you want to go."
Auditions for busking happen in May, June and a little bit in July and August. Sbrega said in addition to busking, the musicians are sometimes hired for Parks Alive! Events.
So far, Sbrega said she’s hired quite a few of the year’s buskers.
To find out the different busking stops, visit the Festivals Kelowna website.
On Aug. 11, Festivals Kelowna is hosting an unofficial busking festival on Bernard Avenue. Ten of the best buskers will take to the streets to sing, dance, juggle or perform whatever their talent.
You may even see the Hrasko brothers and their mother playing their violins for the crowds.
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