Blue Skies Busking Application

Eligibility and Requirements:

1. Entertainers are required to apply through the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo for a permit each calendar year.

2. Entertainers must send a video or audio file, at least 2 minutes and no more than 5 minutes in length, for review to Kim Shaw at busking@kalamazooarts.org .

3. There is no fee to participate!

4. Entertainers must prominently display their Blue Skies permit during busking performances.

5. Entertainers are responsible for their own amplification, used only at sites pre-approved by the Arts Council.

6. Entertainers under the age of 18 must have consent from a parent/guardian, and if under the age of 15 there must be a parent or guardian present during all performances.

7. Entertainers must not block the egress to buildings or the public right-of-way.

8. Juggling and performances involving fire are not permitted.

9. Entertainers must sign up through approved portals for their busking day/times.

Wednesday, April 1, 2025 – Sunday, November 1, 2026
Monday - Thursday: 11:30 to 1 pm and 4:30 pm to 8 pm
Friday: 11:30 am to 1 pm and 4:30 pm to 9 pm
Saturday: 10 am to 1 pm, 1:30 pm to 5 pm, and 5:30 pm to 9 pm
Sunday: Noon to 4 pm and 4:30 pm to 8 pm

PLEASE ALLOW 3 BUSINESS DAYS TO PROCESS YOUR COMPLETED APPLICATION.

Procedures: When weather permits, approved Blue Skies entertainers are permitted to perform outdoors in pre‐approved locations (see map). Performances are limited to the below dates and times, and approved performers will be directed to our sign-up portal to reserve their locations, dates, and time slots.

*Performances during Art Hop evenings require special approval by the Arts Council, at least 30 days in advance. To schedule a performance during Art Hop, please email Kim Shaw at busking@kalamazooarts.org with the date, time and location of choice.

Contact Name

First NameLast Name

Contact Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number

E-mail (Who to contact with questions about your submission)

Performer/Performance Name

Performance discipline and description (Examples: band, solo musician, singer, juggler, clown, improv, etc) (Tell us about your performance) :

Do you intend to sell CDs, DVDs or other items related to your performance? If yes, please read and agree to the following: I declare that any item(s) which I sell will only contain my own, original material. Description of Item(s) for Sale:

Does your performance fall under the definition of “Extraordinary Activities?” Defined as tumbling, stilt‐walking, cycling, acrobatics, etc. If yes, please read and agree to the following: A certificate of insurance for general liability for a minimum amount of $1 million must be submitted with this application and sustained throughout the duration of this permit.

Will you be utilizing sound amplification? If yes, approval is subject to the following regulations in accordance with the Kalamazoo City Code: Entertainers requesting the use amplification agree to turn the volume down upon request. The amplification equipment must be regulated at a reasonable level.

Entertainers must include a video link or audio file, at least 2 minutes and no more than 5 minutes in length: (You may also email this to Kim Shaw at busking@kalamazooarts.org)

We sometimes receive contact information inquiries for busking performers. Please check here if you give permission for us to share your contact information for possible performance opportunities:

Audio FIle:

Artist Facebook Page URL (Optional)

Artist Instagram Page URL (Optional)

Artist Website URL (Optional)

Artist Youtube Page URL (Optional)

Signature - AGREEMENT

I, the applicant, understand that if granted a permit, I will perform in accordance with all conditions set forth, and the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo reserves the right to revoke the permit at any time. Any liability resulting from activities engaged in by the applicant shall be the sole responsibility of the applicant. Consent and release of story, likeness, and voice: I give permission to the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo to use, without charge and without reservation, all or a portion of my story and/or testimonial including my likeness and my voice for publishing and promoting their organization – including but not limited to, publication and promotion on the internet, through the channels of social media, written periodicals and all other forms of electronic and/or written communications. I acknowledge that editorial changes may be made as deemed suitable by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Whether or not changes are made, I waive any rights of action I may have and release the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo from any and all claims I may have arising from use and publication, including any rights to sue for defamation or violation of rights of privacy or rights of publicity.

Signature: Parent/Guardian Consent - If Applicable

PARENT/GUARDIAN CONSENT – If Applicable I, the parent/guardian with legal responsibility for the applicant, do consent and agree to the terms and stipulations of this agreement. I understand that no supervision of performers is provided by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, and performers under the age of 15 require my presence for the duration of all performances.

Questions? Concerns?

Email us @ busking@kalamazooarts.org

269-342-5059

359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Ste 203

Kalamazoo MI, 49007

kalamazooarts.org