Dallas Buskers Open Up About Performing on the Streets of Deep Ellum

Busking is about as basic as it gets when it comes to performing live music. Not exactly pure, mind you; the idea is still to make some money. All you need is an instrument, a place to stand and the ability to attract a crowd. Just ask Leon Bridges. But...

By Jeff Gage

February 19, 2016

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "18855504",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "17105533",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18349797",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17105532",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18349797",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17105535",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

Busking is about as basic as it gets when it comes to performing live music. Not exactly pure, mind you; the idea is still to make some money. All you need is an instrument, a place to stand and the ability to attract a crowd. Just ask Leon Bridges.

But what makes the buskers of Dallas tick? Is it the money? Is it the hope of getting noticed, and maybe booked into a club? Or is it simply a matter of having some fun and getting a little practice along the way? That's what videographer Jourdan Aldredge was out to investigate when he hit the streets of Deep Ellum on a recent Friday.

While there, he spoke with a couple different performers, John Charbonneau and Jadyn Tchandja, to find out what draws them to busking and why they feel so much at home in Deep Ellum. Take two minutes to find out, and don't forget to leave some change.

KEEP THE OBSERVER FREE... Since we started the Dallas Observer, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Dallas, and we'd like to keep it that way. Your membership allows us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls. You can support us by joining as a member for as little as $1.