Celebrating self-expression as a basic human right essential for the

healthy growth of youth, individuals and communities

COMMUNITY ARTS ADVOCATES, INC.

Stephen H. Baird, Founder and Executive Director

39 Robeson Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Email: info@communityartsadvocates.org

Web site: http://www.communityartsadvocates.org


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The Malling of America: The Selling of America's Public Parks and Streets

India's Street and Transit Music

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The History and Cultural Impact

of Street Performing in America

by Stephen Baird © Stephen Baird 2000-2021

 

The following little historical references are just a glimpse of the depth and breadth of the creative spirit of the human race that blossoms on the street corners, market places, subway platforms and other public places people gather.

 

Hurdy-gurdy man Marino Persechini

Boston 1899-1974

Phototgraph from Boston West End 1955

Photo by Kevin Cole

Marino Persechini farewell party on November 19, 1974 Photo by Stephen Baird

Boston Common "Pete and the Monkey"

Page from my scrap book which is circulated during my street performances.

This article and picture appeared in the Boston Globe March 10, 1935. The Boston Globe also wrote an editorial opposing Mayor LaGuadia ban of street music on the same day which was published in the New York Times. Also sent another editorial a year latter on April 21, 1936.