street performer ban?

NOTE: Alderman Burton Natarus (Ward 42) has continued to unconstitutionally restrict Chicago street artists. New ordinance passed in February 2006

* Street performer ban from Delaware-to-Superior on North Michigan Ave.
* License fee for street musicians increased to $75.
* Volume limited average conversational level could be heard 100 feet away, either horizontally or vertically.
* First offense raised to $300. License revoked for one-year for three violations in a one-year period.



While walking around Michigan avenue today with some friends I mentioned the absence of one of My favorite street performer the "Tin Man"..you know the guy above who covers himself in silver paint, stands on a crate most of the time and is often seen blaring Michael Jackson all day til 1-2 am...This man is a die hard hustler and street performer extraordinaire, I once realized the lucrative aspects of his "street performing" when I spotted The Tin Man with a laptop apple computer and a five gallon bucket full of dollar bills including the usual "1$ for pics and 5$ for video"...I then and only then realized that a person could realistically make a living doin this kind of performing....Back to today, i was informed that street performers were no longer allowed to perform in certain areas of the "Magnificent Mile"...The reason this conversaton even arose was because we could hear a bucket drummer dude from a block away or so....Before we even finished the conversation , a police officer crossed the street and asked the drummer kid to show a permit or leave,well,...he left the scene....we were all perplexed, how could the city pass an ordinance preventing people from performing in public?....I was, to say it lightly a little pissed that these small sometimes mundane aspects of city life are being exterminated,not only are they quite a spectacle for tourist,but obviously a viable way for a few of these talented folks to make an honest buck.....I finally exclaimed that stuff like this is definitely ruining our city...Yuppie Tourist control the vibe of the city now....click here for more info