To commemorate 130 years of music history, iconic global instrument brand Gibson has teamed up with London-based busking programme Busk In London, to host a series of weekly live music performances by buskers at the Gibson Garage London.
Originally launched in 2014 by the Mayor of London to highlight the importance of the city’s grassroots venues, the annual Busk In London programme aims to support artists in their music careers through “talent development opportunities, music industry education experiences”.
Now an independent programme, the scheme (managed by Found in Music) is the city’s leading platform supporting the music and live performances of buskers.
Gibson, who previously partnered with Busk In London on the successful ‘London’s Streets are Paved with Talent’ campaign, said they were “honoured to expand the program to create an emerging talent pipeline for more buskers to take the stage at the Gibson Garage London and gain vital performance experience in a professional music venue setting”.
The series kicked off this past week, with performances from rising artists Leire, Atticus Blue, Samuel Ashton, Kitty Montague, Freddie Joon and Clayton – all of whom have busked across London as accomplished musicians.
As a staunch supporter of grassroots talent and a fellow former busker himself, UK singer-songwriter Sam Tompkins was also in attendance, as was Manager of 24 Hour London in the Mayor of London’s office Paul Broadhurst, who gave the opening address.
After the inaugural session, all music performances from buskers will now take place every two weeks on the state-of-the-art stage located on the lower level of the Gibson Garage London.
Artists will be selected through the Busk In London scheme, and music fans can stay up to date on the latest performance schedule via @GibsonGuitarUK on Instagram.
“Busking is where it all began for me. It was so important in teaching me how to perform and interact with people too,” Tompkins said via a press release. “I loved seeing everyone play today and take me back to my busking days. Gibson’s always hooking me up for when I’m touring so it’s great to be involved with this event for them.”