A Wrap on Berkshire Busk!

Her Majesty's Secret Circus at Berkshire Busk! 2025. Photo by Roman Iwasiwka

Colin Young

Weekend nights on Railroad Street will soon turn quiet. The evening breeze will cool and only a few posters around the county will be what’s left of the 2025 Berkshire Busk! season. The creativity and community that was able to be produced every Friday and Saturday night here in Great Barrington is what makes summers in the Berkshires so special. From kids dancing to local singers to stunt performers calling up volunteers to help them unicycling while juggling, and even strangers just lining the street with each other to watch a new act, entertainment brings us together. That energy doesn’t have to go away with the changes of the season however.

Outdoor performances and live entertainment will carry on, but they may be a little harder to find. The ease of having a downtown street turn into a music and performance festival is great, but unfortunately cannot be everywhere. Many performers will step back onto stages, online platforms, and maybe even take a break for a bit. And like many of the acts of this past season have stated, it's the audience who decides that value. If people are watching and donating, then they can continue on doing what they love. That rings true even when performances aren’t happening.

If you were able to attend a night of Berkshire Busk! this summer, or perhaps multiple, think back to some of your favorite performers who you want to see again. Maybe it was local singer Jordan Weller, who wowed passersby in the alley by Lucy’s Rendezvous with his original songs. Maybe you were impressed by Her Majesty’s Secret Circus who made some wild balancing archery shots. Whoever it was, their one summer performance doesn’t have to be the last time you see them. Give them a follow on social media, or find out where they’re performing next. Many of the musicians and singers who performed have their music out on YouTube or Spotify so give them a listen. Pogo stick performer, Wacky Chad, has his own documentary on YouTube called Becoming Wacky Chad!

Supporting performers who busk doesn’t have to end as the leaves turn brown. The continued interest is what allows many performers to keep doing what they love and bringing back time and time again to excited audiences. And the world of street performing is small, so following some of the artists you love may even lead you to discovering another new favorite.

At the same time, Berkshire Busk! also relies on an audience to keep the energy alive week after week. During this offseason, tell your friends and family about the experience. Meet the people involved, donate to the festival, and talk to any singers or performers you know who might want to perform. Berkshire Busk! relies on the community, and that includes you. So as the days get colder, keep an eye out for performances happening in parks, restaurants, and around Berkshire County. If you’re not local, take the time to see what performers are in your area. Helping a small artist can help the industry as a whole. And if you have the time, come up for an autumn weekend! Some of your favorite vendors and performers might be around. Even if you can’t, thank you for taking the time to come and explore Berkshire Busk!. We hope to see you next summer!