Busker Application

South Side Street Fest is a free, outdoor nighttime celebration on East Carson Street in Pittsburgh's South Side, running Fridays and Saturdays this summer from 10 PM to 2 AM. Six blocks of the corridor fill with music, vendors, food, and activations, drawing crowds from across the city into the heart of one of Pittsburgh's most iconic nightlife districts.

We're looking for buskers to bring live, street-level energy to the corridor — the kind of spontaneous, up-close performance that makes a night out feel alive. This is a paid opportunity to play in front of a large, engaged, 21+ crowd in the middle of the action.

The details

Pay: $100 per night, plus all tips you collect
Acoustic only: this is a purely acoustic opportunity — no amplified sound, no PA, no amps of any kind
You'll be assigned a spot along the corridor and perform throughout the event

What we're looking for:

• Solo acoustic performers and small unamplified acts — singer-songwriters, guitarists, string players, horns, percussion, and more
• Performers who can hold a crowd on the street without amplification
• A great live presence, reliability, and professionalism
   

By submitting an application to perform as a busker at South Side Street Fest ("SSSF," "the Festival," "we," "us"), you ("the Performer," "you") agree to the following terms.

1. Application & Selection
Submitting an application does not guarantee selection. All busking slots are offered at the sole discretion of Festival organizers. Selected performers will be contacted directly with performance details, spot assignments, and arrival instructions. Providing false or misleading information may result in disqualification or removal.

2. Acoustic Only
This is a purely acoustic opportunity. No amplified sound of any kind is permitted — no PA systems, amplifiers, powered speakers, or battery-powered amplification. Only unamplified acoustic instruments and voice are allowed. Use of any amplified equipment is grounds for immediate removal and forfeiture of payment.

3. Payment
Performers who complete their confirmed performance will be paid $100 per night, made by check and given at the end of the night. Payment is contingent on performing your full assigned time. You keep 100% of any tips you collect. You are responsible for providing your own tip jar or collection method.

4. Performance Commitment
If selected and you accept a slot, you agree to perform on the confirmed date(s) at your assigned spot for the assigned time. You agree to remain at your designated location and follow the schedule provided by the Festival. Spot assignments are determined by the Festival and may be adjusted on-site as needed.

5. Conduct & Event Rules
You agree to follow all Festival rules and the instructions of organizers, staff, and security at all times. SSSF is a 21-and-over event with controlled entry, ID scanning, metal detectors, and bag checks. All entry is through the single designated entrance; there are no side-street entrances. You must arrive, check in, and be in place within the assigned window. You agree to keep your area clear, perform respectfully toward the crowd, neighboring vendors, and residents, and comply with all applicable laws and community standards.

6. Equipment & Property
You are responsible for your own instruments and equipment, including safe setup, operation, and removal. The Festival is not responsible for loss of, damage to, or theft of your instruments or personal property.

7. Cancellation & No-Show
If you must cancel a confirmed performance, notify the Festival as soon as possible. Failure to appear for a confirmed slot ("no-show") results in forfeiture of payment and may disqualify you from future SSSF events. The Festival reserves the right to cancel, reschedule, or reassign any slot at its discretion.

8. Weather & Event Changes
SSSF is an outdoor event held rain or shine. If the event is canceled due to rain or weather, the Performer will not be paid for the canceled date, but may be offered a rescheduled date, subject to availability. The Festival may also delay, shorten, relocate, or cancel performances due to safety concerns, public authority direction, or other circumstances beyond our control. The Festival is not liable for any costs or losses you incur as a result.

9. Media Release
You grant the Festival and its partners (including Pasage Studios and Isaly Charities) the irrevocable right to photograph, film, record, and livestream your performance, and to use your name, likeness, image, voice, and performance in any media — including promotional, archival, and commercial use — without additional compensation. You confirm you have the rights necessary to grant this permission.

10. Music & Licensing
You represent that you have the right to perform all material in your set. The Festival is not responsible for any public performance or music licensing fees (including ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, or other PRO fees); the Performer is solely responsible for any such fees. Your performance and conduct must comply with applicable laws, and the Festival may end any performance that does not.

11. Independent Contractor
You are an independent contractor, not an employee, agent, or partner of the Festival. You are responsible for your own taxes on all payments and tips received, and for any licenses or permits related to your performance.

12. Insurance
The Performer is responsible for carrying their own liability insurance. The Festival does not provide insurance coverage for performers.

13. Assumption of Risk, Waiver & Indemnification
You participate at your own risk. To the fullest extent permitted by law, you release and hold harmless the Festival, its organizers, partners, sponsors, staff, and the property owners of event and parking locations from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from your participation. You agree to indemnify these parties against any claims brought by you or third parties arising from your performance or conduct.

14. Removal
The Festival reserves the right to remove any performer who violates these terms, uses amplified sound, endangers others, behaves unsafely, or disregards staff or security instructions — without payment.

15. Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Any disputes will be handled in the courts of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

16. Agreement
By submitting your application, you confirm you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms & Conditions.