When she busks, she feels a connection between herself, ]]> Denise Ayers is the Pied Piper of the Sunshine Coast. She may wield a violin instead of a flute, but she still mesmerises as she dances, skips and strolls around her gathered crowd.

When she busks, she feels a connection between herself, her instrument and the audience. And sometimes that connection creates pure joy for her onlookers, too.

“I play Pop Goes the Weasel when the little ones come along and I chase them down the street, playing my violin,” Denise said.
“The parents just look at me with liquid eyes and say, ‘Thank you’.

“Sometimes when I have their attention, I will play animals from the Peter and the Wolf story, or throw out some (technically
demanding) electric Paganini Etudes.”

Although she has performed all over Asia, America and India with one of the world’s oldest and greatest symphony orchestras -
the New York Philharmonic, Denise says she prefers her busking to stage performances.

That’s because she is able to get up close and personal with her audience.  “I love reaching out and interacting with the people,” Denise said.

Denise moved from Los Angeles to Mudjimba two and a half years ago to pursue her love for busking and to enjoy the Coast’s
laid-back atmosphere. It’s not hard to miss Denise busking on the streets of Nambour and Coolum.

One of the most rewarding days of her career was at Nambour. “It was pouring rain. I thought everyone must be looking at me as if I was crazy and that I wouldn’t be making any money, but the money kept coming in and it ended up being one of the most successful days of my busking career,” Denise said.

The streets of the Sunshine Coast are home to a host of up-and-coming stars. One of them is 16-year-old Andrew Redford.
Andrew has only been busking in Mooloolaba for a couple of months but so far he has loved the experience and he hopes it will
lead him to becoming as successful as his idol, Jack Johnson.

A talented acoustic guitar player and singer, Andrew also has written enough songs to fill an album.  “I learned guitar when I was in Grade five and I have been writing songs since I was about 12 or 13,” Andrew said.  Denise and Andrew are only two of nearly 50 people who have a busking permit issued by the Sunshine Coast Regional Council.  Council markets and busking coordinator Kim Cross said busking code of conduct and laws and regulations were in place to make sure everyone on the Coast could enjoy and support buskers’ contribution to the community.  

Under the Busking Operational Guidelines, the Coast has 23 busking locations but this is set to expand. Every location has conditions, such as set times and days allowed for busking. For more information, visit www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Source: http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/story/2009/04/18/born-be-buskers/