by Caroline Gabsewics
Staff Writer
It’s not as easy as one may think to be a street performer at the Jacksonville Landing. There are rules that have to be complied with before anyone can perform on the Landing’s property.
Any street performer wishing to perform at the Landing must obtain an authorized street performer badge. The badge must be worn at all times while performing so security knows they are an authorized street performer, said Rachel Kaltenbach, director of public relations for the Landing.
Kaltenbach has a large binder that holds every information sheet on every street performer that has gone through the Landing. She said the book dates back to 1998.
“We allow this because it adds to what we are as a festive market place,” she said. “This is something you don’t find anywhere else.”
When someone wants to become an official Jacksonville Landing street performer they must go through the Landing’s management office. There is a three-page packet that includes the list of rules, a performer’s information sheet and a hold harmless agreement.
“There has to be some sort of control,” said Kaltenbach. “It is very important that each performer follows the packet.”
Some of the rules include that no tip value may placed anywhere and they cannot ask for tips. Performers can’t perform in front of glass windows or doors. They cannot perform in the courtyard when there are events going on. And, everything they do must be presented using good taste and judgment.
Kaltenbach said the rules are in place because the Landing wants to make sure people feel safe.
“We don’t want anyone to feel uncomfortable,” she said. “It’s fun and we encourage them to come here.”
Kaltenbach said the Landing is a place to stroll around, eat, shop and enjoy the river and the entertainment.
“We are like a three-legged stool with food, shopping and we have entertainment, too,” she said. “You never know what you’re going to get.”
Currently there are three regular street perfumers.
“The saxophone guy, he’s great and he is right next to the parking lot,” she said. “For different holidays he’ll play ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ and ‘Jingle Bells’ around Christmas.”
She said there is another gentleman who sings, plays the guitar and the harmonica, usually near the Southend Brewery. There is also a man who makes objects from balloons and he is usually in a clown outfit.
“He’s very sweet and hangs out in the courtyard,” said Kaltenbach. “You see him more during the daytime hours and on the weekend.”
Kaltenbach said the Landing offers more than a regular mall with just shopping and food.
“The street performers add something to the experience at the Landing that they wouldn’t experience at another mall,” she said. “We have the whole package.”