Are you a fan of music that starts right on the street? I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. Imagine… you’re in a city, walking around, you’re right in the heart of downtown. You witness tourists, ambling on the sidewalk, their sweaty hands plastered to the button on the cameras around their necks. You’ll see lots of shoppers, you’ll of course see the yuppies on their cellphones, and then you’ll see the occasional busker or street performer. Some are good with genuine talent, some not so good.

If they’re good, you might stop for a minute to witness the spectacle before your eyes. You might toss in a dollar in their well-worn, usually weather beaten instrument case. You can recognize that music is ever-flowing and a constant. It can happen anywhere. You can appreciate the fine art of spontaneous music. It could start with a mere drum beat, or someone clapping their hands, or the bittersweet moan of a lonely homeless man singing the blues. Music can happen anywhere and can occur at any time. For a great example, go here.

When you want something a little more rowdy and raucous I would recommend HONKFEST! West. What is Honkfest pray tell? Honkfest is a street fair dedicated to the fine art of spontaneous music, but instead of merely sad street kids hoping for some change. Honkfest is a collaborative group of people, some of who were probably band geeks in high school. Though I digress, this is a diverse group whose sole mission is to have fun making music in the streets. The group of musicians calls themselves the Titanium Sporkestra. With a name like that, you can only imagine how wonderful the music is.

They wear costumes. Are they matching? Not necessarily. This is a group who is dedicated to presenting an image of free expression. That is, after all what encourages the unleashing of a creative spirit. In this case, lots of creative spirits, coming together to create first and foremost, rhythm, and secondly beautiful noise. An oxymoron if there ever was one. Yet they pull it off. They pull it off well.

The cool thing about this marching band is, number one, they’re mobile. They perform everywhere! Yes, I do mean everywhere. From South Seattle to Gasworks Park, Honkfest is a three day festival happening right now. To learn more, go here. Number two, anyone with an instrument or music making device can join in the band. They encourage audience participation. This street festival is one part music performance, one part perspiration and ten parts community involvement.

Number three, they have fashioned their tubas and other horns and instruments to blaze fire, yes-fire at the same time they perform. Pyromaniacs unite. Number four, in the background; you’ll see welders and other industrial types grinding saws against metal; amongst other incredibly fun debauchery. This merely accompanies the loud ruckus emanating from the foreground. Number five, one of the many parties they perform at feature sampling kegs of local beer and cake. Who doesn’t love cake?

Image courtesy honkfestwest.com