Buskers add a new element to village life

FROM THE DESK OF LYNN O'MALLEY:We've been treated to all sorts of musical offerings in our village square, from the summertime concert series to occasional performances by community groups such as the Lynn Valley Black Bear Band and the North Shore Celtic Ensemble.Now even more lovely, lilting, lyrical life is coming our way with the addition of the Lynn Valley Busking Program, which gives performers the opportunity to put out their hat in exchange for gifting us with their unique talent - whatever that may be.Barb McLean of the North Vancouver Arts Office (located on the third floor of the Library Building) says that it's not just musicians who can apply for the permit. If you're a juggler, a dancer, an actor or a fire-eater, you're also eligible (though we might need to check with the Lynn Valley fire department about that last one).While applying for a permit sounds very bureaucracy-bound, I can testify to the fact that people such as Barb, John and Ian at the Arts Office are truly a great resource for local artists and do everything they can to make things easy and do-able. The permits are free, and auditions aren't required.Right now, the Arts Office reports that students from Ross Road Elementary are 'busking up a storm' to help pay for an upcoming school trip to Quebec.For more information and the permit application, visit the Arts Office site. For tap-dancing lessons, click here!