Oxford, Miss. -- Folk, blues and roots music has always had a home in Oxford, Ms. Celebrated amongst these musical traditions is the busker, the corner street performer, who blends all these musical styles with alluring showmanship playing one or often multiple instruments simultaneously in their performance. Oxford, MS where the blues of the delta meets the bluegrass of the hill country will celebrate the roots of this music tradition with a new festival; The Busker’s Ball.
“The call has gone out, we are searching for the best of the buskers.” said the director of Arts Council for Oxford which is sponsoring the festival. “This tradition blends showmanship with artistry and we wanted to host a celebration that would encourage musicians to preserve this tradition." Dubbed the Busker’s Ball the event will feature one man bands, duo and musicians who have built their own instruments performing live in nightclubs around the Oxford’s historic town square. One of the musicians will emerge as King of the Buskers.

An open invitation has been extended to musicians. If you are that rare breed of entertainers whose music knows no bounds then set up your pitch in Oxford for two nights and stake your claim to the title of King of the Buskers. The event features a cash prize, paid bookings, the title of King of the Buskers, plus the ultimate band guarantee - any performer who takes the stage will get a free drink.

The application process simple. Artist can either send an electronic press kit such as a link to a myspace music account to buskersball@gmail.com, or obtain the basic paper application by calling 662-239-6429. The Buskers Ball; a cacophony of sound that will rattle the devil out of your soul.