4.5.19

Discovering Street Performers Including Strolling Magician Orlando

By Thomas Lewis


When it comes to Orlando and Key West, Florida, the two towns have some of the best entertainment in the world. While Orlando is mostly known for Disney World, Universal and other parks, the local entertainment district can also provide a lot of fun. For example, one can find a strolling magician Orlando along with mimes, flower sellers, tarot card readers, food and drink vendors in this downtown district.

While Orlando has a great entertainment district, the nightly sunset celebration in Key West has been honoring the setting of the sun for years. While this is the case, it was as early as the 19th century when John Audubon made Key West sunsets famous through articles and photographs. For, some of the most amazing, and often considered magical sunsets take place in Key West.

Tennessee Williams, or so it is believed, actually started the first sunset celebration while applauding as the Sun sank below the horizon. Mallory Square in Key West has been hosting this type of celebration for years. For, it is the meeting place where locals and travelers alike gather to watch the sunset while enjoying a number of street performers, eating, drinking and shopping.

Whether loving live African drum and dance, music of an island flair, singer songwriters, six-string guitar players, a one person band or bagpipes, there is often something for everyone at this ongoing nightly event. Every night, the variety of music provides the soundtrack to what has been an ongoing celebration for years. While most of these individuals are local performers, there can also be a number of visiting musicians and performers during different times of the year.

Danger acts are often quite popular at the celebration and include everything from sword swallowers and knife throwers to trick uni-cyclists and high wire acts. One performance in particular which audiences appear to enjoy is that of a cat which jumps through hoops of fire. At times, the performance artists have been known to include individuals or groups whom have appeared on America's Got Talent or similar shows.

While some of the talent can often be of a transient nature, there are also resident palmists, psychics and tarot readers lined up along the perimeter of the square. In most cases, these individuals either ask for a recommended donation, or charge a fee. Generally, if the individual holds a license to do business in the city, it is a fixed fee. Whereas, individuals without such a license are often busking or working for tips.

Vendors at the celebration feature wares by local artists and craftsmen as well as art and other products from around the world. For, while some hand make items, others import items from different countries. In addition, there are a number of food trucks with gourmet and festival type food along with drink vendors, often offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Mallory Square and the city of Key West have been intertwined for years. In fact, many see them as being one in the same. For, without Mallory Square and the sunset celebration, Key West just would not be the same. Whereas, without all the people whom perform, work, vend at and attend the sunset celebration, it would not have become as successful or as popular as it is today.




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