Richmond neighborhood Jackson Ward was once the center of a musical revival so impactful that it earned the nickname, the “Harlem of the South.” Entertainers came from miles around to set their stages on the streets of Richmond and inspire crowds of onlookers.

It’s not so different for a group of talented and fervent Richmonders today who refer to themselves as “buskers”-we call them street musicians.

Each has his own style, and each comes away with something different after a day of sharing his trade.

For Ben Shirley, it’s about the people he meets. Hailing from Northern Virginia, Ben made his way to Richmond 10 years ago with banjo, guitar, and tambourine in tow. Ben’s tambourine provides the more distinctive piece of his rootsy vibe. The banjo’s got great value when it comes to quality. Resting it on his foot, he rhythmically bounces it to add depth to his songs-most of which he’s written himself.

“I’m always tapping my foot when I play, so I thought I may as well put something on it to add a little musical dimension,” Shirley explains, laughing heartily. Whether picking his banjo or belting out traditional folk and blues songs, Shirley’s soulful “mountain music” is a welcome and fitting soundtrack for Carytown sidewalks, his favorite haunt. He says,”You get to know the rhythms of the street and the regulars that come around … you become a fixture of the street yourself. You see folks you know, and meet interesting people who strike up conversations. People here are open-minded, that makes it worthwhile.”

For Harry Gore, it’s about spontaneity and experimenting with his music. While frequently found on Richmond sidewalks, Gore is no stranger to the stage. His street performances allow him to try out new sounds, adding fresh twists to old classics to see how passersby will react.

“Sometimes people come up and ask if I know a song. They’ll take the mic and sing and I’ll play. It’s a whole lot of fun to be out there,” says Gore.

In the 80s, Gore was guitarist for local band The Good Guys. In between shows, he played for fans as they waited in line, and busking stuck with him. He began songwriting and practicing in Monroe Park where crowds would gather to hear more. Nowadays Gore performs with his band The Needles and plays for his church, but busking will always be a part of his routine. “It’s great to be able to try a new song, to break it in outdoors with people passing by…to just go for it.”

For Mark Branch, also known as Markiss Blowfish, it’s about inspiring the Richmond community. Doling out hearty doses of country blues with his rich voice and melodic tunes, Branch sets up in Shockoe Slip on Friday nights and The South of The James Market on Saturday mornings.

While his song “Hard Times” was named Song of the Year by the Virginia Association of Songwriters and Composers in 2011, that’s not his most valuable contribution to RVA. Alongside his livelihood as a self-taught musician, Branch drives a school bus for the City of Richmond.

Students of all ages are privy to his musical education: Each day Branch plays a different genre of music “You don’t want these kids to be locked into hip hop or rock and roll, so we switch it up every day. I play country, classical music, hip-hop, and everything in between. There’s never any cussing; I always keep it positive,” he interjects. “I think it helps them grow and it also helps me grow. I can incorporate it into my work. I may not read music, but I’m sure a good listener.”

Though vastly different in their musical stylings, this community of musicians evokes the sound and soul of Greater Richmond-one that is reminiscent of a long-ago era. As onlookers, we are lucky to have them brightening our streets. As Branch says, “My favorite thing about playing in Richmond is that I’m contributing. Some people think it’s about money, but it’s not. People tell me they hear my music and it gives them an impression. It’s like I’m telling somebody something with my songs. That’s what really gives me a good feeling.”