HACKENSACK — Live music is coming to Main Street, with a summer busking program that will bring performers to the city’s downtown.
The “Music on Main” program is seeking vocalists, guitarists, trumpet players, duos and other street-performers to perform live along Main Street starting this June.
“We’re looking for anything from a cappella, to musical duos, rock, classical, soloists — just looking for a variety of performers to keep people entertained,” said John Peters, director of the Main Street Business Alliance, which is sponsoring the program.
The musicians will perform at five locations along Main Street, chosen by the business alliance for their wide sidewalks, foot traffic and nearby cafes. The program will start in June on Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 to 5 p.m. In July and August, time slots on Thursdays from 4 to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. will be added.
To apply, visit downtownhackensack.org/music-on-main-busking-program/. Interested performers will be asked to submit a YouTube link with a sample of their music.
Musicians must be family friendly, appropriate for public spaces and represent the artistry and diversity of the community.
The program aligns with the business alliance’s vision to continue the revitalization of Main Street, said Eric Anderson, the organization’s chairman.
“It encourages people to linger, explore, and enjoy what our district has to offer — and it benefits local businesses while strengthening Hackensack’s cultural brand,” he said.
Performers will receive designated location and promotional support. Each musician will be included in a series of videos shared online and on social media, and be promoted as part of a broader campaign by the business alliance to promote Hackensack’s Main Street.
The artists will also be considered to perform at other events throughout the year, like the popular Hackensacktoberfest, which drew more than 4,500 people last year.
The program aims to make the arts more visible and accessible for the community, provide exposure for up-and-coming artists, and drive more foot traffic for local businesses, Peters said.
In recent years, the business alliance has prioritized cleaning up Main Street and building deeper relationships with businesses. Now, it is especially focused on connecting and reconnecting Main Street with Hackensack residents, Peters said.
The business alliance is also planning a series of outdoor salsa dances this summer just off Main Street on Banta Place. Several outdoor art installations are also planned.
“The Main Street we are building is for everyone,” Peters said. “This gets people outside and helps businesses with foot traffic.”
Main Street is “thriving in a way we haven’t seen in some time,” he said. Several new businesses and restaurants have opened recently and are “relying on the upward trend” of foot traffic.
“We’re doing things to help that out,“ Peters said. „We’re expecting a banner summer.“
Hackensack is looking for street performers for Main Street this summer – Bergen Record
