Street Music in Vilnius

You don’t see that many street musicians, or buskers as we call them in the UK, around in Vilnius. But here are a couple of them (right) outside the Europa Centre on Konstitucijos pr. with an unusual combination of instruments.

The most popular site is on Pilies g. (Castle St) the cobbled street that wends its way from near the cathedral square up to the town hall. (Keep walking up the main street and you come to to the last remaining perimeter gate , the gates of Dawn, from the days when Vilnius was a walled city).

That was where this couple (left) were performing, next to the little outdoor market, singing Russian folk songs.

I asked them why they were singing Russian songs. They said their parents were Russian speaking and that Lithuanian folk songs were too sad. They were kind enough to sing a Ukrainian folk song that friends in Ukraine had taught me.

This girl singer/guitarist was also playing near the outdoor market but struggling to capture an audience.

Whereas this vocal ensemble, performing Manhattan Transfer songs, lower down Pilies g. opposite the 17c bell tower (the highest point in the old town giving you fantastic panoramic views), captivated tourists with their enthusiasm and well- rehearsed harmony singing..

This young violinist was also playing on Pilies g. lower down  at the cathedral end.

Finally this one (below) is not strictly a street musician as he was performing in the Shakespeare Hotel bar  – but I thought he looked cool!