A city which encourages Street Performers is one which truly cares for its people.   Street Performers attract the public into an area and encourage them to browse from performer to store to restaurant and back to performer. This creates a mutually beneficial commercial environment for the stores, performers and the public.   Street Performers cost the city and stores nothing and attract large crowds of people who are introduced to the other establishments during their visits to see the Performers. The public benefits because it is exposed to a variety of quality entertainment for a minimum of expense and they can feel a part of the process of supporting the arts.   There is also a benefit which can't be gauged in terms of dollars and cents. What price can be placed on the benefit of human connection. It seems our culture is one which pushes us farther and farther into fear and isolation. We don´t know and aren´t encouraged to know our neighbors.   I have performed for years to diverse audiences; mom´s with kids, bankers, bums, frat brothers, gang members, lawyers, senior citizens, tourists from foreign lands, all singing together, enjoying and talking about the show. There is no greater reward.