Anyone who wants a jolt of joy just needs to stop and watch a good busker perform for 15 minutes.

They can turn a bad day good and make a good day feel like you just were handed Willy Wonka’s ticket to come inside the Chocolate Factory. Street performers make you laugh and sing along with their songs; they invite you into their improv skits and convince you to drop your last dollar into their hat. They are magical persons who bring us into their stories and lives, at least for a little while.

We want the ones who are family friendly, upbeat and amazing to come out and play with us for our celebration of street performance and street food on July 8. We already have one lined up, but we need more. So here’s your invitation to come play with us:

If you cannot make these tryouts, please email us some details about your act, with links that show how Mity talented you are. Send those in as soon as possible. Preference is given to performers within 50 miles of Ann Arbor – that includes Detroit and Toledo and Jackson! – and to those who have done charity or non-profit events to support causes.