Street musicians gather in HCMC

HO CHI MINH CITY Ho Chi Minh City authorities intend to serenade tourists with a music street in the city’s downtown district.

Tuoi Tre News reported the project, created by the administration of District 1, is keen to strike the first note by the end of the month. It still has to jump legal hurdles on entertainment laws for public places and could face opposition from local communities if they are not impressed with the repertoire.

The city’s District 1 deputy chairwoman, Nguyen Thi Thu Huong, was quoted saying the chosen street will give local artists a place to play and entertain residents and tourists. It has been suggested the first street performances could begin as early as 28 April.

“However, the date of the inaugural music shows depends on feedback from local departments and the city’s administration.”

According to the District 1 proposal, the music zone will cover Alexandre De Rhodes Street from its link with Nam Ky Khoi Nghia and Pham Ngoc Thach Streets, Performances will be held at weekends and public holidays.

The street is located near a number of the city’s landmark sites, including the Reunification Palace, the Saigon Central Post Office, and the Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica.

It also borders April 30 Park, a popular weekend rendezvous for the young people and expatriates and lies just a few minutes walk from nearby Nguyen Van Binh Book Street and the Nguyen Hue Walking Street. According to the plan, there will be seven different stages on the Music Street.

Vehicles will be prohibited from Friday night to Sunday and during public holidays from April to September. During the day, themed background music will be broadcast through a loudspeaker system.

Read more...