In St. Petersburg, at Sennaya Square, two young people laid their hats on the snowy pavement, picked up a shovel, and started clearing the fresh snowfall. Eyewitnesses relayed this scene to Moyka78, noting the spontaneous moment and the curiosity it sparked among passersby.
Onlookers offered a practical thought: it is unclear whether these individuals are musicians, but anyone who enjoys street music could gain insight from their approach and perhaps learn how to turn a sidewalk moment into a shared experience.
The city’s administration has long regulated street performances in St. Petersburg by scale and location, categorizing them as quiet, medium, or loud acts depending on where they occur. Those who wish to perform in public spaces must go through an application process with the Civil Service in advance of their concert date.
Submissions typically require a copy of a form of identification, and if the performer is not applying in person, a power of attorney. Applicants must also include a diagram of the equipment setup, a list of devices to be used, consent to the processing of personal data, and, for legal entities, a copy of the charter and the order appointing a manager. This administrative framework helps ensure safety, accessibility, and orderly event management for street performances across the city.
Alexey Kortnev, formerly the frontman of the band Accident, has publicly advocated for stricter penalties against street musicians who sing songs with obscene content, signaling the tension that can accompany public performances and the importance of maintaining community standards while sharing art in public spaces.