People pass by these artists everyday, not knowing who they are or what they’ll become...

A Look Into The Lives Of Street Musicians

Cecile Vannucci, a journalism student at Northwestern University, has spent countless hours talking with many of Chicago's talented street musicians, learning about their lives and photographing and filming them during performances and off stage. She recently shared her wonderful writing, photographs and film with CSM. You can enjoy them here:

Cecile Vannucci: In Between Trains (Spring 2010)

Photographs: A Day in the Life of Martin Saville

Photographs: Downtown Chicago - The Underground World

Film: Chicago On A Musical Note

Chicago Street Musicians Launches First-Ever Music Video

Thank you to everyone who attended the launch of our Chicago Street Musicians "Sweet Home Chicago" video. You can watch the video below and at our YouTube Channel.

We know you're busy - you may be in a rush on your way to work or school - but we hope you'll pause for a moment next time you see a musician playing in a public space to enjoy their art. Drop us a line if you hear something that you particularly enjoy. You never know who you might be passing by.

Thank you to Joe's and Martin Guitars for their sponsorship.

Crystal Finishes Second On American Idol, Ready For Her New Life

Crystal Bowersox had a fantastic run on American Idol and she has countless of new opportunities in front of her. Of her Idol experience, Crystal said, "I've learned a lot about myself and I've learned a lot about the business. I already knew who I was, but I'm picking the things that I like and adding to it. My life is never going to be the same, and I'm ready for all of it." Way to go, Crystal!

Read MTV.com's article here.

An article on nymag.com had the following to say about Lee and Crystal: "Although Crystal is a more technically proficient singer and interesting artist than Lee, it was hard not to switch allegiances the moment Lee began crying before the winner was even announced. Clearly, this whole Idol thing is more than he ever could have imagined a year ago, and truthfully, he needs the top spot more than Crystal does. She is a fantastic, authentic singer who has made a name for herself and can probably count on her natural talent to propel her forward from here." Read the entire article here.

Watch Crystal in one of her last Idol performances singing "Ironic" and "You Oughta Know" with Alanis Morrisette:

Chicago Street Musicians Featured In Time Out Chicago

In this week's issue of Time Out Chicago, three Chicago street musicians are profiled: Keithen Terrell, Meisha Herron and Talon McKinney. You can also read the article online here.

CSM Survey Results On Wordle

A recent survey by Chicago Street Musicians asked Chicagoans the following question:

"Name three words that come to mind when you think of street musicians."

Here’s what we found:

Gapers Block Profiles Three Chicago Musicians

Excellent article on street musicians posted on Gapers Block. Read the article here.

CSM Interview On Beyond The Pedway

Check out Tim Jahn's interview with Keithen Terrell and CSM founders Gabriel Chapman and Sarah Barnes here. Learn more about Beyond The Pedway here.

Please Send Us Your Stories!

We'd love to hear your stories and thoughts about street musicians and performances in Chicago (or another city). Tell us about your favorite performer or how hearing music on the streets or during your commute makes you feel.

You can share with us by emailing your story to submit@chicagostreetmusicians.org.

Copyright 2009-2010 Chicago Street Musicians. All rights reserved.