Comments (0) Best Street Performer - 2002
Edward Jackson
Savion Glover, Gregory Hines, Sammy Davis Jr., and Bill "Bojangles" Robinson ain't got nothing on Edward Jackson, one of the city's most popular street artists and most talented tap dancers. The crowds gathering at Powell and Market aren't just there waiting for the cable car or to get into the Gap: They're hoping to catch a glimpse of the local hoofer's fancy footwork. Of course the fact that Jackson goes shirtless on the coldest and foggiest of days -- and has the muscles and charm to get away with it -- doesn't hurt his appeal either. Creating raw improv rhythms with the soles of his feet, Jackson's thunderous rat-a-tat-tat makes him a main attraction at the busy intersection. His dedication to this truly American art form is inspiring and his energy contagious, and Jackson takes his calling seriously, training seven days a week beginning at 6 a.m. So throw him a buck the next time you see him -- he deserves it.
