Magic in Mountain View

Jefferson Rose was doing magic at the age of eleven. By age sixteen, he was performing in street shows in Washington, D.C. Since 2020, he has called Roanoke (and Mountain View Neighborhood) home and he continues to perform magic, comedy, circus stunts, and cabaret shows in the city and abroad.

Rose speaks passionately about street performance, or busking (arguably the world's second oldest profession):

““It’s the most authentic, and purely democratic way to experience entertainment. There’s no ticket company between you and the artist. And the best part is that you get to decide how much it is worth. No one pays buskers to be there, except the audience. We work for tip money, preferably for good tip money.”

Rose, along with his partner Bebe Demure, have founded a 501c3 non-profit organization called “Busk Roanoke.” They are promoting their flagship event, "Street Performer Expo, " which will take place May 9 th th st -11 at Kirk Ave. and 1 Street in downtown Roanoke. Performers will be active from noon-8 PM on May 9 th and from 10:30 AM to 8PM on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free, tips for performers are encouraged. Come support local and international performers (including Guinness Record holders) during this unique event! You can also catch him performing at the neighborhood block party on May 31.