During my last visit to Dublin back in May, I saw a wide variety of buskers on Grafton Street, the pedestrianised shopping street in the city centre. I’ll probably be adding to this post as and when I see more interesting performers.
This is a Hang drum (pronounced Hong). They are descended from the steel drum and are made by a couple in Switzerland, Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer. They’re very rare and difficult to get hold of. To get one you have to write to Felix and Sabine and if you’re very lucky, you might get a reply within a year or two, inviting you to stay with them. This guy waited a year for a reply. The sound out of this thing is awesome; like a steel drum but less aggressive – I thought it was a harp from far away. You can see a video of a hang drum here.
Piotr Stefanik playing an awesome slowed down jazzy version of Careless Whisper.
These guys were a mix of jazz, blues and hiphop. I’m really intrigued by crates and am always mesmerised by the sounds they produce!
Word on the Streats 
Cool post, thank you!
Here’s a site for Hang lovers…the new CD “Hangisphere” is amazing: http://www.venusians.com
Incidentally, the official name of the instrument is Hang. People have attched “Drum” to it but that is discouraged by the makers of the instrument and much of the Hang community.
Thanks, Patrick, I’ll be sure to check that out. Interesting tidbit about the name – it makes sense!