Dancers, buskers & acrobats: The street performers of Orchard Road

Singapore's Orchard Road isn't just about the countless brand stores and shopping malls. It's also great for just strolling about, taking in the sights and sounds. Street performers and buskers have been entertaining shoppers and curious families for years now, and the variety of talent on public display just keeps getting better.

For a moment, spectators are transported from the fast-paced Orchard Road to the sizzling streets of Rio de Janeiro as the 15-piece percussion band Sambiesta pounds away in an adrenaline-charged performance. Comprised of fresh graduates from the Singapore Management University, these young ones have found a way out of corporate cubicle-ism by turning their university samba club Samba Masala into a fledgling professional band. For those who like it hot, make sure to keep an ear out for these youngsters and their drums -- they perform regularly on weekends in front of Wisma Atrium.

Masterpieces in a jiffy by the Ngee Ann City fountain.

Got 15 minutes to spare? Sit down with street artist Serra Ni and watch her capture your likeness in a rapid, but ingenious, charcoal sketching session, where you can choose between an A4 portrait for $20 or an A3 portrait for $30. The artistically challenged among us may also stand by to learn a thing or two as she whips up one impressive piece after another.

A totally mind-bending performance on the corner of Orchard and Bideford Road.

They may look like your average 16-year-olds but when these Mongolian dance and acrobatics students take centerstage, be prepared for some jaw-dropping moves. They effortlessly combine grace and agility to create beautiful (albeit dangerous) sequences that should definitely not be attempted at home. Feel free to show your appreciation of their skills with some cash donations, as the performance is an initiative to raise funds for various orphanages in Mongolia.

Western music given the pipa treatment outside The Paragon.

Electric guitars may be the epitome of musical cool, but nothing packs a punch quite like the pipa. A two thousand-year-old four-stringed Chinese instrument, the pipa is teacher and street musician He Zheng’s weapon of choice for her Asian-infused renditions of old-time favorites like "Feelings" and "Yesterday Once More." The blend of traditional Chinese riffs, Western pop music and street chatter produces a sound that is quite unique.

A cheap treat to beat the heat just past Lucky Plaza.

Okay, they’re not really street performers but Orchard Road won’t be the same without its quintessential ice cream carts. Let these friendly 'uncles' and 'aunties' treat you to some blueberry, macadamia or triple-chocolate brownie ice cream sandwiched between bread or wafers, especially on those scorching afternoons. Feeling adventurous? Try the red bean, durian or coconut flavors to give your ice cream a Singaporean twist -- all for just a dollar.

Know of other street performance acts we've missed? Let us know.