"but they don't seem to have buskers in the US"

All the more reason to do it - no competition! Get in on the ground floor while the getting's good ... that's what I did many years ago ...

"(and who'd want to listen to a 35-yo housewife anyway?)"

Hey, this isn't Vegas (or is it?). It's about the music. Besides, who knows you're a housewife? It's not like you're going to be out there in curlers and slippers and housecoat, with a mop and pail beside you. You can dress in feathers and sequins and they'll think you're a showgirl between engagements. (Jeesh, 35 - don't write yourself off yet!).

Just think of it as a way to pass the time on a nice day. If you make money, great; if you don't, there are worse ways you could have wasted a couple of hours.