Toronto (July 19, 2018) – Over 100 of the most extraordinary street performers on earth are joining the 19th annual Toronto International BuskerFest for Epilepsy in Woodbine Park, The Beach, over Labour Day weekend Friday August 31 – Monday September 3, 2018.
Comedians, escape-artists, sword-swallowers, musicians, magicians, fire jugglers, acrobats, clowns and daredevils all come together for the largest fundraising event for Epilepsy Toronto. Admission by donation goes to help support the over 40,000 people in the GTA living with epilepsy.
NEW ACTS appearing for the first time at this year’s Toronto International BuskerFest include:
o  Acrobuffos (USA): Using no words, Seth and Christina deliver a gut-busting, interactive show that has thrilled crowds in 20 countries. It’s a hysterical water balloon gladiator show with comic antics, flying water balloons, and opera music.
o      The Circus Firemen (AUS): Angus and Matilda are The Circus Firemen! They turn up the heat with high energy acrobatics, red hot juggling and searing Australian comedy.
o Smile Group (CAN): They are the exclusive Performing Arts Theater for Teens and Kids, who work using unique techniques of performing arts including Bubbles. They will be performing an interactive bubble show daily, featuring many different shapes and sizes including some surprisingly large ones!
o      The Big Wheel Show (AUS): A show of circles, you’ll see Hannah contorting herself through rings, spinning and rolling through the wheel and engaging audiences with her friend Cornelius the massive German Wheel.
o    Celtic Reggae! (AUS + JPN): This new duo is comprised of Tim Scanlan, an Australian one-man band and Mana Okubo, a Japanese Irish fiddle player! Playing original tunes along with Celtic style ditties from Ireland, Scotland, Canada and France. Sure to get your shoes tapping!
Some of the AMAZING RETURNING ACTS included in this year’s performers lineup are:
o   Flame Oz (AUS, GB, USA): In the evening, they perform a blend of beauty, dance, power, energy and fire, to create an unforgettable awe-inspiring experience! During the day, their Variety Circus Show features juggling, acrobatics, and hula hooping sewn together with laughs and good times!
o      Jaardu the Magic of India (AUS): The character of Jaardu is a colourfully dressed caricature of an imaginary Indian village magician. Andrew Elliott has created the character from both his Eastern and Western heritage. Straddling both worlds, he gently pokes fun of Eastern and Western stereotypes, provoking humour and goodwill.
o     Jack Wise (IRL): Magician, Ventriloquist, Sword Swallower and a very funny guy, Jack is a one-man, interactive, variety show.
o Reuben DotDotDot (AUS): This returning People’s Choice Award winner, and former Cirque du Soleil performer has it all: humour, handstands, and acrobatic stunts you need to see to believe.
o   WackyChad! (USA): Wacky Chad’s award-winning pogo stick skills, charmingly funny jokes and antics got him on America’s Got Talent (Twice!), and a performance at the Superbowl.
Additional ATTRACTIONS include:
o The Mac and Cheese Festival: Over 20 Mac and Cheese vendors included!
o A Licensed Beer Garden: Located in the Gazebo in the heart of the park!
o       Little Big Top: Includes seating, air-conditioning, and spectacular 15-minute performances running from 1pm to close of the festival each day.
o      People’s Choice Awards: Stop by our info booth and vote for your favourite busker!
o    Photo Contest: Enter our photo contest for a chance to win a great prize and be featured on our social media pages.
o   Enjoy artisans and additional returning, favourite food vendors!
In addition to these stellar acts, the festival features a variety of roaming acts such as stilt walkers, Gaia, Max T. Oz, Mental Floss Slideshow; plus world-class balloon twisters The Twisted Ones, face painters (Kromatik), living statues (Silver Elvis, Jenny Jupiter), kid-friendly interaction (Zoosemobile, Dance and Play Studios) and a great variety of musical acts.
Toronto International BuskerFest for Epilepsy
Dates: Friday August 31-Monday, September 3, 2018
Times: Friday, noon – 11 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.;
Sunday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Monday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Location:Â Woodbine Park, in The Beach, 1695 Queen St. E.
(Coxwell Ave. at Lakeshore Blvd. E.)
Admission by Donation to Epilepsy Toronto
For information visit:Â http://www.torontobuskerfest.com/
Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @BuskerFestTO #BuskerFestTO
Report by: Jaison Mathew | CMN News
