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Toronto's 11th Annual BuskerFest Takes to the Streets
By Manori Ravindran
Walking along the streets of downtown, it is not unusual to happen upon an open guitar case at the feet of a local musician strumming along and singing their heart out. Most bystanders stop to listen, make a donation, and go on their way. Such is the business of Busking, the practice of entertaining in public for donations or tips. The majority of people are familiar with these musicians or singers, but, in reality, any street performer - from a mime to a magician - is a busker.
In its eleventh year, The Scotiabank Toronto International BuskerFest may just be the Mecca for these talented performers. Organized by Epilepsy Toronto, which runs the festival as an annual fundraiser, BuskerFest is one of the largest of its kind in North America, attracting hundreds of local and international street performers to the lively St. Lawrence Market district.
For four days and nights, BuskerFest promises everything from circus acts and contortionists to slapstick comedy and clowns. Best of all, performers from the world over showcase extraordinary talent and imbue the festival with a unique, international flavour. This summer, BuskerFest hosts artists from Argentina, Japan, Australia, Hungary, New Zealand, the United States, and England.
Japanese duo, Witty Look, is sure to entertain with a hilarious combination of acrobatics and unicycle antics, and the Netherlands' Saurus brings larger-than-life dinosaurs to the streets of Toronto. Musical acts such as Australia's OKA perform with a didgeridoo, while Argentina's Victor Rubilar will wow audiences with his Guinness record-breaking, soccer ball-juggling Latin soap opera.
Perennial attendees will enjoy long-time Canadian favourites such as Quebec City's body artists, Kromatik, along with new faces such as That Man, an up-and-coming mime from Northern Ireland. Whatever your pleasure, you are sure to find it at BuskerFest.
The Scotiabank Toronto International BuskerFest takes place on August 26 - 29 in the Saint Lawrence Market Neighbourhood of Toronto. Festival admission is by cash donation to organizers, Epilepsy Toronto. Artists also collect cash donations at performances.
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August 27, 2010 at 1:18 PM
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