Buskerfest brings new blood to The Beach
British ‘Strong Lady’ among new faces at weekend event happening at Woodbine Park
More than 100 entertainers from around the globe will strut their stuff throughout the Labour Day weekend during the 18th-annual Buskerfest for Epilepsy.
The four-day event at Woodbine Park in the Beach (1695 Queen St. E.) runs from Friday to Monday; admission comes after a donation to Epilepsy Toronto.
The event features musical acts, chalk artists, face painters and balloon twisters as well as top international talent, many attending for the first time. Among the newcomers: Beat the Streets, a top Australianbased dance company, whose repertoire includes breakdancing, tapdancing and acrobatics.
J Mmagic, a 13-year-old Toronto native who demonstrates a range of sleight-of-hand skills.
Betty Brawn from the United Kingdom, dubbed the Strong Lady, will demonstrate her strength by lifting willing adult subjects, rending thick books into pieces and bending metal poles.
Duo Hoops!, featuring Montrealers David and Becky who generate laughs while performing with hula hoops of all sizes.
The festival also features a number of popular returning acts. Among them:
Nathaniel Rankin of Toronto, whose “Borderline Madness” act blends magic, circus skills, deathdefying stunts, mind-reading and audience interaction. Rankin has won numerous awards for his work, including a gold medal from Canadian Association of Magicians.
Duo ComicCasa, a company featuring performers from Israel and Switzerland, use ordinary items such as hats, ladders and garbage cans to comic effect, with a grand finale promising the Daredevil Plunger Throwing Act.
Dr. Bubblito, a Mexican performer who uses soap suds to create a joyous display for young audiences.
Proceeds will benefit Epilepsy Toronto, which provides employment support, counselling and advocates on behalf of 40,000 residents and their families.