Performers set stage for event in Walkerville Buskerfest
Fire, contortions, sharp-object juggling, acrobatics test performers to the max
Stunts that defy gravity, belief — and death! — will be part of the global mix of acts at this year’s Walkerville Buskerfest, Aug. 11-13.
“There’s real danger — anything can happen!” Buskerfest artistic director Kyle Sipkens said Tuesday in announcing this year’s lineup of performers.
The asphalt road surface never seems harder than when spinning on one hand, seven metres in the air, but Australia’s Reuben DotDotDot earns his living performing acts that audiences might find hard to believe. Eight other artists will hit the streets with fire, contortions, sharp-object juggling, acrobatics and other eye-popping skills, all mixed with comedy, music — and even more fire.
Following a five-year hiatus, the festival’s return last year proved such a hit with audiences and performers alike that word quickly spread that Windsor was a great place to put on a street show, Sipkens said. He said organizers were “bombarded” with requests to appear, and those booked for this August represent an A-list of professional street artists.
“These are incredible performers who are coming,” said festival executive director Mark Lefebvre.
This year’s festival will be bigger than in the past, with each night ending in a parade of performers to lights and special effects.
Looking to kick-start a busking career or to run away with the circus? Windsor Circus School will host workshops through the weekend for kids keen on learning a few tricks and finding out more about the street performer lifestyle.
There will be a food court on Wyandotte Street East and late-night Busk After Dark performances at Walkerville Brewery for those 19 and over. “Maybe a little more risqué,” Lefebvre said of those ticketed shows that start at 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Olde Walkerville Theatre, which hosts a sneak-peek preview night featuring all the performers on Thursday, Aug. 10, will also host barrier-free indoor “relaxed performances” for those with mobility concerns or sensory disorders.
There will be music stages, patios and a Busker Hall of Fame with interactive exhibits, podcasts and clips of some of the street performing legends. There will be a giant street chalk mural and a junior fire challenge obstacle course.
“There’s lots to see and do, and it’s street theatre — anything can happen,” said Sipkens.
It’s not all high-tension physical action and danger.
John Hicks, Britain’s International Man of Artistry, paints his way, with musical accompaniment and deadpan silent comedy, to a masterpiece at high speed. “At the end, you’re just blown away. You can’t believe your eyes,” said Sipkens.
Toronto’s Silver Elvis will be haunting the festival in a metallic holographic suit and the coolest of robotic moves. Other performers: Winnipeg ’s Street Circus, Vancouver’s Checkerboard Guy, Australia’s Circus Firemen, all-female aerial acrobatic team Toronto’s Silver Starlets, Windsor’s own Stilt Guys and the Fair and Honest Magician Wayne Tellier.
Entrance to the festival is free. The artists are paid minimally by organizers to appear at these festivals and depend for the livelihood on the tipping generosity of their audiences.
LIUNA 625 is this year’s title sponsor and Willistead Restaurant is presenting sponsor.
For more information, visit WalkervilleBuskers.com.