Before we head back inside to the theatres for the rest of the month, I thought it would be timely to remind people the International Busker Festival - the first-ever in downtown St. Catharines - is set to get underway late Friday afternoon. The weekend will be full of entertainers of almost every description, performing throughout the downtown core.
Some area streets are going to be closed off to traffic, of course, and that will likely prove to be a mixed blessing to downtown businesses, who might benefit from the added pedestrian traffic downtown depending on what line of business they are in. But overall, the fact lots of people will be in a good mood and wandering downtown being entertained by buskers from all over the world shouldn't be too hard to handle.
There are a total of 14 buskers representing six countries performing on six stages from Friday to Sunday, presented by Lyndesfarne Theatre Projects and organized by Lyndesfarne's Artistic Director, Kelly Daniels. Performers range from Alakazam from Sydney, Australia; Alex Kazam from Toronto; Daredevil Chicken Club Presents A Honeymoon Cabaret from Sonoma, California; Fireguy from Toronto; Hoop Girl from Toronto; Kobbler Jay from Niagara Falls; Magic Brian from New York City; Marie Antoinette from Toronto; Mr. Istvan from Barcelona; Seven O Four from right here in St.Catharines; Silver Elvis from Toronto; Witty Look from Tokyo; and the headliner this year, Rob Roy Collins from York, England.
You likely have heard by now of Rob's big event yesterday to get interest going in the Buskerfest this year: the reknowned British Escapologist set a new world record yesterday on Canadian soil (or rather, just above it) by escaping from a straight jacket while hanging by his ankles from a helicopter in flight in the Niagara Falls area. The stunt, held over water at a height of over 100 feet, saw Rob set a new world record by taking only one minute and 22 seconds go successfully escape the straightjacket, a personal best for him as well. I spoke with Rob this morning and he sounds thoroughly relieved it is over, and plans to enjoy the rest of the Buskerfest on terra firma, apparently.
It was a great kickoff to a great weekend of entertainment, which will be presented in the James Street & King Street area downtown, including of course the Market Square. There is also a fundraising Inaugural Busker Ball set for tonight at Jackson Triggs Winery, a partner in the event. All of the buskers will be in attendance at the Thursday evening Busker Ball, and they will then take to the streets of downtown St. Catharines starting with the opening ceremonies downtown at 5 pm on Friday.
If you want more information, go to their website, www.stcbuskerfest.com. Hope to see you downtown this weekend for some great family entertainment!
August 11th, 2011.
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