2008 Performers
Andrea House
Rover/Musician - Edmonton
A singer and actor since the age of 15, Andrea House is delighted to be back at her favourite street festival in the world. Past roving characters include: Swish the Wishing Well, The Shadow, and one half of the fabulous Plant Ladies. Look for her this year on the Square with a new character aimed at extracting giggles from the wee ones. Then when the sun goes down and the evening performances begin, Andrea will be sharing songs from her new album, “The Same Inside”.
Betty Brawn
Strong Lady - Australia
With the elegance of her mother and the strength of her father, Betty Brawn is the strongest lady alive. Solid objects will be broken, a thick novel will be torn in half, grown men will be lifted overhead... then you will witness the almost impossible "Human Carousel”. The Belgian National Newspaper said, "Betty Brawn twists clichés as well as metal bars. She can carry the hearts of men, and all the rest of their weight as well!" Prepare to be amazed as her incredible feats of strength make you gasp, laugh and believe anything is possible.
The Be Arthurs
Musicians - Edmonton
The Be Arthurs are a ukulele cover band who formed in the summer of 2005 and first entered into the "busking loop" at the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival. After much success at the Fringe, The Be Arthurs opened for a band... that was opening for a band... that was opening for band at a local hot spot in hometown Edmonton. They’ve played gigs at opening night galas, fundraisers, variety shows and several live music venues around Edmonton. The Be Arthurs are Ryan Parker on a Soprano "Greg Bennet" ukulele, Sheldon Elter on a matching Baritone…and rounding out the sound this year, drummer Bob Rasko. The Be Arthurs made their StreetFest strumming debut last year and are thrilled to be back on the Square for 2008.
Blizz and Ki-Ki
Magical Clowns - Edmonton
A magician who thinks he’s better than he is has had a little misfortune while hiring a new assistant and is instead given a sweet but mischievous clown named Ki-Ki. Local actors Matt Alden and Kirsten Harvey are Blizzard The Wizard and Ki-Ki The Clown presenting an all new act that’s filled with magic, comedy, juggling, puppets, improv and out right fun. Matt and Kirsten have performed across Alberta and B.C. with several touring school shows and are excited to team up to bring this brand new act to their home town at StreetFest.
Cindy Lou’s Facepainting
Face Painter - Whitecourt
Cindy Lou Requa has painted thousands of decorations on thousands of children, spreading delight at festivals across Western Canada. Her warm manner is only one of her secrets to success. She has children of her own to practice on, but don't worry: she only uses the lick-the-thumb clean-the-face trick on her own kids.
Circus Montreal
Physical Comedian - Montreal
Direct from the circus capital of the world where artsy-fartsy isn't a joke - it's the law -
Circus Montreal presents a gourmet blend of circus, comedy and theatre in the one-man show – CIRCO ABRA. The show includes physical comedy, crystal ball juggling, balancing, hat tricks, improv, a big fire finale...and more. Aytahn Ross is the performer behind it all - a comic gentleman known for his silly elegance, natural charm & graceful skill. He first appeared at StreetFest almost 20 years ago and has since performed for over a million people in 12 countries around the world. In addition to enjoying his circle shows, learn circus skills from Aytahn as he joins the Silly People team at the Be Your Own Busker workshops in the ATB Financial Big Tent.
Daniel Forlano
Physical Comedian - USA
It's not by design that Daniel stands apart - it's just the way he is. One of the most understated comic performers around Daniel is at once subtle, smart, engaging, and surreal. He makes the ordinary absurd and the absurd ordinary. His unsuspecting punch will leave you in stitches. Daniel was born in the Virgo Supercluster at the outer limits of the Milky Way Galaxy near a star known locally as the Sun on a planet where the food is quite good. He eventually graduated from Hampshire College where he studied Theatre and Dance Performance. His senior seriocomic monologue "In Stitches" brought return audiences and won him a grant to continue work on stage. When his college advisor offered to write him a recommendation to Harvard University he decided comedy was the smarter option. When he isn't climbing ladders he likes to climb rocks.
Darrin Hagen
Roving Musician - Edmonton
Darrin Hagen has been roving at StreetFest for over a decade, strolling “Paris Café-style” with one of his many accordions. He is a composer and performer, and in addition to taking musical requests, loves serenading people having lunch on the Square. Tangos, waltzes and snippets of world music flow out of him like gossip. Careful though…he knows many polkas and isn’t afraid to use them.
Davio
Acrobat - Montreal
A blue collar worker installing a four metre bus post doesn't sound like much to see, but performed by Davio - a devoted circus artist who fuses traditional acrobatics, "Chinese Pole" and clowning - this show will make you stop and stare. A graduate of the National Circus School of Montreal, Davio has performed for 24 years in circuses throughout Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle-east and for companies such as Cirque du Soleil and the Pickle Family Circus. His show features stale donuts, volunteers, bathing suits…and a hand stand you'll never forget.
The English Gents
Acrobats - UK
Denis Lock and Hamish McCann are The English Gents, two delightfully devilish and cordial English gentlemen who perform inconceivable feats of acrobatic skill, strength and balance, whilst casually sipping tea, reading the newspaper or whatever tickles one's fancy. The act mixes highly skilled acrobatics with a dry English wit, unexpectedly climaxing with the two hilariously bearing near all for Queen and country. The English Gents. have delighted audiences all over the world, including the likes of Uma Thurman, Shakira, Geoffrey Rush, Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Sondheim and Brendan Fraser, to name a few. Don’t miss this mind-boggling balance-act…with a cheeky twist.
Famos Bramwells
Comedian - UK
Paddy “Famos” Bramwells is a street performer, festival and cabaret compere, stand up comedian and actor. With over 25 years experience performing all over the world, Famos uses comedy, magic, audience participation and the spoken word to enthrall and delight audiences wherever he goes. One of the rare street shows that doesn't involve juggling, Famos entertains using only one tiny suitcase, a couple of magic tricks and a non stop mouth, working perfectly and hilariously for family and adult audiences alike. He's different, he's brilliant. He's Famos Bramwells.
Firefly Theatre
Cross Walk Theatre - Edmonton
What began, innocently enough, as an 18-second skit inside a busy intersection, has turned into unexpected theatrical interludes that can happen anywhere, at any time. A gang of spacemen are looking to claim territory for their planet; construction workers are playing Twister; a slow-motion Butoh game of golf – on the Moon – is being played out before your very eyes. No, you’re not crazy…this is Crosswalk Theatre, presented by Edmonton’s own Firefly Theatre company. Co-founded by StreetFest veterans John Ullyatt and Annie Dugan, Firefly has presented their work across Canada, the U.S., the U.K. and Asia to critical acclaim. Join John, Annie and the gang on a corner near you at StreetFest 2008.
Flyin’ Bob
Physical Comic - Sylvan Lake
Flyin' Bob is back and he’s ready to inflict his special brand of circus and insanity on the innocent populace of Edmonton once again. From the echo illusion and the skywriter, to the egg catapult and an ego-destroying near disaster on the high wire, Flyin’ Bob will amaze and astound with incredibly pointless tricks that took a lifetime to perfect. Watch the show and come to understand why everyone says "This guy has too much time on his hands!" Bob auditioned twice for David Letterman's Stupid Human Tricks last year, but didn't make the cut because he "wasn't stupid enough.” Bob took this very personally and with steely determination will demonstrate to the people of Edmonton just how stupid he can be.
Freshly Squeezed
Dancers - Edmonton
Freshly Squeezed is a dance crew that represents the Hip Hop way of life in its true essence by destroying boundaries and stereotypes about Hip Hop and their First Nations culture. Each dancer has their own unique style and foundation in how they express themselves through rhythm and beats. The crew fuses traditional pow-wow dance moves with b-boying/b-girling in order to strike a balance between their roots and those of Hip Hop. Their main focus is to share what they have learned over the years and help educate the public about what Hip Hop truly stands for...peace, love, unity and having fun. Join Freshly Squeezed on the square and in the ATB Financial Big Tent where they will once again be a part of the Be Your Own Busker Workshops.
Green Fools
Roving Stilt Walkers - Calgary
Green Fools Theatre has brought colour and enchantment to StreetFest fans for a number of years. From larger-than-life cowboys to eclectic bohemians, whooping cranes to charming faeries, Green Fools’ unique, custom crafted masked and costumed characters will tease and delight you.
Harvey and Idaho
Kids’ World - Edmonton
It's their sixth year back and Harvey and Idaho are ready to drop the drawbridge and open up Kids’ World to hoards of smiling faces. Puppetry, crafts and play are the order of the day for the young and young-at-heart. Outside of StreetFest, Harvey and Idaho stay very busy with their company Henry and Irving, creating sets and costumes, performing in theatre, designing interiors and directing fashion shows. Harvey and Idaho have had the pleasure to be part of Night of Artists, The Comedy Arts Festival and Interfear Arts Festival.
Jacquie Paul
Face Painter - Rochfort Bridge
Brush in hand and inspiration on side, Jacquie Paul returns with her special brand of magical face painting. Every face is an original work of art that you won’t want to wash away. As a sculptor and visual artist, Jacquie’s participation is sought after by festivals across the country. Show your true colours and enjoy a visual kaleidoscope you just won’t forget.
Jan Streader
Roving Clown Characters - Edmonton
A rainbow in a red nose, she lives in the moment with no past or future - constantly changing. From colourful ZuZu the clown to Mrs. Collywobbles the Cockney cleaning lady, local actress Jan Streader enchants children and charms adults with her gentle whimsy and wild enthusiasm. Catch her colourful antics on the Square at StreetFest 2008.
Lady Dolphin
Face Painter - Edmonton
Lady Dolphin is bursting to “festivalize” the patrons of StreetFest. For over 11 years she has been creating stunningly beautiful face and body painting designs with just a wave of a colourful brush. In minutes you can become a gorgeous butterfly, a wise owl, a monstrous fiery dragon or a chivalrous knight. Let Lady Dolphin inspire you to create your own works of body and face art at the “Be Your Own Busker” workshops.
Linda Karenko
Roving Characters - Edmonton
Linda Karenko – a real tour-de-farce or comic relief - has been sharing laughs at Streetfest since 1995. And perpetrators of "festival crimes" beware! Linda is the law in these here parts. Get lassoed by Sheriff Winnie Dean the Wiener Queen, handcuffed by Detective Sergeant Terri Burke…or simply get your future predictions from Madame de la Loon. Watch for Linda and these colourful characters to lead you through the StreetFest site.
Magic Brian
Vaudeville Magician - USA
Audiences around the world have been entertained with the outrageous comedy and sideshow magic of Magic Brian. He incorporates the old with the new, using inspiration from circus sideshow acts and classic magic effects, and adding his own unique and humorous twists. Brian’s eclectic repertoire ranges from an unbelievable escape from a straitjacket and chains to the miraculous production of an impossible amount of sponge bunnies out of thin air. You may have seen him on Late Night with David Letterman. Now see him at StreetFest 2008.
Mia's Facepainting
Face Painting - Sylvan Lake
Originally from Japan, Mia performs at many events across Canada, the US, South Korea and Japan. From intricate oriental calligraphy to full face transformation, watch Mia create colourful and beautiful body art. Her artistry is limited only by your imagination.
The Movable Feast
Invisible Picnic - Edmonton
The Movable Feast is the newest creation of long-time StreetFest regulars Darrin Hagen and Linda Karenko. Watch for this invisible picnic floating around the Square. And if you see them looking for a spot for lunch, be sure to help them find one. Enjoy games from the turn of the century, a magical picnic basket, a moment of gentle imagination in the midst of a busy park…and feel free to join them for an invisible cucumber sandwich.
Noel “Twyst” Bundy
Balloon Artist - Edmonton
Noel "Twyst" Bundy has been balloon twisting for over 15 years and has built a unique repertoire of creations including giant sunglasses and a bear-on-a-motorcycle. A native of Edmonton, he has twisted in and out of many cities throughout Alberta and B.C. Noel was a regular at the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival for several years, and is happy to be making his StreetFest debut in 2008.
Pretzel
Balloon Artist - Edmonton
Let Pretzel lead you on a balloon animal safari with his "airray" of "airtistic" creations. From intricate balloon animals to large-scale balloon installations, Stephen Dubetz – The Kingpin of the Balloon Gang – is back at StreetFest to deprive himself of oxygen for your amusement. Hyperventilation has never been so entertaining.
P’Wan
Face Painter - Thailand
P’Wan’s first visit to StreetFest in 1996 inspired her to transform her passion for Thai art into a talent for face painting. Traveling from her home across the ocean, she is delighted to bring her unique artistry to the festival once again. Add a smile to your summer skin with one of P'Wan's delicate designs.
The Silly People
Physical Comedians - Kitchener/Waterloo
Phil LeConte and Colin Franks have a flair for silliness. As The Silly People, they’ve been performing for over 15 years and have worked in 14 different countries. With a perfect blend of quick wit, slapstick and random useless skills they create “free-style comedy.” Balloons, juggling, circus skills, and bubble gum …who could ask for anything more? (And don’t forget to learn the tricks of the trade from The Silly People and special guest Aytahn (of Circus Montreal) at the Be Your Own Busker workshops throughout the festival.)
Simon Glassman
Caricaturist - Edmonton
Ever wonder what you'd look like as fireman, a 70's Rock Star or a Mongol warlord? At Simon's caricature booth, you'll be able to have your portrait drawn in whatever situation or get-up your heart desires. Inspired by classic cartoonists like Bill Watterson and Gary Larson, Simon is a 22-year-old artist currently living in Edmonton. This is his first year at StreetFest.
Space Cowboy
Sideshow Performer - Australia
The Space Cowboy is a truly unique and exciting performer who started exhibiting his unusual skills at the age of eight. Now 30, he has amazed audiences in over 30 countries around the world in packed theatres, circus big tops and stadiums. He has shown his diversity by performing at the Edinburgh Festival 12 years in a row, winning 'The Street Performance World Championship' in 2006 and 2007, performing sellout shows in the Sydney Opera House, touring with famous rock bands and displaying his extravagant abilities in front of the royal throne of Italy. With skills as diverse as sword swallowing, knife throwing, whip cracking, 7 ball juggling, hat manipulation, acrobatics, spoon bending, and more, Space Cowboy is as sharp as they come.
The UnNaturals
Magicians - Edmonton
The UnNaturals are a local family act from Edmonton that specializes in recreating magic and mystery from the Victorian era. Despite their name, they come to performing naturally. Their relatives were a family music hall act in the mid 1800's in London. The UnNaturals will read minds, dematerialize, perform magic, and maybe even conjure a few ghosts during their show. They have just returned from a successful run at the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, and will be appearing at The Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival later this summer. The media has called them “quietly spectacular,” “marvelous and mind-bending.”
The Vinyl Burns Rock’N’Roll Comedy experience
Physical Comic - New Zealand
Internationally renowned celebrity circus playboy Vinyl Burns (aka Kim Potter), is brought to you live and direct from 1972 Las Vegas (via New Zealand). Brimming with inept sophistication, extreme stunts and marginal skills, Vinyl rides in hot pursuit of his destiny…to deliver a high altitude, anthemic rock guitar adventure just for you.
Won Israel (aka Cap’n Arrr)
Performance Artist - USA
A pirate ship, a robotic talking parrot and the funniest pirate to never sail the seven seas are all part of “The Misadventures of Cap'n Arrr!”, an interactive comedy performance that will have kids (and grown-ups) rolling with laughter. Learn how to walk like a pirate, talk like a pirate and sing-a-long to songs that you’ll be singing long after his ship has sailed. A protégé of legendary pantomime artist Marcel Marceau, comedic performance artist Won Israel is recognized internationally for his physical comedy and visual performance style.
Yo-Yo People
Yo-Yo Masters - USA
John and Rebecca Higby - a real life husband and wife comedy duo - are the Yo-Yo People. They have performed their Loop the Loop and Shwoop Hoop show in 17 different countries since 1993. Consummate skill, deft timing, swingin' music, high energy and sarcastic humour combine with yo-yos, hula hoops and unicycle in this fantastically fun show. The Yo-Yo People were recently featured on The Guinness World Record show in Spain where they set a new yo-yo world record. An audience favourite of the 2005 festival, StreetFest is happy to have them back on our streets in 2008.