Sunday, August 22, 2010

Port Credit Buskerfest 5 Mississauga Ready for Rain, Hoping for Sun : Come on down and join the fun!

August 2011 Update: Buskerfest 6 is set for August 19, 20, 21 -- Friday night starting at 7 pm, Saturday from 1 pm, and Sunday from 1 pm. Same locations in downtown Port Credit, with some favorite buskers and some new acts, too!


Buskerfest 5 was off to a good start on Friday night, and for most of Saturday, the rain did indeed stay away. At least until 9 p.m. or so, when torrential downpours sent crowds and buskers alike scurrying for cover or home, and event organizers called the 'game' on account of rain.

Today, Sunday noon, Buskerfest is setting up for the final day of street theater, with an eye on the skies, and ready to adapt as the weather dictates.

"We are setting up as usual, and will monitor the situation and make changes as needed," says Ellen Timms, Port Credit BIA. "We're ready with rain ponchos."

Victor Rubilar at Lake Affect  Port Street East Pitch Port Credit

Victor Rubilar (Argentinian based in Sweden) had the crowd in the palm of his hands with his risque comedy patter and dance routine. Then he brings out his footballs (soccer balls to North Americans) and they go wild! Street Performer master!

Marina Pitch Buskerfest - Information Tent Port Credit

Need information or a schedule of performers? Then look for these neon green Tshirts: the person wearing one is a volunteer who's ready to tell you what you need to know.

Dangerous Comedy Busker - Marina Pitch Port Credit

David Cox, New York City, seen in this picture sans pants, performed his dangerous comedy routines at Marina Pitch. I took a video of him putting on his pants both legs at once. He's likely one of the few people who can say, "Let me jump into a pair of pants and I'll be there," and it's NOT a figure of speech.

Farrucas Latin Music ~ Mississauga Buskerfest Performers

The romance of Latin guitars from this talented duo from Ontario, Canada: Laura Spade and Jorge Cuamacas performing along the Marina. You don't need to understand Spanish to be charmed by the songs.

Lurk, the Stilt Walker Performing Port Credit Village Square

Lurk, AKA Martin Ewen, from Hawaii, enthralling the crowds outside Ten Restaurant at Village Square. This pitch is one of the most visible to traffic along Lakeshore and Hurontario, a major intersection in Mississauga that doesn't normally come with a very tall red guy.

Now here's something a bit different: Lurk is wearing a video camera in his hat, leaving his hotel room in Port Credit. See his video here on YouTube.

Busker Academy ~ Memorial Park Port Credit Mississauga

Busker Academy opened its doors for the first time, and judging by the delighted kids and parents who learned to face paint, make balloon animals and other busker tricks, it's a huge success. Busker Academy had a very short term -- Saturday afternoon only -- and ended with a course in How To Walk On Stilts, which has to be the winner of Cutest Thing Ever award. I'll post the video link ASAP :-)

Xtreme Finale Buskerfest 5 Memorial Park Port Credit

Here's the sign for the finale to the show, Sunday, at 6:45 p.m. The Xtreme Finale is the Buskerfest equivalent of the 'Fat Lady Singing': Buskerfest officially ends around 7 o'clock tonight.

And as I post this, the skies are brighter! Come on down to Port Credit, bring an umbrella or a rain poncho and have a laugh! See previous post for location map and links.