Running from August 7 to 17, the Halifax International Busker Festival is one of the world’s largest busker festivals. This year, more than 70 performers will strut their stuff with 500 performances on six downtown stages.

The roster is better than ever for 2008, with fans getting even more of what they want. “This year, street performers will define ‘street theatre’ in Halifax,” says organizer Billy Comer. “It was time to move to a more talented base of performers. No more one-trick wonders after 45 minutes of foreplay with the crowd. It’s time to deliver the goods from start to finish.”

And the lineup is set to do just that. “The Calypso Tumblers, originally from Guyana, escaped a rough lifestyle to find themselves in Venice Beach as a top 10 performer in America’s Got Talent last summer,” he says. “Their acts of strength and acrobatic flare could represent the best act in busker history.”

He’s equally excited about four-time world record holder Victor Rubilar, who was a sensation at this summer’s Euro 2008 soccer championship. “He holds the record for most soccer balls juggled at a time,” Comer says. And if that doesn’t impress you, you’ve obviously never tried to do it.

Ill-Abilities is an international break-dance crew, each with a unique physical limitation, wowing audiences with their inspirational show and sheer talent.

Rudi Macaggi is a third-generation acrobat and entertainer from Milan, Italy, recently performing for Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Drummer Peter Rabbit is the 2007 People’s Choice Winner, starring in the Tony Award winner Bring in Da Noise—Bring in Da Funk.

Another fan favourite, Illmatic Styles are three-time National Bboy champions made the top 25 in America’s Got Talent last year.

Team Ryouko explores the limitations of the human body with a fast-paced, action-packed fusion of martial arts, acrobatics and break dancing.

The Aerial Angels are high-flying female circus artists performing feats of grace, beauty and strength.

High-flying acrobatics and spring-stretching antics will amaze audiences at Spring Action’s trampoline show.

Eric Something Else combines circus arts, comedy and extreme stunts such as fire swallowing, knife juggling and the never-seen-before ladder of swords.

Dream State Circus offers a mind-blowing display of fire spinning. The heart-pounding rhythms and choreographed fire routine make this a must-see show.

Nick Woolsey has been around the world several times, dazzling audiences with his fire-theatre performances.

Back for his sixth appearance at the festival, Patrick Drake blends comedy, audience participation and astounding sleight-of-hand.

After a year off, OKA returns from Australian, using the didgeridoo to blend original sounds with a techno flare.

When their sons join two renowned musicians, the result is a wonderful blend of youth and traditional indigenous Andean folk music. Kjary performs in their native tongue of Quichua as well as Spanish, marrying contemporary styles with Latin pop.

THE DETAILS

Shows run daily from noon until 11pm from August 7 to 17. Stage locations along the waterfront include the Historic Properties, Chebucto Landing, Queen’s Wharf, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and Sackville Landing. For more information, click here or phone 430-8413.

Publication Date: 8/2008