2010 ARTISTS
Coming soon to this page!
2009 ARTISTS
Andrea House & Chris Smith
Edmonton
Kids’ World/Musicians
In their new street musical for kids, Andrea House and Chris Smith play “2” and “5”, two small numbers who wish they could be more. The show is complete with catchy, thoughtful songs for kids, big costumes, and themes that will thrill the most exhausted parents. Andrea and Chris are honoured to be a part of StreetFest’s
25th Anniversary and look forward to seeing you on the Square.
Andrew Elliott
Australia
Magician/Fakir Sword-Swallower
Andrew Elliott draws on his Eastern and Western heritage to present a show combining traditional Indian magic with the comedy and interaction of contemporary street performance. His unique show encompasses astounding magic, sword-swallowing and an original snake charming routine. He has spent the past 16 years touring the world with this colourful, energetic show of intrigue, suspense, mystique and humour.
The Be Arthurs
Edmonton
Musicians
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 a 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…including The
Winspear Centre. The Be Arthurs are: Ryan Parker on a Soprano “Greg Bennet”
ukulele, Sheldon Elter on a matching Baritone, and drummer Bob Rasko. The Be
Arthurs are thrilled to be back on the Square for 2009.
Cindy Lou’s Facepainting
Whitecourt
Face Painter
Cindy Lou Requa has painted thousands of decorations on thousands of children,
spreading delight at festivals across Western Canada. She has been a “regular” at StreetFest for almost 20 years and looks forward to the Festival – and all the bright and shiny faces it brings - every July.
Chairmen Show
Saskatchewan/Alberta
Variety Artists
The Chairmen are James O’Shea and Bob Palmer, two obsessed individuals dedicated to exploring and expanding the world’s perception of those white
plastic backyard stacking resin patio chairs that are found everywhere on the planet. “A Chair-Raising Experience” is 45 minutes of chair related antics that will, ironically, get you out of your seats. (James and Bob made their first joint appearance at StreetFest 20 years ago…and Bob still has the t-shirt to prove it.)
Checkerboard Guy
Ontario
Variety Artist
With almost three decades of manipulating everything from flaming torches, 13th century battle axes and even stinky shoes - often while balancing on top of unicycles, tight ropes or free-standing ladders - it’s no wonder The Checkerboard Guy (aka David Aiken) is known around the globe as a comic daredevil. Armed with a razor sharp wit, brilliant comedic timing and keen fashion sense, this prizewinning performer will make you bust a gut and leave you wanting more. David’s first visit to StreetFest was in 1989…when he was a mere youngin’ at the age of 20. You do the math.
Dana Smith
USA
Variety Artist
Dana Smith has been entertaining the world since 1974 – including seven visits to StreetFest. His act blends such diverse elements as Chinese rhythm stick, ball spinning, diabolo, hand-balancing, rollo-bollo, hat tricks, ukulele and other eccentric one-of-a kind amusements. Be sure to catch the brand new show that Dana brings to StreetFest 2009.
Dan Thiel
Edmonton
Balloon Artist
Dan The Balloon Man has been bringing smiles to faces young and old for over half a decade, and is tickled to be bringing his balloon art to StreetFest for the very first time. His unique blend of comedy and unparalleled ballooning skills make him a hotly sought-after performer all over Western Canada.
Darin Hagen
Edmonton
Roving Musician
Darrin’s “first time” at StreetFest was in 1994, “the summer I dyed my hair blonde,” he notes. He is an award-winning writer, composer and performer whose been playing at StreetFest for over a decade. Looking back, he’s literally brought dozens of characters to the Festival. Catch him strolling “Paris Café-style” with his amazing charm…and his accordion. In addition to taking musical requests, Darrin loves serenading people having lunch on the Square. He can also be found at the 2009 Late Night Madness presentations, providing a soundtrack to the hilarity.
Flaming Idiots
USA
Comedy Troupe
The Flaming Idiots are a three-man comedy troupe that burst onto the busking scene in San Francisco in the early 1980’s. This year marks their first visit to StreetFest since 1989. Resplendent with psychedelic innuendo, polished club-passing routines and boundless energy, the trio is made up of Jon O’Connor, Rob
Williams and Kevin Hunt (aka Pyro, Gyro and Walter). The Idiots have performed
on The Today Show, Comic Strip Live, The Tonight Show and others…but have
always preferred live audiences on the street and stage.
Fraser Hooper-Strawberry
UK
Clown/Mime Artist
Fraser Hooper is making his first-ever appearance at StreetFest. After a glittering
career in menswear, he gave it all up to become one of the best dressed acts on the circuit. With a nod to the great silent clowns, Fraser’s unique brand of physical comedy has delighted thousands of audiences worldwide. From sell-out theatres across the UK, to comedy and street festivals of Europe and Australasia, his award-winning show uses audience participation, comedy, juggling and mesmerizing mime. At present, there are no plans to go back to menswear.
Freshly Squeezed
Edmonton
Hip Hop Dancers/ Workshop Leaders
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 popular Be Your Own Busker Workshops.
Galumpha
USA
Physical Comedy
Combining stunning acrobatics, striking visual effects, physical comedy and inventive choreography, Galumpha brings to life a world of imagination, beauty, muscle and merriment. The performers Andy Horowitz, Greg O’Brien, Kate Parlato and Marlon Torres have created a sensory feast of images ranging from the ridiculous to the sublime, drawn together into a seamless whole, consistently bringing audiences to their feet. Galumpha is a triumphant mix of art and entertainment, offering world-class, award-winning choreography (Edinburgh
Festival Critics’ Choice Award) that is equally at home on the concert stage, at a comedy club or at an outdoor festival. The troupe is delighted and honoured to be part of StreetFest’s 25th.
Harvey and Idaho
Edmonton
Kids’ World
In their partnership, Harvey and Idaho have been involved with Kids’ World at StreetFest for the past seven years and are welcoming their eighth year with glee. Other credits include the Comedy Festival, Night of Artists, Edmonton Fashion Week, InterFear Arts Festival, and LoveStyles Fashion Fundraisers. Set/costume design credits include Sterling Award winners, Lobster Telephone (Panties Production), Jeremy Fisher (Concrete Theatre) as well as Swallow (Azimuth Theatre).The boys are also busy with interior design projects and the coordination of a number of fabulous fundraisers for local theatre and charities. Be on the look out for Harvey and Idaho’s up and coming variety show...as they also perform as an acting duo…in their spare time.
Hokum W. Jeebs
USA
Eccentric Musician
Hokum has been playing music and entertaining for many, many years including several performances at StreetFest. His first trip to the Festival was back in 1989. Hokum hasn’t let formal training or changing public tastes get in the way of his relentless pursuit to find the common ground of history. Through thousands of shows performed from symphony halls to street corners, he has left in his wake a steady stream of giggles, grins and guffaws.
Jacquie Paul
Rochfort Bridge
Face Painter
Brush in hand and inspiration on side, the popular Jacquie Paul returns with her special brand of magical face painting. She has participated in over 20 editions of StreetFest over its 25 year history. 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
Edmonton
Roving Clown Characters
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 2009.
John Ullyatt
Edmonton
Performance Artist
Award-winning local actor John Ullyatt returns to StreetFest as the Human
Fountain. It’s wet, it’s wild, it’s wacky, and like a cartoon character from bygone days, this zany businessman, powered by two bicycles, comes to life as festival-goers take turns riding to keep the fun going. This peculiar, people-powered human sprinkler has been popular at festivals all across North America and the UK.
Kim Potter
New Zealand
Variety Artist/ Workshop Leader
Not content with life in tropical paradise, a personal “thank you” from Director James Cameron, and the ability to name drop out of context, Kim returns to Edmonton with the often over-hyped “Straitjacket of Death” and some quite good juggling. Come and watch him, he looks funny. (And be sure to join Kim at our Be Your Own Busker Workshops, where he will be sharing his amazing juggling and diabolo skills.)
Lady Dolphin
Edmonton
Face Painter/Workshop Leader
Lady Dolphin is bursting to “festivalize” the patrons of StreetFest. For over 12 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
Edmonton
Roving Characters
Linda Karenko first appeared at StreetFest in 1995…and many times since. She is honoured to be back on the Square for the 25th anniversary of the Festival. “It has been such a great evolution not only for StreetFest, but for me as an individual and a performer.” Linda has a variety of wacky characters to attest to that. Look for Det. Sgt. Terri Burke patrolling the area and Sheriff Winnie Dean, The Wiener Queen deputizing prospective citizens. Witness Vespa, Festival Warrior Queen displaying her super powers…and be dazzled by the worldly predictions of Madame de la Loon.
Mia’s Facepainting
Sylvan Lake
Face Painting
Originally from Japan, Mia is featured at numerous 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.
Michael Kennard
Edmonton
Clown/Director of Late Night Madness
For the past 20 years, Michael has been a co-creator, performer and producer with the internationally acclaimed clown duo Mump & Smoot (with John Turner). He has studied physical comedy, clown, mask, improve and movement with the best in the
biz, and has taught at distinguished schools around the world…including the University of Alberta. Michael has directed in theatres across Canada and in the US, and has been recognized for his work with numerous awards including a Dora and two Canadian Comedy Awards. His flare for comedy will be put to work as Michael directs the two zany Late Night Madness performances of StreetFest 2009.
Mike Wood
Ontario / UK
Performance Artist
Entertainer. Eccentric. Engineer. Extraordinarily random. Reasonably daft. Totally funny. Mike Wood probably knows more about flying cabbages than anyone else on the planet. He’s done the math. He’s a Canadian living in England and not afraid to
travel on airplanes and cross borders with a catapult. When you witness the
awesome hilarity of a man catching a catapulted cabbage on a spike on his head, you will have no choice but to laugh. It’s science.
Murph
USA
Clown/Physical Comedian
Tom Murphy’s performance might be best described as a synthesis of the European clown and the classic American physical comedian. It is an impetuous journey into the world of Murph, a selfless, self-conscious, guilt-ridden, Catholic, solo entertainer. He will entertain you…he must entertain you...at any cost. In the same vein as Keaton, Lloyd and Chaplin, Murph continues to be one of the top slapstick
comedians alive today. (Oh! Tom has played Edmonton before, including the 2nd Edmonton Street Performers Festival when it was on Rice-Howard way and the 10th anniversary! Should he really still be doing this?)
Neal Rempel
Winnipeg
Variety Artist
After retiring to his isolated prairie yurt in 1997, self-described street performing “legend” Young Raoul (aka Neal Rempel) returns with his first public performance in over ten years. One time star of stage, street and teen slasher flicks, the reclusive Raoul will be presenting his famed “end of career” piece, The Trolley Show. TTS sees the Young One once again pushing the peripheries of pointlessness as he travels the Festival perimeter, often seeming strangely disinterested and always either just returning from delivering a “monster show” or en route to “beginning” another. There will be no encores.
OJ Anderson
USA
Roving Clown
OJ Anderson is one of the old men of StreetFest – he made his debut at our festival in 1986. Over his 36 plus year career he has created puppet voices for Sesame Street; taught clowns for Ringling Bros. Circus; sung with the Michigan, Cleveland, and New York City Operas; and been nominated Top College Entertainer in the U.S. and Canada. Watch your backs (and what’s on them). OJ is back on the beat as the Fashion Cop at StreetFest 2009.
Pete Sweet
USA
Physical Clown
Meet Pete Sweet - a man with a mission. Old style physical clowning meets verbal hilarity in a show packed with singing, dance, juggling and - if you’re very lucky - a stunning finale riding a unicycle up high on a rope. Peter Sweet has honed his skills for over a decade, training at Belgium’s Ecole Superior des Arts du Cirque, the Salzburg Experimental Academy of Dance in Austria, and a secret monastery in the Mountains of China. But Sweet doesn’t stop at technical excellence. Committed to creating unique and engaging theatre, he incorporates character work, clowning and heart into every performance.
Pretzel
Edmonton
Balloon Artist
From intricate balloon animals to large-scale balloon installations, Pretzel (aka Stephen Dubetz) is back at StreetFest to deprive himself of oxygen for your amusement. The kingpin of Edmonton’s “Balloon Gang,” Pretzel will twist and turn thousands of balloons into colourful creations for young and old alike.
The Privy People
Ontario
Performance Artists
Arguably the worst experience anyone has had at any outdoor festival is going to the bathroom, the can, or the privy. Enter The Privy People, a comedy troupe that dedicates themselves to making your portable bathroom experience fun, fruitful, clean, pleasant, sanitary and relaxing. Instead of a bunch of plastic smelly boxes sitting aside from the action, they put them right in the middle, shade them to keep them cool, play strains of music to create an oasis of calm, and of course keep them clean. Enjoy themed portable toilets, cover cozies on the toilet seats, a variety of bathroom tissues to choose from, reading material for every age and taste, and pleasant scents and pictures to make you feel right at home. So come by and visit…
and be sure to ask about their foot washing, conditioning and massage special.
The Queen
Victoria
Roving Artist
Queen Elizabeth, in her elegant regalia, looking remarkably like comic Carolyn
Sadowska, is here celebrating HER royal 25th anniversary along with the Festival’s 25th. Come visit “Her Majesty” on her royal walkabouts. Catch up with the latest news from the palace, get an invite to tea or fine-tune that royal wave of yours.
Rob Tores
USA
Performance Artist
Whether he’s changing his clothes, setting the table, or just sitting down, Rob Torres has a unique way of bringing out the absurdity of everyday tasks. His award winning international comedy has made him one of the foremost visual comedy acts in the world today. See for yourself why Rob has been in great demand by top venues worldwide for the past ten years, and why he is renown around the globe as the “International Man of Mirth.” This is Rob’s fourth visit to StreetFest.
P’Wan
Thailand
Face Painter
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.
Ron Pearson
Edmonton
Magician
Ron’s first StreetFest was in 1989. Since then, he’s performed his magic show many times, presented a live “Mermaid Sideshow,” performed in “The UnNaturals” with his son and daughter, and has been involved on the StreetFest Board, currently as
President. This year, Ron is performing a brand new show, sneaking around the site doing sleight of hand magic.
Sabrina Samuel - Mehndi Magic
Medicine Hat
Skin Art
Sabrina Samuel helped introduce the beautiful art of mehndi to StreetFest several years ago and has seen the practice flourish into one of the most beautiful and popular trends in contemporary skin art. As an ancient tradition, mehndi ornamented Indian brides. Now, natural henna is the perfect summertime decoration.
The Silly People
Kitchener/Waterloo
Comedians/ Workshop Leaders
Phil LeConte and Colin Franks are two guys from Kitchener/Waterloo who have a flair for ‘silliness.’ They’ve been performing for over 16 years and have worked in 15 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 hey, pick up on their skills, as Phil and Colin teach the tricks of the trade at our Be Your Own Busker Workshops.)
Silver Elvis
Ontario
Performance Artist
Silver Elvis is the most unique spin on Elvis you will ever see. A creation of performance artist Peter Jarvis, this robotic statue of The King, (not unlike Elvis himself), is cash-activated. (Thank you. Thank you very much.) In a world of 58,000
Elvis impersonators, there is only one true Elvis simulator. Silver Elvis sightings have been made from New Zealand to Ukraine, Malasia to Ireland. A popular performer at Edmonton’s StreetFest, he’s appropriately ‘back in the building’ for the Silver Anniversary. Join in the fun as teens freak, grandmothers swoon and toddlers dance with the king of bling.
Simon Glassman
Edmonton
Caricaturist
See what you’d look like as a superhero, a 70’s rockstar or a Mongol warlord. At Simon’s caricature booth, you’ll be able to have you and your friends drawn in whatever situation or get-up your hearts desire. Simon is a 23-year-old artist currently living in Edmonton who enjoys going to school, movies and music reviews
that use the word ‘paradigm’.
Swank
UK
Performance Artists
Swank is an internationally renowned street theatre company specializing in highly interactive, visually dynamic character comedy. This all female group, made up of fabulous street theatre artists and comics, is making their first-ever appearance at StreetFest. Based in London, UK, Swank has performed in festivals all around the world from Singapore to Australia, New Zealand to Denmark. Catch them at StreetFest as the “Be Prepared” good time Girl Guides (where everyone is a badge winner) and as “the Price Check” check out girls. (Be careful, you may be “marked up” or “reduced to clear!”)
The Vinyl Burns Rock’N’Roll Comedy Experience
New Zealand
Comedy Musical Artist
Still basking in the glory of last year’s World Record Breaking Chocolate Milk Marathon, Vinyl Burns (aka Kim Potter) returns to the streets of Edmonton with
more ridiculous stunts and rock’n’roll good times. After creating beautiful spiraling loops of live music, Vinyl dares to combine the two arch enemies of the performing world... the comedy unicycle and the heavy metal ukulele. If you’re looking for something a little different, a little romantic and a little ridiculous, Vinyl is your man.
Won Israel (aka Cap ’n Arrr )
USA
Performance Artist
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. After a popular stint with StreetFest last year, Won is back to entertain at Kids’ World and around the Square.
Zandra Bell
Edmonton
Comedian
Zandra Bell, one of the most brilliantly funny humorists on the North American conference circuit, is well known on the business scene for creating original, intelligent hilarity, customized specifically to her clients’ industry, profession or theme - and performed in the persona of the charmingly outrageous, hit sensation....“Shirley Best.” Shirley is a campy yet charismatic fifty something housewife embarking on a search for self fulfillment. One delighted reviewer described her as a cross between “Oprah, Anthony Robbins and Roseanne.”
