Since the turn of the century, have you ever made your way to the city’s annual late-summer festival Toronto International Buskerfest? Have you found yourself amazed and enthralled by the wide, sometimes wild range of performers it brings together?
If not, read on to discover why you may want to make this the year you do. And if so, one of the people you owe thanks to is Mackenzie Muldoon, Director of Communications for BuskerFest and Epilepsy Toronto. With a tenure dating back to the festival’s inception in 2000, she has maintained an unwavering dual commitment to entertainment and a worthy cause.
“I hate to date myself, but… I have actually been working on the festival since it began back in 2000,” Muldoon humbly reflects. “I started out as the Volunteer Coordinator, and have worn many hats over the years. Currently and for the past many years, I have been the Entertainment and Marketing Director, and it has been such an honour to work with the BuskerFest and Epilepsy Toronto team for all these years. So many of us have been here for a long time, as we just love this festival, the entertainers, and the people it brings together so much!”
The genesis of Toronto BuskerFest lies in a fortuitous encounter and an inspiring vision. “Back in 1999, our Executive Director, Geoff Bobb, was looking for a new way to raise funds for Epilepsy Toronto,” Mackenzie explains. “He attended the Busker Festival in Kingston, Ontario and was blown away.” He wondered why Toronto didn’t have a similar event, and so the seed was planted. The idea behind BuskerFest was to provide Toronto with an exciting, fun and entertaining event that also raises money for an important organization, Epilepsy Toronto. To this day, BuskerFest is the only major arts festival in the world that is organized and run by a charity as a fundraising event. “Epilepsy affects 1 in 100 people, and anyone can develop epilepsy at any time in their life,” Muldoon explains. “We hope that BuskerFest also helps to raise some awareness about this incredibly common condition.”
With anticipation building for this year’s Toronto Buskerfest, Muldoon’s enthusiasm for the festival’s diversity of entertainment options is palpable: “We have an incredible lineup of performers from around the globe – performers who spend a lifetime honing their craft and choose to perform on the street and in festivals, where they are accessible to all. We have incredible jugglers, magicians, daredevils, acrobats, contortionists, hula hoopers, clowns, musicians, fire performers, and so much more!”
This year’s participating artists include:
- The Croquiky Brothers: Hailing from Korea, this dynamic duo blends dance, circus, and upside-down drawing into a non-verbal show that’s as hilarious as it is mesmerizing. Their unique act promises to captivate audiences of all ages.
- Quinn Beasley: Brings a thrilling mix of comedy and stunts. Having performed with Cirque du Soleil and Just for Laughs, Quinn’s show features a fusion of top-tier circus and comedic timing. The result is a whirlwind of hilarity that punctuates each thrilling moment.
- Steve Goodtimes: Known as a fan favourite from America’s Got Talent, this local performer combines rock opera with circus magic. His electrifying guitar and jaw-dropping tricks promise an unforgettable experience that’s equal parts music and spectacle.
- The Street Circus: The 2023 People’s Choice award winners return to BuskerFest with a high energy show featuring over 100 tricks and stunts! This award-winning duo from Winnipeg’s act includes acrobatics, circus skills, fire juggling, and lots of laughs. For anyone who missed thier show last year, it’s a must-see for this year.
- NorthFIRE Circus: A highlight of the night-time festivities, NorthFIRE Circus offers breathtaking fire performances with choreographed acts that include fire hoops, poi, and acrobatics. A dazzling display of skill that will leave you in awe.
Again, this year’s BuskerFest offers a dimension that cements Muldoon’s assertion that “this event is for everyone”: “We are featuring performers of the four-legged variety, with our NEW feature: Bark in the Park TO. This area will not only feature vendors and activities geared towards our canine friends, but it also has performances BY dogs, and even a cat!” This year’s lineup includes the celebrity animal performers, The Ultimutts, as well as a new addition from the USA: The Scotty Dog Show. This exciting act features veteran busker turned dog trainer Scotty Houghton and renowned dog trainer and National Dog Trick Champion Chrissy Joy, along with their amazing team of talented canines!
So with more than 100 human performers gracing the festival’s stages, how can the festival goers maximize their enjoyment? Muldoon advises keeping it simple: “come with an open mind and an open schedule, and just wander.” Performances will take place throughout Woodbine Park on seven different stages, as well as in between the stages. “There will be big shows and small shows – and I truly believe there are performances for everyone. Plus, there is a Beer Garden with live music, an artisan village, lots of food options, and a Family Fun Zone with interactive workshops and a whole NEW BuskerBricks area, too!”
Embodying the spirit of creativity, community, and compassion – not to mention outstanding entertainment and four-legged fun – Toronto international Buskerfest for Epilepsy happens this Labour Day weekend.
For information, including a map and performance schedule, visit torontobuskerfest.com.
© Arpita Ghosal, Sesayarts Magazine, 2024
