GALA REVIEW
The fifth annual Scotiabank BuskerBall kicked off the festivities for North America’s largest street performers festival, Scotiabank BuskerFest, with an evening of glamour, giggles and gastronomic delights, along with live and silent auctions was an intimate preview of the world’s most spectacular and unique performers headlining this year’s festival!
More than 600 chic and funky dressed guests attended the Busker Ball which took place at the former Maple Leaf Gardens. The event was fabulously designed by Interior Designer Jamie Alexander (former host of “Designs by 2” and owner of Alexander Interiors and Designs Inc.) who also acted as Auctioneer for the live auction. Dress for the evening is business chic or funky fabulous!!
Musical Performances throughout the evening were by Dr. Draw
FESTIVAL PERFORMERS who showcase their talents included:
The Sauruses – All the way from prehistoric times, by way of modern-day Holland and Close Act Theatre, these beautiful, larger-than-life dinos are absolutely thrilling.
Catwall Acrobats – defying the laws of physics, these jaw-dropping acrobats from Quebec City teeter on a teeterboard apparatus that propels them up to 9 metres high in the air!
Gabriel Angelo – aka MasterBlaster G, this San Francisco-based performer is not your average 14-year-old! Gabe is an impressive trumpet-playing, tap-dancing wunderkind whose charisma and talent have already landed him on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Duo ComicCasa – a super funny Swiss/Israeli couple delight with a show about their love for circus! “NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!”
Charlie Caper – winner of Sweden’s Got Talent, this incredible magician stuns audiences with his superb sleight-of-hand skills.
Natural Elements – using stunning aerial imagery and acrobatics, this Australia based troupe will demonstrate how they fly against the odds.
Lisa Lottie – a world-class hula hoopist from the Netherlands with super stunts of flexibility!
Chris Capehart – crowd favourite who started on the streets of New York City 40 years ago with his accomplished interactive comedy-magic show.
USA Break Dancers – these high-energy break dancers are winners of 7 People’s Choice Awards at festivals around the world!
It was a great fundraiser for Epilepsy Toronto. Approximately one in 100 people live with epilepsy, the world’s most common neurological disorder. Epilepsy Toronto is a non-profit organization that provides support to more than 40,000 people living with epilepsy in this city. The Scotiabank BuskerBall and BuskerFest events raise funds to support Epilepsy Toronto’s programs.
If you missed this year’s gala, make plans to attend next year’s event!
REVIEW and PHOTOS by Joey Cee
