5 days / 5 stages 20+ performers / 175,000 people An unforgettable experience.August 2-6, 2018 • Sparks Street

OTTAWA

NO NEED TO RUN AWAY… JUST JOIN THE

Join our talented team of professional busker & circus instructors onsite every day of the festival from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm and try

your hand at plate spinning, juggling, diabolo and more!

WORKSHOPS ARE FREE!

PRODUCED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

SUNDAY FUNDAY

Escape the heat and catch five crazy acts in a private, laugh-riot show for the whole family!

SUnday, August 5th 1:30 - 3:30 PM Marriott Hotel Ballroom All Ages

Available at ottawabuskerfest.com or at the door

INCLUDES A FREE DRINK!

Comedy! Juggling! Acrobatics! Magic!

Tickets

$15

On behalf of Members of Ottawa City Council, it is my distinct pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all those participating in the 27th Annual Ottawa International Buskers Festival, taking place on the historic Sparks Street Mall from August 2nd to 6th 2018.

I am delighted to offer my moral support to this innovative and spectacular festival providing a valuable forum for a diversity of Canadian and international street performers to demonstrate their artistic and acrobatic skills to the amazement of festivalgoers of all ages. The Ottawa International Buskers Festival Organizing Committee also merits accolades for providing a barrier-free venue of family-friendly entertainment over four days.

As Head of Council, I want also to acknowledge the Ottawa International Buskers Festival Organizing Committee, participating buskers, volunteers and sponsors for dedicating efforts, talents, expertise and resources to the successful staging of this premier busker showcase.

Allow me to convey my best wishes to everyone in attendance for a memorable festival and to the visitors for a most enjoyable stay in Ottawa.

Sincerely,

J’ai l’immense plaisir de souhaiter la bienvenue, au nom des membres du Conseil municipal d’Ottawa, à tous les participants au 27e Festival international des arts de la rue d’Ottawa qui a lieu du 2 au 6 août 2018 au mail historique de la rue Sparks.

Je suis enchanté d’apporter mon soutien moral à ce festival spectaculaire et novateur qui donne à des amuseurs de rue canadiens et autres venus de l’étranger l’occasion de montrer leurs talents artistiques et acrobatiques, à la stupéfaction des festivaliers de tous âges. Le comité organisateur du Festival international des arts de la rue d’Ottawa mérite également des éloges, car il offre quatre journées de divertissement pour toute la famille, et ce, dans un cadre accessible à tous.

En tant que chef du Conseil, je tiens aussi à saluer le comité organisateur du Festival international des arts de la rue d’Ottawa, les amuseurs de rue participants, les bénévoles et les commanditaires pour les efforts, le talent, le savoir-faire et les ressources qu’ils ont utilisés pour réussir à mettre sur pied ce spectacle d’arts de la rue de première classe.

Je souhaite aux participants un festival inoubliable et aux visiteurs, un séjour des plus agréables à Ottawa.

Cordialement,

Jim Watson, Mayor/Maire

Acts not to be missedWorld-class performers from across the globe bring years of training in blood, sweat, and smiles (no tears here) to amaze audiences of all ages on Ottawa’s beautiful Sparks Street.

WHO’S ON?

PERFORMERS

CANADA

Aerial AnticsRefined and inspiring performances, a mix the elegance of aerial dance with the excitement of dynamic twists and falls.

Aerial Antics is Ottawa’s “vertical theater” company, delivering a playful approach to choreography that incorporates performance arts with crowd animation.

CANADA

Balloon MaestroA trailblazing balloon innovator.

Sean Rooney is an artist who uses balloons in a delightfully original way.He has developed techniques to make magic, music, fashion, sculpture, puppets, and sound effects using balloons as his sole visible (and acoustic) prop. His performances are fun, funny, and tuned to each particular audience, and his sculptures have been featured in major museums and festivals.

GERMANY

BlankoWinner of the World Living Statues competition in Arnhem, 2010.

Blanko is a white living statue who acts as a canvas for the imagination of the audience. He is painted with new layers of paint over and over again, until he becomes a modern piece of art which even Jackson Pollock could not have imagined.

PERFORMERS

UK

Bill FergusonA master of hand-eye coordination and tension: one of the best non-juggling jugglers in the world

Bill Ferguson is a master of crowd control. In his hilarious show of choices and consequences Bill challenges the audience to give him three things to juggle. If he can’t, he gets a pie in the face. If he can... well... you have to come to the show to find out what happens next.

NEW ZEALAND

Fraser Hooper“Perfect comic timing, Hooper is super” - The Sunday Mail Australia

Direct from Wellington, New Zealand, the world’s only former menswear manager turned street fighting clown, boxing’s biggest baddy, Fraser Hooper, will dare to challenge all comers in a three-round bout of pure comedy carnage. This is a must-see for all sport and comedy fans everywhere. Get a ringside seat for a guaranteed belly-aching knockout performance by an artist who’s been performing for 27 years in over 30 countries.

Award-winning clown and festival favourite, Fraser Hooper returns after the worldwide success of Funny Business and Insideout with another mesmeric mime show. With classic ingredients of hilarious audience involvement, ridiculous routines and a complete disregard for his own safety, you won’t want to miss this legendary performer.

PERFORMERS

INDIA

JaarduAndrew Elliott has created the character of Jaardu from both his Eastern and Western heritage. He is, by turns, cheeky and provocative, irreverent and flirtatious. Straddling both worlds, he is able to gently poke fun of Eastern and Western stereotypes, provoking humour and goodwill.

Andrew has developed a very unique performance which encompasses magic, comedy and a very original snake-charming routine. He now tours throughout Europe, Canada, Australia and South East Asia with this colourful, energetic show of intrigue, suspense, mystique and humour.

JAPAN

George KamikawaWinner of the Australian Country Music Busking Championship at the Tamworth Country Music Festival and the Australian Busking Championship!

George hails from Japan but has made his home in Australia. He has honed his skills to become an exemplary blues artist. His playing is typified by its raw energy and broad tonal range--from delicate harmonics to searing rips and slides on guitar, soulful singing, multiple drum pedals by foot and driving rhythms on harmonica, he is a one-man band. You can find him busking regularly in Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne and at events and festivals in Australia and overseas.

PERFORMERS

CANADA

Les Dudes: Stories in the CityIn the world of stories anything can happen! With physical comedy, music and circus we invite you to imagine, enjoy and have fun. Who knows, you might even get to discover your inner prince or princess during the show.

Les Dudes combine circus skills with clever comedy, live music and storytelling without words. The first show, “Let’s do this!” (which includes the world’s smallest teeterboard) premiered in 2013 and has since then travelled to 29 countries.

Their second show, “Stories in the city” is an interactive street theatre performance inspired by the stories and imagination of the Danish writer, H.C. Andersen.

CANADA

Mr. SmithKevin Smith, who goes by the stage name, “Mr. Smith” is one of Ottawa’s most entertaining up-and-coming illusionists. His passion for magic shines in every performance as he dazzles the mind and has his audience rolling with laughter.

Kevin’s performances are a mixture of tricks, comedy, mentalism and mesmerizing illusions. He’s versatile, which makes him great at entertaining children, guests at restaurants and even engaging executives at after-dinner corporate events.

PERFORMERS

CANADA

NorthFIRE CircusNorthFIRE is a high energy show, with beautifully choreographed fire acts that will amaze. Featuring a diverse set of highly skilled variety-circus performances that include fire hoops, poi, staff, levi wand and acrobatics, this is a powerful show perfect for the whole family. Let NorthFIRE turn sparks into magic, before your very eyes.

AUSTRALIA

Reuben DotdotdotReuben Dotdotdot defies gravity and death with acrobatic stunts and balances you need to see to believe. The show that has it all–humour, handstands, and holding on for dear life! With a spinning one-handed balance 17 feet up in the air, concrete never looked so hard…

Born in Melbourne, Australia, Reuben Dotdotdot discovered gymnastics and spent the next 5 years training and competing. At the age of 16 he looked at his competition leotard, realised that purple and gold were not his colours, and quit. For the next several years he nurtured his passions for surfing, skating and snowboarding, eventually training in traditional acrobatics from the Beijing Acrobatic Troupe, and aquiring a huge range of circus and performance skills... as well as a complete loss of vertigo.

His résumé includes 2nd in Street Performance World Championship, Dublin, Cork, Chinese pole specialist for Cirque du Soleil’s “Saltimbanco”, Winner Peoples Choice 2013 & 2014, Vancouver Buskers Festival and Port Credit Buskers Festival, Winner Peoples Choice 2013 Victoria Busker’s Festival and Halifax Buskers Festival, and Winner Peoples Choice 2014 Toronto Scotiabank Buskerfest.

PERFORMERS

CANADA

Ringmaster KA hilarious and amazing interactive circus show. His death-defying stunts will thrill and his comedy will delight audiences of all ages!

CANADA

Rockabilly JoeA circus artist and street performer with a 1950’s twist.

Highly enjoyed by all ages, Joey always find a unique twist to his acrobatic and juggling tricks. He prides himself on delivering a truly unique show with skills you won’t see anywhere else. Performing in French and English, he has performed for a truly diverse audience around the world for the past 12 years. This show will have you consistently laughing while at times feeling nervous for his safety.

ARGENTINA

Victor Rubilar“The performance is so entertaining that the crowd does not tire of cheering on!“

-The Emirates Evening Post

Victor’s highly technical talents are sure to be taken seriously. With 20 international awards and 5 Guinness World Records under his belt, he delivers a unique and world-class performance. But he also knows how to have a bit of fun and get the audience laughing with him. Victor combines juggling with footballs, dance and audience interaction to create a 45 minutes show that is a party on stage.

PERFORMERS

AUSTRALIA

Sisters of SpinGrace and Satya are the mistresses of multi-hoop. They are sisters of state-of-the-art LED hula hoop and the dynamic duo of the exciting fire hoop! These hula girls will entertain, amaze and dazzle!

PERFORMERS

CANADA

Spring ActionHigh-flying, electrifying family fun… prepare to laugh, groan, and be amazed! Action-packed from start to finale with stunning trampoline skill, awesome acrobatics, and gut-busting comedy–you will need to check this show out!

Spring Action’s TRAMP-OLYMPIAN SHOW features the high-flying flips of Canadian trampoline olympian, Heather Ross McManus, and the crazy comedy and acrobatic antics of Sean McManus. With the show taking place 20 feet in the air, everyone is assured to have VIP seating!

CANADA

Street CircusA Complete Circus Spectacle! This show embodies everything great about going to a modern circus and the fun and spontaneity of street performing.

Dan and Kim bring the whole circus experience to the street, performing over 100 tricks and stunts throughout their show including cyr wheel, hand-to-hand acrobatics, hula hoops, handstands, contortion, fire juggling and of course, comedy!

PERFORMERS

CANADA

The Checkerboard Guy“…an exuberant daredevil, a real, inspirational laugh-riot.”

- Mike Ross, The Edmonton Sun

Since 1981 David Aiken has performed as ‘The Checkerboard Guy,’ a comic daredevil who’s manic energy, zany sense of humour and robust skill set have been his passport to the globe! His award-winning comedic variety show has been compared to Steve Martin, Pee Wee Herman and even a live-action version of The Simpsons. Bottom line–his infectious energy and crazy stunts will leave you rolling in the aisles!

CANADA

Mike WoodMike Wood is a natural born comedian. He does dumb things the smart way, and smart things the dumb way. If he’s not catching a catapulted cabbage on a spike on his head, he’s probably riding around on a bicycle that steers in reverse.

Starting out as a street performer at outdoor festivals in Canada, Mike developed a slick outdoor stunt comedy show, and has since moved to indoor stages all over the world. He is a successful stand up comedian, host and actor, but it is Mike Wood’s “Catapulted Cabbage Catch” that has taken him around the world. From Toronto to Singapore, Dublin to Christchurch, Bruges to Barcelona, Mike has performed in every province of Canada and 13 different countries.

MEANWHILE, IN THE CROWD...

Strolling PerformersCatch amazing, unscheduled performances all over Sparks

Street. Clowns, balloon-artists, face-painters, stilt-walkers… you never know who (or what) you’ll see.

Shops & RestaurantsLounge on a patio and enjoy heritage views! If you haven’t

strolled down Sparks Street lately, there are so many unique stores & spaces you need to explore – so many restaurants you need to try! Find something on Sparks Street between

Elgin and Lyon to spark your imagination!

ONLY ON

The scheduleThe Ottawa International Buskerfest is five days of non-stop laughs and amazement. With each performer appearing as many as four times per day, you can be sure to catch your favourites and then come back for seconds.

A FIVE-DAY EXTRAVAGANZA

Thursday

12:00 PM Street Circus Rockabilly Joe George Kamikawa

12:30 PM Fraser Hooper

1:00 PM Jaardu

5:30 PM Victor Rubilar

6:30 PM Balloon Maestro Mr. Smith

7:00 PM Fraser Hooper

7:30 PM Mike Wood Jaardu George Kamikawa

8:00 PM Street Circus Reuben Dotdotdot

8:30 Checkerboard Guy Mr. Smith

9:00 PM North Fire Circus

9:30 PM Sisters of Spin George Kamikawa

AUGUST 2 ND

Schedule subject to change.

Friday

11:00 AM Street Circus George Kamikawa

12:00 PM Checkerboard Guy Spring Action Blanko

1:00 PM Reuben DotDotDot Sisters of Spin Mr. Smith

2:00 PM Fraser Hooper Victor Rubilar George Kamikawa

3:00 PM Ringmaster K Jaardu Blanko

4:00 PM Bill Ferguson Rockabilly Joe Mr. Smith

5:00 PM Street Circus Balloon Maestro

6:00 PM Checkerboard Guy Mike Wood

6:30 PM Blanko

7:00 PM Reuben Spring Action

7:30 PM Fraser Hooper Jaardu George Kamikawa

8:00 PM Street Circus

8:30 PM Bill Ferguson Victor Rubilar Mr Smith

9:00 PM North Fire Circus Sisters of Spin

9:30 PM Checkerboard Guy Mike Wood

10:00 PM Balloon Maestro Group Show

AUGUST 3 RD

Schedule subject to change.

GROUPSHOW

THE A true street performer spectacular! Join dozens of Buskerfest performers for a stage show like you’ve never seen.

Saturday, August 4th 10:15 PM • CTV Stage FREE • All Ages

Saturday

11:00 AM Jaardu Rockabilly Joe Les Dudes

11:30 AM Bill Ferguson Mike Wood

12:00 PM Balloon Maestro Checkerboard Guy George Kamikawa

12:30 PM Street Circus Reuben Dotdotdot

1:00 PM Fraser Hooper Spring Action Ringmaster K

1:30 PM Victor Rubilar Mr Smith

2:00 PM Jonny Nickle Kicker Mike Wood George Kamikawa

2:30 PM Bill Ferguson Sisters of Spin

3:00 PM Jaardu Rockabilly Joe Blanko

3:30 PM Street Circus Reuben Dotdotdot

4:00 PM Balloon Maestro Checkerboard Guy Ringmaster K

4:30 PM Victor Rubilar Les Dudes

5:00 PM Fraser Hooper Spring Action Blanko

5:30 PM Bill Ferguson Jonny Nickle Kicker

6:00 PM Jaardu Mike Wood

6:30 PM Street Circus Rockabilly Joe

7:00 PM Balloon Maestro Reuben Dotdotdot Les Dudes

7:30 PM Victor Rubilar Fraser Hooper

8:00 PM Checkerboard Guy Spring Action George Kamikawa

8:30 PM Street Circus Sisters of Spin

9:00 PM Mike Wood North Fire circus Balloon Maestro

9:30 PM Jonny Nickle Kicker Sisters of Spin

10:15 PM Fire Show

AUGUST 5 TH

Schedule subject to change.

Join some of the world’s best fire performers as they literally light up Sparks Street. Featuring North Fire Circus and the Sisters of Spin with their spectacular fire and light

shows along with a cadre of other Incredible artists from around the world.

Saturday, August 4th 10:15 PM MAJIC 100 Stage • FREE • All Ages

11:00 AM Spring Action Victor Rubilar Mr Smith

11:30 AM Reuben Dotdotdot Les Dudes

12:00 PM Fraser Hooper Street Circus Blanko

12:30 PM Jaardu Checkerboard Guy

1:00 PM Mike Wood George Kamikawa Sisters of Spin

1:30 PM Ringmaster K Balloon Maestro

2:00 PM Bill's Choice Victor Rubilar Blanko

2:30 PM Rockabilly Joe

3:00 PM Spring Action Street Circus Mr Smith

3:30 PM Reuben Dotdotdot Checkerboard Guy

4:00 PM Mike Wood George Kamikawa Blanko

4:30 PM Jaardu Fraser Hooper

5:00 PM Sisters of Spin Victor Rubilar Balloon Maestro

5:30 PM Ringmaster K

6:00 PM Bill's Choice Street Circus Les Dudes

6:30 PM Rockabilly Joe Checkerboard Guy

7:00 PM Spring Action Jaardu

7:30 PM Reuben Dotdotdot Mr Smith Fraser Hooper

8:00 PM Balloon Maestro Mike Wood

8:30 PM North Fire Circus Les Dudes

9:00 PM Sisters of Spin Mr Smith

9:30 PM Rockabilly Joe

10:10 PM North Fire Circus

SundayAUGUST 5 TH

Schedule subject to change.

Monday

11:00 Rockabily Joe Spring Action Blanko

11:30 Mike Wood Bill Ferguson

12:00 Fraser Hooper Ringmaster K George Kamikawa

12:30 Fraser Hooper Les Dudes

13:00 Victor Rubilar Reuben Dotdotdot Mr Smith

13:30 Balloon Maestro Jaardu

14:00 Checkerboard Guy Spring Action Blanko

14:30 Sisters of Spin Bill's Choice

15:00 Rockabilly Joe Ringmaster K George Kamikawa

15:30 Mike Wood Les Dudes

16:00 Fraser Hooper Reuben Dotdotdot Mr Smith

16:30 Fraser Hooper Jaardu

17:00 Victor Rubilar Balloon Maestro

17:30 Grand Finale

AUGUST 6 TH

Schedule subject to change.

GRANDFINALE

THE An all-out variety extravaganza! Catch 12 festival favourite acts — and more — putting on one last big show at Buskerfest. The Grand Finale show is always full of collaborations and crazy surprises, not to mention the People’s Choice Award presentation, so don’t miss it!

Monday, August 6th 5:30 PM • CTV Stage FREE • All Ages

Corporate Sponsors Media Sponsors Web Sponsors

3 Brewers Deli Kat Cafe Morgante Menswear Spin Kitchen & Bar

73 North Elsa G Nate's Deli Starbucks

A2 Prêt à Porter Escape Bike Tours Ottawa Insectorium Subway

Albert Opticians Esthetics by Lucie Ottawa Leather Goods Sushi Shop

Alyea's Jewellers Ltd. Freshii Palermo Express Teriyaki Experience

Appletree Clinic Good LIfe Fitness Parliament Pub The Haunted Walk

Asian Gourmet Wok Grill Greco Lean & Fit Parliament Souvenirs The Shoe Box

Bello Uomo Fine Men's Wear Her Esthetician RBC The Snow Goose

Bentons Howard Fine Jewellers RE Residence The Watch Store

Bier Markt Jewellery Plus ll Retro Rides Vintage Bike Shop Tim Horton's

Bridgehead Jimmy the Greek Rexall Plus Timothy's World Coffee

Brixton's British Pub La Mode Hair Salon & Day Spa Riviera Treasure Planet

Cafe Delikat Lady Dive Bus Tours Scotiabank True Bijoux

Canada's Four Corners Le Moulin de Provence Shear Heaven Hair Design Studio Tutto Pasta

Centre 360 Health & Wellness Lunch Smiles on Sparks Vie Bella Market & Deli

CIBC Manhattans Handmade Burgers South Block Whiskey Bar Winners

Cock & Lion Pub Marcello's Sparks Dental Clinic Winners

D'Arcy McGees Marriott Hotel Sparks Hair & Spa

The Ottawa International Buskerfest is proudly presented by the merchants of Sparks Street.

Shop. Savour. Social. www.sparkslive.com

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