World’s top street performers named in festival

News release
November 15, 2010

World’s top street performers named in festival line-up

The crème de la crème of street performers are coming to Christchurch in January for what promises to be the biggest and best World Buskers Festival yet.

Directors Jodi Wright and Jo Blair have just unveiled a stellar line-up of 50 performers and 500 shows for the 10-day festival, including some favourite faces from the past and a host of exciting and talented newcomers.

The ever-popular Blackstreet Boyz and the Daredevil Chicken Club are both making welcome returns to Christchurch, as are New Zealand’s favourite entertainers, The Topp Twins, and comedian Sam Wills.

The new acts selected for the 2011 festival include:

• The Half-Naked Chef, a spoof Australian TV cook whose culinary demonstrations will change your view of TV cooking shows forever.

• Jack Dagger, the self-proclaimed American King of Fling who has found fame and fortune from throwing knives and tomahawks and cracking whips.

• Jessica Arpin, a Brazilian-born clown who has entertained audiences around the world.

• Canadian fire tamers Les Walkyries, whose artistry with fire leaves audiences gasping.

• Portuguese clown Pedro Tachos, who is a regular street performer but also stars on a top Portuguese TV comedy series

• Sammy J & Randy, winners of the Australia’s premier comedy award.

• Australian circus performer and comedian Asher Treleaven whose comic genius has earned him rave reviews around the world.

• American contortionist Jonathan Burns who has been entertaining people with his special blend of magic and sideshow stunts since the age of 12.

“As always we’ve hand-picked every act and only selected those we think can meet the incredibly high standard festival goers have come to expect from this event,” says Ms Wright.

“We’re thrilled with the line-up we’ve assembled and are confident they’ll lift everybody’s spirits, ensure laugh muscles get a good work out and help get the new year off to a raucous start.”

The new acts aren’t the only thing that will set the 2011 World Buskers Festival apart from previous festivals. New venues have also been added.

“We’re going to have a new night-time venue in Cathedral Square. The Pacific Blue Buskers Club will kick off each night with Nothing But Stand Up – hosted by Michele A’Court and featuring Jeremy Elwood, Simon McKinney and Vaughn King. This quartet of funny will take to the stage every night at 8pm. They’re going to have the audience rolling in the aisles,” Ms Wright says.

“We’re going to use that same venue for our new Buskers Burlesque, which will kick off at 10.30pm from Friday 21 to Saturday 29 January. It’s going to be a little bit risqué, a little bit naughty and lots of fun.”

As well Christchurch’s icon Arts Centre is again hosting comedy every night at 7pm throughout the festival at the Stoneleigh Arts Centre Comedy Club in the North Quad.

The number of musical acts taking part in the festival has also been greatly increased.

“Last year’s introduction of music to the buskers’ acts was a huge success so this year we’ve decided to extend the talent line-up at one great pitch location outside Christchurch Art Gallery, because we know it will draw a new group of people to the festival,” Ms Wright says.

* The website for the 2011 World Buskers Festival is now live www.worldbuskersfestival.com. Go online to win a trip with Pacific Blue to the Adelaide Fringe Festival.

The website features profiles of all the acts performing and a full list of scheduled performances. Entry to most shows is free although people are asked to donate to the performers.

ENDS

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