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Media Refer: D.W. Communications - Dianne Weinrib / Amy Stewart
Phone: 416-703-5479 Fax: 416-703-5465 E-mail: dwc@total.net

A TRENDY NEW LOCATION PLUS MORE SPECTACULAR PERFORMERS
MAKE THE FOURTH ANNUAL BUSKERFEST THE BEST YET!
AUGUST 21-24, 2003 AT THE HISTORIC ST. LAWRENCE MARKET NEIGHBORHOOD
- Event proceeds to benefit Epilepsy Toronto -

Toronto, ON, May 12, 2003...Sword-swallowers, fire-breathers, dare-devils, musicians, magicians, mimes and everything in between will be featured at the fourth annual BuskerFest where over 40 of the world’s best street performers will showcase their incredible talents. From Thursday, August 21 to Sunday, August 24, audiences will flock to BuskerFest, Toronto’s international street performers festival presented by Epilepsy Toronto with the support of its title sponsor, Scotiabank. Always expanding, BuskerFest will be presented for the first time ever around the historic St. Lawrence Market neighborhood. Front Street will be closed to traffic between Church and Jarvis Streets for four days and three nights of comedy high jinks, incredible athleticism, pure showmanship and vivid performances from world class buskers from Canada, the U.S., Australia, Europe and beyond.

As in the past, admission is free with a voluntary donation of your choice to Epilepsy Toronto, a non-profit organization that provides support to more than 40,000 people living with epilepsy in this city.

This year’s event will be an absolute spectacle of sight, sound, and up-close and personal entertainment. Epilepsy Toronto is anticipating that this new location will draw well over 100,000 spectators - young and old alike - over the four days of the event. Joining the myriad of awesome buskers, roving musicians, sketch artists, artisan vendors and delicious foods will round out the entertainment. "We are always on the look out for the most unique talent possible from all corners of the world to constantly deliver an event that ranks with the best in our city and allows us to promote Epilepsy Toronto as well" said Geoff Bobb, Executive Director of Epilepsy Toronto. "BuskerFest will certainly be an event not to be missed."

Watch for Australia’s amazing Alakazam in his Toronto debut performing aerial stunts and comic contortions; the United Kingdom’s Miss Behave, a surprisingly sophisticated sword-swallowing lady; Australia’s high energy OKA, playing didgeridoo mixed with pumping electronic beats; Australia’s Lucky Diamond Rich, a tattooed daredevil performing the most death-defying circus stunts; Japan’s Edo-Daikagura Senji & Senmaru Kagami who put a new spin on a traditional Japanese juggling act; Calgary’s mayhem-and-cocktail inspired Hot Nuts & Popcorn comedy improv troupe; Quebec City’s Kromatik who turn participants into a living canvas with body paint and limitless creativity; Montreal’s Dado a world renowned balloon sculpturer, magician and mime; and New York’s USA Dancers whose break dance showcase features explosive old school moves with their new school style.

"We are delighted that the St. Lawrence Market Neighborhood Business Improvement Area (BIA) is welcoming BuskerFest. It will bring people to our area who will experience what Front Street is all about," said Mike Comstock, Chairman of the BIA. "BuskerFest is thrilled to be associated with the historic St. Lawrence Market neighborhood and the merchants of the BIA. If everyone that attends would drop a twoonie in our collection bins, we would be well on our way to eliminating the stigma that surrounds people that are affected by epilepsy to ensure they feel empowered and in control of their lives, included as equals, and treated with dignity," stated Bobb.

Epilepsy Toronto is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of independence and optimal quality of life for all people with epilepsy and their families. The association has provided support services, information, advocacy and public education since its inception in 1956.

For information contact 416-964-9095, buskers@epilpesytoronto.org or visit www.torontobuskerfest.com

Fourth Annual BuskerFest,
Toronto’s international street performers festival presented by Epilepsy Toronto
Thursday August 21 to Sunday August 24, 2003
At the ST. LAWRENCE MARKET NEIGHBORHOOD with FRONT STREET between Church and Jarvis closed to traffic
Admission: FREE with a voluntary donation to benefit Epilepsy Toronto

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