Local Talent at CentreFest
July 22, 2010
(Red Deer, Alberta) – Since its inception, CentreFest has blossomed under the partnership with the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival. This year, CentreFest is being curated independently and will spotlight more local artists from the Central Alberta region. “We are very excited to have the opportunity to showcase some of our wonderful, award winning local talent, alongside the world renowned international performers. Central Alberta has a vibrant and diverse performing arts scene, and we are extremely proud to bring some of these performers to our audience” says Festival Director, Randy Butler.
One of the roving artists who will be at CentreFest is Red Deer native, Spandy Andy (also known as Andy Rimer). Some may remember this young comedian/dancer from his dancing days in Red Deer, the short-lived series Brothers TV or from the hallways of Lindsay Thurber Composite High School. Now, he has burst onto the street performer scene in Vancouver, where he is a regular fixture in downtown and along the beaches at English Bay. He was also named “Canada’s Freshest Dancer” in So You Think You Can Dance Canada’s $10,000 Colgate contest. On his blog, Andy mused “I’ve changed so much as a person/performer, its going to be fun to test it out back where it all began” about his return to Red Deer. He will be dancing and “spreading positivity” around CentreFest on July 31st and August 1st.
With legs that seem to go on forever, Schuyler Snowdon is a former Red Deerian that has acquired many rare skills. From his Facebook fanpage, his list of talents includes “stilt-walking, juggling knives, walking across broken glass and laying on a bed of nails”. Even though he has performed at larger festivals around Canada, he can be seen doing tricks at the Sylvan Lake and Red Deer farmer’s markets.
New this year is two theatre groups who will be entertaining the crowds with improv and scenes from their upcoming productions. Against the Wall Theatre is an emerging group of multi-talented actors. What sets them apart is their devotion to new and original works of diverse theatrical experiences. They will be keeping you entertained throughout the day with impromptu games and improv. The other group that we are welcoming to CentreFest for the first time is Prime Stock Theatre’s The Bard on Bower. They are bringing their own rendition of William Shakespeare to downtown. With period costumes, swords and accents, these folks are sure to stand out as they roam the streets of CentreFest. Bard on Bower will be performing sword fights, comedy routines and perhaps a scene or two from their summer productions “Comedy of Errors” and “Much Ado About Nothing”.
From Lacombe, is a young, but experienced magician named Kyle Key. He has been mastering his craft since age 5 and is now an internationally acclaimed magician. He performs over 200 shows a year. He will be sure to get the audience involved with his original comedic tricks and illusions.
Another local entertainer is Little Smarty the clown from the Giggle Gang in Didsbury. She will surprise all the little ones and make them smile with her goofy and joyful personality. She will definitely catch your eye with her pink hair and your heart with her smiley-face bag.
Along with these entertaining roving performers and interactive artists, we’ll have the Street Market and food vendors. As always, the main event at CentreFest has always been the street performers’ circle show acts. That won’t change, but for the first time, we have scheduled circle shows.
CentreFest takes place July 31st and August 1st downtown at Ross Street and Gaetz Avenue. The festival runs from noon to 8pm on Saturday and noon to 6pm on Sunday. Mark your calendar and join us on Friday, July 30th at noon in City Hall Park for a sneak preview of the festival performers at the ATCO Gas Kick-Off BBQ. Grab a burger, chips and pop for $5 with proceeds helping CentreFest.
Remember to look for the Festival Guide in this week’s Red Deer and Central Alberta Life. CentreFest is grateful to the Red Deer Advocate for printing and distribution of the guide.
For more information, contact:
Randy Butler
Festival Director
Red Deer Summer CentreFest Society
403.340.8696
