Scotiabank BuskerFest runs AUGUST 27-30, 2009 throughout the St. Lawrence
    Market district

    - Event proceeds benefit Epilepsy Toronto -TORONTO, Aug. 10 /CNW/ - Scotiabank BuskerFest organizers have announced
several thrilling new acts for the 10th anniversary of Toronto's international
street performers festival. The 10th Annual Scotiabank BuskerFest will dazzle
the historic St. Lawrence Market district once again as buskers from all over
the world take over the streets in support of Epilepsy Toronto from Thursday,
August 27 to Sunday, August 30.
    "This year's Scotiabank BuskerFest promises to be bigger and more
exciting than ever, with a stellar array of over 100 top buskers from Canada,
the United States, Portugal, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and England in a
powerhouse line-up that brings back the very best from the past 10 years as
well as showcases top new acts," said Geoff Bobb, Executive Director of
Epilepsy Toronto. "Our event was once again awarded 'Top 100 Festival'
achievement by the Festivals and Events Ontario Association. Not only is it
now the largest festival of its kind in North America, it is also the largest
epilepsy awareness raising event in the world!"WHAT:        10th Annual Scotiabank BuskerFest
                 Admission is by voluntary donation to benefit Epilepsy
                 Toronto
                 For information visit www.torontobuskerfest.com

    WHEN:        Thursday August 27 - Sunday August 30, 2009
                 Thursday noon-10pm, Friday noon-11pm, Saturday 11am-11pm,
                 Sunday 11am-8pm

    WHERE:       Historic St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood
                 Front Street all the way from Jarvis to Yonge Streets and
                 adjacent side streetsAs is the case since BuskerFest's inception, admission is free with a
voluntary donation to Epilepsy Toronto, a non-profit organization that
provides support to more than 40,000 people living with epilepsy in this city.
Buskers retain proceeds from "the hat" passed after their performances except
for two special benefit shows where "hat" proceeds go to Epilepsy Toronto:
Fire in the Sky showcasing 'hot' fire performers (August 28 at 9:30pm - rain
date August 29) including international duo Dream State Circus and Toronto's
Fireguy, and the awesome Grande Finale (August 30 at 6:30pm).
    "Scotiabank is a proud supporter of BuskerFest and its many
accomplishments," said John Doig, Senior Vice President, Canadian Marketing.
"Over the years, this family-friendly festival has helped raise close to one
million dollars for Epilepsy Toronto, and our continued support is part of our
commitment to enriching the communities that we serve."
    Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live
and work, both in Canada and abroad. Recognized as a leader internationally
and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic
activities, in 2008 the Bank provided about $43 million in sponsorships and
donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas of
healthcare, education, social services and arts and culture. Visit us at
www.scotiabank.com.BACKGROUNDER: SCOTIABANK BUSKERFEST 2009 FEATURED ACTS:

    -   From Japan: Senmaru & Yuki perform "Edo-Daikagura." The original
        sacred and serious purpose of Daikagura was as a talisman for the
        people, chasing away evil on behalf of the gods of the shrines.
        Today, the performance has become people's entertainment. They wear
        kimonos and perform traditional Japanese juggling. Various objects
        are spun around on the top of an umbrella and a spinning top does a
        tightrope walk.

    -   Polish your hammers and sharpen your sickles, because the "Soviet"
        strongmen PopEyed (Australia) are on the way! With abs of steel and
        more gold medals than you can poke an iron curtain at, these hand-
        balancing masters of equilibrium will have you see-sawing from fits
        of laughter to gasps for breath at their amazing acrobatics (WARNING:
        jaw may hit the floor!)

    -   From New Zealand: The impossible becomes possible, and the possible
        becomes improbable. In Sopa de Carne, a fusion of high-level circus
        technique, clever slapstick and silent clown, Mr Qwirk effortlessly
        juggles 5 clubs, 7 balls and interacts with the audience. The show
        culminates 11 feet in the air with a mind-boggling explosion of
        latex! A comedic journey into the inane world of the contemporary
        clown and one of three non-verbal performances featured at this
        year's festival.

    -   From North Carolina: Originator of one of the most memorable variety
        acts of all time, seen on television in 22 countries. Dan Menendez
        combines comedy, juggling and music as The Piano Juggler; uniting
        classical and pop music on the world's only "Bounce Piano" and
        "Bounce Cello." After his appearance on The Tonight Show, Johnny
        Carson exclaimed, "Now that's show biz, folks!"

    -   From Victoria, B.C.: Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra wows with its
        unexpected fusion of gypsy and ska-based music mingled with tribal
        beats, dirty country, small feats of punk and west coast energy in a
        style they have self-dubbed "da-grra-ka." They alternately tease you,
        tickle you, and beat you with an unrelenting pulse.

    Toronto acts make their First-ever Appearances at BuskerFest:

    -   In the tradition of large-scale European street theatre, Circus
        Orange performs TRICYCLE, a nomadic journey through public space by
        an ensemble of character performers and magnificent machines. The
        lines between audience and performer blur as the show passes right
        through the crowd in a dramatic fusion of live music, clown, circus,
        dance, aerial performance, mechanics and fire arts.

    -   The Human Statues are a two-in-one show, spreading their "jubilation
        across the nation." Jeff and Zach have been takin' it to the streets
        for several years, generating random acts of jubilation with their
        unique brand of triumphant folk-funk. More than just musicians, their
        statue alter egos - Johnny B. Gold and Disco Man - delight curious
        on-lookers with their spontaneous and genuine interactions.

    -   Find out what chainsaws and tutus have in common from circus clowns
        extraordinaire Fesso & Lu whose outrageous shows combine aerial and
        ground acrobatics, death defying acts, and hilarious circus stunts
        with awkward grace and loving slapstick.

    -   Multi-faceted Jim Armstrong has been compared to the likes of Bruce
        Springsteen, Fred Eaglesmith, Tom Waits and Steve Earle since Sonic
        Deli Records launched his solo debut Mudtown in 2007.

    -   Kids on the Block, an educational disability awareness program that
        teaches children about physical disabilities and medical conditions
        through the use of puppets, will be in the BuskerPlay area on the
        weekend. Through the use of large and colourful puppets, they teach
        sensitivity and awareness.For full details on all of the Scotiabank BuskerFest 2009 acts please
refer to the "Performers" page at www.torontobuskerfest.com