MONTREAL (AFP) — Canadian acrobatic troupe Cirque du Soleil, created in 1984 and now performing in all corners of the world, is celebrating its silver anniversary with the launch of its 25th show "Ovo," about insects.

The circus company, with 19 traveling and permanent shows now playing, sold 11 million tickets worldwide last year and has brought wonder and delight to almost 90 million spectators in over 200 cities on five continents since 1984.

What started as a ragtag group of 20 street performers has blossomed into a global entertainment empire with an estimated net worth of three billion dollars and 4,000 employees in 40 countries.

Founded by former fire-eater Guy Laliberte, whose idea to transform circus acrobatics into sensational, plot-driven theatre has revolutionized this sector of the entertainment industry, it has however always remained true to its root

The performers originate from n...

[ Continued ]

(CHRISTCHURCH) Comedians, daredevils, dancers, singers and acrobats will hit the streets in January to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the World Buskers Festival. Fifty-five performers representing 14 countries will descend on the city for the annual 10-day festival from January 18-28.To celebrate 25 years, there will be five headline shows. After making it through to the America’s Got Talent final last year, The Boy with Tape on His Face is coming home to premier his new ideas. Urzila Carlson will perform her new show Unacceptable and the Topp Twins will entertain the crowds with their classic Kiwi humour. A Night at the Musicals, featuring Le Gateau Chocolat, will bring musical entertainment, as will Crossdresser for Christ, featuring Ginger Minj from RuPaul’s Drag Race.

New features wil...

[ Continued ]

Police told Shaun Cartwright, 38, his piping had annoyed members of the public and detained him for a breach of the peace.

His bagpipes were seized as he was handcuffed and driven to a police station, although he was later released and told it was not in the public interest to press charges.

Mr Cartwright, who has been playing bagpipes for more than 25 years, was busking in Bridport, Dorset, when he was arrested.

He said: "I'd been playing for almost an hour outside Superdrug on the main street and had made about 50 pounds, so it clearly wasn't causing that much offence.

"But a shopkeeper called the police and two officers turned up saying they had a complaint and they had to respond to it.

"They asked me to move on but I wanted to finish my hour of playing and put the blow stick to my mouth and that was it.

Mr Cartwright, from Bristol, was released after...

[ Continued ]

(SAN DIEGO) Hosting buskers from around the country, the Seaport Village Spring Busker Festival is quickly becoming one of the premiere busking venues in the United States.Celebrating it's 6th year, perhaps the reason for success of the two day event is actually Seaport Village General Manager Terry Hall. Having spent time in Europe, Hall is familiar with the customary busker and wants Americans to understand the respect due these facinating performers. He is literally bringing a world standard to a culture-starved nation.

The great tradition of busking has given rise to busker festivals around the world. Pier 39 in San Francisco, Faneuil Hall in Boston, Covent Garden in London, The Halifax International Busker Festival in Canada, the Christchurch World Buskers Festival in New Zealand, and the Adelaide Fringe...

[ Continued ]

(ANTARCTICA) Busking in Antarctica, four British Antarctic Survey's employees took part in Musequality's charity busk and world record. The coolest buskers in the world, the strings on Danny’s guitar cable froze, Paul’s saxophone froze, Tony’s fingers froze and Riet froze. The Antarctic Minkes busked as the temperature dropped from -8°C to -15°C in Antarctica. Musequality funds communal projects for disadvantaged children in developing countries giving them the skills and qualities they need to turn their lives around.

YouTube Video