Jaw-dropping pop-n-lock B-boy star Robert Muraine entertains a crowd during the kickoff of Toronto BuskerFest

BuskerFest Entertains With Mr. Fantastic, Mr. Spin

Jaw-dropping pop-n-lock pop-n-lock B-boy star Robert Muraine, a.k.a. Mr. Fantastic (not that Mr. Fantastic) helped kick off the 9th Annual Scotiabank BuskerFest Wednesday afternoon.

The festival of international street performers descended upon the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood again today to help entertain while raising money to support Epilepsy Toronto.

Mr. Spin from Australia entertains children at the kickoff for Toronto BUSKERFestMr. Spin from Australia juggles bats on unicycle while balancing a glass of water on his head at the kickoff for Toronto BUSKERFest

Muraine appears as part of the duo Pulp and Rock with Canadian Idol finalist Mookie Morris.

Morris and Muraine join more than 80 buskers from countries that include Hungary, Sweden, New Zealand, Australia, England and Japan.

Another new act this year is Flam Chen Pyrotechnic Company, with their 35-foot-tall helium cluster balloon bouquet.

Australia's amazingly agile Nigel D. Martin (a.k.a Mr. Spin, pictured above and to the right) helped kick off the BuskerFest as well, entertaining children of all ages with his quick wit and stunning stage presence.

He was able to juggles aluminum baseball bats while balancing a glass of water on his head. All while perched high atop a unicycle.

Other acts include Rob Williams, holder of The Guinnes Book World Record for fastest baloney sandwich made using only his feet. Toronto needs more foolishness like this.

Be sure to drop some coin (or bill) into the hat that gets passed around after the buskers' performances. It's through your support that keeps these talented artists coming back to Toronto.

It also helps support an otherwise not-so-talked-about disease.

One in every 100 Canadians experience some form of epilepsy. Epilepsy Toronto helps people living with epilepsy and provides support for their families. They are committed to improving quality of life for them and their families.

Toronto BuskerFest runs on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. with the grand finale at Church and Front St. starting at 6:30 p.m.

If you haven't heard of Mr. Fantastic before, here's a video primer, below....

Photos by Roger Cullman.


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