…aka BUSKER FESTIVAL!!
dad and i wandered over to uptown friday eve to catch a couple of performances. the spectacular weather (sunny, hot) drew HUGE crowds of all ages!
meet “bendy em,” a contortionist from australia…
…with amazing strength and flexibility!
the final act: bendy is going to squeeze into this 16″ box…with that basketball!
she did it!
we caught this guy mid-act, so i do not know his name. he was about 20 feet off the ground on taht pole! (i was attempting artsi-ness with the moon, the blue sky, the flag, the guy).
balancing on one arm!
party food ->
the only thing missing, practically, is deep fried COTTON CANDY!
on saturday eve, the weather was just as perfect – back uptown went i, searching out feats of amazingness!
look! a human wind-up doll!
the first show i happened upon was “strings of fire” from australia (although he was a finn):
can you balance a plank on your chin?!
how about a spoon on your nose?!
he was doing full situps with the axe end resting on his chin…
…then she hula’d + played a song!
moving along…
again, i missed this performer’s name; the little 4 yr old volunteer fulfilled his duties admirably!
fire juggling while lying on a bed of spikey nails!
focus!
now, this comment will make me sound like a real PARTY POOPER, but to be frank, i was unimpressed by the *talent* on display this year. none of the acts i observed had the wit, humour, energy, or skill that i have admired in previous years. an off year, perhaps? or did i miss the best shows?? all in all, i was disappointed in this year’s festival.
the most impressive sight of saturday twilight: this gorgeous half moon in the clear, blue sky
[sidenote #1: i used dad's camera for all of these photos. i promise it is on loan, only. although i am SO tempted to keep it, much like the ipod BEAST that is still in my possession!].
[sidenote #2: for the sake of blog continuity, here is the buskers 2010 recap! and 2011!].
how was your weekend? did you partake in any fun ‘n’ games? one of these years, i am going to ride the ferris wheel that is a mainstay of the festival midway!
Comments
What fun! So many interesting acts! Speaking of contortionists…have you read The Night Circus? It has one in it. Very clever book. Have a great day, Cathy!!
thanks for the book recommendation, fran! i will have to google that title as i have not heard of it? hope you are feeling more settled back at home!
My weekend festivities involved cleaning house and sitting on my porch watching it rain for the first time in months. My front yard has cracks big enough to swallow my cat!
wow, i am glad you finally received a much-needed rainfall for your area, johanna! i bet it was very peaceful to sit and see that welcome sight. ~thinking of you today~
Some people can do amazing things.
Looks like fun. Too bad it was disappointing. I kind of can’t get over the fried cheesecake and pickles, though!
We got our new countertops the other day and spent a lot of time this weekend staring/being afraid to actually use them (post forthcoming..)
i was wishing i saw someone with one of those fried delicacies – but i did not! the funnel cakes were super popular though! i will look forward to seeing/reading about the counters! i liked your tweet the other day!
Wow—party tricks galore!
I explored a lot this weekend, and entertained/made dinners for friends. It was fun…I think I walked about 10 miles yesterday. I’m hoping I can make this santa monica thing work financially because I’m feeling quite at-home already
Hope your Monday is awesome! I say, keep dads camera—I’m sure he won’t mind!
lisa, i can tell that santa monica is just the place for you…i hope you can make it work!! sounds like you had a GREAT weekend! lots of social time is the BEST! haha, i hope dad reads your comment…his camera is awesome!!
I agree with the observation about the wit and talent…it was lacking this year. Apparently next year there will be a vote for which acts to invite!
oh, good, i am glad to hear i am not the only one who was disappointed, kim! there are some acts from 2010 and 2011 that i would DEFINITELY vote for!! (hope your fam got back in time to catch some performances!).
Looks like it was a fun day! Sorry it was a bit disappointing relative to other years. You should ride the Ferris Wheel next time. There will be great views from the top!
stacie, the weather was absolutely PERFECT, so that was a positive! you know, i think i’d be able to see my condo building from the top of the ferris wheel – that would be cool!