Festival bigger and better

What started as a cultural experiment to revitalize Alberta Avenue has succeeded beyond the organizers’ wildest dreams.

As it gears up for its ninth rendition from Sept. 12 to 14, the Kaleido Family Arts Festival is one of the most vibrant events in north Edmonton, attracting 50,000 visitors last year.

“Our course of action is clear. We’re going to make it bigger and better,” says Mary Rankin, Kaleido programming director.

Spearheaded by Arts on the Ave Edmonton Society, this three-day, multi-disciplinary festival showcases a cornucopia of arts disciplines in assorted ethnic and cultural mixes.

Belly dancing from Turkey, acrobatics from Montreal, circus from Argentina, and band music from Cuba are only the tip of the iceberg. More than 100 entertainment acts, activities and workshops in music, dance, theatre, circus, visual arts, street performances and film, round out the festival.

High on Rankin’s excitement barometer is the newly created Takwakin (a Cree word which translates to Autumn) Village, an aboriginal showcase located behind the Alberta Avenue Community Building.

In past years the festival erected teepees, explains Rankin. However, this year it is promoting an entire village that will encompass every component of aboriginal culture from bannock making to flute and drumming performances.

The cultural showstopper is the Manitoba-based Asham Stompers, an internationally recognized MĂ©tis dance troupe, which will conduct a workshop and performance.

Three young men from the troupe have also competed on Canada’s Got Talent and created Sagkeeng’s Finest, which features a mix of MĂ©tis and hip hop moves.

“They’re amazing dancers. When we saw them, we were blown away by their professionalism. Their mandate is first and foremost to help their people remember what their roots are.”

Organizers also worked with Poundmaker Lodge and Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society to bring in a Peigan elder, who is an expert in aboriginal games, from the Calgary region.

In conjunction with games, the village will host demonstrations on making traditional crafts with moose hair tufts, beading and porcupine quilling.

“People will be able to make a fish-scale and a leather medicine bag.”

As well, Calgary aboriginal artist Jesse Gouchey will lead selected inner city youth in a quest to express their creativity on a mural.

The headlining band on Saturday night is returning Vancouver-based band Delhi 2 Dublin.

“This is high-energy music. You can’t stop dancing. It’s a fusion of bhangra, Celtic and world electronic. They use sitar, fiddle, drums, tabla and dhol (drum). They have a positive, fun attitude. They’re fun to watch as well as listen to and there’s something about the music that makes you smile.”

Over at St. Faith’s church, ancient instruments such as lute and harp are played alongside the more modern Chapman Stick.

From below the equator, Argentina’s Mandragora Circo, now on a tour in Alaska, will bring a blend of circus skills, aerial acrobatics, music and mime.

“They found us and sent us a video of what they do. We thought it was such a cool show and were really pleased to add them.”

Wil Campa y Su Gran Union, a 13-piece band from Cuba touring Western Canada, will also spread the moves and grooves of their island country.

“They were headliners at the Latin Festival two weeks ago and when we heard them we snapped them up.”

The Boom Booms, a six-piece indie rock band from Vancouver, will lead a street party while Montreal’s Kalabante, a mix of circus and African arts, takes to the high wire.

St. Albert visual artist Allison Burgess organized the visual artists and is enthusiastic about one of the most popular events of the festival – The Lamppost Competition.

Artists have 24 hours to create whatever art they want on a lamppost. They use their own materials running the gamut from papier mâché and plastic to bottle caps and recycled materials. The winner receives a $1,000 cash prize.

“It’s totally innovative and amazing. This year, we’ve given it the theme of giants so people have more focus. We already have two or three people who have registered that will create mythological creatures,” says Burgess.

Artists can also sign up to create a 12x12-foot installation. Space will be assigned and artists are required to provide their own materials.

There is still time for artists to compete in both the lamppost competition and installation competition. To pre-register email [email protected].

“If you’re looking for a unique community experience that is totally immersed in the arts, this is it,” said Rankin. “There’s something for every age, every person. We will have great food, great entertainment and great activities, and it’s free.”

For a complete list of entertainment and activities visit kaleidofest.ca.