This year kicked off for the first time ever “The Night is Yonge” Busker Soiree on August 19th, 2015 to start off Toronto International Buskerfest for Epilepsy Toronto at the exquisite Aperture Room in the heart of downtown Toronto. The night was led by Honorary Chair Tristan Thompson, a Toronto Native and NBA Player for the Cleveland Cavaliers and hosted by Reporter Andria Case from CTV News. There were special guest appearances made by Michael “Pinball” Clemons from the Toronto Argonauts, Mayor John Tory, Nav Bhatia, Kristyn Wong-Tam and many others.
Epilepsy Toronto works with Tristan Thompson through his Amari Thompson Fund. This fund was started originally because his little brother, Amari Thompson, suffers from epilepsy seizures and this foundation was created to help bring support to the many people who suffer from epilepsy to have a common place to share their experience and get the support they need. Epilepsy is one of the the most common neurological disorder affecting over 40,000 people in Toronto alone, that’s 1 in 100 people that are affected. Not only does this charity event help bring awareness for this illness, it is great to see someone of such stature to be getting involved in such a great cause.
Throughout the night there was delicious food and hors d’oeuvres being catered by Oliver & Bonacini from fish tacos, quesadillas, steak and quail eggs to delicious cupcakes. There were lots of activities going on, you could see amazing performances by festival performers some our favourites were the Dream State Circus their acrobatics tricks were amazing from ground tricks to standing on each other’s head balancing acts, Magic tricks by Max T. Oz. You can catch them live in action throughout Buskerfest. There were some wonderful prizes being raffled off including a golden basketball autographed by Tristan Thompson himself. And to end off the night there was an energetic and engaging performance by Jully Black. It was a wonderful night and filled with great people who all came together to help support a wonderful cause.
So donate, volunteer, walk or run, and help contribute to a great cause. You can catch more of the action happening this month from Aug 27 – 30 2015 throughout the Downtown Yonge Neighbourhood.
Yonge Street all the way from Queen to College and surrounding areas (including Yonge-Dundas Square).
Thursday, noon – 11 p.m.; Friday, noon – 11 p.m.;
Saturday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Donate at the gate to Epilepsy Toronto.
More info can be found at www.torontobuskerfest.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BuskerFestToronto,
Instagram & Twitter: @BuskerFestTO #BuskerFestTO #DonateAtTheGate
Photos by Richard Tang
Also check out BuskerBall 2014 and Buskerball 2013.
