Talented buskers and performers are set to showcase their skills at a “bold and crazy” grassroots festival that has turned everyday singers into international stars.
Buskers by the Lake 2021, formerly known as Buskers by the Creek, is coming to Lake Kawana in October, bringing with it an international reputation (past performers include Australian singer/songwriter Tones And I).
The event debuted on the Gold Coast in 2014, and in six successful years thousands of festival-goers have enjoyed a unique program of music, comedy, dance, street theatre, magic acts, circus stunts and sideshow performances.
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Co-founder and event director Cindy Jensen says the move to the Sunshine Coast will allow the festival to embrace its craziness, boldness and uniqueness to the full and facilitate future expansion on a global scale.
“Buskers by the Lake remains a grassroots festival at heart — there’s no bright lights or stadium-sized stages, just the purpose and passion to provide the opportunity for anyone to perform, no matter their ability,” she says.
“Audiences can expect an outstanding mix of amazing performances at Buskers by the Lake as the quality of the talent this year will be truly mind-blowing.
“We’ve got a dancing dog, contortionists, comedians, musicians, a human fish, an acrobatic archer and a rola-bola, hand-balancing circus performer to name just a few.
“And our floating skateboard ramp is another extremely popular spectacle that wows our crowds.”
The two-day festival will be important for more than 300 performers devastated by the affects of the pandemic on the music industry.
Ms Jensen says there has been an influx of artist applications and interest for the event, which this year will have a Loveland theme.
“COVID restrictions mean many artists who would typically be touring around the world are at home in Australia, so we’ve been inundated with enquiries,” she says.
“Through the talent communication process, I’ve heard harrowing stories of loss and despair and it makes my heart sing to hear how our event has brought hope and happiness to many.
“We can’t wait to band our creative community together once again, bring back the love and celebrate culture, the arts and community spirit.”
The Buskers by the Lake 2021 program highlights include Battle of the Buskers, a peer-assessed competition to find Australia’s best busking talent, which kicks off the festival on October 29.
Previous Battle of the Buskers winners include Tones And I in 2018, as well as 2016 winners Salt and Steel, who have gone on to play music festivals such as Bluesfest and Airlie Beach Music Festival.
A highlight of this year’s festival will include the Freaks and Beats sideshow events and the signature floating half-pipe on the lake, showcasing an array of Australian professional BMX and skateboarders.
Buskers by the Lake 2021 is from October 30 to 31. For more information or for artist applications visit buskersbythelake.com.au.
