A creative genius with the soul of a Vaudevillian, Al Simmons is a one-man cast of thousands. Simmons is scheduled to perform in the Kids’ Site at the Bella Coola Music Festival.

A creative genius with the soul of a Vaudevillian, Al Simmons is a one-man cast of thousands. Simmons is scheduled to perform in the Kids’ Site at the Bella Coola Music Festival.

Lots for kids at Bella Coola Music Festival

The Kids’ Site at the Bella Coola Music Festival is sure to wow kids of all ages this year!

The Kids’ Site at the Bella Coola Music Festival is sure to wow kids of all ages this year!

On Sunday afternoon, July 20,  Mike Battie — a three-metre tall, colourfully dressed stilt walker — will blend his juggling virtuosity with light-hearted crowd participation to amaze and amuse.

His specialty is the juggling of three torches, but he is also a master with flaming devil sticks, chains, and staff.

Mike has choreographed and performed in large scale fire shows for the Pacific National Exhibition, as well as fairs and festivals. He has also worked extensively with fire on movie sets, television shows, and for commercials.

A creative genius with the soul of a Vaudevillian, Al Simmons is a one-man cast of thousands.

A modern day comedy chameleon! A wizard of one-liners!

In the tradition of the great comedy kings — Danny Kaye, Spike Jones and Jimmy Durante — Al Simmons is a man dedicated to the all but lost art of combining comedy with song, dance, magic, and sight-gags.

Since 1970, the popular Manitoba-based children’s performer is likely Canada’s most versatile comedian. He puts on a funfest, full of bizarre gadgets, wild costumes, unique songs, crazy vaudeville-inspired routines and, of course, bad puns.

From his distant Romanian and Scottish ancestors, Al has inherited a quick wit, lanky legs, large flipper like feet and a rubber face. Al’s debut album, “Something’s Fishy at Camp Wiganishie” earned a Juno nomination for best Children’s Album.

His follow up recording was a brilliant ode to vaudeville, “Celery Stalks at Midnight,” winning a Juno Award and a U.S. Parents’ Choice Award.

The Truck I Bought From Moe,” his third album, garnered a Juno nomination and a Parents’ Choice Award.

Besides all this fun kids will also enjoy face-painting, hat-making, a silly photo-booth, and Stream of Dreams fish painting.

And don’t forget — kids 12 and under are completely free.

 

Williams Lake Tribune