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Adult-only show added to CentreFest lineup

There will be a little more of the weird and wonderful on the downtown streets of Red Deer at this year’s Centrefest.
CentrefestAndyZap3RandyJuly29_20110615135329
Australian street performer Andy Zap juggles flaming batons on Ross Street during Centrefest Sunday.

There will be a little more of the weird and wonderful on the downtown streets of Red Deer at this year’s Centrefest.

When the children are tucked into bed and the all-ages street festival is over, Centrefest invites adult festival-goers, ages 18 and older, for a first ever edgier and more risque Late Night Show Cabaret Fundraiser on Saturday.

Teeter-tottering on impropriety, the performances by Dan the One Man Band, Michael Trautman, Fire Guy, Pancho Libre and Red Deer’s own dancing sensation Spandy Andy promise to be interactive and hysterical.

“When they are out on the street, it is like going to a children’s movie where the adult understands the little double entendre but the children don’t and that quite often happens,” said Janice Shimek, who is the festival director for one of Centrefest’s sponsors, the Red Deer Downtown Business Association.

“There are times where they could push the envelope a little further and get a few more laughs but of course they can’t because the children are there,” she said.

To give the performers the opportunity to have some fun with their performances and as part of Centrefest’s 10th anniversary, organizers felt it was time for the cheeky cabaret show.

“I expect a lot, it is going to be a hysterical,” Shimek said.

The Late Night Show Cabaret Fundraiser will take place at the City Centre Stage at 4922 49th St. at 9 p.m. on Saturday. Doors open at 8 p.m.

But Shimek says people should plan on being at City Centre Stage right at 8 p.m.

“From 8 p.m. to when the show officially starts, there will be roaming artists in the lobby entertaining and mingling with the audience,” she said.

“So the minute people walk in the door until they leave, they will be fully entertained.”

Tickets, for $36.85, can be purchased at the Black Knight Inn or by calling 403-755-6626. Tickets are available at the door but organizers prefer they be purchased earlier.

Centrefest runs from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Festival-goers should bring lots of change, since the performers make their living from the money that’s tossed into their hats. Last year’s attendance was 25,000.

For more information about Centrefest, visit www.centrefest.ca or call 403-340-8696.

jjones@www.reddeeradvocate.com