293. Multicultural CNE 2012 August 17-September 3

 

Kenya's Black Angels acrobats at the 2011 CNE. Copyright ©2012 Ruth Lor Malloy

The Canadian National Exhibition this year will continue to have Toronto-based ethnic and international entertainment on its International Stage. It will be, as usual, in Hall B of the Direct Energy Centre close to the Bathurst street car terminal. With President’s Choice Financial sponsoring the programs, we can look forward to over 80 performances of music and dance.

The International Pavilion, with merchandise for sale from all over the world, will be in the same area. It is open on most days from 10am to 10pm. On Labour Day it closes earlier at 7pm.

The performances are included in the general admission to the exhibition grounds: $16 for visitors who are 14 to 59 years old, and $12 for seniors and children 5 to 13. It’s free for children 4 and under.

Special discounts are on https://www.theex.com/get-tickets/special-offers ; for example, you can buy cheaper tickets now from Mac’s Convenience Stores and online at www.theex.com. On Opening Day, it costs $8. After 5pm from Monday to Thursday, general admission is only $5.

For a schedule of the international acts, click on: www.theex.com/internationalstage . We are currently working on putting these dates into calendar-order at www.torontomulticulturalcalendar.com, not an easy task.

 

Ecuadorian Musicians. 2011 CNE. Copyright ©2012 Ruth Lor Malloy

Countries of origin  include China, Cuba, Trinidad & Tobago, Brasil, Columbia, and Chile.  Performers will also come from western Canada: a rare Toronto appearance of a British Columbia aboriginal dance group, and lively western singers from Calgary’s Stampede. Toronto Women’s Sword usually performs on May Day at 6am with the Morris Dancers. You don’t have to get up early to see this amazing group.

Other international acts of interest are Mexican circus artists Patto and Julie who will be in the Buskers’ Corner. In the Toronto Star Bandshell will be Freddie McGregor, celebrating 50 years of Jamaican Independence. Also performing there will be the soul group, The Spinners.

A Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee Exhibit will be open daily at Booth 719, Arts, Crafts & Hobbies Pavilion, a touch of Canada’s British culture.

Let us know if you find any other exotic attractions.

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