OnPoint Community Credit Union Bend WinterFest is embracing the spontaneous, fun and downright quirky with a brand-new performance aspect to the festival: WinterFringe presented by BIGS (Bend Indoor Garden Station). FyreFlyte, a troupe of firedancers, and other street performers from around the Northwest take to the streets of downtown Bend on Oregon Street between Wall and Bond streets, on Thursday, February 17 to do what they do best: entertain and surprise people.
WinterFringe part deux will take place at The Century Center, 70 Century Drive. Mosley Wotta will perform at 9 p.m. and Larry and His Flask at 10:30 p.m. Mosley Wotta incorporates theater and poetry into its soulful performances. Larry and His Flask blends string-band-picking Americana with punk chaos.
The FyreFlyte and other street performers can be enjoyed by the whole community for free. WinterFest buttons are required for entry into WinterFringe part deux. Buttons are $6 in advance, $7 at the gate. Family 4-pack is $20 in advance, $24 at the gate. Children 5 and under are free. Buttons can be purchased online through BendTicket.com.
WinterFringe is based on the growing popularity of fringe festivals, which feature street performances ranging from dancing to comedy to poetry. According to the United States Association of Fringe Festivals (yes, even the fringe has an association), fringe festivals:
- Focus on the performing arts: including theater, dance, puppetry and spoken word.
- Uncensored: No one gets too fussy about swears or nudity but squeaky-clean content isn't marginal or discouraged, either.Original: Fringes feature a huge array of original material—sometimes by design, but usually because that’s what Fringes naturally do well.
- Rapid-fire: Typically, tech is minimal and time is a factor at fringe festivals. Shows are often kept brief (Fringes most frequently have shows right around 60 minutes in length) and technical requirements kept simple (minor sets, streamlined cues, nothing elaborate).
Bend WinterFest invites attendees to take a walk on the “wild side” and join in the fringe fun at this year’s festival.
