The Golden Finkel The Edmonton International Street Performers Festival is the first of its kind in North America and is widely regarded to be one of the best, not just in Canada and the United States but around the world. This is the fifth year that The Golden Finkel has been presented and with great pleasure it was awarded to Dana Smith in 2001. As Dana got on stage to receive his award I got the feeling that it was like he had won an Academy Award and an Olympic Gold Medal all rolled into one. The plain and simple truth of it all is that this man loves his work, loves the people he works with, and in his own way represents the best of what a street act can be. Shelley Switzer, Artistic Producer Edmonton International Street Performers Festival
Just a quick note to remind event producers that Dana is a huge resource for event programming, logistics and audience ideas. He travels and performs ALL THE TIME, so his observations are always current (unlike us, trying to remember which day, and where that particular show was). He is MUCH MORE than a good vaudevillian, and anyone not asking him what he thinks about their festival or event is wasting an opportunity to gain valuable insights! Steven D Remington, CFE Downtown Events Management Eugene Celebration, Eugene, OR
I met Dana at an IFEA conference and he was the first "busker" I thought of when we expanded the entertainment line-up at our annual Glendale Glitter & Glow festival in 2000. He's been the "busker headliner" ever since (our Mayor suggested we consider moving him to the main stage). Dana and Lacey even helped out our marketing efforts last year with a cameo performance on our TV partners morning show. We've started discussions about bringing a whole troupe of buskers from SF for next year's event. You can't go wrong with Dana on your team! Vern Biaett, CFE Glendale Glitter & Glow Festival City of Glendale, AZ Special Events
Dana is a special entertainer who has the utmost respect from other world class street performers. We have worked with him for many years and were most proud when Dana and his dog were the featured picture on the cover of our daily metro newspaper as he performed on the Family Stage in the "big top" at our festival the day before. Clay Fuller, Festival Coordinator Bite of Portland, Portland, OR
Governor Janet Napolitano has recognized 53 Arizona Treasures as points of pride or interest, and recommends them, through the Arizona Office of Tourism, as prime vacation destinations. Schnepf Farms is the first Southeast Valley locale to be named an Arizona Treasure. Dana has been performing at their month long annual Pumpkin and Chili Party event since 2000...