Squonk: Let Your Imagination Run Wild This Summer!
This August, Squonk brings their open-air spectacle to Olympic Plaza for a wild day of music and creativity run amok!
Witty and whimsical, Squonk’s free performances bring audiences together to celebrate humankind and our often peculiar world. Led by Co-Artistic Directors Jackie Dempsey and Steve O’Hearn, Squonk celebrates its 30th anniversary with its wildest show yet, Hand to Hand. Inspired by a desire to bring people together in a time of isolation and divisiveness, Hand to Hand provides a thrilling moment of unity and community in a safe, public, outdoor space. In this festive, participatory event, Squonk invites audiences on stage to operate two giant purple puppet hands, creating a humorous, uplifting visual extravaganza driven by Squonk’s irresistible music.
“We do big flamboyant things, musically and visually, and this show is no exception” says Steve O’Hearn, Co-Artistic Director of Squonk. “Being outdoors, audiences are less inhibited; they can see and respond to each other’s reactions. Inviting them to be part of the show makes the event even more about community in a time when our opportunities to come together safely are so meager.”
Squonk’s clever fusing of fantastical visual design, playful staging, and energetic music has earned them praise around the globe.
“A multimedia troupe of infinite jest with an imagination to match.”
“Playful! Imaginative! Fun and outlandish!”
Squonk’s Hand to Hand combines fantastic visuals with energetic music for a day of interactive fun
Since their first big show in a Pittsburgh junkyard, Squonk’s productions have taken the group to Off-Broadway, Broadway, America’s Got Talent, Europe, Asia and all over the United States. The group has released 9 albums of its progressive rock music, a blend of styles featuring driving rhythms and hypnotic riffs. Squonk’s productions have been seen by over 1 million people live, and by over 14 million on network TV.
Squonk’s accessible prog rock and emphasis on audience interaction is a recipe for perfect summer fun. So bring a blanket, pack a snack, and get settled on Olympic Plaza for the always unexpected — Squonk.
Arts Commons welcomes Squonk to Olympic Plaza this August 29 through 31. This all ages, family-friendly event is free. For more information, visit our website.
Special thanks to the City of Calgary for their support of Squonk: Hand to Hand.
