By Marnie Coon
marnie@newsroom.byu.edu
Former World Fire Knife Dance champion Chief Sielu Avea, will perform this Friday, August 4, at Summerfest, sponsored by BYUSA.
'This is something different. We have a rare opportunity to host someone with such unique performing abilities,' said Sarah Jensen, executive director of campus activities.
Jensen said Chief Sielu's fire presentation is the most popular summer activity that BYUSA sponsors.
Chief Sielu, a Samoan native, has practiced his knife-throwing for 17 years. He has performed at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Hawaii.
As world-champion fire dancer, Sielu has appeared on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' and 'Murder, She Wrote.'
Sielu participated in last year's Summerfest and received a standing ovation.
'I did not expect the audience to enjoy it so much. It felt really good,' Chief Sielu said.
Sielu said his favorite part of the show was making people laugh. He likes to use humor to entertain his audience.
A local Polynesian group will join Chief Sielu, and the evening will conclude with games and snow cones.
The events will be held in the quad south of the Kimball Tower. Parking will be available on the north side of the JKHB and the southwest parking lot of the Smith Fieldhouse.
Admission for Summerfest is $2.00 in advance or $3.00 at the event. Children six and under can attend for free.
Tickets can be purchased at the WSC ticket office, 3326B WSC, or they can be reserved over the phone at 378-3121.
Seating will be limited, so BYUSA recommends that students bring blankets and lawn chairs.