Black Violin. (COLIN BRENNAN PHOTOGRAPHY )

The 24th annual international performing arts festival, Giant Magnet is May 11-15 at Seattle Center and May 17 in Tacoma.

Like a Giant Magnet, this festival attracts people of all ages and backgrounds to its global attractions and  provides an opportunity to experience cultures from around the world through authentic theatre, music, dance,  puppetry, and circus performances.

Performers come from countries all around the world, including Germany,  Colombia, Senegal and Korea. Last year’s festival welcomed the 35,000 children and families in attendance over the  week.

Tacoma performances include:

• Circus INcognitus from Quebec, Canada-

The triumphant return of this hilarious, well traveled circus star; veteran of Cirque du Soliel, Cirque Éloize, and his own solo career that’s had audiences cheering around the world and garnered him major prizes in Paris and New York.  This is world class clowning, juggling and balancing that will astonish and delight.

• Black Violin from the United States-

The two Miami-born frontmen for this hip-hop combo, 2005 Champions on tv’s Night at the Apollo, display breathtaking virtuosity while blending classical music with contemporary beats; all the time emphasizing a message of dedication, self-determination and empowerment.

• Cimarron from Columbia-

This widely traveled ensemble plays the festive dance music called joropo, a fiercely virtuosic display of rippling melodies played on harp, bandola and cuatro accompanied by bass, cajon and maracas. This rapid and joyous music supports lively and colorful dance.

• Bunraku Bay Puppet Troupe from Japan/United States-

Kotobuki Shiki Sanbaso and The Lion Dance.

Bunraku brings traditional Japanese customs to the stage along with celebratory dance, joyful stories and whole lot of humor.  The puppets will bless audience members with good fortune, share a tale of what happens to a child who gets bit by a lion, and leave you with sore cheeks from excessive giggling.

Tickets are $10-$15. Tickets and information available at: www.GiantMagnet.org