Curious George

Talk to George Kash and he’ll likely mention gemutlichkeit. It’s a German word that means warm friendliness, according to the dictionary. George defines it a little differently: “It’s an untranslatable word that means good times, good food, good fun, good friendship, good beer – let’s party!”

Either way, George is gemutlichkeit personified. The self-described professional entertainer has become a party icon in Ontario and far beyond. He is the undisputed "Mr. Oktoberfest” as the leader of the oompah-pah band the Oktoberfest Express and the standing MC of Toronto’s Festival of Beer.

In these roles, George employs his infamous interactive techniques, getting right into the audience and bringing people into his act in a way that would make any rock star envious. He also performs his trademark move – drinking two beers while standing on his head. (Chill reminds you to always drink responsibly and not try George’s shtick at home.) He’s been performing this feat since 1978 when he first did it to put a few British upstarts in their place at the Edelweiss Beer Garden at Ontario Place.

Since then his resume has expanded to include actor, Santa Claus, town crier, disc jockey, auctioneer, clown and product promoter, to name just a few of the hats he wears on his head.

“I’m a professional entertainer, that’s what I do,” he says with his characteristic, no-nonsense swagger. “It’s unbelievable you can make a living this way. I’m just all about a good time.”

George is more than an entertainer, he’s an experience (which is probably why he calls his website, georgekash.com, “The George Kash Experience”). So When Chill wanted to urge all our readers to celebrate out great country not just on Canada Day, but every day of the summer, we thought of Kash. (The fact that he let us paint a flag on his head also had something to do with it.) Now George can add Mr. Canada Day to his resume.

Here’s to Canada – and to the gemutlichkeit!!

Article by Chill Magazine June/July 2005

Contact The George Kash Experience

For more information regarding any and all of George's services, contact the George Kash Experience at (416) 252- 1747 or by email at george@georgekash.com