Where can you see clowning, glassblowing, off-off-off-Broadway theater, cutting edge dance, three poets laureate and a Pakistani ear-lifter ranked in the Guinness Book of World Records? And what exactly is an ear lifter?

As you may have read in feature articles in Newsday and the New York Times, this afternoon marks the opening of Long Island’s first fringe arts festival. Under the banner “EXPERIENCE LONG ISLAND 2009,” 50 performances of innovative music, dance, theater, film, and poetry/spoken word will be staged in 16 different venues on the beautiful C. W. Post Campus of Long Island University. Visual art and family-friendly entertainment are also a part of the mix. Tilles Center is proud to be hosting this new showcase for regional artists--and some special off-Island guests--produced by The Artists Group.

An Art Walk starts this afternoon at 3, followed by an opening ceremony and reception in the Tilles Atrium at 5. Tonight and tomorrow featured Festival performers appear in the Concert Hall at 7. Simultaneous performances and exhibitions will be taking place all day on Saturday and Sunday. Some events are free; daytime events are priced from $5 - $10. Tickets for the evening shows start at $20. While you’re here, make sure to vote for your favorite act at the Mall of the Imagination.

For tickets and information click here, or visit www.debbydoll.com for even more details about performances and exhibits. Come to C.W. Post this weekend to share in the fun, post your comments on this blog, and join ongoing discussions with the artists and your neighbors on Twitter, Facebook, or MySpace.