Burien's 2008 Strawberry & Arts Festival will feature the largest performance schedule in its history, with three stages providing music and dance on Saturday, June 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, June 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Also new this year are many "strolling surprises", which include the Trash Apes, human gorillas/professional dancers with a dose of drama and comedy. The Anunnaki Project will be stilt walking, while Miles and Karina will sing and play accordion in the crowds. Jonny Hahn will bring his portable piano from the streets of the Pike Place Market, and the Mariachi Fiesta Mexicana trio will also stroll through the Festival.

Saturday highlights on the Main Stage include the Supersones, who play the sublime music know as "Son", which is also the acoustic dance music of the Cuban countryside that inspired modern salsa.

Mambo Cadillac, a local band that has been delighting audiences at the Triple Door since 2005, will follow with salsa and Afro-Cuban jazz. Captain Leroy & the Zydeco Locals, the region's favorite authentic rockin'zydeco band featuring music from southwestern Louisiana, are also scheduled.

On the Gallery Stage, Jump Ensemble returns with it's swinging jazz, while the Bird Show of North America performs instrumental indie rock, while a fellow band member paints a different bird on stage while the rest of the band plays.

Hot Club Sandwich will perform their renowned gypsy jazz, and Andalibre returns to the festival with traditional and modern Flamenco music.

On the Kids' Stage, Linda Severt's Juggletunes will delight children in a performance sponsored by the Burien Library Guild, and Eric Ode will also bring his songs, poetry, and music to the younger set.

Amber Tide will blend an eclectic mix of acoustic jazz, blues, folk-gospel, rock, and original music, while Esther's Flamenco will perform a colorful solo dance.

Sunday's Main Stage highlights begin with One World Taiko, a visually dynamic contemporary Japanese drumming group who deliver heart-pounding percussion. The Staxx Brothers will uncover Seattle's lost identity as an urban crossroad when they play classic rhythm and blues, hip hop, and soul. Caela and the Dangerous Flares will offer something new and funky with soul, blues and unique female attitude.

On the Gallery Stage, The Teaching perform music infused with melody and harmony, based on the uplifting teachings of many of history's respected teachers. The Boys of Greenwood Glen play the roots of American bluegrass, old time, and Irish tunes.

The Tallboys, one of Seattle's most popular and frequent-appearing bands, bring their 4-piece, old-time string band to perform traditional fiddle tunes and mountain songs. Kane Mathis Group will feature a 21-string west African harp performance with beautiful Mandinka music from Gambia, Mali, Senegal, and Guinea.

At the Kids' Stage, Ropeworks returns to the Festival with an artistic combination of dance, acrobatics, theatrics, and rope jumping, while Alley Oop will enchant children with his storytelling, poetry, riddles, puppets, music, and songs.