Will Soto

Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. After serving as a radioman in the Navy (USS Edward McDonnell, De-1043), Will studied art and design at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Ill. He then toured as a sculptor on the Art and Renaissance Fair circuits for 7 years.

In 1976, calling on his experience as a high school gymnast, Soto re-invented himself as a physical performer. Upon moving to Key West, he started as a juggler and eventually progressed to funambulist (wire/rope-walker).

Will has performed extensively across North America, Europe and the Caribbean for more than 40 years, receiving major media (video and print) coverage in hundreds of national and international markets.

Will Soto is one of the original founders (1984) of the Key West Cultural Preservation Society, Inc., which is the managing non-profit corporation of the Key West Sunset Celebration Festival. His image on the high-wire, with the sunset behind him, has become the iconic image of the internationally renowned nightly event.

Will is the founder/director of BUSKERFEST, Key West’s International Festival of Street Performers, as well as a martial artist (Taekwondo Black Belt), and a backcountry kayak guide.

At 73 years of age, Will has finally slowed down enough to write this, his first book.

He and his wife Amy, along with their four dogs and a cat, live and love in the Florida Keys…and, yes, when he’s not traveling for festivals and conventions, you can still see him performing at Sunset at Mallory Square in Key West.