CWM

On Wisconsin: The show goes on at Circus World despite uncertain future

 

Stephen Freese, executive director of Circus World Museum, is reflected in the mirror of a restored historic circus wagon. The wagon is one of 160 circus parade and baggage wagons at the Baraboo museum. Freese is trying to persuade legislators to reject a proposal in Gov. Scott Walker's budget that would have the state take over operations of the museum from the private Circus World Museum Foundation.
from: host.madison.com
BARRY ADAMS | Wisconsin State Journal
March 10, 2013
BARABOO — There are many fears for those in the circus industry.

A bad aim could send the human cannonball into the stands, or a slip of a hand could be tragic for a trapeze artist.

They all dread being "red lighted," a term from years ago that refers to an unwanted circus worker or act being thrown from a moving train at night. Their last view: the red light at the back of the train disappearing down the tracks.

And that's what Stephen Freese feels is happening to him and his small staff at Circus World Museum, where finances are tenuous and the future is uncertain.

Gov. Scott Walker, in his budget proposal, wants the state to take over operations of the state-owned facility that houses more than $60 million in circus memorabilia, including the world's largest collection of antique circus wagons. The collection, which includes massive lithographs, thousands of circus photographs and even Al Ringling's pocket watch, has been built over the past 54 years by the Circus World Museum Foundation, a private organization that has gifted the collection to the state.

Freese — a former state legislator who has been director of Circus World since 2007 — and the foundation favor a plan that would establish Circus World as a separate state agency that would receive state funding but retain the foundation's fundraising muscle and experienced Circus World staff.

Debra Bauer, executive director of the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce, just wants to make sure that whatever route is taken, the integrity of the museum remains, the $3.2 million in economic impact to the area from visitors to the museum continues to grow and that circus wagons will be available for a parade this July in downtown Baraboo.
Read more: http://host.madison.com/news/local/on-wisconsin-the-show-goes-on-at-circus-world-despite/article_e890aff8-88ee-11e2-9440-001a4bcf887a.html#ixzz2NESxEEee

Circus Americana "Snow Queen Contortion"

 

Published on Mar 10, 2013

TaylorCircusStars

ST JOE SHRINE CIRCUS

Circus Draws Sell Out Crowds to Civic Arena

 

from:  stjoechannel.com
By: Melinda Barrett
March 10, 2013
(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) Crowds quickly accumulated at the Civic Arena for the annual Moila Shrine Circus, and ticket lines got longer and longer.
"Next year we will for sure buy our tickets before we come," said Jaimie Albers, her families first time attending the circus.

"It's been very hectic back here, we've had a lot of people coming through purchasing tickets," said Bob Couldry, Moila Shrine Treasurer.
For sixty years, the Moila Shrine has been bringing the circus to town, but this is the first year the crowds have been so large, filling up the Civic Arena almost every show.
"We've been selling tickets for 30-minutes after the show's begun, people are still coming in," said Couldry.
"We've had to turn some people away. I tell ya, it's hard to turn away a little kid when they're crying and want to go to the circus, but we just didn't have any room left," said David Brown, Assistant Circus Chairman.
Selling nearly 3,300 tickets per show, by the end of the run, more than 17,000 people attended the circus this year, the most successful run yet for the organization.
"As you know, we have the greatest philanthropy in the world, in our opinion," said Couldry.
"This is our number one fundraiser, it goes to support the operations of Moila. Our main goal, is to help children," said Brown.
Bringing the circus to town every year makes for multiple benefits, between the fundraising efforts of Moila and the opportunity for families, it's an event that continues to draw large crowds.
"You don't have to go to Kansas City to experience something like this, when you're from St. Joe. I've never been to a circus before so this should be an experience for myself, and for him," said Albers.
The Shriners believe that the recent weather conditions may have encouraged more folks to get out of the house this weekend and enjoy the circus.

KELLY-MILLER CIRCUS

Kelly Miller Circus returns to Jasper on Tue, Mar 26th

 

The big top of the Kelly Miller Circus is an impressive sight when completely set up.
Photo courtesy of Kelly Miller Circus.
from:  kjas.com
by Steve W Stewart
March 7, 2013
The Kelly Miller Circus, which is one of the last true traveling big-top circuses, will return to the Jasper Lions Club Rodeo Grounds, on Tuesday, March 26th, with two performances: 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The Kelly Miller Circus has performed in Jasper in 2009 and 2011.
The show, which was founded in 1938 and is headquartered in Hugo, Oklahoma, travels on a fleet of 25 vehicles and normally requires an area of some 90,000 square feet to set up on. The circus big top, which was imported from Italy, has a seating capacity of 1,500 and is made of waterproof vinyl. The tent is supported by more than a quarter-mile of heavy gauge aluminum tubing, along with several miles of rope, steel cable, and chain.
Over the years, The Kelly Miller Circus has gathered a galaxy of stars from many nations, as well as an exotic display of animals, enhanced them with beautiful theatrical lighting and lively circus music for a performance to warm the hearts of young and old alike. It is said to be one of the last great big shows traveling the nation.
From the early morning hours, when the elephants pull the big top into the air to the very moment when the king pole races to the ground at the end of the day, the public is invited to come and be a part of the magic of "Circus Day" as it has been experienced for over 200 years! The staff and management of the circus says everyone should come and see the setup in that it is a show within itself, giving everyone a chance to see the big top go up.

FROM THE
DYKES BROS.
PAST

 

ABOVE 1965
BELOW 1970
 

Our first businesses.

WORLD CIRCUS documentary: OFFICIAL TRAILER

Published on Mar 7, 2013

A feature documentary

WEBSITE

http://worldcircusculturemovie.com/

Over twenty-five countries are represented at the Monte Carlo Circus Festival, and only after years of discipline and sweat are acts allowed entrance into this elite competition. Winners are marked as the best of the best worldwide. The circus has a culture of its own, a culture outside and beyond age, country and time where, for both the performers and the audience, differences are suspended and magic and art unite. Highly overlooked and often put into the category of 'freak show', the film will uncover how huge the world of circus is. In addition to, and through the personal stories of each of five top acts, the film will include interviews with well known circus names such as the founder of the Big Apple Circus, owner of Ringling Brothers, and artistic director at Cirque du Soleil. Visits to circus schools, historical societies, fan clubs, popular circuses, and several variety theaters, will uncover the scope and history of the circus world as never before.

Win a Family 4-Pack of Seats for
COLE BROS. CIRCUS OF THE STARS

 

from: newsobserver.com
March 7, 2013
Durham County Memorial Stadium April 15, 16 & 17
Daily at 4:30 P.M. & 7:30 P.M.
North Carolina State Fairgrounds April 18, 19, 20 & 21
Thursday, April 18 and Friday, April 19 at 4:30 P.M. & 7:30 P.M.
Saturday, April 20 and Sunday, April 21 at 1:30 P.M., 4:30 P.M. and 7:30 P.M.
Advance Ticket Prices:
General Admission: $16 | Reserved Seating: $20 | VIP Seating: $23
 VIP Upgrade ($7) or Reserved Seat Upgrade ($4)
Two hour performance of traditional circus including elephants, tigers, comedy dogs, clowns, dare-devils, human canonball, aerobats, showgirls, etc. Tickets on sale soon at gotothecircus.com!
Twenty-five lucky winners will each receive a family 4-pack of Reserved Seating tickets!
Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/03/07/2733225/win-seats-for-cole-bros-at.html#storylink=cpy

Running off with the circus for a day

nydailynews

March 9, 2013

Daily News reporter Rheana Murray runs off to Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey for a day to see what it would be like to be part of the big top.

Tightrope-walking bears at Russian circus

 

itnnews

Published on Mar 7, 2013

Bears at a St Petersburg circus walk along tightropes, dressed in nautical costumes. . Report by Sophie Foster.

 

Today, March 10, 2013, 7:00 pm
2372 Tamiami Trl S, Venice, FL
Cirque Italia Aquatic SpeCtaCular is making it's second debut in Venice FL.  The show will be here until 3/17.  Show times are: Wed-Fri 7:00 pm, Sat 3 & 7 pm, Sun 2 & 6 pm  Prices-  $35, $25 & $20.  There are 2 Outlets in North Port - ROI Media 941-257-4352, Ice Cream Moods 941-423-9000 Sarasota - Piccolo Market & Deli 941-923-2202, Venice - CIAO Gelato 941-445-5840, Yellow Sub & Deli 941-485-0505, Venice Arts & Library Foundation 941-549-5262, Venice Nissan 941-485-1531, Venice Print Center 941-496-9000
This is an extraordinary show of exceptional people with agility & strength beyond belief. The show includes aerialist, tight walkers, human pyramids from Africa, jugglers, clown, Matador & dog, hand balancing acts, the famous A&A Act Adam & Anthony & Mermaid with a beautiful array of water to add to the ambiance. This show is good for all ages.
SPONSORED BY - FIAT & ED HOWARD NISSAN IN VENICE, FL

COLE BROS. CIRCUS

A Look Behind the Scenes as the Cole Brothers Circus starts it's Spring Tour

from: newjournalonline.com

Daytona Beach, FL

read more:

http://video.news-journalonline.com/video/2215098224001

KELLY-MILLER CIRCUS
You too can join a happy crowd like this. It is easy, just come to the Kelly Miller Circus.

 

Riverview neighbors upset about carnival equipment on property

Proposed policy change

By: James Jackson

03/07/2013

RIVERVIEW, Fla. - People living in a Bay area neighborhood are upset. They say neighbors are storing carnival equipment on their properties, giving the area a bad look. As of right now, it's against county policy. But that could soon change.

Read more: http://www.abcactionnews.com//dpp/news/region_south_hillsborough/riverview/riverview-neighbors-upset-about-carnival-equipment-on-property?

BELLO

BELLO'S SHOW IN JAPAN OPENS
AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

 

First show for an audience - DONE! Awesome job EVERYONE! Thank you EVERYONE who put in a lot of hard work and long hours!!!

 

from a post by Bello on facebook

DETROIT SHRINE CIRCUS

Shrine Circus to entertain at Hazel Park raceway

 

from:  theoaklandpress.com
By CATHERINE KAVANAUGH
For The Oakland Press
HAZEL PARK — The Shrine Circus will have a really big star under the big top this year along with the 10th generation of a family that got its start in the business in 1763.
After a 10-year hiatus, the world’s largest performing Asian elephant will be in the spotlight at the Hazel Park Harness Raceway, said Chuck Baer, circus director and president of the southeastern Michigan division of the Moslem Shriners.
The 107th year of shows are set for March 21-24 and March 28-31.
The 14,000-pound pachyderm named Luke is part of a lineup of aerialists, acrobats, including one tumbling on the “Wheel of Destiny,” prancing horses, clowns, and a lion and tiger act.
Saturday, March 09, 2013
The acts are produced by TZ Productions. Tarzan Zerbini and his family are celebrating their 250th consecutive year of entertaining circus audiences, according to their website.
Baer said Luke, 26, and his brother, Bo, 25, are in high demand and join the circus whenever they can.
“When we saw Luke was available, we snagged him,” Baer said. “Besides his huge stage presence, he kneels down, rolls over and plays with a beach ball. He does most of his tricks without a handler and that’s unusual. He’s very intelligent.”
Luke also enjoys the cabbage and apples reward after the show, Baer said.
To the animal rights activists who oppose training animals to perform and putting them on a touring circuit, Baer said, “We respect PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) people concerned about animal rights and we invite them to watch the circus or tour how we care for our animals. They are treated very well.”
An hour before the shows, circusgoers can visit a petting zoo, play carnival games, and ride an elephant, horse or camel. Ride prices start at $7. Continued...
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2013/03/09/news/local_news/doc513bbde982880412445375.txt

WALKER BROS CIRCUS

SNOW, SNOW, SNOW!
WALKER BROS CIRCUS AT FORK UNION, VA
ON FRIDAY.

fotos from Brian LaPalme's facebook page

 

COLE BROS CIRCUS WQ

THINGS ARE PICKING UP
IN DELAND!



fotos from Chris Conners facebook page

 

 

NO ORDINARY ACROBAT

In ‘The Ordinary Acrobat,’ Duncan Wall explores the world of the modern circus


Members of the Rossi family — who have been in the circus for 400 years — prepared for a performance in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2004.
John McConnico, Associated Press
from:  startribune.com
Article by: SUSAN AGER , Special to the Star Tribune
March 9, 2013 - 6:46 PM
Exploring the world of the modern circus, Duncan Wall finds it has nothing to do with elephants or clowns in floppy shoes.
Like me, the author of this circus book grew up with no fond feelings for the circus. The circus wasn’t funny. It wasn’t fun. Dated, faded and tattered, greasy and boring, the circus didn’t thrill or chill him or interest him any more than, say, reruns of “The Lawrence Welk Show.”

 

Duncan Wall, author of "The Ordinary Acrobat"
But during his senior year abroad in Paris, Duncan Wall became enchanted by what is called the modern or new circus (“nouveau cirque” in French). It offers no elephants, no animals at all, no ringleaders, no rings. Instead, the French circus that he discovered (and found in smaller scale around the world) is energized by young people of all nationalities, actually studying circus skills at schools backed by big bucks from the French government. Le nouveau cirque even turns up its nose at Canada’s Cirque du Soleil, perhaps the world’s best known circus, claiming it aims higher, to be not just about entertainment but creative play, athleticism and — that grand word — art.



Wall subsequently wins himself a Fulbright grant to study the modern circus, and its ancient and recent precursors, while enrolled for a year at France’s tuition-free National School for the Circus Arts. (Canada, Belgium and Australia also have national circus schools but, nope, not the United States.)
He flubs his first of many handstands, almost dies of fright on the trapeze and is humbled by the skills of his fellow French students who, he realizes, began studying circus skills in grade school. But this Milwaukee kid, the son of corporate accountants, is game and determined, and we see him grow into a passable performer who even acquires for his wardrobe a colorful scarf.
read more:
http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/books/196701271.html?refer=y