Circus full of rambunctious cheek

Carousel and Clothesline. Picture: Norbi Whitney 

The West Australian 

Kate Prendergast The West Australian 

February 10, 2014

CIRCUS

Carousel and Clothesline

Presented by Vague de Cirque

3 stars

REVIEW: Kate Prendergast

It's 11.45pm on Friday night, and the Fringe World punters' last-stop show in the Pleasure Garden is Carousel and Clothesline- an old-fashioned, light-hearted routine of goofy antics, impressive trapeze action and your standard serve of accomplished multi-ball tossing.

Now, there is arguably too much ennui, cultural arrogance and cynicism skulking about for any modern circus act to successfully get off the ground by being just about feats of Wonder and Amazement under a canvas big top. Fortunately, Vague de Cirque seems to know this. It has therefore lovingly modified the traditional with a bit of rambunctious cheek.

with individual professionalism always at risk of being either sabotaged or compromised by the rest of the group. It's made to feel like a gang of talented, travelling friends at the point of becoming squabbling family.

All of the performers have characters drawn from the familiar circus tropes. There's the human spider, the tiny self-possessed gymnast, the affable dope and the broad-chested strongman. The latter's full and bushy woodsman's beard is a source of pleasure in itself, especially when it pokes itself between the red curtains at the back of the stage as though levitating. He also owns a pair of exceptionally fine, melony buttocks (I speak with authority here).

The fussy, weedy and greasily-charismatic ringmaster is the comic centre-piece though. Strutting about the stage and giving toothy, sycophantic smiles beneath a pencil-thin moustache, his vanity and unctuousness is duly punished in a performance of All of Me, through which he nobly battles to the end in spite of several unplanned wardrobe malfunctions. Torn to shreds by lustful females taking his lyrics at their word, he tearfully ends the solo in a peacock-feathered showgirl outfit and shin-high hockey socks

Slapdash slapstick aside, the show's acrobatics also make for a suitably impressive spectacle, although character is relatively enfeebled in these sections. The performance's final trapeze act tops this category, performed bravely between the petite gymnast and the strongman.

Replete with cider and lazy bonhomie from a full night of Fringing, the crowd was very willing to get all the delight and amusement they could from the performance. They cheered often, clapped loudly, and sometimes gave the whole thing an air of pantomime.

It's not Cirque du Soleil, sure- but who wants to watch a gamut of mind-boggling cavorting at such a time anyway? Waggishly shabby, unpretentiously entertaining and charmingly facetious, Carousel and Clothesline is like eating a Tim Tam at midnight-all the more delicious because it's inessential.

 Circus love

Lizzy Harvey shares her love for circus arts to instill confidence and self-trust in youths

Kati Wolcott, bottom left, Emily Larson, bottom right, and Katie Harvey perform a pyramid during the intermediate kids circus skills training at Carnegie in Walla Walla. Photo by Michael Lopez

From: Walla Walla Union-Bulletin

By Sheila Hagar

February 8, 2014

WALLA WALLA — Evelyn Sisk, or “Evi,” could not be more clear why she’s enrolled in Walla Walla Parks and Recreation’s “Circus Arts” class.

#“I was really interested in the circus,” the 9 year-old explained. “I wanted to be interactive with people older than me … and I really wanted to learn to do flips.” 

#She was on her way in a recent session of the intermediate class at the Carnegie building, where Evi was joined by four other — and older — girls doing “egg rolls” on gym mats to limber up. Grasping ankles and laying on their backs, the youngsters rolled from side-to-side like happy sow bugs, bumping into each other with apologies and giggles.

The success of the first go-round last autumn showed organizers that circus class is pretty special, Potts said. “When someone tells you they want to ‘run away with the circus,’ you envision them in a playful and magical world and that’s what we want to create for children in the Walla Walla Valley.”

#When kids push themselves through the physical work of tumbling, acrobatics, juggling and clowning, it helps overcome fears, Potts said. “And not just fears inside circus class, but fears of everyday life. Through Circus Arts, children find confidence in who they are as a unique individual.”

foto

Want to join a circus? Walla Walla Parks and Recreation offers a class on circus arts.

#It’s the second time in the circus ring for the city department, noted recreation coordinator Angela Potts. Her department offers a number of classes for children and adults, such as painting, ukulele and guitar, yoga, sports of many flavors and parent-child events.

Want to join a circus? Walla Walla Parks and Recreation offers a class on circus arts.

read & see more at:

http://union-bulletin.com/news/2014/feb/08/circus-love/

Duffy’s Circus brands criticism of their use of sea lions as “misleading and hurtful”

The circus has said that they treat their animals’ welfare as a “top priority”.

A wild sea lion.Image: SaraYeomans via Flickr/Creative Commmons

From: the journal.ie

Sat, Feb.8,2014

Ireland--TOM DUFFY’S CIRCUS has hit out at criticism from an animal welfare charity that their use of sea lions in live shows is “cruel”.

The ISPCA said it was “shocked and disappointed” to hear that the animals will be used in shows this year, saying that circuses cannot provide ‘appropriate conditions’ to guarantee the well-being of animals, “especially social species like sea lions”.

“The circus is no place for them and it is simply not possible to provide a suitable environment for sea lions in a travelling circus,” a statement read.

However, the circus has called the accusations “misleading and hurtful”, saying that the welfare of their performance animals is a top priority.

Irish zoos

They say that standards in Irish zoos are far above those in other countries.

“We are alarmed that an organisation such as the ISPCA that collects money from the public under the guise of animal welfare is supporting animal rights activists,” Managing Director David Duffy said in a statement.

Every right-minded person believes in animal welfare, but for the ISPCA to support claims that our animals suffer is misleading the public and has offended our dedicated team of specialist animal carers.

He noted that Tom Duffy’s Circus has never been found to abusing or mistreating animals, and that the the charity is free to visit without notice.

“Rarely visit”

“The ISPCA rarely visit – less than one visit per year”, he added.

The charity’s CEO Dr Andrew Kelly has called for Ireland to follow England and Wales by bringing in a ban on using animals in shows.

“Forcing wild animals to perform unnatural behaviours for human entertainment is cruel, out-dated and should be consigned to the history books,” he said.

read more;

http://www.thejournal.ie/sea-lions-tom-duffys-circus-ispca-1305443-Feb2014/

Clowns Entertain Tiny Shoppers Just In Time For The Circus

By 13 News Carissa Fox

Feb 08, 2014

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW)__ Clowns gathered to help get the word out about a big time event scheduled under the big top.

The Arab Shrine Circus is set to kick off at the Kansas Expocentre February 20-23.

Saturday (2/08), the Arab Shrine Circus Clowns took to The Toy Store to help spread the word and pass out tickets to tiny shoppers and their parents.

The clowns entertained the guests with balloon mayhem and silly jokes. The kids could be seen laughing and running through the store chasing the deflating balloons.

If you missed the event, you can still pick up tickets before the show at any Topeka Dillon's store or Hy-Vee. Tickets may also be purchased at the Kansas Expocentre box office.

For Emporia residents, you can find tickets at Bad Ol' Bern's BBQ, Dillon's and Guion Showcase Furniature

Circus elephant hurt in drive-by shooting returning to Mississippi after recovering at Missouri farm

February 6

The Associated Press

TUPELO, Miss. — A circus elephant is coming back to Mississippi, nearly a year after being injured in a drive-by shooting. 

Carol, a 39-year-old Asian elephant, spent several weeks recovering at a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus farm in Springfield, Mo., after the April 9, 2013, shooting 

outside BancorpSouth Arena in Tupelo, Miss. The animal was shot in the shoulder.

No arrests have been made but the case remains open.

Circus spokeswoman Melinda Hartline tells the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal that Carol will return as a part of the Super Circus Heroes show. The new show will run from April 3-6.

Hartline says Carol has been back performing, "doing what she loves" and there were no second thoughts about 

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2014/02/06/4802669/circus-elephant-hurt-in-drive.html#storylink=cpy

BIG APPLE CIRCUS Brings New Show- LUMINOCITY on City Hall Plaza 3/25-5/11

By BWW Newsdesk

February 6 2014

It's the vivacity! It's the velocity! It's the LUMINOCITY - the All-New Show from the Big Apple Circus! Now in its 36th Season, the Big Apple Circus celebrates the vitality of life at the city epicenter, the Crossroads of the World! Catch all the verve, the high-spirits and racing-pulse thrills of the World's Greatest Circus Artists in one ring under our intimate Big Top, where no seat is more than 50 feet from ringside! The Big Apple Circus presents LUMINOCITY in its annual Boston engagement at City Hall Plaza from Tuesday, March 25 through Sunday, May 11, 2013.

Venture within the hubbub at the heart of Gotham, where the restless tide of humanity rushes through canyons of skyscrapers and shoals of billboards: The dog-walker, whose rowdy pups perform amazing tricks! Businesswomen who arrange to meet, soaring high above on a double trapeze! The rube, a clown-prince among peers, celebrating the mirth of life! Revelry at New Year's Eve, with teeter-board acrobats flying like fireworks! and a chic couple of wire-walkers suspended mid-air for the event! The humble repairman, climbing the ladder of his imagination! The mounted policewoman, directing a cavalcade of steeds! The flimflam man with his quicksilver moves! The food cart vendor, juggling his produce! Construction workers assembling athletic poses of incredible strength! The celebrated Big Apple Circus Band, under the baton of maestro Rob Slowik, provides the lively musical soundtrack, and your cosmopolitan Ringmaster, John Kennedy Kane, will conduct your tour through this luminous cityscape. Run away and join the Big Apple Circus this season for a dazzling, unforgettable spectacle of wonder, merriment and joy!

read more:

read more:

http://www.broadwayworld.com/boston/article/BIG-APPLE-CIRCUS-Briings-New-Show--LUMINOCITY-on-City-Hall-Plaza-325-511-20140206

Worcester City Council familiar with circus

from: telegram.com

By Clive McFarlane TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

Fenruary 7,2014

Worcester,MA--The City Council voted Tuesday night to allow circuses and traveling shows to continue using wild and exotic animals when performing in the city. 

Good for them. Let's hope, however, that this love for the circus doesn't push councilors to turn their chamber into a big top, a difficult temptation to resist since winning elections have a tendency to sometimes make humble candidates act like big cats — just ask former city councilor Bill Eddy about that. 

I understand it was first-time City Councilor Michael Gaffney who pushed Tuesday's vote to put a stop to what he believes is a conspiracy to close down circuses and petting zoos. 

"This is a first step of saying we shouldn't have animals, period," he reportedly said

Regardless of his "First of May" status, which is what novice performers or workers in their first season on the circus are called, Councilor Gaffney really ought to try and save his "Stars and Stripes Forever" alarm (the circus emergency signal) for worthy agenda items. 

I am sure he is no Joey (clown), but the following points and recommendations will go a long way in helping him and his colleagues provide residents with a Sunday school council, which in circus-speak would be a council that is clean and aboveboard. 

read more:

http://www.telegram.com/article/20140207/COLUMN44/302079938

Ringling Bros. ringmaster brings circus 'Legends' to Philly

Jonathan Lee Iverson is the ringmaster for Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey presents "Legends." The circus comes to the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia beginning on Feb. 12.

Photo/Feld entertainment

By Kristie Rearick/South Jersey Times South Jersey Newspapers 

on February 07, 2014

Several years ago, Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey circus was in search of a singing ringmaster. And Jonathan Lee Iverson fit the bill perfectly.

Iverson, who studied opera in college, auditioned for a dinner theater show and one thing led to another and he ended up becoming the first singing ringmaster for the circus giant. 

“My plan was to raise money so I could go to Europe,” he said with a laugh.

could go to Europe,” he said with a laugh.

Today, he’s been all over the country and across Europe leading the Greatest Show on Earth, — and singing, too.

“There’s a lot of live music in this show,” he said. “We have the hardest working band.”

That show — Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey presents “Legends” — opens at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Feb. 12. 

And it’s sure to be “amazing,” Iverson said.

“It’s mystical and magical,” he said. “We’ve added a unicorn, a Pegasus, a wooley mammoth, and performing pigs.”

read  and see more:

http://www.nj.com/indulge/index.ssf/2014/02/ringling_bros_ringmaster_brings_circus_legends_to_philly.html

Family Friendly: Small circus provides big laughs, plenty of fun

From: Chicago Sun Times

By: Myrna Petlicki | For Sun-Times Media 

February 7, 2014

Join in the fun when the Argentinean duo of Gabriela Chichizola and Juan Friguglietti present Planet Circus on Feb. 15 at the Oak Brook Public Library.

How many performers does it take to make a circus? The answer is two in the case of Gabriela Chichizola and Juan Friguglietti’s Pocket Circus. The Argentinean pair will present Planet Circus, 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15 at the Oak Brook Public Library, 600 Oak Brook Road.

“It’s a mix of juggling, magic and acrobatics—one different thing after another,” Chichizola said. The show is also infused with music and humor.

The performers like to involve their audience in the show, bringing some members onstage to help with magic tricks and other stunts.

Nobody is left out, though. “Everybody else participates from their seats,” Chichizola said. “We are all the time asking the audience for their response and their help.”

The couple particularly likes performing for family audiences. “Everybody—it doesn’t matter what age they are—enjoys exactly the same thing,” she related. “When they go home, they are talking about something they shared.”

http://hinsdale.suntimes.com/things-to-do/famfriendly-DDO-02062014:article

Special circus preview show brings out a crowd

Madeline Ellis, 11, left, and Katie Cappello, 11, both of Suwanee, peruse the costumes provided Friday during a special preview for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s latest show, Built to Amaze!, at the Arena at Gwinnett Center. (Staff Photo: Deanna Allen) 

From; GWINNETT  DAILYPOST

By Deanna Allen 

February 7, 2014

Ashley Lange looked like a seasoned circus performer posing with a big smile in a bright pink dress emblazoned with gold stars.

#Nearby at the wardrobe rack, 11-year-olds Madeline Ellis and Katie Cappello laughed while looking through several costumes, all clothing children could try on during a special preview for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s latest show, Built to Amaze!, at the Arena at Gwinnett Center.

#Lange, a 12-year-old Dacula resident, and Ellis and Cappello, both of Suwanee, were three of more than 200 children to attend the Friday evening event, which was sponsored by Gas South and preceded the full circus show.

#The preview was open to special-needs children and their friends and family and included tiger demonstrations, performances by clowns and dancers, a unicycle basketball game, an elephant demonstration and more.

#This is Gas South’s fifth year hosting the special preview.

#“It’s been an event that has grown and become even more special every year that we’ve done it,” said Kevin Greiner, president and CEO of Gas South. “We have really had a great time treating kids and their families to a great experience at the circus year after year

see and read more:

http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/news/2014/feb/07/special-circus-preview-show-brings-out-a-crowd/?news

Big Apple Circus 

from:  publishersfeatureservice.com

by RJH • February 3, 2014

Big Apple Circus 

Verizon Amphitheatre 

through February 17, 2014 

What a treat to have the Big Apple Circus in town once again. As you may know they moved their venue last year to Alpharetta and it’s just as easy to get to as their previous locations east of town. There are plenty of specific directions to the facility on their website.

The show is not performed on the main stage; but is in the big tent as always. They have camped out at Lot A on the west side of the Amphitheatre facility with plenty of parking immediately adjacent to the entrance.

The Big Apple is an unique company in so many respects. It is a non-profit which expands their activities to help children, provide services for those with handicaps, and also helps to entertain older folks in various facilities. They also run with few animals, primarily fewer than ten horses and a few dogs. No elephants nor endangered species. Most of the performers are true circus folk, some Asian, some eastern European and almost every one of them a second or third generation performer. But, each a real master in his own right.

This program started off with Ty Tojo, and incredible young juggler, and included a balancing act on a device known as a free ladder performed by Canadian Daniel Cyr. The stage set is more or less about being in Times Square at the start, where street vendors and buskers may be seen and heard. Each act is unique, such as the Acro-Duo from Russia and Ukraine whose hand balancing is going to stretch your mind when you see them perform. There is one high wire act with husband and wife, Werner Guerrero and Aura Cardinali. They don’t climb up any ladder to get to the top, they go up from a slant wire as she sings several numbers while you hold your breath.

The animals are handled by Jenny Vidbel, a young woman who is a third generation circus gypsy. The horses and dogs seem to love her as much as she does them, and the audience gets a real pleasure from her two acts. The big act in the show is the Dosov Troupe which is the final spectacular balancing act put together and managed by Bulgarian Dzmitry Dosov. Men and women fly from springboards 30 or more feet into the air, every time landing spot-on to great applause.

There are the usual intra-scene schticks involving a comedian who works the audience. These days it is Rob Torres who has taken over after Grandma’s many years of pleasing audiences. I guess the bottom line is that these are a very professional troupe of wonderful human beings who do good work, and whose purpose in life is to enjoy their lives by bringing joy into the lives of others. They never fail.

I know we have other circuses coming to our area. But, trust me. This is the one for any family which wants to feel connected. You will always be seated close to the one-ring facility and every seat in the house has unobstructed view of the action. And a live band is right in front of you at all times. For tickets, driving directions and parking info you can visit their website at BigAppleCircus.org

Gandey's Circus is a thrill for all 

from: liverpoolecho.co.uk

By Georgia Morgan  

3 Feb 2014  

Gandey’s Thrill Circus will suit every member of the family this February half-term at Speke Hall Road (opposite Dobbies Garden Centre), Liverpool L24 9HQ.

The circus, which will be on from Monday 10th February to Monday 24th February 2014,  is the country’s largest Big Top entertainment organisation and is back with an action-packed, all human circus.

Gandey’s Thrill Circus tells you to “prepare to be gripped by the electrifying excitement of the death defying aerialists high in the roof of the Big Top.....left breathless by the boisterous high-octane acrobatics of African physical theatre...be totally amazed by the skill of the world’s most eccentric juggler... astounded by the acrobats who achieve the impossible by challenging the laws of gravity.....be delighted yet completely baffled by the stylish and graceful art of “quick change”....be enchanted by the giant puppet cartoon characters.... and laugh out loud at the antics of the hilarious clowns in circus spectacular for all the family.”

A family ticket for the circus is £40. (2 Adults and 2 Children or 1 Adult and 3 Children)Tickets are £8 for Children and £12 for Adults. 

The shows are on everyday with various times you can attend. Friday 14th - 7.30pm, Saturday 15th - 2.30pm & 5pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 16th - 2.30pm & 5pm. Monday 17th to Friday 21st – 2.30pm & 5pm daily,  Saturday 22nd - 2.30pm & 5pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 23rd - 2.30pm & 5pm.

If you want to buy a ticket visit www.gandeyscircus.com or call  0843 208 0500. There is also a box office onsite from Monday 10th February which is open 9.30am – 8pm daily. 

 Circus comes to Jackson

Colleen Pages is pictured with one of the animals that opened the show Monday when Circus Pages came to the Georgia National Guard Armory in Jackson. (Staff Photo: Michael Davis) 

The circus came to Jackson on Monday when Circus Pages set up its show at the Georgia National Guard Armory.

from:n jacksonprogress-argus

by staff

February 4, 2014

Jackson. GA--The animal acts included white lions, tigers, camels, horses and elephants while the human performers took to the air for high-flying rope and ring demonstrations and trampoline acrobatics. Circus Pages also included motorcycle stunts performed inside the Globe of Death, an enclosed metal sphere in which riders zipped around seemingly barely missing one another and the unarmored female performer standing at the bottom.

Colleen Pages finishes a performance with four camels during a Circus Pages show in Jackson on Monday. (Staff Photo: Michael Davis)

Clowns kept the show going with antics involving audience members, and kids and adults alike also got to take in the full circus experience with peanuts, popcorn, cotton candy and various souvenirs.

Robert Laird, a vendor with Circus Pages, stands by some of the plush toys and other souvenirs available at Monday’s shows. (Staff Photo: Michael Davis

The show was capped off by a performance involving two trained elephants with which circus goers could also have their picture taken.

Colleen Pages gives a wave to the crowd at the Georgia National Guard Armory in Jackson as she works with an elephant during the Circus Pages show. (Staff Photo: Michael Davis)

read and see more:

http://www.jacksonprogress-argus.com/photos/2014/feb/04/89704/

Lee Stevens

 Thank you so much President Gloria Myers for the FABULOUS plaque you presented to me tonight ! I am still in shock !

Happy Super Bowl Sunday. 

Yesterday it was Super Circus Saturday in Sag Harbor, New York where the Teachers' Association raised money for the high school scholarship fund. The families turned out in style for our 3 shows, the scholarship fund grew and we'll be back in 2015! Thank you

Obituary for James M. Hamid, Sr.

January 29, 2014 

Galloway, New Jersey

James M. Hamid, Sr.,68, of Galloway passed away on Wednesday January 29, 2014 

Jim was a third generation Circus Producer. He began his career working 

summers carrying huge tin letters used to advertise the current attractions on the electrical billboards of the world famous Steel Pier in Atlantic City, NJ.

After a stint in the U.S. Army and his graduation from La Salle University in 

Philadelphia, Hamid returned to the family amusement businesses, this time as Director of Public Relations and Advertising for the various Hamid holdings, including the Steel Pier, New Jersey State Fair and the Greensboro Agricultural Fair.

When Hamid's grandfather, circus founder George A. Hamid, Sr., fell ill, James, Sr. was thrust into the role of Vice President and Production Manager of the big 3-ring extravaganza. Just like his father and grandfather, James, Sr. grew to love the circus.

James was a member of Atlantic Lodge #221 F. & A.M., a member of Crescent and Murat Shrines, and an honorary member of Arab and Kalurah Shrines. He is also a Past President of Circus Producers Association, Inc. and a member of Circus Fans of America and the Circus Historical Society.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife Lorraine (nee Latini), his children Christine Davis (John), James M. Hamid Jr (Shirley), Carolyn Hamid, Alisha Hamid and Gina Latini. He is also survived by his grandchildren Belinda Hamid, James Hamid III, Haley Hamid, Lexie Davis, Brett Davis, Catherine Davis, Julia Davis and Lily Davis, his sister Elizabeth Roberts (William) and brothers George Hamid III (Patricia) and Timothy Hamid (Linda). He is predeceased by his grandson John Davis III.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Jim's Life Celebration on Monday February 3, 2014 from 10 to 11am at the Jeffries and Keates Funeral Home, Tilton Road and Infield Ave Northfield.

Memorial Service will follow at 11am at the funeral home. Entombment Laurel Memorial Park, Pomona. 

To share your fondest memory of Jim please visit www.lifecelebration.com.

The family requests in lieu of flowers please make donations to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive Tampa Florida 33607 or Children Hospital Foundation, Lockbox #1352 PO Box 5800 Philadelphia PA 19176-1352.

UniverSoul Circus hits high note with audience

Bob.Self@jacksonville.com

An act from Trinidad featured stilt walkers, puppets and flaming limbo during Sunday's performance of the UniverSoul Circus.

from: jacksonville.com

By Teresa Stepzinski 

Feb 2, 2014

DeShawne Hendricks nodded with approval Sunday as he watched spellbound as an acrobat balanced with his head on top of the head of a fellow acrobat, while making the seemingly gravity-defying maneuver look effortless — at least to the 7-year-old Jacksonville boy.

“I can do that … well, maybe not just exactly like that on the other guy’s head. But I can stand on my head,” DeShawne told his grandmother, Estelle Marquease, as she hugged him to her while they watched the center ring.

“Oh, Lord, he’s going to be trying that as soon as we get in the car until his mom tucks him in tonight,” Marquease said with a chuckle in anticipation of her grandson’s upcoming efforts to mimic the acrobats.

Sifiso Kamela, 23, has been performing with the circus for seven years. A native of South Africa, Kamela is a comedian whose act includes getting members of the audience to join him in the center ring and duplicate his antics, whether it’s strutting like a fashion model on a catwalk, rocking out on air guitar or banging away on an invisible drum kit. He was a maestro directing the audience without a word, just a few toots on a whistle. Before he started doing comedy with the circus, Kamela was an acrobat. No two shows are ever alike, he said.

“We try to keep everything original,” said Kamela, adding he is continually updating his comedy routine. “There are little things that you change to keep it funny.”

Working with the audience is unpredictable but that is also what makes it fun, he said.

“We have people that will be hard on you and people that will be soft on you … but it all gets good in the end,” said Kamela, explaining some audience members catch on quicker thanothers when he gets them into the center ring.

Kamela said circus life is good. He’s made a lot of friends from around the world. But among the best parts is working with the audiences.

“You get to interact with the audience. That’s what we do here with the UniverSoul Circus, connect with the audience, and we have a great show,” he said.

Northeast Florida residents have one more chance to see the circus before it leaves Jacksonville for Tampa, which is the next stop on its 20th anniversary tour.

Its last show at the Prime Osborn Convention Center will be at 4 p.m. Monday. Tickets cost $16 to $35, but admission is free for children under 1 year old.

read and see more at:

http://members.jacksonville.com/news/metro/2014-02-02/story/universoul-circus-hits-high-note-audience