Gilmer VFD bringing Carson & Barnes Circus to Gilmer, TX

The Gilmer Mirror -

Gilmer VFD bringing Carson Barnes Circus to Gilmer In America today, there remains only one big-tented circus, which manages to maintain a
traditionally demanding road schedule. It's the all new 75th edition of the Carson & Barnes
Circus, bringing almost 100 performers and animals to the Gilmer Civic Center in Gilmer on
Sunday, March 20 with shows at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. The Gilmer VFD will use the
fundraiser to support many of its local community projects. Carson & Barnes Circus is
always pleased to provide a portion of its income to civic organizations for local use. In
2011, almost 500,000 dollars was raised for local hosts.
Carson & Barnes Circus travels with its city-block long tent to some 200 towns and cities
each 10-month season. Emphasis this year is on a new concept in circus presentation,
which blends over eight decades of circus tradition and family ownership with exciting new
acts and up-close audience viewing, achieving a new height in quality family entertainment.
While other circuses have reduced their size and schedule, Carson & Barnes is still the only
organization capable of moving such a huge show to a new site nearly every day, seven
days a week.
When Carson & Barnes sets up circus morning, it is circus history and magic, transforming
the show grounds into "Circus City USA". The general public is invited (free), and early
birds on March 20 can watch as the first units of the caravan begin arriving about an hour
after dawn. Over 2 dozen types of exotic and domestic animals, featuring a large traveling
zoo, are unloaded, fed and watered and made available for viewing. Adding to the
excitement, is the final and most popular experience of all, as humans, elephants and
technology work side-by-side to erect America's most spectacular and largest circus Big
Top.
The performers are artists from around the world, including the United States, Mexico,
Peru, Chile, Argentina, Russia and Italy. Acts consist of aerial trapeze, high wire,
motorcycle acrobatic teams, jugglers and clowns, along with performing elephants, camels,
dogs and horses.
Special for 2011 is award-winning clown and world-renowned "King of Comedy" Alex,
who will entertain you with hilarious high bounding feats on the trampoline.

HAMBURG, NY SHRINE CIRCUS

Mar 19, 2011

FROM: WKBW, BUFFALO

NAPLES, FL FAIR SET-UP FOTOS

Photo by DAVID ALBERS

A camel waits for fair-goers at the Collier County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, March, 16,
2011, in Naples. The Collier County Fair runs March 17 through March 27. David
Albers/Staff
The Skyflyer is the newest ride in the midway at the Collier County Fair. The Collier
County Fair runs March 17 through March 27. David Albers/Staff

Eddie Cain, an employee of Reithoffer Shows, replaces light bulbs on the Mini Wave
Swinger ride at the Collier County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, March 16, 2011, in
Naples. The Collier County Fair runs March 17 through March 27. David Albers/Staff

Photo by DAVID ALBERS

Jerry Fox, an employee of W.E. Enterprises, sets up a midway game at the Collier County
Fairgrounds on Wednesday, March, 16, 2011, in Naples. The Collier County Fair runs
March 17 through March 27. David Albers/Staff

Food booths are setup at the Collier County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, March, 16,
2011, in Naples. The Collier County Fair runs March 17 through March 27. David
Albers/Staff

Circus comes to Western Carolina University March 23

Mar. 15, 2011

Written bySTAFF REPORTS---Asheville Citizen-Times

CULLOWHEE — The Piccadilly Circus will be celebrating 25 years of entertaining
families when it pulls into Western Carolina University’s Ramsey Regional Activity Center
for two shows, at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. March 23. Children will be admitted free with a
paying adult; coupons are available at area schools and businesses.
Piccadilly Circus features include “Elephant Extravaganza,” “Motorcycle Madness,” the
giant jungle monster Katunga, the Mongolian Angels contortionists and a boxing kangaroo
named Rocky.Tickets are available at www.TheFunCircus.com using the code word “circus,” or at the
door. Adult tickets are $28 and “VIP” seats are $35. The cost is $7 for a child to upgrade
a free ticket to a VIP ticket.For more information, call the Ramsey Center at 227-7677.

'Water for Elephants': Oscar runs off to join the circus?
March 17, 2011
"Water for Elephants" sends conflicting Oscar signals. On one hand, it seems like, well,
maybe it's derby fare considering it stars past Academy Award champs Reese
Witherspoon and Christoph Waltz and is based upon a beloved book.
But then you consider its popcorn costar (Robert Pattinson), the director (music video

virtuoso Francis Lawrence, who helmed "Constantine" and "I Am Legend") and the book's
pulp fiction plot: Downtrodden boy (Pattinson) joins the circus and falls in forbidden love
with the wife (Witherspoon) of evil boss (Waltz). "Water for Elephants" might be peanuts
for the masses and that's all.
It certainly doesn't have an Oscar-friendly release date: April 22.-- Tom O'Neil
From:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/awards/2011/03/water-for-elephants-trailer-robert-pattinso

n-news.html

SARASOTA NEWS ARTICLES---

DOLLY JACOBS--CIRQUE DES VOIX

Aerialist Dolly Jacobs performed in Cirque des Voix, a Circus Sarasota presentation of the
circus arts combined with a 150-voice chorus from Key Chorale and Sarasota Young
Voices and a 20-piece orchestra.

Review from Sarasota Times-Herald---
On many occasions I am grateful for the astonishing good fortune to live in Sarasota, but
none more so than when I was brought to tears of joy witnessing the "Queen of the Air"
and international circus legend Dolly Jacobs flying near the peak of the big top to the
luscious music of Ennio Morricone performed by live orchestra and chorus. What could be
more uniquely Sarasotan than a celebration of the musical arts and circus arts together?A roar of applause and cheers is due to impresarios Joe Caulkins of Key Chorale and
Pedro Reis of Circus Sarasota for creating this wonderful experience to share with us. This
was not simply a concert taking place in a tent with some circus acts in front of the
orchestra and chorus. Rather, we saw the Maestro transformed to Ringmaster and
programmed music which perfectly meshed with the nature of each circus act.
Caulkins, delivering his lines with classic circus inflection, either had good coaching or is a
natural who seemed to relish this new role. From the first set up featuring clowns Chuck
Sidlow and Karen Bell fishing for "O For-TUNA" segueing into Carl Orff's memorable
opening to "Carmina Burana," to the driving force of Karl Jenkins' Dies Irae, perfectly
portraying the Moroccan Connection's acrobatic muscle in the music, this was a neatly
blended new art form.
To be sure, there were times when the act truly did distract from the music, as with the
Rolla Bolla act by Axel Perez where bursts of applause and the rapt attention required to
enjoy this balancing act, allowed us to largely ignore the musical challenges the chorus was
hurdling in Eric Whitacre's engaging "Little Man in a Hurry."
The program included several works where the chorus and orchestra did not have to share
the spotlight and in these the Key Chorale acquitted itself well. Perhaps it was the acoustics
of the tent that made it difficult to follow the sung text in Charles Ives' "Circus Band" and in
most of the pieces, but the general sound, blend and pitch of the ensemble made for an
enjoyable experience. Of course, the musicians of the orchestra and accompanying pianists
Judy Richey, Genevieve Beauchamp, and Nancy Yost Olson were superb as well.
The Sarasota Young Voices were featured in a number of the selections and they excelled
in their own spotlight with the atmospheric music of Karl Jenkins' "The Snow of
Yesterday," even outshining Allesandro Wallenda's juggling act with their charming way in
"La Lluvia" by Stephen Hatfield.
If the aerial beauty of Dolly Jacobs made us cry, then the jaw-dropping contortions of
Ricardo Sosa paired with Karl Jenkins' deeply moving "Pie Jesu" left us speechless. If you
had to miss one of these two performances this year, then buy your tickets well in advance
for what we hope will be an annual event of this remarkable new partnership.

Sarasota County Fair opens

By Brian Ries, Herald-Tribune

Thursday, March 17, 2011
The 75th annual Sarasota County Fair has set up shop at the fairgrounds, with all the
shining lights, spinning rides, fried food and midway barkers you can handle.
New at the fair this year are the magic and hypnosis of Ron Diamond; the Wild About
Monkeys animal show; and a performance by modern country music band Bullseye Ride.
Of course, there’s still those rascally Rosaire’s Racing Pigs, a slew of midway rides and
games, plenty of diet-busting carnival food, and plenty of vendors in Robarts Arena.
One aspect of the fair that’s often overlooked amidst the neon and gleeful screams is the
classic agricultural component of the festivities. You can gander at competition-ready
animals and plants raised by kids in the 4-H program. Better yet, you can buy them at
auctions — with the proceeds going to support further 4-H programs. Don’t worry, you
won’t have to strap a steer to the top of your car — it will be sent to a processing facility
and you’ll received packaged cuts without the need to break out your butcher knife.

Sarasota County Fair opens Friday

STAFF PHOTO / DAN WAGNER

Stella, a South American sea lion, left, shows off her four-month-old baby, Hans, at the
Sea Lion Splash exhibit, which debuted at the Sarasota County Fair last year and returns
this year.
By Todd RugerMarch 17, 2011

Sarasota Times-Herald

SARASOTA COUNTY - The Sarasota County Fair opens Friday for a 10-day run of
old-style entertainment and agriculture shows otherwise disappearing from today's
high-definition, 3-D glasses culture.
That doesn't mean there will not be anything new at the 75th annual fair, which opens at 2
p.m. at the fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd.
The Wild About Monkeys animal show makes its debut this year, Ron Diamond has new
segments in his magic and hypnosis act, and the sea lion show is back for its second year
after a popular showing last year.
But the midway rides and games, the fried carnival food and the displays of livestock and
crafts from 4-H and Future Farmers of America remain the heart of an American tradition
that has stayed true to its roots.
"It's also provides a homecoming and family reunion all wrapped in one. It's a throwback to
the old days where people count," said fair organizer Rory Martin.
"It's the last bastion of public education of agriculture we have in the county."
And all of it — all $140,000 worth of entertainment, Martin says — can be had for $8 for
adults; $4 for seniors, active duty military and students ages 6-17; and free for children age
5 and younger.
Entrance is also free between 2 and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The fair opens at noon
on Saturdays and Sundays.
An armband special will be available each day, providing unlimited spins on the mechanical
midway rides for $20 plus the cost of admission.
The fair expects 150,000 visitors. Last year it rained on two Sundays. This year the
forecast calls for nearly perfect days the entire week: Highs in the upper 70s and lows in the
upper 50s.
The last day of the fair is March 27.
Circus and musical arts' magical marriage

SAVANNAH, GA---ST PATRICK'S DAY PARADE

SAVANNAH PARADE A FAMILY TRADITION

SAVANNAH ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION

One of the Country's Largest!

Most folks don't realize, unless you live down there, that Savannah, Ga's

St Patrick Day's celebration is one of the largest in the nation.

A lot of Buddies of ours used to, and some still do, work this every year.

It runs all weekend this year!

The Greatest Show on Earth Gets Fully Charged at Nassau Coliseum

March 17th, 2011

.This Examiner Rates Ringling Bros & Barnum and Bailey Present Fully Charged:5*****STARS

The 141st installment of Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey circus charged into Nassau Coliseum last night and lived up to its title of the greatest show on Earth.

Fully Charged is their latest edition of the circus, taking family fun and entertainment to new heights, literally.
Parents and children alike were dazzled by acts like The Human Fuse Brian Miser, who flew across the arena, fully ablaze, after being launched from a crossbow, and the Fernandez Brothers, who did aerial leaps and twists in moving wheels called the Twin Turbines of Steel that rise three stories in the air. Truly a show for all ages, Fully Charged seamlessly blends the breathtaking with hilarity, as the Ringling Brothers’ clowns entertained everyone in the audience with their various acts and pratfalls.
The stars of the show, of course, are the animals. From Asia the Elephant, who has been known to moonlight as a painter, to the beautiful zebras, the stunning tigers, and the majestic horses, it’s hard to believe these animals are actually performing such amazing tricks right before your eyes, all thanks to animal trainer Tabayara Maluenda. At one point in the show, you actually witness an elephant ballet, with all of the elephants dancing almost in unison. Tabayara also gets into a steel cage with twelve tigers, which at times, jump through his legs. It’s incredible to watch the connection he has with these animals, and the respect he has for them is obvious.
If watching the fun isn’t enough for you, the circus offers VIP Circus Celebrity tickets, where circus goers can actually join the acts in the center of the arena. Seats are set up midway through the first half of the show, and the Circus Celebrities get to watch the show from the middle of the ring for about twenty minutes. Surrounded by clowns, it really is a surreal, once in a lifetime experience.
Fully Charged isn’t all about fun and games, however. The circus has started an initiative that puts the spotlight on smoke detector safety awareness, and encourages people to check the batteries in their smoke detectors, making sure they are Fully Charged. Smoke detectors save lives, so ask yourself – “Are you Fully Charged?”
The Fully Charged circus experience will be in town until March 20th, 2011, at Nassau Coliseum. Examiner.com readers will receive $5 off all non-VIP level tickets by clicking here, and using the code SMOKE. That means you have a chance to see the show for as low as $10. All tickets to the show also grant you admission to the All-Access Pre-Show, where you get up close and personal with some of the performers and animals, and you get a behind the scenes look at what goes into making the show as great as it is. Don’t miss out on seeing this really electrifying show.from:http://www.examiner.com/family-in-long-island/the-greatest-show-on-earth-gets-fully-charged-at-nassau-coliseum-review

PHOTOS

Circus coming to Rusk March 22

Meagan O'Toole-Pitts

The Jacksonville, TX Daily Progress

Thu Mar 17, 2011
RUSK — The Kelly Miller Circus, with a funhouse full of tigers, lions, camels and elephants, will be in Rusk Tuesday, March 22.
The circus will include a fire-breather, aerial acrobats, jugglers, clowns, a tiger show, and a dog-and-pony show.
“The tiger show and the human jugglers and the acrobats are the most exciting things,” said Jarren Ellis, advertising director for the Kelly Miller Circus.
The circus is sponsored by the Rusk Rotary Club.
“All the proceeds that we get — Rotary gets a percentage — will go to scholarships that we give away to graduating seniors in Rusk,” said Rusk Rotary Club President Tara Crosby.
The Rusk Rotary Club gives away five $500 scholarships every year to Rusk High School students to use at the college of their choice. Scholarship recipients will be awarded at the graduation ceremony in June.
The Kelly Miller Circus will have two shows at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on March 22 in Rusk at the at the Old Rodeo Grounds beside the KOA Campground on FM 343 E.
Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $15 for adults and $7 for children.

Cirque du Soleil Braves the Japanese Earthquake

Cirque du Soleil Artistic Director Adam Miller in Japan.

By Lizzie Simon

March 17, 2011

Sometimes the show really can’t go on.

This was the case for Cirque du Soleil’s production of “Kooza” which was playing in Tokyo when the earthquake struck on March 11.
The troupe, which has over 130 cast, crew, and family members affiliated with it, is under the leadership of Artistic Director Adam Miller. When the tremors began, he was in the middle of a production meeting in a trailer adjacent to their venue, the Big Top. An elaborate tent, it was constructed to feature the show’s chair balancers, contortionists, and other high risk aerialists and acrobats, but also to withstand earthquakes (and it did).

When an alarm rang, he said that people knew it was the seismic detection devices, because they had had two mandatory earthquake preparedness sessions when they first came to Japan to begin performances in January. Though they had been instructed to stay in place, Miller said that he and others drifted from the offices to a catering area outside, where standing on the ground began to feel like standing on an undulating raft. “It felt fluid, “ he said, “and the buildings were shaking.”
More unsettling were the aftershocks. “Things just start moving, you know? It was very unnerving.” More disturbing still were the videos from Sendai that were easily accessible because the WiFi connection remained unperturbed. “We were telling people, ‘You have to stop watching CNN’,” he said, “’they are going to point their cameras at whatever is most drastic.’”
Miller stressed that people were calm—his cast and crew were, their families were, and the Japanese they encountered were, too. One acrobat had been separated from the group due to a routine surgery, and couldn’t return because he couldn’t find a cab. So another acrobat walked two hours to the hospital, found a wheelchair, and wheeled him two hours back.
“We felt completely safe, but we figured that the Japanese authorities had much more important things to do than look after our welfare,” he said. They also couldn’t run high-risk acrobatics with the looming threat of power outages. And so, within four days of the first tremor, in an impressive feat of logistics involving the coordination of visas, transfers, airfare, and hotel, they were all evacuated to Macao along with two hundred and fifty other people affiliated with “Zed”, a Cirque production at Tokyo Disney. Now the casts of the two shows are united, living and training together. “It has that camping out feel to it,” he said.
As a group of peripatetic performers who tread in the surreal, with some flinging themselves into death-defying acts on the regular, they’re fairly accustomed to the challenges of change, risk, chaos, and resilience. Miller said that the children of a six-generation family with a high wire act were adapting nicely to the new set up. “Everyone would be envious of how circus children behave when they travel,” he said brightly, before describing a group of Mongolian contortionists who were “now enjoying a country they never expected to see.”
Miller said the company is still taking things one day at a time, but hopes to return to Japan and resume performances as soon as possible. “The artists are extremely conscious of wanting to do something for the victims,” he said. “We are certainly the lucky ones.”

Miami-Dade County Fair Opens Today, Time For Fair Food

By Laine Doss,

Thu., Mar. 17 2011

The Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition opens today and runs through April 3.

The Fair is celebrating it's 60th birthday this year and over half a million people are expected to show up for this 18-day long party.

Attractions at the fair include a circus, live tigers, rides, freaky-looking carnies to scare the children and...fair food. Over 160 different fair foods that bring you right back to childhood will be served on sticks, paper and foil -- because no self-respecting adult who knows better should ever eat this stuff. But we do and we love it.
Fair food means fried food. If you can throw it in a vat of boiling oil, someone will serve it at the fair. Expect the usual fried Oreos, zeppoles, funnel cake and elephant ears with some new additions. Fried bacon, butter and even fried Pepsi is rumored to make an appearance this year. The Krispy Kreme donut burger, a 1/4 pound of beef served with cheese, lettuce and tomato on two Krispy Kreme glazed instead of a bun, is sure to be a hit with the "I dare you" crowd.
The Fair opens most weekdays at 3 p.m. and noon on weekends. Advance purchase fair admission is $10, but there are various discounts for military, teachers, and many local stores offer coupons. You can also print a discount coupon here. from: http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/shortorder/2011/03/the_miami-dade_fair_opens_toda.php

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL!

Clowning around
Thursday, March 17, 2011



My productivity went out the window when two clowns came into the office today.

A daily occurrance, no doubt. The difference this time? This was fun.
The two Ambassadors of Laughter from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus came into the office for an interview with one of our Southeast Missourian Jr. reporters. The Junior is a monthly magazine we put out that's mostly written by kids and is completely for kids.

Dave and Cherie Gregg -- decked out in frilly skirts, red noses and floppy shoes -- stopped by in between visits to schools, hospitals and libraries. The duo travels about a month ahead of the circus, doing reading programs and teaching magic and building excitement. The Greatest Show on Earth officially arrives in Cape Girardeau April 22 and will stay though April 24.

Dave and Cherie are clown college sweethearts. They were in the circus for five years before they became the ambassadors. In addition to today's trips, They have Discovery Playhouse at 11:30 a.m., Cape Library at 1 p.m. and West Park Mall at 4 p.m.

They gave me a clown nose, practiced their juggling and told me just how they fit 13 clowns in a car: very carefully.
from: http://www.semissourian.com/blogs/harris/entry/40503/

Pinal County Fair going on now

Fair opens 4:00 p.m. March 16 and 17 2011.Cotton candy and corn dogs. Jams and jazz bands. Funnel cakes and future farmers. Pony rides and the thrill of carnival rides. Must be the Pinal County Fair! The five day annual event is gearing up for another round of memory making good times. Mark your calendars for March 16th through 20th and there will be “Family Fun for Everyone’ at the Fair”!
Whether you’re two or ninety-two, you’ll find something delectable to eat, scintillating shows, awesome shopping, fascinating exhibits and carnival rides from the tame to the out-of-this world.
The daily schedule is jam packed with shows that will make you laugh, shows that will make you bite your nails and shows that will amaze you! Enjoy Kobert’s Amazing World of Birds, Magician Terry Godfrey, Balloon Man Skip Banks. So much to see – all included with your admission. That’s right – all of the entertainment is free with your fair admission.
Exhibits are a big part of a traditional county fair and the Pinal County Fair brings out the best of the best. Quilts, photography, woodworking, jellies, home-grown vegetables and even ugly cakes – you’ll find them all at the fair. Everyone is welcome to participate! What do you have to lose – in fact you could win. Information on exhibiting at the fair is available by clicking on Entry Handbook to the left.
Of course the fair wouldn’t be complete without the youth livestock shows. The fair is the culmination of months of hard work by county youth. Learning animal husbandry, financial responsibility and good clean competition, participating kids are rewarded for all of their efforts at the Junior Livestock Auction on Saturday.
Don’t forget about all the mouth-watering barbeque, the scrumptious kettle corn and the tasty roasted corn. Leave the diets at home and enjoy all of the yummy treats the fair has to offer!
The Pinal County Fair is your one-stop, incredible value, family fun destination. Adults are $8 and children 6-12 are $4 (tots 5 and under are always free). Make plans now to attend March 16th through 20th at the Pinal County Fairgrounds, 11 Mile Corner Road, Casa Grande.
See you at the fair!

Fair Deals

2 for 1 Fair Admission ~ WednesdayBuy one Fair Admission receive one free of equal or lesser value

$4 Senior Day ~Friday Seniors, 55 or older, receive discounted fair admission of $4

US Military Service Member Day ~

Saturday

Free admission for military service members when you present your IDRead to Ride ~ Sunday Free fair admission and Rides (details)

from: http://www.santanvalleytoday.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1377:pinal-county-fair-going-on-now&catid=35:recent-stories

Collier County Fair

Explore an agricultural fair, discover a rainforest, and enjoy a carnival all in one place at the Collier County Fair in Naples from Thursday, March 17 to Sunday, March 27.
The Collier County Fair displays the area’s agricultural roots by hosting a series of livestock competitions all week featuring large steer and swine as well as petite rabbits and poultry.
Don Jolly, president of the fair board, said it’s unique that children have been raising animals to bring to sell for college money at the fair’s livestock sale.
The fair will give residents a taste of the exotic in shows such as the Amazing Rainforest Experience. Meet a fishing cat, Bengal tigers, a ringtail lemur and other rare animals. A live shark encounter allows visitors to see how sharks interact with human trainers.
Jolly said the largest rides that have ever been in Collier County will be at this year’s fair.
Carnival rides, including a Ferris wheel and seven “super rides,” will be in full operation during all hours of the fair. Visitors can expect barbecue, chocolate, tacos and a wide variety of other foods in addition to traditional carnival fare.
Admission is $10 for people ages 12 years and older, $5 for children ages 6 through 11 and free for children 5 and under. Visitors can purchase a MegaPass for $20 which admits one person to the Collier County Fair for one day or night and includes free ride privileges for all ticketed rides.
For a complete list of events, visit http://www.colliercountyfair.com.

CHINESE IMPERIAL CIRCUS, SEPT 5, 1996 PERSONNEL (FROM BILL PRICKETT)

CAMANCHE, IOWA

Chinese Balancing Act

Front Door

Harry "Whipper" McDaniel, Mechanic

Carson & Barnes Elephants

Adam Hill, Elephant Superintendent

Mr Albert Vonderheide

All Photos taken by Bill Prickett, Peoria, IL

"More to come later!"

Navasota hosts Circus this Thursday

The City of Navasota, TX Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department will host the Kelly Miller Circus on Thursday, March 17, at the August Horst Park at 104 Veterans Memorial Drive. Show times will be at 4:30 and 7 p.m.
Advance tickets cost $6 for children under 12, and $10 for adults.
Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Cedar Creek Trail lighting project at Victoria Park. To purchase tickets or for more information, contact The Navasota Center office at 936-825-2241.

Moolah Shrine Circus

Posted by Tera Stahlhut

Where: St. Charles County Family Arena,

2002 Arena Pky, Saint Charles, MO 63303 Date: March 17, 2011 / March 18, 2011 / March 19, 2011 / March 20, 2011 Next on: Today, March 17, 2011 The circus is coming to town! Bring the entire family out for the 69th Annual Moolah Shrine Circus.
All of your favorite from clowns to trapieze artists will be there and the Motorcycle of Death with be featured.
Performances are:
■Thursday, March 17 - 7:00 pm

■Friday, March 18 - 10:30 am and 7:30 pm

■Saturday, March 19 - 10:00 am, 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm

■Sunday, March 20 - 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm

A special performance for the hearing impaired will presented on Sunday at 1:00 pm.

Plymouth Meeting Friends School's 4th Graders put on community circus

newsworksdotorg

Four years ago, Jackson Craig sat in the auditorium and saw his sister perform in a wild west circus. He couldn’t wait to follow in her footsteps, and now he’s ready - he’s in the fourth grade at Plymouth Meeting Friends School.
The fourth-grade class puts on a circus each year; it was Jackson and his classmate’s turn last week. He didn’t have to tame any tigers or elephants but the 10-year-old performed on the aerial silks, rode two unicycles and sang.
Jackson was excited that this year’s theme was the Beatles, which is different than the time period themes of past years. It’s also better than his sister’s, he said.
read more at:http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/art-entertainment-sports/item/15334-circus-math-for-the-fourth-grade

New Details Revealed on BATMAN LIVE

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

by BWW News Desk
BATMAN LIVE, which will begin a full arena tour in the UK in July, has revealed additional information about the plot lines featured in the production. The show will follow Dick Grayson, an orphaned circus performer who is looked after by Bruce Wayne. In his search for justice, he discovers the true identity of Batman and joins him as his crime-fighting sidekick, Robin.
Set in Gotham City, Wayne Manor, the Batcave and Arkham Asylum been brought to life on stage in a more visually exciting way. Join Batman and Robin as they battle their nemesis The Joker and other super-villains such as The Riddler, Catwoman, The Penguin, Two-Face and Harley Quinn, set on destroying Gotham City.
The show will also include a trapeze show and hot air balloon sequences, both of which are expected to surprise audience members.

SARASOTA FAIR OPENS FRIDAY

Cirque du Soleil revisits 'Quidam'

By Karen D'Souzakdsouza@mercurynews.com

Posted: 03/16/2011 Picture credit : Al Seib Costume credit

Cirque du Soleil's "Quidam" first swung into the big top back in 1996.One of the most critically acclaimed of the extravaganzas from the French Canadian circus juggernaut, "Quidam" embodied the best that the troupe has to offer. It was a marriage of eye-popping acrobatics and metaphorically rich art that both celebrated the poetry of the body and harnessed the power of the mind.
Haunted by Magritte-inspired headless men in bowlers, bursting with ennui and spinning around the wistful mystery of a lost little girl, "Quidam" suggested the existential nature of life as the millennium approached. It was beautiful, but it was dark, even a little disturbing, a surreal dream that tiptoed at the edge of the void and thus spoke perfectly to the mood of the '90s.
And since its debut, the blockbuster has been seen by almost 10 million people worldwide.
"It's a (Franco) Dragone show, the old-school Cirque, the real deal," says hand-balancer Olga Pikhienko. "It's an intricate world, where the more you watch it, the more you see."
Now the critical darling is back, but it's not at all as you may remember it. This time around, Cirque has ditched its trademark blue and yellow big top in favor of playing the arena circuit, from HP Pavilion to the Cow Palace. It's a milestone in the life of the troupe, which started out as a ragtag band of street performers in 1984 and is now one of the most powerful global entertainment brands around.read more at: http://www.mercurynews.com/celebrities/ci_17619078?nclick_check=1

click to enlarge & read!

The magic of North Korea: a disappearing plane
SEOUL Tue Mar 15, 2011
SEOUL (Reuters Life!) - North Korea, renowned for its secrecy and incredible artistic performances, is now planning the ultimate magic show -- complete with disappearing aircraft.
The North's state-run KCNA news agency reported that the capital Pyongyang would host a "new form" of magic show in which the aircraft, a bus full of passengers and elephant would be made to disappear.
The Pyongyang Circus, which has conducted 250 tours around the world, has won more than 70 awards including 36 gold prizes at 38 international circus festivals, KCNA reported.
Impoverished and isolated North Korea is famous for its mass gymnastics and dancing performances, with children trained from the age of five to perform in mass games such as the Arirang Festival to mark the birth of the state's founder Kim Il-sung.

From Brooke Evans

Ringling Bros. Hottest Act:

Brian Miser Lights Himself on Fire, Gets Shot From Giant Crossbow

Brian Miser, the "Human Fuse," prepares to launch himself across the arena in flames during Ringling's new show, "Fully Charged."

Mar 14, 2011
The 47-year-old star of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's new show, "Fully Charged," has added a new twist to the circus classic: a blazing inferno.
Called the "Human Fuse," Miser launches himself from a giant homemade crossbow more than 100 feet through the air at 65 mph -- completely engulfed in flames.
After landing in the crash bag, Miser has to stand up and get off before the flames are put out. "It gets pretty warm by the time they extinguish me," he said
The idea for the stunt was hatched after Ringling invited Miser, who's spent 14 years as a human cannonball and 16 prior to that as a trapeze artist, to develop some ideas for a new crossbow act.

When Brian Miser shouts "Fire!" at the launch of his human cannonball routine, he means it.
"I said, 'What if I get shot on fire?'" Miser told AOL News. "They were sold on that."
He'd already brought fire to his human cannonball performance, but with the crossbow, the effect is enhanced because everything is exposed for the audience to see.
"He doesn't go inside a barrel and disappear and then suddenly you see him reappear in midair. You're actually seeing it somewhat demystified," said Nicole Feld, executive vice president of Feld Entertainment and producer for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. "He ignites himself on fire and literally rockets himself across the arena. It's the ultimate in thrills."
Despite having no background in mechanics or physics, Miser designed and built the crossbow by himself, mainly by observing how other contraptions worked.
Then off he goes.
"I fly like Superman," Miser said, referring to the way he rotates through the air, flipping over as needed. "Sometimes you're under-turned, sometimes you're over-turned. But for me, I know how to fix it. I know what to do to land OK."
read more at:http://www.aolnews.com/2011/03/14/ringling-bros-hottest-act-brian-miser-lights-himself-on-fire/

The Acro-Cats

from: http://www.bestofneworleans.com
Barnum and Bailey step aside —

and take your big, fierce cats with you. The Acro-Cats recently thrilled audiences at the Shadowbox Theatre. Now, these domestic felines don't throw anyone into a panic when they prowl the stage, but they are willful. Cats are famously impervious to training and cooperation of any kind. And part of the fun of this show was when one of the performers decided not to perform.
The small stage was crowded with miniature circus apparatus. Ringmaster Samantha White, wearing a black, long-tailed tux with purple satin lapels and kitty ears, directed the action. Tuna, a white, four-legged diva, was the unchallenged star, and she kicked off the show by turning on a light and unfolding a sign calling for applause.
Watching cats perform is entertaining in itself, but original stunts kept the show lively. A cat on a skateboard rolled down a ramp with great aplomb. One kitty entered, pushing a miniature supermarket cart stuffed with who knows what. More conventional tricks included a cat crossing a tube from end to end and hanging upside down. And there were various leaps from raised platforms to other raised platforms. One cat clawed up a very tall pole to a tiny platform and then leapt onto White's back.
Most of these cats are rescued animals. Pudge was found in a box by the side of a road. Others came from shelters. White, who hails from Chicago, says all these cats live with her and adds, "I'm not married."
For her main act, Tuna whizzed through various challenges: jumping through hoops and over hurdles. Finally, she faced a chicken in a bowling contest. The chicken shamed her and then shamed her even worse in a bell-ringing contest.
The climax of the show featured a five-piece band consisting of guitar, drums, keyboard, tambourine and cowbell — all played by cats, except the tambourine which the chicken plucked at industriously.
"This next song is going to sound a lot like the last," White announced as the show ended, "It's all original material." — Dalt Wonk

Circus Smirkus documentary to be shown at Boston International Film Festival
The documentary is the work of filmmaker Signe Taylor, who spent months traveling with the non-profit circus

Published: Monday, March 14, 2011 By The Republican Entertainment Desk, www.masslive.com
Circus Dreams, a documentary on Circus Smirkus - the acclaimed, traveling, Vermont-based youth circus - will be shown in April at the Boston International Film Festival, the Toronto International Film Festival for Children and Youth, and the Sarasota Film Festival.
The documentary is the work of award-winning, Norwich, Vt., filmmaker Signe Taylor, who spent months several years ago traveling with the non-profit circus during its summer Big Top Tour, capturing the youthful energy, idealism, cooperative sprit and joy of the production on film.
"It's designed to counterbalance the negative, confining stereotypes imposed on teens and tweens by the US mainstream media," Taylor said of her movie. "Circus Dreams presents an inspiring, authentic and alternative vision of the struggles and triumphs of youth."
The film spotlights four compelling main characters and what Taylor describes as a "charismatic supporting cast" of performers, coaches and crew. Those featured are Joy Powers, of Lexington, Jacob Tischler, of St. George, Vt.; Maddy Hall of Washington, DC; and Thula Martin of Pahoa, HI. All four have since graduated from Smirkus and gone on to other endeavors - Tischler and Hall at college, and Martin and Powers in professional circus arts. Powers has gone on to work as a clown in the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and to be part of a clowning group called the Piccolini Trio, with two other Smirkus alumni.
Ed LeClair, executive director of Circus Smirkus, said he was delighted that Taylor's film is bringing the "magic and inspiration of Smirkus" to a wider audience. The only traditional traveling youth circus in the country, Smirkus "welcomes everyone to the celebration, said LeClair. "We challenge kids to engage in life-enhancing adventures through the circus arts. We keep these traditional arts alive."
"We are grateful that [Taylor] chose to shine a spotlight on us," he said. "And we are happy for her and for ourselves that these renowned film festivals saw the merit in the project."
The Sarasota Film Festival shows Circus Dreams on April 9 and 11, while the film will be shown at the Boston International Film Festival on April 18.The Sprockets Toronto International Film Festival for Children and Youth is screening the film three times, including the prestigious closing spot at 4:15 pm on April 17.
"Our Closing Night is an extremely prestigious slot, and we reserve that for an exceptional film that speaks to our audience and gives them a window into a world they wouldn't normally see," said festival spokeswoman Amanda Lee. "This is part of our mission to 'transform the way people see the world' and is why Circus Dreams is a perfect Closing Night film." The festival opens with a Pixar "Toy Story Toon" called Hawaiian Vacation.
"After working on Circus Dreams for so long, I was delighted when it was accepted to the festival and then absolutely thrilled when it was invited to be their Closing Night film," said Taylor. "When I read the invitation, I started jumping up and down and screaming. I felt a lot like the kids in Circus Dreams when they are accepted to Smirkus!"
A graduate of the Stanford University documentary film master's program, Taylor has produced, directed and/or edited a dozen films, including the award-winning Greetings from Iraq, in 1994, about the effects of Operation Desert Storm and the international embargo on Iraqi families. That film was broadcast by PBS, along with several short films that Taylor produced for the station's ZOOM program..

Ashland family to be on 'Outrageous Kid Parties'

Having it on TV is just icing on the cake

As seen on Outrageous Kid Parties Episode 104.

By Mary Meehan, herald-leader.com

Lexington, KY--Christina Webb plays coy when asked exactly how much she spent on the circus-themed soiree that landed her family on the TLC television show Outrageous Kid Parties.
Five figures is all you'll get out of the Ashland mom of four. Her agreement with the show also prevents her from saying when the party was filmed, although she confesses that despite her best efforts she couldn't secure an elephant and had to settle for a camel.

Jazzy Webb gets a pony and a circus to go with it on Tuesday's Outrageous Kid Parties
The one-humped wonder, aerialists, fire eaters, stilt walkers and jugglers who filled the National Armory in Ashland will be featured in Tuesday's finale of the show, which has lived up to its name this season.
The party taping began with a phone call.
"We got a call from our agent," Webb said. The family has an agent because the youngest of the Webb children, Jasmine, 7, aka Jazzy, already has made her mark on reality TV.
She was featured last summer in an episode of TLC's reality show about child beauty pageants, Toddlers & Tiaras. It was the Toddlers turn that helped the Webbs get the call from the Outrageous producers. Read more: http://www.kentucky.com/2011/03/14/1670497/ashland-family-to-be-on-outrageous.html#ixzz1GcdiuTHj

Shrine Circus 1962

This silent film shows the Shrine Circus, part of the "Matinee Fun
Fest!" afternoon Grandstand Show at the Canadian National Exhibition.
Keep a close eye out for a cowboy monkey riding a poodle!

Moolah Shrine Circus Returns to Family Arena

The circus acts include a human cannonball and white tigers.

Elephants are popular performers in the Moolah Shrine Circus.Credit Courtesy Moolah Shrine Circus

By Ronnie Roy

White tigers, sibling contortionists and a human cannonball are among the featured acts for the 69th Annual Moolah Shrine Circus.
The three-ring spectacle begins Thursday and runs through Sunday, presenting eight performances at the Family Arena, 2002 Arena Parkway, St. Charles.
"We've got a couple of new acts we're pretty excited about," Mark Rethemeyer, circus director said. "We've got an act called 'Girls in the Glass Box' that will bring the house down."
In the act, a female contortionist squeezes into a 3-foot-by-3-foot glass box, but that's not all. "Her sister gets in with her," Rethemeyer said.

The circus features a variety of animal acts. Credit Courtesy Moolah Shrine Circus
Also on the bill:
The Motorcycles of Death. "It's an old trick with a new twist," Rethemeyer said.
While daredevils riding motorcycles in a metal ball is standard circus fare, this ball has sections that will open up while the riders are inside. "If they steer wrong, they'll fall out," Rethemeyer said.
Another stunt-riding group is the ATV Daredevils. "They are guys on ATV motorcycles doing all kinds of stunts," Rethemeyer said. "It's great for the kids."
Animal acts are a popular part of the circus, and along with the usual elephants, horses and dog acts, there will be some special felines in the program. "We have white tigers this year," Rethemeyer said. "They will probably open the show."
Other human acts Rethemeyer is excited about include a human cannonball ("We haven't had one of those in some time," he said) and a quick-change artist. "This lady changes 15 times in three minutes," Rethemeyer said.
The fun isn't limited to the show. Before, during intermission, and after the show, people will have a chance to ride an elephant or pony and take a picture with a white tiger or 15-foot-long snake. There will be a bounce house and face painting.
read more at: http://stcharles.patch.com/articles/moolah-shrine-circus-returns-to-family-arena#c

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