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Saturday, May 7, 2011
Big top is family stop
Tour makes appearance in Victorville
From the stands, Circus Vargas owner Nelson Quiroga watches the start of the show Monday. (Al Cuizon/Staff Photographer)Kristina Hernandez, Staff Writer
05/06/2011
VICTORVILLE - It hasn't been hard for the last month to miss a big yellow and blue circus tent taking over locations in Ontario, San Bernardino and now Victorville. But underneath the big top, there's a bigger story to be told.
It's a story that owners Katya and Nelson Quiroga hope resonates to audiences of all ages during each performance - the power of family.
"I think we're one of few forms of live entertainment that is so family-friendly that the whole family can (attend)," said Katya Quiroga. "Kids, grandparents, teenagers - all ages can go because our show is really for everyone. And that's the joy of it all really."
Comprised of 50 people - including crew - the circus tours about 11 months a year down the West Coast through California and then Nevada with one focus- "We want the audience to be happy and to forget the humdrums of daily live," Katya said. "That is our main focus," she said.
Clifford E. Vargas had a similar vision in 1969, when he established the circus with the goal of becoming "America's Favorite Big Top Circus."
After his death in 1989, his longtime friends, Roland Kaiser and Joseph Muscarello, took over the show and continued with Vargas' vision until they retired in 2003 and put the legendary show up for sale.
The Quirogas, in turn, purchased the franchise in a move they called "bittersweet." READ MORE AT: http://www.sbsun.com/ci_18012433
05/06/2011
VICTORVILLE - It hasn't been hard for the last month to miss a big yellow and blue circus tent taking over locations in Ontario, San Bernardino and now Victorville. But underneath the big top, there's a bigger story to be told.
It's a story that owners Katya and Nelson Quiroga hope resonates to audiences of all ages during each performance - the power of family.
"I think we're one of few forms of live entertainment that is so family-friendly that the whole family can (attend)," said Katya Quiroga. "Kids, grandparents, teenagers - all ages can go because our show is really for everyone. And that's the joy of it all really."
Comprised of 50 people - including crew - the circus tours about 11 months a year down the West Coast through California and then Nevada with one focus- "We want the audience to be happy and to forget the humdrums of daily live," Katya said. "That is our main focus," she said.
Clifford E. Vargas had a similar vision in 1969, when he established the circus with the goal of becoming "America's Favorite Big Top Circus."
After his death in 1989, his longtime friends, Roland Kaiser and Joseph Muscarello, took over the show and continued with Vargas' vision until they retired in 2003 and put the legendary show up for sale.
The Quirogas, in turn, purchased the franchise in a move they called "bittersweet." READ MORE AT: http://www.sbsun.com/ci_18012433
Circus performers return to help lift morale
PREPARING TO PERFORM: Nick Steward sets up equipment for aerial acts at the Canterbury Agricultural Park.NICOLE MATHEWSON
06/05/2011
from: press.co.nz
Relevant offersA group of acrobats will perform in Christchurch to give earthquake-hit residents a "pinch of escapism".
Circus Aotearoa brings its aerial acts, clowns, jugglers and a magician to Christchurch today.
Ringmaster Damian Gordon said all the performers and directors were trained at Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology's CircoArts and "cut their teeth" performing for Christchurch crowds.
"Christchurch is where we all started our careers and we just want to return to do our bit to lift the morale of the good folk and families of Christchurch by providing them with a little distraction and a pinch of escapism," he said.
With the 10 performers having lived and worked on the road together for months, the circus had a "family atmosphere".
"Ground-based, character-oriented performer" David Deville, 26, said the quake had destroyed much of what he loved about Christchurch – the arts and culture scene.
Deville, who grew up in Melbourne, spent 2 1/2 years studying circus skills in Christchurch. He performed as the "living gold statue" at the Christchurch Arts Centre weekend market last year. "It's become like a second home to me.
"There's such a good vibe to it, but unfortunately a lot of what I liked about it isn't round here any more because of this quake," he said.
Aerial acrobat Michael "Mr Wizowski" Armstrong, 26, was born in Christchurch and said he was excited about performing in front of family and friends for the first time.
Armstrong completed a law degree at Canterbury University, but decided to join the circus three years ago.
"I didn't want to work just for money," he said.
Circus Aotearoa will perform at Canterbury Agricultural Park from today to May 15 and at Richmond Park in Stanmore Rd from May 20 to 29.
Circus keeps on giving
Jhon Rivera helps put up the big top in Epping.6 MAY 11
BY CHERYL BALFOUR
from: wherewelive.com.au
THE Great Moscow Circus raised more than $13,000 for The Northern Hospital and Whittlesea Helping Hand on its opening night at Epping last Thursday.
About 530 Whittlesea residents and their families attended the charity opening night at the Epping Plaza grounds to witness the high-flying acrobats, jugglers, illusionists and the daredevil motocross crew.
The Great Moscow Circus slashed ticket prices for the charity event and donated its entire earnings to the Whittlesea community.
Circus general manager Greg Hall said the show had raised more than $300,000 for various community groups and charities during its regional tour of Australia.
Epping was the 67th town the circus has visited so far.
“We always add that bit extra on the charity nights,” Mr Hall said. “That’s what gives it that zip.”
Whittlesea Mayor Rex Griffin said he could not take his eyes off four motorbike riders as the Globe of Death they were riding in suddenly separated.
“I’ve seen some acts in my time, but this was sensational,” Cr Griffin said.
About 530 Whittlesea residents and their families attended the charity opening night at the Epping Plaza grounds to witness the high-flying acrobats, jugglers, illusionists and the daredevil motocross crew.
The Great Moscow Circus slashed ticket prices for the charity event and donated its entire earnings to the Whittlesea community.
Circus general manager Greg Hall said the show had raised more than $300,000 for various community groups and charities during its regional tour of Australia.
Epping was the 67th town the circus has visited so far.
“We always add that bit extra on the charity nights,” Mr Hall said. “That’s what gives it that zip.”
Whittlesea Mayor Rex Griffin said he could not take his eyes off four motorbike riders as the Globe of Death they were riding in suddenly separated.
“I’ve seen some acts in my time, but this was sensational,” Cr Griffin said.
Piccadilly Circus rings up fun memories for children
During the "Elephant Extravaganza" a pachyderm will stand on one foot when the Piccadilly Circus stops at Hoffman Estates' Sears Centre Arena May 6-8.By Jennifer Burklow Kid Zone
May 6, 2011
By focusing on affordable family fun, the Piccadilly Circus harkens back to days of yore when entertainment under the big top meant clowns, animals and feats of derring-do.
Families can sample traditional circus entertainment when Piccadilly rolls into Hoffman Estate’s Sears Centre Arena for eight shows May 6-8.
Named for London’s famous roundabout, Piccadilly Circus is celebrating 25 years.
“There are a few things that kind of set us apart,” said Cuinn Griffin, circus promotional director. “The Piccadilly Circus is more of a family kind of event. We try very hard to keep the focus in it on children and their parents. A lot of circuses, modern circuses nowadays, [are] kind of taking an approach to kind of wow you through these ridiculous stunts — and they do a good job at it — [so] some of them have become more of an adult-oriented thing.
Families can sample traditional circus entertainment when Piccadilly rolls into Hoffman Estate’s Sears Centre Arena for eight shows May 6-8.
Named for London’s famous roundabout, Piccadilly Circus is celebrating 25 years.
“There are a few things that kind of set us apart,” said Cuinn Griffin, circus promotional director. “The Piccadilly Circus is more of a family kind of event. We try very hard to keep the focus in it on children and their parents. A lot of circuses, modern circuses nowadays, [are] kind of taking an approach to kind of wow you through these ridiculous stunts — and they do a good job at it — [so] some of them have become more of an adult-oriented thing.
Clowns will entertain during the Piccadilly Circus, running May 6-8 at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates.“We’re really always targeting children. We like to keep it very affordable for families and make it kind of a kid thing. A lot people probably remember the first time they went to a circus — kind of a special memory. … That’s the kind of thing we’re trying to keep alive.”
With that in mind, highlights of the 90-minute show include the “Elephant Extravaganza,” in which an elephant stands on one foot, plus motorcycle daredevils, contortionists, clowns and a 250-pound boxing kangaroo named Rocky.
Griffin called Rocky “a real hoot.” Audience members are invited to take him on in a boxing match.
“They actually will offer that up to anybody who thinks they can take on the kangaroo,” he said. “It’s perfectly safe. Last I checked, he’s the reigning champion.”
“Motorcycle Madness” cyclists will do somersaults and other stunts while spinning in the Globe of Doom; the Mongolian Angels contortionists will bend their bodies into amazing shapes; clowns will entertain with goofy comedy, and aerialists will fly overhead.
Besides elephants, fans of the “Madagascar” movies will enjoy the antics of the circus’ lemurs, which Griffin described as “probably the cutest monkeys that have ever existed.”
At the end of the show, kids are invited into the ring for the Piccadilly Circus Fun Zone, where they can ride elephants and ponies ($10 a ride) and enjoy activities like face painting and balloons.
Produced by the Ice Capades team, Piccadilly Circus blankets the area with free tickets for kids prior to the circus’ arrival. Local elementary schools, preschools, churches and sponsoring businesses have been providing the free tickets. Buy-one-get-one-free adult tickets are available online until 10 a.m. May 6 at thefuncircus.com.
Estranged Ringling Bros. Circus Heirs Enter a Legal Ring of Fire
Karen Feld and her dog Campari are seen at her home in Washington.Bob Burgess
By: Madison Gray
The heirs to The Greatest Show on Earth are apparently experiencing what is perhaps the saddest trial on earth. It involves two siblings whose father has brought wonder and amazement to generations of children.Karen Feld, 63, is suing her younger brother Kenneth, 62, for $110 million for assault. But the litigation has its roots in the estrangement of the two offspring of Irving Feld, who owned Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Feld groomed his son for the family business from a young age, but his will cut his daughter out of it more than two decades ago.
The late multimillionaire owned Feld Entertainment, which Kenneth now runs, and its holdings include Disney on Ice, drag racing and monster truck shows. But the younger Feld is fiercely private about the family, and in his sister's lawsuit he is accused of trying to control his sister for fear she will reveal damaging secrets about their father, according to an Associated Press report.
Karen Feld said her brother had bodyguards attack her and throw her out of their aunt's bereavement ritual, inflicting injury that required surgery. Kenneth Feld has filed a counterclaim for trespassing.Read more: http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/05/06/estranged-ringling-bros-circus-heirs-enter-a-legal-ring-of-fire/#ixzz1LcAvWs4F
The late multimillionaire owned Feld Entertainment, which Kenneth now runs, and its holdings include Disney on Ice, drag racing and monster truck shows. But the younger Feld is fiercely private about the family, and in his sister's lawsuit he is accused of trying to control his sister for fear she will reveal damaging secrets about their father, according to an Associated Press report.
Karen Feld said her brother had bodyguards attack her and throw her out of their aunt's bereavement ritual, inflicting injury that required surgery. Kenneth Feld has filed a counterclaim for trespassing.Read more: http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/05/06/estranged-ringling-bros-circus-heirs-enter-a-legal-ring-of-fire/#ixzz1LcAvWs4F
Friday, May 6, 2011
Circus in Redding passes inspection; officer checks welfare of animal menagerie
Photo by Andreas FuhrmannCapt. Lee Anne Smith of Redding Animal Regulation talks to Gustavo Parra and Barbara Byrd of Carson and Barnes Circus on Thursday at the Redding Rodeo Grounds. Smith was checking on the circus' animals. Parra is the superintendent, and Byrd is a co-owner. They are from Hugo, Okla.
By Dylan Darling
Record Searchlight May 5, 2011
When the Carson and Barnes Circus rolled into Redding on Thursday morning, the city's top animal regulation officer was there to inspect its animals.
"I love the shade," Capt. Lee Anne Smith of Redding Animal Regulation said as she looked over a trio of 30-year-old Asian elephants under a big tent.
While the elephants are the animal stars of the show, the traveling circus also features camels, zebras, ponies and a pygmy hippo among its menagerie. During her inspection Smith checked over all the animals.
She said the circus passed and she was glad to see that the animals weren't tied http://www.redding.com/news/2011/may/05/carson-and-barnes-circus-inspection-passed/
Rodeo wrangler swaps spurs for circus sequins
Andre McClain, a former rodeo cowboy, still wears his western duds, but decorates his jeans with sequins as animal trainer for the Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus. Photo providedMay 04, 2011
By BOB GOEPFERT, For The SaratogianALBANY —
Growing up, most young boys dream of being either a rodeo cowboy or running off to join the circus. Andre McClain couldn’t make up his mind, so he did both.
A child prodigy as a rodeo performer, McClain is now a valuable member of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus that is at the Times Union Center tonight through Sunday.
Asked which dream job he preferred as a child, the man who trains animals for the circus rather than wresting them to the ground in the rodeo, said, “I love both. But I have to admit the circus is a lot easier on me physically.”
He spent most of his life as a cowboy, but for the past 10 years, he’s been living a dream he never knew he had.
As a child, the circus never entered his mind. “I never even saw a circus,” he said. “When I was a kid it was thought that only robbers and murders ran off to the circus. That wasn’t me. I was a cowboy. One of the good guys.
“The circus found me and now they can’t get rid of me. They say the circus makes dreams come true. It certainly made my dreams come true. I wake up every morning and I can’t wait to get into the ring to perform and look at the faces of all the kids who are having the time of their lives. I’m a lucky guy.”
Although a major attraction with the circus, McClain still calls himself “America’s favorite cowboy.” Indeed, if they were still making those old cowboy movies he’s probably be the modern Hopalong Cassidy. He was born and raised on a ranch in Kansas, Mo. His father founded and ran the Bill Pickett Rodeo, America’s first African-American touring professional rodeo show. McClain sings, does rope tricks and animals obey him when he whispers to them.
Andre was bucking ponies and wrestling steers at the tender age of 5. By the time he was 7, he was a competing with older men for prize money.
But Andre knew that in the modern world, even cowboys have to have an education and he took a break from the rodeo to earn a degree at the University of Missouri. Since there are no bronco busting courses at college, he got his degree in business management and was also a vocal major.
After college, McClain went back to the rodeo. When not wrestling steers, he could be found training ponies. Before long he was traveling in his father’s show with his own animal act.
READ MORE AT:
http://saratogian.com/articles/2011/05/04/entertainment/doc4dc1b49986835579436256.txt
Tanya Blount, other artists perform at UniverSoul Circus May 7, 2011
May 5th, 2011
By Sarah Hearn DC Gospel Music Examiner
Tanya Blount will appear at the UniverSoul Circus pre-show in Washington, DC, Saturday, May 7th. Blount appears as part of Code Red Musiq's I Am Not Ashamed Tour. Artists Mike Trotter, J. Swagg, Keith McBrown, God’s Femcee and Thom Lourin are also part of the tour. The pre-show begins at 7:00 p.m.
Tanya Blount is a DC native. She made her mark on the music scene by scoring a major record deal when she was 19. She was featured in the film "Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit", where she performed a breathtaking duet of "His Eye Is on the Sparrow " with singer Lauryn Hill. Her first album, Natural Thing was release in 1994. Blount and her brother, Willie Blount released their new CD Blount 2 Blount in January by hosting two listening parties in the DC metro area.
The UniverSoul Circus began in 1994. Its mission is to display the diversity of talents that black performers offer.
Tanya Blount will appear at the UniverSoul Circus pre-show in Washington, DC, Saturday, May 7th. Blount appears as part of Code Red Musiq's I Am Not Ashamed Tour. Artists Mike Trotter, J. Swagg, Keith McBrown, God’s Femcee and Thom Lourin are also part of the tour. The pre-show begins at 7:00 p.m.
Tanya Blount is a DC native. She made her mark on the music scene by scoring a major record deal when she was 19. She was featured in the film "Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit", where she performed a breathtaking duet of "His Eye Is on the Sparrow " with singer Lauryn Hill. Her first album, Natural Thing was release in 1994. Blount and her brother, Willie Blount released their new CD Blount 2 Blount in January by hosting two listening parties in the DC metro area.
The UniverSoul Circus began in 1994. Its mission is to display the diversity of talents that black performers offer.
Weekend picks: Take in some tumbling
5/6/2011 Big top funThe Piccadilly Circus shares its 25th anniversary celebrations locally with elephant acts, motorcycle daredevils, a contingent of clowns and more for eight performances this weekend at the Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. $32-$44; $13-$23 kids $10 parking. (888) 732-7784 or searscentre.com. 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 6; 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 7; 1 and 3:30 and 6 p.m. Sunday, May 8Read more: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20110506/entlife/705089999/#ixzz1LZ8KTMAf
Electric organ used on 'Bozo's Circus' TV show headed for museum
Chicago marketing executive David Plier made the winning, $3,000 bid for this electric organ that had been used on "Bozo's Circus." (May 4, 2011)By Ameet Sachdev, Chicago Tribune Reporter
May 4, 2011
David Plier, a Chicago marketing executive, grew up watching "Bozo's Circus," and now he owns a piece of the children's show. But he doesn't plan to keep it.
Plier was the winning bidder of an electric organ used on "Bozo's Circus" at an auction Monday at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers. His $3,000 bid bested other in-person and absentee offers.
While Plier has a fondness for all things Bozo, the 43-year-old does not plan to keep the organ as a memento of the long-running show, which WGN-TV stopped broadcasting in 2001. He said he will donate the instrument to Chicago's Museum of Broadcast Communications, where he has served on the board for nearly eight years.
The organ will join the museum's other Bozo artifacts, which include a bass drum, costumes and the Grand Prize Game. The museum plans to create an exhibit around "Bozo's Circus" in its new facility being built in the River North neighborhood, Plier said.
"It was a few bucks more than I wanted to spend," Plier said. "But the thought of it ending up in a private collection or in someone's basement was really bugging me. It seems to belong where it's going."read more at:http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-state-dream-act-0505-20110504,0,4942631.story
Thursday, May 5, 2011
SOUTH BRUNSWICK - Lion's Club Circus coming to town
Audience members watch the camels perform as a pony runs around the ring in the Zerbini Family Circus. The circus is coming to South Brunswick May 14-15 and is sponsored by the South Brunswick Lion’s Club.Thursday, May 5, 2011
By Mary Brienza, Staff Writer
The South Brunswick Lions Club is sponsoring the Zerbini Family Circus’s appearance at Crossroads Middle School South on May 14 and 15, according to the Lion’s Club website.
Advance tickets are $9 and available at Pierre’s Restaurant on Georges Road and Confectionately Yours restaurant on Route 27 in Franklin, according to the website. Tickets can be purchased at the event for $9, and the shows are at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Sunday, according to the website.
”Every year in May we bring a circus to town,” Barbara Hendrickson, who is treasurer of the South Brunswick Lions Club and who runs the circus event, said.
Ms. Hendrickson said the circus features horses, dogs, camels, and a buffalo. According to the circus’s website, there will also be high flyers and jugglers as well.
Money raised at this annual fundraiser will go towards the Lion’s Club sight projects that include eye exams and glasses as well as anything that helps residents that are blind, six $500 scholarships for township high school students, and to help the town’s rescue squads as well, Ms. Hendrickson said. The Lion’s Club has sponsored a circus in the community for about eight or nine years, and has sponsored the event with the Zerbini Family Circus for about five years, Ms. Hendrickson said.
The Zerbini Family Circus has acts that are more geared toward children, and that people enjoy it, she said.
Lion’s Club International is the largest service organization in the world and was founded in 1917, according to the South Brunswick Lions website. There are more than 46,000 clubs in 194 countries with 1.35 million members, according to the website.
For more information on the Zerbini Family Circus, visit www.zerbinfamilycircus.com.
Circus rolls into town for 3 days of shows
A trainer watches an elephant stand on its hind legs Tuesday during the Royal Hanneford Shriner Circus at First Arena in Elmira. The circus will be in Binghamton / JASON WHONG / STAFF PHOTOMay. 4, 2011
John Cleary Correspondent
from: www.pressconnects.com
The Royal Hanneford Circus, loaded with history, stops this weekend at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton for five performances.
It traces its pedigree, in the roundabout way of circuses, to Edwin Hanneford, a juggler said to have performed before King George III of England in 1778. By the early 20th century, the Hannefords were traveling Europe as a touring troupe and, after impressing John Ringling in a 1915 Spanish performance, were signed to Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus.
The troupe was best known for the work of Edwin "Poodles" Hanneford, a trick horse rider whose somersaults from one galloping steed to the next earned him an induction to the Circus Hall of Fame. His tricks also inspired his nephew, Tommy Hanneford, who learned the stunts and eventually established the Hanneford Circus as its own touring company. Along the way, he married Stuppi Hungerford, who was an internationally renowned trapeze artist, high-wire walker and tiger trainer.
After the death of Tommy Hanneford, himself a Hall of Famer, the circus continued under the direction of Stuppi Hungerford. Hungerford continues to operate the family circus, which now consists of two touring arena shows, a traditional big top tent show and tent shows at two amusement parks.
Among the acts now associated with the circus are juggler Benito Aguilar, the acrobatic Anastasini Brothers, David Zoppe's Rhesus Monkey Revue and animal trainer Vincente Pages.
The Binghamton shows benefit the charitable activities of the Kalurah Shrine.
Coney Island is a ‘Scream’ — but is that the rides or the prices?
One of the best rides at Scream Zone, Coney Island Prep’s new amusement park, is the Steeplechase. This roller coaster pays homage to the original horse racing ride that closed 50 years ago. May 5, 2011
By Alex RushThe Brooklyn Paper
Coney Island’s new amusement park lives up to its name for two reasons: its thrill rides and its prices.
It costs $42 to ride all four attractions at Scream Zone, which features the first new roller coasters in Coney Island since the Cyclone in 1927. That kind of money goes a lot further in other parts of the People’s Playground, including Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park on W. 12th Street, where five rides cost $25. But don’t scream too much over your Scream Zone bill, as you’ll need to save your voice for the death-defying attractions.
It costs $42 to ride all four attractions at Scream Zone, which features the first new roller coasters in Coney Island since the Cyclone in 1927. That kind of money goes a lot further in other parts of the People’s Playground, including Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park on W. 12th Street, where five rides cost $25. But don’t scream too much over your Scream Zone bill, as you’ll need to save your voice for the death-defying attractions.
Horse play! The Steeplechase, one of the first roller coasters to debut in Coney Island since the Cyclone, sends riders on a model horse through a series of twists and turns.The most expensive and most exciting ride in the Surf Avenue park, which opened April 24, is the Slingshot ($20). Thrill-seekers shouldn’t mind spending that bill to be strapped in an oval pod that catapults more than 150 feet in the air at 90 miles per hour. But less adventurous Coney enthusiasts may prefer spending $20 on three beers at Ruby’s Bar on the Boardwalk.
Other attractions include the Steeplechase ($7), a mini coaster that pays homage to the original Coney horse racing ride that closed in 1964; and the Zenobio ($8), a 100-foot-tall beam that somersaults its riders through the sky. read more at: http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/34/18/all_screamzonemain_2011_5_6_bk.html
Circus rolls into town
May 5, 2011 from: globegazette.com
MASON CITY — The circus rolls into Mason City May 7-8 for five shows at the All Seasons Building on the North Iowa Fairgrounds.
“Mason City is one of our favorite stops,” said George Carden, the circus’ owner. “We’ve been coming here for over 30 years, and for my family, it’s like coming home.”
Carden starts his summer tour in Iowa each year.
“Our family looks forward to kicking off in Iowa, with so many of the local families we’ve known for generations.”
This circus is “interactive.” Attendees are invited on the floor, in the rings, before, during intermission and after the circus. The performers from more than 30 countries are available for pictures, and there are rides and other activities for the audience to enjoy.
Carden said most of his performers and employees are from circus families and still perform together in the circus.
“These talented folks can trace back their families for three to five generations, 100-plus years in circus life,” Carden said.
The circus lineup for the local performances includes a number of family acts, and all are family-friendly. Carden’s son, Larry, is the lead elephant trainer in the show. Larry teams with Bo, a 6.5 ton elephant.
Michelle Audrey emcees the Shrine Circus. This working mother of three travels with her children and husband Israel, who works as a prop master for the show. Audrey home-schools her children while on the road.
“I love to see the faces of the kids,” said Audrey. “It’s what I love most about this circus.”
This year, the circus features a troupe of white tigers, raised since birth by Vicente Pages. Pages, like all the animal trainers in Carden’s circus, observes natural behaviors and playful traits in the animals, and incorporates those into the show.
“What you see in this show is as close to living with these animals as you can see anywhere,” Pages said. “Our animals are like people, some are funny, some are smart, and some are athletes. We just let them be who they are.”
Shows are at 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $12 for children, and $16 for adults.
Carden encourages people to come early.
“We want your family to be part of our family.”
The circus will be in Mason City May 7-8.
“Mason City is one of our favorite stops,” said George Carden, the circus’ owner. “We’ve been coming here for over 30 years, and for my family, it’s like coming home.”
Carden starts his summer tour in Iowa each year.
“Our family looks forward to kicking off in Iowa, with so many of the local families we’ve known for generations.”
This circus is “interactive.” Attendees are invited on the floor, in the rings, before, during intermission and after the circus. The performers from more than 30 countries are available for pictures, and there are rides and other activities for the audience to enjoy.
Carden said most of his performers and employees are from circus families and still perform together in the circus.
“These talented folks can trace back their families for three to five generations, 100-plus years in circus life,” Carden said.
The circus lineup for the local performances includes a number of family acts, and all are family-friendly. Carden’s son, Larry, is the lead elephant trainer in the show. Larry teams with Bo, a 6.5 ton elephant.
Michelle Audrey emcees the Shrine Circus. This working mother of three travels with her children and husband Israel, who works as a prop master for the show. Audrey home-schools her children while on the road.
“I love to see the faces of the kids,” said Audrey. “It’s what I love most about this circus.”
This year, the circus features a troupe of white tigers, raised since birth by Vicente Pages. Pages, like all the animal trainers in Carden’s circus, observes natural behaviors and playful traits in the animals, and incorporates those into the show.
“What you see in this show is as close to living with these animals as you can see anywhere,” Pages said. “Our animals are like people, some are funny, some are smart, and some are athletes. We just let them be who they are.”
Shows are at 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $12 for children, and $16 for adults.
Carden encourages people to come early.
“We want your family to be part of our family.”
The circus will be in Mason City May 7-8.
Acrobatics as circus comes to Guildhall Square in Southampton
Acrobatics as circus comes to Guildhall SquareWednesday 4th May 2011
By Lorelei Reddin » Entertainments Editor www.dailyecho.co.uk
SOUTHAMPTON’S Guildhall Square will be transformed into a spectacular aerial playground for one night only this summer as a feast of aerial circus comes to the city centre.
Circus imagery, breathtaking aerial and acrobatic skills, amazing pyrotechnics and inspiring live music will all combine in Barricade.
The brand new outdoor touring show, which is also set to appear at Winchester Hat Fair a week before, will arrive in Guildhall Square on Saturday July 9.
In the NoFit State Circus show two trucks block Guildhall Square. They empty their contents of wire and tyres, dividing the square in two, creating an obstacle to normal paths and daily routines. Suddenly, a storm is brewing, tensions are rising. Are people building a barricade?
The show is being brought to Southampton by The Nuffield, Southampton City Council and the European Zone of Artistic Pro-ject – a European network promoting the development of street arts, the team b e h i n d 2009’s Mids u m m e r D r e a m s and Alive & Ablaze last year.
T h e Hampshire dates are two of just a few European dates this summer includi n g Glastonbury and festival slots in France by NoFit State, an ensemble based circus with a cast of home-grown and international performers.
The family event is free but space is limited. To apply for tickets, visit nuffieldtheatre.co.uk.
The Circus is Coming to Bellbrook!
The Captain with the baby elephant. - Kelly Miller CircusTuesday, May 03, 2011
By Peyton Bernard
Come one, come all, for the circus is here! On Wednesday, May 18 the Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Education Foundation is hosting the Kelly Miller Circus on the Middle School grounds as a fundraiser. On May 18, they will be having two shows, one at 4:30 and another at 7:30. Pre-sale ticket prices are: $12 for adults (12 years and older) and $6 for children (2-11 years). But at the door, adults are $15 and children are $7.
The Kelly Miller Circus started in 1938 by Obert Miller and his sons. The show travels with a group of 25 vehicles and requires an area of 90,000+ square feet to set up on. The circus big top has a seating capacity of 1500. The Circus consists of an exotic display of animals, theatrical lighting, and lively circus music. Only here for a day to perform, bring your family and friends and enjoy all the magic they have to offer.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
"Fully Charged" circus explodes into XL Center
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus presents Fully Charged comes to the XL Center in Hartford from Thursday, May 5 to Sunday, May 8.Photo: Contributed Photo / Connecticut Post
Scott Gargan, Staff Writer
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
"Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages . . . welcome to the greatest show on Earth!"
Brian Crawford Scott makes that announcement in arenas across the country dozens of times a month. And it's always electrifying.
"The audience lives to hear those words," said Crawford Scott, the newest ringmaster of Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus. "Every night they have the same magic. The audience lives to hear those words."
Crawford Scott will soon make that grand proclamation to Connecticut crowds when Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey presents "Fully Charged" at the XL Center in Hartford from Thursday to Sunday, May 5 to 8.
Brian Crawford Scott makes that announcement in arenas across the country dozens of times a month. And it's always electrifying.
"The audience lives to hear those words," said Crawford Scott, the newest ringmaster of Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus. "Every night they have the same magic. The audience lives to hear those words."
Crawford Scott will soon make that grand proclamation to Connecticut crowds when Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey presents "Fully Charged" at the XL Center in Hartford from Thursday to Sunday, May 5 to 8.
Ring Master Brian Crawford stars in Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus presents Fully Charged. The show comes to the XL Center in Hartford from Thursday, May 5 to Sunday, May 8. Photo: Contributed Photo / Connecticut Post Contributed
Crawford Scott is flanked by a colorful cast of high-flying, daredevil performers, including Brian Miser, whose stage name is "The Human Fuse"; the Danguir high-wire troupe, which performs death-defying acts without the use of safety cables; and Taba, whose full aggregate of equines, felines and pachyderms will be on display throughout the show.
It's Crawford Scott's task to introduce those performers, and to guide audiences through the high-energy big-top spectacular.
"I'm in and out the entire show," said Crawford Scott, who also lends his voice during several musical numbers. "I'm using voice the entire time. That's my skill here at the circus."
Crawford Scott, who is making his debut with Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey, never could have envisioned going off to join the circus.
Brothers of Brawn spin dancers and clowns star in Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus presents Fully Charged. The show comes to the XL Center in Hartford from Thursday, May 5 to Sunday, May 8. Photo: Contributed Photo / Connecticut Post Contributed
Read more: http://www.ctpost.com/default/article/Fully-Charged-circus-explodes-into-XL-Center-1364047.php#ixzz1LNggPXrN
Read more: http://www.ctpost.com/default/article/Fully-Charged-circus-explodes-into-XL-Center-1364047.php#ixzz1LNggPXrN
100-year-old Jacksonville man says do what you love, and adventure will follow
Wesley "Brownie" Brown's loves: Flying planes and being a part of the circus.
DON BURK/The Times-UnionWesley Brown, 100, holds up his five flight logs, and his first pilot’s license, leaning on a circus wheel that he made. He had careers as a pilot and in the circus industry.
May 4, 2011
By Matt Soergel
Wesley Brown, known throughout his life as "Brownie," was born 100 years ago, during the time of President Taft. Like anyone who's made it this far, he's asked to share his secret for a long life.
He hardly pauses. "Never drink alone. Never sleep alone. Never stay up any later than you can get somebody to stay up with you."
He might also add this: Do what you love for a living.
For Brown, that came down to two things: Flying airplanes and joining the circus.
He hardly pauses. "Never drink alone. Never sleep alone. Never stay up any later than you can get somebody to stay up with you."
He might also add this: Do what you love for a living.
For Brown, that came down to two things: Flying airplanes and joining the circus.
Provided by Wesley BrownBrown made wheels for circus wagons.
In 1927, he was 17, too young for the Army Air Corps. No problem: He lied about his age. He was too skinny, too. So the recruiter gave him 50 cents and told him to buy as many bananas as he could. Brown stuffed the bananas in him, one after the other, then was weighed again. Heavy enough this time.
In 1956, he was 46, too old, many would say, to take up the circus life. But he traveled from Jacksonville up to Wisconsin, to the Circus World Museum, and did just that. By his mid-60s, he was manager of the Great American Circus.
Both occupations are rooted in his boyhood years, before he was yet 10. That's when his family, dirt-floor poor, lived near the fairgrounds in Columbia, S.C
Provided by Wesley BrownWesley Brown and Dorothy, the lady he married, shared a love of flying. They married in 1939 after he gave her a ride in a plane.
Ringling Brothers would come there, and Barnum & Bailey, too. His father, a streetcar driver, knew a guy from Barnum & Bailey, and they would sit on the front porch, chew tobacco and tell stories. Young Wesley listened in, and he poked around the circuses, too, fascinated by the animals and the glamorous performers.
"That's when I got stuck," he says.
Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2011-05-04/story/100-year-old-jacksonville-man-says-do-what-you-love-and-adventure-will#ixzz1LNQ9E2KP
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BROWNIE!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Summerton, SC Rotary hosts Old Tyme Circus
April 27, 2011 By Cathy Gilbert
Two shows. Two days. Four exciting opportunities to experience an old time, “Big Top” circus, right here in Clarendon County.
Sponsored by the Summerton Rotary Club, the Circus Vidbel will be in performance at 5:30 and 7:45 p.m. on May 3 and 4 … and you won’t want to miss it.
Genuine family-oriented entertainment, the Circus Vidbel now in its 23rd national tour, harkens circus fans back to the old days of a traveling circus that brings aerialists, comic magic, jugglers, sensational music, foot juggling, unicycles, acrobats and clowns ready to thrill a Clarendon audience.
During performances under the big top, Vidbel’s Performance Director and Ringmaster Ian Garden Jr. will introduce the audience to several traditional and unusual circus acts such as Suzanne Vidbel in a breathtaking aerial cloud swing display, Ian Garden’s spectacular, award-winning Liberty Horse presentation and the Alvarez Family’s teeter board act -- a dangerous and nerve-wracking display of skill and daring.
There will also be plenty of traditional circus laughter brought on by the genius of the Vidbel clowns, unequalled excellence with the Pat Davison Family’s Unicycle and Rola-Bola displays and much, much more, all accompanied by sensational live music by Wynn Murrah.
Realtor and Rotary Fund Raising Chairman Alfred Kelley is spearheading the effort for the club.
“The Circus Vidbel is known for its willingness to work with charitable organizations to benefit the communities they performed in,” Kelley noted. “Net proceeds from the four performances will be used in support of various projects we do within the county, especially those benefiting schools in the Summerton area with items such as book bags and supplies for students going back to school, scholarships, literacy night, the dictionary project that provides student dictionaries for every third grader and scholarships to both Boys and Girl State.”
The Circus Vidbel will set up their Big Top on the vacant lot between the Dept. of Social Services and the Council on Aging on Church Street in Manning. Shows will be held at 5:30 and 7:45 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3, and Wednesday, May 4. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door and are available at Agent Owned Realty in Manning, Anderson Pharmacy, the Clarendon Citizen, the Chamber of Commerce or any Summerton Rotarian. Call 803-433-2800 for more information.
Sponsored by the Summerton Rotary Club, the Circus Vidbel will be in performance at 5:30 and 7:45 p.m. on May 3 and 4 … and you won’t want to miss it.
Genuine family-oriented entertainment, the Circus Vidbel now in its 23rd national tour, harkens circus fans back to the old days of a traveling circus that brings aerialists, comic magic, jugglers, sensational music, foot juggling, unicycles, acrobats and clowns ready to thrill a Clarendon audience.
During performances under the big top, Vidbel’s Performance Director and Ringmaster Ian Garden Jr. will introduce the audience to several traditional and unusual circus acts such as Suzanne Vidbel in a breathtaking aerial cloud swing display, Ian Garden’s spectacular, award-winning Liberty Horse presentation and the Alvarez Family’s teeter board act -- a dangerous and nerve-wracking display of skill and daring.
There will also be plenty of traditional circus laughter brought on by the genius of the Vidbel clowns, unequalled excellence with the Pat Davison Family’s Unicycle and Rola-Bola displays and much, much more, all accompanied by sensational live music by Wynn Murrah.
Realtor and Rotary Fund Raising Chairman Alfred Kelley is spearheading the effort for the club.
“The Circus Vidbel is known for its willingness to work with charitable organizations to benefit the communities they performed in,” Kelley noted. “Net proceeds from the four performances will be used in support of various projects we do within the county, especially those benefiting schools in the Summerton area with items such as book bags and supplies for students going back to school, scholarships, literacy night, the dictionary project that provides student dictionaries for every third grader and scholarships to both Boys and Girl State.”
The Circus Vidbel will set up their Big Top on the vacant lot between the Dept. of Social Services and the Council on Aging on Church Street in Manning. Shows will be held at 5:30 and 7:45 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3, and Wednesday, May 4. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door and are available at Agent Owned Realty in Manning, Anderson Pharmacy, the Clarendon Citizen, the Chamber of Commerce or any Summerton Rotarian. Call 803-433-2800 for more information.
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