LEWIS & CLARK CIRCUS OPENS
AUGUST 31st
VISIT THEIR NEW WEBSITE--
http://lewisandclarkcircus.net/index.html
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars to visit Oceanside
from: liherald.com
July 19, 2012
The circus is coming back to town. Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars will be setting up its Big Top at Oceanside’s Firemen’s Memorial Field, Monday through Wednesday, July 30-Aug. 1 at 5 and 8 p.m. Animals, daredevil acts and clowns are the focus of the Cole Bros. 2012 edition, which features all the attractions that make this classic circus a favorite summertime tradition on Long island. The troupe, which bills itself as “the oldest American circus performing under the Big Top,” has many crowd-pleasing animal acts, among other assorted thrills.
This year’s show features Asian elephants, Judit and Juergen Nerger’s Splendid Tigers, and Abuhadba’s “Dressed for Success” French Poodles. Daredevil performers include Romania’s Cretu Troupe, with extraordinary springboard gymnastics, and Hair-ial Artists” Wendy and Petya who rise to the heights of the circus tent in poised and polished perfection, suspended by their locks, along with El Pendulo Loco and The Human Cannonball. Also, the comic antics of the Bermudez Troupe will keep everyone laughing, with their clowning around.
Advance tickets are $16 ($21 at the gate), available at GoToTheCircus.com. Tickets can also be purchased at Oceanside Fire Headquarters, 65 Foxhurst Rd., or at the Ticket Wagon at the Sands Shopping Center (July 21-22, July 28-29).
The Levitt Pavilion presents the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus
Plate spinning demo during a perfomance of the Bindlestiff Family cirkus. Photo by Jim R Moore
from: minutemannewscenter.com
July 20, 2012
This Summer you don’t have to run away to join the circus – all you have to do is come early! The Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts presents The Bindlestiff Family Cirkus in a special ticketed benefit event on Wednesday, July 25th – sponsored by The Westport Young Woman’s League – to benefit the Campaign for a New Levitt Pavilion! The Bindlestiff Family Cirkus travels the world bringing its unique hybrid of variety arts - Circus, Vaudeville, Wild West, and Sideshow to audiences across America! Established in 1995, The Bindlestiff Family Cirkus spells circus with a "k" for a reason: it pays tribute to the rich heritage of European one-ring spectacle and weaves the threads of American popular entertainments into a rich tapestry and a new tradition. It's not your Grandpa's circus! This highly anticipated event imports contortionist and aerialist Miss Ekatarina and musical genius Sxip Shirey to Westport as part of the Bindlestiff cast!
The Pre-Show Bindlestiff Cirkus Training Camp for kids safely teaches them circus tricks and secrets like juggling, low-wire, plate-spinning and hula-hoop! The training camp and other circus fun (face-painting! upcycling!) takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. and there will be demonstrations by professional circus artists.
At 7 p.m., as the sun is going down, the lights on stage come up to reveal the Cirkus show – with acrobatics and fantastic feats and eye-popping fun for the whole family! Sit back and be entertained by one of the most dynamic and creative circus troupes in the country!
read more at:
http://www.minutemannewscenter.com/articles/2012/07/20/entertainment/doc50098f452fa37553083164.txt
Piccadilly Circus to come to UCF
Photo courtesy of Piccadilly Circus
The Piccadilly Circus is coming to the UCF Arena and will feature performers, stage animals as well as comedic acts.
from: centralfloridafuture.com
By Samantha Rosenthal
July 20, 2012
This year will mark the 25th anniversary of one of the most enjoyable family fun circus shows in the United States—the Piccadilly Circus. This weekend, the Piccadilly Circus will be making a stop through Orlando at the UCF Arena, bringing with it a parade of daring aerialists and acrobatics, flashy showgirls, and a zoo full of animals.
The Piccadilly Circus was established in the early 1900s in Sarasota, and it is a unique, family entertainment experience that for 25 years now has been running and evolving as time has gone by. Zac Garden, director or the Piccadilly Circus, helps celebrate this year’s special run by bringing many different acts this year including the “White Tiger Encounter”, which features the Las Vegas white tiger in an act of allusion and awe. Garden said the show is meant to cater to a wide audience.
“It is a family-based show. It is fun for the whole family—from ages 1 to 99,” Garden said. The show travels through almost 46 states nationwide.
Photo courtesy of Piccadilly Circus
The Piccadilly Circus is coming to the UCF Arena and will feature performers, stage animals as well as comedic acts.
from: centralfloridafuture.com
By Samantha Rosenthal
July 20, 2012
This year will mark the 25th anniversary of one of the most enjoyable family fun circus shows in the United States—the Piccadilly Circus. This weekend, the Piccadilly Circus will be making a stop through Orlando at the UCF Arena, bringing with it a parade of daring aerialists and acrobatics, flashy showgirls, and a zoo full of animals.
The Piccadilly Circus was established in the early 1900s in Sarasota, and it is a unique, family entertainment experience that for 25 years now has been running and evolving as time has gone by. Zac Garden, director or the Piccadilly Circus, helps celebrate this year’s special run by bringing many different acts this year including the “White Tiger Encounter”, which features the Las Vegas white tiger in an act of allusion and awe. Garden said the show is meant to cater to a wide audience.
“It is a family-based show. It is fun for the whole family—from ages 1 to 99,” Garden said. The show travels through almost 46 states nationwide.
Garden is a third generation circus owner. His grandfather is the one who started the Piccadilly Circus back in the 1900s, carrying out the tradition to this day. This year’s tour is titled “BLAST!," a name drawn from the many non-stop thrills of fun, comedy, and family-friendly entertainment the shows provide. Along with the white tiger act, this tour also features a section where people can take pictures with Transformer figures. The show also includes, as usual, African and Asian elephants, the Ukraine's Olympic High Bar team, and showgirls on stilts, while the free petting zoo is still a favorite among the kids. Many of the performers are from various places all over the world, like Bulgaria, Chile, Argentina, and Russia.
One of the performers is 39-year-old Bulgarian native Lyubomir “Lyubo” Karamitrev, who is one of the motorcyclists in the “Globe of Death” act. He drives his motorcycle around a globe cage in circles, defying the whims of gravity. He started off young in the circus business, yet it was not until he came to the United States in 2000 that he started doing shows and acts involving motorcycles.
“It is my job, and I love to do it,” Karamitrev said about his job as a circus performer. “I started when I was eleven. It is the only thing I do—I love it!”
Shane Johnson, 37-year-old Dallas native, is another performer in the Piccadilly Circus who loves what he does. Johnson does the comedy car act. It is a '20s style Ford Model T that performs with Johnson in a comedic act that keeps the whole family laughing.
“It has a mind of its own,” Johnson commented on the hilarity behind his act. “It does a bunch of tricks and then drives away all on its own!”
The Piccadilly Circus will be stopping by the UCF Arena this weekend for shows on Friday, July 20, at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday, July 21, at 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. For more information on the Circus, visit www.thefuncircus.com.
Wonder, thrills served up with Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow Revue
Contributed Photo/Andy Hartmark Bryce
"The Govna" Graves will serve as master of ceremonies at the Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow Revue on Saturday at Theo's Billiards.
By Mark Lopez/Special to the Caller-Times
from: caller.com
July 20, 2012
CORPUS CHRISTI — Sword swallowing, skewers scraping the bone, and lying on a bed of nails are just a few things you will see if you attend the Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow Revue.
By Mark Lopez/Special to the Caller-Times
from: caller.com
July 20, 2012
CORPUS CHRISTI — Sword swallowing, skewers scraping the bone, and lying on a bed of nails are just a few things you will see if you attend the Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow Revue.
Hosted by Bryce "The Govna" Graves, the Saturday event takes place at Theo's Billiards.
Based on Graves' vision, the revue was established in December 2008, and was originally an offshoot of another less modern sideshow.
"I was touring Ozzfest with another show that I had been involved in, which was more traditional," Graves said. "We had a great show that was beautiful, but it was a plain, authentic circus for a rock concert, and I wanted to get the same reaction that these bands were getting, so I wanted to make it more rock and roll."
Contributed Photo/Andy Hartmark
Zamora the Torture King is one of the memorable performers in the Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow Revue. A Saturday performance will be at Theo's Billiards.
In a society where sideshows are often considered taboo or exploitative, Graves and his partner and star of the show, Zamora the Torture King, are attempting to prove that these shows are about entertainment and good old-fashioned fun, rather than a show for mere shock value.
To add to Graves' already lengthy tour as a sideshow performer and host, he's even gone so far as to pitch a reality show about sideshow life, but met some difficulties in getting the show off the ground.
"I signed with Howie Mandel earlier this year for him to produce a reality show," Graves said. "They went to ten different networks, and we pitched it as a traveling circus sideshow, instead of individual stories and documentaries.
Contributed Photo/Corey Warner
Maryanne Magdalen, one of only a few female sword swallowers in the world, will perform on Saturday as part of the Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow Revue at Theo's Billiards.
"They turned it down left and right, and when you do that, it becomes taboo and people don't want to touch it. I think it has to do with how people used to be treated.
Graves is hoping those misconceptions will be shattered.
"We're no different than a rock band, we just don't play music," Graves said.
Besides the fact that sideshows have been met with some controversy for hundreds of years, Graves is self-assured in his assertion that for Hellzapoppin, pleasing the audience is the main factor.
"We don't try to gross people out. What we do is more dark comedy, suspense, more of a thrilling type of show," Graves said. "Some sideshows will try to do everything they can to freak people out, but I don't see that as something that would really work for us.
"This is to show you that these incredible stunts are done with human anatomy. It is mind over matter."
So, if you are looking for your mind to be blown, then this show isn't to be missed.
Maryanne Magdalen, a Swedish sword swallower, also promised an unforgettable performance."You will witness some of the deadliest and rarest acts performed live on stage today by international artists," Magdalen said. "This will be a true 'was there' event, so whether you go or not, you will hear from those who did."
Friday, July 20, 2012
Manitoba polar bear's incredible journey ends
Handout Barle the polar bear endured blistering heat in a Puerto Rican zoo before being rescued and sent to Detroit.
Winnipeg Free Press
By: Carol Sanders
July 20, 2012
After travelling from the chilly wilds of Churchill to a steamy cell in a Central American circus to the biggest polar bear exhibit in North America, a Manitoba polar bear has finally died in Detroit this week.
"She did so well when she was taken out of the circus," said the Detroit Zoo's Scott Carter.
Barle the polar bear was rescued from the Suarez Bros. Circus in Puerto Rico in 2002, regained its health, gave birth to a cub and delighted staff and visitors at the Detroit Zoo's Arctic Circle of Life until she was euthanized at age 27 with cancer Wednesday.
"There's been a tremendous outpouring of emotion from the community," said Carter, the zoo's chief life sciences officer.
"She was a favourite of our staff and well known because of her story."
The plight of circus polar bears -- discovered by Free Press photographer Ken Gigliotti on vacation in Mexico in 1996 -- made headlines around the world.
Barle the polar bear endured blistering heat in a Puerto Rican zoo before being rescued and sent to Detroit.
Barle and two other bears had been exported from Churchill to a zoo in Germany. The zoo sold them to a circus touring steamy Central America and Mexico, where the polar bears survived sweltering days caged in sunny, 45 C parking lots. In 2002, six polar bears in Puerto Rico were seized and sent to new homes at zoos in the United States, but one died in transit.
Barle, a small female, survived but looked worse for wear when she arrived at Detroit's then-new $14.9-million Arctic exhibit.
"She came to us in November and she had this kind of sparse coat," Carter said.
Zoo staff didn't know how the polar bear, which had been kept in horrific conditions in Central America, would cope in its new environment, he said.
"She loved going outside in the cold. By her second winter here, she grew a big, full coat."
That came as no surprise. What they weren't expecting was how much she loved the heat.
read more:
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/manitoba-polar-bears-incredible-journey-ends-163148766.html
Circus brings lions, tigers, dragons to Ontario
Alexander Lacey the tiger and lion act performer.
(Courtesy photo)
Diana Sholley, Staff Writer
from: sbsun.com
07/19/2012
Ontario, CA--It's the year of the dragon and to celebrate, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has created a high-energy, death-defying, nail-biting, never-seen-before show aptly named "Dragons."
Tonight through Tuesday Ontario's Citizens Business Bank Arena will host "The Greatest Show on Earth," led by Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson who will preside over this fantastical tournament that brings together mystical dragon lore with astounding circus feats.
Diana Sholley, Staff Writer
from: sbsun.com
07/19/2012
Ontario, CA--It's the year of the dragon and to celebrate, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has created a high-energy, death-defying, nail-biting, never-seen-before show aptly named "Dragons."
Tonight through Tuesday Ontario's Citizens Business Bank Arena will host "The Greatest Show on Earth," led by Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson who will preside over this fantastical tournament that brings together mystical dragon lore with astounding circus feats.
It's a dream job for big cat trainer/presenter Alexander Lacey.
"To train these cats is the most rewarding thing for me," said Lacey, originally from Nottingham, England. "I hope I can continue to do so for many, many years to come. Being here in America with my family and my cats is really a dream come true for all of us."
The Lacey family has raised more than 11 generations of lions and nine generations of tigers and continues to develop methods to maintain the integrity of the various bloodlines within the cat's lineages.
The Lacey family has raised more than 11 generations of lions and nine generations of tigers and continues to develop methods to maintain the integrity of the various bloodlines within the cat's lineages.
By the time he was 11 Alexander Lacey was already passionate about working with big cats.
"I couldn't wait to come home from boarding school to help with the animals - especially the big cats," Lacey said. "I learned every job, starting with being the `pooper scooper."'
This tour marks Lacey's American debut. He previously had spent several years touring with his big cats throughout Europe, including France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Belgium.
Though his show is only about 15 minutes long, Lacey trains and cares for the cats around the clock.
Though his show is only about 15 minutes long, Lacey trains and cares for the cats around the clock.
"My day is based on the animals. They are what drives me. I love what I do. It's not a job; it's a way of life," said Lacey, whose show is one of the few that combines lions and tigers together. "It's important to me that the audience see the relationships between me and the animals - the mutual love and respect. They do what they do willingly and are not forced."
Other acts also appearing at the circus include Kung Fu martial artists Shaolin Warriors, equestrian acrobatics Cossack Riders, the Flying Caceres and their aerial bravado on the only double-decker trapeze in the world, daredevil motorcyclists in the Globe of Steel, high-flying thrills from the Russian Bar and Teeterboard troupes, exciting double motorcycle high-wire stunts and the majestic Ringling Bros. Asian elephants.
Ninety minutes prior to each performance, ticket holders are invited to tour the Animal Open House to get up-close with amazing animals. One hour before every show guests can visit the interactive all-access pre-show, free with circus admission. Families can participate in hands-on experiences such as learning juggling and balancing skills, get performer autographs, see an Asian elephant paint a one-of-a-kind masterpiece and meet the Ringling Bros. clowns, whose antics are guaranteed to keep audiences roaring with laughter.
Read more: http://www.sbsun.com/living/ci_21114287/circus-brings-lions-tigers-dragons-ontario#ixzz219vQQ0As
Read more: http://www.sbsun.com/living/ci_21114287/circus-brings-lions-tigers-dragons-ontario#ixzz219vQQ0As
Youthful circus troupe bridges Arab-Israeli divide
By Kristin E. Holmes
Philadelphia Inquirer
Jul. 20, 2012
Rabbi Marc Rosenstein had left Philadelphia for a life in Israel when he was inspired to make his own contribution to Middle East peace.
He founded a circus.
In Rosenstein's version, there is no big top, no stilt-walking ringmaster, but there are somersaults, airborne twirls, and juggling acts, all performed by a troupe of Jewish and Arab teens.
"I was looking for a cultural bridge," said Rosenstein, 65. The circus "is about overcoming fear, about trust; it's not language-dependent, and it makes people smile."
That is the mission of the rabbi's Galilee Youth Circus, a group of 60 members, ages 6 to 18, that Rosenstein founded in 2003. The troupe has been visiting Philadelphia this week, performing at locations including Main Line Reform Temple-Beth Elohim in Wynnewood and the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, both in Philadelphia.
read more:
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20120720_Youthful_circus_troupe_bridges_Arab-Israeli_divide.html
Music stars to shine at fair
A break in the heat wave that scorched the region drew thousands to opening night at the Delaware State Fair in Harrington on Thursday. / GARY EMEIGH/THE NEWS JOURNAL
Written by
Staff reports
from: delawareonline.com
Jul 20, 2012
The first full day of activities at the Delaware State Fair gets under way today with a wide range of activities, from midway rides to cooking demonstrations to livestock judging to concerts by Grammy-winning artists.
The grandstand will feature big-name entertainment, starting at 7:30 tonight with the Christian rock group Casting Crowns, a three-time Grammy winner.
Other renowned musicians set to perform during this year’s fair include Sugarland, a duo who won Grammy, CMA and ACM awards. The band will be the headliner of Saturday evening. The following evening, Styx will bring its classic rock act onto the stage.
Other headliners throughout the week include comedian Larry the Cable Guy and country artists Justin Moore with Colt Ford, Jason Aldean and Miranda Lambert.
A new feature this year is the Sounds of Summer Series that spotlights local bands at 9 p.m. daily. Today’s band is Total Whiteout.
Other highlights include the Painted Pony Rodeo at 7 p.m. today, featuring bull riding, barrel racing and other events. A home brew contest will be held Saturday.
Chefs in the crowd may be more interested in demonstrations and a competition Saturday on cooking wild game. Children will get a kick out of seeing livestock ranging from steers, rabbits, sheep to swine as part of thousands of FFA and 4-H exhibits.
The fair opens at 8 a.m. today off U.S. 13 in Harrington and continues through July 28. For more information, visit www.delawarestatefair.com.
State Fair's new operators trot out family-friendly fare
By Steve Szkotak
The Associated Press
July 20, 2012
in the plans
The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation wants to create a museum at the former home of Triple Crown winner Secretariat, above. Universal Fairs purchased the site in May for $5.67 million from the debt-ridden former operator of the fair
DOSWELL--The new partners in the State Fair of Virginia stressed family-friendly agricultural expositions and an attraction celebrating the legendary thoroughbred Secretariat Thursday during their first joint appearance since they announced their enterprise this month.
Leaders of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation and Universal Fairs LLC discussed their plans for the 150-year-old fair during a news conference on the 331-acre property called Meadow Event Park. The partnership is a marriage of the state's largest farm lobby and the operator of fairs in several states.
read more:
http://hamptonroads.com/2012/07/state-fairs-new-operators-trot-out-familyfriendly-fare
By Steve Szkotak
The Associated Press
July 20, 2012
in the plans
The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation wants to create a museum at the former home of Triple Crown winner Secretariat, above. Universal Fairs purchased the site in May for $5.67 million from the debt-ridden former operator of the fair
DOSWELL--The new partners in the State Fair of Virginia stressed family-friendly agricultural expositions and an attraction celebrating the legendary thoroughbred Secretariat Thursday during their first joint appearance since they announced their enterprise this month.
Leaders of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation and Universal Fairs LLC discussed their plans for the 150-year-old fair during a news conference on the 331-acre property called Meadow Event Park. The partnership is a marriage of the state's largest farm lobby and the operator of fairs in several states.
read more:
http://hamptonroads.com/2012/07/state-fairs-new-operators-trot-out-familyfriendly-fare
