LOOKOUT WISCONSIN!
IVAN ARNOLD AND JIM ELLIOTT ARE ON THE LOOSE IN WISCONSIN
AS THIS FOTO WAS TAKEN AT CIRCUS WORLD MUSEUM
THE WORD IS THEY ARE DOING PUBLICITY FOR THE GIBTOWN MUSEUM
Circus performers flip over animal ban in Mexico City
Agence France-Presse
June 10, 2014
About 1,000 clowns, jugglers and animal trainers marched Tuesday against Mexico City's pending ban on circus animals.
The law, aimed at stopping animal abuse in circuses, was passed by the city council Monday but is still awaiting signature from leftist Mayor Miguel Angel Mancera.
Circus performers are appalled that the new rule slaps a blanket ban on the use of animals in shows -- a rule they said would harm and in some cases end their jobs -- instead of creating an inspection system.
And oddly, they said, the law does not ban animals in other public shows such as bullfights.
"We have already demonstrated that we do not harm our animals. They are part of our family!" said Isaid Berti, an animal trainer, weeping.
Berti, a fifth generation performer in a circus now working in Monterrey, said, "we have watched these animals be born and take care of them their whole lives. How would we abuse them?"
Berti, 27, acknowledged that animal abuse does happen in some circuses.
"So why should those who have done no wrong pay the price for those who have?" He suggested an inspection system for the massive city's estimated 50 circuses.
Most of Mexico does allow animals in circuses, but five states currently ban them, in addition to Mexico City's planned prohibition.
Circus comes to town with acrobats, clowns and even a superhero
Steve Kinderman
Chinese acrobats juggle during the opening performance of the Mehara Shrine Circus Tuesday at Carson Park.
From: leadertelegram.com
By Emily Miels Leader-Telegram staff
June 10, 2014
Eau Claire,WI--The crowd roared and cheered as tigers rolled over on command, trapeze artists flipped through the air and contortionists bent their bodies in ways that didn’t seem possible.
The young and young at heart gathered Tuesday at Carson Park for the 67th annual Mehara Shrine Circus, which featured a variety of entertaining animals, gravity-defying stunts and family-friendly activities.
“School is still in session, so we were a little worried (about attendance), but it seems good so far,” said Gari Spagnoletti, president of the Eau Claire Mehara Shrine Club, which puts on the annual event.
Izzy Beldin of Chippewa Falls, whose face was painted with a whimsical, fairylike design, came to the circus to celebrate her fifth birthday with her mom.
The best part, she said, was watching Sky-Man, the circus’s very own superhero, who swings through the air doing flips and tricks.
“I liked getting jumped over,” said 8-year-old Shaelee Dewitt, who got to go down into the ring.
Shaelee had to kneel down as the Extreme Team Squad — United States tumbling champions from Chicago — took a running leap and jumped over her and other volunteers.
“It was cool,” she said.
During intermission, 3-year-old twins named Lucas and Tyler watched in awe as a clown drew a face on their balloons.
“We got smiley faces,” Lucas said, excitedly waving his yellow balloon at his nanny, Jenner Kramer, who brought them to the circus.
If the cheers, laughter and smiles from kids and adults were any indication, the show was a success.
“It’s just fun to come out to the circus and hang out with family,” said Andy Mikesell of Mondovi.
Some of the money raised from the event is given to Shriners Hospital for Children in Minneapolis, which the Mehara Shrine Club helps support. Other profits go directly to the club, Spagnoletti said.
The club usually hosts the circus in Menomonie as well, but the facility they normally use is being renovated.
“So this is it,” Spagnoletti said about the Eau Claire show.
Those who missed Tuesday’s performances have a chance to see the spectacle live today at 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
It’s for us all’
FROM: galesburg.com
By Antwon R. Martin
Jun. 11, 2014
KNOXVILLE — Inside a huge tent — a tent that is only seen two days a year — is a world of laughter, daring, and absolute fun.
“Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls of all ages,” the ringmaster begins, “to the all-new, 2014 Carson and Barnes Circus!”
And with that, a crowd of some 150 people hollers and applauds, a dancer sings and plays the piano until she is lifted from the stage on a trapeze, making room for people in animal costumes to play horns and children to cartwheel and juggle.
The whole time, music booms and the dancer sings, “The ragtime circus, it’s for me, it’s for you, it’s for us all.”
As the opening act ends, the ringmaster returns to the stage with a flaming rod and blows onto it, causing a fire ball to erupt in a flash that can be felt on the faces of the crowd in front.
This is the Carson and Barnes Circus.
Open at the Knox County Fairgrounds Wednesday and Thursday at 4:30 and again at 7:30 each evening, the circus offers everything from jumping poodles, to girls hula-hooping 50 hoops at once and dancing horses.
At one point, a man balances a 20-foot pole on his face while two children climb to the top and perform head stands.
And the crowd, consisting of ladies, gentleman and boys and girls of all ages, seems to love. Children swing light up rods and giggle at the man on the stage in a skirt while parents and grandparents hoot and holler.
Amanda Gibson, there with her 17-year-old brother, Grant Gibson and her 15-month-old twin boys, Chase and Ryder Gibson, all Knoxville residents, were thoroughly enjoying themselves.
“We’re from such a small town,” Amanda said. “It’s cool when something like this comes around.”
“I think it gives something for the children to do,” Grant added. “It’s good for the town and it’s a lot of fun.”
Ryder’s favorite part is the animals.
“When the horses came out, he was dancing,” Grant says, holding Ryder while Amanda plants a big kiss on her son’s cheek.
As Nancy Gaona, floor supervisor for the Knoxville show, explained, the circus is fun for her, too. Carson and Barnes has her traveling all over the country.
“Traveling all the time is like free vacations,” Gaona said. “I get to meet people everywhere we go and I get to see every state, not just like on TV, for real.”
Fun abounds at the circus, and as Gaona said. “It’s unique and you see things that you can’t see anywhere else.”
Read more: http://www.galesburg.com/article/20140611/News/140619900#ixzz34SHSoW6M
Circus history coming to town for Heritage Days in Plover
Engford family will describe amazing life as performers
This cannon, mounted on a 1929 Ford Pinto replica, was part of a performance by Frank Clark, left, and Ruth Engford Clark, right. This act took the bronze medal for comedy at the International Circus Competition in Sarasota, Florida in 1991. / Contributed photo
Written by Andy Davis
From: Stevens Point Journal Media
Jun. 11, 2014
PLOVER,WI — The Portage County Historical Society will welcome the Engford family circus performers again this year for Heritage Days at Heritage Park in Plover.
Ruth Engford Clark, her husband, Frank Clark, and their relatives will talk about their experiences as a circus family at the event on June 21 and 22. Frank and Ruth Clark will recount their days as “Francarro & Estreleta, America’s Premier Aerialists,” and organizers will show videos of Engford family circus acts, during the presentation at the Church Museum in Heritage Park.
Heritage Days also will include information and displays from other circus families, including the Franzen Brothers and the Barnsdales.
Frank Clark and Ruth Engford, aerialists, were married while dangling under this helicopter, piloted by the wedding's best man, accompanied by the maid of honor and minister. / Photo by Buster Bailey
Visitors will be able to tour the circus caravan and the Engford Circus house, and see displays of a walk-through big-top marquee, costumes Ruth made by hand and some of Frank’s foot juggling equipment.
“This means very much to me personally because it’s the family home, and to have it preserved at Heritage Park means very much to me and my family,” Ruth said. “It’s also very important to share what my family has used in performances.”
Turnout for the event is expected to be around 600 to 700 people, close to what it was last year, said historical society events planner Julie Richards.
“It’s a pretty massive undertaking setting up the exhibits and displays, but who doesn’t love a circus?” Richards said.
Anton Anday, a member of the historical society who is helping prepare for Heritage Days, said the organization is always looking for volunteers.
Several members of the Engford family will attend the event, he said.
“It’s an Engford family reunion of sorts,” Anday said.
Attendance is free, and Richards said Heritage Days is a great way for Portage County residents to learn something about the place where they live.
“Sometimes people are just blown away by little pieces of local history,” she said. “I don’t think you can put a price tag on your community’s history, and that’s what Heritage Park means to the community.”
Ringling Bros. Presents Super CircusHeroes - Ringmaster David Shipman
Published on Apr 30, 2014
Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Ringling Bros. Presents Super Circus Heroes with Ringmaster David Shipman!
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Super Circus Heroes, showcasing wonders from the marvelous to the magnificent, every day is extraordinary in this action-packed super circus, filled with superhuman athleticism, power and pageantry that will have Children Of All Ages discovering their own superhuman strength. Amazing elephants, horses, camels and more alongside astonishing acrobats, awe-inspiring aerialists and some over-the-top clowns that will have audiences in stitches... of laughter of course! Come join us in celebrating the bravery, courage and honor that lives inside all of us at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Super Circus Heroes: far from ordinary, beyond extraordinary!
Vermont-based circus could build summer camp
From: washingtontimes.com
June 12, 2014
GREENSBORO, Vt. (AP) - The Greensboro-based Circus Smirkus is a big step closer to building its own summer camp in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.
Circus Smirkus has received preliminary approval of a $2.5 million tax-exempt revenue bond from the Vermont Economic Development Authority that would be used to build a summer camp in Greensboro.
The Caledonian Record (http://bit.ly/1kr1AS8 ) reports Circus Smirkus recently got its Act 250 land-use permit to build the camp on 29 acres of land. It would include two new dormitories and renovations to an existing farmhouse and barn.
Circus Smirkus includes the summer camp and a touring circus.
The camp includes acrobatics, clowning, juggling, aerials and balance.
In past years the Circus Smirkus summer camps have been held at other locations.
Read more: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/jun/12/vermont-based-circus-could-build-summer-camp/#ixzz34XrjLC1A
Follow us: @washtimes on Twitter
Circus Fun
Piccadilly Circus to make appearances in Granite State
The Piccadilly Circus will visit a handful of Granite State towns, including 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. today at the Belknap County Fairgrounds, Mile Hill Road, Belmont; 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 13, at the JFK Memorial Coliseum, 303 Beech St., Manchester; 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at the Dover Ice Arena, 110 Portland Ave.; and 1, 3:30 and 6 p.m. Sunday, June 15, at The Rim Sports Complex, 311 Winnacunnet Road, Hampton. Admission is $10-$25; $20 for buy-one, get-one-free tickets. The 2014 edition, presented by producer Zachary Garden, features a dancing camels, Bo the Elephant, aerialists, a contortionist and Lucio the Clown. For more details, call (877) 373-0477 or visit ww.thefuncircus.com.
Summer Circus Spectacular returns to Sarasota
The annual event offers world-class acts, an intimate setting and low prices
Hand-balancer Christian Stoinev will perform during the Sarasota Circus Spectacular at the Historic Asolo Theater.PUBLICITY PHOTO
From: bradenton.com
By Marty Clear
June 12, 2014
It's a circus in a small theater instead of a big top.
The annual Summer Circus Spectacular, which opens its six-week run on Tuesday, offers world-class circus acts in the intimate surroundings of the Historic Asolo Theater, instead of the cavernous arenas and tents of many circuses.
The Summer Circus Spectacular, now in its eighth year, is a partnership between The Ringling and the Circus Arts Conservatory of Sarasota. It's a European-style one-ring circus with five acts.
This year's lineup includes Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey clown Chris "Bucky" Allison, hand-balancer Christian Stoinev (who works with a Chihuahua named Scooby), quick-change artists Olga and Vladimir Smirnov and juggler Vladimir Kim.
This year's Summer Circus Spectacular marks the professional debut of Bailey Sloan, a 16-year-old ringmistress who trained with the Sarasota Sailor Circus, the youth theater branch of the Circus Arts Conservatory.
Besides offering quality-acts in a distinctive setting, the spectacular aims to appeal to families, so ticket prices are low and show times are early in the day.
Details: June 17-Aug. 2, Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Show times: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 2 and 5 p.m. Saturday. Tickets: $15 adults, $12 children age 12 and younger. Information: 941-360-7399, ringling.org.
Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2014/06/12/5200808/summer-circus-spectacular-returns.html?sp=/99/134/#storylink=cpy
Circuses welcome wild animal bill postponement
Elephant at Great British Circus, Photo: Jeff Link.
From: thestage.co.uk
By: Matthew Hemley
June 12, 2014
Circuses have welcomed a decision not to implement a ban on using wild animals in their shows, claiming the move would have cost them their livelihoods.
A ban on wild animals in travelling circuses bill had widely been expected to feature in last week’s Queen’s Speech, which sets out the government’s legislative programme for the next year.
However, no such bill was listed – a move which has been welcomed by the circus community.
Just two companies use wild animals in performances in the UK – Peter Jolly’s Circus and Circus Mondao, both of which are members of the Classical Circus Association, which claims to safeguard high animal welfare standards.
Responding to the absence of a bill banning wild animals, both praised the government for recognising that the animals in the circuses “are all in tip-top condition and that accusations about them being stuck in cages all day, spending hours travelling and having the most miserable of lives are untrue”.
Via a statement from the CCA, the circuses said: “Government also agreed with the recent reports commissioned by them that there was no evidence of abuse or bad animal welfare at all in travelling circuses.”
The CCA said both Peter Jolly’s and Circus Mondao had met the conditions of licences required to use animals in circuses but said they had been “constantly threatened and attacked by so-called animal right activists”.
“CCA members have had death threats to their children and there has been a campaign of vandalism against their property,” it said, adding the “bullying and intimidation is based on lies and incorrect assumptions”.
“Hats off to Peter Jolly’s Circus and Circus Mondao – the directors of these circuses and their families have stood up to the possible consequences of a wild animal ban whereby they would lose their livelihood and working with their beloved animals,” it said.
News that no legislation is due to be implemented imminently was also welcomed by Zippo’s Circus, which said licensing required for using wild animals in circuses were “effective and have answered any genuine concerns among the general public”.
In March 2012 the government announced its intention to introduce legislation prohibiting wild animal use. But although the Draft Wild Animals in Circuses Bill was published last April, little progress has been made to bring it into law.
The RSPCA said the bill’s omission from the Queen’s Speech was “outdated” but said it would continue to push for a ban to be introduced, claiming keeping animals in circuses “is a practice that needs to be abolished”.
Earlier this month, actors Roger Moore and Imelda Staunton wrote to the Queen urging her to include the ban in her speech.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Circus coming to Peru,IL June 25
From: newstrib.com
Jeff DankertStaff Writer
06/10/2014
A circus is scheduled June 25 at the Peru airport to raise funds for Friends for Peru Pool.
The Carson and Barnes Big Top Show will feature Alex the King of Circus Comedy, a petting zoo, an elephant and a camel. There will be shows at 4:30 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $12 per adult and $6 per child. Every adult ticket sold comes with one free child ticket. For information and tickets stop in at Peru city hall, Fourth and Fulton streets, or call city hall at (815) 223-1148.
The circus is sponsored by the Peru Parks and Recreation Department and proceeds from ticket sales will help Friends for Peru Pool build a splash pad and an eventual swimming pool in Washington Park. The group is applying for a state grant.
The group met with the Peru Recreation Board on Tuesday to discuss promotion of the event.
Circus performers continue family tradition, spend life on the road to put on a show
From- weau.com
By Joe Nelson
Jun 10, 2014
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) - Tigers, clowns and jugglers all made their way to Eau Claire Tuesday for the 67th annual Shrine Circus.
For dozens of performers and staff, the show continues long after the grand finale. With all eyes on them, these performers thrive under pressure. But spending ten months or more on the road each year, avoiding injury and staying at the top of their game comes with a unique set of challenges.
While other 18-year-olds are spending their last summer at home before starting work or school, Ashley Felix found her passion long ago, and already has ten years of experience.
“It's pretty fun because in other jobs, you don't get to meet a lot of people or meet a lot of really cool places, in cities that you want to explore,” Felix said.
foto
(As an aerialist) First you just gotta train a lot to be strong enough to be able to do a lot of flexibility, a lot of dedication to what you want to do so yeah, it takes a lot of time to get good at what you want to do.”
The aerialist, hula-hooper, and elephant performer travels year round with the Shrine Circus; the only life she's known.
read more:
http://www.weau.com/home/headlines/Circus-performers-continue-family-tradition-spend-life-on-the-road-to-put-on-a-show-262625131.html
Protests follow circus
from: news-gazette.com
By Will Brumleve
06/10/2014
PAXTON,IL — As the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus rolled through the area — Paxton on Monday, then two shows in Homer on Tuesday night — a group of protesters put on a show of their own.
At Coady Park on Monday evening were a dozen people holding signs with phrases such as "Enjoy the show, the animals won't," "Whipped for your entertainment," "Trained with pain," "Caged and enraged" and "Stop supporting slavery."
The peaceful protest was organized "the second" that Paxton resident Emily Gibson learned that the circus was coming to town.
"God did not create these animals for our entertainment," Gibson said. "There's a much bigger purpose for them, and I can't figure out how it's entertaining to someone to see them in such an unnatural habitat when we know there's a much bigger purpose in life for them."
But circus clown Leo Acton, in his first season with Culpepper & Merriweather, said the animals the circus uses — including mixed ponies and horses, American Eskimo dogs, two golden tabby tigers and a male black-maned African lion — "are some of the happiest, healthiest animals I've ever seen."
Donna Mansfield — who expected to be appointed to the Paxton Park District's board of commissioners the following day — said she was at the park district-sponsored circus "all day" watching everything.
"The animals are fine," Mansfield said. "They're spoiled, and they're very well taken care of. They're being watered, and they're being taken care of perfectly. ... Even the tigers and lions, they are very spoiled. The (trainer) would put his face up on the cage and the female tiger would just rub all against that cage, like a kitten."
Trey Key, general manager for the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus, released a statement addressing the six-month suspension of the circus' USDA license in 2012. The circus faced 12 charges from the USDA related to the escape of two elephants and their veterinary care in Kansas in 2008. An additional four charges were related to a female tiger giving birth to three cubs without the circus knowing the tiger was pregnant.
"In all, there were 16 charges filed against Culpepper & Merriweather Circus by the USDA, and 12 were dismissed by the judge hearing the case," Key said in the statement.
Said picketer Tyger McClure: "We are here to say, 'Bring a circus; bring fun to town, but make sure it's a circus that doesn't have wild animals because there's no need for that. You can be entertained in so many other different ways — with people who have free will. Acrobats, they join the circus because they love to perform. But lions and tigers don't have free will."
JADE DOSKOW WORLD’S FAIRS: LOST UTOPIAS AT ONISHI PROJECT
Above Image: Jade Doskow Montreal 1967 World’s Fair, “Man and His World,” Buckminster Fuller’s Geodesic Dome With Solar Experimental House
From: museemagazine.com
Text By Amanda Everich.
June 9, 2014
Onishi Project Gallery presents Jade Doskow’s World’s Fairs: Lost Utopias, for the 50th anniversary of the 1964 New York World’s Fair. Her seven year project captures the memory of the fair by documenting the architecture and grounds left behind. The images hold a melancholy feeling about people and the spaces they no longer use, while displaying the fun atmosphere of the memories retained in these dormant structures. Transitioning from bright daylight to the dark of night, the photographs evoke the passage of time. While most of these color images are lacking people, some photographs mix the past and present with individuals examining the old structures.
This is the New York debut of Doskow’s project, the first collection to be shown at the Onishi Project and is curated by Kipton Cronkite.
The show runs through June 10, closing with a reception and talk.
see more at:
www.jadedoskowphotography.com
Rockwall Country Fair’s Diamond Dig boasts over 30 cut diamonds
From: blueribbonnews.com
ROCKWALL, TX (June 9, 2014) Thanks to Meade Services Group for their amazing donation and sponsorship of the Rockwall Country Fair Diamond Dig.
More than 30 diamonds will be buried in troughs of dirt waiting to be sifted out by lucky participants! Digs can be purchased for $5 a dig or 4 digs for $20 at the first ever Country Fair presented by the Rockwall Soroptimist with the support of the Rockwall Economic Development Corporation, Rockwall Ford and Lake Pointe Medical Center.
Join them from 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 14, on 16 acres in the Rockwall Technology Park at 2610 Observation Trail, 75032, for fun that includes a Chili Tasting with voting rights, one heaping bowl of chili and hot dog, water, lemonade or tea (beer and wine available for purchase); entrance to the Kids games, Face Painter, Cake Walk and Vintage games for adults; continuous Live Music and Entertainment; over 50 street vendors and so much more!
Cow Patty Bingo, Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides, Country Store, Old Time Photos, Silent and Live Auctions, Cotton Candy, Snow Cones, Popcorn and more will be available extras! Dress is cool and casual with tennis shoes recommended.
Tickets for the Fair and for the Cow Patty Bingo are on sale now from Soroptimist members or available on line at RockwallCountryFair.com along with an updated list of events, times and sponsors.
Your favorite Colorado fairs, festivals shown on 9NEWS
From: 9news.com
By Misty Montano, KUSA
June 9, 2014
KUSA – Beyond the beauty of Colorado destinations are the festivals and fairs that happen throughout the year to celebrate community, art, music, food, wine, culture and more.
This week 9NEWS is featuring your favorite fairs and festivals for the weekly segment 9Adventures during 9NEWS at 5pm on Saturday.
Your photos of the fairs or festivals you enjoy can be a part of 9Adventures by submitting them to Your Take: http://on9news.tv/yourtake. Besides being shown during our newscast, your photos will be added to our featured photo gallery: http://on9news.tv/SsPQI4.
You can also share your photos on social media using the hashtag #9Adventures. If you Tweet, Instagram or Facebook your photos with #9Adventures, 9NEWS will retweet, like or favorite your posts.
Last week we featured your Colorado escapes – your favorite destinations around Colorado. Thank you to those who submitted photos to be shown during 9Adventures.
Life is a circus for University alumni
Photos: Rob Blackburn.
From: theage.com.au
By Monique Edwards
The 2014 Circus Oz ensemble is made up of 12 performers, with high-flying skills and talents ranging from acrobatics and dancing to music and unicycling.
Ben Hendry is one of two core musicians in the ensemble’s band, specialising in drums.
“I feel great. I’ve been working with Circus Oz for about six weeks and I’m still getting up every morning and looking forward to coming to work,” Mr Hendry says.
“The new show is amazing, it’s fantastic. I’m realising that not many people in Australia would have seen this stuff, let alone the world. There are skills going on here that are really breaking new ground. It’s so exciting.”
Fellow ensemble member Lilikoi Kaos is a circus performer with skills including hula hoops and flying trapeze.
“Circus Oz is one of Australia’s most well-known contemporary circuses. It’s really exciting to be a part of that legacy that has been going on for 36 years,” Miss Kaos says.
“Our ensemble has been called from all around Australia, and it’s really exciting to see skills that maybe didn’t have the opportunity to be shown to such a extensive audience before.”
For both performers, a passion for the arts came from an early age.
Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/national/education/voice/life-is-a-circus-for-university-alumni-20140602-39egx.html#ixzz34GRnPSfg
Circus stunts enthrall audience
from: freepresslpornal.in
By FPJ Bureau
June 10, 2014
Ujjain: The audience remained spellbound and awestruck at the breath-taking feats and risky stunts performed by the artistes and acrobats at the African Raj Mahal Circus, which began at the exhibition ground at Najarali Mill compound here on Monday.Touted to be the parent organisation of the famed Uttar Pradesh State Empire Circus, the Raj Mahal Circus has given performances abroad and also in Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa and Kerala, before arriving in Ujjain.
The 100 performers, who are a mixed bag of acrobats and artistes from Indian, African and Russian origin, enthralled the audience with events like Russian ring dance, German doll dance, fire dance, trapeze ring dance, Chinese acrobatics, African group acrobatics/dance, foot juggling and stunts on horseback.
Three motorcyclists drove their bikes at 120 km ph speed inside a huge globe, all at a time, providing edge-of-the-seat entertainment to the audience, literally. The organisers, however, are sore over the increasing costs and the decreasing patronage from the public, who prefer to remain glued to the television sets or computers instead of moving out for entertainment.
“The ban clamped on the use of wild animals to entertain the audience came as a deathblow, as circus goes beyond animals and has more about our feats,” an artiste lamented, adding that the trend could lead to the extinction of the very concept of circus shows. “Naturally, the element of risk has to be increased to keep the audience involved,” observed another artiste.
Speaking to Free Press circus manager Akbar said that the shows will be held at 1 pm, 4 pm and 7 pm on Sunday while two shows will be held on regular days.
BWW Reviews: Circus Flora's Delightful Production: THE PAWN
from: broadwayworld.com
By Chris Gibson
June 9 2014
Here in St. Louis we should never take for granted the fact that we have our very own circus. Of course, I'm talking about Circus Flora, the one ring big top that you'll find around this time every year situated just behind Powell Symphony Hall. And, this is a circus with a great deal of thought behind it. A theme is chosen, the book is written, acts are put together with an original score (composers Miriam Cutler and Janine Del'Arte), and a show is presented that combines all these elements in grand fashion. Take your family to Circus Flora's The Pawn (through June 22, 2014) and they will not be disappointed!
This year's theme is chess, and unbeknownst to me, St. Louis is a real hotbed for the game. In keeping with this idea the ring is lit (brilliantly by designer Christine Ferriter) to resemble the playing surface. Yo-Yo, our narrator (Cecil Mackinnon, who also directed the production), guides us through various moves centered around the maneuvers of a particular pawn (juggler and clown Adam Kuchler). From there we're treated to both a succession of moves, as well as an array of talented, athletic acts that thrilled the audience (as well as my son and I).
You'll laugh at the antics of Andriy Bilobrov's irrepressibly cute Jack Russell Terriers, you'll be amazed at the leaps a man can take on a horse at full gallop (S. Caleb Carinci-Asch), and you'll see some genuinely wild juggling from Finnish duo Kate and Pasi. Ian Garden Jr. has brought the Henning Camels to the show, which are really cool to see outside a zoo setting, but it was the St. Louis Arches that brought down the house with their acrobatic splendor. And, lest we forget there is the death defying high wire work of the Flying Wallendas, the solo trapeze work of Claire Kuciejczyk-Kernan, and the Flying Cortes, who flip through the air with controlled abandon to close out the festivities.
I highly recommend Circus Flora's The Pawn! It's an absolutely delightful experience and it's only here through June 22,2014.
China Circus to perform at Jefferson Theatre
from: therecordlive.com
June 9, 2014
Direct from Jinan, China, one of the world’s most awarded Acrobatic Troupes will be performing at the Jefferson Theatre in Beaumont, Saturday, June 14, at 2:00 and 7:00 PM.
“The China Circus featuring FenMo Acrobatic Troupe” is known for its colorful costumes and daring feats of human performance art. While many Texans are quite familiar with the Incredible! Acrobats of China featuring the New Shanghai Circus based in Branson Mo, the Jinan Troupe is considered to be one of the most skilled and highly awarded Chinese acrobatic troupes. Their daring feats of acrobatic skill are amazing and the beauty they bring to human performance art is breathtaking. Called FenMo because their brilliant costuming is reminiscent of the Peking Opera, this troupe features over 20 acrobats from China and has been seen around the world. This will be their first appearance in the Beaumont area.
Some of the award-winning acts include chair stack, group cycling, foot juggling, handstand on pole, high chair balancing, hoop diving, unicycles, hats, swings, hula hoop, diabolo, and more. Their dramatic interpretation of classic Chinese dance highlights the fact that each province of China has its own acrobatic troupe that, while using traditional Chinese acrobatic performances, is distinctly difference in presentation, costuming, and performance style.
Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the Beaumont Civic Center; or by calling 800-782-3081, or by visiting www.Ticketmaster.com. VIP seats are $30 for adults; regular seats are $20 for Adults; $10 for children 6 through 12; Children 5 and under are free when accompanied by two paid adult tickets (limit 4).
Traditional circus rolls in
Worcester News: Vader and Patrick Austin
from: worcesternews.co.uk
9th June 2014
A TRADITIONAL circus with a modern twist will be a fun show for young and old.
Circus Ginnett comes to Walk Mill Farm, Stourport Road, Bromyard, with some of the top artists from around the world from Friday to Sunday, June 13-15.
Presented by ringmaster Laszlo Schlingloff, the show features the elegant and graceful aerial gymnastics of Anka from Holland, the amazing adagio acrobatics of Bulgarian artistes Veselka and Nedyalko, musical Hungarian clown Antonio, Veselka’s fast-whirling hula hoop dancing and Patrick Austin with his clever and loveable dog Vader.
Ginnett will perform at Walk Mill Farm, on the Stourport Rd opposite the football club from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th June.
Circus-owner Patrick Austin is a descendant of Jean-Pierre Ginnett, a captured French cavalryman released from prison after the Battle of Waterloo. He was first noted as presenting four trained canaries to the public at London’s Ludgate Circus, but talent and hard work by an expanding family saw Circus Ginnett become one of the country’s largest circuses between 1890 and 1930, owning theatres across the country as well as touring with top-quality circus shows.
Worcester News: Ves and Ned
The youngest performer in the show is just 5 years old – audiences are amazed at the skill and panache of tiny Yana as she presents her own hula-hoop routine, a true trouper following a family tradition of circus performance.
The show’s climax features the Easy Riders, a spectacular motorcycle carousel which sees breathtaking aerial work above fire and knife juggling.
Circus Ginnett opens the doors to a place of warmth, passion and real live entertainment. This is only possible through cooperation, boundless confidence and tremendous team spirit. This is perhaps the strength of the circus; by enjoying the performance of skilled artistes you can forget Facebook, Twitter and your daily concerns.
Performances will be held at 6.30pm on Friday, 3pm and 6m on Saturday and Sunday at 2pm.
Circus coming to NLA next week
June 10, 2014
By Steve Schulwitz - News Staff Writer
from:thealpenanews.com
June 10, 2014
ALPENA,MICH. - Ladies and gentlemen and children of all ages will be entertained by a circus at the Northern Lights Arena on June 19. There have been circuses at the rink in past years but a new show operator has been hired for a pair of performances and promises to have more animals and many tricks up its sleeve to wow ticket holders.
Arena Manager Meg Richey said the circus that visited Alpena in the past - Fantazia - is not coming to Michigan this year and recommended this year's attraction which is operated by Circus Pages. She said people can expect a lot of wild animals, clowns and stuntmen.
"There will be the white tigers, elephants, camels and acrobatic dogs, and I have heard they may bring the large cage that the stunt motorcycle drivers will perform in. From what I understand though, there are going to be a lot of animals," Richey said. "It will be full of fun, excitement and I believe they have some really neat attractions people will love and it is going to be a great time for families."
Before hiring Circus Pages, Richey used the Internet to learn more about what would be provided in the circus. She said there will be two shows, one at 4:30 p.m. and another at 7:30 p.m. Richey said she believes tickets will be in high demand and is expecting large crowds for both shows.
"Ticket are only $15 for an adult and each adult gets to bring a child who will be able to get in for free," Richey said. "There will be circus concessions available in the rink and we will have our concession stand open so people can get a bite to eat or a cold beverage."
Richey said there is a lot of work involved in setting up for a circus, caring for the animals and handling the crowd. She said most of the work is going to be done by Circus Pages.
"We will be around to answer any questions for them, or get them anything they may need, but really they come in and set everything up and when they are done, tear everything down and load up," Richey said. "We don't really have anything to worry about except to have a good time and make sure the customers are being taken care of," Richey said.
Besides the circus there are several other events that will be taking place this summer. There is a special kids day event that will focus on fitness and recreation. Kids day will be held on June 25 from 2-5 p.m. Glo-skating will take place Wednesday and again on June 27, July 3 and July 23 and Aug. 27.
- See more at: http://www.thealpenanews.com/page/content.detail/id/530567/Circus-coming-to-NLA-next-week.html?nav=5004#sthash.yFMYgAVo.dpuf