IJA & WJF

This year the IJA's annual juggling convention, which is happening in Sparks NV 7/26 - 8/1 is going to be the week after and in the same geographic area of the WJF juggling convention. The WJF will be holding their event on 7/20 - 7/25 in Las Vegas. I am thinking that this is a great thing for jugglers. I have never really desired to attend a WJF convention for a few reasons. Mainly, cost, time and location. I already attend 1 or 2 juggling festival every year and therefore usually can not afford to take time off from performing to attend even more non paid events. However, the another reason has been the fact that the WJF conventions were a little too strict and stringent with all of their rules combined with the fact that I am more of a fan of performance based juggling and not such a big fan of sports juggling. It appears that the WJF has decided to change the format of their festivals, loosen a lot of the silly rules and to actually open up a competition to artistic or performance based acts. Smart move, I think. Sadly, for me, I am not going to be able to attend the IJA festival this year. I have bookings and family conflicts that will prevent me from attending any festivals in the month of July. But, if I were available and was planning to go to the IJA this year, I would certainly be planning on doing the WJF too. What a great opportunity to do two festivals on back to back weeks, in the same area and, as a bonus, you get to go see some Las Vegas acts while you are there. Of all the years to have to miss a convention, I am sorry that this is the year for me. I wish both organizations the best and I hope that they are both well attended. I can't wait to hear the reports.

Michael Moschen in NYC on April 17th

Michael Moschen

Michael Moschen combines the magic of light and movement to transcend object manipulation from novelty to a true art form. He blends the rich beauty of art, science, physics, and mathematics in a show of fantastic feats and illusions. Michael has been critically acclaimed by such leading media as The Los Angeles Times and The New York Times who have called his work "genius," "exhilarating virtuoso entertainment," and "flawless purity."

Considered unequaled in the world of juggling, Mr. Moschen has taken his talents around the world with theaters, dance festivals, and circuses; made international television appearances; and was commissioned by Cirque du Soleil to create and stage a new work for their permanent theatrical circus at the Treasure Island Hotel Casino in Las Vegas.
"Nobody else does what Michael Moschen does… he makes the impossible look easy."
– Entertainment Tonight

The only variety artist ever to receive a MacArthur Genius Grant, Michael Moschen is the kind of performer that comes around just once in a lifetime. It is this remarkable artistry that Michael brings to his one-man show; a show so captivating, so universal, that no matter age nor ethnicity, audiences the world over will never forget the illusion-like juggling of Michael Moschen.

Skirball Center for the Performing Arts
566 Lagurdia Place (at Washington Square South)
New York, NY 10012

More Information and Purchase:
skirballcenter.nyu.edu/calendar/michael_moschen

Ivan Pecel on "Fast Track to Fame" tonight

Ivan Pecel

Ivan will be appearing on The Speed Channel's new show "Fast Track To Fame" at 8:00PM EST

Gatto on ESPN2 today

Anthony Gatto

Anthony Gatto has announced that we will be appearing on ESPN today (Thursday 2/25) He will be appearing on "First Take" with Jay Crawford and Dana Jacobson. It will air at 10:00AM and Noon and will be rebroadcast at 2:00PM. These times are all EST. Go Anthony!!!

Vegas Juggling Group

A gathering of great juggling talent in Las Vegas...

In going thru some of my old files and images recently, I came across this one that was emailed to me from my juggling partner's brother, Joel Heidtman. I forget the details on the date or specific event where this powerhouse gathering of juggling talent occurred. From what I remember it was for some big corporate gig in Las Vegas where they all worked together. Perhaps someone reading this post will know the details and post them in the comments.

Top row, L to R: Dick Franco, Mike Godeau, Allan Howard, Joel Heidtman, Steve August and Ivan Pecel. Bottom row, L to R: Brian Earle, Jon Wee, Owen Morse (The Passing Zone) and Michael Marlin

New York Times reviews The FKB

The Flying Karamazov Brothers

The FKB continue to receive rave reviews on their NYC run at The Minetta Street Theater. Click here for the latest review from The New York Times.

Way to go FKB...

Fast Track To Fame

Fast Track To Fame

A new Speed Channel based talent show is looking for novelty/variety acts. Above is a flyer that announces the dates and locations they will be taping. They are looking for acts with "down home attitude and heartland appeal". I spoke with one of the producers recently and it sounds like it might be a good opportunity to get your act exposed to a wide audience as The Speed Channel and NASCAR are quite popular. However, this is new show and therefore I cannot vouch for the quality of the production of how the acts will be presented. I am merely helping the producer out by getting the word out amongst some of the variety performer community. I did not get into discussing a lot of the details from the producer but I imagine that a lote of your questions will be answered by clicking on the title of this entry and going to the show's website. Good luck!

(Click on the thumbnail of the flyer above to open a large version for reading)