Enjoy YEAR-ROUND free entertainment with jugglers, magicians, clowns, circus artists, and more!
Click here to print out a .pdf of the Summer 2008 Entertainment Guide. Click here for an html version of the calendar.
Frank Birdsall Comedy Cycle Show www.frankbirdsall.com
Frank Birdsall has been performing for over 20 years and has enjoyed every minute of it. The multi-talented performer is a two-time national unicycle champion in trick-riding, stilt-walker, balloon artist, juggler, magician, and a comedian. His claim to fame is a maneuver where he can stilt-walk and ride a unicycle simultaneously, or, as he refers to it, "stilt-ride."
Rick Colen www.letsclownaround.net
Rick Colen graduated from Barnum & Bailey Circus Clown College and toured worldwide for 2 years with the Ringling Brothers. He regularly performs around the country at festivals, corporate events and trade shows, and Chicago Bulls and Bears games. He has made TV appearances on Chicago's own WTTW Channel 11 and NBC Daytime. If you're looking for a cutting edge performance sharpened by more than 20 years of entertaining experience, Rick's fun-filled show is not to be missed.
Dave Herzog's Marionettes www.herzogmarionettes.com
Well known to audiences throughout the Chicagoland area Dave is a popular guest at hundreds of schools, preschools, libraries, fairs and festivals each year. In addition to his own company Dave has made several appearances as a guest artist with Chicago's famed Hystopolis productions, and made his New York stage debut with the company in 1991 at off Broadway's acclaimed Public Theater.
HeyBoxMan www.chicagocontortionist.com
HeyBoxMan, a.k.a. Malenga Mtakata, has been performing as a contortionist since 1990 and has traveled to Portugal, Buenos Aires, Seychelles and throughout the U.S. at various special events. He has also appeared on television specials on the Travel Channel, The Learning Channel, Fox's Magic on the Edge, E! Wild On Sin City (1st episode), 30 Seconds to Fame, among others.
David Kovac www.davidkovac.com
David Kovac is currently featured in several Television Commercials playing on both National and Cable Networks - portraying a ventriloquist, a magician, a juggler and even just himself. You might also place his "curiously strong face" as the crazed mime from the recent Altoids Ad Campaign. The Altoids image - clever creation of Chicago photographer Tony D'Orio - has landed David on posters and billboards from Hollywood to Times Square, with full page photos in both Rolling Stone and People magazine.
Ken the Flying Fool www.flyingfool.com
For over 20 years Ken Schultz, "The Flying Fool", has been dazzling audiences across the United States & Canada. Ken's show is time tested, clean & has positive fun that will not offend, but rather bring the best out of any group. Ken uses a symphony of juggling, physical comedy, humor and improvisation. The real magic of Ken's show is his use of audience participation where he lets the audience become part of the show, guiding them through a ridiculous adventure.
Magic by Randy www.magicbyrandy.com
Randy Bernstein has made a name for himself performing his unique style of magic-comedy in the Chicago area and beyond. Audiences of all ages get a kick out of Randy's madcap, high-energy shows including magic tricks, puppetry, and balloon animals. If you're looking for family-friendly entertainment that will make you laugh and be amazed, Randy's show is second to none.
The John Measner Magic Show www.jmmagic.com
With more than 15 years of experience, John Measner's magic show is a sure-fire delight for audiences of all ages. Combining award-winning sleight of hand with his signature wit and charm, John is a master of everything from close-up magic to grand-scale illusions, such as the popular Houdini's Metamorphosis trick. Plus, animal-lovers will marvel as he magically produces trained doves and a poodle out of thin air.
Pauly the Clown www.paulytheclown.com
Laugh out loud with the whole family! Slapstick master and circus artist Paul "Pauly the Clown" Miller delivers jaw-dropping thrills as he balances ladders, spins plates, juggles clubs, and performs his hilarious antics. Dynamic and comedic, Pauly the Clown has been hailed by the Chicago Tribune for "his uncommon ability to empower his audience."
That Tall Juggler Guy www.learntojuggle.net
You can't miss him . . . he's taller than most. Mike's performances include skillful-yet-funny juggling feats with balls, clubs, rings, scarves, and spinning plates. Crazy one-wheel cycling and upbeat music add to the fun. Improvisation is mixed into the show as you never know what the audience participants will do on stage. The "unknown" in Mike's performance makes every show unique.
Dennis Watkins www.denniswatkins.net
An award-winning sleight of hand artist originally from Dallas, TX, Dennis Watkins learned the ancient art of magic from his grandfather, the great Ed Watkins. Dennis is a company member with The House Theatre of Chicago, where he designs magic and illusion for most of the company's original plays. His ongoing work includes writing, directing and acting for The House, as well as performing with the Big Apple Circus Clown Care Unit as a clown and magician in Chicago's children's hospitals.
Brad Weston www.bradweston.com
The Brad Weston Experience creatively combines juggling and theater with comedy, magic and circus-style entertainment. It is a feature length comedy juggling show with innovative tricks and big laughs. Brad takes over the stage and transforms the environment, surprising the audience with each unexpected turn.