Thursday, May 27, 2010
ICHOF:More Grand Opening Photos
People have asked for more photos of the displays but I don't want to post photos of the displays.We want you to go to the International Clown Hall of Fame and see the displays for
yourself and come back often to see how those displays have changed.
Karen DeSanto leading the Opening Day crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.Neal Skoy then sang "America the Beautiful" quickly followed by "Memories" by Andrew Lloyd Weber in a throaty, Eartha Kitt-like voice all the while strutting around and licking himself like a cat. Toto Johnson accompanied him on Hawaiian nose harp. By the time they were finished there wasn't a dry seat in the house.
Greg and Karen talking with the NBC affiliate in Madison, WI.
Karen spoke eloquently on the many similarities between the Brooklyn, NY and New Orleans, LA dialects but NBC chose only to air information that related to the Grand Opening. Stupid mainstream media!
Among those singled out for recognition, Mr. Sandy Weber. Sandy created the new ICHOF logo and website and did all the graphic work for the Hall's new displays. After being singled out he was recognized immediately when Jessi Hoffschildt called out, "Hey, that's Sandy Weber! He created the new ICHOF logo and website and did all the graphic work for the Hall's new displays!"
Sandy refused to sit back down until Greg threatened him with a very sharp pair of scissors.
A lot of clowns smile for a photo; few choose to channel Charles Nelson Reilly.I shall take the road less traveled.
The clowns with ICHOF inductees Jimmy "Happy" Williams (30 years at the Circus World Museum) and Dr. Richard Snowberg, the founder of Clown Camp.
And the ceremony ended with Greg, is his best Jackie Gleason, telling Karen that she was"The Greatest". Then the two of them made out in front of us for almost 20 minutes.
AWK-WARD!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
ICHOF GRAND OPENING: Karen DeSanto
"...and THAT is why all the bathtubs are red in Possum Hollar, Texas!"
ICHOF GRAND OPENING: The Baraboo News Republic
Click on the word "share" to be taken to the Baraboo News Republic interview with Greg DeSanto and Sandy Weber as they prepared for the Grand Opening of the International Clown Hall of Fame in Baraboo, WI last week.
share
Without the help and hard work of people like Sandy Weber, Ralph Pierce and the many Baraboo residents who donated their time and talents, last week's opening would have been absolutely impossible.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
JANGO EDWARDS: Workshops in Barcelona
NEW CLOWN WORKSHOPS WITH
JANGO EDWARDS IN BARCELONA
JANGO EDWARDS IN BARCELONA
... and very soon we will inform you about the next seasons
3 professional Master Classes at the "Nouveau Clown Institute"
3 professional Master Classes at the "Nouveau Clown Institute"
The art of the clown is not just a profession, but a lifestyle that demands an understanding of emotion, sensitivity, passion, pathos and heart. Jango Edwards.
May 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th (CLOWN THEORY -1ST LEVEL)
June 24th, 25th, 26th and 27th (CLOWN THEORY -1ST LEVEL) NEW GROUP!
July 22th, 23th 24th and 25th (COMIC FORMULAS 2ND LEVEL) NEW GROUP!
From 5pm to 10pm
180€ each workshop
Contact to reserve place: Cristina (cristigarbo@gmail.com)
WHITE TOPS: January/ February 1966
If anyone out there has a copy of the January/February 1966 issue of the White Tops, could you please scan Dick "Rocko" Lewis' article on the Art of Clowning for me?
Thanks,
~P
(cashincomedy@yahoo.com)
Monday, May 24, 2010
IRV ROMIG: February 1, 1920 - May 23, 2010
Irvin Romig: Ricky the Clown made generation of kids smile
BY ZLATI MEYER
DETROIT FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
Irvin Romig, better known as Ricky the Clown to baby boomers who grew up in metro Detroit, died Sunday of congestive heart failure at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital Warren Campus. He was 90.
Mr. Romig was born in Detroit into a circus family; his father was a horse trainer and his mother, a slack-wire walker. Together, they would eventually open their own show, the Romig and Rooney Circus. He debuted as a clown at age 5 and later worked with his two uncles, also clowns, and his calliope-playing aunt.
During World War II, Mr. Romig, who had limited formal education, served in an Army K-9 land mine-searching unit and as a bugler. He also formed an informal clown troupe to entertain the troops; he called it the Section 8 Gang after the type of military discharge given to people deemed mentally unfit.
Mr. Romig worked for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey in 1946-1950 and appeared in the 1952 movie "The Greatest Show on Earth" about the famous American circus.
The following year, Mr. Romig started performing on WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) -- and at a programming director's urging, changed his clown name from Irvie to the easier-to-remember Ricky. Over the 12 years he was a Detroit TV fixture, he was on "Tip-Top Fun," "The Ricky the Clown Show," "The Robin and Ricky Show" and "Action Theater."
"He really loved to see the children happy and smiling," his son, Christopher Romig, said Sunday. "He worked very hard to make new gags and routines to keep it fresh. He didn't rest on his laurels."
His other clowning work included 22 years with the Shrine Circus and teaching a clowning class at Oakland Community College with his wife, the former Rose Dobo, who died in 2002 after 52 years of marriage. Mr. Romig -- who lived in Troy, Southfield and for the last nine years, in Sterling Heights -- was inducted into the International Clown Hall of Fame in Wisconsin in 2001, the same year as Charlie Chaplin.
His hobbies were making ventriloquist dummies and clown props, watching cowboy movies and thinking up skits.
"He stood out -- not because he's my father. I've seen many clowns that are blah," Christopher Romig said. "He developed a clown personality, so he was a definite character, not just a guy without tricks in a suit."
In addition to his son, Mr. Romig is survived by his sister Fay Romig and his adopted sister, Grace McIntosh, both of whom were circus performers and trainers.
Visitation is 1-9 p.m. Tuesday at E. J. Mandziuk & Son Funeral Directors' Sterling Heights Chapel, 3801 Eighteen Mile, with a scripture service at 7 p.m. Mr. Romig will lie in repose at St. Jane Frances de Chantal Parish, 38750 Ryan, Sterling Heights, from 9 a.m. until the 9:30 a.m. mass on Wednesday. Burial will follow at White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery in Troy.
Mr. Romig was born in Detroit into a circus family; his father was a horse trainer and his mother, a slack-wire walker. Together, they would eventually open their own show, the Romig and Rooney Circus. He debuted as a clown at age 5 and later worked with his two uncles, also clowns, and his calliope-playing aunt.
During World War II, Mr. Romig, who had limited formal education, served in an Army K-9 land mine-searching unit and as a bugler. He also formed an informal clown troupe to entertain the troops; he called it the Section 8 Gang after the type of military discharge given to people deemed mentally unfit.
Mr. Romig worked for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey in 1946-1950 and appeared in the 1952 movie "The Greatest Show on Earth" about the famous American circus.
The following year, Mr. Romig started performing on WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) -- and at a programming director's urging, changed his clown name from Irvie to the easier-to-remember Ricky. Over the 12 years he was a Detroit TV fixture, he was on "Tip-Top Fun," "The Ricky the Clown Show," "The Robin and Ricky Show" and "Action Theater."
"He really loved to see the children happy and smiling," his son, Christopher Romig, said Sunday. "He worked very hard to make new gags and routines to keep it fresh. He didn't rest on his laurels."
His other clowning work included 22 years with the Shrine Circus and teaching a clowning class at Oakland Community College with his wife, the former Rose Dobo, who died in 2002 after 52 years of marriage. Mr. Romig -- who lived in Troy, Southfield and for the last nine years, in Sterling Heights -- was inducted into the International Clown Hall of Fame in Wisconsin in 2001, the same year as Charlie Chaplin.
His hobbies were making ventriloquist dummies and clown props, watching cowboy movies and thinking up skits.
"He stood out -- not because he's my father. I've seen many clowns that are blah," Christopher Romig said. "He developed a clown personality, so he was a definite character, not just a guy without tricks in a suit."
In addition to his son, Mr. Romig is survived by his sister Fay Romig and his adopted sister, Grace McIntosh, both of whom were circus performers and trainers.
Visitation is 1-9 p.m. Tuesday at E. J. Mandziuk & Son Funeral Directors' Sterling Heights Chapel, 3801 Eighteen Mile, with a scripture service at 7 p.m. Mr. Romig will lie in repose at St. Jane Frances de Chantal Parish, 38750 Ryan, Sterling Heights, from 9 a.m. until the 9:30 a.m. mass on Wednesday. Burial will follow at White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery in Troy.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
IN MEMORIAM: Irv "Ricky" Romig
Sad news today as word reaches us that we've lost ICHOF inductee, Mr. Irv Romig.From Michelle Romig via Ed Golick:
This is Michelle Romig, Irv's daughter-in-law. I'm sorry to tell you that Irv passed away early this morning.Viewing will be at Mandziuk & Sons at Ryan and 18 mile, it's right on the north west corner.That will be Tuesday from 1:00 pm until 9:00 pmThe funeral will be on Wednesday, we are not quite sure of the time yet.
ICHOF GRAND OPENING: More Photos
After the ribbon was cut...
It was time for the throwing out of the first pie. The selected recipient was Mr. Pete Premo, President of the Baraboo Chamber of Commerce.
The Maestro winds up...
And POW... right in the kissah!
Our pie shell was supplied by our pal Jeffrey "Bungles" Potts. If you'd like to get one just like it, please visit his website by clicking here.Saturday, May 22, 2010
ICHOF GRAND OPENING:The Ribbon Cutting
With 150 people in attendance including Mayor Patrick Liston, the entire Baraboo Chamber of Commerce, Rep. Fred Clark, local newspapers, NBC television and documentary film makers the ribbon was cut and the new home of the International Clown Hall of Fame was officially open to the public.Please click the title of this post to be taken to the NBC15 Madison report of the event and click the click the video link under the headline.
ICHOF GRAND OPENING: 2nd Set of Photos
The ICHOF's new Executive Director Greg DeSanto and fellow Board of Directors member Karen DeSanto showing off one of the beautiful congratulatory bouquets that arrived from friends and fans around the world.
Jessi (upset that no flowers arrived for her) starting flashing gang signs, which frightened the McNuggets out of poor Toto. That is NOT how young ladies conduct themselves Davenport, Iowa.
ICHOF GRAND OPENING: 1st Set of Photos
The sign now residing outside 102 4th Ave Baraboo, WI
At 10 AM yesterday there were already 50-75 people on line (under Mark Renfro's beautiful sign) and eager to be among the first to see the Hall's new home.
Jessi Hoffschidt, Toto Johnson, Karen DeSanto and some hucklebuck welcoming the crowd in the Hall's new gallery.
INTERNATIONAL CLOWN HALL OF FAME: Photos Are Coming!
The International Clown Hall of Fame and Research Center is open for business today from 10:00 - 5:00. Once the doors open I'll start posting some of the photos that have come in from yesterday's grand opening.Friday, May 21, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
JAMES R. ADAMS
Information courtesy of the Circus Historical Society
ADAMS, JAMES ROBERT “PICO”. (January 28, 1856-August 30, 1915) Clown. Born in Kent, England, the son of Charles H. Adams and Mary Ann Cooke, and brother of the pantomimist and clown, George H. Adams. Served a 7 year apprenticeship to Ethardo, the English circus manager, before coming to America, 1870, at which time he first engaged with James M. Nixon’s. Joined W. W. Cole’s, 1878-79; followed by a sojourn in Havana with Orrin Bros., winter 1879-80; W. W. Cole’s, 1880, and Australian tour (left San Francisco, October 23, 1880). George H. Adams’ “Humpty Dumpty” Co., 1881, under the management of Adam Forepaugh; William O. Dale Stevens’, 1883; John B. Doris’, 1885 (known as “Pico” Adams); Dockrill’s, South America, winter 1885-86. Starred in his own production of “A Crazy Lot”; also connected with Thompson and Lundy, Luna Park, Coney Island, and with the same management at Colonial Theatre, NYC., as assistant stage manager. Member of the NYC Hippodrome company from its opening, April 12, 1905, until it abandoned its spectacle productions. Married English actress, Becky Taylor, December 1891. Died in NYC.
ATTENTION SARASOTA AND GIBSONTON, FLA: Hip Raymond's Trailer
OK, here's the deal...
Bill Strong told me that he knew where Hip Raymond's trailer was in Gibsonton and that they had taken the car out and it started right up. All the props for the act were still in the trailer. The props would need to be rebuilt or refurbished but everything was there.
Bill never told me who to contact about the trailer. Is there anyone out there who knows Hip's widow or where the trailer is and who I contact about coming down to get it?
There has to be SOMEONE down there who knows where the trailer is
Bill Strong told me that he knew where Hip Raymond's trailer was in Gibsonton and that they had taken the car out and it started right up. All the props for the act were still in the trailer. The props would need to be rebuilt or refurbished but everything was there.
Bill never told me who to contact about the trailer. Is there anyone out there who knows Hip's widow or where the trailer is and who I contact about coming down to get it?
There has to be SOMEONE down there who knows where the trailer is
THE LOVE SONG OF FREDERICK J. FLINTSTONE: The Higgins Boys and Gruber
Courtesy of Ellyn Rose Acord
THE LOVE SONG OF FREDERICK J. FLINTSTONE
Let us go then, Barney and I
As the Bedrock sun is spread out against the sky
Like a Brontoburger laid out upon a table
And in the cave the women come on through
Speaking of the Great Gazoo
I am not Joe Rockhead nor was I meant to be
A stone quarry worker willing to bowl a frame or two
I grow old, I grow old
Shall I wear my saber-toothed tiger suit rolled?
Shall I prepare bronto ribs to eat?
Power a car with my feet?
I hear Pebbles and Bam-Bam singing each to each
And in the cave the women came on through saying
Yabba
Dabba
Do
THE LOVE SONG OF FREDERICK J. FLINTSTONE
Let us go then, Barney and I
As the Bedrock sun is spread out against the sky
Like a Brontoburger laid out upon a table
And in the cave the women come on through
Speaking of the Great Gazoo
I am not Joe Rockhead nor was I meant to be
A stone quarry worker willing to bowl a frame or two
I grow old, I grow old
Shall I wear my saber-toothed tiger suit rolled?
Shall I prepare bronto ribs to eat?
Power a car with my feet?
I hear Pebbles and Bam-Bam singing each to each
And in the cave the women came on through saying
Yabba
Dabba
Do
CANDY CANDIDO: Rhythm Parade (1943)
This is Candy Candido with Ted Fio Rita and his Orchestra from the film Rhythm Parade. While he had a long career in radio and voiceover work, Candido is probably best known as the man Bud Abbott partnered with for a short-lived 1960 comeback in Las Vegas after the death of Lou Costello.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
HAPPY 29TH BIRTHDAY, JACKIE LE CLAIRE!
The very happiest of birthday wishes go out today to Circus Sarasota's Jackie Le Claire.Happy 29th birthday, Jackie!
K-STRASS: The Weird Yo-Yo Hoax Guy
A strange, strange man has been showing up on morning shows throughout the Midwest, claiming to be a yo-yo trick champion. He is not. He is actually terrible at yo-yo. Yet he keeps getting on the air.Little is known about "K-Strass," who goes by Kenny Strasser, or sometimes Karl Strassburg. He claims to be from Wisconsin (except when he doesn't). He claims to be from a broken home, with his own addiction issues (except when he isn't).
All we know is that K-Strass has shown up on television six times in the past month, showing off his yo-yo "skills" and generally embarrassing the hosts...
Monday, May 10, 2010
ZIRK der RUHE
Zirk der Ruhe (bad German for "Circus of Silence") is the new circus stage show that Andrew Scharff, Mark Lohr and I have created for hearing impared audiences. We are joined in this new venture by Michael Rosman, Noelle Burke, Lisa Oberg, Moira Lee and Shelly Guy.
Our Facebook page is up now. Our website will be up soon and our fall tour will start just as soon as we are all finished teaching circus camp and Andrew returns from Myrtle Beach. In addition to our shows on the weekends we plan to have hospital programs in Neptune, NJ, Frederick, MD and Philadelphia, PA along with our literacy school and library shows throughout the week.
Our snazzy new logo was created by the amazing Mr. Sandy Weber, the very same Sandy Weber responsible for the new ICHOF logo.
Our Facebook page is up now. Our website will be up soon and our fall tour will start just as soon as we are all finished teaching circus camp and Andrew returns from Myrtle Beach. In addition to our shows on the weekends we plan to have hospital programs in Neptune, NJ, Frederick, MD and Philadelphia, PA along with our literacy school and library shows throughout the week.
Our snazzy new logo was created by the amazing Mr. Sandy Weber, the very same Sandy Weber responsible for the new ICHOF logo.
FREDERICK GLAZIER PHOTOGRAPHS: Ringling Museum, Sarasota, FL
Article courtesy of Don Covington
By JANUARY HOLMES - jholmes@bradenton.com
Bradenton Herald
Bradenton, Florida
May 9, 2010
Ringling photo exhibit features
turn-of-the-century circus performers
turn-of-the-century circus performers
By JANUARY HOLMES - jholmes@bradenton.com
Bradenton Herald
Bradenton, Florida
May 9, 2010
They were beautiful and exotic.
Turn-of-the-century circus folk were always known as such. They included clowns, aerialists, contortionists and glamorous ladies with the power to tame tigers.
But beneath the makeup, the costumes and the tricks, they were normal people living a celebrated, gypsy lifestyle.
Turn-of-the-century circus folk were always known as such. They included clowns, aerialists, contortionists and glamorous ladies with the power to tame tigers.
But beneath the makeup, the costumes and the tricks, they were normal people living a celebrated, gypsy lifestyle.
That’s what can be seen in the Ringling Museum’s next exhibition, “Heyday: The Photographs of Frederick W. Glasier,” which opens Saturday. Glasier’s camera captured hundreds of these prolific entertainers during the late 1800s and early 1900s, when circus was king.
“The camera has an amazing, unrivaled capacity to record spectacle — and the circus was certainly spectacle,” said Peter Kayafas, co-curator of the exhibition and author of “Circus: The Photographs of Frederick W. Glasier.” “It’s also clear that Glasier was drawn to people, perhaps to people who were on the margin of conventional society — i.e. circus performers or performers in general, who had some special approach to their craft.”
The Ringling’s Circus Museum collection holds 1,700 of Glasier’s images, but only 60 will be shown for the exhibition.
To coincide with the event, the Sarasota-based contemporary dance troupe Moving Ethos will interpret a handful of Glasier’s circus photos through a dance concert dubbed “The Center Ring” on Friday and Saturday at the Historic Asolo.
Through the lens
Glasier served as the official photographer for the Barnum & Bailey Circus, according to the museum. He had unrestricted access to all aspects of circus life. It may have been a epic assignment for a photographer since, back then, the circus was treated like a front-page news event in each city it traveled to.
“The circus was the largest, single, social spectacle at the time,” said Deborah Walk, co-curator of the exhibition. “It was a common denominator that gave people information about electricity, about hot air balloons. People saw their first car in the circus. The films were first debuted in a circus tent. So it was place where people came.”
But there was a part of the circus where the public couldn’t roam. That was the back lot, where Glasier shot many of his eye-catching photos.
His photo style: Portraits that depict a sort of drama or emotion. They focus solely on the circus entertainers themselves. No one else.
“If you look in the background, there’s never any people,” said Kayafas. “So it’s a private performance for Glasier’s camera and therefore for us.”
Kayafas notes that all of Glasier’s work was done with an ancient precursor to today’s instant digital cameras, which makes Glasier’s talent as a photographer stand out even more. His pictures were taken with view camera — a large, 15-20 pound box of wood with a glass lens, a frosted plate, shutter release and dark cloth that sat on a tripod.
“The camera has an amazing, unrivaled capacity to record spectacle — and the circus was certainly spectacle,” said Peter Kayafas, co-curator of the exhibition and author of “Circus: The Photographs of Frederick W. Glasier.” “It’s also clear that Glasier was drawn to people, perhaps to people who were on the margin of conventional society — i.e. circus performers or performers in general, who had some special approach to their craft.”
The Ringling’s Circus Museum collection holds 1,700 of Glasier’s images, but only 60 will be shown for the exhibition.
To coincide with the event, the Sarasota-based contemporary dance troupe Moving Ethos will interpret a handful of Glasier’s circus photos through a dance concert dubbed “The Center Ring” on Friday and Saturday at the Historic Asolo.
Through the lens
Glasier served as the official photographer for the Barnum & Bailey Circus, according to the museum. He had unrestricted access to all aspects of circus life. It may have been a epic assignment for a photographer since, back then, the circus was treated like a front-page news event in each city it traveled to.
“The circus was the largest, single, social spectacle at the time,” said Deborah Walk, co-curator of the exhibition. “It was a common denominator that gave people information about electricity, about hot air balloons. People saw their first car in the circus. The films were first debuted in a circus tent. So it was place where people came.”
But there was a part of the circus where the public couldn’t roam. That was the back lot, where Glasier shot many of his eye-catching photos.
His photo style: Portraits that depict a sort of drama or emotion. They focus solely on the circus entertainers themselves. No one else.
“If you look in the background, there’s never any people,” said Kayafas. “So it’s a private performance for Glasier’s camera and therefore for us.”
Kayafas notes that all of Glasier’s work was done with an ancient precursor to today’s instant digital cameras, which makes Glasier’s talent as a photographer stand out even more. His pictures were taken with view camera — a large, 15-20 pound box of wood with a glass lens, a frosted plate, shutter release and dark cloth that sat on a tripod.
For more information of the Ringling Museum of the Circus, please click the title of this post.
Sunday, May 09, 2010
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Friday, May 07, 2010
Thursday, May 06, 2010
ATTENTION: COLONEL JOHN HERRIOTT...
What's all this is hear about you having a wealth of Bobo Barnett stories??? Cut lose and swing brother, swing! We're all ears!!!THE MICKEY MOUSE CLUB CIRCUS: Disneyland
Photos and information courtesy of davelandweb.com
When The Mickey Mouse Club wrapped up filming of the first season, the Mouseketeers remaining with the show were sent to perform in 2 huge circus tents on the fringe of Fantasyland (between the Motor Boat Cruise dock and the Fantasyland Autopia). Opening November 25, 1955, they gave two 75 min. performances a day, including Christmas and New Year’s.
Ted DeWayne, whose acrobatic troupe performed on the Mickey Mouse Club's first Circus Day episode, coordinated the circus acts, while the shows were staged by Hal Adelquist. Jimmie Dodd was the Ringmaster, Roy Williams the Strongman, and Bob Amsberry played Bob-O the Clown. The Mouseketeers (and some of their moms) performed in a variety of roles, including clowns, “wild” animals, aerialists, and took part in the grand parade.
Walt Disney loved circuses but unfortunately, guests preferred to see the other more unique attractions. There were a few amusing (and not so amusing) mishaps associated with the circus: llamas escaped and ran down Main Street, spitting at guests; a black panther bit the paw off of another animal (their cages were too close together) in front of a live—and horrified—audience; one aerialist’s top came undone as she literally flew through the air and couldn't grab it, before the poor bare-breasted beauty had to clasp hands with the man catching her on the other trapeze.
On January 8, 1956 the circus closed from lack of attendance. At some point, the Gil Gray Circus was affiliated with the Disneyland MMC Circus; whether it was from the inception or whether they filled in after the MMC Circus left is unclear. From Feb. 19, 1956—Sept. 7, 1956, Prof. George J. Keller and his Ferocious Felines performed in the tents that eventually found their way out to Holidayland.
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
MARTIN SHORT QUOTE
"All you're trying to do in an improvisation is get as much material as possible for the editing room."
~Martin Short
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
ANDREA MARTIN: Quote
"Take classes, work with other actors, create your own material, and stop blaming your agent. You can change how people see you. It all lies with you, but that takes a lot of work, and it's endless. Yes, I believe in luck. Some people are luckier than others. I've worked hard, but I've also been fortunate."
- Andrea Martin
Monday, May 03, 2010
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Saturday, May 01, 2010
ICHOF: Thank You!
Thank you all who opened your heart and wallet to help keep the International Clown Hall of Fame and Research Center in good standing. We always knew clowns were gifted and giving, and when asked you rose to the occasion. We will post a total as soon as we get official numbers. Knowing we have such support in such far flung corners of this world makes everything we are trying to do so important and worthwhile. Thank you all again and Happy First of May!
-Greg DeSanto and the Board of Directors of the International Clown Hall of Fame and Research Center
ICHOF: Special Announcement!
ENTER LAUGHING!
Baraboo’s International Clown Hall of Fame & Research Center Opens For Funny Business On Friday, May 21, 2010
Baraboo, WI (April 29, 2010) -- The world’s foremost organization dedicated to the preservation of the art, craft and history of clowning will open its doors in Baraboo on Friday, May 21, 2010 at 10 am.
The International Clown Hall of Fame & Research Center is located at 102 4th Avenue in historic Downtown Baraboo, the city that gave birth to Ringling Bros. Circus.
“Over the past four months we've been involved in the happy task of sorting and cataloguing the world's largest archive of clown artifacts,” says Greg DeSanto, Executive Director of the Hall. “From the cash box built by August Ringling for his sons’ very first circus performance to the scrapbooks of legendary circus clowns such as Poodles Hanneford, Mark Anthony, the Sherman Brothers to authentic vaudeville contracts, personal effects, costumes, props and correspondence of some of the greatest funnymen on earth, it is our honor and privilege to preserve this priceless resource.”
“The clowns who left their professional lives in our care loved their work and their careers, opening their hearts to audiences on a daily basis. We are extremely excited to be able to share these artifacts and the fascinating stories behind them.”
In addition to the priceless archives, visitors will see a clowning “Wall of Fame,” honoring the exceptional group of international funny folk who have been enshrined in the Hall.
“The ICHOF has been embraced by the Baraboo community in every sense of the word,” DeSanto adds. “Without the support of downtown businesses, local government officials, circus fans and enthusiasts and friends, this opening would have never happened.”
The Clown Hall of Fame will be open six days a week from 10am to 5pm. Admission is $5 for adults; $4 for children and seniors. Rates for groups are also available. For further information, call (608-355-0321) or visit the Hall’s website at www.theclownmuseum.com
“We are honored to join the Circus World Museum and the Al Ringling Theater as key spokes in Baraboo’s celebrated wheel of circus history,” DeSanto concludes. “We look forward to welcoming you to the legends of laughter.”
The International Clown Hall of Fame & Research Center is located at 102 4th Avenue in historic Downtown Baraboo, the city that gave birth to Ringling Bros. Circus.
“Over the past four months we've been involved in the happy task of sorting and cataloguing the world's largest archive of clown artifacts,” says Greg DeSanto, Executive Director of the Hall. “From the cash box built by August Ringling for his sons’ very first circus performance to the scrapbooks of legendary circus clowns such as Poodles Hanneford, Mark Anthony, the Sherman Brothers to authentic vaudeville contracts, personal effects, costumes, props and correspondence of some of the greatest funnymen on earth, it is our honor and privilege to preserve this priceless resource.”
“The clowns who left their professional lives in our care loved their work and their careers, opening their hearts to audiences on a daily basis. We are extremely excited to be able to share these artifacts and the fascinating stories behind them.”
In addition to the priceless archives, visitors will see a clowning “Wall of Fame,” honoring the exceptional group of international funny folk who have been enshrined in the Hall.
“The ICHOF has been embraced by the Baraboo community in every sense of the word,” DeSanto adds. “Without the support of downtown businesses, local government officials, circus fans and enthusiasts and friends, this opening would have never happened.”
The Clown Hall of Fame will be open six days a week from 10am to 5pm. Admission is $5 for adults; $4 for children and seniors. Rates for groups are also available. For further information, call (608-355-0321) or visit the Hall’s website at www.theclownmuseum.com
“We are honored to join the Circus World Museum and the Al Ringling Theater as key spokes in Baraboo’s celebrated wheel of circus history,” DeSanto concludes. “We look forward to welcoming you to the legends of laughter.”
Friday, April 30, 2010
ICHOF: Closing Time and Last Call
OK, last call folks...
We've got a 40th Anniversary Clown College Reunion poster signed by approximately 80 CC grads who attended the reunion.
Do you know what is out there and signed by 80 Clown College alumni? Nothing. Absolutely nothing!
THIS window card is signed by some of the biggies.
Some? I mean MOST of the biggies.
The REAL biggies.
What is it going to take to get this one?
The very first donation of $250. (or else we put it on eBay) before midnight tonight wins a poster signed by the very first female graduate of Clown College Peggy Williams, by NPR bigwig Murray Horowitz, by Big Apple Circus stars Barry Lubin, Jeff Gordon, Greg & Karen DeSanto and by almsot EVERY living director of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College in addition to 75 other famous Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College graduates.
Only 3 of these exist.
In the whole entire world.
ICHOF: The Kid Gloves Are Off!
OK, kids! I'm a little tired of stroking you people and you seem a little tired of being stroked. It's time to make this whole thing real...
Every donation of $75. during the 9:00 PM EST hour gets a copy of "Pit Stop", the very first ICHOF induction poster by Jim Howle.
The largest donation during the 9:00 PM EST hour gets a copy autographed by Otto Griebling's daughter Annie, by Felix Adler's nephew, Tim Dolan and LET ME MAKE THIS PERFECTLY CLEAR... the poster is also autographed by Mark Anthony... THE MARK ANTHONY and...
The largest donation during the 9:00 PM EST hour gets a copy autographed by Otto Griebling's daughter Annie, by Felix Adler's nephew, Tim Dolan and LET ME MAKE THIS PERFECTLY CLEAR... the poster is also autographed by Mark Anthony... THE MARK ANTHONY and...
LOU JACOBS
Mark Anthony and Lou Jacobs.
Mark Anthony and Lou Jacobs.
Mark Anthony and Lou Jacobs.
Mark Anthony and Lou Jacobs.
Mark Anthony and Lou Jacobs.
Let me say it again...
Let me say it again...
Mark Anthony and Lou Jacobs.
I don't want to have to pitch something at 11:00 PM
I don't want to have to pitch something at 11:00 PM
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)