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Circus Sarasota Kicks-Off Their Season With A New And Spectacular Circus Troupe

SARASOTA, FL – Circus Sarasota’s 2013/2014 is bigger, bolder and even better than ever before… The season kicks off with an avant-garde circus troupe that is not only new to Sarasota, but also making their debut on U.S. soil, Vague de Cirque – a unique and interactive troupe, who come straight from Quebec and feature stunning acrobatics, aerobatics and circus artistry masterfully intertwined with both music and comedy. Presented in an intimate venue, this up-close-and-personal circus arts experience will be held at Westfield Sarasota Square Mall, in a quaint, boutique-style circus tent – complete with cabaret-style seating – just outside of Costco. Shows are scheduled for three consecutive weeks, every Friday through Sunday, from November 15 – December 1, 2013.

“We are dedicated to promoting the circus arts throughout our community, and Vague de Cirque is a real winner,” said The Circus Arts Conservatory Co-founder and CEO, Pedro Reis. “Circus Sarasota is extremely proud to present this uniquely entertaining circus troupe for their debut performances in the United States. It’s a one-of-a-kind circus experience that everyone will definitely enjoy!”

The Vague de Cirque shows, which are about 2 hours in length with intermission, are inspired by the European circus of the 1940’s and are designed to mesmerize audiences with an unexpected, interactive storyline that intermittently crosses from reality into the magical world of circus artistry. The amazing performance includes eight of the world’s finest acrobatic performers, who will ooh, aah and entertain with everything from hand vaulting and human towers to group juggling, Chinese pole, teeter board, Russian barre, and that’s not all! There will be mind-blowing contortion, swinging rope and trapeze too! All of the performers have spent a life-time training in gymnastics or the circus arts and many have performed with world-renowned groups like Cirque du Soliel and other magnificent productions, all around the globe. “This is truly a performance like no other, and with the intimate venue and up-close interaction, one that certainly shouldn’t be missed,” said The Circus Arts Conservatory Managing Director, Jennifer Mitchell.

Performances will be held each Friday, November 15th, 22nd and 29th at 7 P.M. On each Saturday, November 16th 23rd and 30th at 2 and 7 P.M. and each Sunday November 17th, November 24th and December 1st Prices are $35 for Adult ticket and $18 for Child ticket and can be purchased by calling The Circus Arts Conservatory Box Office at 941-355-9805, or on-line at www.CircusArts.org.  at 1 and 5 P.M.

Weekend calendar: June 13-19

“Wallenda — Beyond Belief Viewing and Street Party”: Mattison’s City Grille, Main Street, Sarasota

Mattison’s and Circus Sarasota will host the second annual “Wallenda — Beyond Belief Viewing and Street Party — from Sarasota to the Grand Canyon” 7-11 p.m. June 23. The public can view Nik Wallenda crossing the Grand Canyon live on the Jumbotron video screen. The street party is on Lemon Avenue between Main Street and First Avenue and will feature a variety of circus performances by international circus artists and youth performers from the Sailor Circus. Hands-on family-friendly circus activities including balloon making, face-painting, low wire walking, street vendors, prize drawings, live auction, live music and more. The event is free and open to the public. The fundraising event supports Circus Sarasota. VIP tickets are $100 and include a reserved seating area near the main stage and a special menu with wine. VIP tickets are limited, advanced purchase is required. Information: 941-355-9335 or www.mattisons.com or www.circussarasota.org.

Circus Sarasota offers some tricks for Summer Spectacular showcase

Circus fans have a new way to mix history and thrills of live performance at the Ringling Museum of Art.

Master Trick Roper and bull-whip artist Texas Jack Fulbright performs in Circus Sarasota’s 2013 Summer Circus Spectacular at the Historic Asolo Theater. PHOTO PROVIDED BY CIRCUS SARASOTA

During the annual run of Circus Sarasota’s Summer Circus Spectacular in the Historic Asolo Theater (June 18-Aug. 3), the Ringling Museum is offering a $5 admission to audiences who also visit the Circus Museum and its large collection of memorabilia.

 

 

Circus Sarasota Appoints Managing Director and Hires Be Creative Studios as Marketing Partner

June 3rd, 2013
Jennifer Mitchell has been promoted to Managing Director of Circus Sarasota, a newly created position to support the incredible growth of this local non-profit organization. Read more

The Patterson Foundation Launches Legacy of Valor Campaign

Yearlong campaign honors veterans through community partnerships leading up to the spring 2014 dedication of Patriot Plaza

SARASOTA, Fla. (April 5, 2013) – The Patterson Foundation kicked off its Legacy of Valor campaign today, highlighting 17 community-driven partnerships that honor veterans and their families, inspire patriotism and embrace freedom.

The Legacy of Valor campaign is an extension of The Patterson Foundation’s first-of-its-kind partnership with the National Cemetery Administration to construct Patriot Plaza, a ceremonial amphitheater at Sarasota National Cemetery. The yearlong series of Legacy of Valor partnership events – which include a variety of experiences from luncheons and exhibits honoring veterans to themed street art and film festivals– begin this month and culminate during the spring 2014 dedication of Patriot Plaza.

“The Legacy of Valor campaign honors and salutes veterans and their families for the sacrifices they make in order to secure our freedom,” said Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation. “The enthusiastic response we received from community partners was overwhelming, and we hope every person in our community can find opportunities to participate through their time, talent and treasure.”

Through Legacy of Valor partnerships, community entities are collaborating with each other to create and build upon existing activities and events to educate, build enthusiasm and focus the community to honor and support veterans and their families. The Legacy of Valor community partnerships touch many aspects of our community, including arts performances for veterans and their families, educational programs to teach community youth about our nation’s history and the contributions of veterans, and services such as providing needed home repairs for veterans.

To enhance these collaborations, The Patterson Foundation is investing up to $1 million in the Legacy of Valor campaign.

“It is so special to see such support and a spirit of collaboration in our community honoring those who have done so much for our country,” Jacobs said. “Our goal through the Legacy of Valor campaign is to encourage our community to use Patriot Plaza following its dedication to continue to honor veterans for generations to come.”

To learn more about the Legacy of Valor campaign and Patriot Plaza at Sarasota National Cemetery, please visit patriotplaza.thepattersonfoundation.org.

About The Patterson Foundation The Patterson Foundation believes that through communications, technology, and financial innovations, improvements may be achieved that transcend any single issue, entity, or geographic area. The Foundation provides resources to facilitate, expedite, and share methods, techniques, and tools, joining with others in creating new realities. For more information, please visit www.ThePattersonFoundation.org.

Circus Sarasota & Jersey Mike’s Subs Team Up for Month of Giving in March

“Day of Giving” March 27

TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 21, 2013 – Circus Sarasota, & the Sailor Circus Program are joining forces with local Jersey Mike’s Subs restaurants throughout Sarasota for the 3rd Annual March “Month of Giving” fundraising campaign. The campaign will culminate in the nationwide event, Jersey Mike’s “Day of Giving” on Wednesday, March 27.

During the month of March, customers can make a donation to Circus Sarasota, & the Sailor Circus Program at any area Jersey Mike’s restaurant. Then on Wed March 27, a special nationwide celebration, “Day of Giving,” will take place at all Sarasota Jersey Mike’s locations to benefit 86 different charities including hospitals, youth organizations, food banks and more.

On that day, area residents are invited to come in to a local Jersey Mike’s restaurant and enjoy a delicious sub meal. All area Jersey Mike’s restaurants will donate 100 percent of the day’s sales to Circus Sarasota’s youth training program, The Sailor Circus. For more information on our charity partners, please visit www.jerseymikes.com/mog.

Circus Sarasota’s youth training program: The Sailor Circus

“The Sailor Circus of Sarasota, Florida is thrilled to be chosen by Jersey Mike’s Subs for the Month of Giving,” said Joan Leonard, Administrative Director, of the Sailor Circus Program. With this partnership we are able to continue serving the youth of Sarasota by providing a safe environment to learn life skills through the exciting tradition of the circus arts. The Month of Giving allows us to provide our program to students whose parents cannot afford after school specialty programs. Together with Jersey Mike’s we are able to teach our students the importance of community and giving back to the community that one lives in.”

Participating Sarasota Jersey Mike’s Restaurants:

  • 3820 S. Tuttle Ave, Sarasota
  • 8210 Tourist Center Drive, University Park

Last year’s Month of Giving campaign raised nearly $858,000 for 74 different charities nationwide. Since 2010, Jersey
Mike’s locations throughout the country have raised more than $5 million for worthy local charities and distributed
more than 500,000 free sub sandwiches to help numerous causes.

“I would like to extend a personal invitation to come in and enjoy a Jersey Mike’s sub during our Month of Giving in
support of one of your local charities,” said Peter Cancro, Jersey Mike’s founder and CEO, who started the company
when he was only 17 years old. “The opportunities to give are all around us so we hope this March you will join us to
make a difference in someone’s life.”

For more information about Jersey Mike’s Subs Month of Giving please visit: http://www.jerseymikes.com.

About Jersey Mike’s
Jersey Mike’s, a fast-casual sub sandwich franchise with more than 750 locations open and under development
nationwide, has a long history of community involvement and support. Started at the Jersey Shore in 1956, Jersey
Mike’s serves authentic East Coast-style subs on fresh baked bread – the same recipe it started with over 50 years ago.
The company’s mission is to bring its customers the highest quality, freshest made sub in the industry and give back
to the communities in which it operates. A store locator and franchise information for Jersey Mike’s can be found at
www.jerseymikes.com.

Let’s Run Away to the Circus!

When asked if I wanted to take a trapeze class while on a girls getaway to Sarasota Florida, without hesitation or really even much thought, I exclaimed “Yes!” What could be more fun than flying through the air, ideally with grace and strength? I recruited my friends Dawn and Robin (my adventurous partners in crime: see What Happens in Vegas…). Circus Sarasota offers a few different circus-type classes, and we were quick to sign up.

First, we took the Aerial Gym class. The description read that hoops are used, suspended about two or three feet off the ground. We thought the class sounded fun – we just didn’t realize how hard it would be! The five us in the class used the steel hoops as support in various Pilates- and yoga-type moves – plank, bridge, even downward facing dog. The most fun, though, was when we balanced our chests on the hoops, used our arms for leverage and swung, swan-like (maybe?!), through the air. My favorite move of the class, though, was (Wo)Man in the Moon – we balanced on our thin steel hoops, bending and shaping our bodies until we conformed to the hoop’s curve. In the pose, I felt graceful and limber – all I needed was a sparkly outfit and I would’ve been set!

A Circus That You See — and Hear

SARASOTA, Fla. — Long live the beautiful lady on the flying trapeze in the big arena and the magic of a Sunday afternoon in a world upside down — a circus performed with a 150-voice chorale and a symphony orchestra.

There is no sawdust on the floor and no pink lemonade for Cirque des Voix. Missing is a circus band blaring “Barnum & Bailey’s Favorite.” Instead, a semi-circle of violins and cellos and French horns plays the music of “1492: Conquest of Paradise” for a hand-balancing act.

This is taking the circus to a new level. A packed crowd of 1,000 cheers and gives the performance a standing ovation. Some paid as much as $45 for their seats.

HERE IS AN EXCITING, enchanting show. It is bringing the soul of “The Greatest Show on Earth” to a remarkable level of class. Performers like this can only be assembled in a circus city like Sarasota; nowhere else is there such a gathering of talent.

It would be difficult to assemble the circus-minded Sarasota Key Chorale at the i wireless Center in Moline to sing John Williams’ “Themes From ‘The Lost World’” while four members of the Flying Wallendas are walking a thin cable and risking their necks high above the audience heads.

There are moments when you are so thrilled by a lovely aerialist’s cloud swing that you cannot pay attention to the combined symphony and chorale music, “Dark Night of the Soul.”

All through this performance I keep thinking how — in its circusy way — it reminds me of the Holiday Pops at the i wireless — the choir, the symphony, the performers, the color, the adoring crowd. Steve Jobman, the Quad-City “Pops” director, should fly down to Sarasota next holiday season when Cirque des Voix is to be performed with a Christmas theme.

THIS EARLY SPRING performance has been rehearsed and fine-tuned so choir and symphony are in synch with the performers. What a challenge it was for symphony and voices to be in tune-time as the Wallendas do their four-high bicycle pyramid 50 feet in the air.

“It is a circus that is quite different and it is thrilling — with such musical accompaniment to the acts,” says Pedro Reis, a former aerialist who now runs the widely hailed Circus Sarasota, which is performed in a Camelot-like tent. He is in a tuxedo to introduce the Cirque des Voix, and gives us a little wave when it is time for the appearance of Dolly Jacobs, his wife and the co-owner of Circus Sarasota.

I cannot take my eyes off Dolly, in her bird-like swirls, sometimes with her flying partner. She is the first lady of the circus, and honored by Circus Monaco (Pulitzer of the circus world) as the world’s great aerialist of all time. I pay no attention to the music, which is so appropriate. She soars to “Across the Vast, Eternal Sky” and “Walking in the Air.”

The Sarasota Herald’s reviewer said of Dolly: “No matter how many times you see her, Jacobs manages to create magical and ethereal beauty in her performances.”

We ARE sitting in the front row, so close to the thick riggings that I can touch them and feel their tense strains as young women and Spider-Man slide from the top of the arena and twist and turn on long strands of colored silk. It is one of the scariest and most dangerous acts in the the circus world of performing.

At intermission, Tom and Jane Rudbeck of Davenport walk by, suggesting that I dig into their box of popcorn. “We expected to see you here,” he says.

In my long life, I have likely seen a hundred or so circuses. Never have I seen, or heard, one as entrancing as Cirque des Voix.

Circus Sarasota takes the show to assisted living facilities

SARASOTA – Circus Sarasota is now nearing the end of their winter program, with their final show this Friday night. But even after the tent goes dark, the show goes on, because those performances are only the tip of the iceberg.

Circus Sarasota continues its service to the community all year long, and that includes their outreach program “Laughter Unlimited.” Five days a week, specially trained clowns and other Circus Sarasota performers go into nursing homes, assisted living homes, and facilities that serve people with disabilities.

There, they not only make the residents laugh, but they inspire them to use their abilities and their talents to the maximum.

The Laughter Unlimited team got a royal welcome at the United Cerebral Palsy Center in Bradenton this week. “We don’t just come in and put on a show and present a performance, our clients are vested in the program because we trust them and they trust us,” says performer Chuck Sidlow.

Laughter Unlimited visits there twice a month. This is one of their many stops. Every week, they hit two facilities a day, spreading joy and teaching life skills, like better communication. “Most of the Laughter Unlimited programs are dealing in the senior community with Alzheimer dementia independent living, as well as assisted living for our aging folks. First the hearing goes, then the speech, so communication is very, very important.”

Clients don’t just sit back and watch, they’re a part of the show. They sing, they make music, they perform circus tricks. They’ve been to see Circus Sarasota, and they pretend to be Nik Wallenda.

You can see the applause they get means a lot to them. “Our wonderful friends here at UCP get a wonderful sense of accomplishment and a sense of empowerment,” says performer Billy Bob.

The staff at UCP says Laughter Unlimited makes a major difference in the lives they touch there. “Their main focus is to help the individual find their talent and their desires and use that to develop a sense of humor and just have a great time,” says Gail Lesko.