About a year ago I had a profound inclination to learn how to juggle. I had always been fascinated by my sister and best friends ability to juggle. So by incessantly watching numerous instructional youtube videos, I mastered 3 ball juggling. Yet, that just was not enough. If I could juggle three balls, then why not four. This time I signed up for a class taught by Rod Kimball, who taught me some 2 and 3 ball tricks and stalls. Occasionally, Michael Karas would fill in as instructor. I befriended Michael via facebook which led to an introduction to Playing by Air, a variety performance group he is in. Playing by Air is formed of 4 incredibly multi-talented individuals who wholeheartedly love what they do; 3 master jugglers and a skilled masterful violinist. Just being in their presence is creatively contagious and delightful. I have just returned from watching their opening show for the NYC International Fringe Festival. I am utterly enamored and awed. This show is more than mere juggling. It is the crème de la crème of juggling/variety shows. They don sophisticated black suits paired with ties the colors of rainbows. It was humorous, well crafted and jubilantly entertaining. The children and adults cried out bewildering oohs and ahhhs throughout the entire performance. Hip-hop, dance, classical, Fat Boy Slim and some children’s tunes accompany the variety acts. It has an essence of an understated, clever cirque du soleil, but it is entirely their own and one-of-kind. At the end there were Q & A for the performers; one lady stated it best when she said how inspired she was, and that it made her believe anything is possible. Without further ado, Katrina Kelly is off to practice juggling…
WWW.PLAYINGBYAIREVENTS.COM
WWW.PLAYINGBYAIRCARES.COM
Jacob Weiss, PHD, Founder/Director and Master Juggler
Ted Joblin:: Master Juggler
Ben Detrick:: Master Violinist, classical and fiddler maestro
Michael Karas:: Master Juggler
Dixon Place BUY TICKETS HERE
161A Chrystie Street
New York, NY 10002
SHOWS::
August 22 @8:45 pm
August 23 @9:30 pm
August 25 @2:15 pm
August 28 @7:00 pm
Playing By Air offers high-energy, creative solutions to corporate meetings and special events with a refreshing and professional style.
High-Energy and Creative Entertainment Designed for Your Event Choose from a variety of programs customized to meet your needs and highlight your group’s message! Featured stage entertainment: cirque-style variety and comedy shows that energize and engage large audiences.
All natural energy booster: genuine laughter and energy that lasts throughout your event.
Team building: Get out of your chairs, get moving, and have FUN trying something new!
Last night I attended the opening night of “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”, Broadways interpretation of the Aussie cult classic film. Priscilla and Muriel’s Wedding were a pre-requisite to my college extra circular films. It was a star studded filled audience; Bette Midler, Christie Brinkley, Guy Pearce, Renee Zellweger, Joan Rivers, Kathleen Turner, Daryl Roth, Bruce Vilanch and of course many drag queens and performers; Flotilla DeBarge, Bianca Del Rio, Sherry Vine, Logan Hardcore, and the adorable Charlotte Rae from Facts of Life sat 2 rows in front of me. The Broadway version lost some of the dark humor and interest of the film. It seems to be adapted for a more American stage flavor that leaves nothing for the imagination. Nonetheless, the campy music was as infectious as Mama Mia, and all the drag queen glitter costumes & levitating divas uplifted my spirits. Most importantly it succeeded in whisking me off to a wondrous fantasia dreamy world for a couple of hours-Katrina Kelly Jewelry Blog
