Fun Festival in Philly

 

The Philadelphia Jugglers Club and Fairmount Park Commission are sponsoring juggling, unicycling and fun sports jamboree October 1 and 2.

 

To be held at Plaistead Hall, One Bowhouse Row, the event will feature workshops, open juggling and a 9-mile unicycle ride. There is no admission, and overnight accommodations can be arranged at a local youth hostel.  For more information, call Andy D'Allesandro.

 

Jugglers Gathering in England

 

Jugglers are welcome to a weekend of open juggling and workshops October 15 and 16 in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. Contact "Playspace," Bradford, West Yorkshire and ask for Sam Scurfield.

 

European IJA Convention

 

The European IJA Convention was to have been held September 23 and 24 in the city of Laval, in the department of Mayenne, France. We hope to have a full report of activities in the next issue.

 

Man with experience takes IJA job

RODGER FRENCH, CO-FOUNDER OF THE ATLANTA JUGGLERS says he's entering his new volunteer job as IJA affiliate coordinator with an open mind. "Jugglers come from a lot of different perspectives," he said. "The Atlanta group tries to raise a lot of money to finance projects, while at the other end, the MIT group exists simply to provide a space for jugglers. All those various philosophies are good. That's what makes the IJA strong. Affiliation is a new area," he continued. "No one knows what the possibilities are right now. I'm not entirely certain where this is going, but I think that's healthy at this point."

 

"Enthusiasm for affiliation is growing," French affirmed. "For jugglers to progress, they must get together, and that requires some organization." French would like to hear from interested persons. His address is Decatur, Ga.

 

Benefit Show gives sick children relief

 

THE SELFLESS DONATION OF TIME BY SEVERAL professional entertainers brightened up the lives of about 100 children during the convention Benefit Show. Many of the patients at the Blythedale Children's Hospital in Mt. Pleasant, N.Y., were confined to wheelchairs or some type of mobile stretcher. Several kids became part of the show as volunteers.

 

Master of ceremonies was Bill Barr, the 1983-84 IJA president. It marked his sixth year of involvement with the event. Many of he entertainers were also veterans. Among them were Lenny and La Banana from Atlanta, who opened the show with a musical skit and went on to provide lively accompaniment for other performers.

 

Edward Jackman's well-received performance included a 7 ball routine as well as a flashy 3 club piece. A feisty young volunteer added a bit of extra comedy to an already witty ball-spinning routine.

 

The Duarte Trio (Tom Dewart, Larry Wakeman, Ron Rourke) followed with some intricate club and ring passing. Their gold­sequined, bright red outfits added pizzazz.

 

Michael Marlin provided the finale with several successful comedy pieces and a story about "Man, Woman and Evil" using various juggling props. He finished with a dramatic choreographed scarf juggling routine. 

                                                         -Mark McMahon