Southern jugglers make pilgrimage to Atlanta each Groundhog's Day

By Henry Slack, Atlanta, Georgia

 

Which IJA affiliate has a handsome banner, a president called Banana, and more than 60 paid members?

 

If you named the Atlanta Jugglers Association (AJA), you win free sleeping space at the Sixth Groundhog's Day Jugglers Festival (Feb. 3-5, 1984), plus a chance to take home one of the coveted Punxatawny Phil Groundhog Trophies ­if you compete for it, of course.

 

The AJA was founded (some would say dumbfounded) in late 1977 following the inspiration of then-novice Rodger French at the IJA Wilmington Convention. French consulted an arts lawyer and then publicized the founding meeting, which drew 20 jugglers and two TV stations to a neighborhood theatre. Says French, "I knew there had to be other jugglers in a city this size, and I wanted to find them."

 

Practice space developed at an old elementary school. By giving a free show and juggling lessons to the pupils every year, the AJA received rent-free use of the space for two nights a week all school year. In summer, the school lawn was the meeting space.

 

The school closed in 1982, but soon reopened as a community center, whose first tenants were the AJA. (AJA now shares the space with the Lenny and La Banana School of Clowning and Clumbsy Dance.) Meetings/practices are still twice a week, and anywhere from 10 to 25 jugglers may show up in an evening. Of course, the club still teaches juggling free to anyone who wants to learn.

 

Part of the AJA's success with numbers results from the social and performing nature of the group. Meetings frequently continue at a nearby pub, and other parties happen often. As AJA president Toni "La Banana" Shifalo opined, "What makes the AJA work so well is that these folks juggle good and party great."

 

The club also performs together throughout the year, at festivals, grand openings, picnics and other parties. Lake Lanier Islands hires the AJA every year for a Medieval Faire, and Six Flags Over. Georgia hired the group this summer for a nine-day stretch. Being in a large city, one or two engagements come every month, either for strolling performing or stage shows. Not surprisingly, AJA stage shows are loose, spontaneous affairs, showcasing each talent for a short while.

 

For income, the AJA receives $5 dues per member and half of the money from paid performances. (Members participating split the other half. No one gets rich, but it pays for equipment.) Most of this money goes to help defray members' expenses at the IJA Convention every summer, since members who attend conventions bring back a lot to share with the group. Partially as a result of this, 16 AJA members made it to Purchase this past summer.

 

Of course, the Groundhog Day Jugglers Festival is the big event in the AJA year. First organized by French after losing the IJA convention bid (the first time), it remains patterned after the IJA convention with a Saturday Gonzo Competition for Most Stupendous, Most Spectacular and Most Amazing performers, a Saturday night party and a free Public Show on Sunday. The proceeds from passing the hat both days usually covers most of the hall rental expense. Out of town visitors are housed with members, keeping the costs low.

 

"We expect 100 jugglers from a dozen states this year," said La Banana. "It's well organized, low-key and fun - just like the AJA."