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by
Ro Lutz-Nagey, editor, Baltimore,
Maryland
Since
this is the first time around for The Fields Report, perhaps
we
should start off with a short introduction. Once I get done
with this brief bout of braggadocio, I'll get down to the real
purpose of the column - gossip, lies and the occasional pithy
observation.
Ro
Fields is my stage name. I've been juggling four years and
performed extensively on the streets of Baltimore, with stage
work in both the U.S. and Canada. In 1982 the Fields Brothers
(myself and Chicagoan Ed Bennett) were chosen as one of the
four top acts at Baltimore's Harborplace.
I
also perform occasionally with Steve Leigh (a Cincinatti-based
science fiction novelist) under the names Cosmos and Chaos.
For the past several years, I've been the president (actually,
benevolent
dictator!) of the Baltimore Jugglers' Association. Most
recently I coached Dana Tison, second place finisher in this
year's Juniors Championship. When not juggling, I write
computer software for my small company.
This
column is called The Fields Report to underscore the fact that
it is not meant to be taken too seriously. On to the belly of
the beast...
Andrew
Allen, the 17-year-old whiz kid who won the IJA Juniors
Championship two years ago in Santa Barbara, recently passed
through Baltimore and spent a few days with me. We dropped by
Harborplace and caught Joe Rice's juggling act. Joe was nice
enough to let Andrew do a quick turn.
Andrew's
routine is freeform. It started with ball spinning, followed
by his frenetic
three ball routine. His unique three ball legerdemain was
inspired by the song Sparks from the Who's movie
version of Tommy. His five ball routine was done while
standing on one foot and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance
backward. (I don't make these up - just report what I
see...) After a quick seven ball demonstration, Andrew
followed with his blazingly fast three club routine, throwing
doubles, triples and quads that never rose more than two feet
above his hands. Not surprisingly, he finished with his devil
stick routine, which only continues to improve.
Towards
the end, Andrew said, "Now, here's a trick that only
other jugglers will appreciate... " whereupon Gravity's
Last Stand suddenly appeared from around the corner, lugging
several tons of equipment and props. Their show has them
juggling more props than any I've ever seen. It is funny,
clever, fast-paced and none of them seems to be bothered by
the hernias they must have from lugging all the stuff around.
Look for a future article about these folks that will show,
among other things, how Bill Frye cons his colleagues into
carrying all the props!
Andrew
will be in Europe by the time you read this. He plans on
spending several years there, working on new ideas and
continuing his studies. He is without a doubt the best read
17-year-old I've ever met. I only hope that he returns to the
States soon and continues to share his talent with us.
European readers: Andrew is a damn fine human being and superb
house guest. Please extend your hospitality to this pleasant
and talented man.
Also
on a local note, the Baltimore Jugglers Association was
enhanced this summer by Dan Wozdahl, a medical student and
(naturally) juggler from North Dakota. He worked at the
National Institute of Health, but spent a great deal of time
juggling. Without getting into intimate gossip, Dan is
expected to make a number of trips back to Baltimore this
year. In North Dakota, he performs with Plain People, a group
fronted by Larry Olsen from Fargo.
While
on the subject of gossip, could it be true? Could
Janet Sanford have lost interest in juggling? Janet once
worked with Your Humble Editor in the short-lived Air Farce
and particularly enjoys teaching others to juggle. Say it
ain't so, Janet!
Dan,
Janet and I joined the Washington area jugglers at a day of
performing at Glen Echo National Park. Although it was
a freebie, we were treated marvelously
including home-cooked food from the National Park Service. We
also got special volunteer badges that let us into all events
free and without waiting in line. We picnicked and partied and
juggled as the mood hit us, occasionally teaching when the
crowds got large enough. I pass this on as you might want to
contact your local national or state park service about a
similar event.
In
Las Vegas, I had a chance to grab a quick and chaotic lunch
with Nick and Anthony Gatto. Nick is still as interesting as
ever and the incredibly talented Anthony is still the fun kid
he was when he left Baltimore. I must note (without comment)
that Anthony's schooling consists of a private tutor for an
hour a day.
The
convention in Vegas was incredibly well-run and hassle-free.
In fact, in light of the creative responses to hassles at
recent conventions, it could be said that this one was
downright boring. Thankfully the folk from Renegade Juggling
provided extensive moments of guerilla theater. It's about
time that people showed up at an IJA convention wearing
morning coats and top hats.
As
mentioned earlier, I also write computer programs.
Specifically, I write programs using Pascal. For several years
I've toyed with the idea of a graphics-based
juggling language. In effect you would be able to define the
number of hands and objects and see an animated juggling
pattern. Those with compatible computers would be able to
tryout simulations of new juggling patterns and see the
results before attempting them. If you're interested and speak
Pascal, drop me a note.
Got
any hot gossip? This column is continually looking for
non-violent, verifiable tips and items. Either write or call
(during the day, expect to hear the semi-stentorian
"Hello, Maycroft" voice I use or the damn impersonal
answering machine.) The contact is:
Ro
Lutz-Nagey, Elkridge, Maryland
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