Rather than addressing an issue this go-round, I'd like to pass on news of some of your favorite jugglers and mine. The best news is that all of these people are working, leading me to believe there is currently plenty of opportunity for jugglers to perform in person, in film and in commercial advertising.

 

One pair of hard workers are Edward Jackman and his wife, Karen Taussig, who came to Davidson recently as part of their 140-show National Association of Campus Activities tour. Like Michael Davis and Michael Marlin before him, Jackman's NACA connection has been successful and profitable. Besides an enviably full itinerary, he has been nominated as the organization's comedy entertainer of the year. Taussig, who serves as business manager, has been nominated as agent of the year. After watching two shows, it's easy to understand those honors.

 

Jackman could keep an audience amused without ever lifting a prop. His lines are delivered fresh every evening at a manic pace through a rubber face that's sure to amuse. Audiences quickly appreciate his comedy, then are thrilled by his juggling skill. Among other things, he performs six rings, three balls, seven balls (' 'or for those in the back - nine balls!"), cigar boxes, devil stick and three and four clubs.

 

By never being serious, he never allows the audience to feel tense or embarrassed by a drop. He works to gain hearts and admiration rather than awe. By the time he reaches the finale of balancing a bicycle on his head while juggling three tennis rackets or clubs, the audience is ready to respond with a standing ovation.

 

Happy to find this couple doing so well, I got on the phone and called other well­known jugglers to find out more good news.

 

 Back in Jackman's home base of San Diego, California, Ben Decker said he performed for visitors to Sea World last  summer. Now he can be seen in Balboa Park with Mark Nizer and the sensational Dan Wiles, who Ben alleges has done five clubs on a slack wire, as weIl as riding a unicycle on the same slack wire!

 

In early November, Nizer juggled for a Bob Hope television special which wiIl air on PBS in February. Nizer reports his latest trick is a back roIl while spinning three baIls.

 

Kit Summers and Robin Taylor, who got married this fall in New Jersey, plan to restage the event in San Diego on Jan. 20 for their West Coast friends. The wedding will be at 3 p.m. in Zoro Gardens of Balboa Park, with Mark Nizer M.C.'ing a juggling show beginning at 3:30.

 

Barry and Sue Bakalor planned to host their second annual jugglers' New Year's Eve party at their San Jose home. Weather permitting, the guests would spend the afternoon juggling in the park, then retire to the Bakalor home for a long evening of revelry and video watching. Among those expected to attend were Craig Barnes, Dan Menendez, Larry Merlo, the Raspynis and Michael Kass.

 

Up in Eugene, Oregon, Tom Dewart put what he learned in a flower arranging class to good use in a recent parade there. He reports getting a big crowd reaction by juggling silk rose bouquets in simulated vases while roIlerskating the parade route!

 

Airjazz was on the West Coast temporarily in November, performing at the Los Angeles Variety Arts Theatre. That exposure earned the trio of Peter Davison, Jon Held and Kezia Tenenbaum a spot on the Johnny Carson show November 15! Filling the stage with comedy and motion, Airjazz received a big round of applause for their five minutes of club juggling solos, duos and trio. Carson commented after their appearance, "They make it look too easy!"