Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
Gonna be fun! Here’s the press release:
Jugglers from all around will come together and attempt to defy gravity at the 5th annual Asheville Juggling Festival. The festival is free and open to the public, with a large indoor juggling space, variety shows, workshops, and a “Construction Zone” where the non-juggler can receive instruction from a seasoned practitioner on the basics of 3 ball juggling.
The festival kicks off on Friday September 25 from 6-9 pm at the Stephens-Lee Community Center, located at 30 George Washington Carver in Asheville. It continues from 10am-6pm on Saturday September 26 at the same location, and will include numerous workshops ranging from beginner to advanced skill levels, covering a variety of props.
One of the highlights of the festival is the Saturday Evening Variety Extravaganza, which will be taking place at the Toy Boat Community Art Space located at 101 Fairview Road in Asheville. This all ages, family friendly show will feature Paul “Garbanzo” Hudert, a former Flying Karamazov Brother, recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Juggler’s Association, and winner of the International Jester Competition. He’ll be joined by several other juggling and variety acts, from both local and national talents, and all will be hosted by Asheville’s favorite magician, Professor Whizzpop. The show begins at 7:30pm and the cost is a $10 suggested donation. There will also be a free 80’s dance/juggling party after the show.
On Friday evening, Toy Boat will host a free “Renegade” show at 10pm, which is a type of “open stage” for performers to try new material and expand the boundaries of their craft. This show is recommended for audiences 18+. The festival will conclude on Sunday September 27 at the Toy Boat Community Art Space with more free juggling starting at 10am.
The Asheville Juggling Festival is a not-for-profit event put on by the Asheville based juggling troupe, Forty Fingers & A Missing Tooth. Their mission with this festival is to share their passion of juggling and object manipulation, providing a fun environment that people can share and learn new skills. Learn more at www.ashevillejugglingfestival.com.
