DavidKamatoy.Guru

Crowell and Wiles Family Circus at the Desert Empire Fair: My First Real County Fair

Ridgecrest, CA- I had the chance to perform as the juggling ringmaster in the one ring circus, The Crowell and Wiles Family Circus.

As a child several of my most vivid memories are of The Del Mar Fair (now San Diego County Fair), one of the largest fairs in the state. This fair is huge, so in contrast I got to experience a real county fair…

THE DRIVE-I drove 5 hours out into the Desert, on a 2 lane 395 highway to Ridgecrest, CA for about 5 hours. Thanks to Google Maps I took the most direct route which t the end was a little harrowing navigating a  two lane road in the middle of desert which always brings to mind the worst possible scenario. Thank God, it was smooth driving with the exception of a few U-turns.

Dan Wiles and his lovely wife Katsumi were fantastic hosts. Dan was actually the guy who taught me how to juggler 20+ some odd years ago. So it's a FULL CIRCLE kind of a thing to be performing with him. Dan Actually had another show in Oakland, CA so I was the ringmaster for most of the shows. It rained on and off most of the Weekend until the last day which brought us the best crowds and the best time as Dan and I both got to perform in the show.

Delores and Henry Crowell- Delores is an ageless dancer, teacher and magician who performed several classic illusions. Henry Crowell at a Spry 80 performed his Bull Whip Act, which was a hoot. But you know the real story is that Henry Crowell was Gene Autry's Stunt Double,Ranch Manager, and Personal Appearance Double. Sometime behind a great man stands another great man, it was great performing with him and Delores. They will be in San Diego on at the 24th performing at the Scottish Rite Center.

So it was a hoot performing at the Desert Empire Fair and I hope that we were a memorable moment for a few kids from Ridgcrest, CA.

 

 

Trippy Observations: The Desert Empire Fair

Ridgecrest, Ca-  is basically a small military town. Quaint, Nice, actually pretty diverse because of the military. I felt no tension at all and never felt like an outsider. However with any town there were several cultural shock observations that I make note of in thise light hearted entry...

THE BEST LOGO EVER- The Galloping Rib Cage was basically a barbecue booth with the classic Drum Smokers/Barbecue. Wow! what can you say this logo was both attractive, disgusting, and funny. But it did grab my attention and I came incredibly close to ordering a sandwich. close...





Destruction Derby- This was by far the biggest draw. On Sunday there was a line that went accross the fairgrounds. Phantom of the Opera or Destruction Derby. Hmmmm? The reality is that if you were there, you would want to go. I didnt because I was doing a show at the same time.  Ive only seen them in movies, I thought it was an urban myth much like human spontaneous combustion.

Are there no tailors in small towns? It's called a Hem apparently even though this is a military town and military personel have to adhere to strict uniform codes. It seems that casual wear takes on a rather extreme here as I saw a lot of jean dragging and sagging. This is not a style people it's a mistake. Here is the one tailor I found online. (This was not everyone by the way. They were  many up to date casual wearers as well, Id say about 60/40.)                                                                                                                       

Towne Center 1-Hour Cleaners
820 N China Lake Blvd # A
Ridgecrest, CA, 93555                              
(760) 375-0234

                           
Fast Food Cologne- I found this at a Truckstop on the outskirts of Ridgcrest,CA. Click to enlarge to see the details. You deposit your .25 cents / quarter and then you can choose via dial a scent. Notice the descriptive copy, "Our exquisite replica of POLO Spray"  Once you choose your toilet water,( I was in the Mens Bathroom, can you smell the irony.) You then use the manual Pump to dispense the exquisite replica scent.

This of course begs the question, Why would I want cologne when I'm driving alone and hauling a semi-truck full of tires bound for San Fransico. Hmmm. There is something about these truckers and their routes that is yet undiscovered.

Dave and Brad Show perform with the Wiles Family Circus at Kidsfaire 2006

San Diego, CA- Over the last few weeks The Dave & Brad Show and myself have been performing with Wiles Family Circus at a number of Kidsfaires around California as far as Alameda, CA.

KidsFaire is a Children Specific Fair usually held at Fair Grounds for small children. They usually have a number of mini carnival rides, Blow Up Jumps and of course vendors that target that specific demographic ranging from toys, family cruises, local photographers.

The Wiggles were the big “Name” Draw. If you have small children you know exactly who the wiggles are.  If you don’t’ (like me) I had no idea except that when I started mentioning to parents they basically went nuts saying, “Wow, The wiggles, no way!”

“Yes Way,  The Wiggles”

San Diego's Kidsfaire- Held at the San Diego Convention Center, which was the only one that I know of that was not at an actual fair grounds. In the other venues we performed under a big Blue and Yellow Tent. ( Which I got to take down and it gell on me, OOOOH WHAT FUN!)

Dave and Brad Juggling on Mars- At the Orange County Kidsfaire they had a NASA Mars Exhibit which included this Mars Background. We had an idea and free time in between shows and got this great shot. We thought the NASA people might not ne happy with us until they took out their own cameras and took a few shots.

Dave, SpongeBob and Brad- When we get a chance to take a photo with a celebrity we take it. One of the coolest things about the Kidsfaire was that they had a bunch of Costume Characters (sponsored by various companies including Albertsons, a smart move) including SpongeBob, Curious George, Care Bears ( We only saw all 3 together once so we think that one was having a bad day.) and Clifford.

I really am a Juggler...

I was asked a few years ago by a friend, "Where do you see yourself doing in a few years?" I said I think I'll be doing the same thing that I’ve always done just a little bigger.

I’m a juggler through and through; if I had a resume it would read something like

    * Professional juggler Comedian- 20+ Years
    * Musician- Musical Director of Fern Street Circus
    * Entrepreneur- Director of Investor Relations
    * Actor- Musicals in Theatre
    * Business Consultant
    * Sales- IBI MANAGER
    * Radio Personality- NewBiz Radio
    * Director, Producer and First AD

I’ve often said that if I were less talented I might be more successful at one thing. As I get older I realize that anything is possible it’s just a combination of timing, will power, team and old fashioned HARD WORK.

In this world of 100 plus channels (I remember three networks), in this world of Youtube and Google, (I remember when AOL was cool and my first computer was an Atari 400), life and its options can be pretty damn overwhelming and its so easy to turn on the TV and live vicariously through Grey’s Anatomy, CSI or Law and Order.

The reason I bring this up is this...sometimes the thing you’re searching for is what you already a genius at doing. I am doing a string of gigs right now with the guy that actually taught me how to juggle, Dan Wiles. In doing these gigs it makes me realize how far I’ve come and how far I want to go.

I am surrounded by great ideas and projects that need to be addressed, funded and implemented all while trying to deal with the day-to-day issues of paying the bills.

As I grow older I realize I think I am better at not getting caught up in the past, living in the now and focusing on the future, but I admit I've got a lot of work to do and it is overwhelming. I have to do the work, what else am I going to do, end up on a cruise ship doing juggling shows for retired people. I'd much rather be in the fray with you.

Within the next week or so... I plan to start Podcasting, blogging, and resuming our weekly email. I look forward to it.

David Kamatoy, Entertainer. Entrepreneur. Email Marketing Master is founder of www.jugglemail.com. He is working currently on a variety of different projects regarding marketing, email marketing, business development and is available for juggling shows, just not little kids birthday parties.

What A Concept? Search Engine that searches by Concept not just Keyword...

Ask.com is now using the Teoma technology which is a search engine that searches by CONCEPT not just KEYWORD...Cool!

Teoma, Ask.com, Apostlos Gerasoulis aka AG.( That guy in the Ask.com Commercials) Finally I get the real story...

Whats Teoma, you ask? You could ask Jeeves but he's become...Teoma
- Kevin Maney USA TODAY

I don't know about you but I used to be a Yahoo Search guy. I now predominately use Google and occasionally Dogpile because its a great way to see what everyone is doing.I used AskJeeves.com(NowAsk.com) which now I need to take another look at.

I am amazed that they are still making a play for the Internet Search Engine market. This could be a case of the VHS tape Vs Beta. Beta tape was a format that was superior but eventually lost to the dominant VHS which is now disappearing as noted by the incredible pile of dust on my VCR.

Today in  Kevin Maneys Article in USA Today about Teoma and Ask,com he tells the quick story of Teoma, Ask.com and a brief history. This Teoma Technology seems WAY COOL!!! The question is will it be a hit. Or enough of a hit to keep Ask.com in the game.

I hope so. While yes, I use Google. I like having options. In addition from a marketing standpoint these lesser search engines help you advertise to a smaller database without chopping off an arm to do so. As more and more marketing goes to the web. The prices will rise, its just that simple. So Check out Ask.com I will.

Padres Lose Game 1 NLDS: Bummer but, "I believe"

San Diego Ca,- Watched first game of the NLDS opener today on ESPN. It was strange after watching local coverage all year to go to ESPN. However the East Coast is getting a taste of who the San Diego Padres are and the coverage was fair and entertaining.

I just discover Dave Roberts Blog. Dave Roberts was on fire today. He definetly had Chris Carpenters number and was able to read his pitches. However, the Padres could not Capitalize on  many hits.

This team is different from last years though. This team you don't get that feeling of dread when we are behind. Today is a good example even though the great Jake Peavy faultered you could feel that it did not deter the fight in this years Padres team.

In an ideal world we go all they way.

It would be great to go deeper into the playoffs and start getting some respect and coverage from the national media and fans.

Mike Piazza on the team helps.
Trevor Hoffman breaking the saves record helps.
Winning the West 2 years in a row helps.

Next STEP Winning the 2006 NLDS that would really help.

Check out Dave Robert's Blog I posted a comment =)

The Character make-up of this team is a great inspiration.

 

GO PADRES!!!