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News from Gary C.
Payne
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Monday, October 15, 2007 - Hartford,
Connecticut
Bluch Landolf would be
proud, and co-namesake, the late Fr. Jack Toner is likely smiling down from the
Big Lot today! Tent No. 24, Hartford, CT, turned 70, and 101 people showed up to
cut the cake! |
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Bluch Landolf would be proud, and co-namesake,
the late Fr. Jack Toner is likely smiling down from the Big Lot today! Tent No.
24, Hartford, CT, turned 70, and 101 people showed up to cut the cake! They
came from far and wide. CFA National President and CFA 1st Lady Pete and
Shirley Adams motored up from Florida. There were guests and celebs joining
Connecticut fans from Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts,
Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine, and Minnesota. 101 and all. Reporters and
photographers, and even all of the banquet "waitstaff" had "signed up" to be
there, as they were all aware of the significance of the event! (One waitress
wasn't scheduled and showed up just to say Congratulations!) |
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The Tent flew Joey Kelly (grandson
of Emmett Kelly) in for the weekend. Joey, as funny a guy out of costume as in,
spent the weekend with the fans, utilizing his hotel room just for sleeping.
Like recent guest speaker Ward Hall, Joey raved over the prime rib he was
treated to and choose to spend time with the fans over television in his room.
Indeed, the night before the event event....Joey was up until nearly midnight,
taken back to his hotel by Fred & Nancy Dulac....and the prize for staying
awake....goes to Lisa & I, Don Horowitz, and Nick Giannino...who closed J.
Timothy's Taverne at 1am. |
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Banquet day dawned. Joey was in costume at
10am and ready to go. He was anxious to meet the motherlode of fans, after
having wet his appetite with the committee during the "night before" event. "No
room for breakfast" he said, referring to that night before prime rib. (Much to
my dismay - Sunday morning at my fav Diner is a ritual) But upon passing the
Diner, the line was out the door, and we'd never have made it to the Banquet. |
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On arrival (I got to be the Joey chauffer) the
hall had been decked (sounds like a Christmas carol) by the committee and all
was in readiness. On the fireplace mantels, 3/4" miniature circus
wagons....several. All around the place....original circus posters, mostly
circa 1930's and 1940's. Displays and collages of the Tent's members and
activities.... Standing room only. Literally. 94 sat for dinner, with about
17 walk ins afterward that hadn't been able to get last minute arrangements.
How many tables in the restaurant besides? We never got a number on that. Even
the non-attendant waitstaff was dropping by to offer congrats, you see, we've
been doing this in Plainville for 70 years! |
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At the head
table: Pete & Shirley Adams. (Your Nat'l President and 1st lady) Gary
& Lisa Payne (Tent President and Tent co-secretary). Rick Davey - Fire
investigator and man who identified Eleanor Cook and determined arson to
be the cause of the 1944 circus fire. Maxine House,
Jack Belles, and Mike and Carol Toner,
nephew of the late Fr. Jack Toner, and his lovely wife. And of course,
Joey Kelly. |
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So much fun was had, we don't know
where to begin. There was Paul & Diane Gutheil....flashbulbsapoppin.
Don Horowitz & Nick strategizing. Ralph Emerson Jr. and Ralph III
pointing out to Joey Kelly on a display of 1944 fire photos) where Ralph
Emerson snapped that famous photo of Emmett Kelly. Joey had visited the
Circus Fire Memorial with us on Saturday afternoon and that had been a
question. Now answered. |
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Bill Brinley Sr....circus model builder
No. 5. That's right - #5! And the entire Brinley family. Former CFA
President Bob Kitchen. Dan McGinnis, Bruce Johnson.... Feld
Entertainment promoter Alexis Frappier... Wil Hevey of Show Lighting.
I don't know where to stop. It goes on and on....so many people. |
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Tent Treasurer Joyce Rucci signed a big
fat check ($500.00) from the Tent to the Circus and Traveling Shows
Retirement Fund. A silent auction netted over $1400.00 for the
treasury. Emmett Cole (son of Doug & Sandi Cole) meets his namesakes
grandson, at last. Sister Courtney is busy bidding on silent auction
items.... |
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Referring to his Dad, Emmett Kelly Jr.,
Joey's comments explained that his Dad had done something that the
circus industry and the circus fans just could not accept. He copied
Emmett Kelly Sr. "You just don't do that", Joey said...a bit
mournfully. "There is only one Elvis, it's the same thing". Joey
seemed to see this address before the CFA Tent No. 24, and it's Nat'l
President, as a way to connect back to Emmett Kelly Sr. "I'm the brown
face of the family" said Joey, pointing at his brownish color simple
clown makeup that includes a red rubber nose. While Joey is somewhat of
a tramp style clown, his makeup and costume are not copied from Emmett
Kelly Sr.. But both in and out of makeup, it's obvious to a veteran fan
who he is. "I DO wear a 'Kelly' green shirt", quipped Joey. Another
thing that makes Joey different is that he does talk during his
performing. In fact, in and out of costume, he is quite chatty. Those
who knew Emmett Sr. know that he was a rather quiet and shy guy. Not
grandson Joey. |
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Joey spoke of his grand Dad with
obvious affection. He last saw him perform in 1955. ( A portrait
photographer walks into the banquet room and asks to see me - "I
understand that the grandson of Emmett Kelly is here, and I'd really
like to take his photo - much obliged) On with the talk.... Joey
continues and expresses interest in performing with his
family..."America's first family of clowns" a title he intends to
develop and earn. Picking 3 victims from the audience Joey proceeds
with a skit that has everyone rolling on the floor. Day after we've had
3 reports of stomach pains. Diagnosis: Excessive laughter. |
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After
banquet, the committee (whomever was still awake) takes Joey out again
for dinner. He walks into the Diner in full makeup and has all the kids
going. Jane Kycia, Sherry Whitten, Joyce and Joanne Rucci, Angela Wood,
and Lisa & I, and Joey.... Joey to all of us, "We're going to eat
again". (The man eats like a bird me thinks, though he blames it on the
night before event prime rib) "We don't have prime rib like that back
in St Louis" he claims. |
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Was Joey here to set the record
straight? Did he want us to know what was on the minds of the Kelly
family? YES. He wanted the fans to know that he felt that EKJ should
not have duplicated his grandfather. Joey doesn't do that. He is his
own character, though one of his greatest assets is that he looks so
much like Emmett. He was an instant HIT here in Connecticut, among fans
that were ready to hear what he had to say, and the appropriate
blowoff...extreme laughter. We shall never forget that he helped us to
celebrate a joyous occasion. |
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On the way to the airport Monday
morning I told Joey what a thrill it was to have him here. If we did
anything to help him set the record straight it's a plus. It was on our
minds and part of our reason for inviting him. It's because we continue
to follow Fr. Jack Toner's magical ways. We ask ourselves "What would
Fr. Jack say"? |
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As I write this Monday evening the
phone rings. It's Barbara Connors, "Ted is in the bathroom
laughing....so I say to him....Ted....what the heck is the matter with
you....and he says to me....it's that Joey Kelly.....every time I think
of him I can't stop laughing..." |
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A follow up phone call tonight to Joey
to make sure he is safely home. Laughter in the background. Joey is
showing his video of Connecticut to wife Lindy and the children.
Obvious excitement in the background. They wish they'd been here. We
do too. |
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Joey made 101 new friends. |
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We think Fr. Jack is smiling today.
And 70 years ain't too shabby. Apology to Maxine House - I know there
isn't such a word as ain't, and you're likely to pick up on that. |
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One Read - Daniel
Boone Regional Library
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The Joey Kelly Circus
at The Blue Note, Columbia, MO
photo courtesy of Kyle Wayne Stewart
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The
Joey Kelly Circus
was recently featured in the Columbia, Missouri Library's "One Read" program,
giving four performances in the month of September. The Circus first
appeared at the Ashland County Fair viewed by over 250 people. Then came
two area library appearances of 50 plus patrons each and a final performance
Sunday evening at The Blue Note Theater with 153 in attendance. |
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You may read the most recent article about the Joey Kelly Circus in the Columbia
Missourian newspaper via the following link:
http:/www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2007/09/30/family-clowns-entertains-blue-note |
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Although The Joey Kelly Circus performed at The Blue Note without aerial silks
and trapeze routines (the fabrication of their new indoor tripod rigging was not
completed in time for the show) they were well received. |
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The Joey Kelly Circus features "America's First Family of Clowns." Joey's
wife Lindy appears in clown makeup as the show's Ring Mistress and capable
sidekick, while their two children, Bethany and Nathan, also wearing makeup,
perform aerial routines and demonstrate hand skill routines. Their
one-hour show is both humorous and skillfully presented. |
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Joey was fortunate to receive all the Emmett Kelly Jr. circus equipment
including spotlight, quartz lighting, ring curbs, lighted stage arch and
backdrops while visiting his father one week before he passed away last
November. Add to that their new sound system, trailer and aerial rigging
and The Joey Kelly Circus is up and running and looking for a corporate sponsor. |
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Joey's Clown
Alley is content being a small fish in a large pond and looks to build
their reputation in the fair circuit as well as taking his circus on
stage as his father did before him. |
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You can see
more pictures, get to know Joey and his family as well as read more about The
Joey Kelly Circus by looking around the website. |
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Circus City Festival
2007
The
Joey Kelly Circus
at the
2007 Circus City Festival
Peru, Indiana
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The Joey Kelly Circus
at the
Emmett Kelly Festival
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Ladies and
Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, Children of all ages, The Joey Kelly Circus
made their "First of May" debut at the 20th Anniversary Emmett Kelly
Festival, May 5th, 2007 in Houston, Missouri.
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The Joey Kelly Circus
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Joey, Emmett’s Kelly’s grandson, has been around circuses all his life
as a spectator, advance clown, ring clown and as the daring young man on
the flying trapeze, three lane cradle, hanging perch and rola bola.
Nowadays, Joey and his family are living in Saint Louis, Missouri where
they practice wire-walking, aerial silks, trapeze, rola bola, knife
throwing, diabolo and juggling daily in their backyard. |
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Earlier this year
Joey and his clown alley ventured to Houston, Missouri do their first
mud show quite literally in the mud. Add to that the dog chewed
Joey's clown nose and well... the show must go
on and did. Undaunted, they performed two half hour shows featuring
Joey, his delightful wife Lindy as his capable sidekick and Ring Mistress and
their two wonderfully talented kids. |
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The show was well received and equally mixed with three circus acts, three clown
gags and an appearance by their lion trimmed Pomeranian, currently dealing with
stage fright. ;0) |
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Their beautiful daughter Bethany delighted the crowd with her opening clown gag
and aerial silk presentation drawing oohs, ahhs and whistles from the crowd
while their charming son Nathan capably linked rings and tossed a diabolo. Add a
humorous wire walking act, mind reading act and the audience viewed quite
possibly the first circus ever performed solely by a clown alley. |
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To see pictures taken of the Joey Kelly Circus performing at the Emmett Kelly
Festival, you may visit www.houstonherald.com. Select "Joey Kelly Performance,"
then select "watch dotphoto show" to the left of the first picture to view the
slide show presentation. |
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In Joey
Kelly's Circus, the entire family performs various circus acts while in
make up, making them, humorously unique! As grandson of the World's Most
Famous Clown, Joey and his clown alley looks to become "America's First
Family of Clowns!" |
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Step right
into the center ring of www.joeykelly.com and peruse their circus arena
and midway. Be sure to visit their web page from time to time to watch
the progress of their web page and The Joey Kelly Circus. |
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"May All Your Days Be
Circus Days" and remember, "Laughter IS Truly The Best Medicine." |
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65th Annual Moolah Shrine Circus
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Joey Kelly Circus |
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Joey Kelly’s Clown Alley appeared at the 65th Moolah Shrine Circus April 29,
2007 in St Louis, Missouri. Joey, Emmett Kelly’s grandson and third-generation
clown, his Ring Mistress wife Lindy, their children Bethany and
Nathan as well as their lion trimmed Pomeranian
entertained people before and during intermission of the Royal Hanneford
Circus. Children of all ages stopped to watch the troupe entertain with diabolo,
rola bola as well as juggle balls, rings and torches. Keep your eyes open, you
just never know where and when Joey and his family will be clowning around next! |
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Legend Continues
by
Don Bridwell
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Whizzer the Clown |
Old
circus families who still carry on into this new Century is what will
assure that the circus will continue on for many years to come. Wallenda, Rosaire, Loyal, Kelly, Hall, Harriott - names we have known in
the circus industry for decades, are now into new generations of kids,
grand kids and even great grandchildren, carrying on proud and
historical traditions, so that our descendents will know the wonders of
the big top that make us circus folks and fans. |
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One such
person, who has not chosen to let a proud history die, is Joey Kelly.
He is the grandson of Emmett Kelly. Joey recently spent a couple of days
here with Diane and me at our home in Zanesville, Ohio. Aside from
being an exceptionally nice young man, Joey has chosen to follow in the
famous and large footsteps that preceded him. While idolizing his
legendary grandfather as well as noting what his father has
accomplished, Joey reflects on the style and work of both his
predecessors and has chosen to "do his own thing." Like his grandfather,
Joey created an “original” character, a new persona unlike either
Grandpa or Dad. |
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Joey is a
more mischievous little guy. Unlike Emmett Sr., Joey speaks in
character from time to time. He has inherited Emmett Sr's impeccable
mime timing, as well as his cartooning and art expertise. The clown
gags he performs are uniquely his own, funny material that's new and
original. Joey Kelly is not a copy of anyone! Yet the unmistakable
talent and history of his grandfather is easy to see. Joey began as a
trapeze performer. Yet he always had the seed of clowning beneath the
surface and tentatively eased into the grease paint little by little. |
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At not quite 18, Joey did his first professional clowning for this writer on his
Dawn Brother's Circus here in Ohio. Even then, one could see that here indeed
was a continuation of the famed Kelly legacy. |
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Joey is not
afraid to take chances, to be different, or to listen with respect to
older show folks who have paid their dues and "been there, done that."
Living among so much circus history while growing up in Peru, Indiana,
he's a "natural" when it comes to performing. Joey is truly one funny
guy. Traditional enough to command respect of those who loved his
grandfather; yet new enough to adapt to and entertain all generations in
this new Century. |
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Circus fans
and the public, coast to coast, were able to see Joey Kelly in action
for themselves, as he performed in schools, day care centers and
entertained on television and radio stations across America on behalf of
Carson & Barnes Circus, as their advance public relations clown. Both
parties benefited from their association. Joey joined a circus whose
history is rich, wonderful and closest to the old circuses Emmett Kelly
was on, as is possible in today’s modern world. On their part, Carson &
Barnes not only received one fine clown to represent their stellar
circus, but a history of clowning that dates back almost 100 years to
add to their "family theme." I'm proud to call Joey Kelly my friend. I
guarantee you'll love this fellow and his humor as I do. |
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Don “Whizzer the
Clown” Bridwell has passed away since he wrote this article for the
Circus Report. He was an exceptional clown, a good friend, and a
delightful fellow who enjoyed life and the entertaining of others. I
count it a privilege to claim him as my friend. He gave me valuable
insight, critique and suggestions over the years of my association with
him. Thank you Don, wherever you are. |
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