Rochester Juggling Festival

What a trip. It's been an insano busy two days. And way too much fun.

Just got in from the Rochester Juggle-in. I went down to 1) see the show, starring Jay Gilligan and Steve Brown (and other wicked acts) and 2) buy a new set of juggling clubs.

While i was a little disappointed in the selection of vendors (there was only one booth with clubs) they had some wicked juggling clubs - PX3's. I bought nine - apparently word got out, and i was chatting with people who were all like "ooh your the guy buying nine Px3's." it's damn impressive for one guy, but for two guys it's much less impressive.

The Saturday night show was phenomenal. The show opened with the "Right on the Head Jugglers" from Ottawa, doing a super tight 4 person juggling passing routine. They were great, and almost got a standing O within the first few minutes of the show. Next up, Gary - a world record holder frisbee champion did some crazy frisbee self throwing spinning and catching. Wes Pelden did a phenomenal club juggling routine - which definately demonstrated the skills that won him 3rd place at the IJA's advanced club competition. Wes is 14yrs old.. and the lady beside me mentioned "I don't think he needs to shave yet" - I figure he's spending all of his would be shaving time practicing juggling clubs. This was followed up by Steve Brown who did a hilarious / insane / wicked yoyo dance routine. The music was rocking, the pacing was full on, and Steve Brown earned his "Steve Brown is my hero" slogan. Another juggler came out and did some wicked ring stuff.. then everyone took a break for a short intermission before Jay Gilligan
s show.

Jay's new show is a two man spectacle that involves a crazy Swedish Chef / Drummer, and Jay Gilligan's killer juggling skills. The show opened with the Swedish Guy doing a percussion cooking pice that was absurd, and hilarious with a catchy beat. After the mess/meal was made jay came out, cleaned off the stage, and the cook / drummer took his spot behind his crazy electronic drum set. The drummer was working with samples, electronic pads, symbals, a megaphone, and a few niosemakers.. his musical backing was phenomenal.

Jay Gilligans juggling was top notch. He made dropping as much a part ofthe show as throwing and catching. Jay carefully laid out his props, then whirled them into motion in various combinations, juggling two balls, two clubs, mixing media with rings, balls clubs, beanbags. It was a dizzying show that including him throwing quadruple throws in a five pattern (which earned a stand ovation 3/4 the way through his set) and juggling 9 rings?? (it was hard to tell how many rings were actualy in the air) A very technical set, that brought the house down. It rocked huge. I've never been to a show that had that kind of energy in the room.

So all told the show was completely worth the trip. That was the best $10 show I've ever seen. I got to meet some cool new people, and had a wicked time.

Also had a chance to pass clubs with Steve Mills (inventor of Mills Mess.) At a juggling conference Steve is like a kid in a candy store - soaking up new tricks, trading notes. He was great to pass with.. he got me throwing 9 clubs a bit, and 8 in singles... it was cool. We also got to test out my new clubs, after about 10 minutes we were both saying "These Rock."