Hard Times Hit Parade a "Hoot and a Half!"

I recently had the pleasure to work as assistant production manager of one of the most unique theatre experiences Vancouver has to offer. Hard Times Hit Parade played from March 4-19, and sold out last 7 shows, having to turn nearly one hundred people away on the last Sunday matinee! We were featured in Vancouver's major newspapers, and more importantly, created an event unlike anything you've ever seen...


Inspired by the dance marathons of the 1930s, the show incorporated big swing dance numbers, circus arts, juggling, short films, soundscape, shadow puppetry and a spectacular live band Maria in the Shower.

I operated as a set carpenter, technician, and performed pre-show comedy as a crass New York janitor.

Click here to check out some reviews!

The Vancouver Sun - "Hoot and a Half!" Peter Birnie
Vancouver Straight - "The Vibe is Intoxicating" Colin Thomas
Vancouver Courier - "Yowza Yowza" Jo Ledingham

Jake West's comedy Piece: Garbonzo

Enjoy one of the first pieces that I created on the streets.  Initially, I had a joke that the guy would be called Garbonzo, but it never really materialized.  It just ended up being the name for the piece.

both sides of the coin Has Your Back!

We provide you with a full range of services.  Not only our are performing arts of the highest professional calibre, but we have an absolutely trustworthy network of talented circus artists and musicians (see below).  We can cover everything you need from lighting and costume design, to event creation and polished performances.

The Crossroads

As part of the Victoria Juggling Festival Gala Show, both sides of the coin were able to test out a lot of our new material, especially for the Blues Circus: Meet Me at the Crossroads.  Here is another sample of the unique show that we will be launching this summer.  The interest that we have had already has been amazing.  Book it while we are still in your backyard.

Alley'Oop

This is our very good friend Allison Collins, aka, Alley'Oop.  She is one of the incredibly talented artists we work with to bring you amazing shows.  This is just a small sample of her work.  The musicians are Buckman Coe (who you already know) and Graham Ellsworth, an insanely talented jazz/funk drummer.

Gala Show a Smashing Success!

"both sides of the coin" creation, production and execution of the Victoria Juggling Festival's Gala Show was a smashing success.  Including us, there were 15 professional performers that absolutely blew away the full house at the Metro theatre.  The feedback we got was incredible.  It far exceeded our expectations.  Even after an hour and fifty minutes, as we approached the final act, the audience still wanted more.

The Blues Circus - Meet Me at the Crossroads

Please watch this little video of Buckman Coe, the singer songwriter that we are collaborating with to present to you a wonderful original tale told through music, circus, storytelling and comedy.  Nothing like it exists anywhere, so we have to still keep it somewhat under our hats.  It will be ready for the summer season.  We just wanted to give you a little taste.  Book it now while you still can.

We offer you big value for your upcoming spring and summer events.  We, "both sides of the coin" have our own amazing show that is full of circus artistry.  And Bucky has his own incredible show, full of gorgeous, soulful original music.  Check it out:
http://www.buckmancoe.com/fr_blogssuch.cfm

That is 3 highly polished professional shows right there.  What an incredible deal for you.

And if you have the means, we can add numerous other professional musicians and circus artists to the shows above.  We will rock your world!

Buckman Coe is:

Buckman Coe creates soul-folk music that ignites the flame of love and hope, captivating listeners with a voice smooth and rare as a vintage wine.  Woven by a rich tapestry of influences ranging from Nina Simone to Michael Franti, John Lennon to Jeff Buckley, Buckman takes his audience on a sonic journey through the grace, fragility and celebration of being human. 

Yogi, musician, eco-psychologist and poet, Buckman Coe keeps your head in the clouds and feet on the ground with sweet grooves and irresistible melodies that will have you hooked.

Emceeing the Victoria Juggling Festival

We will be emceeing the Victoria Juggling Festival Gala Show on Sat. Feb.19.  There will be a phenomenal line-up of professional jugglers assembled at the Metro theatre.  Instead of the normal cabaret style show, Chris and I will be weaving a story to tie together all of the fabulous performers. 

Contact us immediately to get tickets.  The Metro is almost sold out already!  Whew, it is going to be a full house.

The entire festival runs from Feb.18-20.  We would love to see you there. 

Thanks Diane!

You may have noticed that there were many beautiful pictures from the Haunted House and my show with Shpongle, taken by Diane Smithers.

Here's yet another one she recently posted.

Jammin' With Giovanni Hidalgo!

I had an incredible stroke of luck this afternoon to have the great conga player Giovanni Hidalgo, one of the best drummers in the history of the universe, put on a workshop 5 blocks from my house.  I got to play with him on stage, man, having Giovanni watching me play was very thrilling.  I have been studying his techiniques for years and to be sitting there in front of this legend listening to me play was so exciting!  He told me that I am a doing really good and can see all of the practice I have been doing.  I can't tell you how good that made me feel.  From the legend's own mouth!  Extraordinary!

If you do not know who Giovanni Hidalgo is, please take 4 minutes and watch this master at work.  Every hand drummer must pay homage to this man as he revolutionized its playing.