Joyce Rudolph, Weekend
Juggling for a living not only pays the rent, it gives the Gizmo Guys
a chance to see the world, and it's fun, says Allan Jacobs, one-half of
the team.
He and Barrett Felker, both of New York City, went to Saudi Arabia not
long after the Persian Gulf war, and have been to Japan, Europe, and last
year at this time they were walking across a frozen lake in Whitehorse in
the Yukon.
"We drove south to Alaska," he said with a giggle. "Driving south to
Alaska I thought was funny."
This Sunday, the duo comes to Glendale for two performances at The
Alex Theatre.
The 45-year-old Jacobs learned juggling from a college roommate when
he was 21. He did it over a summer thinking he'd get a real job after
then. When summer ended, he planned to do it for a year, and then get a
job.
"I decided to make it a job, because I like it too much," he said.
He met Felker, 41, at a juggling convention. Felker had learned
juggling from a cousin at age 15. He later went on tour with the Harlem
Globetrotters as part of the team's halftime entertainment.
Felker, an asthmatic, was working in a lot of smoky nightclubs and
battling the dust and animal dander at circuses. So they decided to get
together and perform in less invasive venues.
They instill a lot of comedy into their act, which is geared toward
the whole family. They juggle everything from ping pong balls in and out
of their mouths to devil sticks. Devil sticks are three sticks, about
24-inches long, Jabobs says. One of the sticks is manipulated in the
middle by the other two held in each hand.
Travel is something they both enjoy, Jacobs said and Felker takes the
opportunity to learn the languages of the places they visit.
"He's working on Dutch now," Jacobs said. "For me, I love seeing all
the different places, and we've made a lot of friends all around the
world."
The Gizmo Guys perform at 1 and 4 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $14 and can
be purchased at The Alex box office, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale, or by
calling (800) 233-3123.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Roses Revel begins this weekend at Descanso
Heralding the blooming of some 4,000 roses, Descanso Gardens begins
its Rose Revel celebration this weekend.
There will be Maypole dancing, lively entertainment, a puppet show and
a magic show today beginning with opening ceremonies at 10 a.m., said
Richard Schulhof, executive director. Events are also scheduled from 11
a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Featured in the opening celebration are Ballet of the Foothills and
