2004 news

Who Is Sagittarius Brown? 12.09.04

We don't host many contests but this one was too obvious to pass up. Who is Sagittarius Brown? We've had some questions regarding the mysterious big loud electric guitarist on the title track to the new cd Ringleader's Revolt. The first person to disclose that person's correct identity will receive one of our 18x24 screen-printed posters selected from the store page and free entrance to our next show. Just send us a message with the revealed identity here. Our holiday gift to you. We know you know this.

 

Keinberger 11.16.04

Hats off to illustrator Joe Keinberger who in this week's Boston Phoenix presented a stunning illustration of Brian Carpenter, Jim Hobbs, and Brandon Seabrook of The Beat Circus and Amanda Palmer and Brian Viglione of The Dresden Dolls in the 2004 Best of Boston issue. The article that printed along with the illustration can be read here.

Image © joe keinberger 2004.

 

 

Tyler Fyre and Black Cat Burlesque to perform with The Beat Circus

11.04.04

Have no fear. An army of accordionists, circus performers, bordello dancers, and more crazy musicians will join forces on one very surreal night in Boston to fight The Evil Empire. Legendary sideshow performer Tyler Fyre will be collaborating with The Beat Circus and our partners in crime Black Cat Burlesque on Thursday November 18th at the Middle East Downstairs with the incredible gypsy punk phenomenon Gogol Bordello. Tyler Fyre has been on the road for the last few months in Texas with the Bros Grim Sideshow putting fear in the hearts and minds of the Bush electorate with his blend of sword-swallowing, fire breathing, human blockhead, and Houdini act. He has performed with the Coney Island Circus Sideshow and the Bindlestiff Family Circus. The beautiful and haunting Barbez from NY open the show. Another fantastical show brought to you by The Beat Circus.

Image © mister reusch 2004.

 

The Beat Circus on iTunes 10.24.04

The new cd Ringleader's Revolt is now available through Tower Records stores or you can order directly from us! Ringleader's Revolt is also now downloadable through iTunes. Mixed by Good & Evil Studios, Ringleader's Revolt is your favorite circus band spun out of control, featuring a carnival of special guests including legendary comedian DJ Hazard, Leigh Calabrese (aka Ms Kitty Heels) and her singing saw, cellist Karen Langlie, and baritone saxophonist Charlie Kohlhase, and the mad genius illustrations of David Goldin.

 

Stay Until Tomorrow 10.03.04

Alec K Redfearn has composed a stunning score for Laura Colella's film Stay Until Tomorrow. The film will make its Boston premiere at the Coolidge Corner Theater on Thursday October 9th at 7:30pm in the downstairs big screen on opening night of the New England Film and Video Festival. The film premiers in Providence on Thursday October 28th.

 

After The Ball 10.01.04

Thanks to all who came out to our shows to celebrate the new cd Ringleader's Revolt. A combination of incredible bands, solo performers, comedians, burlesque dancers, and the hippest audiences enjoyed some amazing shows in Boston and Providence. The circus posters designed by the great Thomas Scott of Eye Noise themselves have become collectors' items...there are a few left and they can be purchased through our store!

Jon Garelick sums things up here in this Boston Phoenix review.

 

The Beat Circus CD Release Shows 09.25.04

Coming right up! Three big shows in Providence (Wednesday Sept 29), Boston (Thursday Sept 30), and New York City (Saturday Oct 2) when we join forces with our favorite musicians and performers, including (deep breath)...

Banjoist and master storyteller from NYC Curtis Eller, Miss Firecracker of Black Cat Burlesque, our accordionist Alec K Redfearn's Providence band The Eyesores, the great Reverend Glasseye & His Wooden Legs (our fourth show with them!), legendary comedian DJ Hazard, vaudeville queens The Sob Sisters (featuring Karen Langlie and Ms Kitty Heels, both on the new cd), and our like-minded friends Michael Hearst and Joshua Camp from the Brooklyn-based Barbes house band One Ring Zero. Whoa, that's a mouthful! For more information visit the shows page.

 

If that weren't enough to whet your appetite, read Jon Garelick's comprehensive story on the evolution of The Beat Circus in this week's Boston Phoenix.

 

Ringleader's Revolt 08.17.04

The debut cd from The Beat Circus, Ringleader's Revolt on Innova Records, is now in stores! A roaring circus spun out of control, Ringleader's Revolt features a carnival of special guests including legendary comedian DJ Hazard, Leigh Calabrese (aka Ms Kitty Heels) and her singing saw, cellist Karen Langlie, and baritone saxophonist Charlie Kohlhase. The mad genius illustrations of David Goldin are featured throughout the booklet. Ringleader's Revolt can be purchased through this website at the store and through Tower Records. See the shows page for the series of cd release shows in September/October!

 

Best Comic Standing 08.11.04

Legendary comedian and Beat Circus strongman DJ Hazard has recently been voted "Best Comedian in Boston" by the Improper Bostonian. Hazard cofounded the Ding Ho Club during the golden age of modern comedy in Boston in the early 80s with collaborators Steven Wright, Bobcat Goldthwait, Paula Poundstone, and Denis Leary. He recently wowed the Boston International Comedy and Film Festival with his uproarious blend of wry observations, edgy blusters, and original music. DJ also stars with The Daily Show's Rob Courdry in the film Blackballed, which recently won the audience award at this year's SXSW festival in Austin.

DJ is featured on the new Beat Circus cd Ringleader's Revolt now available through Tower Records, and he'll be performing with The Beat Circus at the Middle East cd release party on September 30th with Reverend Glasseye, One Ring Zero, Curtis Eller, and The Sob Sisters. Let him rock yo world!

 

The Beat Circus Photo Shoot 07.02.04

The Beat Circus, a group of musicians, circus performers, acrobats, comedians, and burlesque performers gathered together last month for a fab photo shoot with photographer Ron Nordin and art director Amanda Palmer of The Dresden Dolls. See some more of their work here.

Ron and Amanda are now collaborating with filmmaker Michael Pope on the new Dresden Dolls video for "Coin-Operated Boy". We can't wait to see it!

 

 

Banned in Boston 05.28.04

"I may have been banned in Boston but if everything goes as I have planned, I will sure as hell be a star again in heaven."

A quote from 1920s Burlesque star Lily Ann Rose, who was banned in Boston when she "mistakenly" bared her breasts on-stage at Scollay Square's most famous theater the Old Howard...under the watchful eyes of Boston's Watch and Ward Society.

Well the Old Howard may have burned down but the Coolidge Corner Theater is still standing. And 80 years later Missy Conundrum produces a Burlesque revival on May 28th. See the SHOWS page for all of the dirt.