Name the circus that used a jazz band to score the show
The answer
GEORGE MATTHEW'S GREAT LONDON CIRCUS, 1972
Have we an answer? Yes, we have. Only one person got it right, although of the others who gave it a shot, a few came close. One answered, "Sid Kellner's James Bros Circus". Another guessed simply "Vargas." There is merit to that last answer, for during the mid-1980s, when Circus Vargas was at its peak in performance quality, Cliff had a five or six piece band, richly orchestrated, that included a number more jazzy or jazz-driven compositions.
Sid hired a real jazz band to score his 1972 show, a group of young musicians from the local Alhambra High School in Martinez, CA, the town out of which he operated. (Incidentally, I worked publicity for a few of the Chicago dates.) This came as a total surprise to me, and by accident. I was googling to verify that Sid had headed up a B24 bomber fighter crew during WWII, and came upon a Facebook with a photo of the musicians in front of the bus, especially equipped to serve as their sleeper during the tour. The image is so dark, I have left it up to my publisher to decide whether it should be included in the book. .
So, who got the answer right? Drum roll, please! Colin Carter
Congratulations, Colin! Send me your address by e-mail. The book is now in production, and I'm guessing it will be out in summer or early fall.
NEXT QUESTION FOR ANOTHER FREE COPY TOT BE POSTED NOON, THIS COMING FRIDAY!
ALL OLD-TIME RINGLING ADDICTS,
BRUSH OFF YOUR MEMORIES AND PREPARE TO BE CHALLENGED!
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