The Hadi Shrine Circus: November 28-December 1 2013

The 80th Annual Hadi Shrine Circus was this past Thanksgiving and this time both of us were invited to perform with the Circus Band. My father has been performing for the Circus for about thirty-seven years, and this was my seventh year joining him. It was truly a family event with the addition of my husband Jon playing alto sax. Director Clement Toca is a legend both in the Circus circuit, as well as in the music industry. Getting to be under his direction throughout the years has been truly amazing. He has so many stories and experiences to share. This year along with Clement Toca, we were joined by his son Emile on percussion and his wife Elizabeth on keyboard. We took a "family photo" pictured below.

 

​Besides sharing this with the "family," this Circus was unique for multiple other reasons. This year the Circus invited back the Chicago Boyz, as well as The Human Fuse. The most interesting of the acts was Johnny Rocket who interrupted the ringmaster by playing his trombone. Johnny Rocket was told that nobody wants to hear him play trombone and was escorted away by security. Trombonists are always under-appreciated... You can see all of the trombone players of the Circus below.

      Until the 81st Annual Hadi Shrine Circus! We'll be practicing, Johnny Rocket! Looking forward to it!


Written by Krista Hogan 12.1