James Reid Juggler Extraordinaire

About

It all started in June of 1982, when an eight year old James Reid arrived in Arizona. He saw a juggler for the first time, performing on the streets of Tempe. James was mesmerized and immediately ran up to ask for a lesson. This stranger got James started as a juggler. James practiced hard and received much assistance from the Aerial Mirage Juggling Club, the International Jugglers' Association's Phoenix affiliate. Several months later Jobo the Juggler had his debut performance on Halloween, 1982.

James continued to practice and perform, always adding new elements to his show. In 1985 he added to his repertoire by taking a yo-yo class. A year later James picked up his first set of flower sticks, adding this ancient Chinese art to his show. In 1990, James began practicing another Chinese tradition, the Diabolo. This prop is closely related to the yo-yo, as it spins on a string. However, the diabolo is not attached which allows for many high throws and other trick catches. Recently, James has learned the Maori art of the Poi Swings. This colorful tradition adds particular flair to the Blacklight show.

While James has always been passionate about performing, he also loves to share what he has learned with others. In 1988, James taught his first official juggling class at the Cottonwood Recreation Center. He was already assisting in yo-yo class at this point, and by 1991 was teaching both juggling and yo-yo as summer youth classes.

While respecting all the ancient traditions he had learned, James had a desire to do something new and unique with his art. So, as the millennium drew to a close a new idea formed in his head that would combine these traditions with modern technology. After over a year of creation and preparation, The Blacklight Juggling show was brought before its first audience at the band Major Lingo's annual Day of the Dead dance in October, 2000. The screams of approval let James know it had been worth the effort taken to create this unique show.

Since then, James has pursued performing with a new passion, pursuing it full time. James Reid currently resides, performs, and teaches, and practices - a lot - happily in Phoenix, Arizona. James lives with his partner, Janet, of Peaceful Dragon Massage.

Personnel

James Reid: One man act
Jimbo Hunsinger: The Juggle Jims partner

What to Expect

Typical Gig Duration: 5 - 90 minutes

Your presentation of up one hour begins with juggling tricks like the fun of eating an apple while juggling and spinning a hula-hoop. The show continues with amazing skills like five club juggling and the incredible sports combination featuring a bowling ball, golf club, and more, and you decide which ones James has to juggle! Amazing fire and sharp sword juggling can also be added to the show when the situation permits.

Juggling is only the beginning! Fun yo-yo classics and complex new tricks lead into the incredible Diabolo, or Chinese yo-yo, flying through the air. Spinning poi swings and flower sticks can stun and amaze making this a true variety presentation. Though the props change, James' trademark humor and personal style keep going throughout the presentation.

Roving entertainment makes a great lead into a presentation and can add fun to an event on its own. Whether going table to table or interacting throughout a crowd, James brings the fun right to the audience with juggling, yo-yo and more. Roving entertainment can even be done in low light settings with light up balls, diabolo, and poi swings - perfect for evening events.

Also incredible for evening events is the addition of Blacklight Juggling. Blacklight Juggling will mesmerize and drop jaws with an amazing visual feast of brilliant light trails. In this presentation of light and sound, expert juggling and manipulation can be seen from a whole new perspective. Truly a wonderful finale and a magical experience you will never forget.

Lessons can also be a great activity to follow a show or done on their own. Join in the fun and become one of the thousands James has taught how to juggle, yo-yo, and diabolo! Juggling is a fun and healthy activity that is easier than you think.

Stage/Setup Requirements:
12' x 12' x 12' of space
I bring everything else!

Available for Your

Anniversary Party, Awards Night, Bar/Bat Mitzvah Party, Bar/Lounge, Birthday Party, Club/Nightclub, Concert Venue, Convention, Corporate Event, Cruise, Dinner Dance, Ethnic Celebration, Festival, Fundraiser, Grand Opening, Launch Party, Private Party, Prom, Religious Celebration, Restaurant, Sporting Event, Trade Show, Wedding Ceremony, Wedding Reception

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