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The International Jugglers' Association
Contact: Katje Sabin (816)456-9014
Bill Gilliland (816)456-9410
e-mail: festival@juggle.org
website: http://www.juggle.org/festival/2006

For Immediate Release
Hi-res color photos available upon request.

You've seen the Chris Bliss Internet video. You've seen the Cirque du Soleil artists. Perhaps you've even picked up three oranges and tried it yourself. Now come meet hundreds of professional, hobbyist and sport jugglers gathering to share tips, tricks and stories during the International Jugglers' Association 59th Annual Festival.

Opening Tuesday, July 18 at the Oregon Convention Center, the festival's main gym will be filled with IJA members from all over the world practicing many forms of object manipulation. Spectators might see anything from unicycles and cigar boxes to kendama and diabolo, devilsticks and poi to staff and volcano ball, acrylic contact balls and top hats to walking globes and hula hoops.. and, of course, traditional ball, club and ring juggling.

Some solo practitioners will be trying to manage ten or more beanbags. Groups of passers will be tossing dozens of clubs between them. German, English, Japanese and French participants will be able to understand one another beautifully through their juggling patterns.

Visitors who wish to join the fun will be able to purchase new juggling props at one of the many vendor tables at the festival, and a special "Construction Zone" teaching area will be available to get new jugglers started on their career. Spectator passes are only $5 and will be available at the door.

The festival will also feature performances, competitions and shows throughout the week, with several special events that are open to the public.

• Tuesday, July 18: (9am) "Planting the Juggling Seed" is a performance designed to introduce Portland-area school children to the delights and wonders of the juggling world. A free juggling lesson will follow! If your school or homeschooling group is interested in being invited to this event, please e-mail jugglingseed@juggle.org. Free to the public, but must be pre-registered to attend.
• Tuesday, July 18, 8pm: "Tricks of Light" is a brand new show featuring props that glow in the dark, light up brightly, or are UV reactive. Stay after the show and try out some of these colorful toys yourself! Free with $5 spectator pass.
• Wednesday, July 19, 7pm: The annual "Youth Showcase" features young IJA members up to the age of 18 in a noncompetitive performance, followed at 9pm by the "Juniors Stage Championships." $10 for both shows.
• Thursday, July 20, Noon: "Jazz & Juggle" competition features jugglers performing their own routines featuring either local Portland musicians, or jazz great Louis Armstrong. Free with $5 spectator pass.
• Thursday, July 20, 8pm: "Individuals and Teams Stage Championships" One of the highlights of the entire week, this event features the intersection of tremendous showmanship and excellent technical juggling. $15.
• Friday, July 21, 1pm: "Numbers Championships" is an opportunity to witness the world's best jugglers attempt to break previously set records. Free with $5 spectator pass.
• Friday, July 21, 4pm: "eXtreme Juggling" is not stage, circus or birthday party juggling. Watch the best jugglers in the world pull off huge tricks, gnarly moves, or just crash and burn. Free with $5 spectator pass.
• Friday, July 21, 8pm: "Cascade of Stars" will feature the festival's special guests, Jerome Thomas (France), and the Mud Bay Jugglers (WA). Jerome is a respected and renowned artist from a culture that truly nurtures and supports their circus arts. This will be Jerome's exclusive North American performance. Longtime Pacific Northwest favorites, the Mud Bay Jugglers are creating a special performance for this event. $15.

For more information on the festival, please visit www.juggle.org/festival/2006, e-mail festival@juggle.org, or telephone (816)456-9014.