For this week’s edition of All Things Art, I’ve turned my focus to a circus theater company coming to Blue Lake. The Flynn Creek Circus was founded in the Redwoods of Northern California in 2002 and has since evolved into a touring tent show.
I had the opportunity to speak with founder Blaze Birge via email to give the community a glimpse into the upcoming show. The Flynn Creek Circus will be performing a noir comedy with high-profile performances titled The heavy lift.
“Our brand new lineup this year includes a quick-change act, an aerialist, a freestyle soccer champion, acrobats and many others,” said Birge. “The show is light-hearted, very funny and entertaining for all ages.”
Birge has a background in fine art and personally writes the story, performs, designs the costumes and props. Despite the limitations of set and costume design that come with being a traveling circus, Flynn Creek is still able to provide audiences with impressive performances.
“We work within our capabilities and research our era to incorporate costumes, sets and choreographic elements of the period with our own unique flair,” said Birge.
The Flynn Creek Circus is also heavily involved in the local arts scene in the places it visits, supporting emerging artists through its training program and regularly collaborating with local arts organizations.
“We have been working with local organizations since our inception,” Birge said. “The shows at Blue Lake are sponsored by Playhouse Arts. We also support emerging artists from around the world through our education program (one of whom is from Arcata this year).”
The Flynn Creek Circus takes place at the Blue Lake Casino and raises funds for the Blue Lake Rancheria (BLR) Food Sovereignty Program. I also spoke with Heidi Moore-Guynup, the Director of Tribal and Governmental Affairs, to get a deeper understanding of the Food Sovereignty Program.
The Food Sovereignty program provides over 40,000 meals annually to tribal members in three counties. Funds raised through the circus are used for food, supplies and gardening costs.
“BLR is proud of its food sovereignty program and wants to ensure that food insecurity does not become a burden for the region’s Indigenous people,” said Moore-Guynup. “Providing our people with high-quality, nutritious and delicious food is a core part of our core values.”
Birge hopes that the audience enjoys the show, feels inspired and refreshed after the performances. The circus simply wants to offer the public a showcase of the talent of its artists.
“Long-time viewers are calling this year’s show our best yet. This is not the year to skip it,” Birge said.
The Flynn Creek Circus runs from August 8th to 18th at the Blue Lake Casino. For more information on purchasing tickets and the address, visit flynncreekcircus.ticketspice.com/blue-lake-heavylift-2024. Come enjoy the performances and visit the Native Art Gallery at Blue Lake Casino after the show.
If you would like to be featured or have a suggestion for another artist or event, please contact us at [email protected].
