AcroEntertainment Performance, Instruction and Play!

AcroEntertainment recently performed at the Michael Franti and Spearhead outdoor concert at the Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh, NC.  The event was hosted by Band Together, a 100% volunteer driven non-profit that raises funds and awareness for select charities through events that showcase and support musical talent.  In addition to a pre-show performance and exclusive (acro) entertainment for VIP—Kaci, Katie and friends had the wonderful opportunity to perform on-stage, alongside the one and only: Michael Franti.

On May 22, The Old Ceremony, Anoop Desai, One EskimO, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Holy Ghost Tent Revival played in front of a loyal crowd of 2,500 fans.  Rain, did not dampen the spirits of music enthusiasts and community volunteers, who understood that this show was about much more than just the music. The headliner, Michael Franti, was extremely complimentary of Band Together and StepUP and took time to visit with volunteers from each program before the show.

Band Together raised over $300,000 for StepUp Ministries–a non-profit organization and interfaith community that partners with over 500 program participants each year in the shared goal of self-sufficiency (stable job, stable home, stable family).  Theirs goals are accomplished through two-life giving programs: The StepUP Jobs Program and the StepUP Life Skills Program.

Lake Eden Arts Festival achieved their mission by connecting cultures & creating community through music and arts. Spending a weekend in Black Mountain, NC, May 6th-9th was amazing! LEAF rocked out the activities with kayaking, canoeing, high diving, swimming, unicycling, trapeze, drumming, contra dancing and much more! The Kid’s Village was mind blowing with two stages, a dress up tent, a Kid’s Bizarre, and street performing minors! We were so happy to see our friend, Randall the Clown, from Mountain Circus Arts and even got to participate in his hilarious Clowning Workshop! Other performers in the kid’s area included the Jabali African Acrobats, Rhythm Fire Cultural Dance, and Forty Fingers and a Missing Tooth. We once again had the privilege to parade with the Paperhand Puppet Intervention and the awe-inspiring Lemira Percussion Ensemble, from Lemira Elementary– percussionists ages preschool to fifth grade! Kaci and I had a great time teaching a Juggling Workshop, a Kid’s Clowning Workshop, and even some roving performances. We also had the chance to catch some amazing music! The Asheville Horns played a wild late night set, and we partied all night, ending just in time for the breakfast crew. We can’t wait to be back at LEAF again in the FALL!!

We had a beautiful experience at Spring Shakori Hills 2010! Kaci’s first time at the festival and my third, AcroEntertainment really made the most of the weekend. We taught a Kid’s Clowning Workshop with stretching, jumping, “juggling,” clown noises, silly games, and lots of smiles. We presented a Circus Fundamentals Workshop at the Outpost, with plate spinning, juggling, and even aerial silks! We hosted an Acrobatic Yoga Workshop at the Movement Tent with partner balancing and group acrobatics. We also had fun parading with the Paper Hand Puppets, Hoopdurm, and the beautiful people of Shakori Hills. The food was truly divine, between the fresh fruits and veggies from Eastern Carolina Organics, the tasty treats from the sugar shack, and the spicy savories from Kerala Curry. We look forward to fall at Shakori Hills!!

Playing at the Kid's Tent

Participants at the movement tent were engaged and open to trying new things!

(photo by John Morris)

Local celebrity artist Paul Friedrich teamed up with the iconic beer company Pabst Blue Ribbon and presented North Carolina’s first PBaRt Show at Designbox Gallery on May 7, 2010 from 7pm-11pm. AcroEntertainment couldn’t resist getting in on the action. A cameo performance and jam ensued with Lake Inferior as live graffiti artists worked and the Only Burger fed the hungry beer drinkers… quite an excellent event!