The Traveling Truck Show project was on TV last night!  ABC7’s 190North filmed a quick excerpt and interviewed a few of us when we were in Pilsen.  Check it out!

http://190north.com/episodes/The-Great-Fire-Traveling-Truck-Show/8880226

They are characters in our show!  And tomorrow is your last chance to meet them in person.  Check ’em out in picture form below and make plans to see them.  You may even be able to pick up an autograph or two.  😉

Details on our last show:  https://travelingtruckshow.org/tour/pilsen/

The Authentic American Indian, Casey Brown

Denim Dennis, Ryan Richey

our Tarot card reader, Rebecca Schoenecker (she reads from a custom-illustrated deck of cards)

the Bee-Bearded Lady, Stacey Richey

Roscoe, the ticket-taker of the Pair-O-Chutes at Riverview Amusement Park

the Hawk, Jenn Wilson

the Chicago Onion, Heather Anderson

All photos by Brooke Herbert Hayes.

Photo by Brooke Herbert Hayes

Don’t miss the Traveling Truck Show’s final stop in Pilsen tomorrow beginning at 4pm.  We are joining forces with the Growing Station Community Garden for their Annual Harvest Fest.  In addition to the show, there will be a costume contest, hot apple cider, and a few additional activities for the kids and garden community.  Everyone is welcome!

Be sure to LAYER UP!  Socks on socks and pants on pants!  And a costume on top of everything.  It’s going to be a bit chilly but SUNNY at least.

Bring a chair or blanket–to sit on or cuddle up under–and a couple bucks for popcorn or a Tarot reading.

Details and directions:  https://travelingtruckshow.org/tour/pilsen/

If you missed the Logan Square show (pictured), you have two more chances to catch the Traveling Truck Show.  THIS SATURDAY NIGHT we’ll be in West Town!
(in the Tablescapes Parking lot, 1837 W. Hubbard St.)

Come “tailgate” with us beginning at 6pm.  You can mingle with the Bee-Bearded Lady, watch the curious Man in the Bag begin his experiment, and admire the post-industrial landscape.

The Stage-Show will start at 7pm.  It’s 1 part storytelling, 2 parts variety show, with lots of music and comedy!

Be sure to bundle up and bring chairs and blankets.  Grab a buddy or a date–this event is best shared with others.

All the details here:  https://travelingtruckshow.org/tour/westtown/

(photos by Tanner Young)

I am very sorry to report that we have to cancel today’s Traveling Truck Show and Fundraiser Event in Roscoe Village because of inclement weather.  😦

For those that were coming in support of the Clark Park Fundraiser, you will get another opportunity…so stay tuned.

For those that just wanted to see the show…WE HAVE 2 MORE!  We’ll see you next week in West Town.  Details here:  https://travelingtruckshow.org/tour/westtown/

Before the winter hibernation, it’s time to get in our final harvest-day adventures!  And I have a unique Chicago-centric suggestion for you:

Check out the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Open House Chicago, for FREE access to all sorts of historical and architectural treasures.  It’s this weekend ONLY!  And after gallivanting around the city, come settle in for a FREE history-curious variety show at the Clark Park in Roscoe Village.  In addition to paying homage to the Riverview Amusement Park (closed in 1968), the show includes music, comedy, and eccentric performing arts acts.  The Clark Park Advisory Council will be selling concessions and warm beverages.  Bring chairs and blankets to watch the show in ultimate comfort.  Show details here.

Well, it was a little chilly for the first show, but folks still came out with their chairs and blankets.  Check out this little clip of the fire acts:

Amazing!

Despite a few sound issues and timing bugs, all went well.  Next week will be even better!  https://travelingtruckshow.org/tour/roscoe/

More photos to come.

THIS SATURDAY, Oct. 6th, we will land on the Logan Square monument as our first stop with the Traveling Truck Show!  Tom Skillet says it’s going to be a little chilly, so bundle up and bring blankets.  Feel free to bring snacks, too.  Picnic on the monument, while you watch the show!

The Sideshows will be ready for audiences at 4pm.  Get your photo taken with the Bee-Bearded Lady, watch the Man in the Bag begin his experiment, and enjoy Monsieur Roberto’s accordion-playing wanderings.  You can get a Tarot Reading from a custom-illustrated deck of cards and sample the snow cone flavors of Jo Snow.  We have an amazing caricature artist, too!

Then stake out your spot on the stairs or grass!  With his ESP and mind-games, Tim the Mind Bender will get things started around 4:40pm on the truck-stage.

5pm–the BIG SHOW starts!  It will last about 90 minutes, and you won’t want to miss a minute!

What exactly is this all about?
“The Great Fire: a Traveling Truck Show” is a wacky performing arts event that will tour Chicago in October with a moving truck as our pop-up stage. Reviving the form of early American traveling shows and referencing Chicago neighborhood histories after the Great Fire of 1871, we playfully spin a tale that engages audiences with storytelling, music, comedy, multimedia dioramas, and magic.

From main characters The Hawk and Denim Dennis to guest performers Poor Elvis and a fire-breathing temptress, there will be a little something for everyone.  Learn more about our eclectic mix of artists and local acts here.

When + Where is this happening?
See the details for each show by clicking on the neighborhood link below:

October 6:  Logan Square

October 13:  Roscoe

October 20:  West Town

October 27:  Pilsen

(for directions + maps click here)

For all shows:
Sideshows will start an hour before the show  –  Come get your photo with the Bee-Bearded Lady and participate in Proud Pigeon’s “Coooooky Contest”!   See the mysterious Man in a Bag, and practice your ESP with Tim the Mind Bender!
The Stage-show (lasting approximately 90 minutes)  –  You won’t want to miss the story inspired by neighborhood historical characters and memories, or the wide-ranging talents of guest performers on the truck-stage!

Anything else we should know?
The show is open to everyone  –  All-ages and family friendly!

FREE ADMISSION! (however, some sideshows may request a donation—Tarot Reading, Caricatures…)

BYO chair/blanket!  –  All shows are outdoors, so dress appropriately and bring something to sit on.