'Modern Houdini' helping bring circus to town

The circus is coming to Knoxville in early March.

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey plays at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum March 3-7. Tickets range from $15 to $60 and are at the coliseum box office and Tickets Unlimited outlets.

This year, the circus brings a new tour to town that’s give the title of the would-be word “Illuscination.”

Ringling says “Illuscination” is a mixture of magic and the circus, and performer David DaVinci sounds like a blend of old-time circus ringmaster and magician. Ringling is calling DaVinci an “illuscinator” and a “modern Houdini.”

During the circus run, DaVinci will perform with a 10-bird flock of macaws, cockatoos, African Grey parrot and a toucan. He’ll also escape from a straightjacket while hanging suspended three stories — above some of the circus’ lions.

This year’s circus also includes the traditional mix of clowns, daredevil aerial performances and exotic animal acts. The animals include Asian elephants, lions, horses and miniature ponies.

Clowns include three members of the Italian Caveagna family who combine comedy with their musical ability to play trumpets and saxophones. Ringling is the American debut for the trio that includes father Artidoro and sons Jones and Steve.

The circus aerials include a performance by native Brazilian Francleib Rodrigues. Rodrigues will perform high above the coliseum floor without using a safety net or harness.

Ticket holders can come to the circus one hour before the show to a pre-show event where they can meet some of the performers and animals.

© 2010, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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