Lied Center FamFest features Jugglemania with Shoehorn Nov. 1

            The Lied Center for Performing Arts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will present JuggleMania with Shoehorn at 7 p.m. Nov. 1. Tickets for the event include a fun-filled pre-show FamFest starting at 5:30 p.m.

            Liberty First Credit Union is supporting this family event.

            Children's activities will be setup around the Lied lobbies and food will be provided by sponsors Runza, Pepsi and the Cookie Co. Tickets are $8 for children and $16 for adults and may be purchased at the Lied Center Ticket Office, 301 N. 12th St., by phone at 402-472-4747 or online at www.liedcenter.org.

            Jugglemania with Shoehorn combines the antic talents of two professionals who make hilarious physical and musical comedy look easy. Rhys Thomas juggles anything he can, referring to his skills as "dancing with stuff." Entertaining the world with dexterity and hilarity since 1987, Thomas actually grew from teaching himself to juggle to being artist in residence at the Smithsonian Institution.

            Joining this "tour de farce" is Shoehorn, aka Michael Conley, a multi-talented musician who taps dances while simultaneously playing saxophone, clarinet, percussion or keyboards. Shoehorn's music reflects his personal investigations and interpretations of cultures he has immersed himself in, including Latin American, Asian and European flavors and the variety of his native USA.

            Pre-show activities will include plate spinning, scarf juggling, tap dancing, face painting and entertainment by the Lincoln Juggling Club. The Lincoln TeamMates program is partnering with the Lied Center that evening to showcase the talent of the winners of the 2011 Talent for TeamMates competition, the group On Approach, a three-piece ensemble featuring Jim Rhian, Ory Wickizer and Sam Costello.

Writer: Maureen Ose