SW: Would you give us a little background about yourself?
 

SW: How did you become interested in the sideshow?
 

SW: Who are some of the people who have influenced you?
 

SW: What influenced your decision to enter the world of the sideshow?

BL: My age. I am one of the youngest professional performers in the business, I take pride in that. Sideshow is a dying art and I feel so passionate about it, that I couldn't stand to see it go away; even if it does, I'll still have a piece in me.

SW: Your age is why you entered show business, could you help me understand what age has to do with your choice of careers?

BL: To many people the fact that I do so many interesting things at such a young age is an oddity in its self. I figured out really quick that I could exploit that.

SW: You said sideshow is a dying art, would you explain a little of what that means?

BL: We all know that the back end shows are holding on by a few threads... Rent, gas, labor all that and more bearing down on it. It makes it hard to keep going. The Sideshow is evolving to fit on TV screens, and concert stages...That is the sideshow that I'm a part of.  I tried the real sideshow, and it's hard, too hard for me. 

SW: You say I tried the real sideshow and it's hard, too hard for me?  How long did you work "THE REAL SIDESHOW" and what was it that you found too hard for you?

John SW: Most of the fairs I have attended were in the Western part of the US.  In Utah we haven't seen a bannerline since the 80s.  But there have been more shows on the Midways over the past few years.  People really seem to have enjoyed them.  The older folks were excited and shared many memories, the younger crowd hadn't seen a larger show.  Most after visiting brought back friends and family because they were amazed at what they saw on the inside and wanted to share it.  Some coming back time after time.

SW:  You say the Sideshow is evolving to fit on a TV screen or concert stage.  For years the concert stage and TV has been involved with folks like Jim Rose, Ken Haurk, Lee Kolozsy. They have used the media and concert as their stage.  What do you see yourself offering to those venues that hasn't already been done?
 

SW: I understand you have been performing for 10 years, what were some of the first acts you learned?

BL: Blockhead was the first act I learned, as with most others. I moved on to fire eating. I learned them because that is what was offered to me. Dextre said, "Here, I'll teach you this..." and I listened and learned.

SW: Blockhead and fire eating, have you had the chance to learn other acts? 

BL: Of course! I breathe fire, walk on broken bottles, climb ladders of swords, eat light bulbs, jam my hands and tongue in various animal traps, I swallow and regurgitate live cockroaches, I do some equilibristics and I swallow swords. I think maybe I've left some things out...

SW: Would you explain for our readers what equilbristics are?

BL: Balancing and juggling. Those type of stunts.

SW: Which of the acts you perform do you like the best?

BL: Sword Swallowing. I am a member of a very exclusive club, there are only around fifty of us. It is such a rarity, and I'm proud to say that I can do it. I also am quite partial to the variation of Blockhead that I invented...I use a glass nail (That I make) put it in and shine a light in my mouth, that makes the head of the nail light up like a Christmas bulb.

SW: Variation of Blockhead I invented..."I use a glass nail (That I Make) and shine a light in my mouth, that makes the head of the nail light up like a Christmas bulb."  You invented this variation on the Blockhead, what inspired you to create and use this as part of your act.  Have you seen other perform using a glass nail since you started the act?

BL: I'm a glass sculptor, I make jewelry and knick knacks. I figured that if I make a glass nail, no one can say it is collapsible...that was the motivation, the fact that they conduct light was just a bonus. I have not seen anyone do it but I know there are some out there, since I used to sell the nails.

SW: Are there other acts you have invented or put a different spin on that make them your own?

BL: I came up with the idea of swallowing a sword with a torch at the hilt, and having someone breath fire off of it. The idea was leaked and a few people are doing it now. I have a few other things up my sleeve, but I'm saving them for a rainy day.

SW: The acts that sideshow performer do are dangerous and can cause harm and even be fatal if not done right.  Have you learned from experienced professional or not, what would you tell a young person trying to learn?

BL: I learned from some of the best, it's the only way. If you want to learn how to eat fire don't ask the next hippie you see spinning fire poi, find a real pro. If you don't you could possible learn the wrong methods make more mistakes and it could cost you your life.

SW: Have you tried learning things that have caused you or other harm? 

BL: Most everything I do are dangerous, there is always potential of hurting yourself. I have cut my feet, burnt my lips, mouth and nose hair and gotten throat infections...It isn't fun.

SW: Has your family been supportive? 

BL: No. Not really, it isn't normal, they don't see how I could make a difference. My grandfather however, couldn't be happier.
 

SW: What do you mean by "it isn't normal"?

BL: Normal, You know, average. Sideshow isn't average for everyday people...my parents happen to be everyday people.

SW: What kind of difference did your family think you won't make in the business?

BL: They don't think it is possible to overcome the fact that sideshows are almost nonexistent, they don't think people care.

SW: Have they encourage you? 

BL: My Grandfather has. He was a con-man, the idea of me hustling people is a wonderful one in his mind.

SW: Your Grandfather was a con-man, you mention in your intro that he was a preacher, snake oil salesman, etc. "He retired soon after he found out he was too honest and was paying his actors and crew too well for him to make any money".

I'm sure our reader would be interested in how that influenced you to enter the show business?

BL: Eh, I grew up with a big loud Italian man yelling about Jesus and miracle oil to rooms/tents full of people, grew up around the music and the dancing...it was all so theatrical!  I wanted to be more than just a spectator.  I wanted to dupe the people.  But now, what's funny is the fact that I don't dupe people.  Everything I do is real, I don't use deception.

SW: You mention working Ren Fairs, what other kinds of venues have you worked?

BL: Galleries, Sideshows, small theatres, large theatres, coffee housed, grocery stores

(once!), lounges, bars, clubs.

SW: Which venues do you prefer working ?

BL: I like small theatre, I like being close to my audience and I like tight quarters.

SW: You like working small theatre, being close to your audience!  With that in mind you've mentioned that the sideshow is evolving to the concert stage and TV screen.  How is that going to effect you? These media and venues are not small or close.

BL: I prefer working within close proximity. I don't need to, most of the time playing for thousands of people is much more fun, just less intimate. I'm flexible, I can go either way.

SW: Is there anyone you would like to thank?