JOEY KELLY - taking tradition back to the future

Although he is justly proud of his heritage as the grandson of Emmett Kelly Snr and the son of Emmett Kelly Jnr, Joey Kelly looks to the future rather than the past.

Currently the advance clown with Carson and Barnes Circus, Joey is not only seizing the opportunity to create his own identity as a clown, he is bringing love of the circus to a new young generation. As advance clown, Joey gets to visit schools and hospitals and enthuse youngsters to the prospect of seeing a live circus.

Born and bred in the circus, Joey tried accounting as a career for a while, but the lure of the greasepaint proved too strong. Now he is in his element.

“I am always clowning around at a school or day care center,” Joey said.

Joey is an accomplished performer. As a child growing up in the Peru, Indiana circus community, he was a trapeze flyer as well as performing in other acts.

As a full fledged clown with his own unique style, he made his debut with Southwest Airlines and moved on to TV appearances. Joey is a relaxed, happy 21st Century clown with a website and a wide range of skills, yet it is clear that he honors the great tradition of clowning that stands behind him.

“It really doesn't matter whether I'm in the spotlight or within a large group, as long as I'm performing, that's what makes me happy," Joey said.

Carson and Barnes are currently touring Texas and New Mexico. The circus will be in Kansas by May 3.

You can visit Joey’s website at http://www.joeykelly.com/home.htm and say hello. To anyone who loves the circus, it will feel like home.

The Carson and Barnes Website is at: http://candbcircus.com/

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