Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Up in the air with Matt Jergens

There were a lot of things up in the air yesterday when the Amherst Public Library hosted comedian juggler Matt Jergens as part of the library's summer reading program.  The air was not only filled with a bowling ball, scarves, balls and even raw eggs, but the air in the room filled with laughs and an almost electric current of fun that ran through each person there and transformed some of us into kids again.

Matt was juggling outside the building as people scurried to park and get to the show.  Inside the music began and everyone took their seats, some kids wondering if they had sat too close, as bowling balls and even a seven foot unicyle came on stage.  Volunteers helped out and after the show everyone got a hands on juggling lesson.

"The best part of my day is being able to pass on a love of juggling to the audience," said Matt.  "Seeing that look of amazement on someone's face during that 'ah-ha' moment when it clicks that they are juggling is priceless." 

Matt travels throughout the east coast, and wherever juggling is needed, performing at resorts, festivals, and business venues.  "This was a great show," exclaimed one grandmother who was busy juggling scarves during the workshop.  "You have to have him back again."

I think she's definitely right about that.