Resolution 090700

..Title Honoring and recognizing the UniverSoul Circus upon its return to the City of Philadelphia. ..Body WHEREAS, UniverSoul Circus is an interactive, family-friendly live arts extravaganza that was founded in 1994 by Cedric Walker with headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia; and WHEREAS, UniverSoul Circus began with the dream and a vision of showcasing black talent beyond singing and dancing in order to make a difference, create growth and bring about change and opportunity; and WHEREAS, Since UniverSoul's inception in 1994, it remains the world's first and only African-American owned and operated circus; and WHEREAS, UniverSoul employs a diverse cast of performers from nations around the world, including, USA, Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Colombia, Dominican Republic, China, Cuba, Russia, and Brazil; and WHEREAS, After sixteen years and tremendous growth, UniverSoul Circus remains dedicated to its original vision of bringing world-class entertainment that is culturally diverse and educational to metropolitan areas around the world; and WHEREAS, UniverSoul Circus includes acts such as Jugglers, African Elephants and Tigers, Trapeze Flyers, Stilt Dancers and Limbo Mamas, Cossack Horse Riders, and Onionhead the Clown; and WHEREAS, According to Ticketmaster Reviews, UniverSoul Circus was not only listed as one of Ticketmaster's top-ten family attractions, but also had the distinct honor of being the most popular and top rated circus among customers; and WHEREAS, UniverSoul combines circus arts, and theater, with wide ranging genres of music including Pop, Classical, R&B, Latin, Hip Hop, Jazz and Gospel, creating an unforgettable experience for the spectator; and WHEREAS, UniverSoul Circus will perform in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park for the first time in two years, from Wednesday, October 28 through Sunday November 15, 2009 as part of its 30 city U.S. tour; now therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we honor and recognize the UniverSoul Circus upon its return to the City of Philadelphia. ..End