LOOK OUT!!! Interactive high-level circus, performed by the scattered yet lovable Janoah the Jester (ze/zir). “mAyHeM” is jam-packed with jaw-dropping juggling, unstoppable unicycles, and brain-bending balance. Janoah invites audiences of all ages to participate in entertaining yet caring ways, facilitating comfort for everyone on stage. Janoah lets zir joy and queerness shine, relying on YOU to co-create this frenzied family-friendly feature. Winner “Pick of the Kids Fringe” Orlando 2023.
Length of show: approx. 60 minutes
Recommended audience: all ages
With Openers Adelaide Staples and Mike Miller
As the first place winners of a recent talent show at Oceanside High School, Adelaide Staples and her grandfather, Mike Miller, won the chance to open for this Sunshine Series performance!
JANOAH BAILIN
Janoah Bailin (ze/zir) makes insightful, inventive, and interactive family circus(+). Janoah learned unicycling in the empty after-hours corridors of zir middle school. As a teenager, ze toured New England with Circus Smirkus; Janoah is now Assistant Director for the Gym Dandies Children’s Circus (ME), and coach for the Children’s Circus of Middletown (CT). Since 2017 Janoah has created and toured five original full-length performances. “SpinS” twirled across the Canadian Fringe circuit from Montreal to Vancouver, winning “Best Variety” in London 2019. “meSSeS” – a show in which the audience learns to juggle – has toured Halifax to San Diego, winning “Spirit of the Fringe” in Elgin 2022. “mAyhEm” – Janoah’s busking-style circus – won “Pick of the Kids Fringe” in Orlando 2023. Accompanied by keyboardist Kafari, “rOng” replicates Restorative Justice’s Circle Process. Janoah’s latest “CHRONIC PAin au chocolat” explores zir one-sided body pain, premiering at Philly Fringe 2025. Janoah has received the 2020 Maine Arts Commission’s Fellowship in the Performing Arts, and SPACE’s 2026 Kindling Fund. Janoah travels New England and beyond, teaching and performing, leaving behind a wake of tumbled juggling props.
For more information, visit Janoah Bailin’s website
ADELAIDE STAPLES
Adelaide Staples is a Rockland native. She is 13 years old and is looking forward to her first year at Oceanside High School. Addie has been singing her entire life and has been playing clarinet, guitar, and bass for several years as well. She has performed with a couple of local bands, including Amplify and Subatomic, and has also appeared at open mic nights with Ryan Moody. Adelaide is excited to see where music can take her and is honored to perform music written by her late “Uncle Izzy.”
MIKE MILLER
Mike Miller lives in Rockland. His musical journey began with barbershop singing in high school. Mike has always incorporated music into his life, performing and booking acts for The Green Room at Grapes Restaurant, collaborating as part of the Miller, Dowling & Johnson Trio, and, in 2001, founding Steelin’ Thunder, now known as Pen Bay Pans. He is a member of the Rocky Coast String Band and also performs with his granddaughter, Adelaide Staples. Together, they will perform a song by Adelaide’s late Great Uncle Izzy, who always hoped it would be his breakthrough hit.
ABOUT THE SUNSHINE SERIES
Our third annual “Sunshine Series” provides outdoor performances for kids and families, taking place at the beautiful Safe Harbor Gazebo at 60 Ocean St in Rockland. Featuring a stellar line-up of puppet shows, circus performers, and cultural activities, this series is open to all ages and admission is on a Sliding Scale ($0-20).
Each performance is 45-60 minutes long, and appropriate for all ages. Seating is on the concrete floor of the gazebo, so blankets and chairs are welcome. Attendees may use the restroom facilities at the Penobscot Bay YMCA at Rockland Harbor. In case of inclement weather, the performance will take place indoors at the Strand Theatre. Please check our website and social media the day of the event for weather updates.
ARTIST BIO
Janoah Bailin (ze/zir) makes insightful, inventive, and interactive family circus(+). Janoah learned unicycling in the empty after-hours corridors of zir middle school. As a teenager, ze toured New England with Circus Smirkus; Janoah is now Assistant Director for the Gym Dandies Children’s Circus (ME), and coach for the Children’s Circus of Middletown (CT). Since 2017 Janoah has created and toured five original full-length performances. “SpinS” twirled across the Canadian Fringe circuit from Montreal to Vancouver, winning “Best Variety” in London 2019. “meSSeS” – a show in which the audience learns to juggle – has toured Halifax to San Diego, winning “Spirit of the Fringe” in Elgin 2022. “mAyhEm” – Janoah’s busking-style circus – won “Pick of the Kids Fringe” in Orlando 2023. Accompanied by keyboardist Kafari, “rOng” replicates Restorative Justice’s Circle Process. Janoah’s latest “CHRONIC PAin au chocolat” explores zir one-sided body pain, premiering at Philly Fringe 2025. Janoah has received the 2020 Maine Arts Commission’s Fellowship in the Performing Arts, and SPACE’s 2026 Kindling Fund. Janoah travels New England and beyond, teaching and performing, leaving behind a wake of tumbled juggling props.
For more information, visit Janoah Bailin’s website
Event sponsors: Rockland Rotary, Allen Insurance and Financial, Safe Harbor Gazebo, First National Bank, Penobscot Bay YMCA at Rockland Harbor, Rockland Harbor Hotel, Mattina R. Proctor Foundation, Morton Kelly Charitable Trust.
