From the Globe
Entertainment Desk

On Monday morning the UniverSoul Circus gave a mini performance at Fruitvale Elementary. Some of the acts on hand to dazzle the students were an Ethiopian troop of foot and body jugglers, Gabonese acrobats and Caribbean dancers.

   Students received nearly 200 free tickets to attend the circus, which is performing in Oakland through Sunday. UniverSoul Circus, State Administrator Kimberly Statham, district directors Alice Spearman and Gary Yee and Principal Cherie Ivey share a belief in the importance of education through arts.

   The world’s premier brand of urban- rich, family entertainment, UniverSoul Circus delights and inspires audiences of all ages and backgrounds with a blend of traditional circus arts, theater, performers of color from across the globe, and lively, urban-inspired music. The 2006 production is fueled with high energy, handclapping numbers.
   UniverSoul Circus has performed in the vacant lot at Oakport and 66th Ave. at Zhone Way off Hwy 880 since last Saturday. Shows continue through Oct. 29. Tickets, ranging from $10 to $28, are sold through Ticketmaster. Remaining show times this week are as follows: Wednesday through Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 28 at 10:30 a.m. and 12, 1:30, 4:30 and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m.

    UniverSoul Circus was founded in 1994 by former live music promoter Cedric Walker. “We are thrilled to be coming back to Oakland,” said Walker. “Every year, more and more people come out to experience this funky, hip blend of music, dance and soul that is becoming an annual tradition across the nation.”