The original Rock and Roll Circus

On December 11 1968, The Rolling Stones hosted an all-day concert in a makeshift big top on an English soundstage. In addition to a late night performance by The Stones, The Rock & Roll Circus brought together a number of the day’s biggest names, including The Who, Jethro Tull, Taj Mahal and The Dirty Mac (John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Eric Clapton, Mitch Mitchell and Keith Richards). A film of the historic event sat on ice until 1996 when it was officially released.

On January 3 and 4, several groups will revisit The Rock & Roll Circus concept under the Big Apple Circle’s big top (which is currently located outside New York’s Lincoln Center). Night one will be a free showcase featuring Japanther, Voxhaul Broadcast, The Pharmacy, Electric Tickle Machine and the So So Glos while night two will be a ticketed event bringing together OK GO, Amazing Baby, Nick Zinner (YeahYeahYeahs) and Saint Motel. The latter show will also boast a “multi-sensory spectacle as contortionists, balancing acts, jugglers and acrobats.” Both shows will feature a festival-like assortment of vendors and activities.