Performers will fly high at Open Air

The high-flying aerialist spectacle “Open Air” will return to the Open Space for Arts & Community once again at 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1.

The high-flying aerialist spectacle “Open Air” will return to the Open Space for Arts & Community once again at 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1. Acclaimed aerial artists will accompany local favorites, aiming to stun the audience with feats of airborne splendor.

Producers Janet McAlpin and Lynelle Sjoberg have assembled an assortment of aerial performances, including an aerial tango, sling pieces, hoop solos, single point nets and a fabric act.

The most anticipated bit, however, is the “Wall of Rope,” a reportedly amazing finale performed by the producers themselves, with the help of aerialists Esther Edelman, Glenn Easley, Jonathan Rose and Terry Crane.

The artists have practiced their acrobatics in the U.S., China, Mexico and throughout Europe. Many of them have received international awards for their aerial performances.

Joining the veterans are student aerialists of the UMO School of Physical Arts. Youth duos Lhamu Conrad and Annie Crawford, and Madeleine Schroeder and Josie Slade will enliven the show with talent from a new generation of performers.

In addition to the ethereal acts, poet and magician Tom Pruiksma will stage an act of artful illusion. The Rock Island String Collective will open the show with a hometown jam.

Admission to “Open Air” is by a $10 suggested donation, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds. The audience is encouraged to bring picnic food and a blanket for seating. Refreshments will be available for purchase as well.