Prepare for a night of laughter

Alexis Barker 
NLJ News Editor
 
Retired Barnum & Bailey clown Kenny Ahern promises an evening full of “amazing comedy antics, hilarious physical comedy and fun audience play,” and he is bringing his talents to the Crouch Auditorium stage as part of the Weston County Concert Association’s 2019-20 concert series. 
“Kenny has toured the planet building a stellar reputation as a world-class family entertainer,” his biography says. “He creates a comic world filled with spectacular artistry and heartwarming charm.” 
Ahern promises an evening of family fun and laughter that is appropriate for all ages. 
The entertainer’s career began in 1983 when a college professor told Ahern that he should audition for the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. In addition to auditioning, he thought Ahern should write a research paper about the experience. 
“Years ago and thousands of performances later, Kenny went on to perform for Ringling Brothers, as well as special performances for the White House, The Brooks and Dunn Neon Circus and Wild West Show tour, The World Expo in Aichi, Japan, and The China International Children Arts Festival in Taiwan,” Ahern’s biography says. He has performed in 12 foreign countries and every state except Hawaii and Alaska. 
In addition to performing all over the globe, Ahern has been featured on several television shows including CBS specials, The Family Channel’s “Funniest Videos” and “The Today Show.” 
The concert association has been bringing quality live performances to the community since 1991, according to the group’s president, Jan Ellis. The association aims to bring a lineup that features a variety of talent, with performers who the association thinks will please the membership and fit in the association’s budget. 
Ahern will perform for the association’s members on Monday, March 9, at 7 p.m. And thanks to donations, he will also perform at Newcastle Elementary School, Ellis said. 
Memberships costs are $10 for students, $40 for adults and $85 for families. A membership can be purchased at the door and includes the next concert in the association’s lineup, as well as any future concerts in this season’s lineup in Belle Fourche and Hot Springs. Rapid City concerts can also be attended for a slight fee.