Loon to land here Thursday

By Mary Hillebrand - Gazette Staff

Just call him Loon.

Don't worry, the name is far from derogatory for this comic juggler.

In fact , T. R. (Truly Re-markable) Loon likes the name so much he has officially adopted it, proudly displaying his driver's license and passport to curious onlookers,

The perennially purple performer is the lead act in this summer's Main Street Noon Entertainment series, conducted by the Business Improvement District and the leisure services division of the Janesville Park Department.

Loon's past audiences happily attest to the accuracy of his name. The irreverent jokester performs "remarkable" feats of balance and juggling that keep even very young children watching intently.

But, Pat Thom, booking agent for this summer's series, pointed out, "the show is definitely not just for children." Loon keeps adults laughing with off-beat commentary on politics, current events and anything else that catches his undiscriminating eye.

In his 14-year career as a juggler, the popular comedian has performed all over the nation, in Canada and in Mexico. In the summertime, Loon generally confines himself to the Midwest.

Loon has juggled his way into the hearts of Summerfest and Wisconsin State Fair audiences. In recent years, he has also performed at many city and neighborhood festivals, such as "Loon Day" in Mercer and Springfest '89 at the UW-Eau Claire campus.

Thursday's performance will be Loon's second appearance at the Courthouse Park in Janesville. Last year, in Mainstreet Noon Entertainment's debut season, he drew the biggest crowd of any of the summer's eight acts, commented Thom.

Loon, a Madison native, has won the devotion of fans all over the country with a style that is uniquely, hilariously his own.

"He is always loud, always trying to be the funniest, weirdest, most purplest person around," laughed Thom.

"He is gregarious and loquacious, and he is never, ever shy."