The community of San Antonio has grown in a vibrant, diverse DIY abundance in a post-pandemic world; Since 2021, I’d say Texas has been in a state of what I deem as a “creative renaissance”–cultivated with creativity, ambition, and passion to create projects and collective experiences. One collective experience in particular, a vision turned reality, is that of Circus Bizzaregnarr–a world of unusual happenings.

Curated by Gnarr Gnarr, a creative community initiative spearheaded by local figurehead, Cats Pajamas–anti-hero of radio and podcast host, shed more light on the vision of the production as well as the Gnarr Gnarr mission. “To draw a crowd based on pure natural curiosity and create a vibe so that those who came to experience the show left inspired,” he says. “All who were involved from the vendors, bands, fire spinner, pro wrestlers, videographers–even the door guy, were all hand picked!” This was the first event hosted by Gnarr Gnarr, which ultimately honored their mission of having a punk rock mentality, metal motivation, and hip-hop inspiration (per their IG bio). “We got all the things one would expect at a circus: games, food, vendors, clowns, and entertainment–all packaged in a strange and unusual way, giving us the bizarre. Gnarr is short for gnarly, Gnarr Gnarr being the ones who created the event; All of that together gets you Circus Bizzaregnarr!”

Another collaborator of the event, Mr. Skunk of Unexploded Ordinance–local clothing, screen printing art, revived his punk project AWOL from a fifteen-year hiatus to open Circus Bizzaregnarr. “AWOL was taken from a name my dad had for his crossover/thrash band from the 80s. We started playing in 2002 in middle school. We were all cousins who got guitars one Christmas, and our cousin Andy is a drum savant that has been playing since he could walk.” AWOL’s opening act was a surprise for many–hard, energetic, and in your face. They immediately connected with the crowd, igniting the first chaotic thrill of the night; This ultimately revived the project entirely, so AWOL will return sometime soon for all to witness once more into 2024. Mikey, lead guitarist for the project, expressed more on the significance of AWOL’s revival. “People shouldn’t care about AWOL, but you see for us it was about voicing an opinion. We were young adolescent teenage punks who wanted to make music on our terms and still have fun. We really didn’t care much if people cared, but for some reason each lyric and beat seem to draw a crowd.” Mr. Skunk followed on as to why more people should care about the community as a whole, rather than just a singular project. “People should care more about the local scene. Circus Bizzaregnarr was to break the mold of the traditional ‘local gig’ and make it something more. Entertainment is not just seeing bands… It’s about having something. A scene worth being a part of and participating in.”

Following AWOL’s revival, Bitter Critter ignited the second thrill–a three-piece powerhouse rock n’ roll band. Benjamin Lopez, lead guitarist/vocalist and founder of San Antonio Art Collective, an artist support initiative for the city, expressed his thoughts on the nature of the event and what it meant for the band. “Being able to bring together such a diverse, skilled, and interesting group of artists and entertainers made the whole night action packed. We were delighted that we could be a part of the mayhem.” Bitter Critter released their project Punk for Bitter Cowboys last August, and their performance of the song “Los Muertos”conjured Santa Chiva, a local Texas wrestler, to mosh with everyone in the crowd. “‘Los Muertos’ is probably my favorite song off of that EP, but being able to play it and have Santa Chiva come in to be a part of it live is something I really couldn’t have dreamed of. He’s always knows how to bring the excitement, which is something we love to bring, so I really think it was a match made in heaven.” Benjamin continued to discuss the importance of the Bitter Critter project, Circus Bizzaregnarr, and the state of local music. “I feel like most bands out today are in competition with each other over who could be more soft or melancholy, but frankly all that stuff is dull and worn out. We’re taking a fresh, creative look at guitar music in general and doing new things in a genre people thought went stale three decades ago,” Benjamin says. “People should care about Circus Bizzaregnarr because it’s a fantastic event that’s a blast throughout and lets you see just how skilled, creative, and talented our local community in San Antonio truly is.”

Santa Chiva, pro-wrestler for over 30 years, threw down for an intermission as the third thrill of the night. He has continued to rep the city of San Antonio throughout his wrestling journey. “Santa Chiva is a 37-year Texas wrestling legend, the GOAT–greatest of all time; The Butter Pro Country Crock Champion, and everybody’s favorite tio from the Westside of San Antonio.” He was called out by his opponent, Mickey Black, between band performances. Their exchange was extremely entertaining, from warming up doing squats and jumping jacks to the crowd of guests, vendors, and musicians shouting and cheering–Santa Chiva and Mickey Black’s showdown at Norwood Warehouse was one to remember. “My role was to bring smiling faces to all the people in attendance by defeating the Evil Mickey Black in a no ring wrestling match,” Chiva says. “It’s been one of the best years of my career being part of various community events with San Anto Cultural Arts, fulfilling a dream of being ‘Pancho Clause,’ wrestling in no-ring matches, putting on our first ring show in 2023, and kicking the year off right in 2024 with a big win at Circus Bizzaregnarr defending my Butter Pro Country Crock Championship!” Both wrestlers navigated through the crowd as they battled one another, throwing and lifting each other to the graffiti covered walls, creating a larger interactive element for everyone who attended. “I’ve been representing the city of San Antonio everywhere I’ve traveled since my comeback tour. New York, Minnesota, Kansas, Illinois, California–they’re finding out what San Antonio’s all about.” Santa Chiva also highlights the convergence of artists at the event. “It was a beautiful sight to see all the artistas, vendors, and puro punk rockers gather at one big event that brought eyes to all art forms. That’s what the city of San Antonio needs.”

After the defeat of Mickey Black, Attic Ted joined the ranks as the fourth thrill–a two-piece from San Marcos, Texas that truly leaned heavy into the bizarre. “Attic Ted plays weirdo cabinet country, carnival, post-punk music with masks. We’ve been performing strange musical theater for over twenty years.” Attic Ted was truly a sight to see the night of Circus Bizzaregnarr–from each mask having their own character, personality, and unique voice, the constant switching between the masks on top of playing and singing vocals for each one of those characters, was very impressive. Attic Ted consists of members Grady Roper, guitar, vocals, synth clarinet, and Coby Cardosa, drums. Roper discussed more of their experience taking part of the event, highlighting community and the DIY aspects of the show. “The community in San Antonio is way more sincere and supportive than Austin. There’s always a broad range of ages and types of folks, all willing to have fun together; We loved how y’all allowed folks in for free who dressed up in circus costumes, the incorporation of art, vendors, and wrestling. It was a real community experience!” The duo expressed more of what Attic Ted offers as part of their involvement with events to make it a more meaningful experience. “Attic Ted is always trying to be original and encouraging others to be unique with their art. We often offer mask workshops before concerts so that the line between audience and performers blur into a shared experience,” Roper says. “I would rather play a DIY warehouse event over playing a money hungry venue anytime. Inspiring each other is priceless. Long live Circus Bizzaregnarr!”

Before the final act of the night, Vince Williams, a self-taught alternative magician drew in the crowd by performing magic up close and personal. “I’m self proclaimed, mixing elements of magic and sideshow. My role at Circus Bizzaregnarr was to make sure everyone had an amazing experience, shock the crowd, and give them a night they’d remember.” It was definitely an interesting night, especially as Vince’s performance continued with hammering nails into himself and jumping onto broken, shattered glass. Williams went onto explain the importance of magic and the impact it has on his audience and performance. “The genuine connections you build with your audiences. Just the fact of being able to meet a complete stranger and show them magic tricks that they may never forget, or simply put a smile on their face and make them forget their stresses for a second–I believe that’s the importance of magic.” He continues to mention more about his work ethic, and what he’s learned through magic. “I’m not any better than the next performer, but I’m a hard worker. I believe people can feel that through my performances. Magic has a beautiful way of bringing us together. I am grateful for this artistry, and I hope others can feel it too.”

Shivering Demons, the final thrill of Circus Bizzaregnarr–an alternative rock group based in Austin, Texas, gave an explosive conclusion to the event. “The show as a whole was very memorable because of how chaotic it was. There was fire spinning, a room full of aliens and robots, haunted chairs, carnival games, a man being thrown through an inch and a half wooden door–most shows aren’t that eventful.” Cats Pajamas created an entire museum exhibit he called ‘Freak Show,’ filled with all of his original art pieces to create a mesmerizing environment. “My art is bizarre in itself. It’s imperfect. You can clearly see my ‘mistakes.’ I do it for fun and for myself; My favorite piece would have to be the Killer Robot. It has the brain of Adolf Hitler and heart of Mother Teresa. Set out to kill the world… With kindness,” Cats says. Cade Gilbreath, guitarist of Shivering Demons, went on to mention the culture and how the event was a great time. “People should care about events like Circus Bizzaregnarr because it keeps a certain small sliver of our culture alive–it gives us freaks a place to go hang out and be ourselves at. The next time the circus comes to town, we’ll be the first ones there, hopefully with another box of confetti cannons.”

A very unique, ambitious crossover event that only the ones who attended will forever remember the magic of the moments captured that night. Cats Pajamas says that all of the original artwork displayed in the ‘Freak Show’ exhibit are available for purchase. “They can message on Instagram for any art piece if interested, or perhaps at the next Circus Bizzaregnarr!” With the amount of people the event attracted, as well as the ambitious crossovers between many different artists, a follow-up to Circus Bizzaregnarr will most likely happen in the future. “People don’t have to care about Circus Bizzaregnarr. We’re having fun.”

Journey Into Circus Bizzaregnarr: A Night of Chaotic Thrills