Barnum, Bailey and ... Beethoven!

The folks over at the Houston Symphony are always good for a laugh and some great music. (The music you can hear for yourself — on the laugh part, you'll just have to trust Houstonist, as journalistic integrity forces us to disclose that we practically grew up backstage at Jones Hall. And the late, great concertmaster Ray Fliegel did a spot-on Donald Duck impression. Seriously, y'all.)

Maybe the musicians won't be impersonating cartoon characters, but some fun is on tap this weekend, when a concert called Cirque du Symphony comes to Jones Hall. The concert features performers such as contortionists, jugglists, and an aerial act, all performing to the orchestra's music (including Ravel's "Bolero", selections from Star Wars and, of course, "Under the Big Top").

There are tthree performances, and you can buy tickets online starting at $27. If that seems a little steep, show up at the box office an hour or so prior to curtain for rush tickets.

If you feel like the commute, the concert will also be performed tonight at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion — pre-concert activities geared toward famillies (face-paint, anyone?) begin at 6:30 p.m., and seating on the lawn is free.

See you at the circus!

What: Houston Symphony's Cirque du Symphony
When: Tonight @ 7:30 p.m. (gates open at 6:30), Friday and Saturday @ 8 p.m. and Sunday @ 7:30 p.m.
Where:Tonight at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion (click for directions and a map) and over the weekend at Jones Hall (615 Louisiana between Capitol and Texas)

image by flickr user ckeester