So many people have pointed out the clown shortage to me that I had to react. Luckily most of these people weren’t to worried because they know me. I’d like to say I’m part of the solution but the story cites that the World Clown Association (WCA) is down on it’s membership. Well guess who forgot to renew last year? I don’t think Mike has ever signed up.

The real shortage is people who know a clown when they see one. The NY Daily News ran the original story with a picture of 2 opera singers and fox and friends showed clips of the spoof clown from “In Living Color.” Of course if you’re reading this blog then I’m probably preaching to the choir. But the next time someone mentions a clown shortage or the ever popular comment, “I’m afraid of clowns,” you can pity them for their narrow definition of a clown. And feel free to tell them that you know what a clown is and invite them to a Miller & Mike show to see for themselves.

Miller

I got the chance to visit the Circus World Museum last week and if you haven’t been there in a while, this is the year to go back. When you get there say Hi to Rodger the clown, one of Miller & Mike’s friends who also toured with the Ringling Bros. circus. Tell him you know us and he’ll be extra funny.

New this year to the museum is an indoor theater showing an amazing magic show. The big top show has some amazing acts as well. My favorites were the contortionist, the monkeys and a great comedy trampoline act. There is also a good dog act, unicycles and of course Rodger the clown.

Baraboo really is Wisconsin’s hidden treasure. Along with the museum Baraboo has a great downtown square with not only quaint cafe’s and the Al Ringling Theater but also the International Clown Hall of Fame. When you’re there say Hi to Greg and know that you’re talking to the soap gag King. He’s another former RBBB (Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey) clown but his resume only starts there.

Have fun.

Miller

Memorial Day is here and with it the unofficial start of summer. That means Mike and I will be back at Celebrate De Pere. What better way to ring in summer then spend a weekend at beautiful Voyager Park in De Pere with great bands, fun rides and your favorite clowns, Miller & Mike.

There is so much to see and do. You can vote at the car show, listen to Boogie and the Yo-yoz and cheer on your favorite team in the homemade boat race (only cardboard and duct tape allowed).

We’re very glad to be back at Celebrate De Pere with shows at 2:45pm & 6:00pm on Saturday then 1:30pm & 4:45pm on Sunday. Here is a photo I found from Celebrate De Pere 2012, everyone needs a hero.

Whatever you end up doing this weekend, make sure you remember those who gave their lives for the freedom we all enjoy. Happy Memorial Day and God bless America.

Miller

Those of you who are still upset by the poor performance of your bracket during this year’s March madness have no fear, it’s not over yet. While the damage to your bracket might feel like a broken leg there is one place where you can forget your worries and again enjoy the sport with the orange ball.

The brave fire fighters of Little Chute, Kimberly, and Combined Locks might not be masters of the game but they will take it to a new level with the help of their four-legged teammates. You’ve seen the game before but never like this. It’s all for the benefit of the FD, the flag fund and the old glory honor flight.

Come early because I’ll be there with a pre-show, bringing laughs and pumping up the crowd. You’d better believe I’m going to stick around to see the winning coach get a barrel of hay dumped on him.

Watch a bunch of grown fire fighters shot from their, donkeys. The game is Sunday, April 14th at 2:00pm at the Little Chute High School. Tickets are only $10 and are available at, East Wisconsin Savings Bank, Seth’s Coffee Shop, Vanderloop Shoes, and the Little Chute, Kimberly and Combined Locks fire departments.

Miller

I need your help! There is an excellent ukulele manufacturer in Hawaii that’s running a contest and giving away a uke worth about $1,250 (I want it). Entering is pretty simple, you post a video of yourself making uke music, people vote and the most votes win.

Go to http://iframe.wizehive.com/voting/view/win-a-tenor-koaloha-electric-ukulele-package/13342/1169544/0 to see my video and vote for it because it’s the best. I know it’s a crazy web address but it’s not my fault. The song is titled “I Love Star Wars,” you’ll find me on a couch next to Yoda. While you’re there watch some of the other videos and listen to some great uke playing. You’re allowed to vote once every 24 hours so go back every day and keep voting.

It’ll take a lot of work but if we win the ukulele will belong to all of us. Let’s keep it at my house first.

Miller

Miller and Mike draw comedic inspiration from many sources, some traditional some not so much.

When Miller and I toured with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus there were many a train run we would spend watching the Marx Brothers movies, trying to absorb some of the spirit and humor they provided.

If you are looking for your own inspiration or maybe just to tickle your funny bone let me recommend the Marx Brothers.  It just so happens you can view the classic Marx Brothers movie Duck Soup on Netflix right now.

If you are ready for a looney madcap romp through love, war, and international diplomacy add Duck Soup to your instant queue.

I have already watched it like 500 times!

Mike

I love Miller & Mike

That’s a little person giving a lot of enthusiasm not a full grown person giving a little enthusiasm.

My little girl was sporting a customized shirt the other day showing some love for her favorite comedy team. It took a long time to get her to stand still long enough to take the pic, as anyone with a 1 year old would tell you.

Don’t worry, there is plenty of time for her favorite shirt to make it through the laundry cycle and be clean again before our next show at the Sheboygan Falls library next Friday on the 15th. You can find all the details at www.MillerandMike.com on the calendar page.

I just had to share her squinty-eyed, super excited smile/scream.

Miller

Greetings all,

Now that they are nice and broken in, I had to share a picture of my new performing shoes.  They are custom Converse Chuck Taylors.

Did you know that you can go to the converse website, here and create your own shoes.

I of course went with the double upper hi, in the Miller and Mike colors. 

They do make me run faster and jump higher.

Mike

Greetings,

2012 was  a great year for Miller and Mike and there is no way we could have achieved the success we did with out all of you.

It has always been you who have helped us bring our brand of Quality Family Entertainment to our audience. Whether it is inviting us to your event to perform, attending an event we perform at, or just reading this post you have helped us to entertain, inspire, and educate children of all ages, all over.

Miller and I are constantly at work trying to find new venues and events to perform at.  We  send email, attend trade shows, and make cold calls, but no matter how many of these we do, it is the call we get from a client who has heard about us from someone they know.  It is the word of mouth, the interpersonal connection that has helped us grow and continue to bring our live show to more and more audiences.

Miller and Mike are still as active and entertaining as ever.  So we ask you to give us a moment of your time, we know how precious it is, and think about how you can promote quality live entertainment. Perhaps, you know someone having a family oriented event at a school or a church, maybe you know someone on the board of a festival or fair, we kindly ask that you mention us.  We are easy to contact at our website www.millerandmike.com and if we can’t offer what they are looking for  we can recommend a lot of other quality performers and educators who might be able to offer something.

I look forward to another year of making you all laugh.

Mike

In light of Mike’s favorite holiday National Chocolate Cake day, this Sunday, I’m posting my favorite chocolate cake recipe. This recipe also happens to be a favorite of our 40th President, Ronald Reagan. I came across it several years ago thumbing through a book by white house chefs about the favorite dishes of the Presidents they cooked for.

I first made this flour-less chocolate cake over Valentines Day for the girl who would be my wife. Without flour it uses what Julia Childs would call, “egg power.” The recipe is a little tricky but don’t be scared just give it a try and after you take that first bite you’ll know it was worth it. Enjoy National Chocolate Cake Day!

Miller

Orange Flourless Chocolate Cake For the Reagan Family by Roland Mesnier

1 ½ sticks (170g) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing flour, for dusting

6 ounces (170g) bittersweet chocolate

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar

Zest of one large orange

4 eggs plus 2 egg yolks

½ cup (55g) unsweetened cocoa powder

Powdered sugar for dusting

Candied orange peel and vanilla ice cream, to serve

Preheat oven to 375 F. Butter and flour a 10inch round cake pan. Line the bottom of the pan with Parchment paper, then butter and flour the parchment paper.

Gently melt the chocolate over a double boiler. Stir the butter into the chocolate to melt, and stir until smooth. Remove from the double boiler and whisk the sugar and orange zest into the chocolate mixture. Add the eggs and egg yolks and whisk well.

Sift the cocoa powder over the chocolate mixture and whisk the batter until totally smooth. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for approximately 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top has formed a good crust. Cool the cake in the pan on a rack 10 minutes. Invert the cake onto a serving platter. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with candied orange peel and vanilla ice cream.