Will (The Artist Formerly Known as) Indiana Bob Come Through?
By MIKE STINSON
Copy editor, The Spectator, September 28, 1999 (edited for length)
He's world-renowned, but I admit the name Indiana Bob doesn't ring a bell. I've been told his artistic credentials are impeccable and he is worth catching, if you'll pardon the pun.
I'm referring to McMaster University Commerce grad and juggler extraordinaire Bob Cates and his traveling Comedy in Motion show.
It happens that the adventurous Bob Cates was recently in our neck of the woods at Stoney Creek Alliance Church, where he delighted both young and old during a fun-filled pancake breakfast recently.
Of course, try telling that to my oldest, Miss Fuss Pot, when it comes to fiddling with her hair. As a result, we got there too late to sample the maple-syrup-thick flapjacks. Oh well, there was Indiana Bob to sooth one's ruffled feathers and to look forward to.
Here's a talent who has traveled the world with his interactive comedy that was choreographed to music while he did juggling, unicycling, magic and plate spinning.
How good is he? As a Christian with a Gospel message, Indiana Bob often performs at churches worldwide. Would he be the showman he was touted to be or just another amateur entertainer?
All I can say is Amen. Did he ever deliver - both the message and then some. His delivery was flawless whether on a unicycle, juggling balls, interacting with children, or a number of other acts.
If Roger Ebert had been there to observe, Bob Cates would've received a big thumbs up. A tip of the bowler to Pastor Dan Driedge and his wife, Connie, for providing the messenger and the message.
The Spectator, September 28, 1999