‘The Loud Mime,’ ‘Juggling Jase’ and ‘Reidiculous Reid’ to OfferEnthralling Entertainment at Key West’s ‘Summer Solstice Celebration’

“The Loud Mime,” aka Will Flederman, whose talents include squeezing their entire body through a small, gutted tennis racket, will appear as a featured performance artist during the June 1-20 “Summer Solstice Celebration” at Mallory Square in Key West. (Photo by Harry Purdy)

“Reidiculous Reid” Conklin, pictured in action during an audience participation stunt, is to team up with “Juggling Jase” Anderson for a collaborative act and demonstration on June 15 as a highlight of the June 1-20 “Summer Solstice Celebration” at Mallory Square. (Photo by Carol Tedesco)

Key West, Fla. — A vaudevillian and circus artist known as “The Loud Mime” and two daredevils who began their decades-long performance careers as pre-teens are to headline the entertainment lineup during the magical “Summer Solstice Celebration,” set for June 1-20 at Mallory Square beside Key West Harbor.

The festivities celebrate the pageantry, enchantment and mystical significance of the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year when the sun’s energy is strongest. Presented by the Key West Cultural Preservation Society, organizer of the island’s famed nightly sunset gathering at Mallory Square, the event features thrilling live performances, demonstrations of creativity by artists and artisans, hands-on experiences and sun-centered activities — all culminating on June 20, the night of the 2025 solstice.

Festival attendees can enjoy rollicking shows by “The Loud Mime” Will Flederman, returning to Key West for a limited engagement after enthralling U.S. and international audiences with a blend of classic vaudeville, circus stunts and irreverent comedy. Among Flederman’s most mesmerizing undertakings is squeezing their entire body through a small, gutted tennis racket.

“Some performers call Mallory Square the Olympics of street theater, because as a stage it is unlike anywhere else in the world,” said Flederman. “It turned me into the performer I am today, and I can’t wait to be back for the ‘Summer Solstice Celebration.’”

Performance highlights also include a collaborative act and demonstration Sunday, June 15, by “Reidiculous Reid” Conklin and “Juggling Jase” Anderson, who grew up together honing their showmanship at Mallory Square.

Conklin has entertained in more than 20 countries since beginning his career at age 12, and is constantly fine-tuning his talent and innovative presentation. Today he offers a high-energy comedy act that combines whip cracking, knife juggling and jaw-dropping feats of balance.

Anderson started juggling as a 12-year-old and subsequently developed a comedy-rich routine that blends juggling and unicycling, feats of balance and audience participation. With more than 18 years of experience, he has taken his show on the road to entertain around the United States.

Their collaborative Summer Solstice showcase will feature comedy, juggling and whip cracking in a fusion of the individual acts they present at the Mallory Square Sunset Celebration — an event Conklin praised for its authenticity and true local atmosphere.

“It’s so unique, with the bohemian island vibe, right on the water — and what a view,” he said. “How perfect is Key West?” 

Other featured “Summer Solstice Celebration” performers include young musicians from the Bahama Village Music Program, making four appearances during the festival. Their versatile and dynamic offerings focus on the sounds of the islands, ranging from steel pan drum rhythms to junkanoo stylings.

As well as marveling at entertainers’ skill, festival attendees can observe as artisans and crafters demonstrate their creative wizardry; savor food and drink from local vendors; and participate in age-old solstice traditions by setting intentions for the coming months, making flower crowns associated with the occasion, and opening themselves to illumination and personal renewal.  

Events start at 7 p.m. each evening at Mallory Square in conjunction with the nightly sunset gathering, begun some 50 years ago and now an internationally renowned attraction for visitors.

The “Summer Solstice Celebration” is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. Visit sunsetcelebration.org for more information and a full schedule of events.