News and Media

ARTANIA FEATURING RUSSIAN COSSACK WARRIORS & CIRQUE-STYLE ACROBATS PRESS PREVIEW TODAY AT SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK

Russian Circus Event Under the Big Top, Produced by Legendary Kantemirov Family of Cossack Riders, Making U.S. Debut March 14 – April 12, 2009

WHAT:           Sam Houston Race Park and Live Nation present the U.S. debut of Artania, for a limited engagement run of 4 weeks only, March 14 through April 12, 2009.  Join Artania’s artistic and creative director Mairbek Kantimerov, a decedent of the legendary Kantimerov family Cossack warriors, for an exclusive press conference and “Behind-the-Big-Top” tour of the show on Wednesday, March 4 at 11:30 a.m.   

Artania features the legendary Kantemirov Family Cossack warriors, breath-taking horsemanship and cirques-style acrobatic artistry, with a cast of 55 aerial artists, acrobats and more under a large custom built air-controlled tent. The event features a mystical musical journey and an array of performers providing a mix of artistry, contortion, acrobatics, dance and more!  Artania also includes 12 of the rarest Russian horses in ornate dressage, showcasing an extraordinary white albino and a horse with a bloodline dating back to Alexander the Great! The show is open to all ages.  Tickets start at $29 and are available online at www.shrp.com and www.livenation.com or 800-211-3381. 

WHO:             Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located 15 minutes from downtown Houston, and offers a variety of attractions including 19 luxury suites overlooking the race track, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and Jockey Club.  The Park’s newest addition, The Showgrounds, is an all-ages venue that hosts annual Country, Classic Rock and Contemporary concert events throughout the year.  For more information on upcoming shows, events and tickets, please visit www.theshowgrounds.com.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY, 11:30 a.m.

• Press conference for Artania’s  U.S. debut with remarks from the show’s  artistic and creative director Mairbek Kantimerov;
• Behind-the-Big-Top Tour featuring preview of tent, performance ring, set & costume décor;
• Tour the stable area featuring 12 of the rarest Russian horses including the White Albino and the largest horse in the show;
• Demonstrations from the cirque-style performers.

WHEN:          Wednesday, March 4, 2009
                       11:30 a.m.     Press Conference & Behind-the-Big-Top Tour
                                   
WHERE:       Under the Big Top at Sam Houston Race Park 
                      7575 N. Sam Houston Parkway W
                      Houston, Texas 77064

ON-SITE
CONTACT:   Gina Rotolo, Director of Communications, 832-368-6233 cell