STORY BY MARCO MARTINEZ PHOTOS BY JULIE BURDICK

Most people know Luke Boyce by his alter-ego, L-Bow the Clown. The former Wenatchee Youth Circus performer has turned his circus abilities into a successful sidelight as a professional clown, performing hundreds of shows over the past 15-plus years.

Luke took time out of his busy schedule — summer is his busiest time of year — to answer some questions for us by email. Here’s the interview:

How was L-Bow born?

When I was a kid, I couldn’t stay still for much longer than a minute. I didn’t go to the local Peshastin Library to check out a book, I went there solely to learn to juggle! The librarian (Paul Anderman) taught me to juggle when I was 10. Then when I was 12, the Icicle River Middle School purchased 20 unicycles for P.E. and recess. I was like any other kid who rides their bike everywhere around town and to the local store, but for me, I was riding my unicycle. I even rode it home from school.

One day a man (Tim Endrizzi) stopped me and said, “Hey kid, you should join the circus.” I was like, “Ummm, OK,” but he was serious though and gave me a number to the director of the Wenatchee Youth Circus, I called him and the very next Saturday I went down to the circus lot. I was hooked.

How often do you — without makeup — get recognized on the street as L-Bow?

Hardly ever! Unless they really know me, most people don’t believe it. However, when I’m getting out of my Big Red Jeep, it’s a dead giveaway, but even then I tell them I’m L-Bow’s brother.

How long does it take you to physically transform into character?

From the time I start my makeup to the time I’m dressed, loaded and ready to roll out, it’s a full hour.

Do you have to flip a mental switch to get into character?

I get the hour it takes me to get my makeup ready to mentally prepare as well, but on the other hand, as soon as I hit play and the music starts for my show, the rest of the world fades from view and is off my mind, and it’s all about performing my best for the audience.

What’s your favorite kind of event to perform at?

Libraries and school assemblies are near the top of the list, but my favorite event to perform at is the local Grace City Church Hoedown (in October) and other church block parties, outreach programs or Bible camps where I get to perform my full Christian show with all-Christian music and a great overall message.

How many gigs do you do in a typical year?

I’ve averaged about 100 shows a year the last 10 years, which is close to two shows a week!

When is your busy season and what’s that like?

My busiest two months are June and July. I once did 10 shows in four days for a library tour and 18 shows over the course of just 17 days! It’s a blast, but I have to take care of myself by eating right and staying fit. My most profitable months are September and October due to many area fairs and festivals. 

You were pretty hot on the flame breathing/fire eating thing for a while, but it’s been a while since I’ve seen you light up. Why is that?

I do my fire shows quite a bit still but the only reasons I can think of is that I don’t do my fire shows for free and this last year for the Wenatchee Wild season I only performed on the ice once as to four to five times over the past several seasons. This coming season though, I plan to be there more, providing ballooning and fire shows and we also could be providing face painting for every Wild home game!

Does Luke Boyce have a hard time getting people to take him seriously?

No, I’m actually a pretty serious guy at home and at work, which is a reason why no one ever guesses I’m a clown.

You juggle machetes and torches. What’s the most serious injury you’ve suffered while performing as L-Bow?

You would think the most serious injury I’ve gotten from a show would be from my juggling machetes or blowing fire but actually, as far back as I can remember, the worst was when I was performing at a birthday party at Westside Pizza in Quincy. I was reaching into my trunk for my juggling clubs and caught my finger on a sharp edge of the lid, and it sliced me pretty bad. I had to put on a few Band-Aids before continuing my show.

How many more years do you see yourself performing as L-Bow?

It’s been about 20 years since my very first show and I think I have another 20 years in me, but my two daughters Mia (Hipster), age 12 and Lexi (Knee-Hi), age 8, may follow after my footsteps and I could pass the torch on to them. Also, back when I was 4 years old, I wanted to grow up to be Santa Claus. I’d say I’ll hang up L-Bow’s hat when I can grow a full white beard and a nice round belly.