Love Criss Angel Mindfreak? Check out CoRE

I'm going to be honest here -the event I'm about to blog about is not for everyone.

But if you are looking for a show that is memorizing with powerful movements, imagery and music, then check out CoRE at the Meridian on July 25.

CRISS ANGEL IS A WUSS COMPARED TO THESE GUYS

When I first heard about the event, someone told me it was a performance that blended theatrical arts with ancient and modern day rituals of suspension and body piercing.

I know - it sounds a little different from your traditional theatre experience, but I had two big questions: "People really go see that?" and "What exactly does it mean?"

So I had to find out more. And guess what? While it's not exactly a family event, it's kind of cool. That's because the theatre performances of CoRE are sort of like a combination of Criss Angel Mindfreak and Cirque du Soleil, except a lot more raw and intense. In fact, after checking out some their stuff I'm beginning to think Criss Angel may need to kick it up a notch.

"The show is similar to the small original street performances of Cirque du Soleil before they hit the bit time," said Gary Driscoll, Marketing Director of CoRE.

Yup, that's right. There's great lighting, original music, costumes - the whole works. And just like other theatrical performances, the entire audience becomes immersed in the event while becoming a part of it.

But instead of acrobats swinging around or Criss Angel being burned alive or getting run over while laying on a bed of nails, these performers use piercings, swords, spears and other ancient ritualistic items in their performance. There are also no magical illusions. This is the real thing.
"What we do is not new by any standards. The rituals that we do have been done by cultures all over the world. We just put a modern day spin on them and throw in some theatrics," said Driscoll.

SO WHAT WILL YOU SEE ON SATURDAY?

Saturday's performance the Meridian is a special show.

CoRE started in Houston nearly 10 years ago and has since branched out to Los Angeles and Oakland, California. The LA group recently lost their costumes and theatrical equipment in a fire, so showing their true Texas spirit, the Houston group has rallied together to put on a fundraiser for them.

"This show is a small one and it's got a carnival free to it," said Driscoll. "We want you to 'step right up and see the sideshow freak'."

Like all of their shows, this event will have lighting, costumes and original music. The audience will feel like they have been transported into a carnival, but there's a twist: This carnival has a real life voodoo doll as the main attraction.

"To raise money, we want people to buy a dart to hit the voodoo doll, and get a real live person pierced," said Driscoll.

Can you say "ouch"?

Of course, there are some restrictions. There are no piercings on the face, hands or private areas.

Are you ready to "Mindfreaked" Houston style and transported into a carnival that will open your eyes to an ancient artform? If so, check out CoRE at The Meridian.

EVENT DETAILS

Doors open at 9 p.m.
Cover is $10 for ages 21 and up and $12 for 18-21
Location: 1503 Chartres St., Houston , TX 77006
Performances by: ION, Morgue City and CoRE.