NEW in 2011: Eric Schwartz, Michael Trautman, Richard Hartnell, and Thomas John

We always love welcoming artists new to performing at the Moisture Festival. Here are a few we've convinced to join in the springtime fun.

Eric Schwartz's razor sharp, adults-mostly, on-the-spot wit combined with his exceptional musicality have made him a stand-out performer when appearing alongside comedy masters, on the Comedy Central Stage, at clubs, on the radio, and on the web, where his edgy, political YouTube videos chalk up millions of hits and garner him illicit proposals from all corners of the globe. We're ever so glad he took us up on our invitation. Check out his website for more video and info.

"Blending politically savvy comedy with music has always been a slippery slope. Eric Schwartz knows just how to meld funny and funky."
- Hustler Magazine, March, 2008






Variously identified as a visual comic, performance artist, new vaudevillian, mime (gasp), physical comedian, storyteller, magician, and fool, Michael Trautman claims only to be a clown...and not a very traditional clown at that. Cringe in horror as Michael Trautman runs with pointy objects. Gasp in disgust as he plays with his food. Just try to look away as this overgrown delinquent stuffs five ping-pong balls into his mouth, all at the same time! Michael has performed around the world and we are delighted to welcome him to our corner of it at the Moisture Festival. Website.


Richard Hartnell's contact juggling performance showcases the art form's ethereal fluidity. Currently residing in the San Francisco Bay Area, this particular sphere charmer shocks and amazes audiences on stages and streets, and in clubs and parlors between Seattle and San Francisco, Bourbon Street and Black Rock City. Richard's style of contact juggling is mystical, hypnotic, precocious, and inspiring. Originating in Bellingham, WA and influenced by the East Bay fire spinning community, Richard claims an impressive repertoire of fluid manipulations and glass-smooth isolations. We can't wait to experience his magic. Website.





Thomas John is a juggler, physical comedian, and puppeteer based in San Francisco. He is recent graduate of the advanced clowning program at the San Francisco Circus Center and is also a seasoned street performer. Wit is his weapon of choice and with explosive performances, built on juggling, clown, audience participation, and circus apparatus we think he'll fit right in at the Moisture Festival.