Presents CIRCUS REPORT& ShowbizUSA A collaboration of Bob Kames, Jr., 123iMP, and Lee Stevens, Director of the Carnival World Museum W


hen Bob Kames Jr., cofounder of the event solu-


tions company 123iMP, met Doc Rivera — the passionate curator of the International Indepen- dent Showmen’s Museum — he had no idea their conversation would spark a mission to pro- tect and preserve a vital part of American entertainment history. Doc Rivera dedicated his life


to curating the Museum, amass- ing an extraordinary collection of film reels, VHStapes,and early DVDs. These rare mate- rialsdocumenteddecades of carnival and circus life — per- formances, parades, and behind-the-scenes moments that captured the magic of a bygone era. But as the years passed, that media began to degrade. Many of the museum’s displays relied on outdated DVD players that were barely functioning. The stories Doc feared, were at risk of being lost forever. It was the personal tour Doc gave Bob that set the hook! That’s when Bob stepped in — not just as a media expert,


but as someone with deep roots in entertainment and a per- sonal appreciation for preserving history. Before founding 123iMP, Bob owned and operated a pro-


fessional video production facility, working extensively with analog and digital formats. He understood better than most that older media must be digitized properly to preserve it for the future. Bob is also a lifelong entertainer. As a drummer, he per-


formed alongside his father, Bob Kames Sr., the musician be- hind the global hit “The Chicken Dance.” The song became a worldwide sensation, and Bob Jr. kept the beat behind the scenes — literally. “I’ve always believed entertainment is more than just a show — it’s history in motion,” he said. During their conversations, Doc shared his fears about the


aging archive. Moved by Doc’s passion and lifelong dedication, Bob made him a promise: to digitize the collection and upgrade the museum’s media systems so these stories could live on.


Shortly after that conversa-


tion, Doc Rivera passed away. But Bob stayed true to his word. Through 123iMP, Bob donat-


ed the complete digitization of the museum’s media display ar- chives. He replaced all 16 outdat- ed DVD players throughout the museum’s exhibits, with state- of-the-art digital video players bringing displays back to life and enhancing the visitor experience. “Every piece of footage is a


living memory,” Bob said. “This wasn’t just about equipment — it was about preserving joy, wonder, and legacy.” Today, Lee Stevens, a longtime performerand respectedfig-


ure in the circus and carnival world, has taken over the reins as director, and updated the museum with a new name, The Carnival World Museum. With his deep understanding of the industry and passion for preserving its legacy, Lee is continu- ing Doc Rivera’s vision — now backed by modern technology and fully digitized displays. Thanks to Bob’s commitment and Lee’s leadership, the


Carnival World Museum remains a vibrant, living tribute to the entertainment world’s golden age. Visitors will continue to see, hear, and experience the magic of the carnival — pre- served, protected, and ready to inspire future generations. If you have any old 8mm, Super 8 film, ¾-inch U-matic,


Betacam, M-II, or VHS video that may hold circus, carnival, or fair history, please contact the Carnival World Museum (they Know how to find Bob). Your media could become a valuable part of this growing archive and help preserve the rich story of America’s entertainment past. Now, through 123iMP — an event solutions company serv-


ing fairs, festivals, and consumer shows across the country — Bob continues to support the live event world, combining his expertise in technology, operations, and entertainment. “I made Doc a promise,” Bob said. “And now, long after he’s


gone, his dream still lives on — for everyone to see, hear, and feel.”


|   


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