Entertainers fascinate beach crowd with flames PACIFIC BEACH — Fire has the unique ability to make people run away with fear while simultaneously mesmerizing them and capturing their undivided attention. For Jon Nowaczyk and Anton Reichel, playing with fire is something they choose to do on a regular basis. Entertaining locals and tourists in Pacific Beach as Von Jon and Anton, these two performers put on a show called the Fire Lane. Their act involves juggling flaming torches, acrobatics, comedy and more. Nowaczyk is in his third season with the Fire Lane. Vacationers who come to Pacific Beach for the summer — and those who live here year-round — have watched his abilities and confidence steadily improve. He finds inspiration from the fans who keep coming back and encourage him to chase his passion. “All of the positive energy I get in PB makes me feel great to be here,” he said. “The show makes people happy and it creates a really good vibe.” Nowaczyk, 24, first got involved in circus when a friend noticed his talents in his native Indiana six years ago. Back then, he enjoyed jumping off objects (like houses) onto the hard ground. Impressed by his ability to leap and tumble unscathed, his friend invited him to learn more about circus. After meeting a variety of interesting and inspiring people along the Nowaczyk landed in Pacific Beach and joined the Fire Lane crew. “I freaked out one day back home and packed up all my stuff into a van and started driving out here,” he said. “That was about two-and-half years ago and I’ve been a full-time performer ever since.” Nowaczyk met Reichel after a Fire Lane show last year while having dinner at Ocean’s Pizza and the two quickly formed a friendship. Before long, Reichel expressed a desire to learn more about circus and Nowaczyk obliged to teach him. Soon thereafter, the two formed a partnership and started performing the Fire Lane together. “I’m so glad and honored to be a part of it,” Reichel said. “Not many people get to do this sort of thing. It’s really nice to show people the talents we have and they seem to really enjoy it.” The pair complements each other well. Nowaczyk is more intense, experienced and active in the show. Anton is laid-back and adds a calming and comedic element to the Fire Lane. Nowaczyk isn’t overly concerned with how far his talents will take him. He isn’t opposed to “making it big” someday. But for now, he said he is happy to be earning a living doing what he loves. Although places like New York and Las Vegas have their appeal, as Nowaczyk (who has caught the surfing bug) puts it, “In Vegas they don’t have any waves at all,” he said. “I’d be happy to fly out to different cities for a few days and then come back to San Diego because I really like it here.” The Fire Lane is located at the end of Pacific Beach Drive next to the boardwalk. The entertainment gets under way after sunset and lasts about 20 minutes. During the summer, the show goes on almost every night. Donations are welcomed, Nowaczyk said. The Fire Lane crew is available for private bookings as well. For more information, call (619) 804-7305, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.thefirelane.art.officelive.net.