Lenny Hoops

 

Gallery • 6 Photos

Mary Galkowski

Lenny Hoops, circus performer, shares his life story on the Santa Monica Pier to a group of high school students on April 13. Hoops stopped playing music for the crowd and emphasized the importance of finding yourself through adventure and opportunities outside of one's hometown. “When you graduate high school that is your only opportunity to see the world. You can always come back home, but you must get out,” Hoops said.

From growing up as a country boy in Savannah, GA, to performing at the Apollo Theatre in New York City and now living in Los Angeles, CA, Lenny Hoops performs on the Santa Monica boardwalk daily for the joy in entertaining and putting a smile on every face that walks by.

“Entertaining has been in my blood from the beginning,” Hoops said.

As a circus emcee and ring master when he is not in California, Hoops entertains locals through singing, playing music, putting on shows for kids and making balloons—all out of his appreciation for life itself and the people around him everyday.

“I paint, I record music, I make my own costumes and I have fun. Entertaining is my middle name,” Hoops said.

Hoops’ career got its kickstart two years ago on the Saint Monica boardwalk while he was entertaining visitors and an incognito circus director was fascinated by his skills and ability to captivate an audience. After two hours, the director approached him and two days after the encounter, Hoops was flown to Texas.

“And there I was in front of thousands, and it felt so natural and it felt so good. Right after that show, he offered me the opportunity to emcee his circus,” Hoops said.

Hoops has been a part of the circus ever since, yet still comes back to Santa Monica where it all began. He strives to positively influence the lives of those who pass him by on the pier.

“Pretty much just being alive, and just living is what I do. It’s all in the good family, and it’s the people that get me goin’ every day. It’s a good life, I think. I can’t help it. It’s the energy of the people. It doesn’t matter what age, gender, color, or any of that, we’re all just people,” Hoops said.

After attending Morehouse College, followed by joining the navy for nine years as a submarine operator, Hoops said he found himself.

“I got a check every two weeks. I didn’t have to ask anybody for anything. I’ve had my military discipline: my pants right, hair cut, everything. Boom. There I was at 25; I didn’t have to look around,” Hoops said.

After students graduate from high school, Hoops emphasizes that this is their first and only opportunity to see the world while they are young.

“Get out, go to college, join the military, but do not stay in that town—go find yourself because there is a whole other world out there,” Hoops said. “You can always come back home, but you must go. This is your chance.”