We Heart Freaks

Freaks are apparently in high demand these days. Just look at the 999 Eyes Freakshow, a roving band of human oddities and their beloved cohorts that returns for a show at Trunk Space. Says Samantha X, the odd squad’s co-founder and freak mama, “Since the last time we visited Phoenix, we’ve been covered by National Geographic, the BBC, and are working on a project with someone from Ripley’s Believe It or Not!”

The first authentic freak show in the past half-century or so features performers with genetic anomalies, like Lobster Girl, the Human Tripod, and Elephant Man. During their “Real Stories From Real Freaks” segment, the live human oddities spin inspiring yarns about how they’ve been empowered by the ambling family that the collective has become. That Damned Band, a jug group that bangs out dark carnival gypsy music, provides the live soundtrack for this all-out celebration of the weird.

The spectacle naturally beguiles adults, but it enchants little ones, too, according to Miss X. “Kids absolutely love us,” she crows.

An early show for families takes place at 7 p.m. while the big-kids version follows at 11.