{"product_id":"mills-bros-circus-1964-photo-band-leader-trumpeter-joe-steffan-5-x-4","title":"Mills Bros Circus 1964 Photo Band Leader Trumpeter Joe Steffan 5 x 4","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"186\" data-end=\"337\"\u003eThis 1964 photograph shows Mills Bros Circus band leader and trumpeter Joe Steffan standing outdoors beside a circus trailer while holding his trumpet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"339\" data-end=\"845\"\u003eTraveling American circuses of the mid-twentieth century relied heavily on live brass bands, which provided the musical energy that drove performances under the big top. The band leader played a central role in coordinating cues for acts, maintaining tempo for parades and entrances, and directing musicians who often performed multiple times a day during touring seasons. Visual documentation of circus musicians away from the performance ring offers a rare look at the working infrastructure of the show.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"847\" data-end=\"1343\"\u003eThe image presents Joe Steffan in full band uniform with peaked cap, jacket with decorative cuffs, and trumpet held at his side. The setting appears to be the outdoor lot area of the circus, with a rounded metal trailer wall forming the background and an open landscape extending beyond. The reverse of the photograph features a handwritten identification reading Joe Steffan Band Leader Mills Bros 1964, providing a direct contemporary attribution to the subject and role within the circus band.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1345\" data-end=\"1634\"\u003eThe item shown in the listing is the exact item the collector will receive. We have tens of thousands of items to choose from. Shipping will always be combined (or refunded) to save you as much money as possible. Please contact us with any questions, or visit our store page for specifics.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Everything Ephemera","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52914019762360,"sku":"20260305q","price":18.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0939\/8740\/6008\/files\/57_30e94dba-94ed-444b-a37e-9f992ac48574.jpg?v=1772783199","url":"https:\/\/everythingephemera.com\/products\/mills-bros-circus-1964-photo-band-leader-trumpeter-joe-steffan-5-x-4","provider":"Everything Ephemera","version":"1.0","type":"link"}