What started as a birthday favor in 1998 for a friend has evolved into a career as one of the most recognizable and respected performers in the gay community. Circuit MOM and his production company have taken dance floors, theatrical stages and charity events by storm with their own unique brand of sass, humor and pageantry.

Matthew Harvat is the man behind Circuit MOM. Exploring his need to develop an inner strength and make a difference in his own life, he embarked on a journey of performing for various local and national events that focus on raising awareness and much needed funds for the GLBT community. That desire has produced a new, fresh approach to music interpretation. “We try to take a particular song and make it our own by presenting it in a way that the audience would not expect. Hopefully, every time people hear that song from that point on, they think of us!” Their style had been called “broadway meets the dance floor”.

Citing that there is too much angst, aggression and negativity in music, video’s, nightclub productions and circuit events, Circuit MOM Productions has adopted the motto of “Better Parties Through Positive Energy” and it has paid off. In less than two years, they were featured performers for New York City’s Heritage of Pride celebration, Rick Sena’s Alegria, Toronto’s “Fashion Cares” a MAC Cosmetics HIV/AIDS event, San Francisco’s Halloween Benefits, Montreal’s Black and Blue Festival, Washington D.C.’s Cherry Fund Organization, Hotlanta and Chicago’s very own Steppenwolf Theater. 2005 marked Circuit MOM’s fifth appearance for the Heart’s Foundation’s Fireball. In Chicago, Circuit MOM held concert/dance events every August during “Market Days” that benefited various local GLBT organizations, plus numerous other performances and personal events, including “Who’s That Girl” and The Art Institutes “Red, Hot and Blue Ball” to aid in the growth of our community. In its first year, MOM’s concert set an attendance and sales record at the Park West Theater and continued on a very successful three year run. Circuit MOM was a featured performer with the Springfield, Illinois Ballet Company’s fall show “Rock Ballet-Women in Rock” and the world famous “WIGSTOCK”. The Chicago Sun Times, a mainstream newspaper featured Circuit MOM on the cover of their Mother’s Day Sunday magazine as the featured story in 2002 and Chicago’s “Metromix” entertainment show utilized Circuit MOM for their gay pride special by following from makeup chair to club hopping. Canada’s “Pink Planet” gay travel series special on Chicago was co-hosted by MOM solidifying her international appeal.

Diversity in events keeps MOM’s evolution on point. International Mister Leather has utilized MOM for 9 years running and Chicago’s Gay Pride parade usually sees upwards of 4 different award winning floats produced by CMP, Inc. Circuit MOM has shared the stage with countless international artists such as Taylor Dayne, Reina, Suzanne Palmer, the cast of “Queer Eye For The Straight Guy”, Missy Elliot, Jody Watley and Jennifer Holliday to name a few.

Rarely going it alone, the Circuit MOM family is a very talented group of men and women who share Matthew’s love of entertaining and desire to give back the best way they know how-through their talent. Todd Michael Kiech serves as artistic director/casting director/ and choreographer . Mark Baker, former producer of “Gay Days-Orlando” was a driving force behind Circuit MOM’s international success. MOM’s record breaking 7 appearances for Gay Days in unparalleled as well as the dedication fromPaolo Pincente of Crobar and Roger Evans-aka-Circuit DAD, both helping to keep MOM in the forefront of club and event culture. The endless number of extremely talented people who generously juggle jobs and schedules so they may perform are a special group who tirelessly give their time and talent to each cause. Circuit Mom has never been one person. It’s a family.

The future holds many exciting projects and cities to conquer. In the never-ending challenge to create unusual, high-energy, positive entertainment that combines theater, dance, music and imagination-the Circuit MOM family has their work cut out for them. But Matthew and gang are up for the challenge. “We have been given so many amazing opportunities to help make a difference and have FUN doing it, we wouldn’t dream of stopping now! As long as there’s a need, we’ll keep trying to help. That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it?“ Simply stated yet a good formula for all of us to consider.

Matt Kalkoff
(updated by MJH)