The circus is coming to town and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, the psychedelic folk band behind “Man on Fire” and “Home,” are playing ringmaster. Sick of the soulless system of touring, the L.A.-based band, in conjunction with Live Nation, has created a musical event that puts the “troubadour” spirit back into performing. Led by the messianic persona of Sharpe (the alter ego of former Ima Robot frontman Alex Ebert), they've curated more than 30 acts for an immersive four-night show including musicians, magicians, acrobats, puppeteers and comedians in a 360-degree performance space. It's called Big Top, and guests also will enjoy a farmers market, a beer garden and various carnival games outside the Big Top tent. Featuring the Western-African fusion of Fool's Gold, the burlesque fantasia of Cleo Viper, and of course, a headlining performance from the Zeros, Big Top could be the hottest carnival since The Rolling Stones Rock & Roll Circus of '68. Los Angeles State Historic Park, 1245 N. Spring St., dwntwn.; Thurs., Oct. 17-Sat., Oct. 19, 7 p.m.; Sun., Oct. 20, 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.; $60 per day, $50 for family matinee. edwardsharpebigtop.com.

Thu., Oct. 17, 7 p.m.; Fri., Oct. 18, 7 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 19, 7 p.m.; Sun., Oct. 20, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., 2013

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