One of the most popular performers at Open Streets 704 has another Guinness World Record to his name — his 7th! — and he’s making plans to come back to the area’s largest free event on April 28th.
Steven Langley, the energetic “bubble man” who delights both kids and adults alike, will return to Open Streets 704 after earning his seventh Guinness World Record. His latest record is for “how many people he could put in a giant soap bubble in 30 seconds.”
The answer is 13, and the rules stipulated he put them in one at a time, while racing the clock. For the effort, he assembled a group at the Huntersville Arts and Cultural Center on November 9, and lined them up behind two soap bubble “moats.” Each person — who met the required height — quickly stepped into the moat while Langley lifted a large wand to create a giant bubble around them from their feet to above their heads. Langley alternated the wand between the two moats to move the process along faster, with each participant stepping out as soon as their turn was achieved.
Okay, it’s easier to just show you:https://facebook.com/GuinnessWorldRecords/videos/167069927546955/
“I do it in the spirit of fun and professional achievement,” says a giddy and enthusiastic Langley, who uses the title of “Bubbleologist” in his business, Soap Bubble Circus. Langley says his entertainment includes elements of science and math, and significant research into what makes bubbles form and hold together under circumstances he is often eager to try.
Langley wasn’t always a bubble pro — his 35 years of “self-promoting and performing” began with 25 years of professional juggling as one of the Charlotte-based “Fettucini Brothers.” From there, he progressed to paddle balls (aka “The Paddle Ball King”) and then “fell in love” with bubbles. He’s performed in Hollywood, Italy, China, and at The White House.
Langley’s other Guinness World Records include Most Paddle Balls Controlled Simultaneously (7, in case you’re wondering — for 10 seconds) and Most People Controlling Paddle Balls (443). Another world record is in the works, but still has to be certified by Guinness World Records before it is announced. (Hint: It involves bubbles.) Certification takes a few months, and involves “expert witnesses” along with slow-motion videos and intricate details to confirm.
So what’s Langley’s secret? “Great bubble soap!” he exclaims. He’s researched a lot of soap, and, well, uses a lot of it. He currently has an endorsement deal with his favorite, which he will be happy to tell you when you see him at Open Streets 704.
And yes, Open Streets 704 is one of his favorite events.
“I love that event!” he told us. “There’s always fun, and a sense of community that gets people out like nothing else does!” He especially loves that the event stretches for a few miles, instead of just a few blocks. “It’s more fluid than a street fair, and more fun,” he says with glee.
You’ll catch Langley and his Soap Bubble Circus on April 28, between 1 and 5 p.m., in the Family Zone (route: https://openstreets704.com/route/.) Just follow the bubbles!
