Meet the Ringleader and SideShow Stuntman BRYCE "THE GOVNA" GRAVES

Underneath the shadows cast from the tilt of a top hat and burning stage lights are deep and rather mischievous eyes, adorned with black makeup. They are bloodshot from whiskey, weed, and things of the nocturnal persuasion. The eyeliner creeps into the crevices of the crow’s feet, and the twisted clown-like liner leaves a trail down each cheek. A devious smile slips his burned lips, while a long gypsy beard finds itself salt and peppered. A silver bead in a singular dread matches this silver-tongued devil. A traditional blood-red Ring Master’s coat covers a tattoo, rich with sideshow images. A two headed baby shares the human canvas with a tattoo that represents The Govna’s combination of his two grandmothers — a gentle reminder of his Texas roots and convoluted past. Untouched by trends and western ideas, Bryce “The Govna” Graves pairs this beautiful and sacred garment with thrift store dress slacks, cut and torn at the ankles to make way for a pair of monochromatic high top Converse.

The Govna's character is that of a sinister southern revivalist preacher, and when his voice cracks over the loudspeaker, it’s gritty, and hints at a Texas drawl. It’s a hot knife through butter, earned by years of smoke, drink, glass eating, and fire breathing. From entertaining the masses and enticing thoughts and ideas. He walks tall with a body that has been beaten, worked, and seduced. He is a man, 51 years young with 80 year’s worth of living. With piercing eyes, that if you look closely, hold a wealth of knowledge, The Govna will tantalize your thoughts and humors. Honest, direct, unabashed, and very intelligent. Most are surprised to find him to be a deeply private man with a very mysterious, hidden personal life.

The Govna’s collection of deep thoughts and experiences give him the kind of smarts that can’t be found in libraries or on search engines. Street smart, business-minded, and highly intuitive, he knows people, business, and life. He has a love, bordering on obsession, and a dedication to his cause. A man who has not one second for pessimism, he is unstoppable and always finds a way. He is a passionate man, and a survivor of the road, among many other things.

Like a proud father, The Govna looks after the performers as his own children. His reputation is his treasure, and he works diligently to uphold it. Loyal, ethical, principled. This man has a heart of gold, and he is often found smiling and partaking in a good, hearty laugh. He is charming and eager to see and learn something new every day. Untamable and limitless, he is a man that will never be held back or held down. He is the most wonderful brand of eccentric, with a touch of traditionalism. Often mistaken for being an asshole or a jerk, he is a very driven man that must be stern and organized to keep his business alive. He is protective and loyal to the ones he loves, and he wouldn’t dream of dishonoring another’s good nature.

The Govna’s personal life:

Bryce "The Govna” Graves is an American producer, creator, director, master of ceremonies, and sideshow stuntman in the entertainment industry. Though The Govna is primarily known for his creation of Hellzapoppin, it is not where his career began. At the tender age of 18 and as a dropout of Garland (Texas) High School, being a student of the National Stuntman Association, The Govna set out on his own. He tried his hand at college for 2 years, but it wasn’t for him. Full of just the right amount of ambition, gumption, and big dreams, The Govna moved to Hawaii to become an entrepreneur — all of this before he was of legal drinking age! It was at this time that he began a full and exciting dangerous career in high-rise window cleaning. In his free time, he studied the entertainment industry. A man of his word and a firm believer in a solid handshake, there is no mold that The Govna could fit, or any other could fill. A true visionary with an open mind, there are no limitations to the creative and prosperous ventures ahead. He once said, "I was the kid that had to show my mother everything!" True to form, The Govna has continued to show the world of his many, interesting, and peculiar discoveries. 

The Govna is truly a catalyst in many successful careers. A born leader, he furthered his career in the music industry with jobs in artist management, tour management, booking agent, and concert promoter. Just getting started, Thee Govna moved onto his first entertainment business, Brown Gravy Entertainment, in March 1998. He worked as a tour manager, designer, and captain of the Making Memories Bike Ride in 2001. Making Memories is a non-profit charity organization that helps women with breast cancer. He was responsible for mapping out and managing a fund-raising bicycle ride that stretched from Canada to Mexico. This grueling, yet inspiring bicycle tour lasted 11 days, and was broadcast on the radio in Dallas. The event succeeded in raising over $100,000 in donations.

In 2005, the Govna went to work for billionaire Mark Cuban as the co-creator, co-producer, and co-director of True Music. This was the world's first HD rock-n-roll TV show. The show became a huge success, which eventually led to securing Budweiser as the primary sponsor. The Govna worked with Budweiser to create an international True Music brand which then led to sponsoring hundreds of bands, festivals, rock tours, night clubs, and theaters worldwide. The Govna also worked as a casting producer for a variety TV show in Istanbul, Turkey. He co-founded Applied SB and GroupieTunes; once the world’s largest provider of mobile content for independent artists.

Born in Dallas, Texas (November 17, 1972), and raised in Garland, Texas, The Govna is one of four children. He was destined for the spotlight from the beginning. Charismatic and charming, The Govna has been able to talk his way out of a paper bag from childhood. Always on some new adventure and finding ways to fund those new adventures, it was only natural that he would find himself center stage. Unlike most children in America, The Govna never found himself desiring that house on the hill with a white picket fence life. A self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie, he knew he would travel this world in search of the newest high until the day he died. You might find that a soundtrack of Johnny Cash songs would play the score to The Govna’s life.

The Govna, a textbook "at risk youth,” forever changed his destiny when he ran away to Hawaii,  escaping a troubled family life and gangs. He would go on to live a life of "thrills, chills, and sometimes doctor's bills.” Business-minded and lacking fear, The Govna started his first business in dangerous high-rise window cleaning, which would turn out to be a successful launching pad for future ventures. A man in his young twenties, The Govna became a father to his loving daughter! As a very private man, he wishes to keep her identity concealed. As a businessman, and now father, it was time to be close to home, so he moved back to Dallas. Another business venture in full swing, The Govna was managing fatherhood, a small horse ranch, and soon enough, the world of entertainment. Those who know him now may be surprised to learn that he knows his way around livestock, but they may also be surprised to learn that he was once a student in cosmetology school, stunt school, and even illegally tended bar at the age of 15, continuing throughout his 20’s. 

His daughter is now older, and grass growing under his feet, it was time to hit the road. The Govna witnessed his first freak show at the State Fair of Texas. Leaving a light on in his head that could not go unanswered, he was hooked. With thirteen years of experience managing rock bands, TV personalities, and producing TV shows, The Govna managed and later owed part of a traditional vaudeville traveling freak show.  After many years of moneyless paychecks and a clashing of creative minds — an epiphany! "Why build on someone else's legacy, when I can build my own?" So began Hellzapoppin.

Selling off his shares from his ringtone company, and becoming a millionaire “on paper,” The Govna threw in every dime, all his blood, sweat, and tears into Hellzapoppin. He has not looked back since! Hellzapoppin has become The Govna’s Magnum opus! Coming from absolutely nothing, and within a few short years, what was once a dream is now the world's largest traveling circus sideshow. With his life partner and Hellzapoppin's co-producer Miss Willow Lauren and their band of gypsies, and ever faithful puppy dogs, together they continue to build on this marvelous empire.

“Give me your eyeballs, and I will put them in a jar of formaldehyde and show you the world.”

-The Govna