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Isla Garcia ciscus musician
Photo: Milner Library Special Collections
Click to enlarge

Isla Garcia

Jan. 11, 1901 - Mar. 16, 1966

Harry Shell and Isla Garcia King Bros. Circus 1962
Click to enlarge
Isla Garcia and Harry Shell
King Bros. Circus 1963
 
 
Harry Shell and Isla Garcia
Photo: Milner Library Special Collections
Click to enlarge
Isla Garcia and Harry Shell
King Bros. Circus 1964
 

Isla Liles Garcia Shell was born in the Tampa, Florida on January 11, 1901. Isla Garcia began her music career in the Tampa bay area playing at clubs,events and radio stations. For seven years Isla was staff organist for Tampa radio station WFLA where she played both the organ and piano for live programs and commercials.

In the 1950s Isla began playing with circuses and worked with many during her long career.

Garcia was a favorite of circus producer and owner Bob Snowden who employed Isla on his tented circuses as well as his stage shows.

Late in life Isla married circus musician Harry Shell.

Isla died in Tampa Florida on March 16, 1966 and is buried at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park in Tampa.

 
Circus organist with baby chimpanzee
Click to enlarge
Isla with baby chimpanzee
A young Chuck Schlarbaum
looking back from the Cadillac
 
 
 
 
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