Coney Events: The Authorized Coney Island Tour

Guaranteeing accuracy and humor, the authorized tour of Coney Island is developed in association with founder of Coney Island USA; Dick Zigun and licensed by NYC tour guides. It's an hour walking tour of Coney Island. (expect to get sand in your shoes).  The tour starts at the Coney Island Museum on Surf Avenue and W. 12th Street and takes you through Coney Island's significant places on the weekends all year-round.  It's $25 per person.  Is this a replacement for Captain Bob?  Ask your tour guide.  By appointment only. Part of New York Tiny Tours.  Registered tour guide: Kim Rancourt.

The Authorized Coney Island Tour
Saturdays and Sundays, all year round

$25 per person.

at Coney Island USA
1208 Surf Ave.

Coney Events: A Coney Island Of The Behind

More than just an entertaining spectacle; Michael Schwartz is back with his whimsical showcase about Coney Island.  Coney Island of the Behind is a an evening full of poetry, storytelling, comedy, dance, burlesque, music and mayhem - and all about Coney Island!

from the Coney Island USA website:

Schwartz is an award winning writer, actor, director, comedian, and singer/songwriter and will be performing some of the pieces that have been wowing audiences all over New York City and that will be included in his upcoming book.

Scheduled to appear at A CONEY ISLAND OF THE BEHIND:

Michael Schwartz: poetry, storytelling, comedic characters, singing

Alfonso Cruz: burlesque dancing/comedy, singing

Robert Ross: 2011 inductee into NY Blues Hall of Fame

Pearl Quick: star of new award winning film TO BE HEARD

Aneta Brodski: star of new PBS Independent Lens film DEAF JAM

Mermaid Hawley and Bill Brovold: “The Coney Island Love Letters”

Celia Next Time: burlesque dancing/comedy

Brant Lyon: ragtime piano extraordinaire

Hank Coyote Wagner: howling harmonica

Sheridan Lee Roberts: dancing and singing

Mollye’s Muffins: the launch of scrumptious homemade Brooklyn muffin co. (never before seen recipes available at show)

Sudsy Spirits: The Freak Bar

PLUS SPECIAL SURPRISE GUESTS

Click here to buy tickets in advance.

Coney Artland Productions presents:

A Coney Island of the Behind!
Saturday, December 3, 2011
7 pm

$10 in advance or at the door.

at Coney Island USA - Sideshows By The Seashore
1208 Surf Ave.

11th Annual Coney Island Film Festival Line Up

The 11th Annual Coney Island Film Festival starts its weekend of screenings this Friday, September 23rd, 2011 and runs through Sunday, September, 25th 2011.  The screening venues will be at:

SIDESHOWS BY THE SEASHORE 1208 Surf Ave. Ground Floor and CONEY ISLAND MUSEUM 1208 Surf Ave. 2nd Floor including a special screening at The New York Aquarium's 4D Theater.

The line up for the festival include:

"The Last Immortal", a documentary film by Charles Denson kicks off the festival,  It screens at the Coney Island Museum at 1208 Surf Avenue on the 2nd floor at 7:30.

"Somebody's Hero"

The festival boasts 16 programs, full of short and feature length narratives, and documentaries.  Opening night parties on with live sideshow featuring Insectavora and Kryssy Kocktail and burlesque performances by Lefty Lucy, Creamy Stevens, and Sizzle Dizzle.  Plus variety acts and go go girls.  You can do both the party and opening night screening with the festival pass. 

"Guard Dog Global Jam"

Program 1 has; Tony Sirico from "The Sopranos" and "Somebody's Hero" about an accountant who moonlights as a superhero.  Program 2 includes a few animated films like "Guard Dog Global Jam", and "Place Stamp Here", in addition to short films exploring the lives of young adults, which include "Perspective", "DayDreams", and "Three Things".   Program 3, features the full-length "Nefertitty", which looks like some hilarious send up of the seventies underground cinema gone Tarantino!  But the titties 'nefer' ends, 'cause "Love Is Hard: A Burlesque Fairytale" screens right afterwards. 

Program 4, and Program 5 gives you a bit more serious fare of the mysterious and spooky.  An aging escape artist goes over the edge in, "Goodbye Winter", while a "Posthumous Proposal" is made when a widower attempts to suppress his grief by altering his perception of reality.  There is an awkward meeting at an "After-School Special", while a lonely "Imposter" is desperate for a woman.  In the feature film "The Super", looks like he may go over the edge with his tenants.  Program 6 seems to offer a bit of the surreal with a Psycho-Fugue Circus in "Carny", and hopelessness and paranoia set into the "Holes for Eyes".  There is also "A Fable about Beauty", some "Good Taste", and feelings that are brutally unmasked at "The Dinner Meeting".

"The Open City"

There are dolls and animated characters running around in Program 7, amidst a portrait of the city as "The Open City" makes New York artists open their eyes.  Program 8 will downright horrify you!   You'll see "Boys From Coney Island" in Program 9, which also includes a silent film, "Ode To Charlie" and celebrity Chef Ronnie leads a double life in "The Craving".  A yearly ritual brings "The Warriors" - and they'll be waiting for you in Program 10.  "Tom And Sabrina Divorce" in Program 11 as "Ma In Her Kerchief" comes to terms with death, and her daughter in law.  There's a "Hidden Star" and a "Dame Factory" along with a "First Kiss", and a "Heart Break", and a few ladies of Booby Hatch that say "Suck It!", all in Program 12! Oh, there's also a film about boners with a "Flagpole".

Light fare and music can be found in Program 13.  A music video, a "Death of a Popstar", and "Tommy's Pumpkin" screen in Program 14.  Program 15 features a "Heavy Metal Picnic", and a "Great Disaster", while a documentary film takes an in-depth look as "Long Island Uncovered", visits the chaos, trials, and tribulations in the life of musicians.  When it comes to Coney Island films you can "Take Me There" anytime.  Whether it's to "Shoot the Freak"or "Save Coney Island", "A Day In The Life of Coney Island", is more than a "Neptune Jam" beside the "IC Waters'.  Program 16 also screens "The Blue Umbrella", which looks like another Coney Island funny film by filmmakers Amanda Jencsik and Chris DePierro.

"A Day In The Life Of Coney Island"

A special screening will be held at the New York Aquarium's 4D Theater, Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 5:30 and is of free admission. Screening will be "Atlantic Crossing: A Robot's Daring Mission"

This year Coney Island's Film Festival's Saturday Night Party starts at 7pm at the New York Aquarium, which features the bands Moto Wrays and Spanking Charlene.  Also some more burlesque and sideshow performances along with a few more go go girls.  Hosted by Adam the First Real Man.  Don't miss this huge event under a huge tent.

For detailed venue locations and prices, visit the Coney Island Film Festival website.

Order your tickets before more programs are sold out!

Coney Vid: Day To Night On The Boardwalk

(Click image to enlarge)

Stephen Wilkes stood high above Coney this past summer to take a long exposure photograph of Coney Island's Luna Park and Boardwalk. This video shows the stills as the day progressed into night.

Wilkes recently spoke about the 15-hour continuous shot to Amusing the Zillion and said, “A select group of images are then digitally blended into one photograph, capturing the changing of time in a single frame.”  He also said that a time lapse video will be made.  Well here it is!

Day To Night by Stephen Wilkes



Posted by SSTrueLoveMarinus [YouTube]

Coney Events: The 9th Annual New York Burlesque Festival

Thirsty Girl Productions presents a festival of bold bravada and sparkling campiness adorned with pinches of glamour here and there and everywhere in these four days of glitter and glamour.  Entertaining nine years of burlesque, The 9th Annual New York Burlesque Festival struts their glitz September 29th through October 2nd 2011.

The stages are set to shine with the following performers:

Angie Pontani (NYC), Miss Exotic World 2011 Indigo Blue (Seattle), Imogen KellyCherry Typhoon (Japan), Gentry de Paris (France), The Stage Door Johnnies (Chicago), The World Famous Pontani Sisters (NYC), MsTickle (NYC), Besty Bottom Dollar (Victoria, BC) Obskyura (Toronto), Albert Cadabra (NYC), Gin Minsky (NYC), Little Brooklyn (NYC), Bobbie Burlesque (Hollywood), Liza Rose (Seattle), Darlinda Just Darlinda (NYC), Miss Saturn (NYC), The Cheesecake Burlesque Revue (Victoria, BC), The Dolls of Doom (Chicago), Harvest Moon (NYC), Go-Go Harder (NYC), Honey Wil de (London),Helen Pontani (NYC), The Shanghai Pearl (Seattle), Minnie Tonka (NYC), Viva La Muerte (Chicago), The Love Show (NYC), Shelly Watson (NYC), Leroi the Girl Boi (NYC), and many more! (Australia),

Thirsty Girl & Pontani Productions Present

The 9th Annual New York Burlesque Festival

Sept 29^th-October 2^nd, 2011

4 Days & Nights of Glitter and Glamour in Gotham

Featuring over 100 performers from around the Globe!

FESTIVAL DATES AND VENUES:

Thursday September 29th:

The Teaser Party

Hosted By The World Famous *BOB*

The Bell House

149 7th Street (between 2nd & 3rd),

Brooklyn

www.thebellhouseny.com

Doors: 7pm Show: 8pm

$10 advance, $15 at the door

Friday September 30^th

The Premiere Party

Hosted By Scotty the Blue Bunny

Brooklyn Bowl

61 Wythe Ave,

Brooklyn NY 11211

www.brooklynbowl.com

Doors: 8pm Show: 9pm

Cover charge: $10

Saturday October 1^st

The Saturday Spectacular

Hosted by Murray Hill

BB Kings

237 West 42nd Street, NYC

bbkingblues.com

Doors 6:00, Show 7:30

$25 advanced general admission, $30 at the door

$65 VIP advanced

Saturday Night Official NYBF After Party

Featuring DJ’s, GOGO’s & More!

11pm-1am @ Lucille’s Bar

(Next door to BB Kings and free for all Saturday ticket holders)

Sunday October 2^nd

The Golden Pastie Awards

Hosted by Miss Astrid

Highline Ballroom

431 16^th Street

NYC, 10011

www.highlineballroom.com

Doors: 7pm

Show: 8pm

$20 general Admission advanced, $25 at the door

$30 VIP, $35 at the door

GA seating is first come first serve

Sunday Night Official NYBF "All Stripped Out" After Party presented by BurlesqueBeat.com

DJs 2BTs, cocktail specials, mini-burgers and more!

11pm - 2am

POP Burger 60 9th Avenue btw. 14/15th Streets

http://www.popburger.com/

For More information & to purchase our 4-Day Pass please visit

www.thenewyorkburlesquefestival.com

11th Annual Coney Island Film Festival September 23rd To 25th 2011

It's over a decade strong and the 11th Annual Coney Island Film Festival is set to screen this weekend; September 23-25, 2011 at the one and only Sideshows By The Seashore and at the Coney Island Museum and with additional screenings and festivities at the New York Aquarium in Coney Island!

Full Schedule see the Coney Island Film Festival website.  A summary of ticket pricing is listed below.  visits the website for more information, descriptions, images, trailers and to purchase tickets online!

Full Festival Pass $55. Click here for info.

Opening Night Screening $6. Click here for info.

Opening Night Party $25. Click here for info.
Saturday Screening Pass $15. Click here for info.
Sunday Screening Pass $10. Sold Out!
Saturday Night Party at the NY Aquarium. Click here for info.
Annual Special Screening of The Warriors $10, Click here for info.
Individual Screenings are $6, see below.
Special Free Screening at the NY Aquarium Saturday 5:30pm

Coney Island Shuts Down For Hurricane Irene

Image courtesy Jim McDonnell (facebook)

As Mayor Bloomberg announces Coney Island and the rest of Zone A to evacuate before the first major threat of the 2011 hurricane season hits the north eastern states, police SUV's rove the streets warning Coney residents to leave, boardwalk businesses board-up and flee, and all Coney events cancel and post-pone.

The CIDC's Coney Island Fun Guide has put out an important Hurricane Announcement.  Mayor Michael Bloomberg spoke this morning from Coney Island informing New Yorkers about the city's transportation and power stoppages during the hurricane. Most of Coney Island events for the weekend have been canceled.  They include: The Cyclones baseball game, the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, and CIUSA's Ask The Experts Series.  Indie Rob Leddy, Coney Island USA administrator has put out detailed information on the Coney Island USA message board about event cancellations and postponements for their organization. 

Many Coney Islanders are bracing for what is not a usual event in New York.  They are expressing their concerns on their Facebook spaces.  "Starting to slightly rain in Coney - breeze going - waves crashin", writes Rubys Host.  "I think it's time to go to the grocery store, you know, before hell breaks loose", says Coney photographer Lorna Keuning.  Lola Star, hopes to be laughing after it's all over, realizing we were all just being over-cautious. "I hope we laugh about the paranoid way we fortified you [her store] by making a wall with our outdoor displays and sandbags to keep the water out", she writes on her Facebook.  It now seems that paranoid we're not being. Irene is considered a major threat despite its waning strength.  "The Red Flags of Coney Island were back in force tonight as they prepare for Irene", writes Jim McDonnell with his photograph (image above) on Facebook. 

(Image courtesy of Eric Kowalsky)

Coney photographer, Eric Kowalsky snaps an ominous shot of W. 12th Street, which depicts an impending doom to loom over Coney in the next few hours.

To maintain a current live view of Coney Island's amusement area, keep an eye on EarthCam's Coney Island Cam. (hopefully a constant picture stream will not be affected by the Hurricane).

The beach along Zone A, stretches from Sea Gate to past Manhattan Beach. And is under a mandatory evacuation ordered my New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. A mandatory evacuation has, supposedly, never been ordered in the New York City area in our life time.

In 2008, KC reported about a possible flood of biblical porportions that could inundate America's Playground.  As reported in the Weather Channel's documentary, "It Could Happen Tomorrow".  the documentary depicts the possibility that scientists predicts could happen in the next couple of years when the next big hurricane travel up the east coast could head directly for New York City.  Let's hope this scenario doesn't happen here tomorrow. 

Coney Events: The 21st Annual Sand Sculpting Contest

The annual sand sculpting contest and Unity Day is this Sunday, August 6th, 2011 at noon. Get your buckets and creative juices out to the Coney Island beach from 10th to 12th streets.  Amateur sand sculptors are invited to pile it up on the sand and make something spectacular.  The event is presented by Astella Development Corp. and the Wildlife Conservation Society's New York Aquarium.

Excerpt from the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation website:

The amateur sculptors, coming from Coney Island, other parts of NYC, and beyond, will compete in five categories: Individual Adult, Individual Child, Adult Group, Child Group, and Mixed (Children and Adults). First, second, and third place winners in each category will be awarded generous cash prizes.

In addition to amateur sand sculptors, a professional will wow spectators with an unbelievable “How did he do that?!” creation in the sand, commissioned by the Aquarium.

Entertainers will rock the boardwalk while the contestants are at work. Face painting and craft activities for children will be part of the day’s festivities. In addition, along the boardwalk, local organizations will provide informational materials, along with give-a-aways.

The event is FREE of charge.  Those interested in the Sand Sculpting visit to apply online at: www.astelladevelopment.org, or register at the event.

Above Image by lornagrl

The The 21st Annual Sand Sculpting Contest
on the Coney Island Beach at 10th & 12th Streets
Sunday, August 6th, 2011
12 noon to 5pm

FREE of charge

Coney Island Loses A Passionate Soul

Images courtesy of Charles Denson

He became passionate about his dream of bringing a one-of-a-kind electric Himalaya back to Coney, where he would man the ride, blasting Motown favorites out onto the new Coney Island. His dream will now live on. Perhaps the Himalaya will return in his honor. He was Andy Badalamenti; a Coney Island ride operator who passed away this past Monday. He was a resident of Coney his whole life and a ride operator of classic rides including the Tornado Roller Coaster, The Bobsled, and one of his favorites; the Himalaya.

He worked at the Tornado Roller Coaster while being one of the few Coney Islander's who's ever actually lived under a coaster. Marked forever into Coney Island folklore is the image of Andy atop the smoldering ruins of the Tornado Roller Coaster as he stood promising a rebirth and a mighty comeback for the coaster. “We’re gonna fix it! The Tornado will be back!”, proclaimed Andy, as written by Charles Denson, author of "Wild Ride: A Roller Coaster Family".

He later went to work for the police stables in Brighton Beach, where he was able to fulfill his other passion for animals.

He worked as a keeper for Coney Island land hoarder, Horace Bullard, guarding some of Coney's most precious relics, while driven with a dream of restoring them to their former glory. But one which could have only gone as far as Horace would care to allow, as they sat unkempt for many years. The illegal destruction of the Thunderbolt coaster by the Giuliani administration was a hard blow for Andy. One which he never was able to overcome.

Andy looked like he might have been a tough man in his youth, who has quelled as he began to mature. Thought he was still quite young. He always wore a smile and would always have a sparkle in his eyes as he lit up when talking about Coney Island. He was a contemporary Coney Island fixture and one of Coney Island's real characters.

He was battling with cancer. He legacy will live on. He will be missed.

Andy's wake was held yesterday and will also be held today July 28th from 2-5pm and 7-9pm at Cusimano and Russo Funeral Home, 2005 W. 6th St at Avenue T, in Brooklyn. The funeral will be at 9:45am on Friday, July 29, at the Church of Saints Simon and Jude, 185 Van Sicklen St at Avenue T.