Those Stompin' Monster Trucks Are Back!

Once again the heavy huge tired monster trucks are back to hit the Coney Island pavement! Well, actually the their making a pit stop at the Coney Island Boom-A-Ring lot Wednesday, July 1 - Sunday, July 5

Ticket holders for The Coney Island BOOM A RING will have exclusive access to see, up close, the most famous monster trucks in the world!

For a complete schedule of performances and more information on The Coney Island Boom-A-Ring website, including ticket sales, visit , or call 1-800-745-3000. Group orders are available through "Group Sales Box Office" at 800-223-7565 or BestofBroadway.com.

Last Chance To Submit Your Coney Island Film Gem

For some filmmakers a looming festival late deadline is their last chance before their extended deadline to get their masterpieces shoved off in hopes that their laborious work will be received with accolades. And whether your film is about Coney Island or not, the Coney Island Film Festival submission doors will close this Friday, July 3, 2009 with a final final chance July 10, 2009.

indiefilmpage.com
and
Coney Island USA
present
The 9th annual Coney Island Film Festival
October 2- 4, 2009
at Sideshows by the Seashore
and The Coney Island Museum
in the historic Brooklyn neighborhood Coney Island, New York!

Late Deadline - This Friday, July 3, 2009 (postmarked by)
Extended Late Deadline - July 10, 2009 (postmarked by)
Entry categories:
Feature, Short, Documentary Feature, Documentary Short, Experimental, Silent Film, Animation, Music Video.

The Coney Island Film Festival is open to filmmakers working in ALL GENRES, SUBJECTS AND FORMATS.

City Council Public Hearing July 1st, 2009

The New York City Council is set to vote on the Mayor's plan which carries a major flaw that could destroy Coney Island for what it has been all along its inception and evolution by allowing high-rises along surf avenue cutting off what is also another major flaw in the plan; a shrunken open-air amusement area to a non-resort-destination nine acres.

Please, join all who care about Coney Island's future and attend the public hearing at the NY City Council this July 1, 2009 at 10 a.m.!

The Save Coney Island organization serves up this further important information:

YOU MUST GET THERE EARLY TO GET THROUGH SECURITY, FIND A PLACE IN THE HEARING ROOM, AND SIGN UP TO SPEAK! Once inside, look for one
of our volunteers wearing "Save Coney Island" stickers. To offer testimony, you must sign up at the beginning of the hearing. You will typically be given no more than three minutes to express your view. We hope to see you all there. This could be our last public hearing; so let's make our participation count.

Public Hearing at City Council
Land-use Subcommittee Public Hearing
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
10:00 AM
at the Council Chambers
in City Hall
(between Broadway and Park Row)

Coney Events: Skullduggery & Skin Show

In hot pursuit of skinfully twisted burlesque, this show will serve up an outlandish smorgasbord of magic, flesh, and anarchy. The Skullduggery & Skin Show - A Fistfull of Pasties plays at the Coney Island USA's Sideshows by the Seashore.

From Coney Island USA:

The wild west gets hotter and even more dangerous when Sheriff Cadabra comes to town looking for the notorious "Pastie Ban-Tits" lead by the innocent looking but very dangerous Gal Friday & her gang of outlaws! The Pastie Ban-Tits are an ornery gang that is dead set against pasties being used to lock up the beauty of their bodies but Sheriff Cadabra is hot on their trail and will keep them in pasties even if it comes down to an eye twitching, pastie twirling one-on-one shootout to the death! Will Cadabra emerge victorious or will Gal & her gang emerge naked? It's a Fistful of Pasties and it's anyone's game!

Skullduggery & Skin Show - A Fistfull of Pasties

Burlesque at the Beach!
Thursday, JULY 2, 2009
9PM
$10

at the Sideshows By The Seashore
corner of Surf and West 12th street

Coney Weekend TV - 2009 Mermaid Parade Ballyhoo!

With thousand of images taken at this world famous event in world famous Coney Island, here's a few highlighted kinetic moments of all the zaniness on a wet parade day along with a Coney Latin band playing by the handball courts, a Cyclone miniature, and another example of how all camera lenses from around the world absolutely love Coney Island...even the way it is.

Honoring Michael Jackson In Coney Island

Join the Dreamland Roller Rink in honoring the life of the king of pop in a roller skating celebration of the super fabulous sounds of Michael Jackson!

Prizes for the Best Moonwalk!!! Discount of you dress in MJ inspired attire!!White glove! Zippered leather Jacket! Nose Job (!?!?) at Dreamland Roller Rink we will be incorporating the extraordinary music of Michael Jackson into our regularly scheduled roller rink soundscape!!

Honoring Michael Jackson
All weekend long
July 26th to the 28th
at the Dreamland Roller Rink
on the Coney Island Boardwalk Childs Building
Visit Dreamland for more info, times, and other upcoming events.

Mayor Bloomberg And Friends Come To The Aquarium Rescue

With the help of more than 34,000 messages, 7,400 emails, and 51 letters sent to City Hall, the needed funding for cultural institutions like the New York Aquarium, the Bronx Zoo, and the that was in danger of being axed has been restored by Mayor Bloomberg and other city officials.

“The Wildlife Conservation Society thanks Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Speaker Christine C. Quinn, Majority Leader Joel Rivera, Chairman Dominic Recchia and the delegations from all five boroughs for recognizing the economic importance of the Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium and all of the city’s cultural institutions. Their decision to restore our funding is testament to the fact that the Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium and our partners in the Cultural Institutions Group are what help to make our city great.

The press announecment was release June 16, 2009. The overwhelming community support is what made the difference.

America's Favorite "This Or That" Game Show Set To Play

Back by popular demand, Fred Kahl, a.k.a. THE GREAT FREDINI, renowned sword swallower, magician, improvisation wizard presents and hosts America’s Favorite Burlesque Game Show - THIS OR THAT!, a twisted homage to classic game shows. The show features two contestants picked from the audience, a wheel that issues racy challenges, two curtains concealing world class burlesque and variety artists, and sex toys for prizes. THIS OR THAT! is back for their 9th season at Sideshows by the Seashore’s Burlesque at the Beach series in Coney Island for Four shows beginning June 26th through September 25th.

THIS OR THAT!

Plays this summer
June 26, July 31, August 28 and September 25th
10 PM
at Coney Island USA’s Sideshows by the Seashore
1208 Surf Avenue, corner of W12 Street, Brooklyn, N.Y.
D, Q or F train to Stillwell Avenue.
Tickets $15 and can be purchased at the door.

Flickr Convoy: Visions Of Blue Skies Over Coney

Image courtesy of Matthew Pugliese / KC Flickr Pool

Here's looking at better days with bright blue shiny skies over Coney Island. Post Equinox change is bound to bring us the good blues to our sights and sounds of this world-renowned fabled place that is being threatened by greedy developers and politicians. This is the playground of the people. So, the people need to rise up in numbers and make a big fuss for the future of amusements in Coney Island.

Join the Kinetic Carnival Flickr Group to add your Coney Island images and have them featured on this blog

Coney Events: Anchors Aweigh At The Museum

It's a Knotty night of Salty Drag and Burlesque at Swith N Play's "Anchors Aweigh" show. Read all about them here. And for more info and upcoming shows here.

An evening of deck wetting performances by Ashni, Della Dare, Kit Cat, Luscious Lola, Glenn Marla, MargOH! Channing, Rose Wood and special guest host the Lady Ms. Whores D'Oeuvres (aka Topher Gross from Arrojo Studios)!

Swith N Play Presents:
Anchors Aweigh!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
9pm to 12am
Cost is $10 clams
at the Coney Island Museum
1208 Surf Avenue (between Stillwell Ave and West 12th Street)
Brooklyn NY 11224

Coney Events: Catch A Special Sideshow Show Tonight

A once in a lifetime chance to meet THE KING OF SIDESHOW, WARD HALL and little POOBAH, a sideshow superstar for over 70 years! Ward will be debuting a world premiere ventriloquist act as well as mceeing the best of the best Coney island burlesque! Trace the girl show back to its origins in the tent on the midway!!!! It's a $10 cover with Bambi, Bunny Love, Jo Boobs, Gal Friday, Ekaterina, Dirty Martini, World Famous *BOB*, Albert Cadabra, The Great Fredini and a special performance by Joe Coleman!!

Special Show- Ward Hall- KING of Sideshows

Tuesday, June 23
8pm
$10
at Sideshows By The Seashore
corner of Surf and West 12th street

The March Of The Mermaids Grand Flickr Slideshow

Here is the grand march of the Mermaid Parade photos from most everybody who's posted them on Flickr and used the right search tags. Grab three meals and cushion your bum...it's going to be a long photo slideshow. The Coney Island Mermaid Parade in Coney Island is probably the most photographed event in the world. Each year there seems to be more pictures than the last. Not counted but they keep coming...thousands of colorful images of this year's parade!

(View full screen for better experience)

Run In From The Wet To The Mermaid Parade Ball At Dreamland

Drop your umbrellas, pick up your fins, and run into Dreamland for a freakish blast at the 2009 Mermaid Parade Ball!

The Ball will run in 2 skating sessions 5:30pm-8:30pm and 9pm-Midnight $20 (skate rental $5 or bring your own)DJ, Burlesque and Sideshow performances, Adam Rinn, Tigger, Little Brooklyn, Ekaterina, Marni Halasa and more! Click here for further info and to buy tickets online.

MERMAID PARADE BALL 2009 AT DREAMLAND ROLLER RINK
SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2009
5:30PM & 9PM

Coney Weekend TV - Circus In Coney Town

The circus has come to Coney town. In this week's Coney Weekend TV see the raising tent, the Boom-A-Ring opening show, ride the Tilt-A-Whirl that's now gone from Coney, catch some fireworks, witness a real live human Mario Brothers beat box right on the boardwalk, and watch silently to someone's last Coney goodbye.

Lola Staar Boutique Back On The Boardwalk

Image courtesy of me-myself-i (Flickr.com)

Prior to the summer season a very Coney Island flavor, Dianna Carlin a.k.a. Lola Staar was booted off the boardwalk in Coney Island by the entity that claims they are here to make Coney better. Thor Equities extended leases to all boardwalk businesses except to the Lola Staar boutique. She was forced to get a space in the Stillwell subway terminal but their extreme delays in an ultra slow approval process has lead to a Lola Staarless Coney Island. Or has it?

They shoot themselves in the foot by not getting around their sluggish approach.

"I call [the MTA] all the time and I get absolutely nothing of of them. I could pay them rent right now," Dianna Carlin told The Brooklyn Paper last week.

But Carlin is a strong force and will not budge. Lola Staar is back on the boardwalk. A sampling of her boutique can be found at the Dreamland Roller Rink at the landmark Childs Building.

Dreamland Roller Rink is located on the legendary Coney Island Boardwalk inside the Historical Landmarked Childs Building 3052 West 21st St at the boardwalk right on the Atlantic Ocean

The City Is Ignoring The Public Outcry

After rallies at the steps of City Hall, visiting the planning commission office, outcries over the internet, recommendations by Community Board 13 and Borough Pres. Marty Markowitz, warnings by the NY Times and claims and requests by the Municipal Arts Society and ‘Save Coney Island’, the city’s planning commission along with the CIDC have completely ignored the pleas.

The City’s Planning Commission was urged to vote yesterday to approve the Mayor’s plan which calls for high-rises and chain retail within the 60 acres of Coney’s current amusement zone. Those 60 acres of amusements have already shrunken since Coney’s hey-day. The city’s early plan, which consisted of about 27 open-air amusements, was later revised without consensus from its board, resulting in Coney Island USA creative director, Dick Zigun to part with them. The revised plan diminished the amusement area to an insulting mere 9 acres.

Now the plan has moved from the community, through the Borough President office, and on to the City Planning Commission, which apparently voted yes on it without any consideration whatsoever to advocates for a vital Coney Island.

In a press release yesterday by ‘Save Coney Island’:

“This plan spells disaster for Coney Island. In refusing to make urgently needed revisions to its Coney Island rezoning plan, the City threatens the very future of a world-renowned amusement destination,” said Juan Rivero, spokesman for Save Coney Island. “The City continues to defy calls from the community and amusement experts to fix its plan.”

Pro-amusement advocates who want a thriving and vital Coney Island is strongly urging the city to take notice and fix its plan.

'Save Coney Island recommends:

If it fixes its current rezoning plan, the City can revitalize Coney Island’s historic amusement district — and preserve it as a beloved New York playground, a world-class tourist destination, and an economic engine for the neighborhood and the city as a whole.

To create that win-win situation, Save Coney Island recommends the following:
- Expand the acreage for outdoor rides and amusements. Twelve acres, as proposed by the City’s plan, is not enough. At a minimum, the land between the Boardwalk and the Bowery should be reserved for open-air amusements.

- Keep high-rises out of the heart of the amusement district. Move the proposed hotel towers north of Surf or west of Keyspan Park.

- The rezoning should include a greater mix of maximum footprints to encourage a more diverse and desirable mix of businesses, and to protect local entrepreneurs.

The public would hugely approve the city’s plan if it only changed this part of it. They cannot undermine the need for a thriving amusement space. Don’t talk about hotels anywhere in Coney Island if you give tourists and the public a miniature amusement area. There will be no need to stay more than a couple of hours to see everything. You don’t see a hotel next to Kings Plaza. The plan has to reverse the change to diminish the open-air amusements and expand the most vital ingredient in Coney’s revitalization process: the amusements. We hope the city will be responsible enough to answer to this most appropriate needed change in the Mayor's plan.

According to the ULURP (Uniform Land Use Review Procedure) process, the plan will next move to the City Counsel for review and hearing. Afterwards it probably make its way to the state where it may not be handled with kiddie gloves.

Flickr Convoy: Oh No Not Again!

Image courtesy of StuckInMars / KC Flickr Group

Please, let us not go in this direction again! It became the trademark of the 70's but it belongs there and not to return. We can only hope that a new wave of tagged cars will not be making a reprise!

Join the Kinetic Carnival Flickr Group to add your Coney Island images and have them featured on this blog

Reminder: Ringling Brother Coney Boom-A-Ring Spectacular Opens Tomorrow

Tomorrow, June 18th is the opening for the Ringling Brother Barnum & Bailey Circus and their Boom-A-Ring spectacular

From the circus press release:

HEADS UP, NYC:
THE CONEY ISLAND BOOM A RING OPENS
JUNE 18!
Historic Opening Night Takes Place This Thursday!

WHO: None other than The Greatest Show On Earth®

WHAT: The historic first-time-ever-in-Brooklyn and NYC performance of The Coney Island BOOM A RING

WHEN: Thursday, June 18:---Animal Open house begins at 5:30 p.m. ---Pre-Show Adventure begins at 6:00 p.m. ---Show begins at 7:00 p.m. ---Credentialed media check-in starts at 5:00 p.m.at the security gate on West 21st Street off Surf Ave.

WHERE: At the corner of 21st Street and Surf Avenue in Coney Island.

WHY: Because Coney Island is on the verge of the greatest summer in years ... because The Coney Island BOOM A RING marks the first time ever that The Greatest Show On Earth® will be performing in Brooklyn ... because this is the first time in more than a half-century that The Greatest Show On Earth® has performed under a tent ... because this is an historic occasion for the circus, for Coney Island and for all of NYC!

Coney Vid: A Dimwitted Voyeur Romps Through Coney

Here's a short scene from a short film about some dimwit on a wild goose chase with himself.

Scene from "Quagmire"

Description:
A dimwitted voyeur whiles away his lonely summer in Coney Island.

Posted by HOPMediaGroup [YouTube]

Coney Gift Goodies: Lola Staar Mermaid Tees

If you're not going to be in marine garb for this weekend's Mermaid Parade, then you here's your chance to grab one of these Lola Staar Mermaid Tees that come in an assortment of styles and colors.

Lola Staar Mermaid Tees available at the Gift Shop at Dreamland Roller Rink! Parade on down the boardwalk to Dreamland Roller Rink after this Saturday's Mermaid parade and check out Lola Staar's fabulous array of Mermaid Tees!

DREAMLAND IS LOCATED:
on the legendary Coney Island Boardwalk
inside the Historical Landmarked Childs Building
3052 West 21st St at the boardwalk right on the Atlantic Ocean

Mermaids Take Manhattan The Mini-Doc

Image courtesy of John Bianchi

The finned female mermaids made it to Manhattan lead by Miss Cyclone Angie Pontani and her friends - popular Coney characters: Amos Wengler and Rapid T. Rabbit, in this Micheal Mooreish comical, cute, yet determined way to get the word out to the New York City Planning Commission and Amanda Burden. But will our friends make it up into the offices to make their case heard before heading back to Coney Island to ride the Cyclone? Watch this great mini-doc; "Mermaids Take Manhattan" below and find out for yourselves.

Mermaids take Manhattan

Description:
Miss Cyclone and friends show up to see Amanda Burden at the New York Office of City Planning and deliver hundreds and hundreds of signed postcards, pleading with the city to reconsider the shrinking of Coney Island's amusement district in a vote to be cast later this month. To do your part and help save the amusements, please visit: the Save Coney Island website and help SAVE CONEY ISLAND

Posted by chdny29 [YouTube]

Which Coney Do You Prefer?

(Click image to see the building huge)
Image courtesy of 'Save Coney Island' organization

It's evident that finally a real look at the city's majorly flawed and uncaring plan to the spirit of Coney Island has been illustrated in a sample drawing. If this is actually what the city is pushing for Coney Island then their plan is as bad and as wrong for Coney as Thor's suspicious ideas.

From the Save Coney Island press release:

“Coney Island equals amusements. It’s not brain surgery. We have to make the amusement area bigger,” said Miss Cyclone Angie Pontani, who is leading the contingent of mermaids. “If this plan goes through as it is, it’s going to be a tragic loss, and 20 years from now, people are just going to say, ‘What was the City thinking?’”

So, what do you feel? Express yourself in this poll:

Thor's 'Festival by the Sea' image above courtesy of me-myself-i/Tricia Vita (Flickr)

Immediate Release: City Planner Burden Beware...The Mermaids Are Coming!

In just a few hours today Monday at Noon the Mermaids Take Manhattan! Finned females are swishing their way to NY City Planning Commission Chair Amanda Burden and other members.

'... in advance of their vote later this week on a flawed rezoning for Coney Island'. states today's press release.

Image courtesy of Polaris Images

As they take a break from next weekend's Mermaid Parade preparations, they will be urging the City Planning Commission to fix their flawed plan that has shrunken Coney Island itself. What Coney Island is, is a place for amusements. And since the city's plan, which started out with a larger acreage for amusements, have diminished it down to a kiddie 9 acres. The plan which had ample approval had since been faced with huge controversy. The city has completely ignored the voices and pleas from amusement advocates at the steps of City Hall last week.

The mermaids may have to arrive topless in order to get a reaction from the city if the press brigade is present. Now, that's Coney Island!

For more information, see www.saveconeyisland.net

Coney Events: 'All Roads Lead To Coney Island' Art Exhibit

Art exhibit works about Coney Island is up and running until July 19th (closed for the July 4th weekend). Coney Island artist, Richard Eagan who started the Coney Island Hysterical Society also has work on display. If you missed the Special Event (found via Amusing the Zillion) this past Saturday with Eagan and Philomena Marano (another founder of the Hysterical Society), with artist Marc Kehoe, in conversation. You can still catch the "All Roads Leads to Coney Island" the summer group show curated by Andrew Garn. This exhibit will showcase contemporary works of art including paintings, sculpture, films, photographs and historical ephemera.

All Roads Lead to Coney Island curated by Andrew Garn
A.M. Richard Fine Art
runs until July 12th 2009
328 Berry Street
3rd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11211
(917) 570-1476
gallery@amrichardfineart.com

10,000-Pound Truck Invade Coney Island

Image courtesy of goodwood fos (Flickr.com)

A Monster Jam of big trucks will hit the Coney Island pavement as an added bonus to the Ringling Brother Barnum & Bailey's Coney Island Boom-A-Ring Circus opening. If that isn't a mouthful in itself wait to you get a load of this heavy loaders. Though hauling nothing but their pure horse-powered driven adrenaline these monsters will surely invade Coney Island like nothing else.

In the line up are: Monster Jam® Stars Grave Digger® and the Superman™ Monster Truck Headline Monster Truck Experience at Coney Island!

The Monster Truck press announcement:

Ringling Bros.® ticket holders will have exclusive access to see, up close, the most famous monster trucks in the world! Fans of all ages will have the opportunity to receive autographs from Dennis Anderson, world renowned creator and driver of Grave Digger® and Chad Fortune, driver of the Superman™ monster truck.

As a feature for this first time event on Coney Island, a special appearance by Monster Jam’s Blue Thunder® will kick off the 2009 Mermaid Parade on Saturday, June 20. Spectators will be called to Surf Avenue by the sound of Blue Thunder’s Ford F-350 1500 horse powered engine, setting the tone for the most exciting parade of the season!

Actor Harvey Keitel Is King In Coney Island

Image courtesy of thisIsStephenBetts (Flikcr.com)

It's time again for one of Coney Island's biggest and most attended events along with the Nathan's hot dog eating contest. Let's hope for good weather. Since this season the weather hasn't helped much in bringing out the crowds.

This year King Neptune will be non other than actor Harvey Keitel with his Queen Mermaid Daphne. The will be followed by recording artists, They Might Be Giants, the Philadelphia Mummers, Monster Truk "Blue Thunger" performing a *parade prelude, performers from the Coney Island Boom-A-Ring show of the Ringling Brothers, and much much more!

Image above right courtesy of Time Out Magazine

From the Coney Isand USA announcement:

Coney Island – The 27th Annual MERMAID PARADE will step off at 2 PM on Saturday, June 20th 2009, incorporating several major changes that will guarantee that America’s largest “art parade” also goes down in history as the biggest parade ever in the 168 summer seasons of legendary Coney Island! Coney Island is indeed open and the Mermaid Parade is alive and well.

At 6:30 PM a special performance of Ringling Brother’s and Barnum and Bailey’s “THE CONEY ISLAND BOOM A RING" circus will feature parade founder, Dick Zigun, as guest ringmaster. Finally, the Mermaid Parade Ball will take place at the Dreamland Skating Rink on the Boardwalk at West 21st Street with sessions at 5:30 to 8:30 or 9 PM to Midnight.

*Immediately after the monster truck spectacular, the parade will step off at West 21st and Surf and march east down Surf Avenue; past the Judge’s Review Stand at West 12th Street then turn up West 10th Street (near the world famous Cyclone Roller Coaster) to the Boardwalk where the parade will continue West on then Boardwalk itself to the dismissal point at West 15th Street.

2009 Mermaid Parade is Saturday, June 20th, 2PM! Rain or Shine!
For more information on floats and marchers see the Parade's site here.

Small Muscle To Big Bullies In The Coney Amusement Acreage Expand And Shrink Fight

Image courtesy of me-myself-i (Flickr)

What seems like the usual small group with small muscle but big mouths who want more amusements in Coney rather than the shrunken area of amusements by the big bully city to diminish them in spite of their statements to be for them, hopefully echoed through the windows of City Hall this Wednesday at the "Don't Shrink Coney" rally.

The city's original plan from about 27 acres to a mere insignificant 9 acres along the boardwalk have angered pro-amusement activists who feel this would kill the Coney Island character that has thrived here for decades. The city claims to be keeping up with that spirit but in reality their plan is still big business. In turn Coney's big developer, Thor Equities, is now saying they saying 'don't even think that we're giving up on Coney...oh but for $165 million we could'. Though not an exact quote the Joe Sitt, president of Thor Equities told the Daily News this week that the city can't buy from them their property unless the fork that money over. That sum is about 60 million more than the city's 'final offer' weeks ago.

According to the 'rumor mill' which buzzes in the ears of some Coney denizens and advocates. Coney Island blog: Amusing the Zillion indicates the buzz around town is that the City is already in some behind-the-scenes negotiations to buy out Thor. Which is what's given this rally the verve to get out their and make their voices heard before two votes on the plan are scheduled in the coming weeks. “There is a vote next week (City Planning Commission) and there is another vote in July or August (City Council) and that’s why we’re making our voices heard.”, told Dick Zigun creative director of Coney Island USA to Amusing the Zillion.

For those who couldn't attend the rally [like myslef] could still sign the petition.

Don't Shrink Coney

Description:
New York City has a plan to rezone Coney Island. This plan would shrink the amusement area from 62 acres to 12 acres. On June 10, 2009 a demonstration was held on the steps of City Hall to protest this plan.The demonstration was called Don't Shrink Coney.For more information go to http://www.saveconeyisland.net/

Posted byBoulevard07 [YouTube]

Coney Vid: Don't Shrink Coney Rally

Listen to some of the Coney amusement activists plea to the city to change their plan and not allow the amusement area to wither to a minute area sidelined by tall buildings.

Save Coney Island - New York Post

Description:
Various groups from Coney Island's amusement group gathered outside City Hall to protest the park's rezoning.

Posted by NYPost [YouTube]

Flickr Convoy: We're Under The Boardwalk

Image courtesy of Victoria Belanger / KC Flickr Group

Like this empty bench on a hot summer day, you may think we're not in Coney but technically speaking....you're right. Please pardon us as this blog is going through a few adjustments in layout and dealing with some technical difficulties. But we'll be coming back to the boardwalk and Coney with a new verve as we gear up for our third year!

Join the Kinetic Carnival Flickr Group to add your Coney Island images and have them featured on this blog

Coney Events: Endless Summer Of Sequins And Skating

The Lola Staar's Dreamland Roller Rink dons on the sequins of summer at their June 13th skate party.

Take that be-dazzler out of the closet and start dazzling every inch of your outfit for Saturday's Skate party!!

Prizes for the costume with the most Sequins, Glitter and Glitz!!

And don't forget about the Mermaid Parade Ball at the Dreamland Roller Rink right after the Mermaid Parade on June 20th!

We are so ecstatic and honored to be hosting the annual Mermaid Parade Ball at Dreamland Roller Rink! Your life simply is not complete until you have been to the Mermaid Parade!! It is a fabulous day of brightly colored costumes, fabulous floats, glitter, body paint and pure bliss!!

Dreamland Roller Rink

'Summer of Sequins'
June 13th
8 PM
$12 admission ($10 if you dress in scandalous swimsuit, dazzle sequin or glitter)
$5 skate rentals

21 and over

The Official After Party of the Mermaid Parade

'The Mermaid Parade Ball'

June 20th
We will have two skate sessions- 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM and 9 PM to 12 AM

Admission is $20 (for one session)
$5 Skate Rentals
Tickets will be available on the day of the event however, we highly recommend buying tickets in advance! Space is very limited!!

Buy Mermaid Parade Ball Tickets TODAY!!!

Legislative Breakfast And Briefing On Coney's Future

(Click image to enlarge)

A quick briefing on Coney's future will be served for an early breakfast to rev up the motors for the demonstration rally on the steps of City Hall. The Coney Island USA, Save Coney Island group, Carol Albert (Astroland owner), and the Municipal Arts Society invited guests to share ideas on the future of Coney Island and help persuade the city to take notice of its flawed rezoning plan that threatens the character of Coney Island.

From the invitation:

While we welcome the City's interest in Coney Island's redevelopment, we have misgivings about several aspects of it's plan. We would like to share your concerns with you in advance of the City Council ULURP review.

The breakfast meeting will be Wednesday, June 10th at 8:30 in the morning.

Afterwards, while digesting breakfast invited participants along with as many people as possible (we hope) will descend on the steps of City Hall for a big and loud 'Don't Shrink Coney' Demonstration'.

"The future of Coney Island is in danger!", reads, the invitation including:

The City's current flawed rezoning plan would destroy Coney Island's unique character and undermine its historic amusement district: It allows high-rise towers up to 30 stories tall in the heart of Coney Island's amusement district. It limits the area reserved for the outdoor rides to a narrow, nine-acre strip of land. It endangers Coney Island's historic buildings.

And time is running out!

With the City Planning Commission now reviewing the rezoning plan, Save Coney Island is rallying those who love Coney Island to urge the City to fix its plan:

* Expand the acreage for outdoor rides and amusements. Nine acres isn’t
enough!
* Keep high-rises out of the heart of the amusement district.
* Protect small businesses, create amusement jobs, preserve Coney
Island’s historic structures.

Ringling Circus Presents Dick Zigun As Guest Ringmaster

The evening circus show on the day of the Mermaid Parade in Coney Island, the Barnum & Bailey Ringling Brothers Circus will present Coney Island Mayor, founder and artistic director of the Coney Island USA cultural organization, Dick Zigun as guest ringmaster.

In addition the Ringling Circus is offering $10 tickets to benefit Coney Island USA.

THREE REASONS YOU NEED TO ATTEND
RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY PRESENTS
THE CONEY ISLAND BOOM A RING
ON SAT. JUNE 20 AT 6:30 ...

1. All tickets are $10*
(WOW! That's cheaper than a lot of movie tickets!)
2. $1 from each ticket sold will be donated to Coney Island, USA
(Help a terrific arts organization while seeing a great show!)
3. It's THE post-Parade place to be!
(After the Mermaid Parade, keep the fun going at The Greatest Show On Earth®!)
CLICK HERE to buy now! Use promotion code "CIUSA"
when ordering to take advantage of this special offer!
(You may also call 1-800-745-3000 to order by phone.)

Coney Music Video: Oh No!

Indie rock of sorts music video's lead singer pleads and wanes from a painful love while slumming through Cha Cha's Bar and all over Coney Island.

Found via Rock and Roll Report.

Stark--OH NO! Music Video

STARK's first real music video resembles Blondie's video for Union City Blue. Shot and directed by Joe Covino. Edited by Marla Bugle-Clowncar. East Village Studios. Live show footage shot at Arlene's Grocery in NYC. Other stuff at Coney Island. Thanks to ChaCha's/JT, Sideshow, and Coney Island USA. Also the Warriors at the tattoo shop and all the Coney locals who participated! Written by Lani Ford. Performed by former members Josette and Rob Endemann with Lani Ford. New members Joe Hogan and Eric Robel are featured.

Posted by starkband [YouTube]

Coney Beyond: Catch A Space Cowboy On A Roof

A cowboy with a burlesqueish and vaudevillish flair struts his spurs across six episodes of a musical-western film that will be shown on a rooftop, a stone-throw away from Coney Island, as part of the Rooftop films program.
A dazzling six-episode musical-western comedy that takes place in outer space, written, directed by and starring Cory McAbee, the creator of The American Astronaut. The filmmakers will be in attendance.

Venue: on the roof of the Brooklyn Tech
Address: 29 Fort Greene Place (Fort Greene, Brooklyn) MAP
8:00PM: Doors open
8:30PM: Sound Fix presents live music
9:00PM: Films
Tickets: $9 (Get there here)

Rooftop Films screen every weekend, May - Sept all over the city. Their full schedule can be found at the rooftop films website.

Watch the trailer here.

Don't Let Coney Shrink By Joining The Demonstration

March on down to City Hall yet again in full freak regalia to save the amusements as pinnacle of the Coney rezoning plan. Do not let them shrink the amusement zone! It has shrunk enough in the last 30 years! Please get off your asses and this time get there in big numbers! If they shrink it too much it will be gone forever!

Demonstrators will meet Wednesday June 10, 1 p.m. to march on to the steps of City Hall. But first gather up at the fountain at 12:30.

For all the info visit the Save Coney Island site.

Mermaid Ball Parties At The Dreamland Rollerrink

This coming June 20th at 6pm, right after the Mermaid Parade join all the mermaids and friends at the Dreamland Rollerrink in the Childs Building on the Coney Island boardwalk for the official Mermaid Parade party...the Mermaid Ball!

100 Year Tradition Lights Up The Coney Sky

As it has continued throughout decades, Coney Island Friday night sky will light up with the flashy show of fireworks.

In part the Coney Island Fun Guide press release states:

Continuing a 100-year-old tradition, Coney Island will again host free fireworks shows every Friday night at 9:30 pm this summer, from June 19 through Labor Day, lighting up the Coney Island sky for the viewing leisure
of all.

Circus Tent Raising Spectacle At Coney

Friday, June 5th, 2009 Feld Entertainment, parent company of the Ringling Brother Barnum & Bailey Circus will hold their spectacular preshow to the Coney Island Boom-A-Ring with a huge tent raising.

In part of Feld Entertainment's press release:

"This is a huge day in the history of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey," said Stephen C. Yaros, Feld Entertainment's VP of Event Marketing and Sales, Northeast Region. "The arrival of The Coney Island BOOM A RING marks the first time ever that The Greatest Show On Earth® will be performing in Brooklyn -- the first time this show will be in New York City -- and the first time it will be performing under the big top. This is definitely an historic occasion!"

Traveling nearly 3,500 miles from Mobile Stadiums, Ltd. in Sheffield, England, to Coney Island, the state-of-the-art air-conditioned main tent is approximately 28,842 sq. ft. and will seat 2,400 patrons for each performance. The foyer tent, which will house the food court, is approximately 8,625 sq. ft. Both will be the most visible cornerstones of Feld Entertainment's major site renovation. Throughout the process, Feld has worked closely with lot owner Taconic Investment Partners, whose cooperation has been instrumental in bringing The Greatest Show On Earth to Coney Island.

All these efforts will culminate in the historic opening night erformance that will take place June 18 and include a special Salute To Coney Island.

For a complete schedule of performances and more information on The Coney Island BOOM A RING, including ticket sales, visit www.Ringling.com/ConeyIsland, or call 1-800-745-3000. Group orders are available through "Group Sales Box Office" at 800-223-7565 or BestofBroadway.com.

Fierce competition for Ringling Brothers At Coney Island

Ever since the other carnival sideshow freaks descended on Coney Island at Sittland East the feeling of competition with the long-standing Coney Island USA sideshow has been felt. Found via Amusing the Zillion, no the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus's Coney Island Boom-A-Ring may have some competition of their own. Brought to you by J.T. (a.k.a. John Strong II we presume) and Jellyboy the Clown, it's the Squidling Brothers Circus Sideshow & Burlesque. Actually with this they seem to be trying to compete with the circus and some more with the sideshow and their burlesque attractions as well. The Squidlings spectacular will be performed at Cha-Cha's every Saturday until Labor Day.

The Squidling Brothers Circus Sideshow is a performing troupe from Philadelphia