Coney Vid: The Secrets Of The Universe Revealed

The best presentation of Coney Island yet.  Amazing still images by our Coney Island connoisseur, Charles Denson, (author of "Coney Island: Lost and Found" and director of the Coney Island History Project) brought to life in this wonderful short film, now finally revealed and displayed to the public at large.   We thank Charlie for sending us this wonderful piece that was shown at last year's 2010 Coney Island Film Festival. 

As an era that came and went with Astroland's theme of the future, along with what stayed from Coney's heyday; Coney Island was like a time machine, with reflections from both the past and the future at the same time.  Now many of those future symbols have stepped into the past, itself.  But before most of them are gone, to make way for the conventional - brought in by the power structure, they've been captured ominously in this stunning and inducing short film.  This medley of Denson's hypnotic imagery echoes the reality in a place of fantasy and wonder that's forced into the trite and predictable.

CONEY ISLAND: Secrets of the Universe

Description:

A film by Charles Denson. Coney's iconic cosmology comes into play when a mysterious crypto-governmental force seeks domination of the island. Secrets of the Universe probes Coney Island's hyper-mythological role in fantasy, neo-symbolism, and the infinite! www.coneyislandhistory.org

Posted by CONEYOLOGIST [YouTube]

Coney Events: Bindlestiff Cavalcade Of Youth

Image courtesy of Norman Blake (Coney Island USA)

Bindlestiff Family Cirkus started up at 'Fireplay' before later changing their name.  The troupe started by Keith Neslon and Stephanie Monseu in 1995.  They have performed all over the world their mixture of circus and sideshow extravaganzas.  Later they became a non-profit organization as a family act. 

Their motto is:

Bindlestiff Family Variety Arts, Inc. is a non-profit performing arts organization dedicated to increasing the knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the history of circus, sideshow, vaudeville, and related arts through activities including performances, lectures, print media, and workshops for the general public as well as creating opportunities for cultural exchange and fostering a sense of community.

They have performed many times in Coney Island.  For this event they are shining the show lights on the youth.  A cavalcade of young performers ranging from the circus to the midway in this vaudevillian spectacle not to be missed.

From Coney Island USA:

Bindlestiff Family Cirkus presents a special showcase for young variety performers, ranging from amateurs to world-class professionals. Juvenile jugglers, diminutive dancers, adolescent acrobats and a host of other moppets and mummers present a full show of vernal vaudeville. Acts range from debuting amateurs to world-class champion performers—all under the age of 21.

Now in its seventh year, Bindlestiff Cavalcade of Youth continues to feature an amazing array of young talent. These are the future stars of Cirque du Soleil, Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Coney Island Sideshow, and television. Where else can you see juvenile unicyclists, tap dancers, magicians, clowns, and contortionists sharing the stage with Broadway-bound singers and classically trained musicians? All the performers are under 21, but audience members of all ages love this show.

Bindlestiff Family Cirkus presents
Bindlestiff Cavalcade Of Youth!
Sunday, March 27, 4pm
$15 Adults (21 And Over), $10 (Under 21)
Coney Island USA - Sideshows By The Seashore, 1208 Surf Ave

Click here to purchase advance tickets.

Coney Events: Valentine's Day For Lovers And Losers

Princess Pat is full of love and kisses and she'll be giving them out in this variety show at Sideshows by the Seashore.
from Coney Island USA:

Featuring Adam Rinn as Frank Sinatra, The Amazing Amy, more performers tba
Free Chocolate Kisses

Princess Pat Presents:

Valentine's Day For Lovers And Losers

Monday, February 14, 2011
8pm
$15 couples, $10 singlesat Sideshow by the Seashore

1208 Surf Avenue

KinetOscope Video: Super Zamperla Comes To Coney Town!

While Super Nemesis Thor continues on an evil path of destruction, Super Zamperla arrives to turn Coney Town into a shiny new plastic paradise.  The hopes that Super Zamperla will save Coney, turn to fears that he is just another byproduct of the city's evil doings.  The real denizens of the island will have to take matters into their own hands and stand up for their rights and save Coney Town!

This mini-movie pokes fun at both sides of the issue in the redevelopment of Coney Island.

Super Zamperla Comes To Coney Town!

Super Zamperla In Coney Town! from ConeyHOP on Vimeo.

This video may not play in some mobile systems.  For YouTube version click here.

Looking For Coney Island Lovers

Image courtesy of Lola Star

If you happen to have had your romantic start in the most fabled place in the world at Coney Island than your story is needed to be told.  And in the process you could win the Lola Star "Coney Island is for Lovers" Contest.

From Lola Star:

Coney Island is for Lovers!!
Send us your Coney Island Love Story and Photo!

Did you fall in love in Coney Island? Is it your special romantic date place? Did your grandparents meet in Coney Island? Did you get married in Coney Island?

Please send us your photo and story and we will feature your love in our “Coney Island is for Lovers” Valentines window display at our Lola Star Soho Pop Up Boutique (435 Broome St, at Broadway)!

We will also feature your romantic love story and photo on our web site!

Win a $50 gift Certificate to Lola Star! We will award the most romantic love story in the Contemporary and Vintage (1960 or earlier) Love story categories with a $50 Gift Certificate to Lola Star!!

Free Lola Star Coney Island Lovebirds tote bag for all who contribute!

Submit your Coney Island Love Story by clicking HERE!!

Flickr Convoy: Crossing Our Frosty Fingers For Ruby's Bar

Image courtesy of Rubys Host / KC Flickr Group

With a pile of snow, this past New Year's Eve on the Coney Island Boardwalk, Coney's iconic bar; Ruby's Bar and Grill, awaits its fate, which looms near.

This past October the businesses along the boardwalk were given notice to vacate by November 15th, 2010.  Most of these businesses, in fact the eight that are involved in the eviction have formed a resistance group calling themselves The Coney Island 8.  A court hearing, which was a reschedule, was set for January 10, 2010 - a request by The Coney Island 8′s attorney Marc Aronson.  Some feel the postponement will help in stalling negotiations in order to thwart Central Amusements / Zamperla's own plans for the boardwalk, in time for the summer.  A plan originally derived and ordered from the Bloomberg administration in their vision for a 'fresh new boardwalk'.  The city is being criticized for making the cold eviction Zamperla's idea.

Meanwhile in the Coney Island 8's website, the argument is that Bloomberg and the rest of its city officials needs to get it through their heads that Coney Island can not be a year-round destination.  Nor can they bring in fancy foods with high prices.  Even though its always been said that Coney is a poor man's paradise, the food was still pretty expensive. Why make it even more expensive? Coney's nickle days have been long gone.

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

Coney Island History Project Moves To Another Landmark

With uncertainty of the next operator for the Cyclone Roller Coaster still in question the Coney Island History Project will be moving their space from the foot of the Cyclone to Deno's Wonder Wheel.

The Coney Island Cyclone Roller Coaster is in need of a new operator after the long-time Albert family, that operated Astroland Amusement Park, will no longer be running the coaster.  If New Luna Park operator; CAI/Zamperla doesn't agree to take helm of the Cyclone the city will issue a RFP (Request For Proposal) in search of a new operator. 

The CIHP started with a portable recording booth in 2004, then opening their exhibition center under the Cyclone a year later, and offering free admission to one and all.

We are grateful to the Vourderis family for inviting us to set up history exhibits in locations around their park, and to the Albert family for their ongoing support as the History Project continues its mission of recording oral histories with people who lived, worked, and played in Coney Island. Come visit us at the Wonder Wheel in 2011!, states the Coney Island History Project website.

Image courtesy Charles Denson (Coney Island History Project)

New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim At Coney Island 2011 Slideshow

Image courtesy of Jim Kiernan (Flickr)

The Bears were out making their usual splash in the Coney Island waters this New Year's Day 2011.  The Polar Bear Club of Coney Island  went out in full force through the chill and into the water for a freezing reason. And that's to help raise funds for Freezin' For A Reason and their Camp Sunshine. A one-of-a-kind retreat in Maine to help children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

The day was as always crazy and fun.  jamie nyc's images shows us just that.

Flickr Slideshow by jamie nyc

Happy New Year 2011 From Kinetic Carnival