Coney Island USA Short List Press Release

Press Release Dick Zigun State of Coney Island Address

2010-05-20T18:01:34Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DICK ZIGUN'S STATE OF CONEY ISLAND ADDRESS

SUNDAY, MAY 30, 4:30PM, $5
at the Coney Island Museum 1208 Surf Ave.
between Stillwell Ave. and West 12th Street
Subway - D, Q N or F train to Stillwell Avenue/Coney Island

Dick Zigun, the Officially Unelected Mayor of Coney Island, will give his
annual overview of the current state of affairs in America's Playground.
Zigun is expected to highlight the launch of the New Luna Park, the
excitement of the long-anticipated "rebirth" of the amusement area, and the
remaining questions about the future of the important historic structures
that remain intact in Coney Island's historic district.

www.coneyisland.com

Press Seeking credentials should contact Rob Leddy, rob@coneyisland.com, 718-907-3409
or Dick Zigun, dzigun@coneyisland.com, 718-372-5159

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Press Release Coney Island Film Society 2010 Schedule

2010-05-11T13:15:39Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONEY ISLAND FILM SOCIETY PRESENTS: "SCI-FI SUMMER " - SCHEDULE 2010
presented by indiefilmpage.com & Coney Island USA

SATURDAY NIGHTS MAY 15TH - SEPTEMBER 18TH
at the Coney Island Museum 1208 Surf Ave.
between Stillwell Ave. and West 12th Street
http://www.coneyisland.com/films.shtml
718-372-5159

Subway - D, Q N or F train to Stillwell Avenue/Coney Island

Tickets $5. Doors open at 8pm. Pre-show at 8:15pm featuring classic drive in trailers,
shorts, vintage commercials and more. Films start at 8:30pm. FREE POPCORN!

May
15 Mothra
22 The Thing (1982)
29 Escape from New York

June
5 Donnie Darko
12 A Clockwork Orange
26 Attack of the 50 Foot Woman

July
3 King Kong vs. Godzilla
10 Planet of the Apes (1968)
17 Zardoz
24 Ghoul A Go Go Night, Invaders From Space and Ghoul's "Japan" Episode
31 Repo Man

August
7 The Brother from Another Planet
14 Beast from 20,000 Fathoms
21 The Illustrated Man
28 Brazil

September
4 - Liz Magnes live piano score The Lost World (1925)
11 - Tron
18 - District 9

For additional info please contact Rob Leddy, rob@coneyisland.com, 718-907-3409

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Press Release Coney Island USA Spring Fundraising Gala

2010-03-08T13:52:10Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Coney Island, Brooklyn, N.Y., March 8, 2010 -- Coney Island USA is proud to announce 30 Freakin’ Years, a Gala benefit in celebration and support of 30 Years of CIUSA on March 25th 2010 at Angel Orensanz Foundation. All proceeds go directly towards funding Coney Island USA's innovative arts programming and the fight to preserve and revitalize Coney Island’s historic amusement district.

Always one of the most unique and exciting events of the season, guests can expect to mingle with mermaids, mermen, Coney Island experts, NY historians, burlesque stars, and the cream of the sideshow world all while giving much needed support to Coney Island’s resident not-for-profit arts center. A knife throwing, snake charming, tassle twirling, NY history loving good time Coney Island USA’s spring gala is just about the most fun you can legally have while still supporting the arts!

30 Freakin’ Years
a Gala benefit in celebration and support of 30 Years of CIUSA

Thursday, March 25, 2010
7-11pm

Angel Orensanz Foundation
172 Norfolk St.
New York, NY 10002
(F, J, M, Z to Essex St - Delancey St.)

Performances by:
The Cast of the Coney Island Circus Sideshow
The musical stylings of Bliss Blood and the Moonlighters
Rudy Macaggi "The Acromedian"
Aerial Artisty by Ekaterina
A Bevvy of Burlesque Beauties and Old Tyme Coney Cronies
A stellar silent auction of art and curiosities
and much, much more...

Tickets can be purchased at the door, online at www.coneyisland.com/benefit or by calling CIUSA directly at 718-372-5159.

General admission tickets $100 ($80 tax deductible)

VIP tickets $250 ($200 tax deductible)
The VIP ticket experience includes access to a private seating area with table food and drink service, goodie bag and meet and greet with our performers!

About Coney Island USA

For more information, contact Kate Bartoldus at (718) 372-5159 or email

kate@coneyisland.com

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Press Release Coney Island Film Festival

2009-09-21T16:53:44Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NINTH ANNUAL CONEY ISLAND FILM FESTIVAL SET FOR OCTOBER 2 - 4, 2009

Official 2009 Poster by Toni-Lee Sangastiano

The Prince of Mermaid Avenue

The Vaudevillian

Basket Bronx

Strongman

9th Annual Coney Island Film Festival announces lineup. Ninety six films plus special events.

Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY. September 21, 2009 -- The 9th annual installment of the Coney Island Film Festival hits the shores of Coney Island from Friday, October 2nd through Sunday, October 4th. This year's festival features ninety six films from around the world; a stunning array of high and low-brow fare, as diverse as the neighborhood it represents. Subjects range from the profound to the profane, showcasing the independent spirit and irreverent nature of the one and only Coney Island.

This year's centerpiece film is Charles Denson's, The Prince of Mermaid Avenue. The story of Jimmy Prince, owner of Major Meats on Mermaid Avenue, who retired after a sixty-year run as an anchor of the Coney Island community.

Documentary Feature highlights include the New York Premiere of Micropunta’s The Poor Man’s Follies, shot during the 2008 Coney Island season, the film chronicles the lives of the people who make Coney Island the eccentric and unique slice of Americana that it is today, and the struggle for its future. Zachary Levy’s Strongman follows the hopes and dreams of "Stanless Steel"--the only man alive who can bend a penny with his fingers, as tries to gain control of a world that seems constantly beyond his grasp. Kate Valentine’s Ed Hamell Rant & Roll, a celebration of the day to day life of a journeyman musician through fast-moving, often-hilarious performances on stage, backstage, and behind the wheel driving from one venue to the next.. Also making its New York Premiere is Costa Mantis’s Flying Pumpkins, The Legend of Punkin Chunkin. Come along and have some fun with an unlikely assortment of men, women and children who share a common passion - making pumpkins fly!

Feature film highlights include the World Premiere of Elizabeth Lucas’s Red Hook. College freshman Jenny Traylor joins her dorm's welcome-week scavenger hunt. But as she and her friends decipher the cryptic text-message clues on their cell phones, it becomes terrifyingly clear that the stakes in this game are life and death... CIFF presents the New York Premiere of Gorman Bechard’s Friends (with benefits). What happens when two best friends decide to secretly blur the lines dividing friendship from relationship? Complications arise...a lot of complications. Craig Butta’s Sea Legs, a vivid, harrowing journey through the funk, vitality and downward spiraling world of Coney Island. In keeping with annual tradition, the festival will screen the 1979 Coney Island classic The Warriors at 10:30pm on Saturday, October 3rd.

The Coney Island Film festival offers a huge variety of Shorts: Dramas, Comedies, Documentaries, Animation, Experimental, Made in Coney Island, Horror Films, Music Videos and Silent Films are all represented, making CIFF a festival with something for everyone! Short highlights include Bryan Nest’s The Vaudevillian, a ventriloquist's relationship with his dummy is strained after they lose their job with a traveling vaudeville act. In Martin Rosete's Basket Bronx, Alex is an African-American kid from the Bronx who dreams of playing basketball like his idols, however the gang of older guys in the neighborhood keep reminding him that he cannot. Mollye Asher's Slim and Lena a modern film noir set in the grit and glamour of the neo-burlesque scene. Animator Bill Plympton’s Horn Dog is the fourth film in the famed Oscar® nominated “dog” series. Here are more misadventur es from our plucky canine, as he fends off an obese dog, attacking oysters, and a wayward killer violin bow, while trying to win the love of his heart’s desire.

Two programs featuring shorts which use Coney Island as a backdrop screen during the festival, Saturday at 4pm and Sunday at 2pm. The festival's closing night screening is a mixed bag of shorts concluding with Jan Stephens’s animated Freak Show Sensations of The Season wrapping the festival in the appropriate setting, Sideshows By The Seashore Theater, home of The Coney Island Circus Sideshow.

The festival will begin with an Opening Night Gala on Friday, October 2nd. Step Right Up and The Prince of Mermaid Avenue screen at 7:30pm at The Coney Island Museum, followed by an opening night party, 9:30 p.m. at the Freak Bar at Sideshows by the Seashore. It's an evening of live sideshow performance, music, and burlesque that will kick off the festival with a riotous bang. An awards ceremony takes place Sunday, October 4th after the final screening at the Eldorado Auto Skooters next door.

Event Details are as follows:
Coney Island Film Festival
October 2, 3 and 4, 2009

Films screen at Sideshows by the Seashore (1208 Surf Ave., Ground Floor) and the Coney Island Museum (1208 Surf Ave., 2nd Floor) in Coney Island, Brooklyn. Take the D, F, N or Q lines to the Coney Island/Stillwell Avenue stop. All screening venues are within easy walking distance of the subway.

Tickets:
Opening Night Gala screening & party: $25
Full Festival Pass (excludes "The Warriors"): $45
Saturday Pass (excludes "The Warriors"): $15
Sunday Pass: $10
Special Saturday Night Showing of The Warriors: $10
Any Individual Program Screening: $6

Advanced tickets for all programs and events are on sale now at our website.

For the full schedule and a complete list of films at the festival, visit www.coneyislandfilmfestival.com

Members of the media seeking press passes should contact us in advance.

High Resolution images available upon request.

Contact:
Rob Leddy, Festival Director, rob@coneyisland.com, 718-907-3409
Dick Zigun, Artist Director, Coney Island USA, dzigun@coneyisland.com, 718-372-5159

About Coney Island USA
Coney Island USA, is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit based in the amusement area of Coney Island whose mission is to defend the honor of lost forms of American popular arts and culture, leading to the renaissance of the historic Coney Island neighborhood. Coney Island USA produces programs including the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, the Mermaid Parade and Ball, Burlesque at the Beach, Creepshow at the Freakshow, the Coney Island Film Society, the Coney Island Film Festival, the Coney Island Museum, Ask the Experts, Coney Island Sideshow School, the Coney Island Tattoo and Motorcycle Festival and the Congress of Curious Peoples. The Coney Island Film Festival is produced in association with indiefilmpage.com.

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All Information Guaranteed 100% True!

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Announcing the 9th Season of America's Favorite Burlesque Game Show- This or That!

2009-06-15T10:42:30Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 2009

Press contact:

Fred Kahl, 212 614 0680, press@thisorthat.tv

Download press photos: http://www.thisorthat.tv/pr.html

Announcing the 9^th Season of America's Favorite Burlesque Game Show!

THIS OR THAT!

Monthly at Coney Island's infamous Sideshow by the Seashore theater!!

Next Show: June 26 at 10 pm

�I loved This or That!, but then again, I love Newark!� --Chuck Barris

Coney Island, NY -- 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 9^th season at Sideshows by the Seashore�s Burlesque at the Beach series in Coney Island for Four shows beginning June 26th through September 25th.

Bootylicious co-host Julie Atlas Muz, burlesque bombshell and art starlet, calls the shots as contestants vie for cash, prizes, and the chance to be spanked. The fun and humiliation climax when the "winning" contestant chooses one of two curtains: "This" or "That", out of which emerges either a classic burlesque hottie or an act that stinks so bad it's brilliant! The audience cheers on contestants as they meet the show's challenges answering trivia questions, stuffing marshmallows in their mouth, and guessing the weight of Wonderful Woman's rack.

Featured in the show this season will be a wide assortment of unusual variety acts from around the world, including: the This or That Girls, Bambi and Bunny Love, Bandleader Brian Fisherman, London�s Sealboy Mat Fraser, Queen LaQueefa (guess what her act entails?), Jackie the Human Tripod, furry musical band Xylopholks, reigning Miss Coney Island Gal Friday, Pinchbottom Burlesque, Trixie Little & the Evil Hate Monkey, Tigger and many more!

However, the real stars of the show are the contestants who are chosen straight out of the audience before every show! You�ll laugh so hard it hurts at the things people will do to win a vibrator! So c'mon and have a good time! Come down to Coney Island this summer, ride the Cyclone, have some cocktails, then come see what goes down at Aamerica�s Favorite Burlesque Game Show�This or That! Now That's Entertainment!

THIS OR THAT! plays this summer June 26, July 31, August 28 and September 25th at 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.

For press photos: http://www.thisorthat.tv/pr.html

To arrange interviews, reviews, complimentary tickets: contact Fred Kahl, 212 614 0680

For more information and show details: www.thisorthat.tv

Coney Island USA is a nonprofit community arts center located in Brooklyn, New York's famous amusement park district. Programs include The Annual Mermaid Parade, The Coney Island Circus Sideshow, The Coney Island Museum, Burlesque at the Beach, The Coney Island Short Film Festival, Saturday Night Film Series, and The Ask the Experts Lecture Series. THIS OR THAT! is a featured part of Coney Island USA�s Burlesque at the Beach Series which appears every Friday on the Coney Island Sideshow Stages between May 21 and September 24. For more information, visit them on the web at http://www.coneyisland.com.

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For Immediate Release The Mermaid Parade 2009

2009-06-12T14:21:11Z

If you please...

MERMAID PARADE ALIVE & WELL
FEATURING HARVEY KEITEL, NEW ROUTE & THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH!

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. Special highlights this year include:

King Neptune MR. HARVEY KEITEL with his Queen Mermaid Daphna
Recording artists, THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS performing on a float
PHILADELPHIA MUMMERS dressed as Maine Fishermen
MONSTER TRUCK ‘BLUE THUNDER’ performing a parade prelude
Performers from Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey’s BOOM A RING
New & Improved parade route beginning at Surf Ave & West 21st.

The MERMAID PARADE is an annual production of Coney Island USA, Brooklyn’s resident non-profit arts organization at the beach since 1980. Coney Island USA also produces Sideshows by the Seashore and the Coney Island Museum. The Mermaid Parade officially opens the ocean for summer swimming, teaches mythology to Brooklyn families, provides self-esteem for Coney Island and artistic self-expression for the New York City arts community. Over the years the Mermaid Parade has grown into the largest event of the year at Coney Island and it is also one of the ten biggest parades annually in New York City.

The new assembly sites and route are as follows: PEOPLE AND PUSH/PULL FLOATS assemble at West 21st Street and Surf Avenue. ANTIQUE AUTOS will assemble at West 19th Street and Surf Avenue. MOTORIZED FLOATS will assemble at West 20th Street at Surf Avenue.

At 2 PM sharp there will be a pre-parade prelude featuring Feld Entertainment’s Monster Truck BLUE THUNDER racing up and down Surf Avenue between West 21st and West 10th Streets.

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.

Immediately after the parade, approximately 6 PM; the parade concludes with a Ribbon Cutting Pageant on the beach south of West 10th Street.

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.

Co-sponsors: Brooklyn Cyclones, Cyclone Roller Coaster and Deno’s Wonderwheel Park. Registration and additional information are available at: www.coneyisland.com.

For more information kindly contact Dick Zigun at (718) 372-5159 or email info@coneyisland.com

--For immediate release and/or Editorial Comment—

All of the above Guaranteed 100% True!

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3rd Annual Congress of Curious Peoples

2009-04-10T11:18:25Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 10, 2009

Coney Island USA’s 3^rd Annual Congress of Curious Peoples

Coney Island, NY -- Hear, ye! Hear, ye! The Congress of Curious Peoples is now in Session. For ten titanic days from April 17 to April 26, freaks, wonders, and human curiosities, the likes of which you've never seen, will converge in an "only in Coney Island!" celebrating the World of Freakdom!

FRIDAY, APRIL 17TH @ 8:00 pm - $10
OPENING NIGHT PARTY with Cheap Beer and Drinking Game. You come, you vote.
THE FREAK HALL OF FAME
Hosted by Dick Zigun with Special Guests Reverend Billy and Savitri D.
Please join us to select five inductees:SHOWMEN: John Bradshaw vs. Fred Johnson; WORKING ACTS: Al Flosso vs. Little Egypt; SELF INFLICTED: Omi vs. Mortado; ATTRACTIONS: Headless Illusion vs. Two Headed Baby; BORN DIFFERENT: Schlitzy vs. Zip(py)

SATURDAY & SUNDAY APRIL 18TH & 19TH 1-7 PM CONTINUOUS ADMISSION $7.50 Adults $5 Kids
ALUMNI WEEKEND featuring Tyler Fyre and Thrill Kill Jill of Lucky Daredevil Thrillshow; The Great Fredini; special guests tba.

MONDAY, APRIL 20TH @ 8:00 PM - $5 Budget Blowout Event
John Strong the Third and Boston Billy of California's John Strong Sideshow our arch rivals and competitors in 2009 Coney Island.

TUESDAY, APRIL 21ST @ 8:00 pm - $10
THE LIZARDMAN
The Lizardman is not your usual entertainer. Covered with more than 700 hours of tattooing to effect reptilian scales over his entire body, with subdermal implants creating horned ridges over his eyes, teeth filed to points, and a surgically forked tongue he more than lives up to the images conjured by his peculiar but apt moniker. Onstage, The Lizardman seamlessly blends stand up comedy, spoken word, and sideshow stunts both old and new into an amazing and offbeat one of a kind experience that his audiences never forget.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22ND @ 8:00 pm - $10
PAINPROOF RUBBER GIRLS
This surprise act from Coney Island Sideshow's past has put together a show that includes The Great Throwdini, and Ekaterina with special MC Lady Rizo! A one-time affair only -- Don't miss your chance to see the reunion performance! Knives , Fire, Bear Training, Cabaret, and ????!!!!

THURSDAY, APRIL 23RD @ 8:00 PM - $10
ALBERT CADABRA'S The Skullduggery & Skin Show
The best Twisted Magic, Classic Burlesque, and Sexy Sideshow performers from around the world to create one incredible night of high-energy entertainment. LIVE entertainment right before your unbelieving eyes!

FRIDAY, APRIL 24TH @ 8:00 PM - $10
ZAMORA: THE TORTURE KING
Tim Cridland, better known by his stage name Zamora The Torture King has spent years perfecting his chosen craft. Through his knowledge of martial arts techniques, hypnosis, Middle-Eastern techniques, science and anatomy, he is able to overcome dangerous situations - fire eating, sword swallowing, body skewering, electrocution and more to emerge unscathed and unharmed and all in the name of entertainment!

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, APRIL 25TH & 26TH 1-7 PM CONTINUOUS ADMISSION - $10
SUPER FREAK WEEKEND featuring London's MAT FRASER, KOKO THE KILLER CLOWN, RAVI THE INDIAN RUBBER BOY, LITTLE JIMMY and other freaks of nature tba.

All shows at Sideshows By The Seashore
3006 West 12th Street
Brooklyn, NY
Tickets are available day of.

Information at www.coneyisland.com or call 718-372-5159

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Note to editors: If you would like more information about this topic, hi-res photography, or to schedule interviews, please call Dick Zigun at 718-372-5159 or email dzigun@coneyisland.com.

About Coney Island USA

Coney Island USA is Coney Island’s resident 501( c )3 non-profit arts center. In existence since 1980, CIUSA produces some of New York City’s most beloved summer programs including The Mermaid Parade (the country’s largest Art parade) and The Coney Island Circus Sideshow (the last traditional 10-in1 Sideshow in existence today.) CIUSA is also home to the Coney Island Museum, Burlesque at the Beach and the Coney Island Film Festival. For more information visit www.coneyisland.com.

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Coney Island USA's Dick Zigun Risks Flesh Cuts to Balance Budget Cuts

2009-04-09T14:25:00Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 9, 2009

Coney Island USA’s Artistic Director Dick Zigun

To Risk Flesh Cuts to Balance Budget Cuts!

Not-for-Profit Founder Volunteers to be Human Target for Knife Thrower in Fund Raising Effort

At the 5^th annual Coney Island USA Gala, to be held on Thursday April 16^th in Manhattan's M2 Ultra lounge, Coney Island USA Founder and Artistic Director Dick Zigun will literally face physical harm to raise much needed funds for Coney Island USA (Coney Island’s resident not-for-profit arts center). While many CEO’s can barely conceive of parting with their bonuses and private jets, Dick has agreed to stand in as a human target for Guinness world record holding knife thrower, The Great Throwdini, all to benefit Coney Island USA!

“I’ve spent the last 3 decades of my life spilling blood, sweat and tears for Coney Island USA, what’s a little more? NY State’s Arts funding has been slashed to ribbons so this seemed like a fitting way to respond and help make sure that Coney Island USA's doors stay open” said Mr. Zigun.

While the Great Throwdini can boast of a perfect safety record when it comes to knife throwing, this time he'll be throwing at an amateur target. An amateur who is much more likely to flinch when faced with pointed steel flying towards his body at 60 miles per hours. Many of Mr. Zigun's friends have urged him to consider other ways to overcome the budget shortfalls. "This time he's gone too far. He's kind of a twitchy guy to begin with, with a knife thrown directly at him he is liable to jump and catch one in a sensitive spot", said a worried Coney Island USA Board President Mark Alhadeff.

Mr. Zigun's beloved wife Patience, currently in Nigeria, is beside herself with fear. "I can't sleep and have been praying that he backs out of this nonsense. If I was in New York I would not let this go forward. If necessary, I would stand between him and the knives."

Donors can choose to give any amount towards the potential pin-cushioning of Mr. Zigun and for every $100 raised; the Great Throwdini will aim one of his knives squarely at Coney Island’s permanently unelected Mayor. For donor’s pledging $100 or more, Throwdini will announce their name or short phrase before he takes aim.

While all of the knife dedications to date are of a cheerful nature, there may be exceptions. Even though Mr. Zigun has been a very popular figure around Coney for the last twenty seven years, with all of the recent controversy over the potential re-development of Coney Island he has made a few enemies. There are rumors of a few well-heeled folks getting together to sponsor a number of knives with some pretty scary dedications to be read out loud at the Gala. It remains to be seen whether the negative dedications actually materialize.

Promptly after the event (and one hopes only if no blood is spilled), video of the event will be posted on You Tube where the donor’s name will be preserved for posterity!

Coney Island USA has set up a website (http://www.coneyisland.com/knife) so people all over the world can donate money to increase the number of knives to be thrown at Mr. Zigun.

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Note to editors: If you would like more information about this topic, hi-res photography, or to schedule an interview with Dick Zigun or the Great Throwdini, please call Dick Zigun at 718-372-5159 or email dzigun@coneyisland.com.

About Coney Island USA

About The Great Throwdini

The Great Throwdini is the World's fastest knife thrower holding 21 World and 1 Russian Record.
He is also one of the Top 100 Guinness World Record holders of all time.
2009 recipient of magic's highest honor, the coveted Merlin Award!

For more information visit www.knifethrower.com.

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Congress Is Now In Session

2008-04-21T07:50:13Z

If you please...

Congress is now in session!
2nd Annual Congress of Curious Peoples to run from April 25 to May 4

Coney Island, NY -- Hear, ye! Hear, ye! The Congress of Curious Peoples is now in Session. For ten titanic days from April 25 to May 4, freaks, wonders, and human curiosities, the likes of which you've never seen, will converge in an "only in Coney Island!" celebrating the World of Freakdom!

Noted Sideshow Historian James Taylor will be your guide to the nominations for the Freak Show Hall of Fame! Reverend Billy will Bless the Freaks! Mat Fraser, London's Seal Boy, will entertain you! Professional Lunatic Harley Newman will amaze you! Living Legend Spider Webb will make his first public appearance in more than three years!

The Congress of Curious Peoples
April 25 to May 4

All shows at Sideshows by the Seashore, 1208 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11224. Take the D, F, N or Q subway lines to Stillwell Avenue!

Opening Night Party
Friday, April 25 at 8 PM - $10
$3 Coney Island Lager specials and debut of artwork for Coney Island Sword Swallower Steel Hop Lager and Coney Island Albino Python White Lager.

James Taylor, Publisher of Shocked and Amazed, will discuss the following nominees for induction into The Freak Hall of Fame:

SHOWMAN CATEGORY: Robert Ripley vs. Roy and William Heckler (Flea Circus)

BORN DIFFERENT CATEGORY: Johnny Eck vs. Charles Tripp

WORKING ACT CATEGORY: Al Flosso vs. Houdini

SELF INFLICTED CATEGORY: Great Omi vs. Michael Wilson

ATTRACTION CATEGORY: FeeJee Mermaid vs. This Way To The Egress Alumni Weekend
Saturday and Sunday, April 26 and 27 from 1 PM to 8 PM - $7.50 for adults and $5 for kids; shows run continuously

Featuring many of our famous alumni, such as The Great Fredini, Eak the Geek, Little Jimmy, Tyler Fyre and his pals Thrill Kill Jill and The Penguin Boy

The Blessing of the Freaks
Saturday, April 26 at 8 PM - $10

Come and see the Reverend Billy perform the benediction over his people in a raucous display of righteousness. Amen, Brother! Halleluljah!

Living Legend, Spider Webb
Monday, April 28 at 8 PM - $10

Living legend, Spide Webb, comes out of retirement for his first public appearance in 3 years to celebrate his 50th Anniversary as a Tattoo Artist! Special Outrageously Curious Guests! Book Signing! Cussing and more!

Bindlestiff Family Circus
Tuesday, April 29 at 8 PM - $10

Mr. Pennygaff and Philomena will delight you with their special brand of the variety arts. Special live musical madness!

An Evening with Clayton Patterson
Wednesday, April 30 at 8 PM - $10

Noted Tattoo Promoter, Hat Designer, Photographer, Raconteur and long time "Mayor" of The East Village, Clayton Patterson puts the nature of freakdom into perspective. Special guests

Two-Headed Curiousity- Harley Newman and Swami Yomahmi
Thursday, May 1 at 8 PM - $10

Swami Yomahmi of Cheeky Monkey Sideshow will entertain you, followed by Professional Lunatic, Harley News, the man "Too Dangerous" for the Guiness Book of Records!

Two-Headed Curiousity - Johnny Fox and Talon the Nail Lady
Friday, May 2 at 8PM - $10

Talon the "Nail Lady" will titilate you with her unusual appendages, while Johnny Fox of Freakatorium and Sword Swallowing Fame will perform his one man show!

Super Freak Weekend
Saturday and Sunday, May 3 and 4 from 1PM to 8 PM - $10 for everyone; shows run continuously

Super-Freak Weekend featuring Seal Boy, Mat Fraser; Bearded Woman, Jennifer Miller; Koko the Killer Clown, Ravi the Indian Rubber Boy, Princess Ananka & Her Albino Python and Little Jimmy

For More Information, contact:

Coney Island USA
Dick Zigun, Coney Island USA, 718-372-5159, office@coneyisland.com

Members of the media seeking press passes should contact us in advance.

About Coney Island USA
Coney Island USA, is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit based in the amusement area of Coney Island whose mission is to defend the honor of lost forms of American popular arts and culture, leading to the renaissance of the historic Coney Island neighborhood. Coney Island USA produces 11 programs over the course of the summer including the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, the Mermaid Parade and Ball, Burlesque at the Beach, Creepshow at the Freakshow the Saturday Night Film Series and Coney Island Film Festival, the Coney Island Museum, Ask the Experts, Coney Island Sideshow School, the Coney Island Tattoo and Motorcycle Festival and the Congress of Curious Peoples.

Coney Island USA is located in a historic 1917 building at 1208 Surf Avenue, corner of Surf and West 12th Street, that at different times housed the Wonderland Circus Sideshow, the Blue Bird Casino, and many other famous Coney Island businesses. Call 718-372-5159 or email info@coneyisland.com for more information
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