Defending the Honor of American Popular Culture

Exciting news — Adam Rinn, aka Adam Realman, became Coney Island USA’s new Artistic Director on 12/1/21.   

Sword swallower, strongman, sideshow and variety performer, Adam Realman was born and raised in the legendary Coney Island section of Brooklyn. He’s spent the past twenty years developing and perfecting his one man show, performing daring and unusual acts with spot on comedic timing in front of nationwide audiences ranging from corporate clients to excited campers to cozy private parties. Be it on stage, or in a more intimate walk around setting, Adam commands the room with his large physique and larger personality.

Adam has already served many years as the Dean and “Professa” at Coney Island USA's Sideshow School where he has shared his extensive knowledge of the sideshow's “working acts” with eager students.

“Having grown up in the neighborhood, I've been a fan of Coney Island USA since the 80’s and have been involved with them for the past 20 years. I'm thrilled to be stepping up as the new Artistic Director. I look forward to maintaining the programming that has made this organization famous while moving forward with a new generation of artists and producers, assuring that we remain on the cutting edge of American popular culture.”

Adam has worked side by side with Coney Island USA’s founder and outgoing Artistic Director, Dick Zigun, and is excited to carry on the traditions of the organization and expand upon them to reach new audiences.

Moving forward into 2022, we’re excited to bring new energy to our signature events and programs, like the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, the Mermaid Parade, the Congress of Curious Peoples and the Coney Island Film Festival. But we’re also developing new ventures, including more community-based and children’s programs; making use of our Shooting Gallery Arts Annex; and introducing an audio tour of the Coney Island Museum (voiced by a certain celebrity whose initials are N-P-H). We’re looking to the future with renewed purpose, and wanted to share that optimism with all our friends.

Please join us in welcoming Adam Rinn as our new Artistic Director. One of us! One of us!

Photo Credit - Eliza Rinn

November 30 is #GivingTuesday, a global movement that reimagines a world built upon shared humanity and generosity.

Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, we all have learned an invaluable lesson — that we’re stronger together than we are alone. During this time, communities, organizations, families, and friends reached out to each other for comfort and assistance, and the strength of those bonds gave us the gift of hope.

Almost 2 years later, it’s more important than ever to show up for our communities and the organizations that sustain them. Coney Island USA has been an integral part of our south Brooklyn neighborhood for almost 40 years, helping to attract the visitors and tourists that are the lifeblood of the local businesses. We also work tirelessly to safeguard the iconic landmarks and unique traditions of the past, while forging a new path forward into the future.

As we approach the end of 2021, everyone at Coney Island USA is so grateful for our friends, family, and all those folks who supported our mission by attending a live show or online program, or with a donation.

On #GivingTuesday 2021, please consider making a tax-deductible gift to support Coney Island USA. Your generosity will assist us in our commitment to defend the honor of American popular culture with creative programming and signature events, like the Mermaid Parade, that have been the hallmark of our organization—past, present, and future.