I remember reading about a kid's show entertainer based in New York or Washington.
He would just turn up and entertain kids. No props or costumes. It was almost like he would just turn up with a hangover - and entertain kids. In wahtever clothes had on that day.
But because he had an amazing ability to connect with children, he was a successful entertainer. Even though it seemed like there was no effort involved compared to a regular kids' show entertainer.
There was even a feature on him somewhere (like The New Yorker?).
I am sure I saw Richard Kaufman comment on him once as well.
Does anyone have any information on this? I find things like this utterly fascinating.
Name of kid's show entertainer?
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Re: Name of kid's show entertainer?
You guys are the best. Thanks so much!
I am going to research this writer as well. Cheers Bill!
I am going to research this writer as well. Cheers Bill!
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Re: Name of kid's show entertainer?
Yes, the Great Zucchini. He was almost like a homeless guy who just showed up and did some poor magic, but the connection he had with children was astonishing.
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Re: Name of kid's show entertainer?
Fascinating!
Bob Hummer had that sort of vibe - but as a creator of magic.
Bob Hummer had that sort of vibe - but as a creator of magic.
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Re: Name of kid's show entertainer?
Hey Bill,
I just looked up Gene Weingarten on wikipedia. I saw that his first Pulitzer prize was for one of the best magazine stories I ever read. The one about the world-famous violinst (Joshua Bell) plays a Stradivarius in a subway station for passengers on their way to work. I often think back to that article.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/pearls-before-breakfast-can-one-of-the-nations-great-musicians-cut-through-the-fog-of-a-dc-rush-hour-lets-find-out/2014/09/23/8a6d46da-4331-11e4-b47c-f5889e061e5f_story.html
Thanks for reminding me of this great writer! I am going to check out more of his work.
I just looked up Gene Weingarten on wikipedia. I saw that his first Pulitzer prize was for one of the best magazine stories I ever read. The one about the world-famous violinst (Joshua Bell) plays a Stradivarius in a subway station for passengers on their way to work. I often think back to that article.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/pearls-before-breakfast-can-one-of-the-nations-great-musicians-cut-through-the-fog-of-a-dc-rush-hour-lets-find-out/2014/09/23/8a6d46da-4331-11e4-b47c-f5889e061e5f_story.html
Thanks for reminding me of this great writer! I am going to check out more of his work.
Re: Name of kid's show entertainer?
That article about the Great Zucchini was an excellent read. Thanks.
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Re: Name of kid's show entertainer?
Mark Lewis put me in touch with The Great Zucchini on Facebook.
I spent just under 3 hours chatting to him last night.
And I have just turned that conversation into a ten page article.
I will publish it here or on the Vanishing Inc Magic blog (where I sometimes publish stuff).
Unless Richard wants it for the magazine? It is a good article. The Great Zucchini is going to read it and give me his feedback.
I have also encouraged him to pop over and say hi.
I spent just under 3 hours chatting to him last night.
And I have just turned that conversation into a ten page article.
I will publish it here or on the Vanishing Inc Magic blog (where I sometimes publish stuff).
Unless Richard wants it for the magazine? It is a good article. The Great Zucchini is going to read it and give me his feedback.
I have also encouraged him to pop over and say hi.
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Re: Name of kid's show entertainer?
Joe -- Your profile mentions, in connection with Ricky Jay, "pachydermous hide". I think the phrase you are trying to recall is "pachydermatous outer melon layer".
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Re: Name of kid's show entertainer?
Yikes - good catch. I am an idiot. I did a quick google search to refresh my memory when I was writing. And the top result on google (a Grantland article) mislead me.
I am a doofus!
Joe
PS Eric is going to try and pop in and say Hi. He is having trouble setting up an account though.
I am a doofus!
Joe
PS Eric is going to try and pop in and say Hi. He is having trouble setting up an account though.
Re: Name of kid's show entertainer?
Thanks for that, Joe. Your diagnosis about the importance of status and spontaneity seems right on target. Looking forward to Eric’s checking in!
Gordon
Gordon
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Re: Name of kid's show entertainer?
Hey Everyone, I hope you’re doing well and staying safe.
I had a fantastic experience interacting with Joe when he reached out to me. He’s extremely likable, a great conversationalist and very intelligent. He made the process painless and I appreciate him taking an interest in me.
We really are in the world’s best business and don’t worry everyone- people will be ready to throw parties this spring and summer.
I had a fantastic experience interacting with Joe when he reached out to me. He’s extremely likable, a great conversationalist and very intelligent. He made the process painless and I appreciate him taking an interest in me.
We really are in the world’s best business and don’t worry everyone- people will be ready to throw parties this spring and summer.