995: Richard Cohn - Coney Island Memories

The smell of the sea, the noise of the roller coaster, the sounds of laughter, the taste of a nickel hot dog, and the applause from the audiences watching magic shows in Coney Island around the turn of the 20th century. Those are some of the senses you will think about as you listen to this week’s podcast. Richard Cohn takes us way back in time when “Dime Museum Harry” Houdini was still performing there with his brother, Theo (or “Dash”) for 12 cents a week in the late 1880’ and 90’s. There were so many others who came through Coney Island trying to “make it” in showbiz. One of those who “made it” and stuck around New York was the “Coney Island Fakir” Al Flosso, who performed and operated a magic shop there.

This week, Richard Cohn makes history come alive as he gives us dates and names of famous (and not to famous) magicians who spent time in Coney Island. He talks about the many rides and museums there, as well. Al Flosso, The Coney Island Fakir, found notoriety in and around New York as a frequent performer at high end shows plus children’s parties. He was also a frequent guest on the Ed Sullivan television show. Details on these and many other stories are in this week’s episode.

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994: Michael Finney - Finney to the Bone

Michael Finney was explicitly voted by his peers as one of the Top 10 Comedy Magicians in the World in the April 2008 edition of MAGIC magazine. You will get no argument from me on that account. Michael is funny and has spread joy and happiness worldwide. Known for his trademark overgrown blond flattop haircut, booming voice, and distinct lack of pretense, Finney masterfully walks the line between a hardened stand-up comic and a top-tier illusionist. He is a magician, comedian, philanthropist, creator, traveler, producer, entrepreneur and overall a generally nice, sensitive family man. He has appeared at nearly all of the major magic conventions and for many years he performed aboard cruise ships, where he could still be today had it not been for COVID shutting down those opportunities.

Although not mentioned in our conversation this week, it should be known that Michael is a Past International President of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (I.B.M.) and the creator of “Dry Heat Hot Sauce”, two completely separate endeavors. Michael created the “Dry Heat Classic” which has raised millions of dollars for children's charities, firefighters, and wounded veterans. It was intended as a golf tournament and fund raiser where his friends would play golf then finishing the day by performing on stage. This week, Michael recounts stories about his first magic trick investment, opening and closing his own comedy club in Phoenix, working on cruise ships, his first time (failed ) experience of performing in Las Vegas, getting kidnapped at gun point, the unexpected financial success of his comedy CD, plus many, many other stories, some of which you may have heard but most you have not.

993: Jordan Jonas, Jordan Jonas, Jordan Jonas

Say his name three times and he might appear! Or you can just send him and email to book him. :) He has a very different on-stage character from his off stage personality. I think Jordan Jonas is a perfect guest to feature for this “Month of Boo” because of his unique character. At the young age of 33, he seems to be comfortably settling into his character as he continues to “tweak” the act and find performing venues for his act. This is one of those podcast episodes where I hope to inspire listeners to consider their on-stage persona and develop their character.

I spoke with Jordan in Dallas, Texas, where he was one of the featured performers at the annual Magistrorum Convention. He has a very unassuming personality and nature in real life though when he dons his make-up, eyeball lens and costume, he takes on a whole different character.

995: Richard Cohn - Coney Island Memories

994: Michael Finney - Finney to the Bone

993: Jordan Jonas, Jordan Jonas, Jordan Jonas

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