Ventriloquist Central - A Tribute To Ventriloquism

From Tom Crowl

This morning Ken Groves gave his “Breaking Down The Brick Walls of Showbusiness” lecture. Ken brought out his puppet George and showed the audience exactly why they should take his advice, he’s one of the best you will see! Excellent advice on everything from creating the illusion of ventriloquism to setting up the room for a successful show. Following the Q & A session, Ken offered his book and DVD for sale - he sold out and was taking orders. His book is available on-line through Lee Cornell.

Following a quick break, Tim & Amanda Cowles presented a lecture where they discussed everything from show transitions and music to sound systems and microphones. They used several segments from their educational school assemblies and it was a fun presentation that seemed to go by too quickly. The dealer rooms opened and everyone hit the restuarant - so I took off for a great lunch with David Crone. The amount of information being shared here floors me - I can’t believe I didn’t attend this convention sooner.

This afternoon we’ve got open mics - then tonight - Terry Fator!

Terry Fator was at the Junior Open Mic. MC’d by Bob Hamill - kids did a great job.

Thanks, Tom…..

Dan
www.ventriloquistcentral.com

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George Boosey called around 12:30 eastern time to give us an update on the morning at Vent Haven. Mark Wade gave out the W.S. Berger Distinguished Award to Dan & Mary Fry.

Ken Groves did a presentation about his “Breaking Down The Brick Walls of Showbusiness”. Some great quotes from Ken’s presentation:

“I do comedy-the tool I use is ventriloquism.”
“When you’re setting up a show, you’re setting up a package.”

Talking about the importance of lip control…..
“We need to bring back the mystery of what we do.”
“Without the mystery you’re not a ventriloquist, you’re a puppeteer.”

About doing your shows….
“You need a laugh within the first 30 seconds or you’ll have a long night.”

Tim and Amanda Cowles had a presentation about transitions.
“Transitions can make or break a program.”

Thanks George…..and he’ll be giving up more updates.

Dan
www.ventriloquistcentral.com

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From Tom Crowl

Tonight, Bob & Marty Hamill opened the show with their Potato Salad routine, then Ken Lucas came to the stage. Ken had a great set that featured a song by his puppet “If I Had A Better Vent” to the tune of “If I Only Had A Brain” from Wizard of Oz. Very funny show that was well received. A panel discussion by Female Puppet Makers moderated by Tim Cowles featured Mary Ann & Melissa Taylor, Michele Acquin & Kristen L. was also on tonight. Dealer rooms open at 9:45 - so I’ve got to go look!

Thanks, Tom for the update.

More to come.

Dan
www.ventriloquistcentral.com

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At about 5:15pm (eastern time), George Boosey called in to say that the ConVENTion is underway. He said there are a couple of video crews there doing filming. I asked about the turnout and he said it looks a little smaller than normal, but wasn’t sure.

Tonight’s festivities include, the Pro’s group discussion, official opening by Mark Wade, a Lady Figure builder’s discussion and a one man show with Ken Lucas.

Terry Fator is scheduled to perform tomorrow night and on Saturday is Jeff Dunham.

More to come, so stay tuned.

Dan
www.ventriloquistcentral.com

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From Tom Crowl…

“Spent Tuesday night at Ken Groves’ - Ken Lucas, who will perform at the convention is also staying here - we got a sneak peek at a multi-media trivia presentation Ken Groves created, and Lucas performed a new bit he will be doing on the show. (It will kill!) They also watched parts of one of my fair shows taped last week and offered some great tips. We are heading down to KY this morning and things start this afternoon.”

Thanks Tom for the update.

Keeping checking back for more updates from others.

Dan
www.ventriloquistcentral.com

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Well it’s that time of year again. By now those that are going have either left for the ventriloquist ConVENTion or getting ready to leave. For all of you traveling, have a safe trip.

If you are going to the ConVENTion, I’d like to ask your help. Since neither Steve nor I are able to make it this year, we’d like to be able to provide updates to those that can’t go. If you’re taking your computer, please email us with updates that we can post on the blog.

Or, if you want, please call Steve and let him know. If you would like to do this, call Steve to set this up…he has a toll free number 877-857-2532. We would appreciate any updates you can give us.

Today there is a nice article in the Courier-Journal about Vent Haven.

Click here to see article.

Have fun at the ConVENTion and for those not going…stay tuned for updates.

Dan
www.ventriloquistcentral.com

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Today marks the 52nd anniversary of the passing of The Great Lester.

Click here for the article…”The Great Lester”

Click here for “The Great Lester Letter”

Dan
www.ventriloquistcentral.com

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All writings here are copyrighted by Dan Willinger and Ventriloquist Central. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.

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I got a call from Steve (the webmaster) last night telling me he had found something. He was cleaning out the spare bedroom (the one he uses as a storage room) and found 15 sets of the Ventriloquist Central Picture CDs.

These CDs contain 506 pictures of ventriloquist dummies that I own or have been in my collection (plus bonus pictures).

So to all the newbies out there or if you missed out the first time….here’s your opportunity to grab these gems.

Click here for more information.

We are not ordering any more of these CDs so get yours now.

Dan
www.ventriloquistcentral.com

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I was lucky enough to run across this old article about Bernie Kallman. He’s the gentleman that I purchased the Marshall/McElroy ventriloquist figure that is now in my collection. It’s the same figure that was once owned by Bob Neller.

Enjoy the article.

Click here to see the Marshall/McElroy figure.

Dan
www.ventriloquistcentral.com

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All writings here are copyrighted by Dan Willinger and Ventriloquist Central. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.

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With the passing of Bob’s wife Mary, he asked that I let everyone who reads my blog the following information:

Dan…If anyone wishes to send a memorial in Mary’s name, in lieu of flowers we’re asking memorials in her name to go to the American Lung Assoc. or to our church, Christ Lutheran Church, 607 Harvard St. Oak Park, Il. 60304. I appreciate your thoughts & prayers. Bob

Dan
www.ventriloquistcentral.com

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All writings here are copyrighted by Dan Willinger and Ventriloquist Central. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.

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