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Who Has What it Takes to BeMISTER CYCLONE?
Miss Cyclone Angie Pontani and the first ever Mr. Cyclone - Joshua Jerome Lee - 2010 Mr. Cyclone Contest - 8-7-10. Photo © Jim McDonnell
The first-ever Mr Cyclone Contest was fabulous fun and seriously competitive at the same time! Congratulations to our new "Mr Cyclone" Joshua Jerome Lee. And a big hug (ever been hugged by a roller coaster?) from the Cyclone for each of our finalists.
Thank you for being part of this historic event & making it a Coney Island must-see. If you missed the event, watch Jim McDonnell's Video on YouTube and slide shows on flickr by Coney Island Cyclone, Coney Island Photo Diary, and MissApril1956 Thanks to everyone who voted in the Mr Cyclone Contest! The Cyclone is thrilled to announce the names of the finalists in Saturday's live competition!
Drum roll please….Congrats to Pat Byrne, Robby Corrado, Erik Knapp, Brian Lease aka Fisherman, Joshua Jerome Lee, Brewster McCall and Takeshi Yamada!
Come to the Mr Cyclone Contest on Saturday, August 7, in Coney Island! See the 7 Finalists Rise to the Challenge of Becoming the First-ever Mr Cyclone! Save the Date: Saturday, August 7, 12-3 pm, Hosted By Murray Hill and Miss Cyclone (Angie Pontani) with Live music by Breadbasket & The Garden State Surfers & DJ Joe Gonzales Plus Coney Island Lager Beer Garden, Hot Rods, Vendors & More! Here are the Semi-Finalists!
Born and raised in Coney Island, Erik rode the Cyclone for the first time at age 7. First in line on the Cyclone's opening day for 5 years in a row, he got a Cyclone tattoo on his right arm to show his dedication in 2009. His rock band Mystical Children frequently plays on the Boardwalk and has won medals in the Mermaid Parade.
Website: http://www.myspace.com/mysticalchildren Audio: Coney Island History Project Oral History Archive
This graduate of Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Clown College recently performed for Ringling at the opening of Coney Island's Luna Park. From his Jersey Shore base, Pat runs the Cashin Comedy Company and a clown history blog. He wants to be Mr Cyclone for the fame, the public acclaim…but mostly to ride the Cyclone free for the season!
Quote: "Desire to be famous? You mean you've never heard of me???"
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxYwEkAsLYA
Musician, comedian & producer of Fisherman's Burlesque frequently plays his 100-year old Marimba Xylophone at Coney Island's Freak Bar. He believes it was pre-ordained by Neptune at a Tiki Party on Mt Olympus that he compete in the Mr Cyclone contest.
Quote: "I have hoisted the worlds largest Xylophone, I have written the best Coney Island song ("This Place" recorded by the Coney Island History Project) and, obviously, I want to be famous!"
This Coney Island artist's Neptune Avenue studio is known as the Museum of World Wonders. His Fiji Mermaid and other fabulous creations have been commissioned by more than a dozen amusement parks and sideshows. He had over 500 fine art exhibitions and lectured at 40 universities.
Quote: "I want to be MORE famous by passionately supporting and leading the rising of today's culture in Coney Island when I become Mr. Cyclone."
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpVCqEjFXk0
This actor & bartender loves roller coasters, especially of the vintage wooden variety. He loved the Cyclone since he first rode its mirror image in Atlanta. In 1999 he moved to Brooklyn, where his family originated. He has been to Coney Island countless times and feels privileged to be able to ride the Cyclone. He considers the coaster a piece of history because it is one of the few that has survived for so long.
Quote: "Fueled by nothing but Nathan's corndogs and adrenaline from the Cyclone, I can conquer all competitors with a glint in my eye and a Coney Island fun fact on my tongue."
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cArRz3-dEV8
The Cyclone's appeal as America's ride is shown by the fact that this Ohioan travels 400 miles to ride the Cyclone over and over again. He rides both front and back seats.
Quote: "The Coney Island Cyclone is a U.S. Treasure with historical significance, and to earn the title of Mr. Cyclone would be an honor. The only time I had a desire to be famous was because of this contest—to represent the best coaster in the world."
Born and raised in Brooklyn, this FDNY firefighter recalls taking the graffiti-covered F train in the 70's with his grandfather just to ride the Cyclone. The old man would tell stories about long ago weekends in Coney Island with friends and it was the only time he ever saw a tear in his grandfather's eye.
Quote: "Truthfully I entered the contest on a whim -to meet Miss Cyclone-- Angie P. I have a great love for all things Brooklyn, especially Coney Island. I wouldn't mind my 15 minutes of fame."
Every day the Cyclone attracts enthusiastic first-time riders from all over the world. The Facebook group "The Coney Island Cyclone" has over 1,200 members and "Coney Isle Cyclone" has more than 600 "friends." One of them is our contestant from Belgium. After visiting Coney Island last month and riding the Cyclone, he wrote to say how much fun it was. It would be even more fun to be Mr Cyclone!
Quote: "We have a wooden roller coaster in Belgium, but it is not like the Coney Island Cyclone. The coaster in Coney is the real thing."
Coney Island has been Mark's playground since age 4. Growing up and living in the Sheepshead Bay/Brighton area his whole life, he feels like this 'slice' of Brooklyn is very special. This FDNY firefighter recently retired from Ladder 10 after injuring his shoulder in a fire. The photo of him with the Cyclone is the 2008 Mr. December shot for the FDNY calendar.
Quote: "The Cyclone is a staple of Coney Island and Brooklyn pride, why wouldn't I want to be the first 'Mr Cyclone.' It would be a great honor to represent our neighborhood and our borough."
This PR professional and music blogger rode the Cyclone for the first time at the tender age of 7 and has been in love ever since. And he has the tattoo to prove it! He's never been disappointed by a trip to Coney Island and is always invigorated by a ride on the Cyclone.. It is his love of the Cyclone that keeps him coming back year after year.
Quote: "If I have gusto to handle that first drop and turn of the Cyclone like I was born on it, then I think my enthusiasm and vigor for life can only be partnered with a true Miss Cyclone."
Audio: Coney Island History Project Oral History Archive
This Canarsie resident's talents include dog training and writing poetry. Demetri is also a physical fitness enthusiast who lifts weights and does push ups on a daily basis. He is very passionate about Coney Island and has spent his entire life dreaming about being famous.
Quote: "Miss Cyclone is one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen and I know I have what it takes to make Coney Island proud."
A native of Modena, Italy, Paolo is an opera singer who will play Canio in the Mercury Opera's Pagliacci coming to Coney Island in September. He has already won applause in Coney by singing on Luna Park's Opening Day and on the Mercury Opera float in the Mermaid Parade. But does he have an affinity for the Cyclone? Certamente!
Quote: "Where else do we scale great heights and endure passionate turns—in opera!"
Website: http://coneyislandpagliacci.webs.com/
This "outsider artist" created the painted backdrops for Coney Island's world-famous "Shoot the Freak" in 2009. Michael first discovered his talent for drawing while attending art classes with his son at Sheepshead Bay Library. When customers at the bar where he worked began buying and commissioning pieces, he found his new career.
Quote: "I want to be Mr Cyclone to promote peace, justice and joy…substantially!! And to show my tattoos."
Website: www.farewelljustice.com
This Flatbush resident is an adventurous jack of all trades who loves all things Coney, especially the Cyclone, Sideshows by the Seashore and Burlesque at the Beach. One of the talents that he picked up from being in Coney Island every summer is eating and spitting fire.
Quote: "I think it would be so much Fun to be Mr Cyclone!!!! Plus Miss Cyclone is HOT!
A Coney Island native and resident, Hip Hop artist Amo 1 has been riding the Cyclone for over 25 years and now proudly rides with his 11- year old daughter. Last summer he wrote and recorded the anthem "Fight for Your Right to Save Coney" to raise awareness in the neighborhood. The track gives a shout out to Coney's world-famous rides and attractions, especially the Cyclone!
Quote: "Not only do I represent Brooklyn, but I represent Coney Island.. This is where I'm at, the voice of the people. You can see me here with the people all the time, any time. Not to mention me & Angie Pontani look so good together!" Cyclone meter: Rode the Cyclone 100-plus times
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiXRNzF5gQE
A self-described "Loudmouth Filmmaker," Pat is the writer/director of "Saving CBGB," which documents the rock club's final days. He considers the Cyclone the single greatest thing left in the City of New York, along with Coney Island as a whole and Miss Pontani herself.
Quote: "Pick me. Seriously, you will not be disappointed. I'm very strong—especially (and most importantly) strong-minded. I've rallied at many a rally to Save Coney Island. It's one of the last original vestige points of Americana left in this world and it's right here going stronger than ever! Also I'm madly in love with Angie Pontani."
Website: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2394386/
This resident of the Sea Gate community at the far western end of Coney Island is an investment real estate broker. Larry describes himself as freakishly strong and very passionate about Coney Island. Will these attributes give him an edge in the strength and endurance portion of the contest?
Quote: "I share my late grandfather's passion for Coney Island and he would be extremely proud! I think it will be a fun challenge and I would proudly represent my hometown!"
For this musician and co-owner of Hootenanny Art House, riding the Cyclone is a white hot thrill every time. He pledges to flex every muscle in defense of his beloved Cyclone's honor, play every instrument we can hand him to sing and play of her virtues.
Quote: "I have a mad hot crush on her…The Cyclone. She encompasses everything wild and unbroken about Brooklyn. She's its heat beat. Moments with her…Immortal. She entices you into her hot little seat and never lets you down. Every curve, every gorgeous rattling sinew says it's all about NOW baby."
Websites: http://www.myspace.com/petesinjin http://www.hootenannyarthouse.com/index_music_together_park_slope.html
Our contestant from Staten Island is a stay at home Dad after 23 years on the NYSE. He is a coaster fan who has been riding the Cyclone since what he calls the deep, dark days of the 70's. His interests include Coney Island, Music, Movies, History, Coney Island, Politics, Rum Swilling and oh did we mention Coney Island?.
Quote: "I have a huge gut and love to ride coasters. The Cyclone has always been my favorite. Have a little trouble getting bar to close at those sissy Six Flags coasters."
This Brooklyn native and Sheepshead Bay resident would consider it an honor and a privilege to represent the Coney Island Cyclone. He views the landmark roller coaster as a staple of New York and United States culture. Daniel's interests include singing, songwriting and weight training. At his peak strength he was able to bench press 355 lbs for one rep and hack squat 720 lbs for 34 reps. Will this give him an advantage in the strength and endurance category?
Quote: "Passionate about Coney Island…? Absolutely! Deep desire to be famous? Yes, if I'm unable to do this contest it's because I'll be at American Idol."
As a divisional leader with Metro Ministries, a Christian non-profit serving inner city children, Joshua works with kids in the projects of Coney Island. He enjoys the fanfare of the Boardwalk & Beach, but also wants to see a better life for the people of Coney Island. The contestant believes that the grand title of "Mr. Cyclone" can only be held by one who realizes the full weight of such a position and has full capabilities to represent the constituents of Coney Island and perform the duties of such a position with great zeal and fervor. He believes he is the Man of the Hour!
Quote: "If I could, I would sleep atop the Parachute Drop, eat my mealz on the Wonder Wheel, and play all day on the Cyclone."
Website: http://www.metroministries.org/ Voting Has Been Closed
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