Organ Grinder Rally to Perform at History Day Celebration at Coney Island Today

A bevy of organ grinders from the Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors Association (AMICA) and the Carousel Organ Association of America (COAA) join the History Day celebration sponsored by Deno's Wonder Wheel Park and the Coney Island History Project today, Saturday, August 10, from 1pm - 6pm. The rain date is tomorrow, August 11.

The free performances by the organ grinders include sing-a-longs and the opportunity for visitors to hand crank the organs. History Day is the inaugural event at Coney Island's newly dedicated Dreamland Plaza, a pedestrian plaza at the Boardwalk end of West 12th Street. In addition to the Dreamland Plaza stage, organ grinders will be located in front of the Coney Island History Project on West 12th Street, in Deno's Wonder Wheel Kiddie Park, and in Deno's Wonder Wheel Gazebo on the Boardwalk.

The rally was curated by Bob Yorburg, a band organ builder, magician and carousel carver, who performed at the History Project last season and restored the antique fortunetelling machine "Grandma's Predictions" for Deno's Wonder Wheel Park.

"Hand cranked organs have appeared throughout the streets of New York and in Coney Island for nearly 100 years," says Yorburg, who explains that cranking the organ moves a bellows that provides air to sound the pipes. A roll of paper with holes punched in it creates the music that you hear. "You would often hear people singing along to the music. This form of entertainment predates all other forms of musical reproduction including radio, television and electronic media. Now, for one day only, we are bringing back these free performances with strolling and stationary organs."

Organ Grinder Lola and Master Bob, originally from Baden-Baden, Germany and now based in the Washington, DC area, will appear on the Dreamland Plaza stage on West 12th Street at 3pm. "We'll perform German Moritaten, 19th century street ballads of broken hearts, murder and mayhem," says Lola. "And, of course, the most famous Moritat of them all, 'Mackie Messer,' gangster rap from 1920s Berlin. Plus other fun sing-along songs in English, like the Ballad of Anne Boleyn! Great fun."

Ian Fraser, age 12, of Staten Island, is one of the youngest members of COAA. He is the proud owner of a Celestina Organette, a small hand-cranked organ built in 1881. Ian has performed at band organ rallies at Knoebels, Quassy, Wurlitzer, and Olcott Beach.

Members of the New York chapter of AMICA performing on History Day include Vincent and Maryam Morgan on their Castlewood organ in Deno's Wonder Wheel Kiddie Park; Buzz Rosa and Barbara on their Hofbauer organ and Jerry and Cheryl Maler, also on a German Hofbauer organ, in front of the Coney Island History Project; and Bill and Rita Sharkey with their Jager & Brommer Organ, alternating with Bob Stuhmer and Walter Kehoe on Accordeon, at Deno's Wonder Wheel Gazebo on the Boardwalk.

"You will hear an art form that all but died a half a century ago," says Yorburg. "It is now experiencing a renaissance that will be shared for free by enthusiasts. These people have restored, built and bought organs that will be shared with the public." Throughout the day, spectators will have the chance to crank some of the organs and experience a thrill from days gone by.

The History Day festivities will also include live Ragtime and Dixieland music by the Banjo Rascals, Coney Island History Trivia Contest with historian Charles Denson, Professor Phineas Feelgood's World of Magic, HumanToon/Street Sorcerer Kevin C Carr, and Lady Circus, both onstage at Dreamland Plaza onstage and as strolling entertainment from 1-6pm.

A new exhibit "The History of Deno's Wonder Wheel: Three Generations" will open on History Day at the Coney Island History Project and continue through October. This exhibit portrays the history of Deno's Wonder Wheel and the Vourderis family who have owned and operated it for three generations.

Dress in 1920's garb and get one free ride on the Wonder Wheel!

Also on History Day, there will be a presentation about mechanical street organs and the history of organ grinders by band organ builder and restorer Bob Yorburg at the History Project. Admission to the exhibit center is free of charge.

The History Project's exhibition center is located under Deno's Wonder Wheel Park's iconic entrance sign at 3059 West 12th Street, just a few steps off the Boardwalk.

The History Project's free exhibit center is open weekends and holidays from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. View historic artifacts, photographs, maps, ephemera and films of Coney Island's colorful past and special exhibits. Our popular Steeplechase horse from the legendary ride that gave Steeplechase Park its name is on display again along with the Spook-A-Rama Cyclops from Deno's Wonder Wheel Park, hand-painted figures from Astroland's Musik Express, and a Mangels Fairy Whip Car made in Coney Island in the early 1900s.

The center is also open year-round by appointment for schools and groups, and is the starting point for the Coney Island History Project's popular walking tours of the amusement area. Visit our website or Facebook page or follow us on twitter for event news and updates. For additional info, e-mail events@coneyislandhistory.org or phone 347-702-8553.