A Montage of Ventriloquist Bob Neller

Posted on September 2, 2009 by Webmaster

Last Friday we posted an interview with “Doc” Neller, the younger brother of ventriloquist Bob Neller (click here for interview).

I asked “Doc” if I could share the DVD montage that his daughters sent to me and he said it would be okay.

So below is the montage of ventriloquist Bob Neller.

Enjoy!

[flashvideo filename=http://ventriloquistcentral.com/neller-montage/neller-montage.flv /]

 

Dan
www.ventriloquistcentral.com

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Dan Willinger is a ventriloquism enthusiast and ventriloquist figure collector. He has been collecting for over 25 years. He created the Ventriloquist Central Collection. It now has over 100 ventriloquist figures and over 50 of them are Frank Marshall figures. Because of his love for the art of ventriloquism, Mr. Willinger created the website Ventriloquist Central. For more information about the website, go to: http://www.ventriloquistcentral.com

Copyright 2009 by Dan Willinger

NOTE: You may use this blog article provided you run it with the bio box intact. Please email a copy of your publication with the blog article in it to: webmaster@ventriloquistcentral.com

Posted in Ventriloquism/Ventriloquist, Ventriloquist Central, Ventriloquist Videos | 2 Comments

Dan Payes Ventriloquist Figure Builder

Posted on September 1, 2009 by Webmaster

I just had to mention Dan Payes today because in my continuing search for ventriloquist figures I came across his link to a new figure he has created, Gil the coffee guy, for sale on eBay right now. I take my hat off to Dan because this character is simply fantastic. We always talk about that character that is unique and a bit cartoony and Dan hit the Bulls eye with this fellow.

Watch the video and you just can’t help laughing at this guy and saying to yourself ” I’ve been there “. At least I can say that because I am a coffee guy and have been wired from the caffeine many times.

If you always wanted a character to call your own that no one else has you have to bid on this one. He is KILLER in my book!! Great job Dan on such a wonderful character!!

<a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=QPydxOwazns">http://youtube.com/watch?v=QPydxOwazns</a>

 

Click here to see Dan Payes figure on eBay

 

Click here to see Dan Payes website

 

Dan
www.ventriloquistcentral.com

***************************************************

Dan Willinger is a ventriloquism enthusiast and ventriloquist figure collector. He has been collecting for over 25 years. He created the Ventriloquist Central Collection. It now has over 100 ventriloquist figures and over 50 of them are Frank Marshall figures. Because of his love for the art of ventriloquism, Mr. Willinger created the website Ventriloquist Central. For more information about the website, go to: http://www.ventriloquistcentral.com

Copyright 2009 by Dan Willinger

NOTE: You may use this blog article provided you run it with the bio box intact. Please email a copy of your publication with the blog article in it to: webmaster@ventriloquistcentral.com

Posted in Ventriloquism/Ventriloquist, Ventriloquist Central, Ventriloquist Figure (Dummy) Makers, Ventriloquist Figure Building, Ventriloquist Figures, Ventriloquist Videos | 3 Comments

Sad News

Posted on August 31, 2009 by Webmaster

The following was an email sent by Joe Lopez:

 

I’m writing to inform you of a tragic situation regarding my good friend, puppeteer and performer, Steve Meltzer.

Steve has been running the Santa Monica Puppetry Center for ten years. He has done thousands of marionette and vent shows, and hosted Paul Winchell’s last public performance there. At the con-VENT-ion, he has lectured, and been a dealer. Steve’s love of puppetry, vent, and support of the convention has been a major force in his life.

Due to the economy Steve was forced to close the doors to the theatre following his last show on Sunday, August 16th, 2009. Two hours after the closing Steve suffered a stroke, and was found by close friend, Mike Clark.

After tests at the hospital, it was determined that Steve had a brain tumor. Two days later surgery was perfomed to remove the tumor, which was then sent for a biopsy. The results were not good.
Steve has a Stage 4 Melanoma, which has spread to his lymphatic system. Steve has gotten his speech back haltingly, and his left side is partially paralyzed. He is facing Chemo, and a long and challenging rehab. Throughout this ordeal Steve’s outlook and sense of humor is positive, and he has received many visits from friends and members of the Los Angeles Puppetry Guild.

I’m letting you know all this because Steve is a great friend and in need of all the support and prayers he can get. If you feel like sending a card, I’m sure it would brighten his day, and strengthen his spirits. You can send it to Steve Meltzer, c/o The Santa Monica Puppetry Center,1014 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401. Thanks!

 

Steve, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Dan

Posted in Personal | 1 Comment

Esky, Charlie McCarthy and Ventriloquist Edgar Bergen

Posted on August 30, 2009 by Webmaster

I was just thinking about Charlie McCarthy and how wonderful a figure Charlie was. That wise cracking boy and how he almost didn’t make it as Mr Bergen’s main character.

Edgar Bergen saw the mascot of the New York Publication called Esquire Magazine and their caricature for the magazine was this moustached fellow in top hat and tails that they called Esky. Mr Bergen thought how sophisticated that figure would be as a wooden partner.

Mr Bergen contacted Esquire magazine and told them of his idea to use Esky as his partner in the many night clubs and they responded favorably to his request and said he could in fact use their character. They did ask that Bergen sign a contract that for the use of the character Esky he must pay an annual fee for the use of the name and character.

Mr Bergen thought this would not be advantageous for him so he decided to ad a monacle, top hat and tasi;ls to his own figure Charles McCarthy and went on with this venture without Esky. I dare say he had no problem.

An Esky figure was created and carved in plastic wood with body done by the McElroy brothers and it is residing in the Vent Haven Museum. Unfortunately it is not seen in their panorama virtual tours as it sits in the back room of the first virtual tour.

So that you could see this wonderful Esky figure I happen to have the October 1989 issue of Collector’s Showcase Magazine and this wonderful figure was used on the cover along with Jacko.

esky

Enjoy!!!

Dan
www.ventriloquistcentral.com

***************************************************

Dan Willinger is a ventriloquism enthusiast and ventriloquist figure collector. He has been collecting for over 25 years. He created the Ventriloquist Central Collection. It now has over 100 ventriloquist figures and over 50 of them are Frank Marshall figures. Because of his love for the art of ventriloquism, Mr. Willinger created the website Ventriloquist Central. For more information about the website, go to: http://www.ventriloquistcentral.com

Copyright 2009 by Dan Willinger

NOTE: You may use this blog article provided you run it with the bio box intact. Please email a copy of your publication with the blog article in it to: webmaster@ventriloquistcentral.com

Posted in Edgar Bergen, Ventriloquism/Ventriloquist, Ventriloquist Central | Leave a comment

Terry Fator on CMT

Posted on August 29, 2009 by Webmaster

I have to admit Terry knows how to grab his audience and keep them in the palm of his hand. His stage presence and timing were impeccable and his comedy was spot on. I wasn’t quite sure how he was going to be as a comedian but he certainly had the jokes and one liners to show everyone he has what it takes.

His singing is beyond belief. To do impersonations most have to contort their face to simulate who they are impersonating but Terry does it straight faced and without moving his lips one iota. Just the best bar none.

His use of a full mask with complete costume to do Cher was unique as well and I think went over as well as anyone who has used a mask in their show. Great comedy with this as well.

So Terry I can’t wait to make it to Vegas again to see your full show. Great job!!!

Dan
www.ventriloquistcentral.com

***************************************************

Dan Willinger is a ventriloquism enthusiast and ventriloquist figure collector. He has been collecting for over 25 years. He created the Ventriloquist Central Collection. It now has over 100 ventriloquist figures and over 50 of them are Frank Marshall figures. Because of his love for the art of ventriloquism, Mr. Willinger created the website Ventriloquist Central. For more information about the website, go to: http://www.ventriloquistcentral.com

Copyright 2009 by Dan Willinger

NOTE: You may use this blog article provided you run it with the bio box intact. Please email a copy of your publication with the blog article in it to: webmaster@ventriloquistcentral.com

Posted in Ventriloquism/Ventriloquist, Ventriloquist Central, Ventriloquist Terry Fator | Leave a comment