VAUDE_VISUALS

I first met Scott Baker at BB Kings’ music club in Times Square. We were attending the Coney Island Sideshow by the Seashore performance.

The show was ‘on tour’ and I wanted to do some photography of the show. Scott Baker sat across from me at the table and we talked  ’sideshow‘ and variety arts. Lots in common regarding our favorite performers and genres.

Not long after that evening I heard Scott was in ‘chemo therapy’ for cancer. I  hoped for the best!

Once I heard he was better I wanted to interview him about his work as a  ’Human blockhead, fire eater, glass eater, escape artist, master magician, ventriloquist, eats live crickets and lit cigarettes, swallows and regurgitates razor blades, performs levitations, outside talker.’.

We met a a music rehearsal space near Times Square and the room was perfect for the interview. I ask Scott about his illness and he wrote this:

“To some, hearing that you have “The Big C” is a death sentence. It only made me furious, and I was determined to not let it get the better of me. Going for chemo and getting a radiation per day for seven weeks, I worked until I simply couldn’t move. It was extremely rough going, but through the miracle of modern science, medicine, and the faith of many friends, we kicked the thing! I had to learn to do many things all over again, and now hopefully do them much better. For the record, I had cancer of the squamous cells on upper left soft palate. To this day, nobody knows how I got it!”

Scott is Back and better than ever! I am posting a several videos for your enjoyment.

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Scott Baker Banner by Marie Roberts

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One of Scott’s achievements has been to be the star in a film! BALLY MASTER.

Title of film about Scott Baker on Coney Island Sideshow

BALLY MASTER Directed by: Gary Beeber

5 Awards for Best Documentary

Get it here!

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Here are some other links to sites that contain information on Scott Baker.

http://www.staythirstymedia.com/200706c/html/0507coneyisland_scottbaker.html

http://www.coneyisland.com/per.scott.shtml

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Last but not least is Scott talking about Passion and Vision.

After years of attempts to complete the Kendama Blockhead Keith Nelson successfully landed the ball in the cup!. FINALLY! Performed at the Bindlestiff Variety Revue on Monday August 2, 2010. Over 2 years of failed attempts at Sideshow and Juggling Conventions. Keith Nelson is the MC for the Bindlestiff Variety Revue which occupies the Galapagos Art Space in Dumbo the first Monday of Every Month. Only $5. gets you in to see an assortment of variety, burlesque, comedy, dance, sideshow and other type acts.
A deal that can’t be BEAT! See you next Month I hope.
Video © 2010 by Jim Moore -

Kendama Blockhead Completed by Keith Nelson from Jim Moore on Vimeo.

On the first Monday of the every month BINDLESTIFF VARIETY SHOW is held at Galapagos Art Space in Dumbo, Brooklyn. The host Keith Bindlestiff attempted to complete the Kendama Blockhead this past Monday. I have been videotaping all his attempts all the way back to August ’09. I am sure he will get it one day!

Here is a video where he provides the unknowing audience members with a short education on what the ‘Human Blockhead‘ is and then attempts the Kendama Blockhead. The variety show is a mix of acts ranging from singing to burlesque to trapeze and back to Kendama Blockhead. All for $5.00. Well worth the visit and time. This show included the likes of Baby Seals, Jan Manke, Kitty Cockpit, Coney Island Chris, Magic Brian, Zero Boy, The Maestrocities, and Mika.

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