Looney Lenny's Blog

Looney Lenny T-shirts are in!!!

2012-02-01T15:48:00.000-05:00

Yes, Looney Lenny fans, it's true! The all new Looney Lenny T-shirt is here. Currently available in Small Kid, Medium Kid or sort of
Large-ish Kid sizes. If people like them--or you personally request it--we will make adult sizes.

Modeled by Sluby-the first to get one! Don't be the last! Which is nearly impossible because we can always make more...

This is the first design we will offer, but hope to add a different design each year. This year Looney Lenny turns 16, so we will most likely have a "Sweet 16" special-T by years end.

Email us to let us know if you want a shirt for your fan--or if you are booking a party make sure to tell us to include it in your package for the b-day child or as a goodie bag item for all of your guests. Beats a bag full of plastic junk made in China for a penny (sorry OTC).

Planning a Birthday Party in NYC

2010-04-18T00:12:00.004-04:00

Google Search Stories is a cool and easy-to-use. Look what I made:

Check out how you can make one here: http://www.youtube.com/SearchStories

Kids Movie Review: School of Rock

2010-04-01T14:00:00.001-04:00

Some of you know I am a big movie fan. In my personal collection I have approximately 650 DVD's. I began collecting when I didn't have a TV for ten years or so. I didn't miss the television, I missed the movies. As soon as I had a computer that could play DVD's I began collecting and before too long it became just about the only thing I spent money on; that and rent--which in NYC is always more than it should be.

My love affair with movies began when I was 4. I couldn't say what my first movie was but I certainly remember my early excitement in going to the movies. My affinity for the movies grew with each film I saw. I began making a list a young age and it became a family tradition that my grandfather and I would go out on Saturday mornings and get a hair cut and see a movie I was interested in. The usual question I get is, how could you get a haircut every Saturday? The answer is less amusing than how could my Grandfather get a hair cut every Saturday when he was practically bald.

I don't really have a favorite genre of films. I collect documentaries, dramas, Oscar winners and kids flicks--animated or otherwise and of course, comedies. Being a clown, naturally i consider myself a bit of an expert in the comedy department, so I decided to start a kids movie review to help guide my readers to the best movies to waste your time and money on.

Overtime I will figure out the best rating system. right now--I think I will give three ratings. 1. Good for kids 2. Good for adults 3. Overall rating. In order to keep things easy to understand I will adopt the school rating system of A,B,C. etc.

My first review is for School of Rock. I chose it because it is a great movie for kids and adults. alike. I firmly believe that if a movie isn't great for adults too it isn't worth recommending. Unfortunately there is no way of knowing until you have seen it. This being said, I won't be reviewing any Dora movies or the like.

On to the review---

Summary: A wanna be rocker (Jack Black) cannot pay his rent so he poses as his substitute teacher roommate (Mike White--who also wrote the screenplay) and takes a job in an upscale elementary school--think Westchester. While not taking the job very seriously he stumbles upon his students various talents in music. Seeing these young musical minds in a new light and in need of shaping (think crash course in Rock-n-Roll) and him in need of a band to win the battle of the bands, Jack Black (Dewey) corals the students and the Stern yet simple minded principle (Joan Cusack) into writing music, creating a dramatic lighting show and even auditioning downtown during school hours. A classic caper that explodes to a warm fuzzy crescendo that will have you and your child singing the title song and playing air guitar.

What will your kids take away from it:
Well first things first--this is a great film to get your kids interested in music or playing a musical instrument. There are some fatal flaws in the movie based on the fact that Dewey breaks a lot of rules and is generally a fairly selfish immature character, but of course he does come of age, sort of. It does explore the possibilities of other careers for smart musicians but the real lesson is not to get a pushy insensitive girlfriend and value your friendships of youth even if you do. A great movie to introduce your kids to the real Jack Black and not the animated panda version.

Stats:
Directed by Richard Linklater (Dazed and Confused, Before Sunrise, Scanner Darkly)
Also stars Sarah Silverman as the antagonistic roommate girlfriend. Adam Pascal from the Broadway musical RENT as the old band mate who fires Dewey.

Rating:
1. Good for kids--A-
2. Good for adults--A+
3. Overall rating-- A

Other movies like this one:
Kung Fu Panda
Spy High
Good Boy

Umbilically Yours

2009-09-02T17:03:00.001-04:00

The Umbilical Brothers are a fantastic physical comedy duo who often use sound effects to make their already exaggerated movements come to life in a hysterical amalgam of classic comedy and serious performance chops. They also have a children's show called the "UpsideDown Show"on Noggin that I think is one of the best to come around in recent years. Rumor has it (they whispered it in my ear so it counts as a rumor) that they are working on a movie version sometime this year. I was fortunate enough to see them a bunch last time they were in NYC. Looney Lenny highly recommends these guys for kids of all ages (that means adults too). Just be careful what you let your tyke watch, as they also have adult themed material that is a little more risque. Check out one of my favorite vids here. And be sure to check out their show "Speedmouse" next time they are in town. Be sure to tell them Looney Lenny sent ya!

Me and my pet Cheeseburger

2009-08-02T17:36:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite tricks of late has been my drooping flower trick. Unfortunately I had to retire it until I can find a place to get the exact same one as I had before. I miss you Cheeseburger! Don't worry--I am sure he will return soon.

Starworks: Lesly's Looney Lenny Poem

2009-08-02T17:10:00.006-04:00

Sadly about a month after I received this my friend Sneezly passed away. She was always so sweet and attentive when I did my show. Sometimes when kids are sick and quietly watching is hard to tell they are really into the show. As time went by I noticed that Sneezly was paying very close attention although she never prticipated verbally. I was so excited when the Child Life personell told me she was a big fan and would never miss the show. There is no greater joy than hearing that I am something children look forward to in their long journey through the healing process. I am so proud to be a rainbow in a sometimes dark place. I miss you sneezly.

Washington Market Park with old friends

2009-07-02T17:33:00.003-04:00

Alright maybe she isn't that old--don't let the mustache fool you. This my friend Candle. I did her 4th and 5th birthday parties and then subsequently I did her sister Tickler's 4th and 5th and 6th and then her Brother Jellybean's 4th. All in all you would think they would be done with me--but no! They still love me and I still love them. They don't hold the record for single family hiring, but they do make sure they see me every chance that comes their way. Come see me and the whole family May 15 at Taste of Tribeca. She may shave before then so you might not be able to pick her out of the crowd.

A Clown on the Downtown

2009-06-22T14:38:00.001-04:00

Often people ask to take a picture with them while I am in transit between parties. I always oblige - (even when I am running late!). I gotta represent yo. One day while heading back home after a day of hospital visits a woman asked to take my picture with her iphone. She was excited to run in to a clown and considered it a good omen to have crossed my path. I gave her a million dollars, of course, and she sent the pic to me. Interesting for me to see me from someone elses eyes. This must be my clown on the subway face. Cheese! Thanks Heather!

Laughter in Teardrop Park

2009-06-08T15:47:00.005-04:00

Before we start the show at the Barclay party last week. A whole new group of Lenny Groupies.

I have been doing shows for The Park Preschool for many years now. So long that I have entertained at many kids 4, 5 and 6th b-day parties and then their little brother or sisters parties. Now they have opened a new division, The Barclay Street Preschool, and a whole new bunch of kids are my new fans.

Today I did the Park Preschool party--where all of my die hard fans go to school. I cannot describe the feeling of walking out in front of 50 kids who have had me at their party or seen me multiple times at their friends parties or at the school parties. Tony Gilroy said it best "You are like Mick Jagger to these kids." I truly do have a rock star moment--but better--because they are kids first off, but because I get to walk right up to my audience and engage them eye to eye. Part of my secret to great performance is making eye contact with every single kid. In this case I know every audience member, their Looney name and their siblings and their parents--so it is a treat to see them growing older through the patter of the show and how they respond.

There were two boys in the audience today that I had seen so many times I got them confused at first glance--not that they look alike--but because they are equals in being big fans and living in the same neighborhood. I called him 'Jack-in-the-box' and he promptly corrected me and said "No, I'm 'Snake'!" After the show he came up to me and told me "We are going to be friends forever, even after I am dead." I like that idea. I hope he is right.

I get to do one more Park Preschool party this summer for the summer school crowd. Looking forward to bringing more laughter to Teardrop Park.

Send pix! I don't have any of today's performance with the Park Preschool Crowd and it was massive. Forgot my camera! Silly Clown.

Me on the subway after the show.

Spiderclown?

2009-06-01T15:45:00.000-04:00

My new tattoo. Now all I have to do is have Brad Pitt's face tattooed over mine and I will be perfect.

Jellyhead's 7th B-day at Figaro Cafe

2009-05-17T16:23:00.000-04:00

I came to the party right after a big event and had to fix my make up. This was far too intriguing to my crowd. I also eat pizza if you want to see something really special.

Whats that? I can't hear you I have a banana in my ear.

The b-day girl, Jellyhead, in a magic hat! (and me in a b-day hat.)

Oops! You've got a toilet plunger on your head!

Step 1. Pick a card. Now don't tell me what it is.

Step 2. It magically transforms on to this silk!

Step 3. we use the card grater--like a cheese grater, to get it off the scarf.

Step 4. Spray the b-day girl with mustard!

Step 5. Love me!

Step 6. Pix with fans.

Step 7. Pix with BIG fans.

Step 8. I ate before I came...so take a picture of yourself with the B-day girls Grandma's camera when she isn't looking.

Thanks to Aunt Fairly Underpants --our resident face painter, I have some silly video clips of this show. I will put them up later. I must first use my magic to acquire technical abilities to know how to do this.

Thanks Grandma for sending the pix. It was blast!

Taste of Success- Tribeca Delivers

2009-05-16T11:09:00.000-04:00

Taste of Tribeca was another big hit. This is my 4th year and it is a heackov an event. I hope if you didn't go down there and sample the great eats you will go to the restauants in the Tribeca area. They need your help in these trying times and not only is it some of the best food NY has to offer the owner's and chef's are some of the nicest people you will meet. Get your eat on and get down and support our local flavor!

See you all next year! Laughs included.

Where I belong--in front of a massive crowd of admiring fans.

Right before my pants fell down!

Right after! Just kidding. I keep my pants on at all times. The underwear however is a different story. ; o ) I was having a suspender malfunction that day for some reason.

Looney Lenny Ponders that mysterious realm--the inside of his pockets!

Lenny and the Chapman Clan: Candle, Tickler and Jelly Bean. I did Candles b-day once or twice, Tickler's 3 times and Jelly Bean's twice. That's a lot of clownin'. Thanks for the support! You guys are the best.

Me at Tickler's B-day way back when. Thanks for the memories! I love getting pix. Keep em coming.

Also thanks to Jellyhead's Grandma for the Taste pix as well as the mom's who sent in the close ups of the laughter. I love to see those faces beaming with excitement--great to see it captured here.

Keep sending in those pix fans!

Taste oF Tribeca May 17, 11:30AM

2009-05-13T18:38:00.004-04:00

We R Communicating 2 U...
Come see Looney Lenny at:

Taste of Tribeca
Saturday May 16th
11:30am - 3:00pm

More Info

Remeberence

2009-05-13T18:02:00.000-04:00

In a Making Headway Newsletter with Me and my good friend Space and her brother Marshmellow Nose. I recently got the news that she passed after a strong fight against her illness. I can still remember her laugh and sweet shy smile. You will be missed. (and thanks for introducing me to the real Elmo!)

CMOM with Music for Ardvarks and Lauire Berkner

2009-05-07T18:17:00.008-04:00

Last weekend, on a rainy Saturday morning, I had the pleasure of entertaining at a Children's Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) Fundraiser event uptown. I did some magic table to table while the kids had lunch and then chilled during the raffle. So many of my good friends were there from Bank Street. I have been entertaining at their fall fair for the last 12 years. It is always a blast and of course I have a great fan base there. I had been alerted that some fans would be there but I would say that 75% of the kids in the room knew me previously. As you can imagine, I had a trail of kids following me from table to table. The more the merrier I always say. Some of the kids had some really funny names. There was my Pal Smella and her sister Nosey and of course Sofa Head and Jelly Roll were there. Doggie and Snoozy were hanging around as well as Isasmella and Bathroom. They seem inseparable.

After lunch we all went upstairs for the Music for Aardvarks set. They were great musicians and had a few classic songs the kids seemed to know. I saw quite few parents singing along to the Taxi Song. Actually more of them were singing along than the kids. You want to know what makes a clown laugh? That really made me crack up. Then I went up and did a few tricks before introducing Laurie Berkner. I met her a bunch of years ago when I was first starting Clown-O-Rific through my good friend Catherine who is amazing cellist. Laurie was nice enough to let me try and sell her as one of my party packages. Back then she was only $275 for a half hour set. And back then that was pricey. She became ragingly popular shortly after that--I believe it was after she did Madonna's daughters b-day. PR is much like magic. It is all about getting the audience to look where you want them to. She certainly deserves it. She put on a great show and the kids loved her. My favorite that I had never heard before was Rocketship Run It had everyone jumping up in the air. I had my own corner of the audience bouncing round until I was about to melt from perspiration.

The best part of the day was walking outside after a rainy morning and seeing that the world had changed to sunshine and fluffy clouds and everyone out in Central Park. I walked across the park on my way home having given out every single million dollars I had in my pocket that morning. I hoped I didn't run in to any fans on the way. Wouldn't want to disappoint.

With my friends Snack as Mini Looney Lenny and his twin sister Soapie as a ring master.

I did a few tricks between music acts. They took my mic stand so it was a good thing Mini Looney Lenny was there to help.

Thanks for sending in these iphone pix. I love the way they capture the authenticity of the moment.

How 2 Have Flair

2009-05-01T19:26:00.000-04:00

I love to collect pins for my lapel. Now that I have been doing it for the last ten years or so I notice other people who collect different kinds of pins. There are more than you would initially think. And apparently there are quite few different kinds of pins to collect. I mostly collect pins from places I visit or things I like The Muppets, Mork & Mindy, etc.) The average Looney Lenny vest has 12-30 pins.

The pins on this man's hat seem to have crests of some kind on them. Maybe he is a member of different clubs like Lions Club, Rotary Club and Free Masons. Let me know if you have seen them before. Also feel free to tell me what kind of pins you collect. Who knows, maybe we can work a trade someday.

Vest # 1.

Vest # 2.

Extra flair for vest # 3.

Creatures of Habit

2009-04-28T03:40:00.000-04:00

People often ask me if I wear my outfit on the streets from gig to gig, and what's that like and do you get strange looks from people?

I do wear my outfit on the street and the train and in the pizza place and subway sandwich shop. I often forget I even have my outfit and make up on because I wear it so often. I have run in to friends while strolling home after a gig and we can walk for blocks chatting and every person who walks by checks me out. Eventually my friend will turn to me and say "Why do people keep staring at us?" completely forgetting that I am in costume. So perhaps I have the ability to make it invisible but only to one person at a time.

It always seems a great surprise to my fans when I run in to them on the street. As if Looney Lenny could just materialize outside your door on your birthday rather than take two forms of mass transit and try not to sweat off his blue eyebrows in the process.

I will say that the look of surprise on their face upon discovering me standing on the subway platform or sitting next to them on the crosstown bus gives me a satisfying thrill. There are of course the many instances where I have made new friends waiting for the train or standing in line somewhere for free cheesecake. Sometimes I meet person after person as I walk through Central Park on my way home. It is nice to feel like a flower people want to stop and look at and, uhm, smell. This metaphor is getting a little weird.

It is a great pleasure to be a clown in NYC. I enjoy being one of those things that people run in to unexpectedly while grabing lunch and say "Only in New York." There are a few draw backs however.

1. You cannot get angry at roving evangelists or homeless people on the subway even if they harass you directly.

2. You can never be sure it is safe to pick your nose without being seen.

3. You can be sure that because you are dressed like a clown you will be harassed by roving evangelists and homeless people. If not homeless then certainly two beans shy of a full pie. mmmm, pie.

The following are some pictures I took and said to myself "Only in New York."

Ralfy the Wonder Dog seen here exiting the Bedford Street Station on the L line.

Headless Joe the Bear hailing a cab on 2nd ave in the East Village.

The Taste in the Taste

2009-04-27T17:00:00.004-04:00

I will be doing two shows this year first one at 11:30 and second at 12:45 or so. Looking forward to the big crowds and all of my downtown friends coming out. Shout out to my peeps at the Park PreSchool! You can guarantee there will be some new tricks in store for all.

Come see Looney Lenny at:

Taste of Tribeca
Saturday May 16th
11:30am - 3:00pm

Unfortunately due to economic foibles Penny and The Major will not be joining me. Perhaps next year. Looking forward to seeing you all. Here are some great pix form last years fun-tastic event.

Me squinting in the afternoon sun. The weather was fantastic. Keep your fingers crossed for this year.

Penny Pumpernickle paints faces. She is also a puppeteer.

One of my fans enjoys a lollipop after being painted.

Major Harry Wonderpants. People call him the "Mini Me." He's actually a lot taller than me.

Major Harry Wonderpants, Me and Penny Pumpernickle at last years Taste of Tribeca festival.

A Name By Any Other Nose Has Hair Like This

2009-04-26T16:29:00.001-04:00

Pictured: Ambrose Martos. Not Pictured: Pizza.

Last Friday night I went to see a friend of mine perform at Ars Nova. He did a work in progress of his one man show about the uniqueness of names. His name is Ambrose and the show centers around him having a unique name, and his personal experience with feeling alienated and trying to find comfort in other historical Ambroses.

I am fairly certain Ambrose wouldn't want me putting too many spoilers on here but I did enjoy voting on what celebrity baby had the most ridiculous name. My personal favorite was Penn Jillette's daughter: Moxie Crimefighter.

My personal favorite Ambrose is Ambrose Burnside, the originator of the side burn. Of course my real favorite is Ambrose the host--the show was great for a first read through and I am looking forward to its next incarnate. I will try and keep you blog-o-rifics informed in future.

Hungry For Love

2009-04-19T21:36:00.001-04:00

I walk past this delicatessen every Thursday on my way back home form NYU Hospital. it is really called Clover Delicatessen. One day I noticed the love in the middle and decided it would make a good picture.

Waterside Plaza--Adam's Fresh Opening Party

2009-04-18T13:12:00.001-04:00

It was a brilliant Saturday afternoon. I couldn't have asked for a finer audience. The Waterside Plaza, a perfect venue for making magic, and drawing a crowd without a magic pen. It was the grand opening of Adam's Fresh, a new cafe on the square. And it was Grand. We had the creole stylings of real New Orleans style bras band. We had such a good time it was almost a crime. One policeman said he might have to give himself a ticket he was having such a blast. I would have stood up for him. Don't worry. No one gets a ticket when I am on the scene. Only laughter and magic. It's tough to lay down the law so stringently, but someones got to...and I am just the clown to do it.

The AIG Trick. Where did the money go? Oh right here in my other pocket.

It's The Amazing Miracle Bubble Trick!

We are drinking using magic. Don't ask. It is a lot better than a straw, I can tell you that.

I don't know who is more surprised, me or my assistant. She is master wand holder.

I did it! The scarves connected! I knew I shouldn't have wiped my nose on them.

And of course everyone gets a million dollars!

Thanks Heartseverywhere for the pix! Hearts to you <3 <3 <3

Sprinkle Me Special

2009-04-17T16:30:00.002-04:00

Me and Sprinkles--the ice cream character from Baskin Robbins. We were hanging at Hassenfeld Out Patient Center where I consumed mass quantities of FREE ice cream. It's good to be the clown.

A rose by any other name...

2009-04-16T17:35:00.001-04:00

Jeff Koons' balloon sculpture downtown. I have some of me with the others from the roof of The Met. Will have to dig them out. This one is a rose. Awww. I can make it...but not this big.

Crosstown Groove Turns Downtown Blues-1-2-3

2009-04-10T13:18:00.001-04:00

The 2 and 3 train have been under major construction the last few weekends. It can be a real hassle having your work week on the weekend. Anyone who relies on the train for weekend travel is going to be swimming against the flow. Most repair work that the MTA does happens on the weekend or after midnight on the weekend. Why the city that doesn't sleep should have such a 9 to 5 mentality about when it's an all right time to cause delays doesn't make sense. If we are the unique 24 hour city that we claim we are, shouldn't it mean relaible service 7 days a week. And now with the budget cuts they say service will decrease. Who will save the working commuter? Super Chicken where are you?

Looney Lenny For Mayor!

2009-04-01T16:00:00.000-04:00

I heard today that Mike Bloomberg, our Mayor for the last two terms, has opened up a campaign headquarters in all 5 boroughs. It struck me as odd that someone who has shown what they can do for the city for the last 8 years wouldn't be able to win the election again if he did a good job in that time. What could spending money on more headquarters do?

Then it occurred to me...he wants someone to challenge him for the office. So far, no realistic candidate has really surfaced.

So I would like to announce my candidacy for Mayor of New York. I will not be opening any headquarters in any borough--but I will keep both my hind and head quarters clean until the election. That is a promise I can definitely keep. If I am elected Mayor I guarantee New York will be taken more seriously.

My first act as the Hizzoner will be to make every train in the subway stop at a new party no matter what station is your final destination.