The City Reliquary

Posts Tagged ‘Coney Island’

We’re Seeking Miss Subways 2024!

Miss Subways 2024
Friday, May 31, 2024, 7-11 PM
Coney Island USA Sideshows by the Seashore Theater (1208 Surf Ave)

We’re looking for our next Miss Subways!

The City Reliquary invites applications to compete in its 2024 Miss Subways event on Friday, May 31, 7:00-11:00 pm. We’re thrilled to partner with Coney Island USA once again at that historic nexus of the weird and whimsical, Coney Island USA’s Sideshows by the Seashore Theater.

This year we’ll also be wishing the New York City subway system a happy 120th birthday!

Are YOU Miss Subways 2024?

This year, contestants will compete in THREE CATEGORIES evaluated according to creativity, originality, and skill:

Costume (new for 2024!)
Talent
Interview

Application open now! Submit by 11:59 pm on Tuesday, May 7, to be considered.

Apply to be Miss Subways 2024

Last year’s performances included a dance by a mad scientist with Doc Ock arms, a dizzying hula hoop routine dedicated to the 7 train, and a subway-inspired rendition of “What I Did For Love” from A Chorus Line. Read more about the 2023 City Reliquary Miss Subways event from Brooklyn Magazine. Previous Miss Subways events received coverage from Atlas Obscura and The New York Times, among other outlets.

MX MAD SCIENTRESS at Miss Subways 2023. Photo by Matt Josephson (@matty2jay).

About Miss Subways

The City Reliquary Miss Subways updates the historic “Miss Subways” beauty contest held in New York City from 1941 to 1976 (and resurrected once by the MTA in 2004) for the 21st century. The City Reliquary event expands on the progressive history of Miss Subways as the first racially integrated beauty competition and invites contestants of all gender identities, body types, and ages 18+ to apply. The first City Reliquary Miss Subways was presented in 2017.

Contestants representing their subway line of choice compete for the prized title of Miss Subways and the transit tiara. A panel of local celebrity judges will evaluate their costumes, their answers to subway-themed questions and their talent show performance to determine who will represent NYC straphangers as the next Miss Subways!

Miss Subways 2017 Lisa Levy. Photo by Brian Zak for the New York Post.

The winner will join an illustrious lineup. Past winners of the City Reliquary Miss Subways are artist and comedian Lisa Levy (Miss Subways 2017), urban planner Parker MacLure (Miss Subways 2018), musician and director Dylan Mars Greenberg (Miss Subways 2019), and marketing pro by day/costumer and performer by night Harmony Hardcore (Miss Subways 2023–the first since the pandemic).

Event details for 2024, including the celebrity judge panel, coming soon!

About Coney Island USA

Coney Island USA exists to defend the honor of American popular culture through innovative exhibitions and performances. Presenting and producing exciting new works, our approach is rooted in mass culture and the traditions of P.T. Barnum, dime museums, burlesque, circus sideshows, vaudeville, and Coney Island itself. Preserving and championing a set of uniquely American visual and performing art forms, we seek to create an international forum for cultural preservation and discourse, and where Coney Island represents these impulses, we strive to make it once again a center for live art and entrepreneurial spirit. Learn more at https://www.coneyisland.com/. Follow on Instagram at @coney.island.usa and on Facebook at @coneyislandusa.

Tags: Coney Island, Events, Miss Subways
Posted in Calls for Entries, Events, Miss Subways, News, Press Releases | No Comments »

Miss Subways is Back and Coming to Coney Island

After a covid-imposed hiatus, The City Reliquary Museum’s Miss Subways returns! The beloved event, known for highlighting NYC’s underground and outsider talent, will take place on Friday, April 28, 7:00-11:00 p.m., at New York’s historic nexus of the weird and whimsical, Coney Island USA’s Sideshows by the Seashore Theater (1208 Surf Ave., Brooklyn).

As in previous years, this is sure to be a very. wild. time.

Tickets on sale now! Think you got what it takes to compete? Apply here! (Submissions closed as of 4/18.)

Evolving the Miss Subways Tradition for Today’s NYC

In 1948, Thelma Porter became the first African-American Miss Subways.

The City Reliquary’s Miss Subways celebrates the historic “Miss Subways” beauty contest held in New York City from 1941 to 1976 (and resurrected once in 2004) while challenging traditional ideas of beauty. Updated for the 21st century, the event expands on the progressive history of Miss Subways as the first racially integrated beauty competition and is open to contestants of all gender identities, body types, and ages 18+ to compete for the Transit Tiara and the prized title of Miss Subways 2023.

Meet the 2023 Contestants

Lena Horné (she/they, representing the Metropolitan G/L)
I am a dynamic drag entertainer and can be found serenading crowds all over Brooklyn and lower Manhattan with diva anthems of the past and present. I’ve performed at the past two Bushwigs, as well as guest starred in a Billy Porter music video (“Children”).
I’m in my Star-to-Be era, and my heart would grow 3x larger to be able to represent not only the subways, but the beautiful genderqueer individuals all over New York who ride it.

Meghan Sara (she/they, representing the E)

After moving to the Big Apple in 2008 to chase my dreams of an acting career (what else?), I soon realized I could make a living combining my natural desire to perform (Leo Sun/Leo Rising) AND my fascination with NYC history by being a tour guide!
I am the next Miss Subways because I represent unbridled and evangelical enthusiasm for New York City from the ground up, and especially, below.

MX. MAD SCIENTRESS (she/they, representing the R)
I’m a comedian and multidisciplinary theater artist, incorporating my interests in gender, science, visual arts, and evolution into my work. Most importantly, I’m a lifelong New Yorker. Much like the rats Eric Adams thinks he has a chance against, I’m never leaving. And I pride myself on wearing the biggest costume on the subway every Halloween.
I will be a historic winner of the Miss Subways competition, because i will be the first ever DOCTOR SUBWAYS!

Angelina Bowie Waggytail (she/her, representing the F)
Our first-ever canine contestant in Miss Subways history!

Angelina is an opinionated Chihuahua mutt rescued from the deserts of Los Angeles. Her mom, Holly, is the founder of Waggytail Rescue and once saved an aging pit bull from drowning in Prospect Park Lake by administering “mouth-to-snout” resuscitation!

Rob Coover (he/him, representing the Franklin Ave Shuttle)
I live in Brooklyn. I write medical journal articles, turn compost, and rescue injured birds. I have wept on the Q and slept on the A.
I lost twice already. Surely victory is within my grasp.

Chantelle (she/her, representing the B)
I’ve been living in New York City for 6 years, but when you adjust for Covid it feels closer to 10. I’m a cat mom and a cat modeler, an avid and prolific reader, a fitness enthusiast, unapologetic morning person, and a clean freak.
I truly and genuinely enjoy taking the subway, even if it doesn’t love me back. In my opinion, it’s the great equalizer and the one thing that really defines a “true New Yorker.”

Harmony (she/her, representing the 7)

I was born in a subway-less town where tumbleweeds blew, public transportation was scarce, and all we could do was twirl sticks and hoops as we suffered from excessive wait times. Finally, I followed my dreams to the Big Apple, home to America’s greatest transportation system. Now, after ten years and four home subway lines later, I’ve spent a lucky 7 years on the 7 line. I’m ready to represent my unique home with a song medley and hula hoop performance.

Much like the train I represent, I operate at 101% capacity. I’m hardworking and reliable, I never deviate from my track line. I might not always go into Manhattan or run express, but you know exactly where you’ll end up.

Annie Stone (she/her, representing the N/W)
Annie Stone once performed a 45-min set at Rockwood Music Hall with a broken insulin pump. She is fascinated by the endless offerings of this gigantic city, which often results in her overextending herself. During the day, she makes ridiculous things for the Nutter Butter Instagram.
Annie represents the best and worst parts of the city. Totally broke? Absolutely. Laughing about it all the way to the Atlantic Terminal Target? You bet. Electric and exhausted, Annie is always on the move, from one show, project, or fever dream to the next.

Miz E with a Z! (she/her, representing the 7)
Miz E with a Z! co-hosts KNG-TV’s “The Kong Show on TV!” on YouTube and Roku TV and also appears as her own evil twin sister, KNG-TV station manager Madison Lynne. A former child star, she once appeared in a Girl Scout cookie commercial with the Brady Bunch’s Ann B. Davis. A former belly dance instructor and roller derby queen, she now devotes her time to co-hosting the biggest little vaudeville style/comedy variety show on KNG-TV.

Ketriana Yvonne (she/her, representing the A)

Ketriana Yvonne is a native of Brooklyn and producer & host of the award winning “The Ketriana Yvonne Show” airing on BRIC Brooklyn Free Speech TV network. Author of “Sequin Soul Poetry from the Spirit.” Volunteer for the MTA’s volunteer Maskforce during the pandemic. Her award-winning tribute poem for Truly Brooklyn in 2019, “Dear Brooklyn,” is now part of the Intergenerational Community Arts Council Brooklyn Tribute Song “Spread Love the Brooklyn Way.”

I am like the subway, moving with speed, making connections, and making life flow in a forward progression. I am poetry in motion, greeting each stop I arrive at with a memory of a personal story that happened on the train, meeting now-lifelong friends and reconnecting with old ones.

An outrageous competition led by Miss Coney Island

Our event emcee, current reigning Miss Coney Island and local burlesque performer Maggie McMuffin, welcomes us to her kingdom and will preside over the evening’s antics.

Local Celebrity Judges

Local celebrity judges will determine who takes home the Transit Tiara. This year’s panel features some of the best of the city’s artists, performers, historians and daily documentarians:

Performance artist and Miss Subways 2017, Lisa Levy
Unofficial talent scout of New York, New York Nico
Elf Girl and LES Art Star, Reverend Jen Miller
Instagram sensation Maxine the Fluffy Corgi
Greg Young of the Bowery Boys

Tickets on sale now. All proceeds benefit The City Reliquary and Coney Island USA. Space is limited!!!

Are you Miss Subways 2023? – (Submissions closed as of 4/18)

We’re looking for contestants! Miss Subways is gender/size/age-inclusive (18 and up, please). Send us your info to get a chance to take the stage at Coney Island and gain eternal glory! Winner takes the coveted title of Miss Subways 2023 and the Transit Tiara, an original work of art by celebrity judge Reverend Jen Miller!

Miss Subways 2023 Application

Applicants are invited to propose an original performance that captures their relationship with the NYC subway, in all its complexity. “Performance” may be interpreted broadly. Past performances have included an ode to the G train, an experimental soundscape inspired by the Q, songs about subway proselytizers, and an appearance by the Wicked Witch of the Upper East Side and an immigrant from Oz. Apply now!

See you at Sideshows by the Seashore.

Tags: Coney Island, Events
Posted in Events, Miss Subways | 1 Comment »

Saturday, October 5: Cinema City: Coney Island!

Film still of riders of amusement park ride "The Whip" — Get Aboard!

Tickets Available Now! – $20 General Admission – $15 City Reliquary Members (Join Today!)

The City Reliquary is pleased to announce our Fall event series, Cinema City! Presented by Screen Slate contributor and NYC trivia expert (part of the reigning Panorama Challenge championship team!) Cosmo Bjorkenheim, each Cinema City program will explore New York City’s many and varied depictions in film through clips and discussion. From early Edison experiments to recent blockbusters, studio standards to cult favorites, you’ll see New York in a whole new light!

On Saturday, October 5, 2019, Cinema City kicks off with an exploration of Coney Island on film! Coney Island’s thrill rides and colorful entertainment have made it a popular on-screen destination for more than 100 years. As its fortunes have changed, so too has its depiction on film. Cosmo will trace the history of America’s playground from dream destination to Darren Aronofsky fever dream in this hour-long program. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the City Reliquary’s collection afterward!

It wouldn’t be a film screening – or, indeed, a trip to Coney Island – without refreshments! Included in your ticket is an array of unique Coney Island-themed snacks from culinary creatives Lucia Jazayeri and Anna Gelb, a.k.a. Forest Dinners. Lucia is the Creative Director for Clover Food Lab. Anna is the Director of Events for Outstanding in the Field. You’ll also receive a drink from our friends at Brooklyn Brewery! (Non-alcoholic beverages will also be available.)

See you in the Cyclone line! Get your tickets here!

Tags: cinema city, Coney Island, Events, film screening
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What’s New in our Making A Museum Exhibit? W.F. Mangels Speed Boat Ride

This tropical-themed boat was part of a children’s ride named Speed Boat constructed by the W.F. Mangels Company of Coney Island in the 1950s. Speed Boat consisted of eight boats that followed a circular undulating track around a central lighthouse pillar. The boat’s rear seat has a ship’s wheel with bells attached, and the front seat has a cast aluminum mock gun.

William F. Mangels emigrated from Germany as a teen, and started his eponymous amusement ride company by the time he was twenty, in 1886. With his mechanic’s training, ingenuity, and complete devotion to figuring out what would be the most fun, Mangels quickly became prominent in his chosen field. His most famous ride, The Whip, was first installed at Luna Park, Coney Island, in 1914 and spread rapidly from there, with more than 500 Whips in amusement parks around the world. Mangels held more than fifty patents for amusements he designed, including wave pools, shooting galleries, carousels, and coasters.

Mangels’ love for the world of amusements led, in 1929, to his directorship of the American Museum of Public Recreation, located on Coney Island close to his own factory on West 8th Street. The Museum, dedicated to play facilities of all kinds, included in its collection carousel animals, patent documents, drawings of jousting matches and ancient festivals, bicycles, sleighs, marionettes, and an extensive library. Sadly, the Museum was not a financially successful venture; however, many of its paper holdings as well as Mangels’ own company papers, blueprints, and drawings are held by Columbia University’s Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

William F. Mangels died in 1958 and is buried in Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn. His creations live on – you can still ride one of his carousels on Coney Island today!

Tags: amusement park, Coney Island, making a museum, speed boat, the whip, w.f. mangels, what's new
Posted in Blog, Exhibit | 2 Comments »

The Sea Reliquarians make a splash at the Mermaid Parade!

The Sea Reliquarians blew into Coney Island like a nor’easter. Poseidon, two mini-mermaids, a civic jellyfish, Carrie FISHer, and Lady Liberty herself were part of our group that took the boardwalk with a banner celebrating civic pride.