Posted by The BONE JANGLER Well, that was certainly a relaxing holiday weekend. Nocturna & I recently returned from a long weekend appearance at Ghoulardifest in Medina, Ohio. For those who don't know, Ghoulardi was/is the greatest Television Horror Host Ohio's ever known, airing from '63 - '66, forever changing the NE Ohio TV landscape, and vocabulary. Later, Ernie (Ghoulardi) Anderson, at the urging of his friend Tim Conway, went on to become "The Voice Of ABC," where his dulcet tones etched the words "The Love Boat" into all of our minds for infinity. When Ernie left for the Hollywood, WJW-TV knew they had to keep the ball rolling. Of course, they knew that no one could ever truly fill Ghoulardi's shoes, but the station's weatherman, Bob "Hoolihan" Wells, was up for the task, and, at former Ghoulardi sidekick Big Chuck Schodowski's urging, he auditioned for the position. Big Chuck coached Hoolihan, having an insight like no other, and the station loved the chemistry between the two gentlemen, and "The Hoolihan And Big Chuck Show" was born. In 1979, Hoolihan left the show, and was replaced with 4ft. 3in. "Lil' John" Rinaldi, who had appeared in many of the show's skits over the years, and the show became known as "The Big Chuck And Lil' John Show." In June of this year, Big Chuck, after 47 years in, and on, television announced his retirement, and it marked the end of an era. Anyway, while this was the third (technically, this was actually the fourth of these shows, the last one in 2000 having a different moniker) Ghoulardifest, it was our (Nocturna & I) first, and we felt honored to have been a part of it. Our placement at the event was pure magic, as we were seated only one table away from Big Chuck, Hoolihan, & Lil John! Nocturna & I watched the masters at work, and there were smiles all around, as this infectious trio charmed the attendees with the greatest of ease. The event was a family affair in more ways than one, and, while beer was served, this wasn't the debaucherous bacchanalia of, say, Cinema Wasteland. No, Ghoulardifest was different, and, at the very least, a refreshing change of pace for Nocturna & I. A more peculiar, and unique mix of vaudeville, science fiction, horror, and slapstick couldn't be found anywhere else on this planet of yours. I only wish that my nephew, Young Master Gregory, could've been there. He'd have loved finally getting the chance to meet The Son Of Ghoul, for but only one example. I still haven't told him that the Batmobile was there. As always, Nocturna & I were both pleased, and humbled, by the outpouring of warmth, affection, and respect, shown to us by the denizens of NE Ohio. Right from the very start of our embarking upon this Horror Hosting gig, we've been firmly embraced by the wonderful mortals of this region. Somehow, it's as if we've become some honorary limb on the family tree, and, to hear the locals say it, deservedly so. Wow! On Saturday night, there was a sock hop. We'd been personally invited to the affair by Lil' John himself, and were seated at one of his tables, not that Lil' John ever once sat down for a moment. In fact, the evening began with Lil' John and Joyce ("Janet" of "Three's Company" fame) DeWitt cutting a serious rug. Now, for those who don't know, Nocturna is an awesome dancer. Once the music started hoppin', and boppin', she lit the floor on fire. I, on the other hand, remained quite content with sipping my beer, and enjoying a bit of Ghoulardifest promoter Ron Garsteck's birthday cake. More than one person in attendance stated that I seemed like "The Godfather," waving my hand to Lil' John, the aptly named Big Stash (he appeared in several of the various incarnations of the Big Chuck shows' skits throughout the years), and Ron Garsteck, as if to say (according to onlookers), "Yes, I will allow this (the esteemed gents to dance with Nocturna)." Too funny! By the end of the convention, on Sunday afternoon, we'd had a glorious showing, laughed and partied with several of our friends, old and new, in the Horror Host biz, made acquaintances with new friends, networked our asses off, and had one heck of a tutorial on how to do these things (Hosting, live appearances, etc.) right, courtesy of Big Chuck, Lil' John and Bob "Hoolihan" Wells in particular. If it were possible for me to be nervous, I'd surely have been so in this man's presence. Although, with his easygoing personality, it wouldn't have lasted more than a few seconds. Nocturna & I have so much admiration for these giants, words could never express exactly how much. The same goes for promoter Ron Garsteck, and our good friends Pat & Bob Ferguson, to whom we owe a great deal of eternal gratitude. That all of these fine people have, both figuratively and literally, welcomed us into their homes is just overwhelming to both of us. Yes, it was Labor Day Weekend, and a true Labor Of Love for all of us. - The BONE JANGLER
Link: Next Stop On The Only Real World Domination Tour!
on September 7, 2007, 9:31 pm
A "Labor" (Day Weekend) Of Love
Message Thread:
« Back to thread
