ConVENTion Reflections 10 … The People You Meet

A Puppet's Ramblings - from Chip Martin, Mannequin American Marketer
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You Meet the Nicest People at the ConVENTion

Jeff Dunham followed us to Vent Haven in his tour bus, just to get a photo of THE Dale Brown. We took a photo of him taking a photo of us.

Here are Aaron Williams and Freddie. Aaron was the opening act for many legends of show business including Sammy Davis Jr., Ray Charles, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Dionne Warwick, Jerry Lewis, The Temptations and many more.

Terry Fator meets THE Dale Brown.

Me and Dale with a very young Dylan Burdette at the Drawbridge.

Here’s a grown-up Dylan with pal Reggie being interviewed at a more recent conVENTion. (I guess we should apologize to Dylan’s mom, for having an early influence on his decision to become a vent.)

Jeffrey Goltz with one on his many, hilarious creations. (His puppet … not Dale.)

We first met Nina Conti during a convention at the Drawbridge while she was filming a documentary for the U.K. Nina is not only the number one ventriloquist in Great Britan, but without a doubt one of the top vents in the world.

During one of our trips to London we were able to share a few pints with Nina after she performed a sold-out show at the SoHo Theatre. It was truly a tremendous show and included this highly imaginative and original bit.  

 Nina and her children in the dealer’s room at the ConVENTion.

Jay Johnson and Leslie Brown.  Looks like they both made purchases at the Vent Haven Museum dealers table.  It’s at this point that I usually say something disparaging about Jay … but, we’ve recently learned that he has a conflict and will not be able to attend this year’s conVENTion. We’ll really miss him. Conventions are often the only time during the year that we get to spend quality time with Jay. Plus, during conVENTions Jay is one of the few people who comes up with meaner things to say about Al Getler, than I do.