Gary Kanowsky entertaining children.
His name is Gary Kanowsky and he is perhaps one of the most unusual characters I ever met.
It was at a Stand down event in Phoenix, Arizona on February 13th in 2015 .
A Stand Down, for those who don’t know , is a event that seeks to help homeless, poor and disadvantaged veterans and soldiers get access to resources and services within their community.
We had set up an information booth at the event and this man caught my eye, because he was so animated in his movements.
He reminded me almost of a character actor from an old Vaudeville production skit. Vaudeville was a theatrical genre of variety entertainment popular during the early 1800’s.Which is a lost art today.
It’s old school “slapstick” style of humor involving exaggerated physical activity which exceeded the boundaries of common sense…
The “fumbling and bumbling” on the part of this man was a mix of clowning and miming, which I had hadn’t seen preformed in many years – but was nonetheless quite entertaining from my vantage point as I watch him curiously to see what might happen next.
See Vaudeville follies https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SfO30jvReU
He set up a little table and dumped about 500 decks of cards on it. Which struck me as very unusual! I was like “what is this man doing?”
His art involved clownish exploitation of movement, in such a way as you couldn’t help but notice.
So anyhow a little while later he wanders over and introduces himself.
I stood up to shake his hand and he “pops” up with this business card in one hand and a bic lighter in other. “Wanna see a trick?” I though “what the heck is this?”
He then flicks the lighter and touches the flame to the card – which erupts in flames. Which startled me at first! Then with a flick of his wrist he extinguishes it and hands it to me.
It card read: “Gary Kane – Magic Entertainment You Will Enjoy.” Needless to say he made quite an impression. He was also getting a lot of attention from people.
I still have that card by the way – on the back it has a very light scorch mark…
It features a photo of Gary wearing a brightly colored vest and top hat holding a extra large size deck of cards. Apparently this man is a magician or clownish comedian (or both).
I Googled him later and found out Kanowsky is listed as the Principal for a business called: “Clowning Around With Magic.”
“Clowning Around With Magic” is located in Sun Lakes, Arizona.
If your ever in need of Magic entertainment in Phoenix, you might want to give him a call. He will dazzle, amaze and spellbind you all at the same time.
His Phone number is 480-802-4517
Gary Kanowsky – Thank you for your service to veterans and disadvantaged children in our community. You do amazing work!