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Jan. 27, 2006
He's just clowning around
Multi-talented Loren Bagelman keeps kids of all ages entertained.
CASSANDRA FREEMAN
If you see a clown walking on stilts and playing accordion, you
have undoubtedly run into ISH, otherwise known as Loren Bagelman
– musician, storyteller, songwriter, balloon sculptor and all-around
funnyman.
Bagelman chose the name ISH as an acronym for "I Share Happiness,"
which he aspires to do when performing for young and old alike.
Stilt-walking while playing a musical instrument is Bagelman's latest
comedy routine in a remarkable career that spans more than 25 years.
And he seems to have enough energy and motivation for another 25.
"I think being an artist is ingrained into the Jewish people,"
he said. "We need to share with people how the world could
be a better place through our ingenuity and creativity and through
our kindness."
At 52, Bagelman is a seasoned professional clown who performs for
children and families with the object of teaching values like co-operation,
kindness and forgiveness while makin' 'em laugh.
"Since my early teens, I've had an interest in the bizarre
aspects of comedy and the overall value of comedy as well,"
said Bagelman.
Looking back, he remembers Red Skelton as one of the more intelligent
and funny clowns that he loved watching as a kid. But it wasn't
until he was in college during the early '80s that Bagelman got
his big break. He was the photographer at a children's birthday
party when he met Topper the Clown, a disciple of Bozo the Clown
from the Barnum and Bailey circus.
The two hit it off and Topper offered to teach Bagelman more about
clowning for free.
Bagelman said his mentor trained him to be "more of a gentle,
intellectual, hobo-like clown," rather than the loud, buffoon,
red-nose clowns people often think of. And he did just that –
performing at parties, festivals and fairs on and off for a whirlwind
12 years.
"I feel very blessed that God gave me this gift," he said.
"But a gift is not a gift until you give it away."
From 1984-'86, Bagelman hosted the popular Beebop and Bubblegum
show on a CBC affiliate station. He also wrote the soundtrack, performed
his own comedy routines and showcased two talented children on every
show.
In the late '80s, Bagelman's career also included a three-year stint
with the Second City touring troupe based in Toronto – a much-coveted
spot for anyone involved in comedy. He performed sketch and improvisational
comedy and was lucky enough to be mentored by the late great Canadian
comic and actor John Candy.
"I thought he was wonderful," Bagelman recalled. "Candy
was open, kind and gentle. He taught me how to be in tune with my
comedic character, rather than focusing on the desire to be successful."
Now based in the Lower Mainland, Bagelman often performs at the
Vancouver International Children's Festival and the Vancouver International
Folk Festival and is likely to step out on his stilts at the Lantern
Festival at Trout Lake in East Vancouver during the summer.
In the past, he has shared the stage with the likes of Robert Munsch
and Fred Penner.
Bagelman also teaches clown workshops for kids and adults. He is
currently working on his second CD, called Never Say Never, which
blends bluegrass, blues and jug band songs for kids.
"My songs are full of good humor and positive values with audience
participation in mind and are easy to learn for children between
the ages of four and 10," he said.
Bagelman's nine-year-old son Morgan travels with his dad to a lot
of his "gigs." Bagelman has already trained Morgan to
walk on stilts and hopes that one day his son will put on his dad's
clown shoes.
"Clowns are like royalty: we are the 'chosen people'!"
Bagelman exclaimed. "Look at [the real] Patch Adams and what
he does for the world."
If you'd like to meet ISH the Clown in person, he will be performing
as a "clown ambassador" at the RV shows in Abbotsford,
Feb. 2-4, and in Chilliwack, March 16-19. He is also performing
at the Gotta be Kiddin' Festival at the beginning of April at the
Tradex Centre in Abbotsford.
To find out more about Loren "ISH" Bagelman, visit the
website www.ishdafish.ca.
Cassandra Freeman is a Vancouver freelance writer.
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