Ben Bernie

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The house again proved that when Ben Bernie, who followed Miss Carus and was next to closing, went through his most enjoyable act. Mr. Bernie talked his was along until time to play the fiddle once more, when he asked the audience to pick up their airs. After playing a couple Mr. Bernie stopped, to talk again it seemed, but someone somewhere hollered, “Keep on playing,” and Mr. Bernie did. Bernie has a pleasing stage presence that sends his talk across far stronger than it really is. He’s a kidder, besides, with the violin and thinks more of a laugh apparently than he does of a good notice in the Musical Courier. That’s what made him a talking violinist. Some have danced while playing a violin. That’s awkward. Others just play the violin. That’s musical. Bernie just holds the violin and talks. That’s salary.  
Source:
Variety Magazine, LVIII: 29 October 1920