Magic Story a working Magician Illusions By Vick

Musing ......

2012-01-15T01:58:00.002-05:00

I often do a Q & A after performances, invariably someone will ask " How did you do .......?". I quote Sherlock Holmes (Doyle) "Eliminate the impossible and what is left, however improbable, is the truth".
For me if more than 10% are thinking "how I did...." then my presentation isn't quite right

Yes I perform real magic. It's not the effects on stage. It's being the conduit to an audience having a good time, forgetting what grinds them on a day to day basis and instead putting a smile on their faces. Whether it's a laugh, a moment of wonder or enjoyment. When that happens in the audience, that's where the magic takes place. That's why the audience does the magic, not me.
That's (part of) what being an entertainer is about, at least for me.
Think what you will about that, even call it cheap magic. If it's cheap magic, then it's all I have and it's plenty good enough for me. In fact it's about the best thing I can do.

Creativity

2011-12-04T23:57:00.001-05:00

Sometimes creativity is a 100 ton boulder we try to push uphill with only our minds, other times creativity is a river that flows through us

Random Thought

2011-12-04T19:38:00.002-05:00

Am thinking more about writing on the subject of magic, to leave a legacy of sorts ...
Will try here for now, am sure I'll repeat myself from time to time

What is magic? It isn't about tricks, it's about creating an experience for the audience, about connecting with them. Creating and sharing wonder, amazement and fun. Creating a unique atmosphere where anything can and does happen. If the audience spends most of their time thinking "how did he do that" the performer missed the boat.

Magic isn't about "fooling" anyone, not many like to be fooled and the magicians who can "fool" an audience and have them enjoy it are very rare.

Magic is NEVER about the performer (or "magician") however the performer has a huge obligation to the audience. To give them something amazing, something special in a way no one else can.

From Simple thoughts on Routining

2011-12-02T18:27:00.004-05:00

A discussion was going on a magicians site and I posted the following, am thinking to write more here so I thought this wouldn't be a bad way to add

My show is a little different by design, in the first routine I perform a variation of the "Floating Rose" (no dancing paper in mine) which is a very strong effect and usually elicits a good response. It appears in the opening routine along with appearing candles, water to wine, in the news (newspaper water pour). It's all part of a story about my date arriving 45 minutes ..... early and I have to magic the table together. It's performed to string quartet music, the floating, flaming then real rose makes a strong statement (I always hand the rose out to an audience member). It makes a statement about me, the show, the magic and what the audience can expect. It's an odd choice but for me it works

I close the show with my version of "Floating Butterflies" not the strongest effect ever but it is very beautiful and that's how I want the audience to remember the show (it does usually get 2 awws or gasps). Big, amazing, beautiful and colorful (plus if children are in attendance they almost always clean up the butterflies, I've seen people post pic of butterflies they kept). Worst part is I once overheard an audience member after the show saying "I expected him to produce real butterflies" I don't think the magic is that strong and it does give me an idea but .......

As for transitions, I'm always speaking with the audience into the next effect, leading them into it and there is a flow and connection throughout the show. I'm not comedy club funny and know it so I don't do straight up comedy but I can be humorous and that comes through a few times.

I have that problem with ebb and flow, it can't be a constant rise but I never want a piece that isn't strong or good enough to stand on it's own outside of the frame of the show. So the show becomes sort of layered and textured, with maybe softer spots or a change of tempo. Helps keep the mind fresh, both mine and the audience. You can't listen to the same beat (even house or rave music, which I don't understand) without loosing attention.

The only thing I wonder about Brian is if a performer has a few card tricks to group them together in the show. I guess for some it would be ok but I've seen say 3-4 card tricks bunched together in a show and the show started to lose me a little then. It also might have to do with the presentation and the effects that were chosen.

and that's the short of it from Illusions by Vick

Why? Performing arts ....

2011-11-25T22:33:00.013-05:00

Often the first thing that comes to mind when seeing a magician perform is ..... why? Why are they doing what they are doing, what are they trying to communicate, are they reaching me in some manner? Do they make me think, feel, laugh? If not then why not? That's part of the challenge with a lot of magic, there is no why, no logic, no story, no reason, to attempt to engage the audience, to capture their imagination and hearts, even with a simple plot .

Magic is a PERFORMING ART, it is LIVE THEATER. Too often it's just someone standing there doing something I'm supposed to be amazed by. Look at the big box tricks of a typical Vegas show, if there is no build up or story then why are they sawing a woman in parts for the 12,000,000,000th time? How am I supposed to care if they catch fire, get blown up or suffer dismemberment if I don't care about them first?

There are a very few manipulation acts that can entrance you and amaze you with with just their manipulations. Rocco Silano comes to mind. Even so his work has structure, a flow, it has heart and watching Rocco you can't help but like him. The average magician would benefit with more thought to the why of what they are doing, look at it from the audience point of view. Unless you are there is no reason for you to be on stage. For 98% of performers the audience doesn't care how good your sleights are until they care about you.

We live in an age of CGI where ANYTHING is possible on the movie, television and computer screen. Magic must capture the attention of the audience, engage them on some level, emotionally or mentally. We as magicians have an advantage television, movies and computers don't! We are there live with the audience, we have to build on that, take advantage of it. Not ignore the possibilities and just do a bunch of tricks strung together with no heart or logic.

Think about the best and your favorite magicians, why are they your favorite? Chances are it's personality and the effects they choose to allow that personality to come through. Great magicians consider that when structuring their show, when choosing material to present.

That's why everything Illusions by Vick does on stage has a story wrapped around it, even if it's just a homage to those who went before. I want the audience to be amazed, to laugh and have a great time but I also want them to think and feel, to be engaged emotionality and intellectually. I've said it many times but Edward Norton as Eisenhiem in the movie "The Illusionist" had more emotion in just one arm gesture than many magicians do in their entire show

For magic to be taken seriously as a performance art magicians MUST get better at performance skills and realize it ALWAYS is about the audience and the experience they share and create and NEVER about the magician. If you are a magician and not doing this.............. you're letting your audience down, all the magicians who went before and will come after and worst of all your are letting yourself down

Some magicians are real Jerks! and idiots

2011-10-30T17:50:00.009-04:00

Sorry I don't blog more often. Fortunately this month of October has been one of the best months for me performing and professionally.

Something bothered me last week and I want to take a minute to share or vent about it. On Monday October 24th I attended a lecture at Denny and Lee's featuring Sean Taylor. Sean is 0utstanding in his work (mentalist, comedy and magic), his experience and his teaching.

Two local magicians sat in the front row starting talking so loudly they were disrupting the lecture. So much so that Sean looked/leered over at them but they didn't seem to get it. Hey JERKS, I got a news flash for you, you both are local small time magicians, whatever you had to say doesn't compare with the information Sean Taylor was sharing!
Are your skulls soooo thick you don't get it??!! You both are barely working, the lecturer is in demand all over the world. I'll spell it out, what Sean had to say was important, valuable information that could have helped you become better, craft a better show and increase your income. Your little chit chat was more important than learning about the art and ways to increase income??

I had a modicum of respect for one (who should have known better) of you until that night and guarantee you lost out by being idiots. I wasn't the only one disturbed, you were so rude and dense you didn't get it when Sean looked/leered at you, nor when people in the audience shot dirty looks your way.

Here's the kicker, one of the two jerks yacking said something to the effect of "I can't make enough money in magic, I make my money in mutual funds"
(think you were exaggerating about the mutuals but not about the lack of income from performing magic)

It's no wonder why you can't earn a living performing magic! You can't even recognize an opportunity to get better at your craft or to learn (Sean Taylor has some very viable routines and concepts which he shared, audience tested material that will play very strong for the right performer)

Eventually the two jerks shut up and they didn't totally ruin the lecture but I'm left wondering about why they were there, about disregard for common courtesy (if they needed to talk so bad they could have went to the back of the lecture hall)

Yeah, magicians can be real A&**#*($ ,
I'm first in line to say I am (when in the right place I'll freely speak my mind about other performers, good and bad.See Maryland Magicians.com for an example)

WOW, sometimes it all goes right and how to get there

2011-09-04T11:24:00.008-04:00

Have been very fortunate lately, don't want to jinx it but the last 3 performances have been great, a lot of fun, wonderful audiences and went really, really well.

In part because of speaking with Denny Hanney of Denny & Lee's Magic Studios about occasional challenges I run into performing. It felt like my performances while good weren't always consistent, some felt like they went great and others were ok. Denny asked me to look for a common thread in the shows that I felt were ok. Turns out there was a common thread, I didn't have total control over everything going on at the venue and the entire situation. Denny told me I have to take control if that is what I think is wrong ... and he as usual is right

Sometimes as a performer due to last minute changes or other factors we are thrust into challenging situations (if you think you can always control everything in every venue, well I wish it were so), for example a few months back at a fairly high profile benefit I was schedule to perform close up for 40 minutes and do a 20 minute stage turn. I was to perform stage after speeches. Well, the speeches ran long and the "DJ" (who offered to run my sound through his system, I'll never do that again) had mic problems during the speeches and when I hit the stage .... no music. I had to start quickly so as not to lose the guests and didn't have time for him to figure it out. After a very frustrating two minutes I ended up doing my set without music. After I finished the DJ (who had the stench of alcohol on his breath) said to me "They didn't even notice you didn't have music" AGGRRR. Never again!

Soooo the last few shows have been great, I took total control over the situation and had great audiences. Two of the shows wrote wonderful testimonials and thank you letters.

Will I be thrust again into challenging situations? Yes without a doubt. Am I better equipped to deal with challenges thrown my way and respond to ensure the best show every time? YES!

I watched a (talented magician) performer yesterday thrown into a tough situation, 30 minute set in an outdoor bar setting (humidity is never a magician's friend). His set had to be pushed back 30 minutes due to unforeseen challenges (nothing to do with him or his show). He had about half the crowd interested (those closest to his stage set up), about half just kept on talking or whatever. It came to me, what would I do to take control....... I think I might try walking to the back of the seating area and do something very visual, quick and amazing. Maybe a fire piece or a sword swallow, something to get their attention and grab them into the show. Will it work? While I hope I never have to find out my best guess is I'll be in a situation like that someday again.

Hiring a Magician ~ Stay Away from Philip and Henry

2011-08-17T00:23:00.011-04:00

For Birthday Magicians, Party Magicians
Magic Shows & Magicians
Stay away from ~ Philip and Henry

Pay for a magician you don't get to choose??!!
WARNING ~ Philip & Henry also advertise
Under the name funmagicains.com

Before you invest hundreds of dollars (or more) for magic and entertainment
Please read this page and save yourself time & money.

With today's economy and gas prices every dollar counts so we want to show you the Philip & Henry agency booking practices and why you may not get the magic show you think you are!

Philip & Henry won't tell you they charge you top dollar, then bid your show out to the cheapest performer!

Here is the proof
http://www.magicwanted.com/bids.html
Cheapest Magician Gets YOUR Show
Where they ask magicians to bid low to get work, possibly at your event!
Is that what you want at your party??!!
whoever the cheapest guy is after you pay $298 - $950 or more!!

That Birthday performer you are paying $389 for (thinking you are getting a $389 show) often gets paid $125 (sometimes less).
You are paying for a $389 show but receiving a $125 show?!

A quality magician can't perform for $125 as gas, a car, insurance, consumables, equipment, investment in books and lectures can cost more than $125.
For $125 you might get some guy who bought $50 worth of poor quality, cheap tricks 3 months ago and is borrowing his mother's car. He might have put on a clean shirt, maybe bathed (maybe took a cologne shower) and might have some stale gum to cover up the stench of his breath.

Ask Philip and Henry who will be performing at your event?
For local shows they can't tell you!
Because they haven't shopped your party to the lowest priced performer yet.
Do you really want your special event farmed out to whoever will do it the cheapest?
When you pay $950 (or more) shouldn't you get a $950 show?

Please think about this for a minute
If you hire someone from Philip & Henry you get stuck with whoever they send you.
Shouldn't you be able to choose the performer for your event?
See videos of the performer and speak with them?
Make sure they are the right for for your special occasion
Would you hire a band without hearing them?
Would you hire a photographer before you see their work?
Magicians aren't interchangeable, there are different types of shows and different skill levels
Do you trust Philip & Henry
To choose the magical entertainment and magician for your special event?!

No need to go through filling out forms and being repeatedly called and emailed
Here are the Philip & Henry price lists
Corporate Adult Events
Adult Magic Show (30 min) - $750 ,
(40 min) - $850,
(60 min) - $950,
Mingle Magic: 1 hour - $489, 2 hours - $789, 3 hours - $989
Company Trade Show: 1 day (6 hours each day) - $1,800, 2 days - $3,000, 3 days - $4,000
Brand Name Exclusively with Performers - $2,500 - $38,000

Recently a corporate client contacted a known magician directly after being quoted $950 and an offer of a $350 upsell from Philip & Henry for a 60 minute corporate close up show.

The known magician crafted special illusions exclusively for the performance that incorporated the clients services, mission and focus of the celebration, providing the client a custom entertainment experience for their event (at no extra charge)!
The client got a better quality show from a known performer, impressed their bosses and saved the company money

Philip & Henry Children's Birthday Show Prices
40 minute show Birthday Magic Show - $289
Birthday Magic Show + 1 Large Illusion - $589
Birthday Magic Show + Learn Magic Workshop (Additional 20 min) - $348
Family Magic Show (Children & Adults) - $389
WHY MORE FOR A FAMILY MAGIC SHOW??
SHOULDN'T THE ENTIRE FAMILY
TO BE THERE TO ENJOY AND CELEBRATE?! do the adults have to leave the room?
Would you trust someone Philip & Henry sends alone in a room with your children??

The entire family should enjoy the performance, to be with each other, enjoy that special time and make amazing, once in a lifetime memories.

Philip & Henry Prices for School Shows
Up to 80 Kids - $279
2 Shows: 80 Kids - $479
Show: Up to 160 Kids - $379
2 Shows: 160 Kids - $679
Show: Up to 400 Kids - $479
2 Shows: 400 Kids - $879
Workshop: 1 hour (Max 25 kids ages 5-12) - $279,
2 hours (Max 25 kids ages 5-12) - $479
Mingle Magic: 1 hour - $279, 2 hours - $479
1 Large Illusion - $300
AGAIN WHY IS THE FEE MORE FOR A LARGER GATHERING?
The more the merrier, more laughs, more fun, more audience members to connect with
and include in a special magical experience
* The term kids is from Philip & Henry
We prefer students, guests or children

Philip & Henry claims all their magicians are trained and perform the same show
About their Magicians
"Specializes in screening and training magicians to put on a fantastic
Philip & Henry Magic Show in your local area at a fair price.
Sets out Professional Guidelines and Standards for the Magicians,
to ensure the safest and highest quality of talent"

That's not true as anyone calling themselves a magician can become part of the P & H network
Right Here http://www.magicwanted.com/application.html

Truth is Philip and Henry provide NO REAL TRAINING
P & H do try to SELL TRAINING TO MAGICIANS

Go with a local magician, someone you can really talk with and stay far away Philip & Henry

A Magician's Creative Thoughts

2011-07-24T13:16:00.002-04:00

As a magician and entertainer it is important and critical to the show that the audience is engaged by and very interested in the experience or story I'm sharing as opposed to just looking at the effects that are taking place.

The experience and/or story are there to support the magic but are key element to creating entertainment and not just a "look at me and the tricks I'm doing, aren't I cool" sort of thing.

See More at Illusions by Vick

a Magican's Resume

2011-07-22T21:37:00.003-04:00

Just updated so I thought to post it here

Illusions by Vick
Vick Dias Gisin

Ellicott City, Maryland 21043
(C) 443-540-9631
Shows AT illusionsbyvick.com
http://www.illusionsbyvick.com

Mission Statement - An artist and entertainer who’s chosen medium is performing magic. It’s my calling (and profession) to accompany you on a one of a kind journey, creating astonishment while delivering enchantments for you to contemplate and appreciate. To create an experience that engages you and encourages you to think and feel. To share something that touches you in the now and leaves you with you something to consider in the future. From a place where anything can happen and the ordinary can become the incredible. Wrapping interesting and intriguing stories around incredible effects thereby creating the experience we call magic (all while a smile plays around your lips).

Experience – 11+ years professional performing experience and intense study in the art of magic. Have been extremely fortunate to perform numerous public and private shows. A small sampling of recent clients include the British Embassy, B & O Railroad Museum, Mercedes Benz, The National Zoo, Alliance Française of Washington, Mechanical Contractors Association of Maryland, 20’s & 30’s Going Out Group, Herndon Festival, IDT Telecom, World Battery Recycle Trade Forum, Southern Maryland Hospital Center and John Hopkins.

Professional performing experience includes some very challenging and rewarding performance situations. For 3 years I was the lead entertainer at Muvico Theaters (now Cinemark) a 24 screen multiplex with an approximately 6,400 patron seating capacity in Arundel Mills, Maryland. Was featured doing warm up with movie going patrons, performing up to 25 times a day, 3 days a week. The entertainment was magic based and included skits, stand up comedy, character acting and story telling. I brought to life many leading characters from featured movies for patrons’ entertainment including Professor Snape, Willie Wonka, Captain Hook, Pirates and various medieval characters. We created all our own material including scripts, costuming and staging. While it was a great experience I left after 3 years as I had accomplished all I felt I could in that venue.

For 6 months of 2008 I was the featured illusionist for the Golden Triangle Cabaret on M Street at Club Ozio in Washington DC. The Golden Triangle Cabaret is a 1940’s theme Burlesque Review. While the show was being performed weekly I was performing two or three 10 to12 minutes spots of magic during each performance. The featured burlesque artist left and the show moved to a monthly performance schedule so I chose to leave the ensemble.

In 2011 am most often performing the Illusions by Vick stage or parlor show at various venues both public and private. Run time is approximately 45 minutes.

The Illusions by Vick show has been fortunate to play many venues which include but are not limited to the Oakland Mills Auditorium, Hillwood Museum, Harmon Center for the Arts, B & O Railroad Museum, Baltimore Harborplace Amphitheater, Grand Atrium, Magooby's Joke House and numerous public auditoriums, nightclubs and theaters. Everywhere from Mercedes Benz Dealerships to the Great Ape House in the National Zoo, beautiful assisted living communities with excellent theaters that easily seat 200 guests to performing as Professor Snape in the "dungeon" at the Annapolis Bookstore.

A short description of self, study and influences- Unique (aren't we all), resourceful, responsible, truthful, determined, hardworking, adventurous, occasionally charming and reasonably well spoken. I’m driven by a sincere desire to elevate the art of magic and to help return the art to the lofty standards and high regard it was once held in. Am always learning and eager to learn more. The works of Sam H. Sharpe have been a huge influence on my thought process regarding magic and performing (as well as the Fitzkie Trilogy, "Our Magic", Tommy Wonder, Robert-Houdin and Henning Nelms "Magic and Showmanship"). There are many schools of thought and great ideas.

Have been incredibly fortunate to be given guidance by an enigmatic figure (an actual card man) whose name I obviously cannot mention and to whom I owe a huge debt and gratitude. Also the very talented and respected Denny Haney has been kind enough to assist with direction in the art (and putting up with my questions). Jeff McBride was generous enough to help with one of my pieces. As part of my continuing education I often attend lectures, some of my favorites being Joanie Spina, Banachek, John Carney (twice), Darwin Ortiz, Michael Ammar, Howie Schwartzman, Christian Painter and David London. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have worked briefly with Joanie Spina and she made a huge, positive impact on my work. She is an amazing talent, director, teacher and humanitarian.

Much of the influences on my performing come from outside of the world of magic and include film, literature and music. Create something that engages minds so they think and feel and you have created art

What you receive when hiring Illusions by Vick – All the experience, determination and talent go into creating, performing and providing you and your guests with a unique, sophisticated and unparalleled entertainment experience. Every performance is more than just my dream; it’s my name and reputation on the line. More than that it’s also yours. How well I perform and the enchantment around the effects is the art. How well you and your guests enjoy it and will have Illusions by Vick back next year, the years after that and recommend Illusions by Vick is part of the business. I understand the importance of both the entertainment/artistic side and the business side and am able bring them together. I have to succeed at both for us to be satisfied. Anything less is unacceptable. When you pull back the curtain and peek you see that sometimes show business = 10% show + 90% business.

Washington Post Article about Smartphones, aps and magic

2011-07-18T17:53:00.004-04:00

On Sunday an article ran in the Washington Post which I was interviewed for. While I only had a one line mention in the article
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/magical-iphone-put-to-use-in-actual-magic/2011/07/15/gIQA6FqSKI_story_1.html here is part of the email I sent to writer Michael Rosenwald before the interview about Smartphones, aps and magic

Yes I'd be glad to share information and perspective on why I don't use technology in my work. I'll give you an overview here, a lot of it has to do with performing and presentation.

One of the keys to presenting good magic is to keep it from becoming a simple "trick" or puzzle and to keep it entertaining (why much of what I present is in narrative from that the audience can relate to) and make it an encompassing experience. Presenting a puzzle which many I-phone type aps or other magic aps do is a lose-lose situation for a magician.

If it seems like a puzzle the audience feels a challenge to figure it out. If the audience figures it out or feels they did that's not really magic. If they don't figure it out and still feel it is a puzzle the audience feels they deserve an answer, their focus becomes "how did you do it" as opposed to being entertained by the experience. Sort of like looking at the answers for a crossword puzzle when you can't find the right word.

If you show the audience a performance of magical entertainment that they become emotionally invested in, that stays with them. If you show them a tech trick it's just passing eye candy. They take nothing away from that experience.

Technology can also remove the human factor in performing entertaining magic (the audience has to like or at the very least have some emotional investment in the character performing, think about a movie, if you don't feel about the characters in some form the movie doesn't work), it can too easily become a "look at this, isn't it really cool" presentation as opposed to a human interaction that is amazing.

That all being said there are performers like Marco Tempest (who bills himself as a techoillusionist) who are doing amazing things, but he is an exception. The usual having a ghost or card show up on an I-Phone is too much like a "trick" or puzzle and not enough like an entertainment experience.

The focus while performing should be on the entertainer and not a piece of electronic equipment. If I'm showing a "trick" on my phone, who is doing the magic? The performer or the phone? Who's show is it? The magic has to have a source.

Kind of do we want to present Shakespeare or do we want to play a video game? Both have their place as entertainment but it's too easy to slide into simple tricks with a lot of technology instead of a real, emotionally moving (and I include humor in emotional investment) human to human entertainment experience. I want the audience to be moved or invested emotionally in some way. Doing it with technology can make it even more challenging and if not handled well adds another barrier to reaching that goal. Can you really decide to "like" a piece of equipment?

I really like this one, an on line magic trick

2011-06-18T11:36:00.004-04:00

Click here to see a cool magic trick
It's worth taking a quick look at, sort of unusual
It's rare that I call something a trick but you'll understand when you see it

"Magic would be great, if not for magicians"

2011-04-09T00:41:00.002-04:00

I can believe some of the things Christian writes here and it makes me ill

http://enjoythemystery.com/?p=151

This sort of thing leads me to often quote
"Magic would be great, if not for magicians"

Christian & Katalina are one of the best acts working currently
There are both incredibly nice and extremely talented
What makes them so enjoyable besides their obvious love and affection for each other is their presentation

I'll never be thrilled with performance about 70% of self proclaimed magicians, I'll never work the Magic Castle as I will never be a member of the IBM or SAM. I don't agree with their attempts at enforcing arcane ideas and not providing help upcoming performers need

The pity is so few want to be magical performers take the time to study acting, writing or get beyond the "look at me and what I can do" attitude to realize it's really all about the audience

Season's Greetings & Thank You

2010-12-13T01:31:00.004-05:00

Seasons Greetings,
Vick of Illusions by Vick here, sending you my sincere wishes for a most joyous Holiday Season!!!

I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for making 2010 the best year ever for Illusions by Vick!

Whether I performed shows for you or you attended performances, took time to inquire about shows, emailed or called to talk about the art of magic, called with questions about your events and performances or stayed in touch, please accept my most heartfelt gratitude .

Without you the Illusions by Vick show would be nothing, I know that every time I step on stage. You are what makes the show, what motivates and inspires me to create that special world we journey to during the Illusions by Vick show. That unique place where magic happens and is alive and well, even in this crazy and sometimes uncertain world we live in.

Every performance, every person I meet and perform for touches me in some way. You are what inspires and encourages me, what allows me to put all the heart, effort and dedication into every show. Meeting you, speaking with you in email, on the telephone and after performances drives me to create and share the most amazing magical experiences, to give you the best entertainment possible. That's where all the imagination springs from, wanting to create amazing experiences. You are the inspiration and the reason, night after night, week after week and year after year. I couldn't do it without you.

Please pardon me getting a little sappy but after 2010 I really wanted to take the time to say thank you, to let you know how much you and your support means to me and the Illusions by Vick show.

Here's to an even better year in 2011

As you know, I'm always here for you, a call or email away.

Please be well.

All My Best Wishes for a Joyous Holiday Season and an even better and prosperous 2011,
Vick
http://www.illusionbyvick.com

p.s. Special thanks to all the clients who booked Illusions by Vick through the Gigmasters Talent Agency,
you made Illusions by Vick Gigmasters Top Rated Magician in the USA!!

Our world badly needs more great magicians

2010-12-05T16:13:00.005-05:00

I performed a show for a holiday party/house warming last night and it dawns on me how badly the world needs more quality magic performers. The party was all adults with one 5 year old child (the son of the couple that hired me) and the show went over very well (I overheard some very nice comments as I was loading out).

Afterward I spoke with both the husband and wife, the husband comments how when telling guests they would have a magician the remark was "Oh it's a party for children". The wife told me I must have amazing nerves as half of the audience (about 40 people) were men (who are engineers, wish I had known before) who at the beginning were skeptic and focused on figuring out "how" things were done. I explained how by wrapping stories around the effects and including the "skeptics" in the performance it takes away the focus on how things are done.

There are other aspects that come into play to remove the focus on "how" it's done and to make it entertainment. When adults think magic is only entertainment for children they are missing out on some of the finest entertainment in the world, some great, amazing and moving experiences and outstanding art and theater. That is why we need more quality magical performers.

Well I changed that small portion of the world, only 5,999,999,960 more people to go.

Thank you

2010-12-04T13:48:00.001-05:00

I've been very fortunate and hope to be able to continue growing and sharing special, amazing experiences with audiences for a long time to come. Thank you to everyone who has booked Illusions by Vick, attended a show, been there for me, took the time to have a look or share a few words! A very special thank you to Chrissy & Sebastian. I couldn't do it without you

http://www.free-press-release.com/news-amazing-magican-illusions-by-vick-does-it-again-1291487791.html

The most important book on performing

2010-10-02T23:42:00.008-04:00

A second edition copy of Neo Magic arrived this week from England. After many months of searing for this incredible book and purchasing a copy of the also out of print "Neo Magic Artisty" to help and further my growth, to spur new thoughts and create a better show.

There is an interesting history behind Neo Magic, first run was only 500 issues, about half were destroyed on WWII. Second run only 750 issues. So maybe 1,000 at most still exist. This is the most important book ever written about performing magic, about keeping it elevated to an art form. The author Sam Sharpe was quite an interesting and amazing man.

To me at this time "Neo Magic" has become the single most significant piece of literature on performing.

With a journey that started with Tarbell, lead through "Books of Wonder, on through the Fitzike trilogy, by way of "Our Magic", with detours to "Strong Magic", "Essential Robert-Houdin" Carney's "Magic by Design", briefly working with Joanie Spina, Denny Haney & Bob Fitch's lecture notes, finally to "Art and Magic" and "Neo Magic Artistry".

To hold a signed, second edition copy of "Neo Magic" is absolutely amazing. I'm having a moment.

I'm trying to decipher the signature, "Best wishes to my friend ?AC Kefus? from Sam Sharpe Aug 1961" , perhaps I'll never find out. Good reason to keep searching, it was a long search that lead me to find this edition of "Neo Magic".

The book is hard to acquire, maybe that is a good thing, maybe not. It should be read by any and everyone who aspires to perform magic in front of live audiences as a quality entertainer. One of those things you need to become a true performing artist in the field of magic.

I also owe another debt of gratitude to my good friend Peter as he put me on the trail of the book a few years back (yes it has taken that long to find it), as Erdnase, "Expert at the Card Table" is his guide he knew Sharpe's "Neo Magic" would be as important to me

Deep down I know it's just another step, no matter how large, in the journey but the view from the plateau pretty good.

It was worth the search and this is what we do to further our art, I'm sure any other artist in any field reading this has made or will make a similar or even larger trip.

Came to mind, today I bought my son his first saxophone. Who knows, maybe that's his first step, hard to tell when he is only 9 but time will tell

So when your art means that much you follow the path. It's worth it, to you, your show and to your audiences!

Magic weekend at renn fest .. or how hard it really is to entertain well with magic

2010-09-06T16:18:00.002-04:00

Went to the Maryland Renn Fest Sunday, it was Magic Weekend. I watched 3 30 minute stage shows, what kept coming back to me.... how hard it really is to be a great entertainer (with magic)..

The first show, it only went 20 minutes, really felt like he didn't get the traction he was looking for or the crowed didn't engage with him the way he would have like. One of the pieces he did was done well and came across nice, the last piece/effect (which is a piece I perform occasionally) had a twist added to it that really didn't tie it together well.

The second show was a very nice surprise. Very well done, nice, fun believable character you could get behind and relate to. He hit the 30 minute mark perfectly. One effect had the story dragging a little but I don't know if that was trying to build a reinforcement or to have the audience over understand what was going on. Either way 3-4 minutes could have been cut off and it would be a tight piece.

The thrid show was someone I have an immense amount of respect for, both their performing abilities, where they have been and their successes and their encyclopedic knowledge of the art and other related performing arts. I kind of got the feeling he was riffing through the show, like a virtuoso guitar player just running through some chords. This is a new show for him and am sure he'll work the kinks out and have one of the most entertaining performances you'll every see, if that's what we chooses to do

Long story short, magic is one of the most challenging and difficult performing arts to do well. It's not easy to get on stage, give everything you have emotional, physically and intellectually and have a great show every time out. There are so many disciplines involved in a magical performance, maybe more than any other performing art. We are actors, magicians, dancers and in most cases (which is a downfall for many magic shows) writers and directors

and you have to admire those who try .... and succeed

and a statue has never been erected in honor of a critic

Worthwhile Important Post ~ a different magic

2010-08-24T10:39:00.003-04:00

http://www.macsteam.org/BullRoast.aspx

Come join us October 3rd ........

In Reality much of what is I post is patting myself on the back, theory, tying to get you to think or feel good stuff

But this is something that is big, huge, making a difference in life kind of big

Take a little time to look, watch the video, read for a minute and get to learn and maybe know (a little of) Cormac Murray and his amazing family
http://www.macsteam.org/MacsStory.aspx
&
http://www.macsteam.org/Default.aspx

So if you can, come out and see us for a good time supporting a great cause

If you can make it you can always become a member of Mac's Team
http://www.macsteam.org/Merchandise.aspx
It's a team worth being on and something you can be proud of

If you read what I writ you now it's not garbage asking for this or that, this is asking for awareness and to make a difference

Magic goes well and a very lucky magicain

2010-08-18T21:34:00.002-04:00

Sorry I haven't posted much but

Everything has been going very well. I've been very lucky

The short time spent with Joanie Spina helped in so many ways. All the things Denny Haney has been so kind as to show, share, point me towards and discuss with me have meant so much and made me a much better performer than I could have ever hoped for

Congratulations are in order as National Booking Agency Gigmasters ...
Ranked magician Illusions by Vick the top Magician for Maryland, Pennsylvania, DC, Virgina, Delaware ...

Rankings are based on client feedback and satisfaction, amount of bookings, fees made from those bookings
Overall I'm ranked second nationally.A lot of work, a lot of fun, I've learned a lot
but most of all I've had the opportunity to share a lot of smiles, fun and great magic
Here's the press release
Illusions by Vick Named top Ranked magician in Maryland, DC, Va and Pennsylvania

While Gigmasters gets a lot of childrens bookings I don't do many if any of them
and the new show is ready
Here's the press release about it
About the New Show ~ Shades of Perception

Again thank you, without an audience to share it with ....... I'm Nothing

and bigger things are coming in October!

"Open your mind, I'm your magician"

2010-06-26T10:43:00.001-04:00

As a artist who's chosen medium is magic it is my duty to share the incredible, to enable laughter, spur thought and encourage feeling a spectrum of emotions. All while creating a path for us to journey on together into the amazing.

A doctor may say "Trust me I'm a doctor"

I say "Open your mind, I'm your magician"

What Performing Magic can do

2010-05-29T19:01:00.001-04:00

Another good show for a great group of people today. It's a wonderful feeling/experience to share a performance that touches people, give them laughter, encourages them to think, that emotionally touches and moves them and enables a perspective from a difference place, the small part I play in their creating a great time. It truly is the best thing I can do, for everyone.

Amazing what boundaries Magic can cross

2010-05-05T00:08:00.002-04:00

I've been to the Cradlerock school the past 2 days promoting
http://www.illusionsbyvick.com/magicshow.html
the fund raiser I'll be performing next Friday May 14.

The students were great, a very diverse school to say the least. The younger students were getting so excited I had to stop performing in the crowd and move up to the stage (no more floating butterflies or Rites of Spring walking through the students)

What is really great/amazing is how performing(magic) transcends all the social boundaries. The too cool for school guys were sneaking up on stage through the wings to shake my hand. A student showed me I was their screen saver.

We have a unique ability as performers to reach our audiences, to give them something special. In some small way to reach out through all the day to day nonsense and create a space where anything can and does happen and imagination rules, at least for that short time we are in that spell together. Where everything for once really is good and for those few short minute everything will be alright.

I promise I'll keep making that space for us as long as you keep showing up to share it with me

2010-04-15T19:29:00.004-04:00

Another day, another good show. Good performance in a great situation. Here's to Sunday's upcoming show and the "Rites of Spring" being performed live for the first time.

It's another example of what a "magician" (that's what they are, I try to be a entertainer) could be if they really tried, applied themselves. How can any one not give the art all it deserves. To create, not imitate

Am extremely fortunate.

Meanwhile hard at work on the fund raiser for Cradlerock Elementary. Getting good assistance and support on the PTA's end.

Worn out now but got to get ready

Crazy .... or Amazing ... maybe a little of both

2010-03-08T23:44:00.003-05:00

An amazing thing....... this past Saturday.

A potential client asked me about producing her daughter for her sweet 16th birthday party, she emailed the previous Saturday. I don't hear back from her so I think she's decided to do something else for entertainment. Out of no where she sends me a deposit ........ on Thursday ..... 2 days before the party.

Had given 3 options for the production. I finally get her on the phone and .... her daughter wants the Metamorphosis production ........ aaaahhhhhaaaa. I explain how challenging it can be and how people spend decades learning to do it well and ......

97% of the guests there are high school friends all done up and ready for a big night out.

This has all the ingredients for a disaster ..... I modify Metamorphosis a bit to make it easier. To her credit the daughter Jillian on the day of her Sweet 16 party spends the time I asked for rehearsal, she is willing to work to make the effect as good as we can in the time given and ........

We pulled it off!!! Pretty damn well, too.

Today .... the mother writes me an unsolicited glowing reference email

They were a great group to meet and work with, I'm really glad everything went well but ....
.... it still was crazy ;-)~

April 16th 2010 Illusion & Magic Entertainment Event

2010-01-27T00:04:00.003-05:00

Am fortunate to be working on a very special show that will play April 16, 2010

Will keep you up to date as it progresses but for now suffice to say am hard at work on it and hopefully will be premiering new performance pieces that will provide astonishment and entertain while touching you emotionally and sharing something you will take with you to consider and will bring a smile to your face in the days after

On what "Magic" is

2009-12-09T00:31:00.000-05:00

As magicians we often get hung up on searching for what magic is

For me it's when your 8 year old son
is more excited about his father performing for his school
On December 22nd
than he is about Christmas

More thoughts on the art of magic

2009-12-02T12:54:00.001-05:00

Where but in magic can you be an artist who creates miracles,

to enable others to laugh, think and feel a spectrum of emotions?

Take them by the hand on a journey into the incredible?

I care deeply about the art and hold it with the respect in deserves.

This is my chosen profession and I have to be the best I can.

This means study, learning, practice, love and everything else

needed to give every audience I go in front of the best possible experience.

How could anyone want to do anything less
with one of the most beautiful performing arts!?

Thoughts on the art of Magic at Thanksgiving

2009-11-27T00:18:00.009-05:00

It saddens me deeply that some consider magic as simply entertainment for children. Imagine throwing away, ignoring or belittling an art form that can enable you to think and feel, something that can elevate you from your normal daily existence, an art form that can move you to tears from laughter, creating beauty and touching other deep emotions

This is not the fault of the art consumer, the challenge lays with the performers who do nothing to enhance or elevate the art and appear simply as a trickster, "Hey look at me and what I can do, aren't these tricks neat".

The performer who does nothing to educate their audience?

Those who don't or can't give their audience an experience that will elevate them, that will touch them, that will tuck something away in their mind for later consideration or even simply (and sometimes the hardest) share a huge face splitting grin have cheated their audiences as well as cheated themselves and harmed the art.

Does the challenge lay with so called performers who don't share with their audiences what magic can be and instead appear in a foul polyester vest pulling objects from their mouth or their various other insults to the art? Or does the fault lays with performers like myself who know something different and don't enlighten those less fortunate? Those who haven't had the guidance to read and study the amazing books on the art. Who may not have had the time or experience to know how rewarding it is to create and share those special moments with the audience.

I've often said I don't do magic, the magic happens in the audience. Without an audience I am nothing, a guy doing odd things. It is with that consideration I go into every show and know I have to give the best possible show, try to create art, to reach the audience on many levels and craft a unique and memorable experience. Anything less is a cheat, totally unacceptable and unthinkable.

If all you are looking for is someone to ask "How did you do that" then you have missed the boat as a performer.

Children are the easy ones to win over (even though they can be the most severe audiences) it is adults who most need their imaginations sparked, their funny bone tickled, their thoughts stimulated and their heart strings tugged.

Please join me as we begin a journey into a world where anything is possible

The closer it gets

2009-10-06T21:00:00.002-04:00

The more I look forward to it

The B &O Railroad Station Museum in Ellicott City Victorian Fun Fair. It's a wonderful event, a good time for the entire family with something for everyone.

Illusions by Vick will be back with my brand of unique, thought provoking and enchanting magical entertainment for the Victorian Fun Fair

The Victorian Fun Fair is a great time for all. Ellicott City is truly beautiful in the fall and every reason to enjoy a fine fall day is well worth considering.

B & O Railroad Station Museum in Ellicott City, Maryland
http://www.ecborail.org
Victorian Fun Fair
Saturday October 17 & Sunday 18, 2009
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Step back in time as the B & O Railroad Station Museum celebrates their Victorian Fun Fair.
For kids of every age! Explore Victorian home entertainment: toys, conundrums, parlor games, & crafts. Have fun the old fashioned way with a variety of activities and maybe even learn a little about life in the middle of the 19th century.

Magical performances commence at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm both Saturday October 17 & Sunday 18, 2009 and the show runs approximately 1 hour. The Illusions by Vick show is not a "children's" show but is crafted for all ages to enjoy so bring the entire family and settle in for a world where nothing is impossible and the seemingly ordinary can become incredible.

A great time awaits for one and all! We look forward to seeing you there

For more information about the B & O Railroad Station Museum and or the Victorian Fun Fair Mr. Travis Henry is the site manager for the B & O Railroad Station Museum and may be able to assist.

Illusions by Vick will be glad to answer questions about magic and or illusions both of the 1830 to 1950 period when the Ellicott Mills B & O Railroad Station was in service or other questions regarding the art and craft of magic.

Thank you for your consideration. Please be well.
Look forward to seeing you there

p.s. I know where the best pubs and shopping are ..... just ask

It's getting to be that time

2009-09-27T20:52:00.004-04:00

When shows pic up and more fun & $ awaits

One of my favorite shows of October .........

B & O Railroad Museum Ellicott City Maryland
Victorian Fun Fair

Saturday October 17 & Sunday October 18
Illusions by Vick goes on both days at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm
With the show running about 1 hour
Show included with admission
Downside is it's an outdoor show but the place is great,
10 minutes from my home, Ellicott City is beautiful and even more so in the fall

Will be bridging the time from 1831 when the Ellicott City (then Ellicott Mills) station opened until the last commuter train in 1950. In 1831 it is the only Railroad station of it's kind in the world

Lots to see and do (great place to eat, drink and shop in Ellicott City)

For more please see
http://www.illusionsbyvick.com/

Sorry I couldn't give more here, the cut and paste would not let me ..... hmmmmm ... duh!

WOW

2009-08-15T23:38:00.000-04:00

Wow, what a difference a great show can make!!!

Haven't blogged lately mostly because there's not much positive to say about magic in general and magicians specifically.

A friend recently said "Magic would be great, if not for magicians" and he's spot on!!

Over 90% of self proclaimed magicians are terrible!! What's worse is they don't realize it, won't consider or seek constructive criticism or read the books and materials that could help them.
Now I've gotten that out of the way, well not really as I could go on but .......

Today at a private show in Virginia I had the pleasure of performing for a great audinece. Great people, well mannered, intelligent, interesting and everything you could ever want in an audinece.

All the newer pieces went over great and were well very received.
Case in point, a very short version of the new closing act
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8EKIKc5vDU

About 80% of the show is original materiel and it's the greatest feeling when the original pieces are the best received. Validates all the work, thought, effort and time put it.

Through the Looking Glass

2009-03-09T00:52:00.000-04:00

Through the Looking Glass is coming along. Will post a link to it here after the rough draft video finishes uploading on YouTube. Still not really Alice in Wonderland feeling, just sort of influenced by it. In part that is because I haven't gotten to the tea party portion of the piece.

Creative Team

2009-02-24T19:32:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since the last blog, very busy with some things. Shows are picking back up

Have been thinking I truly have the greatest creative team one could wish for.
Have an art director and builder and a conceptualizer.

And they are my family, Chrissy my Fiancee is doing an outstanding job as the art director & builder! My 7 year young son Sebastian is the most amazing conceptualizer.

Was stuck on a presentation for a new piece and Sebastian turned it around in his head for about 6 minutes and came up with an idea, Chrissy built it in less than 2 days for under $50 and now I have the most unusual and sensible "Floating Butterfly" routine

Coming up next ......

"Through the Looking Glass"

Busiest weekend of the year Part II

2008-11-02T11:29:00.000-05:00

Wow, what a day. From Ellicott City, MD to Media Pa to Crownsville, MD. From Professor Snape at a Hogwart's theme birthday party to having fun at a 13 year old young man's party in a gorgeous house seriously done up for the occasion.
Both were great parties with parents going all out for their children. Everyone was nice as could be and a good time for all.

The Harry Potter theme party was amazing. The house was done up like the great hall and the outside was done as Hogsmeade. I tested the students as Professor Snape. Am sure you can guess the results. The transformation from paper to fire certainly shocked the student.

Might not have handled the second party as well as I could but they had inquisitive minds and lots to say so I tried to work with them. Given the choice between stopping the show and demanding quiet or going on and taking their inquisitive nature into account and working with it I choose the latter. All in all they were a cool bunch of kids and the parents were great. Had to adjust the show as I went along but it worked out. Always amazes me how well the linking rings go over everywhere. Everyone loves the fire bits, I think the fire bits are cheap theatrics but they work.

Again the original pieces are the stars of the show, I have to find the muse for more

Denny Haney has it so right in his lecture notes. It really is about getting the audience to like you, then presentation and it's got to be tight and it's got to be fun.

If I can reach someone's mind and make them think and or feel, then I've achieved art

It was a challenging weekend but I think we did ok

Going on with the show

Busiest weekend of the year

2008-11-01T02:13:00.000-04:00

For me Halloween will be the busiest weekend of the year. Have done more shows in a weekend but never through 3 different states and the District of Columbia

Friday October 31, Halloween work started at 3:00pm with a 45 minute show for a senior assisted living facility in Virginia. When the show starts with asking a resident (who seemed fairly alert and I had seen playing cards earlier) to name a card and after some thought she says "4th of July" you hope it's not a harbinger of things to come.
Fortunately it wasn't and the set went well (except for the facility dog eating my chocolate covered cherries but in trade for the pumpkin pie and apple cider I came out ahead). Again my original pieces were the best received of the set which tells me I'm on the right track.
One women was such a sweetheart, as I was packing to load out she came up and spoke with me thinking she had seen me before. Her smile and asking to give me a hug made the day. Sometimes it really is the small things.

Even with a 2.5 hour drive home through some of the nations worst gridlock

Tonight I was the featured performer at 12:15 am for the Alliance Française party at the Napoleon Bistro and Lounge. Incredibly crowded all through Georgetown (DC), had to create a parking spot (I am a magician after all). Got there with 15 minutes to set up, club staff saw me at the door and took me right in (in front of about 25 people who were waiting to get in) .
Imagine trying to do a 15 minute set in a crowded dance club!!?? Have worked for Alliance Française before so I had worked up something special for them but wasn't expecting the conditions. The show MUST go on. With an elbow to elbow crowd I was beyond nervous, the skull I was going to float broke from it's anchor. Had a flat response to the head growing disc but patrons love fire.

For the scariest thing I could think of I did a piece about ..... Corporate America ah ha ha ha
It's the Box from David London (which is going over well) . Had a few challenges but with a lot of fire work in a small place the set went on.

Really like the Alliance Française parties and the people but hopefully if I work for them again it will be more like the party from October 3rd. If I knew what the working conditions were going to be tonight I would have prepared a different set. Had an avant garde, performance art set ready but you work with the circumstances.

Got stopped as I rolled my table down the street (why carry if you can roll) by a group sitting outside to smoke at another club, they recognized me as a magician and asked me to do something for them. What else could I do, I start pulling lights out of the air and passersby.

The 2 shows could not have been more different or more challenging in their own ways, really measures and shapes who you are as a performer. Glad to have these opportunities, to grow and gain unusual experiences.

Later today (it's 2:28AM) Professor Snape in a very special recreation of Hogwarts in Media PA and then onto Crownsville, MD to be the surprise entertainment at a upscale birthday party

Magicial ranting and ravings

2008-10-14T14:56:00.000-04:00

From The Actor Magician Essays
By Louis C. Haley
Extracted from his book "The Dramatic Art of Magic"

" ......People now-a-days are beginning to look upon the Magician as one who can especially amuse the children. In times past whole cities used to get wrought up to a high pitch of excitement over things that do not approach in real mystery the things that are done today. I think one reason for this attitude on the part of the public is the fact that the Magician has lost the dignity of his calling and is in imminent danger of seeing his self-respect going with it."

Written over 100 years ago and true today

It saddens me greatly to see magic considered by some as amusement for children, it grieves me worse to see heinous performers foisted upon children.
Perverse and or pretentious performers who denigrate themselves in their base attempts to pander to the lowest common denominator at what they misguidedly consider entertainment. Completed by their strange and improper looking props. Why must everything have some strange pseudo Asian writing on a painful color scheme?

Are such want to be performers too unintelligent to know any different?

I could post hundreds of thousands of pictures and websites to support my statements.

We could have enlightenment in entertainment, but instead it's a weekend clown in a $5 cape and discount wand calling it a Harry Potter show.

Can Darwinism please happen quicker in the world of magic?

Obviously you don't have to play down to anyone, especially children. Acts such as tearing apart toilet paper and offering it up to be placed in the mouth to produce a mouth coil (oh wait, I saw that in a show for adults, not kidding). All performances, children included can be presented in an intelligent, elegant and incredibly entertaining fashion.

Why are we accepting the bar being lowered in performances for children when we should be raising it to stimulate their fertile imaginations?
Why do we accept performers insulting their intelligence?

Of course there are outstanding performers who specialize in working for children. However I'd wager all of you reading this know of more heinous performers thinking they are geared to children than quality acts.

There is and always will be a place, need and market for comedy magic, but all too few quality comedic performers.

Sounding Off from the Soapbox of the Society for Quality Entertainment

David London Lecture

2008-10-12T00:28:00.000-04:00

Saw David London's lecture least night.
I'm totally blown away, incredibly creative, totally illogical while being perfectly thought out down to the smallest detail.
Picked up the workings for a new piece that I think will be an outstanding addition to my show.
If you have an opportunity to see David London don't pass it up
4 out of 4 stars!!!!

The tale of 2 different magic shows

2008-10-08T12:38:00.000-04:00

What an outstanding weekend, 2 great shows that were as different as could possibly be.

Friday night at Hillwood Museum (absolutely beautiful facility), a show for Alliance Francaise Soirée Carte Blanche: electronic happy hour with an artistic twist. Upscale, very cool, great party concept, the hosts were incredibly gracious. Interesting crowd, good mix.
Did a short set featuring "Seduction of the Senses", "Sorcerer's Apprentice", my homage to Dia Vernon "Symphony of the Rings", multiplying bottles and a closer. Had a challenge with cueing the music at the right time but oh well. Loved the people, the place and while I see the problems overall it was a decent set.
Best part is the Alliance Francaise has invited me back for their Halloween Party at Bistro Napoleon for a midnight show. Going to put something special together. Very much looking forward to working with Alliance Francaise, in particularly Anna & Sylvain.

Saturday night was 180 degrees a different world. a 50th birthday party at a V.F.W. English Consul hall. Some old friends and people I worked with in the past. About a 40 minute set, got to stretch out a little while performing. More music problems, went to start Sorcerer's Apprentice and my CD player had been moved by the DJ, it's a good piece but it needs the music to be fully effective. Melissa did an outstanding job of getting me there and birthday girl Cheryl couldn't have been more happy. Great to get to spend a little time with them and see a very dear long time friend and other familiar faces.

The 2 shows couldn't have been more different and both were great in their own ways. Really like the crowd at both and who could ask for more than 2 decent sets that well fairly received. Yes I had problems in both sets but that's the advantage to experience. I might be the only one who saw all the problems.

Next up, Halloween Weekend - 4 shows in 3 states & DC in 2 days.
Am I crazy or in love with the business and want audiences to see what good magic can be?

stay tuned