The Magic of Gratitude

"The more thankful I am, the more I have to be thankful for."  

In light of our Thanksgiving holiday this week, I want to sincerely thank all my clients who have hired me over the past few years.  I feel so lucky to entertain people with my magic and share it as a business and a professional career for over 35 years... WOW!   

As a more advanced form of gratitude, I'd also like to thank all the prospects who inquired about my work and, for whatever reasons, did not hire me.  In other words, I'm grateful for the work I have and the work I don't have.  I'm also grateful for the work that's coming.  There is a lot of magic still to be done!  

This year has been a sort of "forced sabbatical" from performing which is how I earn my income.  So I've had to shift to the business side of my work which includes mostly marketing projects; upgrading my websites, producing videos, and getting ready for whatever "rebound" that may occur after the virus crisis is solved and the shutdown ends.  At this point, I feel many people are starved for live entertainment.  However, when "things" open up, I believe it will be a slow process of people getting comfortable hosting and attending events.  

Imagine going to the theatre to see a concert, a play, and a magic show.  Imagine going to the Magic Castle to watch the world's greatest magicians.  Imagine going to Las Vegas and seeing the the myriad of theatre shows and concerts.  Imaging going to the Rustler's Rooste or your local restaurant and inviting the magician to come entertain at your table.  Imagine going to an outdoor festival or fair and joining in a crowd of strangers to circle around a magic or juggling show.  Imagine having a magician work the crowd at your next corporate event, a dinner party, reception, or trade show.  Imagine... and let's make magic happen again! 

Thank you for reading and following my blog.  I wish you all a magical Thanksgiving holiday!   

Magic For Fairs and Festivals!

Well, I really missed working the Arizona State Fair this month.  So I worked on a new promo video for festival producers and fair managers with the hope that they might hire me for 2021 and beyond.  It was exciting to work on this video and I learned a few new things that make it much better than the video I made last year.  One of the coolest things I learned was to record the voice over using the microphone on my ear buds and the Voice Memo app on my iPhone.  I also added the Ken Burns effects to add motion to the photos, and used dissolve transitions for a more seamless look.  Overall, this is my best video so far.  Finally, the crowd photos give me hope that someday soon we'll be able to gather together, to smile and laugh, to hug and hold hands, without social distancing, masks, or fear.    

 

    

Magic Beyond the New Normal

How do you enjoy live magic entertainment these days?  Strolling gigs at resorts and restaurants have been cancelled since the middle of March.  Corporate trade shows and large events have cancelled.  And the fairs and festivals have also cancelled.  However, I performed two shows in September.  Both events were for small groups of family and friends, 6 and 8 people, at their homes.  I performed a one hour show of my best close-up magic and featured personalized presentations for each party.  You can read more about these events on my websites.

Over the years I've done numerous parties like these, but now I realize this is THE BEST way to have me at your next event.  This is my specialty niche offering for home entertainment.  Small gatherings of family, friends, and business associates, less than 20 people, at one's home.  We use all the recommended safety precautions and ideally the show is outside.  There is only one participant, preferably the guest of honor, who assist in only the most minimal and necessary procedures.  Most of the show is hands off, completely visual, beautiful magic.  Ideal for adult parties, birthdays, holidays, and family events.  

Years ago, only the aristocracy could enjoy the finest magicians and conjurers because there were fewer of us, and fewer still who could afford and appreciate the fine art of magic.  That's not the case today.  As you can see from the painting, even in the past there was some level of social distancing, yet we found ways to enjoy time together in safe places like parks and gardens.  These days we have backyards and patios.  My goal is to give my clients home entertainment options; the best, live, magic and comedy shows, in such a way as to make their guests feel completely safe and comfortable.  Call today to discuss how to surprise your guests with Magic Fun at your next home event.          

Coconino County Virtual Fair!

One of my favorite Arizona fairs is the annual Coconino County Fair in Flagstaff over Labor Day weekend.  The fairgrounds are in the pines and the weather is usually very nice even when it rains.  This year it's going totally VIRTUAL!  That means you can visit the website for information about the event and tune into the YouTube Channel to see all the videos of numerous activities and entertainment.  I'll be hosting the entertainment on Monday, September 7th, introducing two music acts Rhythm Oasis and FoxyKoshka, as well as showing off some awesome magic.  Here's a playful video I produced just for fun that did not make the final cut. 

Hope you're able to tune in and be sure to check out the two videos I produced for Monday!  

The Legend Lives On!

I first met Cellini on Jackson Square in New Orleans, in February of 1985, the weekend before Mardi Gras.  He was a mentor and friend until he passed away in 2009.  I could write a book about the magic, the lessons, and our adventures together.  He taught me to believe in magic, take it to the streets, and earn an honest living.  Anyone who knew Cellini could write their own story about him and fortunately one very special person has done just that.  

Eileen McFalls fell in love with Cellini and knew him like no one else.  She has recently published a new book that chronicles her relationship and experiences on the road with Cellini in the 1980’s.  I was lucky to meet Eileen shortly after meeting Cellini and knew her for a few years when they were together.  

Now, what a pleasure to read her story and remember my friend through her eyes.  In her book, No Ordinary Magic, Eileen does a masterful job of describing her experiences, accomplishments, and the emotional roller coaster ride she endured.  Along the way, she recalls the many colorful characters she met with Cellini, in vivid and touching detail, especially Rockmore the artist.  Eileen's photos and Rockmore's artwork are a real treat as well.  Just click on the link above to visit the website and see for yourself.

I highly recommend Eileen’s book for anyone who thinks they know about Cellini, as well as any magicians who have heard about this legend of street magic.  Finally, I recommend it as a love story for anyone who has tried to love an artist whose devotion is to their art and the muse who drives them.  Eileen drove a lot of miles across America and Europe to learn that lesson, but she got a great book out of it. 

Thank you Eileen for a trip down memory lane with you and Cellini, and for keeping his legacy alive.  No Ordinary Magic is a special gift to the magic and busker communities that will be treasured for years to come.  

Considerations When Booking a Magician

“It looks so easy.  Walk around and do some magic tricks.         Everyone is having fun.  So let’s hire a magician for our event!”

That’s what most people think when they see a strolling magician.  It's a fun and easy add on to the main event.  Like background music.  It certainly adds to the atmosphere and people really do enjoy close-up magic.    

So how to hire a strolling magician?  Who’s the best?  

Find out what to look for and how to find the best strolling magician in Arizona!
Read more... 

Rings!

Here's a video of a live performance of the Rings at the Arizona State Fair in 2019.  I'm learning about the different types of videos that seem to be effective on YouTube and this is not one of them.  

Magic videos that get the most views, likes, etc. are ones that show people reacting to effects.  They are basically the performer saying, "Look, watch...", and then Magic happens, followed by screams and expressions of astonishment.  Another type of magic video that seems effective is one that shows the performer (or just the hands) doing visually beautiful and seemingly impossible effects for the camera.  This is called "eye candy" magic which I for one very much enjoy.  I've been watching numerous videos of young, highly skilled magicians and have enjoyed being fooled badly.  It's very inspiring!  

Since the shutdown (it's been 3.5 months since my last live performance), I've been learning to record and edit videos for my clients, YouTube channel, this blog, and for promotional purposes.  Stay tuned to see my efforts to create new types of magic videos of my work.  Your comments are appreciated.  Thanks for following my blog!  

Raving Fan!

A nice letter from my boss at the Rustler's Rooste.
Thank you Tom!

By the way, the restaurant is open and the band is playing.  

  Magic fun coming soon!

Magic Beyond the New Normal!

Getting ready for the rebound.  It's been two months since my last live performance.  So I've been working on the business side of things like updating websites with new contact forms so it's faster and easier to contact me.  I am ready for the parties, when the resorts are bustling with tourists, when the golfers are celebrating in club houses, when the fairs open and draw thousands of families together, and when the Rustler's Rooste Restaurant is full of folks hungry for the "beef & brew with a view", and of course, music, dancing, and lots of magic fun.

Magic Beyond the New Normal means visually stunning magic and comedy hospitality entertainment within the bounds of safe, comfortable distancing. Magic without helping hands from the audience from a mystery man behind a bandana who creates magical memories you can enjoy for a lifetime. 

Ideal for outdoor events.  

Yelp Page Updates and Reviews

Virtual Services Now Available:

Personalized Birthday Magic Videos

Live Online Magic Presentations

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shawn Eric is quite simply a fantastic magician, entertainer and man. I've worked with Shawn on dozens of occasions at top area resorts and private parties. He delivers exceptional magic with charm and delight.
~Gene Urban, 2015

Check out Shawn Eric - Ideal Entertainment on Yelp

Custom Magic Online

Well, it's officially 2 weeks since my last live performance at the Rustler's Rooste Restaurant.  They had to close temporarily just like every restaurant.  The first week of April, I will celebrate 6 years working there, even though I won't be performing there again until they reopen.  It's a great experience as I learn a lot about performing in an often loud, chaotic atmosphere and working with others (a team of waiters, busers, hosts, and managers) whose service and food comes first.  

One of my favorite things about the RR is the sheer number and variety of people I get to entertain.  I try to get around to everyone, even if it's just to say, "Welcome", but with 500-1000 dinners per night, that's a lot of magic and crowd love!  The music (Peso Dollar Band) is awesome too!  

In light of our present circumstances and the forced break in my performances, I've been busy working on the business (getting ready for the rebound), reading some magic books (The Magic of Johnny Thompson), and learning & practicing some new magic.  I'm also going online by posting some new magic videos for my YouTube Channel.

One video idea I'd like to share with you.  I have a client who booked me for his wife's birthday party but had to cancel.  So I made them a personalized video of me performing a Birthday Card Trick.  I was able to send him this video on her birthday.  The next day a friend was talking about how her daughter's birthday party had to be cancelled, so I made a video for her which they loved! 

The idea is new for me, it's still evolving and I'd love suggestions on how to improve it.  This is a low quality (720p) video due to Blogger constraints, but hopefully you'll get the idea.

If you'd like a personalized Birthday Magic video for you or someone special, just contact me and we'll set it up so they can enjoy a bit of magic for their birthday.  And please share this offer with everyone you know, thank you!  

Call or text: 602-403-7309  

Email: info@magicfunwithpeople.com

      

Inquire to Book Shawn Eric!

Western Fairs Convention!

The Western Fairs Association held its annual convention in Reno on January 19-22.  I was able to make an adventure of it and below are some highlights...

On the road, 95 north of Vegas.

Winning Instagram photo!

Friends from the Arizona Fairs Association.

Dennis Forel and Terry Godfrey.

James Reid.

Ernie & Mary Lee G. and Lynette.

Jack from Trinity County Fair.

Anais and Andrew.