A Mystical Experience

"The Sense of Mystery in a Japanese Garden"

from the book, The Experience of Magic by Eugene Burger.

I was inspired by this years ago, to visit the Ryoanji Temple in Japan, 

and meditate while overlooking the ancient Rock Garden.

Could I too experience the sense of Mystery that all true magicians, 

like Eugene, search for?

 

In June, I travelled to Kyoto to pay homage to Eugene and seek my own experience of Magic.  Upon entering the temple and removing my shoes, 

I followed the crowd to the patio overlooking the rock garden.  

A few monks in their colored robes hurried the other way.  

I found a seat and started observing the scene.  Taking a deep breath, 

I smiled with deep joy & gratitude, finally arriving at this sacred place and realizing my dream come true.  

The Sun shone through the blue sky and a few clouds drifted slowly past.  

Another deep breath, I started to look for and count the volcanic stones.  

I had to move to the other end of the patio to find all 15 of them.  

The white gravel was immaculately raked around the stones.  

As I settled in, I wondered if the stones were artistically placed, just randomly set there, or if they were there all along and the white gravel was used to punctuate their presence?

I wondered if I should jump into the pit and make an angel in the white stones? 

The crowd came and went, chattering in low hushed tones, respectful of the atmosphere.  Another deep breath, I focused on the stillness of the rocks and white gravel.  My eyes blinked slowly, my body was calm, and my mind began to settle like a rock.  

The sounds of the scene faded to silence as my breathing became deeper.  

My eyes closed, my mind held the image of the stones.  

My mind and body, rested in the stillness.    

I felt calm and peaceful, more light with every breath.  

Lighter & lighter, I flew into a dream.

Earl Nelson's Last Magic Show

On September 20th, 2022, I drove up to Oak Creek Canyon for a day of magic with Earl Nelson and some friends.  We had many sessions over the years and I learned some interesting things from Earl, including the instantaneous 3 ring separation that I use as the final effect of my 3 ring routine.  Check out a recent post on my Instagram, @shawnericmagic.

On this trip, I had several effects ready to perform, one of which was the Rice Bowls.  I had just started working on it and the script was still a rough draft.  Nevertheless, I wanted to show it to Earl and the guys.

When I arrived, I saw Earl and was shocked.  I wondered if he'd had a stroke or something.  He was recovering from a fall and was moving slow, but that day he busted out his cards & coins and showed us several new moves he was practicing.  He did the Sun & Moon coin effect and we talked about that for some time.  He was always creating & practicing new moves and adding touches of finesse to existing sleights.

Whenever I perform with children in the audience, I imagine that I might be the first magician they ever see.  When I perform for seniors, I imagine I might be the last magician they ever see.  In both cases, I do my best to create a personal experience of astonishment, a memory of real magic and feelings of wonder, love & joy.  I think I might have been the last magician Earl ever saw perform.  He was hospitalized shortly after our visit and passed away a month later, on October 21, 2022.  It was an honor to be his friend. 

The Magic Pizza Surprise

Delivering pizzas & magic to a home in Oak Creek Canyon.

Imagine your party has started and your guests are chatting over appetizers.  The doorbell rings and the delivery guy comes in with the pizzas and a special pizza for your guest of honor.  They are requested to pay the bill and after some dramatic comedy, the delivery guy offers them a wager so they can win the pizzas.  A deck of cards are shuffled, the game is played, and when the impossible happens, they are amazed!  And they win the pizzas!  As the guests enjoy, the delivery guy leaves and returns with a bag of magic ready to entertain everyone with an incredible show. 

This magical stunt is an unexpected and surprising way to start the magic happening at your party.  Great for Halloween, Holiday, and family parties at home, as well as office lunch events.  Remember “bring your kids to the office days”?  Invite Shawn Eric to entertain your guests with his magic and pick up some pizzas on the way! 

Coin Work at the Silver Dollar Fair!

Here's a quick sequence of coin work that I perform to entertain & inspire my audiences, usually young people, to collect coins, save their money, and practice to strengthen their hands for sports, music, and of course, video gaming!  Over the years, I've challenged myself to perform these moves while my arm is extended over the railing of a river boat and while standing over subway gratings in NYC.  Yes, I've dropped a few coins over the years.  This sequence of moves is preceded by coin productions (aka the Miser's Dream) and followed by a few coin magic effects.  This coin routine is perfect for the Silver Dollar Fair and is an integral part of my all of my shows.  It's also ideal for money management and financial industry audiences.     

Shawn Eric @ Trinity County Fair 2021

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.  

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.

7th Annual Cups & Balls Session

In October, I had the pleasure of visiting magic friends in Los Angeles for an all day event celebrating one of the oldest tricks in magic, the classic cups and balls.  Organized by Tom Frank and hosted by Dave Ramey, the event draws about 75 magicians each year.  The format is "show and tell" sessions where participants can talk about their interests and props (cups, balls, wands, tables, pouches and pockets, costumes, loads, etc.) or they can perform their favorite routines. This year Gazzo appeared and did a surprising close-up routine while sitting at a table and spinning a long tale about a long drive across the country.  The best part of the day was seeing old friends and meeting new ones, watching the younger magi do their thing, and sharing lots of stories and laughs.  

Johnson Cups for my close-up work.

Tom Frank, organizer of the event.

With Gazzo & Kris Bentz.

Cups for political satire, Napoleon on the run.

Cellini Cups for the stage.

Bringing Magic to Your Profession

In June, I had the opportunity to speak and perform at the Arizona Public Defenders Association’s annual conference!  Wow, what an experience!  I delivered a 75 minute talk, Bringing Magic to the Courtroom, to teach preparation and performance skills I’ve acquired and help public defenders perform like magic super heroes in court.

2018 Fairs Review & Testimonial

Here are some of the highlights of my work in the fairs & events industry last year, so far my best year yet!  I enjoy working these fairs and having fun with my entertainer friends, being outside under that big spot light in the sky, and most of all because of the families & kids who attend.  Many of these folks have become friends & raving fans who return each year to enjoy the show! 

SILVER DOLLAR FAIR

                           
* Western Fairs Association Convention & Trade Show in Anaheim, California.

* Exhibitor Live Trade Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

* Yuma County Fair in Yuma, Arizona. 

* Silver Dollar Fair in Chico, California.

* Trinity County Fair in Hayfork, California.

* Coconino County Fair in Flagstaff, Arizona.

* Navajo County Fair in Holbrook, Arizona.

* ARIZONA STATE FAIR in Phoenix, Arizona. 

* Arizona Fairs Association Convention in Laughlin, Nevada.

Here's a nice letter from Terry Godfrey, the entertainment coordinator at Yuma County Fair, which is really cool as I consider Terry a mentor in the fair industry, a great magician and respected friend.   

The Magic Castle!

In June, I had the honor of going to Hollywood, California and entertaining at the Magic Castle!  With my dear friend Tom Frank, we performed three shows a night in the Peller Theatre the weekend of June 6 - 8.  It all started at a session in February, 2012, in the desert north of Indio, where we discussed the idea of doing a show together at the Castle.  The show would feature the classics of magic, as taught to us by our mentors, with cards, coins, cups & balls, & linking rings... the stuff we make our living with today.  Finally, we shared one of the best stages in the world and lived the dream!

I have so many people to thank for making the trip such a fun success... Thank you to Jack G., Joan L. and the Magic Castle team (Sheila, Erin, Sabrina, Rose, Katie, Patrick, Steve, Brandon, Joey, Maurice, and Tom).  Thanks to some honored friends and guests who came to see our show (Perry, Lisa & Camilla K., Simon & Ginny A., Jonathan P., and birthday girl Alyssa B. with her fun friends).  Thanks to Makoto for the impromptu session on coins, it was great to meet him and learn a couple of new tricks.  Special thanks to Robb W. & Alfonso for their notes & feedback on the show.  Thanks to all the great audiences for the crowd love!  Most of all, thanks to Tommy and Polly for their friendship and hospitality at Camp Paradise!  What an awesome experience!!

Summer Solstice Celebration!

For years, I've wanted to travel north for the summer solstice, to enjoy the long days and work during the late evening sunsets.  Recently this past June, I escaped the desert heat and journeyed up to Washington for two weeks.  In Bellingham, I visited my friend Crystal, The Jewel of Magic, who was also a friend of Cellini.  Crystal and I met in Switzerland in 1992 at Cellini's Zauberlauden in Zurich where we worked the streets together with a motley crew of Cellini's other students.  She has been taking care of her magic and performing in a variety of venues for many years.  It was a pleasure to see her again!  We talked about the old days, shared lots of laughs and healthy food, and discussed our new magic dreams and adventures.  Here she is at her regular gig at the local smoke shop where she performs cigarette and cigar magic for her nicotine addicted clients.  She's still got chops and a great cups and balls routine!

On the solstice weekend I worked the Fremont Fair in Seattle.  Friday evening I did a show in the beer garden before the band played, typical party crowd, it was a nice way to warm up.  Saturday was full of sunshine, lots of shows, and good crowds.  I enjoyed walking back up a long hill to my hotel in the late evening dusk watching a full moonrise, staying up late & cleaning the take.  Sunday was back to normal Seattle weather, cloudy and cool, with light rain throughout the day.  I cranked out the shows as the crowds and cash kept flowing.  It was my first time working this event, I enjoyed meeting lots of interesting people, and the naked painted babes riding bikes through the event were a novel attraction.  Sorry, no pictures. 

Another highlight of the fair was seeing my good friend Crow play with his friends, The Band of Buzzards, ie. Artis the Spoonman and Reggie.  These guys rocked the streets and gathered good crowds with their grooving songs and magnetic presence.  They were set up just down the street from my pitch and I enjoyed listening to them during my breaks.  On Sunday after the fair, I travelled with Crow and Artis over to Port Townsend where I stayed a few days and enjoyed the hospitality of Crow and Milam.  What a happy couple, so lucky to be in love!  Also, enjoyed a visit with Artis at his seaside apartment, a tour of his garden, and we even watched a sea lion come ashore, waddle its way up to the main street and entertain a group of tourists.  That was one animal act that neither of us could have followed.  

Crow and I have been friends for many years, since we worked the Tempe Arts Festival back in the late 1980's.  During our visit, we rode bikes all over town, through the boatyards, and all along the shore line.  At their home, we played music, did yard work, and enjoyed Milam's good cooking and lots of laughs.  Crow is a very talented comedian, juggler, and musician.  It was practically therapeutic for me to be there, but as Crow remarked, "Coming to me for therapy is like going to the gynocologist without a pussy."  Another Crow line, "Experience is what you get after you need it."  Laughter is indeed the best medicine!

Topping off my Washington tour was a performance for my client friend Tom B., his wife Diane, and their family & friends on a beautiful, sunny evening at their home in Alki Beach!  I did a show for Tom this past spring in Scottsdale, and he invited me to visit and perform if I ever made it up north.  The timing worked out perfect, as Diane, his family & friends were all gathered for a special party.  It was beautiful outside, in his backyard overlooking the water.  Most of his family had seen parts of the show before, so I added an extended set of card magic as an encore.  They were all very nice, hip, and fun!  Also, I must say that Tom & Diane epitomize the commitment that marriage is supposed to be, "in sickness and health", they are a most inspiring couple. Thank you Tom & Diane!  Thanks again to Crystal, and Crow & Milam for your generous hospitality and enduring friendship!  And thanks to my new friend Artis for the CDs!    

            

Yuma / Tempe - April 2 - 7!

What a great way to start the month of April!

Yuma County Fair, April 2 - 4.  I performed 5 shows (30-40 minute sets) on Tuesday, 5 shows on Wednesday, and 6 shows on Thursday.  Then hit the road home to Phoenix to work April 5 - 7 at the Tempe Festival of the Arts.  I did 5 shows on Friday, 6 shows on Saturday, and 7 shows on Sunday!

That last show on Sunday, I felt so relaxed, spontaneous, and in the zone (or on the edge).  34 shows in 6 days! 

Fellow magi and friend Terry Godfrey in Yuma.

Artists friends Rick & Sallie Martin with the RINGS in Tempe.

Thank you Eric W., June M., and Terry G. for inviting me to Yuma.  Thank you Kate H., Ryan B., Bob H. and the whole crew at the Tempe Festival!  Thanks to all the great audiences, especially that last crowd on Sunday!  Amazingly, we had fantastic weather for both events and then the whole state of Arizona got slammed with high winds & storms on Monday the 8th.  We were all so lucky! 

Hawaii 50!

I had always dreamed of going to a tropical island paradise for my 50th birthday, so in December I took a trip to Oahu, Hawaii.  It was quite an adventure!  Not only did I celebrate being 50 by swimming in the ocean, I was able to join my good friends Tommy and Polly for their week long wedding festivities!  They were married on the winter solstice, 12/21/12, during sunset on a beautiful beach appropriately called Sunset Beach.  It was truly an awesome time and place!

Tommy is my oldest friend, we've had lots of magic adventures over the years, and have seen each other go through the best and worst of times.  Seeing him and Polly get married, so happy and beautiful together, it was incredible!  I'm so happy for them!  It really reaffirmed my hope in the power of love.  Our time in Hawaii will certainly be a memory to cherish!

     
In addition to celebrating the wedding and my birthday, I had the opportunity to explore a new busking pitch in Waikiki!  My friend Curtis Kam helped me plan and execute my busking adventure on the Kalakua Blvd.  Curtis is a native master magician who specializes in coin magic.  He came out several nights to see the show and it was a pleasure to watch him perform too.  Together, we kept the crowds entertained.  Curtis also introduced me to several magic friends who took me out for tea and with whom we enjoyed a few late night magic sessions.  Great fun!  It was a pleasure to meet John & Loreen, and David K. (special thanks to David who gifted me with a beautiful new magic wand)!

I have so many people to thank for making my trip a success.  Thank you Tommy and Polly for your love, friendship, and including me in your wedding adventure!  Thank you Curtis for being so supportive and generous with your time.  Thanks to the folks at the Royal Grove hotel for their hospitality.  Special thanks to all my family and friends for their love, encouragement and friendship, especially this past year.  Most of all, I thank God for His care and guidance, for blessing me with the talent to entertain people with magic, and for dreams and the power to pursue them!

 

An amazing dog I once knew...

Leaping Lacey does wonders for street performer's career!

Lacey jumping over 5 children with room to spare!

How much for that doggie in the window? 

Dana Smith and Lacey, an amazing duo who entertained at the Tempe Festival, Spring 2008.

My friend Dana recently lost his performing partner after a long successful run.  Lacey recently passed on and for a dog, she was lucky to have the dog life she did.  What other dogs can boast of such feats of skill and charm?  Lacey was a worker and her stats on number of shows, people entertained, and miles jumped over praying children are beyond impressive.  Now she can rest in her eternal shade... and not to worry, Dana has a new show!  He will be appearing with Shawn Greer at the Stanislaus County Fair, 7/13-22/2012!  Come join the fun!

Vegas & LA in May 2011

Las Vegas adventure!  Saturday.  First stop was the Gambler's Book Store for dice and books and then to Spinatos' Gaming Supply for old slot machine coins to practice with.  That evening, I had a nice dinner visit with Tim and Teena Kole and our friend Mike York.  We've worked together with Tim's father Andre Kole on several tours over the past few years.  It's kinda fun working on a show of that size with a crew of 7 or more people.  It was good to see them and I hope we all get to work together again soon.    

After camping and Sunday morning hiking in the fiery red rocks west of town, I checked into the Orleans Hotel and got cleaned up for some busking on Freemont Street.  After sunset, I hit the street and found an eddy in the fast moving stream of typical Vegas tourists; flowing masses of overstimulated people.  Nevertheless, I was able to pull a small crowd for one show, despite going at the top of the hour during the overhead light show.  A small taste of the Freemont scene and that was enough for me.  It was humbling and there was much to be learned about working this pitch.  I was back to the hotel by 10 to get ready for the next day(s) at the International Magic Xperience.

The IMX was held on May 23-25, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Orleans Hotel.  This magic convention featured over 30 top names in magic, blitzed at the attendees over 3 days, in a multitude
of shows and lectures.
Feature personalities included:  Shoot Ogawa, Wayne Houchin, Mike Ammar, David Acer, Richard Sanders, Rudy Coby, Tim Noonan, Ponta the Smith, Tim and Sue Anne, Chris Capehart, Chris Randal, and Julie Chen.
Feature highlight:  David Copperfield, Banachek, and Richard Kaufman did a tribute and interview with David Berglas who attended virtually via internet.  It was a very international mix of performers and high profile guests included:  Dustin Stennet, Jason England, Derek Delgaudio, Andy Greget, Okie Vandokum, Jeff McBride and Larry Becker.
Feature purchase:  A subscription to Genii magazine and the Vernon Touch book!

After an exhausting 3 days in the hotel, I hit the road for LA. about 8 pm... it was a 6 hour ride... whew!  Camp Paradise was the optimal LA destination and my good friends Tommy & Polly were kind enough to let me stay a couple of days.  There was work to be done and fun to be had.  We recorded two sessions with the rings, various moves and routines, for an upcoming rings dvd.  We played golf and had good fun with Alfonso at Verdugo Hills.  To top off the week, my beautiful Sweet D flew over on Friday for a Hollywood evening at the Magic Castle and a very cool stay at the Hotel Amarano!

Saturday, we headed down to the Hermosa Beach Fiesta!  The festival was busy with people, music, smells of food, ocean winds and warm sun.  Good potential spaces for street shows and an interesting mix of people.  We met several folks in the Chamber who put on the show and made some good contacts.  There is good potential here and I'm going to book it for next May 2012 festival.  Thanks to Lisa and her family for the wonderful dinner and hospitality.  Sunday, after the Hermosa Beach scene, D and I drove up to Venice for the freak show fun and sunset.  Then we blew out of LA on the 10 East, headed across the desert and into the night.  Beautiful, peaceful moon light ride.  Landed home safe with grateful hearts.  Great road trip!