In a review of Robert-Houdin's book, The Confidences of a Prestidigitator, Dickens shares an interesting observation with his readers...
"Does anyone ever become great in an art without feeling a love and a vocation for it?
Robert-Houdin, the Ex-Quickfinger,... publishes to the world the instructive lesson that man becomes a magician only by patient labour; that the tree from which the enchanter's wand is culled is no other than obstinate persevering work, bedewed and nourished for years by the sweat of the brow."
From Salutations to Robert-Houdin by S.H. Sharpe, 1983
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Cellini
One of my most influential teachers, Cellini taught me what magic is,
gave me a vision of what it could be, and a vision of who I could be.
For years I've been carrying magic with me,
now it seems like magic is carrying me.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Tempe Festival
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| Tempe Festival of the Arts - December 4, 2011 |
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Best Testimonial of 2011!
Hi Shawn,
I just wanted to let you know that you were great. People couldn't stop talking about you. A real professional, people were amazed.
Thank you so much. I know sometimes parties can be difficult but you were perfect. If I was rich I'd have you every year. You were a hit that will live on in people's memories. Exactly what I wanted.
Thank you so much. I know sometimes parties can be difficult but you were perfect. If I was rich I'd have you every year. You were a hit that will live on in people's memories. Exactly what I wanted.
Take care,
Phil A.
11/31/11
Thank you Phil!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
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!
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!
Monday, June 6, 2011
April Highlights
Two notable events in April...
I performed at a men's invitational golf tournament at an exclusive north Scottsdale country club, and now the men's locker room has a card on the ceiling! The event went well, I loved performing for the creme de la creme crowd of gentlemen, and at the end of the evening my host said there were a few guys in the locker room who wanted to see me. I went in and started my stuff, but these guys didn't want the BS presentation, and at several points they would burn my hands and tell me to cut the crap. They were "busting my chops" so to speak. Finally, the oldest gent challenges me to "put a card on the ceiling!"
My host / boss gave me the OK and I went for it. It was a steep vaulted ceiling, about 20 feet high. He signed a card, shuffled it back in the deck, and after I banded the pack, he says, "Now you need a thumb tack!" I said that was the old fashioned way and now we just use magic... I stepped back and gave the deck a good toss... Bamm! The card stayed! And I caught the deck on its descent in a fancy step. The old guy at the table went nuts, banging on the table with both fists and squealing in delight like a school boy. As if this wasn't enough, I borrowed a c-note, he signed it, and it disappeared! Then I finished with the cups and balls and produced 4 lemons... he picked one... we cut it open and inside was the signed bill! The guys went wild and the best part... the boss was there to see the whole set! It was a great way to end a good night of work!
Another unique, beautiful party in April, during the full moon weekend, was a 125th Birthday Party at the El Churro restaurant on Lincoln, outside on the east patio. The lady who hired me was turning 75 and her son was turning 50, so they were doing a combined 125th! I love it when people think of fun ways to celebrate. About 75 people, family and friends, and I filled the tables with lots of magic. The kids were following me around through the evening adding to the fun. Everyone seemed to have a great time. It was a very fine occasion on a beautiful, moonlit desert, April evening!
I performed at a men's invitational golf tournament at an exclusive north Scottsdale country club, and now the men's locker room has a card on the ceiling! The event went well, I loved performing for the creme de la creme crowd of gentlemen, and at the end of the evening my host said there were a few guys in the locker room who wanted to see me. I went in and started my stuff, but these guys didn't want the BS presentation, and at several points they would burn my hands and tell me to cut the crap. They were "busting my chops" so to speak. Finally, the oldest gent challenges me to "put a card on the ceiling!"
My host / boss gave me the OK and I went for it. It was a steep vaulted ceiling, about 20 feet high. He signed a card, shuffled it back in the deck, and after I banded the pack, he says, "Now you need a thumb tack!" I said that was the old fashioned way and now we just use magic... I stepped back and gave the deck a good toss... Bamm! The card stayed! And I caught the deck on its descent in a fancy step. The old guy at the table went nuts, banging on the table with both fists and squealing in delight like a school boy. As if this wasn't enough, I borrowed a c-note, he signed it, and it disappeared! Then I finished with the cups and balls and produced 4 lemons... he picked one... we cut it open and inside was the signed bill! The guys went wild and the best part... the boss was there to see the whole set! It was a great way to end a good night of work!
Another unique, beautiful party in April, during the full moon weekend, was a 125th Birthday Party at the El Churro restaurant on Lincoln, outside on the east patio. The lady who hired me was turning 75 and her son was turning 50, so they were doing a combined 125th! I love it when people think of fun ways to celebrate. About 75 people, family and friends, and I filled the tables with lots of magic. The kids were following me around through the evening adding to the fun. Everyone seemed to have a great time. It was a very fine occasion on a beautiful, moonlit desert, April evening!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Tempe Fun!
Tempe Festival has come and gone and the dust settled. It was a weekend full of shows and great weather, sunny and high in the mid 70s. Looking south all weekend burned my eyes and by Sunday evening, all was hazy. The crowds were there, easy to gather, but they were tight on the cash, which made for some interesting commentary during my hat pitches. I'm basically encouraging people to get back to using cash. Passing the hat for people with little cash requires a big sense of humor and the ability to not judge by appearances. I was surprised when I counted later to find the crowds to be more generous than I thought. Friday was tough, Saturday was better, and Sunday was good. Overall it was a great festival! And fun to share the streets with fellow buskers Dana Smith, Hillbilly Willy, and the Taylor family.
Good to see some friends out having fun... Michele P., Mike F., Les D. and Mike the photographers, Terry, Eileen S., Becky, Dave and Lani D., Jill and George G., Craig E., artists Rick and Sally, Paul Sloan, Sister Pat, Rita, Andy, Ora, and Gabe. Thanks to all for coming by. Big thanks to the festival staff, Philip, Kate, and Karen for another great festival!
One story... on Sunday morning, I got an early call from Marty L. asking what time I would be there? I set up at 10:45 am and Marty and Kris showed up at 11 with a video camera to capture the first show, so the pressure was on... ready or not! What a great way to start the day and thankfully, it turned out to be a pretty good set! Thanks Marty and Kris for being there and supporting the show!
Many thanks to my best friend and fan, my beautiful wife Sweet D who came out on Sunday and lit up the shows with her smiles. She also recorded some video and maybe we can post some of it here? Check back soon!
Good to see some friends out having fun... Michele P., Mike F., Les D. and Mike the photographers, Terry, Eileen S., Becky, Dave and Lani D., Jill and George G., Craig E., artists Rick and Sally, Paul Sloan, Sister Pat, Rita, Andy, Ora, and Gabe. Thanks to all for coming by. Big thanks to the festival staff, Philip, Kate, and Karen for another great festival!
One story... on Sunday morning, I got an early call from Marty L. asking what time I would be there? I set up at 10:45 am and Marty and Kris showed up at 11 with a video camera to capture the first show, so the pressure was on... ready or not! What a great way to start the day and thankfully, it turned out to be a pretty good set! Thanks Marty and Kris for being there and supporting the show!
Many thanks to my best friend and fan, my beautiful wife Sweet D who came out on Sunday and lit up the shows with her smiles. She also recorded some video and maybe we can post some of it here? Check back soon!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Spring Festivals
March is the month for Arizona festivals! Two weeks ago I worked the Scottsdale Arts Festival and we were blessed with great crowds and perfect weather. Thanks to everyone at the Scottsdale Center for Arts, especially Abbey, for another great festival this year!
Coming up this weekend, I'd like to invite everyone out to the Tempe Arts Festival, March 25-27, 12-5pm daily. The festival runs along Mill Avenue which is closed to traffic and I'll be performing around 7th St. and Mill. Look for a crowd of people around a little guy in a white hat... squeeze in and watch closely.... and join in the fun!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Mardi Gras!
Fat Tuesday was a fun day of nice work! I started the day with a lunch time show for a group of retired airline pilots who have invited me back every March for the past 7 years. A real friendly time and a few new tricks to keep them happy including the magnetic cards, flash cash, and bill in lemon. At sunset, I drove up in the high hills of north Scottsdale for a 2 hour casino night for the rich and beautiful. It was a great time of magic fun with my ideal audience!
Monday, March 7, 2011
First Blog Post!
Welcome to Magic Fun! We hope to share stories, pictures, videos,
news and information that will inspire you to
invite Shawn to your next event!
Please visit idealmagic.com for more information.
Or call now, 602-404-7644 to discuss your event.
We hope to hear from you soon. Thank you!
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