Summer Is Heating Up for Magic in Milwaukee

Officially, summer is only one week old, but its moving along at a rapid pace. This is one of my busiest summers yet -- with libraries, day camps, company picnics, family reunions, birthdays . . . and the list goes on. Thanks to everyone that has invited me out to perform for their group. And thank you to all the people who have chosen to come to one of my shows this summer -- especially at the libraries. You have lots of options and chose to come experience one of my programs. I hope I've made a positive  impression on your life.

There's plenty more summer to go. And it looks like plenty more heat and dry whether as well. I hope to see you around the Milwaukee area -- or if you live in neighboring cities or states, we just might get a chance to meet as well.

Dreaming Big at the Library

I'm almost through the first week of performing my new library show "The Magic of Dreaming Big!" The shows are going fantastic, and this is probably my favorite program that I've presented in libraries. Of course I feel that way every year.

The Dream Big theme allowed me to present a fun show with a nice encouraging message for kids and adults. It seems to be striking a positive nerve too. At the end of every program I have parents, teachers, and librarians coming up to thank me for the smiles or ask if I come to schools (I do!), or tell me they liked the message. That's very gratifying. The hugs from little ones is great compensation as well.

I hope I'm coming to your library this summer. If not, write and tell me where you are, and I can let you know what nearby library you might come a see a show.

You Had Me at Goodbye

In my previous entry I promised to talk about another memorable 'first'. This one also involved entertaining children. It occurred at a daycare in the town where I live. It was late January and I had been hired to entertain the children. The kids were obviously a bit stir-crazy. Those long cold days had kept them inside quite a bit already. So when I arrived to perform, they were ready. This was my first time entertaining a group of preschoolers though. So, I wasn't entirely sure that I was ready.

I started my show with a few items that I still use today. Tried and true now, but at the time -- fairly new. The kids responded well. They laughed and enjoyed the magic. They loved the appearance of my rabbit puppet as well as all his antics. The show went over great. I was a hit. Though I didn't realize how much of a hit until I was done packing up and started heading for the door. As if on cue, the children began coming up on their own with arms stretch out offering a hug. Soon I had children hanging on my legs asking me to come back. They continued to follow me down the hall saying "Goodbye Great Scott!" The teachers actually had to call them all back.

So . . .I think they liked the show. And I absolutely loved it! That scene has played itself out to varying degrees over the years at daycares and birthday parties. But that was a first, and I'll never forget the feeling. Kids are great!

Finding a Good Entertainer

You Had Me At Hello

In my last blog entry I mentioned writing about some of the great people I've met so far through the years of entertaining around Milwaukee with my various magic shows. A couple experiences that stick in my memory are actually 'firsts' in my professional magic career. When I was 12 I took up magic as a hobby. I performed shows and liked it, but for some reason, the rest of life crowded out that hobby for a number of years. So, in 1994, I jumped back in. When I decided to start offering my services for hire, a mom in the Waukesha area invited be to perform for her son's fifth birthday.

At the time, I wasn't sure performing for children was 'my thing'. But then I knocked on Brian's door. When it opened, there stood the most excited five year old I had ever seen. Well, stood isn't actually correct. He was literally jumping up and down with excitement. His enthusiasm was beyond belief, and my arrival  was the focus of that excitement. I really don't remember the show. Brian's mom gave me a nice testimonial, so it must have met expectations. But realizing that I had the power to bring such joy to a child, actually brought quite a bit of joy to me. That sealed the deal for me. Kids are are dynamite audience. That reminds me of another 'first' show for kids. I'll get to that next time.

School's Out -- Bring on the Summer Magic!

Just got back from my final two school-assembly shows today performing my magic in Racine. This particular school has invited me back for four years in a row now. As I've mentioned before, I love working in the schools. Kids are great!! Summer doesn't end that of course. Now come all the summer activities. And I'm involved in a ton of those this year. I take some time off to vacation, but summer is soooo busy for me.

I start next week with performing my  library shows -- two a day for most of the month. and part of the next. Then there are the company picnics, reunions, and other assorted summer-time gatherings at which I get invited to entertain. Add to this,  fairs, church socials, outreach events, a few banquets and a host of birthday parties and you get a slight understanding of my schedule. But, that's why I do what I do. If I weren't busy, this "job" wouldn't be half as much fun. Why? Because I get to meet so many astounding and interesting people when I perform at any event. In fact some of those stories would be fun to blog about in the future.
Here's to seeing you when I'm out and about this summer.

Have a Wonder-full day!!