Summer Reading Program Magical Kickoff

Summer isn't officially here yet. However, schools are out and the libraries are kicking off their summer reading programs.  This year's theme is 'Dig Into Reading'. I've been working on a new show (as I do each year) that correlates with that theme. I chose archeology -- a personal interest of mine -- to build my show around. It's called Great Scott and the Magical Archeology Adventure. During the show I blend facts and books about archeology, with the fun of magic to get kids interested in reading -- and hopefully thinking about history in a new way.

The show is off and running to great reviews. The library at Manawa posted these pictures, and had this to say:

"We were so happy with your performance and with the huge crowd we had! I heard one parent say that she laughed until she had tears in her eyes and also heard one little boy repeating the magic words, "Great Scott!" for the rest of the afternoon. Too funny."

Facebook and Magic

It seems the whole known world is on facebook these days.  Well. . . a good percentage of them anyway. I have to admit that I've not been an avid facebook user. I have a personal page, and a few months ago, started a page for my Great Scott business at https://www.facebook.com/GreatScottMilwaukeeMagician.

So I've been posting a few pictures and helpful ideas on  that page. In fact, if you have a moment, visit the page and let me know if it 'works for you'.

On the personal side, I was invited to join a group on facebook that deals with the performance of magic. So, I actually have a reason to sign on and look at facebook now. It's actually starting to 'grow' on me. I have a few friends that post regularly, and it's nice to keep up with their lives that way. It's hard to keep up with everyone and everything these days. Fb can help, but I've found I have to use it sparingly, or it can be a huge time vacuum. It's like a friend used to say. "Everything in moderation. . . including moderation?"

Just Another Day at the Office

I'm enjoying a rare day at the office today. Of course my day at the office happens right here in my home. And since its raining and wet outside, I'm not the least bit tempted to play "hooky". I've been catching up on emails, filing contracts, making phone calls and making some updates on my website. Then this afternoon I plan to take some time to practice for my new summer show. So, as you can tell, this truly is Show - Business.

Look for me around Wisconsin this summer. I'll be at many libraries, day camps, and private events. If you catch one of my shows, stop by afterward to say  "Hi". I'd love to meet you.

April Showers are Magic

I'm sitting in my office right now, looking outside at the rain as it continues it seemingly relentless pace. At a store today, one customer was complaining about the rain. On the radio the host was complaining about the amount of rain. . . but not me. It think its magical.

Remember last year? Dry, dry, dry. And nothing grew -- except the crabgrass. I've got lots of that!

No, the rain is just fine by me. Next month we should see the trees brimming with leaves and flowers blooming in the garden. All because of the rain. This is really a great time of the year. A fresh start to every living thing. Even people get in on the act with our spring cleaning. So throw open a couple windows and let in some fresh spring air. Go for a walk -- in the rain. Its magical.

Great Scott's Magical Archeology Adventure

Coming to a library near you.  This summer I'll be busy with a host of shows from summer camps, child care centers, company picnics and libraries--just to name a few. I love them all. But this year I have a brand new show designed just for the libraries. It's called Great Scott and the Magical Archeology Adventure. Think Indiana Jones meets David Copperfield -- on a budget.  Seriously, I've been planning this show some months and have scheduled shows at libraries throughout Wisconsin and Illinois. But there's still room for a couple more -- though not many. Check with your library. If they want a performance, tell them to call soon!!

Blue and Gold Magic

Cub Scouts are a great group. I have the greatest respect for the Scouts of America and the history of the organization. So in February and March, I get the privilege of performing my scout-themed show for cub scout packs around Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.

One thing I've found is that that most respectful scouts have the best pack leaders--every time. I've been to some great Cub Scout packs this year so far. The kids love to see magic. But the one comment I always seem to hear from the parents is "...and we enjoyed it to!"  That's good, because there are often more parents than kids at some of these events. So my show is designed to entertain the whole family--but the scouts always want to sit at the front.--and sometime try to peak behind the curtain. But that's the nature of youth - always trying to learn--especially if its supposed to be a secret!

This past week I received a wonderful note from a pack who enjoyed one of my Scout shows.

"Thank you very much for the Great Scott show!  A couple of my kids were still talking about it this morning when we were getting ready for the day, and last night I heard several kids and parents reminiscing and laughing about different pieces they really enjoyed as they were heading out.

I appreciate you putting in the effort and fun into such a nice show for the boys.  I think it really means a lot as they celebrate what they have worked on this year. . .

Thank you again!  I look forward to seeing more of your performances in the future."

     --Marie Hagerstrand

Thanks Marie for the note. And thanks everyone for reading this post. Until next time.

Waukesha Janboree Magic Shows

It has been a very busy 2013 so far, performing shows all across Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.  Though each event is special, I performed three shows for Waukesha's Janboree back on January 25 at the Waukesha Public Library. About 200 people attended each show - creating a standing-room-only  event in the room.  I enjoyed being a part of the event  as people of all ages braved the semi-cold, somewhat-wet conditions to explore and experience attractions all across Waukesha.

A photographer from Waukeshanow.com was on hand and took this picture which wound up as one of the pictures of the week.

http://www.waukeshanow.com/multimedia/photos/188340051.html