Business Magic

I've been performing magic for many years now.When I started I was just having fun with a boyhood hobby. As the years moved along, my interest waned with the ebb and flow of life. That is what happens with hobbies. You can afford to take it or leave it. That's something you can't do with a business. In 1997 I turned this into a business and then in 2004 the full-time endeavor of entertaining people became reality for me and my family. I still enjoy it, perhaps more now than ever. But it's not a hobby anymore. It's a business --the business of entertainment.

So as you can surmise, I take my fun very seriously. I work hard on new routines, on finding new customers, new markets, taking care of existing clients and providing the best shows possible. That's why I love doing such a variety of entertainment venues. It keeps me sharp and focused on my client's needs. That's also why I love taking my business to business.

Companies hire me for a variety of reasons. In the summer, the company picnic is a great event for some entertainment. The employees are there along with their families and significant others. A magic show is a wonderful way to give everyone a shared experience to talk about. It helps to build community within the group. The same thing happens at a corporate banquet or dinner. Performing walk-around magic, or close-up magic as it is also called, gets people talking and mingling and helps break the ice in many cases.

Each of  these types of performances is different. A family audience has different needs than an audience of all adults. However, the end result is the same -- everyone having a good time. You merely want your guests to enjoy themselves. It's up to me to help accomplish that goal.Judging by the great reactions I get and the positive comments I consistently receive, it seems like I'm on the right track.

By the way, I'd love to hear from anyone out there who has need of entertainment in the coming months. Tell me about your event and what your goals for that function are. Then we can discuss how I might help you meet those goals.

After all -- that's my business!

Call Early for a Fun Magic Show at Your Party

Wow, what a summer of magic. I've been doing more shows than ever in the Milwaukee metro area this year.  But I do travel around. This weekend I'll be down in Chicago performing for a private party. (One of several shows this weekend). Which brings up an interesting problem. .  . I just don't have enough time in the day to do all the shows I'm being asked to do. Milwaukee for one show, Brookfield for the next, followed by a trip to Mequon.  Don't get me wrong, it's a good problem for me -- not for those who wait to long to call me though.

I do shows all week long. Schools, libraries, company luncheons, banquets. In the summer, those increase with day camps, day cares, and other child-centered daytime entertainment. These shows are usually booked months in advance. So, when the call comes in for a "last minute" show, sometimes I have to disappoint a customer because I'm already booked solid. I've had some people change a party time or even the party date in order to get 'Great Scott'. While I'm flattered by this, I always feel better when things fall into place early.  The earlier you call, the easier it is to make the schedule work.

Don't get me wrong, I'll still work hard to fit someone in -- even if the call comes in last minute. Things happen, and I do my best to accommodate every request. But I'm only one man. And I can only drive so fast (legally). Hmm, I wonder if that cloning thing would help . . . 

Fire . . . works in Waukesha

If you went to the Milwaukee Fireworks display on July 3 you were treated to a great show. However, if you followed my other suggestion and went to the Waukesha fireworks display . . .well, that's a different story. They started exactly at 9:30 pm and were decent -- until the sudden stop. The display was halted a couple times and then shortly before 10 p.m. it ended because of fires from falling embers and sparks that landed on the grounds of Crites Field, according to a police dispatcher.

Ironically, Waukesha listed a rain date for their fireworks. Alas, not this year. 

The Patch has further information in their article Waukesha Fireworks Ends Early After Grass Fire

Big Doings in Milwaukee for the 4th

This week we celebrate another year of independence in the United States. That's nothing to take for granted, and is definitely worth celebrating!  I'm a believer in the words of George Santayana when he wrote "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."  So with that in mind, take some time this week and look up a copy of the Declaration in Independence. Then read over the Constitution of the United States. It's good to refresh our minds about what this country is all about.

Of course you'll probably be doing the standard celebrations as well -- like watching the fireworks displays. If you plan to head to the lakefront in Milwaukee for this. These fireworks, which are also one of the grand spectacles of Summerfest, take place at 9:25 on Tuesday, July 3. Find a tall hill or a high building, and you're set, although if you'd like to brave the crowds to get front-row seats you'll need to get to the lakefront.

There are others of course. If you wish to wait until July 4 to actually take in the spectacle, you can  visit the  CITY OF WAUKESHA FIREWORKS (Rain Date July 5)   at the County Fair Grounds Starting about 9:15.

If you're going to Summerfest, you might want to check out some of the other great magical performers that Milwaukee has to offer.

Matthew Magic Morgan and Liliana will be appearing at Summerfest. June 27th, June 28th, and June 30th.
	Julie Sobanski, the Princess of Magic will be appearing at Summerfest. July 1st, July 4th, and July 8th.
David Seebach will be appearing at Summerfest. June 27th, June 29th, July 3rd, July 6th, and July 7th.
	Gypsy Geoff - Fire Circus Show will be appearing at Summerfest. June 29th, and July 6th.
Ron Fable and Kathie will be appearing at Summerfest. June 30th, July 3rd, and July 5th.
	The Magic of Bob Bohm will be appearing at Summerfest. July 7th.

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