Great Scott "It Must Be Magic!"

"Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life."  Well that's mostly true. I should know. As an entertainer, I get to make a living doing the things I truly love. Every season seems to have a different emphasis and seems to bring new challenges. That just adds to the excitement and thrill of doing what I do.

Throughout the school year I get to share messages of encouragement with children as I present one of my educational programs in schools throughout the Midwest. Then in summer, I get to do the same in libraries. Most weekends you'll find me standing in someone's living room entertaining a group at a birthday party. These are great fun --kids laughing, adults laughing, oohs, aahs, and everyone happy -- including me!

Then there are the scout banquets in February and March, the company picnics, festivals and fairs throughout the summer,  company holiday parties in December and January. Yes, it all keeps me busy. And I do love it.

Standing in front of an audience, I get a view that most never will. I get to see the laughter, not just hear it. I have the unique perspective that allows me to witness the looks of astonishment, observe the gasps of disbelief, view hands applauding. I get to survey an audience head-on and look each one in the eye and be grateful-- grateful for the gift of time and attention given and grateful for the opportunity to lighten someone's day and encourage them in some small way.  That's the real magic.

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Tis the Season for Cub Scout Blue and Gold

Each year I perform at a couple hundred different venues. Birthday parties to corporate meetings. But I know that in February, I'm going to meet a lot of cub scouts. That's the month most Cub Scout packs celebrate their achievements with an annual Blue & Gold banquet. These are wonderful events. The boys get their various awards and a few get their official and ceremonious send-off to the Boy Scouts.

And I get to be a part of the fun. That's why I don't just do a standard magic show at these events. I have a show that's tailored to the Cub Scouts. One that helps celebrate what they are attempting to accomplish. That way, what I'm doing is more of an integral part of the whole experience. And that's what I like to do.

So, I'm gearing up again for February and March and lots of Blue and Gold Banquet entertainment. If your scout troupe is looking for some great entertainment this year, visit my website and see what I can do for your troupe.

The True Magic of Christmas

New Magic Show for Summer 2014

Every year I create a brand new show just for the libraries during their summer reading program. These shows are fun and the audiences are wonderful. This coming year the theme is "Fizz, Boom, Read!". Generally the emphasis seems to be on science. Well, I like to take it in my own direction.

If you're a fan of the Back to the Future movies, then my show will strike a chord. I call it "Book To The Future". Its a magic show with an homage to the movie. Kids will love it, and there's always things for the adults as well. Magic, music, ventriloquism. Hey, it's going to be a blast!

Check with your library. If they haven't scheduled this show for summer 2014, let them know you're interested. I'd love to see you at a performance this year!

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Thanksgiving

Yes, Thanksgiving is almost here again. Though most people have a view something like this guy:

I thought it would be a good idea to look at a few positive quotes regarding giving thanks. And realize that we are giving thanks not just for something, but to someone.

Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1863
"It has seemed to me fit and proper that (God's gifts) should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged with one heart and one voice by the whole American people. I do, therefore, invite my fellow citizens...to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens."

Thanksgiving - John F. Kennedy
"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. "

Theodore Roosevelt
"Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds".

Henry Jacobsen 
"Praise God even when you don't understand what He is doing."

H. W. Westermayer
"The pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts... nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving."

Hebrews 13:15
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!

A Bit of Holiday Magic

It's October. The leaves are just starting to turn to shades of golden yellow and deep earthy red. Soon rakes will be rattling, pumpkins will be picked, and the temperatures will tumble. Children will be jumping into piles of crispy, crunchy heaven with full abandon and glee. And that's when you know the holidays are just... around... the corner.

That's a busy time of year -- for everyone. Christmas parties, shopping, decorating, family gatherings and New years celebrations all happening in the space of a few short weeks. As you are planning some of those events, keep in mind that entertainers are pretty busy as well. I know I am. So, if you are having a party and were thinking of hiring a magician to entertain your guests--now is the best time to do that. Actually, a month ago would have been better, but now is here . . . now.

December and January are the biggest months for business' to host their annual holiday parties. Weekends are the favorite days to choose. Evenings are the most likely time. That means there are very few actual prime time slots available. If you are planning an event that includes the entire family, then weekend afternoons are the prime time slots. With that in mind, why are you reading this? Shouldn't you be calling my office right about . . .now?  Seriously though. I do reserve dates and times on a first come, first serve basis. So if you haven't "gotten round to it"  yet, you should start your planning soon.

Oh, if you haven't checked out my website, please do that here. I offer entertainment that is great for children, great for adults or fun for the whole family. So hiring a magician is easy. Just call Great Scott, but do it soon before your prime time is taken.

One Thing Leads to Another

You've heard the saying "well one thing lead to another . . ." Its usually used to explain why someone got into a particular situation. Most times, this is reference to a sort of flow of circumstances that weren't planned and just moved a person along a certain path. And that may be true.

In  my world of doing magic shows, I change the saying to "one show leads to another". Why? Because that's how my business grows. Only I'm not leaving it entirely to chance. I aim to create a great show and present a fantastic performance which leaves people wanting that experience for themselves, for their group or their party. Case in point. I spent months designing, creating and preparing for the program which I offered to libraries this past summer. I asked myself, 'what are my goals with the program?'; 'what tricks back up those goals in the best way?'; 'how can I inject a healthy dose of humor into the show?'. That takes a long time to flesh out. But that's the best way to get the results that customers want.

The proof for me that I succeeded, comes after the show. Oh I monitor the response during a performance, but for me the real proof comes when people come up after the show, compliment the performance and then ask me "Do you do _________?"  That blank might be 'school shows', 'birthdays', 'company events' or in one case 'scout shows'? My answer has always been a hearty "yes!".

That's what brought me back to the middle of Wisconsin this past weekend. Back in July, the local scout leader saw my show at his library and asked me if I could perform for his Cub Scout kickoff this year. I explained to him that I have a different show designed especially for the scouts and that I would be happy to present that. So on Saturday following a show in Illinois, I packed my car and headed 3 hours north back into Wisconsin to present my a program for the scouts. It has taken a long time to come up with and perfect that show of course. While I performed, I watched for the reactions of the audience -- pacing my routines to bring maximum impact, enjoyment and laughter.  And after the show, this one woman came up to me and after complimenting me on the show asked "Do you do ...?" -- Why, yes. Yes I do!