I joined this great site about 3 weeks ago and I have left some postings, but have not officially introduced myself.

My name is Brett and I have been into magic as a hobby since I was about 10 or 11.

I grew up in L.A. and started out frequenting the great magic shop that used to be at the original Farmers Market on Fairfax, and my dad also used to take my to the amazing Hollywood Magic Shop. I used to perform shows when I was about 13 for kids birthdays with my brother, cousin, and a friend - we called ourselves the "Hocus Pocus Brothers." Great memories from that time in the mid 70's. I also used to perform magic in grade school for my classmates.

About 12 years ago I joined the Magic Castle in Hollywood, and my wife and my two little girls (at the time) loved going to the brunches and see the magic performed and visiting Erma and all the rest. As the economy slipped, we had to end our membership there but I still attend some SAM meetings here locally and I go through phases where Magic becomes a bigger obsession (I'm in one of those now - pulling out many of my old Viking effects and card tricks to re-learn them, along with SCB).

This is such a great fellowship, and reading many of the comments and helpful comments here at the Café really confirms what a "giving" profession magic is!

I purchased the Get Sharky card trick last week (among others!) and I've definitely been bitten by the bug again...

BRETT

Hi Brett,

Doing an Act with friends can be great fun (mostly).

Being a member of the Castle must have been wonderful. You're not the only one in this group making adjustments because of the economy, so hang in there.

Although Magic can be very expensive it is also a great hobby "on the cheap". Have fun!

- Mary Mowder

Thanks Mary - Yes I've been a Realtor in my real life for about 20 years, and Phoenix has been (and continues to be) very challenging in terms of the economy.

I have many tricks and effects that I have collected over the years, so I have plenty of goodies to re-acquaint myself with. I had the pleasure of meeting Jeff McBride about 3 weeks ago at a local meeting and it was very intimate with less than 100 people, and then the lecture afterwords. Man was he fantastic - a real pro, and a very genuine person. It reminded me of how important the performance is. His routine with the water bowls just floored me...and the accompanying music was so beautiful. I guess his performance is what gave me the "bug" again.

Take care, and thanks for taking the time to say hello...

Another Hello from Phoenix....

My name is Mike Mares (Magical Entertainers) I have been taking some time off from magic for the past few years but want to start up again. At the peak, I was doing 6-8 shows a month, worked at two restaurants and was one of two magicians at Cliff Castle Casino. In the past, I worked closely with Eddie Siller in Prescott. I look forward to getting back involved in our community and Ring 356 which I am a charter member.

Cheers!

Hi Brett!

Welcome aboard.

What shop do you use in Phoenix?

Chris

Hello love Arizona have family out near Tombstone.

Welcome to the board!