Andrew, I am exhausted just reading your schedule! You are a wake-up call to society- keep chuggin' and a bright future awaits...

Jim

55Hudson,

Steve Johnson owner of Grand Illusions has a summer lecture series (none on schedule right now) but it wouldn't hurt to visit
his web site occasionally: http://www.grandillusions.com if you'll be in the area.

Axel Hecklau will be lecturing May 13 in Sacramento and Aldo and Rachel Colombini will be in Elk Grove (just south of Sacramento) May 18. P.M. me if you want further details.

A Magical Place in Galt has occasional Magic Shows (a little further south of Sacramento) http://www.amagicalplace.net so you can check there.

Sorry it took so long to respond.

Most of the Magic that happens in Sacramento is for private bookings. You can see some Magic at library Shows if you check the Library websites around Vacaville and surrounding areas.

Mary Mowder

Mary - do you happen to know if Axel's lecture is part of a tour? I keep missing him but it sounds as though we'll actually be in the same state at the same time. I'd love to catch him but didn't see any info on his site!

Jim - I hope so! I haven't truly worked at a real job since January of 2009. Stinkin' economy. I can't wait to be back at it once again!

I'm not sure, I think he's trying to book other dates in the area but maybe he's just in the USA.

We took this date so close to a lecture we had already booked with Aldo and Rachel Colombini because that's when he was available.

-Mary Mowder

Mary,

Thanks for the ideas! I will try to get to one of these lectures/shows when I'm in town.

Hudson

I'll be back living in Los Angeles by the time he's there, so that's why I ask...might be worth the drive up north to catch his lecture!

Yes, I would drive from Ohio... well, maybe as far as one tank of gas. Seriously, I would love to see this. Why is all the good stuff in CA?

Jim

As many good opportunities as there are in Los Angeles, I have to tell you that my favorite thing to do there, was leave it. I would give anything to have my industry located in another city. I despise L.A. I'd rather live anywhere else.
Well, except in Ohio. I wouldn't wish that upon anybody.

Actually, I shot a segment in Cleveland a few years ago and ate at a very nice Olive Garden afterwards, so it wasn't ALL bad.

Posted: Apr 8, 2011 12:11pm
Just wanted to say that I finished and submitted my dissertation this morning - 72 pages, but far the most substantial thing I've ever written. Once it's all been approved, it goes off for publication, and I become a published author!

That said...I now have one less excuse for why I'm not practicing my routines. Any ideas?

Yup, schedule a gig for, oh about June or so, even if it is just a street busking date. This is called inspiration. Or, maybe gun to the head. At any rate, I find there is nothing more motivating than an upcoming performance...

Jim

As I tend to do, I have a gig at 7:30 on the 15th. I fly in at 11:30pm the night before. I did this in September too...flew into Seattle and drove straight to the show. There's no rush like performing for 400 people when you've been awake and traveling for 31 straight hours.

I too find upcoming shows to be the biggest motivator! Right now the goal is actually getting all of my stuff home in the first place.

Good luck with your show tonite, Andrew!

Jim

I'm going to try street busking for the first time ever May 6th at a monthly Street Festival in my neighborhood.

I've performed Strolling Magic at fairs and picnics many times but I've never worked for tips. I've always admired Magicians who were brave enough to busk.

I'm trying to choose material for this particular venue.

Starting to read more "Sidewalk Shuffle" threads but I'm in over my head. Luckily, I don't have a client to disappoint.

-Mary Mowder

Thanks Jim - I can barely walk! Turns out hauling your entire life in suitcases through train stations and airports is PAINFUL. I awarded myself with a first class ticket home thanks to my frequent flier miles, however that doesn't include someone to cart your stuff around for you. I hope they let me sit at this show tonight. Or lie down.

Mary - good luck! Really looking forward to hearing how it works out. Brave indeed!

Mary-

I am just getting my busking ideas dusted off for the season. You probably have this already, but here is a good blog:

jimmytalksalot.blogspot.com

Andrew- How'd the gig go?

Jim

I heard about this thread from Mary awhile ago. I have finally finished reading the thread and have made up my mind on a few tricks.

Name: Joseph Tong
Goal: Paperclipped
Time: 15 minutes to 1 hour
Sessions: 7/week
Due: May 25.

Wish me luck.

Joseph,
Welcome to the group! I'm sure you will find the encouragement here a great aid in staying focused and making progress. You will be glad you joined!

Now for my update - I'd slacked off on the color changing knives routine I was working on and tried to share my progress last Thursday night with a few from the local SAM club -- disaster! so over the weekend I doubled down, watched every CCK DVD I had and a couple you tube demos. Then practice non stop, including while on along walk with my wife and our dog! now I'm ready to get back this Thursday and share the progress. Routine I've settled on is two knives, and a cross between Johnny Thompson and Daryl. not too difficult, but nice effect.
Hudson

Welcome, Joseph! Indeed we wish you luck and will enjoy hearing of your progress. Glad to have you here!

Jim

Apr. 25, 2011

After destroying 2 decks of Bee cards practicing M***** F***, I decided to buy some cards from a Dollar store instead, at least until I am somewhat decent with it.

Destroyed 3 decks of $tore cards. Good thing they are 3/$1.

I can occasionally do the f*** without thinking about where fingers need to be now. I shall focus on keeping my hands relaxed through the whole process.

Thanks for the encouragements!

Thank you Jim, yes, I have been reading Jimmytalksalot's blog and several threads about getting started in busking.

Hudson, sorry to hear the performance of Color Changing Knives didn't go well but you took it the right way (the way that will fix the problem and not shove it in a drawer). I've failed in front of my local ring before. It wasn't fun but I lived. That is part of the purpose for a club. At least it wasn't in front of laymen.

Welcome jtong77. Paperclipped is a very strong effect. When you finish you'll have a real worker. I do Warp II which destroys a card every time and it still hurts every time I do it (even with trash cards). You're tougher than I am (or less cheap).

-Mary Mowder

Thanks Mary. Happy to report that after rescripting my routine and a week of "two a days" I was able to do a nice two-knife routine with surprise ending thiat went over well with my magician colleagues. Then today I had an impromptu opportunity that went exceedingly well. Very happy with the routine and am now carrying the two knives around with me on a regular basis.

Hudson

PS there are a couple of nice sets of CCKs on eBay right now ...