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AndyLuka Elite user Milwaukee, Wisconsin 440 Posts |
Well guys Summerfest is over now. And I thought I would let you all know how it went. I personally think it went very well. But maybe you guys will see different. I am going to break it down a little so you guys can see how I changed things as I went along.
I had a magic sign that my girlfriend painted for me. It had a little flair to it black letters with a red outline, and some gold. I also brought my close up table, I built it myself. I had rope stretched out to “set the stage” Also I had a pouch hooked up to my belt for cups and balls. My routine went as followed. French Kiss, Cut and restored style rope routine, cups and balls. (4oranges and a tall boy of Pabst Blue Ribbon for a hat load) Day one, I wore some very hip and trendy dress pants with a white button up shirt, black vest and a fedora hat. I had a blast. Building a crowed was easy at a festival. I could barely get my oranges put away before I had another crowed waiting. Still my first day I was a little all over the place with my lines and not consistently delivering them at the right times. It was a tough transition from busking a crowd to the regular close up bar and restaurant magic I have grown so comfortable and use too. All in all the first day I pulled in about $180. I thought this was pretty good; I was on the pitch for about 5 hours and sharing the pitch with another magician buddy of mine for half that time. Day Two- This day was way hotter than I had expected and my pitch had no shade at all. On day two I wore jeans, a red button up black vest and fedora again. I could not take the heat, I still did the same routine, French Kiss, Rope, and Cups and balls, and the pouch was still on my waist, But it was really starting to bother me. I left after only a few hours I was starting to get sick no matter how much water I was drinking. I made about $60 that day. Not exactly what I wanted but I can’t complain. Because I left early on day two I went home and re-worked my routine a little bit. The first thing I did was taking the pouch off my waist and attach it to my table as a servant. This would free up my movement, I then was able to do a cups and balls routine a little more similar to the one I do for my regular close up shows. I also took out the cut and restored rope routine and did professors nightmare. Also instead of doing French Kiss that had a little bit of set up I decided to do a different card trick, from here on out I would do a card on forehead style routine, or a triumph style routine where all the black and reds get separated. Also I played with a new original card effect I wanted to field test as well. Day three- This day I went back to the dress pants to keep me a little cooler and I had a blast again, the routines were great, I shared the pitch with a friend of mine again, and all in all I felt better about the reworking of the show. Day 3 I made about $140 for about 4 or 5 hours. Day Four- was just like day 3, it was incredibly Hot, but I had to leave a little early I had a going away party I really wanted to get too for a close friend of mine from my real job. I only pulled in $60 but it was so hot I had a hard time keeping a crowd, and people were not tipping a trickle style show. The pitch spot I had been using had no shade what so ever. The Next two days were just too Hot, I did not go and busk, I took the time off to sit back and reevaluate everything, and I tweaked some of my hat lines, and some of the gags I used. Days 5,6,- I will combine these days together because these days were all exactly the same, The weather finally cooled off a bit and I was ready to hustle for some tips. These last few days went by fast but they were awesome. My good friend Anthony showed up (he’s the guy who got me the gig) he sat back and twisted balloons. I could not believe how many people would stand in line for a balloon twisted to look like Mario, or roadrunner. This was perfect. I believe I read on these forums if you stop a kid you stop the world. So I would grab a kid waiting in line and do a little coin routine with a muscle pass. But this time I had a huge crowd and I would pump them up the best I could do the show and pass the hat. Because there was always a line, I always had a crowed. I was polished from all the practice I had the other days, and people were just having fun. Day 5 and 6 we set up in the shade a different pitch it was nice because we were in the shade, but at the same time the area was smaller so I could not build as big of a crowd. Anthony and I split tips while we were working together because some people would tip me 10 bucks for the show and want a balloon. Day 5 we got about $100 each day 6 we got $140 each. Day 7- This was by far the best day because we went back to the original pitch, no shade, but tons of room to build a crowd. We showed up early because the weather cooled down, and started doing our thing. Balloon after balloon, show after show, from 1pm-8:30Pm with only one short break to eat some food we pulled in almost $500 together (about $250 each). We had it down, the Lines, the show, the balloons, the weather; it was a perfect storm for us. Both of Us had a blast, made a few bucks, and went home tired, and super happy. All in all this was an amazing experience. I really realized that people are only 20% interested in magic; the other 80% is all entertainment, stupid jokes and gags. The more you get the crowd pumped up and laughing the better your hat will be. Both Anthony and I gave out tons of business cards; hopefully we get a few shows out of it. Busking is a totally different style of magic, but one worth knowing. My biggest take a ways from this entire experience are: 1- I need a louder sound system; my system (happie amp) was a little too quiet for the crazy sound systems the bands around me were using and I would get drowned out from time to time. 2- Have fun and engage the crowd 3- Don’t share the pitch with another magician, he’s working the crowned you should be, but if that magician is just twisting balloons, you are a solid team. Like I said before, I think I did pretty well, and I had a great time, but maybe you guys will see differently, I have a few photos and a video of me performing I hope to get up soon.
Making Magic and Fantasy a reality in a world where our reality can sometimes be rather cruel
Http://www.lukamagic.com -That's Me Http://www.deceptionsmke -My Show |
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Octopus Sun Special user Wiggle Wiggle 586 Posts |
Not enough salt, you sweat it out the first day.
this is something people who don't play in the heat don't realize. You were smart to get out, that sick feeling was the first sign of heat stroke. I taught desert survival in Phoenix, AZ. for 10yrs. eat lots of salty foods before a hot weekend in the sun all day or 2-3 salt tablets a day. sounds like you had a great time. |
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Magician Shaun Special user Huntington BCH, CA 924 Posts |
I get the too little salt hand cramps some days. I have taken to potassium, sports drinks,and a decent lunch. Only drinking water washes all your electrolytes away and its not good for you.
I am researching local festivals and am going to try my hand at some soon. I imagine the money is better than a street corner. |
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JoeJoe Inner circle Myrtle Beach 1915 Posts |
McDonald's French Fries ... all the salt you need for a days work.
-JoeJoe
Amazing JoeJoe on YouTube[url=https://www.youtube.com/user/AmazingJoeJoe]
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AndyLuka Elite user Milwaukee, Wisconsin 440 Posts |
For Lunch I was eating at a place called Sazzes, The combination platter was french fries, Motz Sticks, and Cheese Curds, all deep fried, all salty, all delicious, and one step closer to a heart attack.
Making Magic and Fantasy a reality in a world where our reality can sometimes be rather cruel
Http://www.lukamagic.com -That's Me Http://www.deceptionsmke -My Show |
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Octopus Sun Special user Wiggle Wiggle 586 Posts |
Gatorade, lots of gatorade, especially while partying at concerts, not water.
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AndyLuka Elite user Milwaukee, Wisconsin 440 Posts |
I forgot to mention this in my OP. But I wanted to thank everyone on the forums for all your help, tips, advice in my threads and threads in the past. Special shout outs to Devious, Ekuth, Gr8gorilla, and Paddy. And everyone else I forgot. If it was not for gentlemen like you posting your ideas, theory, tips and life lessons, I would not have been as prepared for this event as I was. I know there is no substitute for real world experience, but you guys helped set the expectations and made it easier for me to overcome obstacles I ran into. Thanks again guys, I have a lot of respect for all of you.
Making Magic and Fantasy a reality in a world where our reality can sometimes be rather cruel
Http://www.lukamagic.com -That's Me Http://www.deceptionsmke -My Show |
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AndyLuka Elite user Milwaukee, Wisconsin 440 Posts |
Yesterday I was working at Big Guys Magic. (That is usually where I am when I have off my regular 9-5) When a gentleman walked in. He is a Ventriloquist from Denver. After speaking to him for a while I found out he runs the children’s stage at summerfest. I told him that I was at summerfest this year Busking by the Harley Davidson Stage and he said “O yeah, you were the guy in the hat, with the cups and balls! You were great” We talked a little bit, He gave me a few more complements and he told me he wants to have me perform on the kids stage next year. Of course I accepted his offer gave him my card, and he said he would be in touch in January or February for the booking. So next year I plan to actually get paid for my stage show, and still busk when I am not on stage.
I am pretty excited about this. I now get the share a stage with David Seebach, Julie Sobanski and others. I know I said I would get some photos and a Video up soon, however my friend who has most the photos and the video is having some PC issues at the moment. I have a few photos from my first day on the pitch I will post tonight when I get home from work. Thanks again to everyone on these forums for your help. It truly means a lot to me.
Making Magic and Fantasy a reality in a world where our reality can sometimes be rather cruel
Http://www.lukamagic.com -That's Me Http://www.deceptionsmke -My Show |
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Devious Inner circle 2120 Posts |
Andy,
We are looking forward to your future pics etc... |
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Ekuth Inner circle Floating above my 1538 Posts |
Ditto! Get some pics up. I'm terrible about that; always too busy performing. I really need to ask specs to take some shots for me... goodness knows they take enough for themselves.
"All you need is in Fitzkee."
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AndyLuka Elite user Milwaukee, Wisconsin 440 Posts |
Here are some photos from the first day on the pitch. they were taken by my girlfriend on her phone.
Click here to view attached image.
Making Magic and Fantasy a reality in a world where our reality can sometimes be rather cruel
Http://www.lukamagic.com -That's Me Http://www.deceptionsmke -My Show |
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AndyLuka Elite user Milwaukee, Wisconsin 440 Posts |
Making Magic and Fantasy a reality in a world where our reality can sometimes be rather cruel
Http://www.lukamagic.com -That's Me Http://www.deceptionsmke -My Show |
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AndyLuka Elite user Milwaukee, Wisconsin 440 Posts |
Making Magic and Fantasy a reality in a world where our reality can sometimes be rather cruel
Http://www.lukamagic.com -That's Me Http://www.deceptionsmke -My Show |
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AndyLuka Elite user Milwaukee, Wisconsin 440 Posts |
Ok I found a few more, lets try posting them this way.
Making Magic and Fantasy a reality in a world where our reality can sometimes be rather cruel
Http://www.lukamagic.com -That's Me Http://www.deceptionsmke -My Show |
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AndyLuka Elite user Milwaukee, Wisconsin 440 Posts |
I like this one, it must have been buy a punch line everyone is laughing
You can see how I worked out the pouch, Not a Problem flashing at all. This was at the smaller shaded pitch, still a nice crowed And one Last one Hopefully the Video gets uploaded soon.
Making Magic and Fantasy a reality in a world where our reality can sometimes be rather cruel
Http://www.lukamagic.com -That's Me Http://www.deceptionsmke -My Show |
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Ekuth Inner circle Floating above my 1538 Posts |
A couple of things:
I want my fedora, suitcase and folding cart back. LOL! I guess utility is universal. I like the table; that's an unusual leg design. Keyboard stand?
"All you need is in Fitzkee."
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Devious Inner circle 2120 Posts |
I really enjoyed the pictures Andy.
Thank you for posting them buddy. |
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Motley Mage Special user 572 Posts |
Andy--Looks amazing! I really like your table, though it would not work for me personally (too "modern"). I've really enjoyed following your progress along with gr8tgorllia's as you both learn the ropes.
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AndyLuka Elite user Milwaukee, Wisconsin 440 Posts |
Thanks guys, I made the table about 6months ago and it’s been holding up really well. It’s a piece of plywood I got from Home depot. I used a spray adhesive to attach a layer of foam.
I can’t believe I am telling you this but the top is a cloth shower curtain I found at Target. It’s great because it’s actually an embossed surface, and adds that extra modern "cool" look. Believe it or the shower curtain holds up better than the felt I had on some of my old tables. And Yes the Legs are a Z frame Keyboard stand. It holds up to 250lbs. and folds up rather compact. The legs cost me about $40 at a local Music Shop. The Pouch is just a car seat organizer from Wally World.
Making Magic and Fantasy a reality in a world where our reality can sometimes be rather cruel
Http://www.lukamagic.com -That's Me Http://www.deceptionsmke -My Show |
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Mr. Mystoffelees Inner circle I haven't changed anyone's opinion in 3623 Posts |
Looks like a great time! You have a great last name for a magician, Andy...
Also known, when doing rope magic, as "Cordini"
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