Tuesday, October 14, 2008

My weekend at Jeff McBride's Wonderground

Well, I just got back from my very eventful weekend in Las Vegas. I was invited to perform on Jeff McBride's Wonderground Saturday night and had a ball working with Scott Hitchcock, Paul Draper, and Bizarro - 3 guys I've wanted to work with for a while. I also got to hang with my awesome friends Erin & Christian, The Dymonds, and Erin even served as my beautiful assistant! She was awesome too! I was priviledged to meet and perform with Jordan Wright as well. What a gifted guy.

I did a set during the close-up buffet, and opened the midnight stage show. I was pleased with the reception from the audience, especially for my brand new BCool Manipulation Routine. The pool cue floored 'em and set the stage for my entire set! I followed that with the ever popular Mack The Knife routine to a wonderful audience reaction. I did make a few minor mistakes, that will need to be smoothed out - I kicked myself for it back stage, but watching the video play back, they were hardly noticeable.

Speaking of the video, it was broadcast live at www.streetofcards.tv and you can still watch it by clicking the On Demand button and selecting the menu for Jeff McBride's Wonderground. it is the episode posted on Oct 12. Check it out!

Sunday I was Jeff's guest for his show Magic At The Edge. I've seen Jeff countless times. I've been a fan and a student for a long time. This new show blew me away. In short, he has created a show that takes the audience through the history of magic through his eyes - from the earliest shaman, to his modern interpretation of magic. There was so much new stuff too! I was shocked by how much new material Jeff has created, and the enormous quality it has. Bravo! For long time fans, the favorites are still there - Masks, Miser's Dream, Transformations, The Water Bowls, and his award winning card act. At the end of the show my heart was racing and my jaws hurt from smiling so much.

Further, it was like watching a masterclass in magic performance. I learned more from watching this show than I have in 20 years of reading and practicing. It was a truly unbeleiveable experience!After the show, Jeff let me sit in during his post show production meeting. It was such a wonderful thing to see such a long time pro, a master, still sit down and take notes and direction from his friends and collegues! And guys, he had his notbok with him and really did write it all down! Another fantastic lesson!

There is countless more to tell, but I hope to be returning again soon and spending more time with my new friends. Hopefull the rest of my gang - Lonny, Krista, and Christina will be able to join me next time.

1 comment:

Bizzaro. said...

It was good to see yahz!