Lectures

In the past three weeks I've seen three great lectures. I was in business in Phoenix and my buddy Steve Ehlers was lecturing! Happinstance, gotta love it. I got to do the cups routine in front of a live audience without my security-blanket table. I learned that as long as the table's lower than mine, I'm fine. Good to know.

Steve has wonderful presentations matched up to some very difficult sleight-of-hand. It was a joy to see him perform. I was humbled by his expertise and personality.

The next week Daryl was in town, here in the Bay Area. He is so dynamic and engaging I wanted to hug him. He doesn't know me and it would've creeped him out. There's all those restraining orders, so I figured I'd just tell him I he rocked.

Just last night Shoot Ogawa was in Palo Alto. There's a magic club five miles from my door, who knew? I saw a bunch of the magicians from The Magic Garage and the San Jose club I frequent. The titular leader of the San Jose crowd is Dr. Kim Silverman. He has long-flowing white hair and a full beard. He looks every part the wizard. Every time I see Kim perform I know he has presenational abilities, to which, I can only aspire.

Shoot was . . . freakin' Shoot Ogawa. I learned some stuff! I will go to his website and spend some dough. I never carry cash. His work with wands, thimbles and rope was truly magical. The card effects he did fooled and entertained me. I had only seen him on the Kohler-produced DVDs. Those DVDs only hinted at how good he is in person. I am now a huge fan of Shoot Ogawa.

None of these events advanced my seventeen minutes. I cannot do the routines of other performers. I have been inspired to work on: scripting, presentation and above all, by Daryl, to lighten up a bit and have fun.

Daryl, Steve Ehlers and Shoot Ogawa; if you ever have a chance to see these guys perform or lecture, don't miss it.

KG