Magic-Con Full Circle

With Magic Con 2012 fresh in my mind and heart I find it fitting to express my thoughts. First and foremost, I must say that the magic community continues to impress me with its fitting band of outsiders, misfits and loose screws… if there were only more of us in the world.

This weekend I had the chance to meet so many who have anonymously contributed to our huge success. I had the pleasure of speaking face to face with those who love and appreciate what I put my heart and soul into on a daily basis.

Growing up I was a huge horror movie genre buff. My mother would take me to each and every Fangoria Weekend of Horrors in Los Angeles at the LAX Hilton. I would see John Landis and Tom Savini every year and say hello as we all cruised the dealers room. It was exciting. A world filled with many like me…those who dared to think different…to dream…and be a bit insane without apology. Those are the experiences that inspire me today.

It felt great to be on the other side at Magic Con 2012. The tables turned. I have the chance to inspire the next batch of kids like me. Kids who are too unique to fit into the predestined mold society expects. It’s great to meet others who could care less about the mainstream.

On the drive down to San Diego from Los Angeles I was quite excited to see how things had shaped up. I know that Dave Buck and Syd Segal really went into overdrive mode these past few months and worked their tails off to pull it all together… NO EASY TASK.

The conference however was beyond my wildest dreams. I already had my list of performers and speakers to catch – but ultimately I was the most challenged, entertained and perplexed by those I had not initially conceived. Speakers such as Lance Pierce. I am still pondering his brilliant discussion regarding the power of connecting emotionally with subject matter and infusing your art & soul into your craft. His mini-lecture about IZ and the human ability to bond through art and emotion was amazing to put it lightly… Thanks Lance.

Performance wise I was counting down the moments to catch my personal favorite – Rob Zabrecky.  Needless to say – he did not disappoint. WOW. For any of you looking to build a character-based act… I strongly consider studying what Rob has accomplished. His lectures and lecture notes also give many invaluable insights, tips, and tricks into how to connect (by disconnecting?) with your audience.

I could go on and on regarding my favs–but I still wouldn’t be able to express the awesomeness contained on that stage. So here are my Cliff’s Notes of random memories (treasures) witnessed over the weekend:

Michael Weber: As always – I never know if he is trying to hypnotize me, or teach me. But in any case I find myself hanging on his every word.

Piff the Magic Dragon having a hard time until he found our Sleight of Hand Lotion. Watch the video!

Ricky Smith dropping his “Monotone Hammer” and “Invisible Lecture Notes” on the crowd. I’ve said it before – I’d watch Ricky open a carton of milk.

David Blaine discussing the added difficulties of filming street magic due to the rarity of “natural reactions” from an audience once the camera is detected.

Jason Alexander expressing the challenge he faces being recognized as “George” from “Seinfeld” and how to transform that notion into a positive during his live performances.

Chris Korn and David Acer - can I just say… never mind. I’m still laughing.

During my own presentation I stated that I have my “Dream Job” as an Imagineer at D&D. An idea man. A guy who gets paid to dream. Thanks to all who came and dreamed with me this past week at Magic Con 2012.