Great day to play golf!

Heading to a video shoot to help out funny man Stephen Bargatze. This should be fun!

Enjoying the holidays.

Happy to be home. Loving this Titans game!

Off the ship. Great audiences and great shows. Headed back to Nash. Will post pictures soon.

Enjoying a peppermint mocha at Starbucks in West Palm Beach. Nice weather down here. A lot different than Nashville!

Adventure time! In FL with Kristin Cervantez for some shows.

Merry Christmas and enjoy this month's newsletter - http://ping.fm/BMBDF

Great Christmas idea - http://ping.fm/VBQUz

Wondering if you're feeling so fly, like a G6.

Whoa, what a rehearsal! Jamie Thornhill and Kristin Cervantez = more than a handful!

Excited about a magic brainstorming session with Dave Maze and Scott Cantrell.

Whoa! The line at the post office is crazy! You'd think it was the holidays or something.

I think I'm developing an unhealthy relationship with the airport. I've seen BNA more in the last month than I've had dates!

hopes you are coming to McFadden's tonight at 8 pm. If you're there you'll see the new version of thishttp://ping.fm/01Zyo

A personal invite from me to you to join me tonight - http://ping.fm/SmkJc

Excited about being featured this week at Beyond Smoke and Mirrors at McFaddens this Monday at 8 pm. I hope we have an excited crowd!

New blog entry posted - Listening to the audience. http://ping.fm/mVBdy

Listening to the Audience

I find myself interested in comparing notes with other entertainers. Specifically, I am truly fascinated with a performer’s choice to edit themselves and their show while that show is going on. You may ask yourself why an entertainer would choose to edit themselves during their show. Well, this isn’t common practice. Typically, only the most experienced entertainers do this. The most common reason I find for it is that the audience is responding to certain routines and parts of their scripts early in the show. The audience’s responses early in the show lead the performer to edit the show as it goes on and select material that he or she believes will be the most effective. Editing the show or the lines they choose to deliver is done to optimize the entertainment experience. This sounds a bit too theoretical, let’s talk specifics.

I pay very close attention to the audience before I take the stage and then as the show goes on, as well. I am trying to get a feel for the energy they are giving off and how they react to certain magic. For instance, I was recently performing and got to the part of the show where I had my razor blade swallowing routine planned. As I thought about what I had planned, I looked out at the audience and saw mostly families. The room was full of moms, dads and young people. They were laughing at all the right jokes and having fun watching a lighthearted magic show. I realized that the razor blade routine that I had planned was a dark, moody piece that would totally change the energy of the room. While the razor blade routine is a perfect piece to perform in a theatrical show for a theatre crowd, it didn’t feel right for this room. So I substituted a much less theatrical routine, The Linking Rings, in its place. The way I perform the rings gets an audience member involved and makes them the center of a fun, laugh filled few minutes. It turned out to be the perfect choice. I selected a young man who had the perfect temperament and knew how to play to the crowd. He was a massive hit and he received a huge ovation for coming up onstage and giving the audience exactly what they wanted, to laugh and have fun.

So, why do I bring this up? I guess my point in writing this blog article is to say that I believe good entertainers listen closely to their audiences. It’s important to keep in mind who the audience is made up of and why they are watching the show. Instead of performing material that the entertainer may want to perform, he or she should perform material that will best fit the situation. Think about it. If you were hiring an entertainer to come in and entertain your family, friends, or coworkers, wouldn’t you want that person to pay close attention to how everyone is reacting and edit their show to maximize their responses and the entertainment experience? I know I would.

is having a blast being creative. It's nice to step away from trying to sell the show to just having fun playing around on the show.

Working with my buddy and web designer Bart Camarata updating www.jasonmichaelsmagic.com. This guy is good!

Bank of America Home Loans holiday party was awesome. Thanks Benita! Green Turtle Bay, Ky is a beautiful resort. Check it out!

Just finished a production meeting with Nashville Shakespeare Festival. Very excited about Shakespeare's Case this January.

Do you want a huge turnout for your next event? Check out my latest blog entry - http://ping.fm/x96LE

Do You Want a Huge Turnout for Your Event?

So, I had a great time performing for North Central College (Naperville, IL) over the weekend. I wanted to share some thoughts from that booking. First things first, we had a huge turnout. It was way more than what they had expected. During my conversations with Ebony (the lady in charge) she explained that 1)North Central is a relatively small campus, and 2)there were two other events going on at the exact same time on campus. They were expecting a good turnout (maybe 150-200 or so), but were totally surprised by the huge turnout (probably about 350) that we had. Not only was it standing room only, but there were actually people who stood in the hall looking over other people’s heads for the entire show. That was very cool from my perspective and it contributed to an electric atmosphere and a great show.

So, I made sure to talk to Ebony after the show and ask what they had done to spread the word. I thought others would be interested in the kind of massive success this small campus had planning, promoting and staging my show Jason Michaels…Unplugged.

Thinking back on our discussion, I have realized they did four important things. The first thing Ebony and the folks at North Central College did right was to pick a date that coincided with their family weekend. Moms, Dads, brothers and sisters were on campus visiting their kids/siblings. An interactive comedy and magic show is going to appeal to everyone. It’s a safe bet for the family. And when I looked out at the crowd, it was mixed with students and families. #1 check.

The second thing they did right was to promote the show with table tents in the high traffic dining areas. For the entire week leading up to the show everyone who ate in the dining areas had table tents promoting the show right in front of them. Ebony and her team actually created their own table tents and posters by downloading my image from my website. They also could have downloaded my pre-made table tents, photos and posters right here. #2 check.

The third thing that worked for them was sending out a campus wide e-blast the day of the show. There are a lot of things competing for our attention and the students at NCC needed a quick reminder that there was something that would be fun to do that night. #3 check.

And the final thing that the campus life team at NCC did right was to have me do teaser performances during the dinner hour a couple of hours before the show started. The truth of the matter is that until someone has actually seen a performer, they have no idea if the upcoming show is going to be any good or not. By walking around the dinner areas, doing some street magic and freaking everyone out, I was able to let everyone know that the show was, in fact, worth their time. Once they knew the show was going to be cool, then they started texting and telling all their friends and the message to come see the show went viral. #4 check.

Obviously there are other ways to promote a show, but this is an excellent case study on how these folks did it very successfully. My congratulations and thanks to Ebony and her team at North Central College. I hope to see you guys again soon!

After being gone for two weeks, I'm excited to rejoin Beyond Smoke and Mirrors show Monday night at McFadden's!

Show in Nash last night, show in Chicago tonight, followed by a lecture for magicians in Nash tomorrow=a full schedule. I like it this way!

Have you checked out the November newsletter? http://ping.fm/S2hZF

Never been to Princeton University's campus before. Cool place!

Find and book entertainment easily this holiday season. Check out my blog for some simple tipshttp://ping.fm/xU7aR

The Most Important Things You Must Know Before Booking Entertainment For Your Next Event - Part 3

Hey There! This is the continuation (part 3) of several earlier blog entries on how to successfully find and book the very best entertainment for your next, upcoming event. To start reading this series from the beginning, click here. As a professional entertainer, I have dealt with numerous meeting and event planners planning all sorts of cool special events. The advice in this article is intended to make your life (as someone looking to find entertainment) easier. You might even find the whole process fun! Enjoy!

4. The Initial Contact
There are several ways to make contact with your prospective entertainer or speaker. The easiest is to just pick up the phone and call the entertainer’s office. Making contact with your prospective entertainer with a phone call is an excellent way to get to know them. By actually speaking with your prospective entertainer you can learn things that you may not be able to tell through other contact methods. A conversation allows you to hear the person’s voice, including their inflection and level of friendliness, and it allows you to get an impression about how appropriate this person is for your event. A phone conversation also allows your prospective entertainer to ask you specific questions that they need answered in order to quote a fee, check availability, and be sure that they are the right fit for your event.

Another option is to send the entertainer an email. Email is a great way to make first contact with your prospective entertainer. If you choose to make contact through email, try to give as many details about the event as possible. Include your phone number and a window of time when you will be available to talk so that the entertainer can call you back and ask additional questions he or she may have.

An additional way to make contact with your prospective entertainer is to fill out a web form that is on his or her website. A web form will have specific fields such as name, phone number, your address, type of function, venue address, approximate number of guests expected, etc. The web form is often a preferred method of contact over email because it is designed to provide the entertainer with specific information needed in order to quote a fee, check availability, etc.

No matter which method you choose to contact your entertainer, it shouldn’t be difficult to do so. His or her office should be easily accessible and respond within 24 hours to your phone call, email or web form submission. In fact, when I received a letter of recommendation from Bob Mackie at Institutional Wholesale, he specifically mentioned how easy it was to schedule my act. Take a look at what he said…

“We received so many compliments from our employees that this was one of the best parties we’ve had. They absolutely loved your show. We would highly recommend your show to anyone looking for good entertainment. Working with you to schedule your act for our party was easy with no problems.”

So, what should you ask? You will want to know what time your entertainer will arrive and how much space he or she is going to need. Be sure to consider whether sound equipment and/or staging will be needed. If there is something special about your guests that is important for the performer to know -- anything from high achievements to physical impairments -- be sure to mention it as well.

The best speakers and entertainers will find ways to customize their presentations to your group. As you pose questions to your entertainer, also be sure you share as much information about your event and your group as possible. Because every event is unique, the more information you share with your entertainer, the more they can utilize that information in the planning and implementation of your program. For instance, when Lithographics, Inc and I worked together, Cindy Tanley and I planned an entertainment event that occurred in numerous places throughout their facility over the course of an entire day. Here’s what Cindy said about the event…

“I am not sure I can adequately express how much your ‘magic touch’ enhanced our employee appreciation celebration. This was no small feat, requiring multiple shows, two locations, and even making magic happen at midnight.”

Price Shopping? Whether you are planning a private Christmas party for a few guests or a huge banquet dinner, everyone is on some kind of budget. The general rule of thumb is this: Do not go with the lowest price. Going with the lowest price is likely a precursor to disappointment. In the entertainment and speaking fields remember the old adage "you get what you pay for." Ultimately, you will find that the most important thing regarding your entertainment won’t be the price tag. What really matters when searching for the best program for your event is that the program be the right fit. Don’t think of it in terms of dollars and cents as much as you think of it in terms of the best program for your guests. Above all, you have to feel comfortable knowing that the person you have chosen to entertain your guests is a reflection of you. Ultimately, your goal should be to have each and every one of your guests come up to you after the event and share sentiments similar to those of Nelson Griswold, president of Bottom Line Solutions, when he said to me…

“Jason, you had our group stunned one minute and howling with laughter the next. You were the perfect addition to our party. You really made the night special. Thanks so much for making our evening so much fun.”

Wrap Up
Keep your eyes on this blog for next month's entry where we'll discuss performance contracts and deposits. To start at the beginning of this blog series, click here for the first entry. To receive a free copy of my brand new book (where most of this information is coming from), visit my website, fill out the webform, and I'll rush you a copy today! Blessings!

Great time today with the folks at CTDI in West Chester, PA. These folks know how to have fun!

At the Constitution Center in Philadelphia on Election Day. Cool!

Attending an excellent workshop by Jacob Weiss from High Wired Communications on social media for artists. Great stuff!

Wanna know what it's like to be on my road crew for an out of town engagement? Check out my buddies blog here - http://ping.fm/6xKdj

Have you seen this month's newsletter? http://ping.fm/ifFul

Time for show #2 today. Seems like a fun group in Clarksville, TN.

Performing at The Avenue at noon in the 'boro. Good times!

Great crowd last night for the opening of Beyond Smoke and Mirrors! Will you be joining us next Monday night?

Back from NJ. Great show at Rowan U. Now prepping for Beyond Smoke and Mirrors opening night tomorrow. Come see it! McFaddens, Mon @ 8.

Day trip today back to Jersey for a show. Here I come Rowan University!

Are you planning an event? Here is my latest blog entry with a few tips on how to find the best entertainment - http://ping.fm/E0Cin

Excited about working in some new material for Henderson State University. This auditorium should be full in a few hours!

The Most Important Things You Must Know Before Booking Entertainment For Your Next Event - Part 2

Welcome back! This entry is part two of an earlier blog entry started in August. The August entry dealt with planning and type of program. To view the first entry, click here. And now, enjoy part two!

3. Choosing the Right Program

So, you are looking for an entertaining program and need to find the right fit. Where does one find a reputable speaker or proven entertainer?

In today’s world, the internet is the most powerful tool to help you find anything you are looking for. All savvy, business-minded, professional entertainers and speakers have a website. A professional website is an incredible tool where your future entertainer can list their specialties, describe exactly what they do and how they do it, post video clips, photos, letters of recommendation, etc. A good website is the ultimate brochure where the entertainer can educate potential clients on who they are.

You should be able to see enough from the entertainer’s website to get a really good idea on whether they will be able to do the job for you or not. The best entertainers specialize in specific fields such as children’s entertainment, family events, corporate entertainment and speaking, etc. You should be sure that the entertainer you are considering specializes in entertaining groups like yours. An excellent children’s entertainer may not be the appropriate choice for presenting at a corporate sales meeting, and vice-versa. The website should make it clear exactly what type of programs the entertainer offers and who they are appropriate for.

As you keep in mind the event you are planning, make sure your future entertainer has testimonials on their website from other event planners like you who have planned similar events. When a client takes the time to express how well a program was received it speaks volumes to the entertainer’s professionalism. See what Sara Arthur, special events coordinator for the city of Sparta, TN thought after working with me…

“As Special Events Coordinator, I had the task of finding entertainment for a very diverse group of people. When you were suggested to me, I was concerned that we would have a strictly "magic" show that would only appeal to half of the people. However, you put on a "performance" that included the whole crowd and a variety of illusions, magic and drama. I love the fact that you used the audience so much. When you concluded the show, I could not believe that 45 minutes had passed already, I wanted to see more! I cannot wait until the renovations on our historic theatre are finished so that we can have you back to do your full show!!”

As a side note, there are some really fine amateur and part-time entertainers and speakers who don’t maintain a website. The biggest problem with selecting someone without a website is that it’s a total shot in the dark. There’s no way to know if you are going to get top-notch entertainment or if you’re going to make a huge mistake.

Wrap Up
Click here for part three where we will deal with The Inital Contact. I hope this information helps guide you through the decision making process and ensures you have a dynamic, entertaining program. If you are planning an event soon or don't want to wait for all the blog entries to be posted, visit www.jasonmichaelsmagic.com, fill out the webform, and I'll rush you a copy of my new book absolutely free. Enjoy!

Check out this month's e-newsletter for all the latest - http://ping.fm/zGLYB

What is Beyond Smoke and Mirrors?

First, a little history is in order. A number of years ago, a small group of entertainers and friends got together and began meeting to help each other with performance pieces that each of them were working on. It began very informally, as a way to flush out ideas and fraternize with like minded individuals who could challenge each other. Out of this group, four of the performers (John, Scott, Nelson and myself) created a show where they could put the magic, illusions, comedy and juggling they were working on in front of real live audiences. The Nashville based show was aptly titled Music City Magic. What made Music City Magic such a hit was that the performers were able to create and hone original material that had never been seen before. Audiences responded well to hilarious comedy, larger than life characters, and genuine mysteries. Music City Magic ran on and off at different venues, including Miss Marple’s Dinner Theater and Opry Mills Mall, for several years. Ultimately, the four principle performers got busy with their own projects and Music City Magic went on hiatus.

In July 2010, I got a phone call from Nelson (a friend and fellow founder of Music City Magic). He mentioned that there was a possibility of being able to either revive Music City Magic or create a brand, new experience. Basically, John had an opportunity to bring a show to a venue in downtown Nashville and he was interested in getting the “band” (and I use that term in jest:) back together. After a few phone calls and emails were exchanged, it became obvious that all the original parties were onboard and excited to have the opportunity to perform together again.

Upon reflection, we decided that we weren’t really interested in creating the same experience as the original Music City Magic with this new opportunity. None of the creators wanted this just to be another magic show. We wanted to change things up a bit. We were still interested in creating original illusions, comedy, etc, but we also wanted to incorporate other variety entertainers as well. We wanted to do strange things in our performances. Things like eating razor blades and stopping time. We wanted to warp the minds of those in attendance. Beyond Smoke and Mirrors is that child. I believe it will prove to be a cross between a cozy, Victorian parlour performance and an over the top circus side show. And we want you to experience it firsthand.

Beyond Smoke and Mirrors debut performance is Monday night, October 4th at McFadden’s on 2nd Avenue in downtown Nashville. Enjoy the video below to get a tease of what to expect, then find us online. We’ll be posting ticket discounts and weekly drink specials on our Facebook page and our Twitter feed.



And if you’re intrigued by now, buy your tickets to the opening night of Beyond Smoke and Mirrors here. We can’t wait to show you what we have planned!

Had a blast with WSU. Show went great! Many thanks to Jamie Wiggins and Kylee Kracht for everything.

Excited to be in Pullman, WA. Looking forward to an awesome show for WSU's Up All Night tonight!

Having a meeting about magicianmaker.com. Looking forward to some cool new content!

Preparing to be the pre-show entertainment tonight for Shakespeare in the Park. Come join me Nashville - www.nashvilleshakes.org

Well, that's that. The show is officially closed in AC. Now, it's time for the packing. Oh joy!

Well, this is it! 45 minutes until we begin the last show of the AC run. Here's to a good one!

One more show down, one to go. AC run is coming to a close!

Hanging with some of the girls from the show on my day off. Sweet!

Two shows left in AC. This run is almost over!

USAF Thunderbirds just flew over me in formation as I ran down the boardwalk. Unbelievable!

The show in AC closes in less than two weeks. Next move, back to Nashville. Hello friends! Miss me?

Check out this month's e-newsletter. Cool stuff! http://ping.fm/oWRIX

is the real reason the chicken crossed the road!

Hanging at The Pool at Harrah's with BD and the girls from the show. Very cool club. Big shout out to Shana!

The only way out of the rat race is to take risks. If you take risk out of life, you take opportunity out of life.

is headed to Wildwood, NJ to spend the day at a waterpark with the girls from the show. Tough life, huh?

Are you planning a special event? Check out my blog for advice on hiring the best entertainment, http://ping.fm/822MC

The Most Important Things You Must Know Before Booking Entertainment For Your Next Event – Part 1

As a professional speaker and entertainer, I have had the pleasure of attending numerous events all over the country. I have worked with some of the finest event and meeting planners in the industry and have learned from every conversation I have had, every meeting I have attended, and every special event where I have presented my programs. I recently wrote a book to share the most important things someone planning an event must know to be successful when hiring a speaker or an entertainer. Over the next few months I will be sharing some of the best tips and techniques from my book right here on my blog. I hope this information will help guide you through the decision making process and ensure that you have a dynamic, entertaining program. If you are planning an event soon or don't want to wait for all the blog entries to be posted, visit http://www.jasonmichaelsmagic.com/, fill out the webform, and I'll rush you a copy of my new book absolutely free. Enjoy!

INTRODUCTION

So, you're responsible for booking entertainment for your upcoming event? Wow! That's a big responsibility. The truth about most events is that a year from now most people won't remember the decorations. Whether the food was good or not will probably be forgotten. And where it was held will be a footnote in someone's mind. The entertainment, however, will make or break almost any event.

Bore your guests with a monotone speaker or make them sit through a bad comedian, and the potential of a successful event is lost. Instead, it becomes one more long, drawn out, and hard-to-sit-through performance. In contrast, an excellent entertainer or speaker who can engage your guests, make them laugh, and create a fun atmosphere will be remembered for years to come.

The great news is that when a program is a huge hit, the person or committee who was in charge of booking the entertainment gets all of the credit for a job well done. I hope you aren't feeling too much pressure. While you certainly have a very important job, it can be a lot easier than you might think. My book was written to help make your job significantly easier. If you work through this guide step-by-step, it will make the process of finding and booking professional entertainment both exciting and fun.

1. PLANNING

One of the very first steps when planning an event is to decide on as many of the specific details as possible. These details should include date, time, location, what type of event it is (banquet, meeting, fundraiser, etc), number of guests invited, approximate number of guests expected, etc. Most entertainers and speakers will ask you these questions to get an idea of what you are planning so they can adjust their performance to best fit your event.

The more details you have planned out before you contact your potential entertainment, the better. Most professional entertainers want as much information as possible. Personally, I look for ways to customize each of my performances to my specific audiences. The more you can tell me about your group, who the audience is made up of, and what the purpose of the event is, the more specific I can be as I plan out the program. There is a huge difference between seeing a generic show and seeing a show that has been specifically tailored to your event. The more details you provide me with, the easier it is for me to create long-lasting memories. In fact, the NEC Corporation had this to say about my show customization…

"Your show was incredible! I truly appreciate how you worked with us so much to meld part of your show to include personalizations to our business. We appreciate all you did to make our banquet an unforgettable one."

As I mentioned in the introduction, it shouldn't be difficult to find an appropriate program for your event. Having the initial questions answered before you seek out entertainment will allow you to judge for yourself how 'on the ball' the entertainer or speaker is whom you are currently interviewing.

Allow me to share an example with you from my own entertainment background. One day I received a phone call from the Gaylord Opryland Sales Team. They were in the process of planning a very special event for a group of VIP meeting planners. The sales team engaged me to create a magical ambience during a portion of their themed event. The event was held in several areas of the property, and my job was to 'wow' the group during dinner. My creative team and I consulted with their sales team on the phone several times. As the event grew closer, we had a meeting to go over the final details. Because they had carefully thought through what they wanted, the sales team was able to easily answer all my questions and give me ideas about how to customize my performance. The day of the event arrived, we delivered a fantastic performance, and it was a huge hit! The Gaylord Opryland Sales Team was so pleased with the results, Sean Perry, Director of West Coast Sales had this to say…

"I just wanted to let you know how great a job you did helping to make my event a success. As you know, it was a very special VIP evening and the entire Gaylord Opryland Sales Team wanted to make sure that we really had a top-notch, highly impressive experience. I really appreciate the time you spent creating ideas that would 'Wow!' my group and then finding ways that actually worked, all while working within somewhat restrictive circumstances."

2. TYPE OF PROGRAM

The type of event you are planning will also dictate what type of program to consider. If you are planning a sales meeting, you will obviously be looking for a different type of program than if you are planning your child's birthday party. You must consider who your guests are and what they will find entertaining. Who is going to be attending, and what fits the event?

Keep this in mind: your entertainer is representing you at the party. Therefore, you have an excellent opportunity to show off without lifting a finger! The person you choose should be professional and have experience that gives you confidence in them. You will know about an entertainer or speaker's level of experience by their resume, testimonials, references, and letters of recommendation. As you interview entertainers, consider what their past clients have said about them. You should be looking for comments like what Melissa Wilson of the Tennessee Performing Arts Center had to say…

"I would definitely use Jason again and would recommend him to anyone planning an event who is looking for a unique and entertaining performer."

Be sure that your entertainer represents you well! As you consider the details of your program, listen to the entertainer's suggestions. Entertainment professionals who have worked with numerous groups should be able to offer suggestions about what works well and what doesn't.

THE WRAP UP
Click here for Part 2 of The Most Important Things You Must Know Before Booking Entertainment For Your Next Event where we'll take a look at How To Choose the Right Program and The Initial Contact. And remember if you want to receive a free copy of my brand new book, visit http://www.jasonmichaelsmagic.com/, fill out the webform, and I'll rush you a copy.

is diagonally parked in a parallel universe.

I have the best friends and family in the world. That's what's really on my mind, not gonna lie.

Is headed to NYC with his brother!

Is uncensored.

thinks Honey Michaels is the southern Hamlet!

is working on lighting the show. Making some slight tweaks.

Thanks to all you amaaaaaaaazing individuals out there...it was the most
beautiful day and night and afternoon and morning and champagne and
cake and crostini and wine…

Whoa! School dances sure have changed. This bothers me a little (or maybe a lot) - http://ping.fm/FhN5T

is America's next top model.

What’s standard protocol when your grandma gets a Facebook account and sends you a friend request?

is very blessed, very fortunate.

Ahh, the highs and lows of showbusiness. What a difference a few hours makes!

Heard a great Russian saying last night...He who doesn't risk, doesn't drink champaigne!

just planted a delicious garden of steaks and candy in his backyard.

Just saw Kozak the Magician put on a great show at The Comedy Stop at The Trop in Atlantic City.

is wondering if Chuck Norris is the reason why Waldo is hiding.

Want to get the latest news, updates, and show announcements from Jason Michaels? Send an email with your name to jm@jasonmichaelsmagic.com

The quote of the day-"I'm an exhausted, old, overweight, mediocre magician." Funny stuff I just heard from a guy I was talking to recently."

Even famous magicians have to do everyday tasks...like laundry.

July's Newsletter is online. Check it out! http://ping.fm/SIXXk

Pic taken from the stage of The Tropicana showroom in AC. Big house.

Had a great show tonight to celebrate Independence Day. Now, time to chill. Sweet!

Last show of the week tonight. Looking forward to a day off. Happy 4th, my friends!

Successful show opening in Atlantic City tonight. Yes!!!

T-minus three hours to show opening!

Check out the new blog entry - http://ping.fm/cpPJT

The Trip to Atlantic City

So, I've been terrible about keeping a journal over the last few years. (Yes, I know this is a blog, but I just can't seem to figure out what to write unless I think of it as a journal. There's old-school thinking for you!) Anyway, since I landed this gig working with my friend Brett Daniels for the summer in Atlantic City I'm making a concerted effort to document all the adventures. Allow me to catch you up on the first week of fun.

I left Nashville Saturday, June 19 and drove 10 ½ hours to Wilmington, NC. When I finally arrived at 10:30 pm I had a heck of a time finding a hotel. When I finally found a decent looking Hampton Inn, they were fully occupied. They sent me to a Best Western in Leland, NC. So, I finally got in and settled around midnight or so. I watch TV for about an hour or so and drift off into sweet sleep. At 5:45 in the morning (that's 4:45 central time, and central time is what I am used to at this point) the fire alarm goes off. I try to ignore it at first, and then I realize that's probably not a good idea if the hotel is on fire. I force myself to get up and walk downstairs so I can stand in the parking lot with everyone else staying at the hotel for the next hour while the fire department and the alarm company show up at the hotel to try and figure out how to turn off the alarm. And no, there was no fire. (I find out later on that it had something to do a mechanical error or something like that.) When I finally got back to my room I had about an hour to try and go back to sleep before it's time to get going for the day. Suffice it to say, I got no more sleep that night.

I finally get up Sunday morning and get going around 7:30 so I can meet Brett at 8:30 to head over the truck yard where his show props are stored. We meet up, Brett runs up to my room to take a shower (after driving 20 hours straight from Wisconsin), and we head over to the truck yard around 9:30 or so. We get there at 10 and meet the two local guys who are going to help us get the trucks loaded. For the next five hours we manually push huge, massively heavy road cases, crates, and props from two different 50 foot trailers (that aren't roadworthy) into two other 50 foot trailers. The heat and humidity become almost unbearable and Brett and I almost fall out from sheer exhaustion and dehydration.

Brett and I leave the truck yard around 3 or 4-ish and hit the road in search of a hotel where we can crash for a few hours and get some much needed rest. We drive for about an hour or so and finally find a hotel where we take a break and Brett can feed his birds. So, for the next two to three hours I try to take a nap to little avail. We arise at 8 pm and get everything situated for the drive from wherever we are in NC to Atlantic City, NJ. We finally get going around 9 and drive through the night, stopping a few times for food, gas and stretching. To keep myself entertained and engaged for the drive I call everybody I know at different times of the night. I have to give my buddy Greg 'Styckman' Owens some serious props here for helping me stay awake from 4 to 5:30 in the morning. I was getting tired until he called and kept me going. (He's a morning DJ and keeps ridiculously early morning hours.) We arrive at 7:30 am and check in to the Tropicana where we're going to be living for the next two and a half months. We have to get everything situated and that takes about another hour before I get to head to my room. Unfortunately, I won't be getting much sleep because we have a 10 am call to meet the crew, unload the trucks and get everything into the theatre.

I get to my room, take a shower and sleep for about 30 minutes. You'd be surprised how much that can help when you really need the rest. So, it's now Monday morning and Brett and I head down to meet the crew and start unloading the trucks at 10 am. We work for the rest of the day getting everything loaded into the Showroom at the Tropicana Casino. The day goes great and the crew is fantastic. When we finally do call it a day later that evening I know that sleep will be so sweet.

For the rest of the week, Tuesday through Friday, Brett and I pull long days (anywhere from 12 to 15 hour days) working with the crew building props, hanging backdrops and taking care of technical details. Then in the evening we work with the lighting team on lighting details. Brett and I both agree that this crew here at The Tropicana really have their stuff together. The fact of the matter is that every time we put this show (and it is a really big magic and illusion show) in to a new venue, it takes a ton of work and really long hours. Fortunately for us, this crew is very organized, very knowledgeable and work hard to get the job done.

So, here I am one week after I left Nashville with my first day off and I'm playing catch up with the rest of my life. I'm estimating that I've probably worked somewhere between 70 and 80 hours this first week. I'm not complaining, because I knew exactly what I was signing on for. After ten years in the magic business, I've learned this is pretty much how it works. You really kill yourself the first week or two to get everything up and running and then you enjoy the rest of the run with a lot less hours per week. I'm expecting to really enjoy the beach this summer and the time to work on getting my business rocking and rolling for the fall. When I get back to Nashville at the beginning of September, I should have a pretty good tan, a lot of great stories to share and a full calendar of my own gigs to do.

Stay tuned for the next entry. I'll keep you updated. And if you head to Atlantic City this summer you should stop by The Tropicana and see Magic and Beyond. You'll have a great time, I promise. And don't forget to let me know you're going to drop by so I can say 'Hi!'

Day off from the show. Everything is on schedule to open strong on July 1. Today I get to catch up with the rest of my life!

So, we've been working some crazy long hours getting the show up to speed. Short day today. Time to get to know the rest of the cast.

Finished up building props and started teaching dancers parts of the show. We're on schedule here in AC.

It's been a full day of building props. Now it's time to work on lighting cues.

Just finished another big day of hanging drops, building props, and lighting. The show is coming together nicely!

Just finished a huge day of loading in, building props, and working with the lighting guy. This show has gotten a good start!

Arrived in Atlantic City and checked in to my room at the Tropicana. Time for an hour of sleep before loading in the show.

Anyone awake at this hour? Who wants to keep me company?

Stopped for a few hours to take a nap. Looks like a night drive to Atlantic City.

Just loaded trucks for four hours in the crazy heat. Now heading to Atlantic City. Who else wants to be an illusionist?

After spending an hour and a half finding a hotel with vacancy, my chosen hotel's fire alarm goes off at 5:40 and I spend an hour outside!

Finally made it to Wilmington a couple of hours ago, but spent two hours trying to find a hotel that had vacancy. Whoa!

Headed to Wilmington, NC to meet up with illusionist Brett Daniels and load a truck. Oh joy!

Have you checked out www.MagicianMaker.com yet? The first ten people to email jason@magicianmaker.com get a free three month membership!

Check out the latest behind the scenes video - http://ping.fm/TCfSk

Just finished this month's e-zine. Check it out - http://ping.fm/cBEdK Good stuff!

Taking care of last minute details for a talk to FBC Newnan youth group tomorrow evening. DMazeMagic is opening the show.

Taking care of last minute show tweaks before presenting my show/talk to the Gallatin Rotary Club.

Just posted this month's newsletter. Check it out - http://ping.fm/ikQR1

Check out this article that appeared in Genii Magazine over the summer. It's quite good (even if I say so myself). http://ping.fm/YfYwa

Been a great day hanging out with friends in Nashville. Brunch, movie and football...fun!

Just posted this month's e-newsletter. Check it out here - http://ping.fm/T1Gdd

Congratulations to TN Titan Chris Johnson on joining a very exclusive club - 2,000 rushing yards this season. Way to go Chris!

Way to go FSU. You represented well and paid tribute to your legendary coach. Congratulations!