In the last posting I reported on the Dan Harlan show and lecture. As wonderful and meaningful as that was it was only the biginning. Because later that day was the incredible Jeff McBride. I have seen him on video, read about him in magazines and studied his work on DVD. But none of this prepared me for the outstanding evening of magic I was about to be treated to. Jeff McBride’s show was magnificent! Every movement was graceful. Every magical moment led to the next. Everything was seamlessly interconnected like an ascenting spiral staircase. I have heard the term “Breaking down the walls” before, but never have I seen it done so beautifully. Jeff is able to personally connect with the audience in a way that is almost scary. Everyone in that auditorium felt as though Jeff was performing just for them out of friendship.
I have seen many “Miser’s Dream” routines over the years. But Jeff McBride’s handling of it was by far the most entertaining I have ever seen. His interaction with an assistant pulled from the audience was a thing of beauty. Everyone felt they were extremely fortunate to have been present for that particular performance. And although we were, the real magic is that Jeff makes all his audiences feel this way. Amazingly the performance did not end in a crescendo of dazzling light, sound and color. (Although there was plenty of this during the show). But instead it ended in a profound calm. Like climbing a mountain and finally at the end being dumbstruck by the vista. Or being launched into space and just when you think “What’s next?” finding oneself floating weightless over the curve of the Earth in silent astonishment. What more would there be to say? It was extraordinary and satisfying. Genius.
Once the show was over it was time for the lecture.Jeff McBride is much more than a master magician. He is also an outstanding teacher and communicator. The effects he demonstrated and taught were practical and effective. Any magician's repertoire would benefit from these illusions. Stagecraft, platform or close up, there was something there for everyone. Jeff shared two very special effects. Both of these are geared toward the daily interaction with friends, family, service people and total strangers. One of them involves a rainbow streamer and a small silk rose. Powerful stuff, gift magic.
Jeff taught multiple card productions, dancing cane moves and surprising productions. But in my opinion, the most powerful information fell into the category of "theory". Jeff McBride offered sound advice on a multitude topics such as "nerves", sweats, connecting with the audience and pushing one self to be the magician one aspires to be.
For many years I suffered from a common affliction to amateur magicians. The quest for that ONE trick that will put me where I "ought" to be. Well, that trick does not exist. Or "If I just practice in the mirror enough or perform enough I will be as good as so and so". I realized how flawed my thinking was. I understood what I really needed was serious study in the theory of the art. I was now well on my way toward becoming a better magician once I realized I already knew enough effects. It was now time to dive head first into "Deep Magic". That is, how to transform a good trick into a meaningful and powerful presentation that people emotionally respond to and remember for years.
The elusive missing piece was now in my hands. It is a coin. Stamped on one side is..."FOCUS" on the other side, "THEORY"
