Motorcycle Magician part 1

So with just a week left, I'm furiously preparing my gear for the long 1500 mile trip to Los Angeles.

For those of you who don't know, I will be making this trip on a motorcycle, a Honda Shadow Spirit 750 to be exact. I've been working on the bike itself, trying to come up with ideas on how to get everything (and myself) on it safely, and I think I've got everything just about worked out. The hardest part of this has not been figuring out how to pack the bike though. The hardest part has been figuring out how to pack my table and gear.

Now my table is a 32" trey table, the kind the waiter uses to bring you your food at a restaurant. The table top is simply a 20"x19" piece of covered plywood.

Now I know what you're thinking: "Why don't you just get a new table out in LA and save yourself the hassle?" The answer is simple: I'll still have to transport the table on the bike in LA. So to solve this problem, here is what I did:

The table top itself I cut into fourths and hinged two pieces together and then latching the two hinged pieces to each other. This has worked out great because the table top folds up into a 10" square (more or less) and is easily portable. The downside is that it is a little flimsy. I'm working that part out by shimming the top a bit to add more tension and create a more stable top.

In the future, I would instead cut the board in half and have two long sections that latched together. A bit less portable, but not by much.

The trey stand itself was a bit more interesting. I started with the idea to cut the legs below the rivet (the one that lets the legs make the "x") and hinge them so they folded up nicely. Turns out finding hinges that small (and sturdy enough) is extraordinarily difficult. My next idea was to simply put pegs in the legs allowing everything to pop together nicely. That didn't turn out as well as I had planned. The final idea (which worked) was to latch them together using trunk latches (they're called drawer latches, but I've never seen a drawer with one).

So the final product is a table with legs cut at an angle (to allow better support when unfolded) latched together with trunk clasps. And it works beautifully.

In the future I would make sure that the cuts are all perfect. My table works great, it's just more of an aesthetics thing.

So, I'm going to be latching the folded up table and table top to the bike and it should work great. I'll post more about how it actually worked once I ride the bike with the table strapped to it.

Practice, practice, practice

I just got finished reading an post on The Magic Cafe. The original poster was looking for a new move to help him with an effect even though he had a move that worked perfectly. The only problem with his move was that it was "choppy" and didn't look good and later he states that he gets impatient and isn't "a magician, [he's] just a hobbyist."

Well guess what boys and girls? Turns out you have to practice a lot for something to work. It takes hours and hours of practice to make sure that every aspect of something is perfect. So if you want to be able to actually do something, buck up and start practicing.

A word about manners

The magic community is a very fickle creature and for someone fresh to the scene (as well as seasoned vets) it can be very difficult to maneuver and to understand the hows and whys of socializing with other magicians. So here's a quick run-down of the basics.

1. Listen
   
   When you approach a magician or group of magicians, be it in a lecture, convention, or just a casual dinner setting, listen to what the others have to say. Always remember that every person has something to teach you, and other magicians always have a story that you can pick something up from. So listen.
   
   
2. Don't be afraid...
   
   ...to talk, to ask questions, to show them an effect. Remember that these guys are just people, so if they start talking about something you don't understand, ask. the worst that can happen is they reference you to some reading material. Got an effect you're working on and want some feedback? Show it to them. They won't tear you apart and they will most likely have some good suggestions.
   
   
3. Don't ask how it's done
   
   Unless you are in a Q/A situation don't ask how it's done. If they show you an effect that absolutely floors you and you really want to know how it's done, say something like "Wow that was incredible" or "I'd love to see how that works sometime" but don't put them on the spot. Simply let it be known that you appreciated the effect and would like to know how it's done, but don't be pushy about it. Remember, most magicians love sharing their passion with others.
   
   
4. Have fun
   
   Remember that you're all passionate about magic, and most people you meet will be more than happy to talk with you. Other magicians are a great source of feedback, knowledge, and above all friendship. So get out there, have fun, and don't step on anybody's toes.

A collision of the old and the new

Something has been bothering me for a while now, and it happens to be something that most of you have never heard me comment on. It's something I feel should probably be addressed, lest it turn into an actual problem.

The issue is this: young magicians and older magicians are at odds. There is a battle occurring between these two groups on almost a daily basis. I hear about it when I socialize with groups of magicians:

"These kids don't appreciate the art."
"The old-timers don't want to help out."

And it goes on...

So here's the deal:

Young magicians, I understand that you're frustrated and have a ton of questions and love being flashy and doing things that are impressive. I get that, I do.

Older magicians, I understand that you view magic as something of a sacred brotherhood, a community devoted to the art and you feel the flashy impressive "card juggling" (yeah, hear that one a lot) has no place in the magic world, and I understand that.

So here's the compromise:

Young magicians: stop being so pompous. You are not the end all be all. You don't know everything and no, you don't deserve to know the secrets to everything just because you know a few card tricks. Be polite. Be courteous. And if you enjoy manipulations, then for the love of everything, don't let anyone stop you.

Older magicians: stop being so pompous. You are not the end all be all. Yes, you have years of experience on the young guys, but when they ask you how you did something, they are expressing amazement and respect, they don't mean to be rude. Perhaps no one taught them "magic manners". Oh, and if they like doing flourishy things, let them.

I guess what I'm saying is no, the younger generation is not going to be destroying the art, and no the older generation is not the infallible torch bearer. We are a community of magicians. we learn from each other every day. This means that the most green magician still has something to teach the most seasoned performer. Remember that.

Lance Burton retiring

It appears that Lance Burton is finishing up his tour at the Monte Carlo in Vegas. He has said that his last show will be in September, so anyone wanting to see him perform should go ASAP.

Just a heads up.

Magic Talk Shutting Down

Recently I have been frequenting the forum www.magictalk.com. This forum, like other internet forums, was dedicated to discussing the topic at hand: magic.

Now there are several other magic forums, but I found that MagicTalk was one of the better ones. It seemed to have people who didn't simply want to tear each other down, but actually help each other to learn and achieve.

I am very saddened to learn that the forum will be shutting down. Just wanted to let everyone know that we are losing a great resource for magicians.

www.kingstoyou.com

Permit Issues

As I've said, soon (1 May) I'm off to California to try my hand at busking at Venice Beach, the Third Promenade, and any other place I think I can get away with it. Unfortunately, this has put me up against the same problem that buskers have been facing for a very long time: the issue of permits.

Now busking is considered an expression of free speech. I don't rightly care if you think it should be, it is. The Supreme Court has upheld this many times as have many appeals courts across the United States.

I can see your brain cogs a whirling! If it's free speech, you're asking yourself. "How can you need a permit? Ah, there's the rub! The courts have said that while busking is free speech, the city may also require a permit to busk. This started out the cities issuing permits for hundreds of dollars a piece. Well the courts didn't too much like that either, so they said that while you may require a permit, the permit may cost no more than the amount of money to create and administer it.

That's right! And still cities require permits. But I found out where to go about getting permits to perform at the locations I'm wanting to busk at, and here is that information in a handy little bundle for you:


"Venice Beach: Individuals interested in exercising free speech, public expression, or performance at the Venice Beach Boardwalk are required to obtain a Venice Beach Boardwalk Public Expression Permit. Permits can be obtained at the Venice Beach Park Office, located at 1800 Oceanfront Walk, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Photo permits are issued the same day. Individuals requesting a permit will need to bring photo ID, pay a one-time, $25.00 fee, and will be required to sign a statement that states they have read and understood the Venice Beach Boardwalk Guidelines. The guidelines are based on Los Angeles Municipal Code 42.15, which can be viewed online at www.cityofla.org."

"Santa Monica Pier: A street performer’s permit can be obtained at City Hall Permits Office, 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401. The contact phone number is 310-458-8745. The fee is $37 for a street performer’s permit."

"Third Street Promenade: Street performers' licenses are issued out of Santa Monica City Hall at 1685 Main Street, Rm 103. Call 310-458-8745 for more information. An application may be obtained in person, and two passport-sized photos and a photo ID are required. The licensing office is open between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and alternate Fridays. The application process takes three days. The license fee is $37 per person for one year and runs from January 1 to December 31."


So there you are readers. Keep up to date as I jump through the red tape hoops.

www.kingstoyou.com

Inspiration

A magician needs to constantly draw new inspiration, be it from other magicians, a particularly beautiful effect, or from some other source. I'm spending the weekend hanging out with old friends and taking a drive through the Texas Hill Country.

Now for those of you who have never been through the Texas Hill Country during this time of year, you are missing something spectacular. The normally green, rugged hills of Texas are alive with blotches of colors, wildflowers dotting the highways and the fields for as far as you can see. It really is something to take your breath away.

Of particular interest is the single largest wildflower farm in the world. Wildseed Farms in Fredricksburg, Texas, is one of the most amazing places to see wildflowers. You want fields of colors the likes you've never seen? Take a drive out here. They have live music, real country biscuits, and homemade salsa all set in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. What more inspiration could you ask for?

So for all of you magicians in the Texas area looking for a fresh idea, join the magicians from Kings To You for an unforgettable experience!

James Randi

The official scoop.

I'd just like to say that in light of this news...no one cares. Honestly, no one cares. Oh I'm sure there are one or two people out there in rage because Randi is homosexual, but far and wide, who gives a flying flip?

I understand that for someone his age his life hasn't been easy, but in this day and age, most people are very understanding and frankly, couldn't care less. It doesn't make him less of a man. It doesn't mean that he isn't important to the magic community. So everyone out there: the world is still turning.

Exposure II again

A while back Cameron was talking about exposure in the magic community, and I would say that I am of the same, or very similar, mindset as he is. Exposure is going to happen, so everyone needs to calm down about it. The day when the laymen don't want to try and find out the secrets is the day they don't want to watch magic at all. I would rather them pick up a thing or two here and there. Or learn some crappy stage effect from fox. People like the masked magician reveal things, but not very well, and most good stage performers are not using that stuff anyways. And of course close up and parlor magician are not using it, so not much harm is really done.

Also, like Cameron says, most everything is available for a price anyways and everyone needs to start somewhere. While I would prefer that only people truly wanting to LEARN magic be able to get access to them, that is a bit unrealistic. I personally don't even care if they want to perform. There are plenty of magic historians and builders of effects that never perform themselves and it would be stupid to say that just because they don't perform that they must know less. There is something to being a performer that is more than just knowing how things are done. But there is also something to the know-how of building and the history behind the magic. I think many magicians today do not know or care enough about the history behind it all. They just want to be able to impress people as quickly and easily, for them, as possible.

Now, while I don't mind exposure all that much, I do feel bad when a magician puts out a good piece of magic and it ends up on YouTube for the laymen to track down once you show them. I think they should at least be secret for a little bit, and hopefully make the inventor a little money so that they can live and all that. That is of course assuming it is a good trick for a reasonable price, and not overpriced crap like you find everywhere. Anyways, I could go on and on, I had to work hard to keep this as short as it is because Cameron and I, and probably most magicians who care, could go one for ever with discussions like this. This is just my two cents, or maybe just one cent as I could go on a bit more. Feel free to discuss, and feel free to check out our business website at here.

Post Script: This is the second time I posted this, because my first one did some weird formatting things for some reason, so lets try it again.

~Suit

Kings to You

Hello, Suitcase here. Just wanted to give everyone a quick word from me. In case any potential clients are around I have some information for you. While Cameron is getting ready to drive off into the great blue yonder I will still be around in College Station and available for performances, consultations, and lessons.

That's right! You heard correct. Kings to You Magic is now serving TWO states with magic entertainment. Head over to our website www.kingstoyou.com for contact and performance information. So drop us a line, we are always eager to hear from our fans.

~Suit

Sherwood Forest: End of Season Report

Well the very first season of the Sherwood Forest Renaissance Festival is over, and let me just say that if you missed it this year, you missed one of the best festivals on the circuit today. Notice that I didn't say one of the best first-year festivals. Notice that I didn't say that it would become one of the best festivals. No. I said it is one of the very best festivals out there, and it is gearing up to take on any other festival worth it's salt!

I would like to issue a huge thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this festival everything that it was this year. It was an amazing experience, and I look forward to repeating it again and again and again.

I'd also like to thank everyone who participated in the Upper Gypsy Camp pot-lucks and parties every weekend. All of you really made the festival what it is and helped to create a strong sense of community that the Upper Gypsy Camp has. Thank you.

Finally, I'd like to issue a huge thanks to all the patrons who came. Y'all were phenomenal. We couldn't have asked for a better bunch of people coming out to Faire. With your continued support, we are going to make Sherwood Forest Faire the faire to go to!

www.kingstoyou.com

City of Bryan- First Friday

So I just got back from First Friday, and art/music/community get together on the first Friday of every month. I haven't been to one in a bit because of the Festival I'm performing at, but finally made it for this one.

It was a blast! The weather was great, the music was good, and the company was amazing. I make my home around the Village Cafe and Art 979 Gallery, and the crowd there was amazing. I did my first set moments after I arrived (sooner than I wanted to) because a young girl saw my sign and drug her family over to where I was, and who am I to say no to my adoring fans? So the first show was a huge success, about 35-40 people at any one time.

An hour or so later I hit up my second set (I'm there to relax and have fun as well as work...don't judge me!) and it went very well. Had a bunch of adults, fewer kids, and the crowd was great.

The rest of the night was catching up with friends and hanging out. I almost did a third set, but decided to just relax instead.

Total take for the night: 1 glass of wine, one chicken salad sandwich w/side salad, one iced tea, two bottles of coke, and $15 dollars left after all of that, so a great night tip-wise as well.

Anyway, off to prep for tomorrow's shows at Sherwood. It's the last weekend. Good night.

www.kingstoyou.com