Eugene’s Legacy
Lawrence Hass, Ph.D., Associate Dean
As I write this, the sunny heat of August has become the cool air and vibrant colors of late September. It is a refreshing time—the threshold of my favorite season.
And this year early autumn brings something extra to my spirit: profound appreciation for our recently departed friend, Eugene Burger. For me, the shock of his death (in early August) has passed. The deep pain of personal loss is lessening. What is in my heart, above all, are the gifts and memories, the joy of having known him.
What I would like to do in this Museletter is put some of this joy into words by expressing my sense of Eugene’s legacy. Or to be precise, his legacies, because I believe there are (at least) five truly special, distinctive gifts Eugene left for us and for magicians of the future. You might have others to add, but at this time here are the ones on my mind. Eugene gave us:
A Legacy of Excellent Magic
From the very beginning, Eugene’s vision was to perform magic that had great impact upon his audiences, and he achieved this quality over and over again. He was a world-class performer, especially in the area of close-up magic. He achieved this through a highly disciplined approach to preparation and delivery: impeccable taste in material, rigorous practice and rehearsal, no empty patter-blather, and not inflicting his magic on people until it was really ready. As Eugene taught, “When you finally think you are ready to perform something for people . . . wait another month.â€
A Legacy of Friendship
Part of Eugene’s distinctive magic is that he made everyone feel special and connected to him. He sincerely liked nearly everyone he met, and one of his super-powers was his ability to put people in contact who needed to meet or know one another. Further, Eugene created countless opportunities for many magicians, young and old alike. In his later years, he passionately talked and taught about this aspect of his great success in terms of David Devant’s saying (and poster), “All Done by Kindness.â€
A Legacy of Simplicity
Eugene lived with Zen simplicity and clarity. His apartment was lean and clean. Material things came into his life and passed out of them, usually as gifts to others. His clothing was simple and elegant. All his performing material fit in his carry-on luggage. (When I once asked how he managed this, he said, “Larry, remember: everything weighs something.â€) Eugene avoided gossip, conflict, and ego struggle. He was keenly centered “in the moment,†present and aware. When difficulties emerged, he communicated quickly and directly, going for the win-win. Yet those encounters were rare because Eugene had genuine compassion for other people’s perspectives and foibles.
A Legacy of Words
Eugene left us with an incredible literature: books, essays, columns, and video blogs—in great quantity and of exceptional quality. He was one of the bestselling magic authors of the past thirty years, and his writings were, and continue to be, utterly transformational for magicians. Now that Eugene has died, most of us find ourselves going back to his words. To guide you to some of my favorite writings, allow me to recommend my P-E-P Talk from the 2016 Magic and Meaning Conference titled “Eugene Burger: Hidden Treasures.†Since the time of that presentation I have discovered an additional one for that list: “Notes on the Metaphysics of Magic,†the penultimate chapter of Strange Ceremonies.
A Legacy of Teaching
Eugene was a beloved teacher—a master teacher of magic. He has students all over the world, including some of the most famous names in magic. But also, starting in 1991 he worked closely and continually with Jeff McBride to found, develop, and build the Magic & Mystery School, now in its twenty-sixth year. Eugene was absolutely devoted to the School’s mission: to advance the art of magic by working with students through kindness (not cruelty) and by encouraging their personal self-expression. Indeed, Eugene’s perpetual question for all of his students was: “What do you want your magic to be?†The good news is that he left us one final book on this very topic, Teaching Magic: A Book for Students and Teachers of the Art, which will be released on October 23rd by my Theory and Art of Magic Press.
Eugene Burger: what a remarkable person he was! How lucky we are to have known him! And rest assured: the McBride Magic & Mystery School is plunging forward in the direction Eugene helped define—making changes to adapt to his loss and making many plans for new growth.
Eugene wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
Contact:Tobias Beckwith
Magic Teacher Schools Penn & Teller!
Las Vegas – September 8, 2017: Last night on the CW, while becoming only the 8th performer of this season’s Fool Us to actually fool Penn & Teller, master magic teacher Jeff McBride told the pair that, “Magic is not always a puzzle to be solved, but sometimes a mystery to be experienced.” McBride proceeded to fool them completely with one of his signature pieces, known as “Rainmaker,†which conveys the story of a mysterious unseen force that causes two metal bowls to fill and refill with seemingly endless amounts of water.
McBride is a teacher of the art of magic and has been wowing Las Vegas audiences since he first appeared at Caesar’s Palace with Diana Ross back in the 1980’s. He became one of Las Vegas’ youngest stars when he headlined Le Bal de Moulin Rouge Revue at The Las Vegas Hilton when he was only 25. McBride headlined Caesars Magical Empire, and for the past 9 years has hosted his own magic nightclub, Jeff McBride’s WONDERGROUND in Las Vegas.
McBride’s Magic & Mystery School was founded in 1991. The school is a “Real life Hogwarts” that teaches stage magic and close up magic to hundreds of professional magicians from all around the world. Students include A.G.T. winner Mat Franco. Designated “the world’s most prestigious magic school,” by BBC TV, McBride’s School is a major influence on the art of magic around the world.
Most recently, McBride has returned from a two-month, 5-city tour of China with his Las Vegas Magic Stars show, conceived and produced in concert with illusionist Greg Gleason. The show is scheduled to return to touring early in 2018.
What’s next for McBride? “At this point, I’m focusing mostly on our magic school and bringing quality magic to audiences who wouldn’t otherwise receive it. I’ve been strongly inspired by my late teacher (and Dean of our School for 26 years), Eugene Burger. Eugene said, ‘The enchantments of magic point beyond mere illusion to the Great Mystery of life, the eternal transformation of life, death and rebirth.’â€
# # # # #
Millions of viewers around the world witnessed Jeff McBride on Penn & Teller’s “Fool Us“. Were they fooled? You bet they were! Now, magic lovers around the world are wondering where and how they can study with Jeff to learn his wonderful magic.
Remember our last Museletter? We told you all about:
The McBride Masterpiece Series
More info here: http://www.magicalwisdom.com/masterpieces
And about
“Jeff McBride’s Inner Circle Mentoringâ€
If you’re ready to really take your magic to the next level, contact Abigail to schedule your sessions now.
Important: Please contact Abigail (Abigail@mcbridemagic.com) to get scheduled for your sessions, or with any questions.
Also: Please note that we have 3 or 4 spots left for this year’s Magic & Meaning Conference. We’ve recently spent quite a lot of time and effort planning the details of the conference, and it promises to be something really special. If you’ve already signed up, do make sure you’ve also reserved your hotel room. Our discount rate is only good until September 22.
The Biggest Magic Party in Las Vegas -Â 3 Nonstop shows, one night only!
WONDERGROUND September 21st, 2017
7:30pm   Allen Scott will do tarot readings in the “art area” before and after the close-up shows by Kent Axell, Will Bradshaw, Tim Shegitz, Jeff McBride, and Ryan Brown
8:00pm   Tim Wise is your MC
Jose Herrara -Â Amazing Illusions
Tim Shegitz – Magic & Comedy
Jeff McBride – Always a Wonder to Remember
Kent Axell – Magic & the Mind
Will Bradshaw – Street Magic Sensations
Krystal Lawrence – Femme Fatal
Ryan Brown – Lord and Master of the Rings!
 9:00pm
Krystal Lawrence – Close up
Jeff McBride – The Magical Medicine Show
Steelfyre – Die-namic Dice-ceptions
Kent Axell – Magic and Mind reading
10:00pm    Jeff McBride is your MC
Tim Wise – The Host with the Magical Most
Jose Herrara – Exotic Illusion
CG Ryche – Drummagic!
Allen Abbott – Faster than your eye!
Will Bradshaw – Moonlight on The Moulin Rouge
Ryan Brown – Card Manipulation Supreme!
PLUS:  Photography by Sheryl Garrett, Bar Magic with Zack Pattee, Scott Steelfyre, Corey Rubino, Taylor Lloyd, New World Rhythmatism Belly Dancers, Guest Belly Dance Stars, Psychic Sideshow with Alan Scott, live art with Areeya – and many more surprises and special celebrity guests
That’s it for this week.
I look forward to seeing you at Wonderground, on Monday Night Mysteries, or at one of our events here in Las Vegas soon!
Best wishes for a magical September.
Sincerely,
Jeff McBride
Dear Friends:
Late Breaking News! Jeff McBride is hotter than ever. Just back from a tour of China and Peru, now he will be featured on the top two magic shows on TV during the next two weeks. Don’t miss him tonight (Sept. 1) on Masters of Illusion on the CW network, and then again next week (Sept. 7) on Penn & Teller’s Fool Us, also on CW. Check your local listings for exact times. These are memorable performances you won’t want to miss! Please help us spread the word.
This week’s article is from our friend Bryce Kuhlman, an amazing serial entrepreneur in his own right, and wizard of all things digital for the Magic & Mystery School. Enjoy his words of wisdom!
From Bryce:
I remember years ago…
A friend called and asked if I wanted to take over the online sales and fulfillment for a big celebrity (CDs, DVDs and so on). I’ve been in eCommerce for over 20 years and have helped build many successful companies. But, my expertise has always been in the online part… creating and optimizing the systems, digital delivery, increasing revenue and conversion rate, etc.
Now I was being asked to build a fulfillment house. We’re not talking a few boxes in a closet, and a couple of trips to the post office every week. They were sending hundreds of boxes a day. That meant warehouses, inventory management and unskilled labor.
I was tempted by the challenge.
But I also knew it was pretty far outside my wheelhouse, and was going to take a lot of work… and not the fun kind.
So I did what I would always do when I had a big decision to make:
I called Eugene.
He answered my question by posing one of his own:
“Is that the business you want to be in?â€
I only had to think for a second before responding “not really!â€
That was 15 years ago and I still ask myself that question on a regular basis.
So many people that strike out on their own think they have to do it all themselves.
“Chief cook and bottle washer,†as the saying goes.
And magicians seem to be some of the worst. They try to be performer, graphic designer, marketer, prop builder, director, etc., etc., etc.
One of my business partners has this great saying: “Get in your own lane and stay there!â€
I’ve added to it:
“… and surround yourself with others who are going in the same direction, but in their own lanes.â€
There was a time, not too long ago, when it was hard to find people to help. Even if you lived in a decent-sized city, the Yellow Pages wasn’t exactly user friendly. And, even if you did find people with expertise in other areas, how could you know if they were going to be a good fit for your specific needs?
Those days are gone.
We now have entire communities of people that legitimately want to help (and can deliver the goods).
So I urge you to take a hard look at all the things you’re doing and ask yourself a few questions:
We all have TO DO lists.
I want you to create a TO DON’T list.
Then reach out. Ask your colleagues and mentors.
Ask us. I’ve been involved in The Magic & Mystery School for over 25 years. Many of the things I’ve accomplished in life would not have been possible without the support, and connections, that have come from this amazing community we’ve built.
Pick up the phone. Send that email.
Do what you love and partner with people who love what they do.
“Anything is possible – if you dare to ask!â€
The Aladdin Factor†by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, authors of the best-selling Chicken Soup for the Soul series
You haven’t seen it yet, but in the next week or two, it will happen on TV.
Jeff McBride performed his famous “Rainmaker†piece on “Fool Us” for Penn & Teller.
Millions of viewers around the world witnessed Jeff McBride on Penn & Teller’s “Fool Us“. Were they fooled? You’ll have to watch to find out. Now, magic lovers around the world are wondering where and how they can study with Jeff to learn his wonderful magic.
The McBride Masterpiece Series
More info here:
http://www.magicalwisdom.com/masterpieces
A personal note from Jeff:
Many people from around the world just can’t get to Las Vegas, so I created a new program to help those who really need expert magic training. I call it:
“Jeff McBride’s Inner Circle Mentoring”
This is a one-on-one class. I am only accepting a few students, like you, who are reading this now.
It will be just you and me, working on your ideas, visions, routines, business needs, career and dreams.
We will focus on setting your goals, and on to ways reach them.
Here is the basic info, and below is a list of the areas we can work on.
https://www.magicalwisdom.com/shop/p/product/skype-mentoring-package
Due to a very full schedule, I am only accepting a small number of students into my Inner Circle at this time
New Skype Mentoring Sessions: Take a look at Victor’s testimonial!
If you are just joining my Inner Circle now, and are ready to really take your magic to the next level, contact Abigail to schedule your sessions.
We will be starting up again in September.
Important: Please contact Abigail (Abigail@mcbridemagic.com) to get scheduled for your sessions, or with any questions.
We are thrilled to be part of your success, and one of our greatest joys is to help you grow in the art of magic.
We hope to hear from you soon.
3 steps to YOUR new life
Do you really want to live your magic dream life? I can make this easy for you!
STEP #1
Watch this TED talk on the “5 second rule” by Mel Robbins. This is the short version.. you might want to watch extended versions.
STEP #2
Go here and choose the VERY BEST class for you… yes, you can do this!
http://www.magicalwisdom.com/events
STEP #3
Last step: Go here and fill out the scholarship application form and send it in!
http://www.magicalwisdom.com/scholarships
The next step is up to you… I’ve opened a path to the heart of my magic and invite you to join us!
Jeff, Abigail and all your friends at McBride’s Magic & Mystery SchoolÂ
Las Vegas Magician of the Month:
Mondre
From the moment he takes the stage, it is obvious to see why Mondre has been called one of the smoothest practitioners of the Art of Magic.
Mondre is the first and only African-American Magician to win the prestigious Grand Prix Magiques de Monte Carlo, an invitation-only magic competition sponsored by Prince Albert and the Royal Family of Monaco. In addition to this historic winning, he is also the winner of The Siegfried And Roy Bronze Lion’s Head Award.
His performance is sure to excite, delight and mystify the senses. Mondre….A Truly Magical Artist For The Ages! See Mondre live in action at the August WONDERGROUND.
WONDERGROUND August 17th
This is our greatest night of the year
The day after Magic Live.
The “Glitterati” and “Celebutants” of Las Vegas will all be here…
…so we have planned ahead, made MORE space for guests, expanded our room, and have our BEST line up of the year!
FOR MORE INFO GO TO WWW.VEGASWONDERGROUND.COM
AUGUST 2017
7:30 PM Â Strolling magic with the entire cast: Â
Payne, Henry, Klause, RJ & Tim
Jaysin and Nikki Nightengale will be greeting and giving out wristbands. Thank you for your support!
8:00 PMÂ Â The Comedy Magic & Variety ShpwÂ
Abigail McBride is your MC
Jarol Martin – Illumination
Master Payne – Master of Mirth and Mystery
Henry Vargas – Direct from Brazil
Scott Land – The Puppet Man
Mondre – Extraordinary magic with the Ultimate Cool!
9:00 PMÂ Â Vegas Magic – Close Up & Strolling
Alberto Lorenzo
Henry Vargas
Taylor Lloyd
Steelfyre
Master Payne
Tim Wise
10:00 PM Â Â The Stage Extravaganza
Tim Wise is your MC
Klause – Tango Trickery
Master Payne -Â Marvels & Mayhem
Tim Wise – A Man on Fire
Henry Vargas – Award Winning Enchantments
Scott Land – The Puppet Master
RJ Cantu – The Laser Man of Illusion
PLUS: Photography by Sheryl Garrett, Bar Magic with Zack Pattee, Scott Steelfyre, Corey Rubino, Taylor Lloyd, New World Rhythmatism Belly Dancers, Guest Belly Dance Stars, Psychic Sideshow with Alan Scott, live art with Areeya – and many more surprises and special celebrity guests
The Bottom Line:
take the next step: www.magicalwisdom.com
Photo by: Michael Caplan
It is with heavy hearts that we, friends of Eugene Burger, inform you that Eugene has passed away in Chicago at the age of 78.
Eugene enjoyed a long, healthy life, but was very recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. Even so, his death today came more quickly than expected, and we are deeply shocked and saddened by his loss.
We know that in the days, weeks, and months ahead, countless things will be written and said about Eugene, and we will share more information, too. But for now, we want to tell you that Eugene embraced his situation with great clarity, humor, and peace of mind. As he said one day, “Now I am on the way to the ultimate capital M Mystery of life.”
Please join us in remembering and celebrating Eugene, a rare and wonderful person who has meant so much to us and to magicians all over the world.”
Below are some beautiful reflections from some of the faculty of the McBride Magic & Mystery School. We hope these words will help bring you all comfort.
Jeff McBride
My teacher for over 30 years and my best friend taught me how to live, grow old gracefully, and how to die with dignity. I have shared more time with this great man that any other man in my life. Every moment was a blessing and his spirit lives on in his students and his works.
Eugene’s life was brighter than 10,000 suns.
Dr. Lawrence Hass
Eugene Burger was my dear friend, mentor, collaborator, show partner, co-author, advisor, co-teacher, and constant companion in my 25-year explorations of magic. His impact on my life was immeasurable, and he was the wisest, most vital philosopher I have ever studied. Heart fully broken today but also full of deep gratitude for his extraordinary friendship.
I want to thank the thousands of you who have posted so respectfully and lovingly today, and who reached out to me personally. My heart and condolences go out to you, too, because Eugene was so beloved by so many.
Tobias Beckwith
Tobias, Eugene, Jeff, Abbi and Larry
I feel so sad that Eugene is gone, but so blessed to have been his friend. Eugene had a way of really seeing you that made us all feel better about ourselves… and better for having him as a friend. His life was a gift to all of us.
Dr. Ricardo Rosenkranz:
One night after the Full August Moon, my friend, mentor and sage found meaning, mystery, and transformation as he, peaceful, embraced a vast eternal sleep.
Simone Marron
As I contemplate the first day on this planet without Eugene, it comes to me that he has not left us. He has left a piece of himself in every one of us. As I read the comments and posts from those who grieve for him, I realize that we all have a common bond. Eugene has touched and impacted every one of our lives in a positive way. Nothing can take that away from us. He will always be with us. He was all about wisdom, love and kindness. Please remember to be kind to those around you. Eugene would have wanted it that way.
Abbi McBride
Jeff, Eugene and Abbi
Tears of grief will turn to sweet memory. These feelings will not last forever, and it will not always be as painful as it is right now. This, I know.
Mostly, I am profoundly grateful to have shared 28 years with The Master. My guru, teacher, guide and friend will never pad down the stairs in his bathrobe again to hug me good morning. I will never hear his resonant voice reciting poetry or giving “words from the dean” to the classes here. I will never be making him breakfast again, or going out to dinner, or sitting with him by the fire….
It’s the little things that break your heart open.
At the corner of my eye
From the edges of a dream
In the center of the space inside my heart
I remember…We remember.
And all that we have loved is always here, now.
All that we have loved is always here.