| Greetings friends,
It seems our run at Palace Station is bringing on one opportunity after another! STREET OF CARDS MAGIC MAGAZINE COVER STORY
THE LAS VEGAS BUZZ IN THE MOVIES We have been listening to feedback from our friends like YOU, and adding many new classes to the Magic & Mystery School schedule. We hope you can come to Las Vegas and join us for one soon. You can see the new schedule at http://www.magicalwisdom.com/calendar.php. We look forward to seeing you here soon! Your friend in magic, |
“Women have served all these centuries as looking-glasses possessing the magic and delicious power of reflecting the figure of man at twice its natural size.”
— Virginia Woolf
Hello friends!Â
Abigail here, checking in from the House of Mystery in Las Vegas. Jeff’s new show, MAGIC AT THE EDGE is up and running, and everyone is having a lot of fun with WONDERGROUND on the weekends, too! During the week, Jeff still has time to work with individual students in private sessions.Â
Recently, one of his students was sharing how he really hates to show his wife any magic, because he feels like she’s his worst critic; she’s not enthusiastic about watching his newest effect, and is always telling him what he’s doing wrong.Â
Hearing him made me start thinking… As a woman in love with a magician, I am in a unique position. I’m the one, primarily, who he has the opportunity to “practice on.” So, I think one of the things a magician would benefit by remembering is to always approach with care. There’s a big difference between, “Hey, c’mere, I want to try this on you,” and “My darling, when you have a moment, I have something I’d really love to do for you.” Once I’ve had the chance to see a new effect, I need to remember that this is an expression of my beloved’s creativity, and it will do me good to respond with care as well, after all, this is the man I love, right?Â
Of course, I’m going to want to give honest feedback. I mean, to allow him to continue performing an effect while flashing or fumbling would be akin to sending a five year old to school with his pants on backwards. I don’t want the “other kids” to laugh, right?
I want to be sure to start with positive feedback first, so my magician doesn’t feel shot down. I’ll tell him what I liked, even if it’s just the idea behind the effect, and then I’ll tell him, clearly and kindly, what isn’t working. Often, I’ll offer my ideas on how the problem could be solved, whether it’s by shifting his finger position, changing his body posture, clarifying his script, or videotaping a move so he can see what I see. It’s all coming from a place of wanting to see him succeed, because I care… because I love him.Â
Part of what makes my feedback valuable is that I’m genuinely interested in magic. It’s one of the creative activities that Jeff and I share. We have other interests we share as well, like music, ballroom dancing, and fire circles. But when it comes to magic, I have nearly twenty years of experience both onstage and behind the scenes, as well as at the Magic and Mystery School. So I know what to look for, and I know the lingo….Â
Maybe your wife or partner doesn’t have the same extensive experience. Maybe she doesn’t know a flash from a pass, when it comes to prestidigitation. But, if she loves you, she still wants you to succeed, and she still wants to help you to grow in your creativity, just as you would want for her, right? So, remember, maybe she’s not your worst critic, but your best friend in disguise. Approach her with care; ask her nicely for her help, and you may find a wonderful ally in your magical world.Â
Yours in the mystery…
Abigail McBrideÂ
A few notes from Bryce:Â
Hi all,Â
I just got back from our first Magic & Martial Arts conference. It was a blast! Jeff and I decided that it was very much like the first year of Mystery School… a collection of very cool people with no agenda other than to explore together.Â
I think my favorite part of the weekend were the various demos. We watched some amazing footage of Aaron Crow freaking out audience members with martial mentalism. To even the score a bit, co-host Tom Meseroll sliced a watermelon balanced precariously on Aaron’s stomach. Other demos included some amazing Georgia Magnet work by Sensei Strange, Iron Shirt Chi Kung from Zamora and some scary chain whip moves from yours truly. I can’t wait to see the video…
While there were only nine attendees at this event (plus Jeff and myself), they will form the core group for next year’s conference. The talents present, both martial and magical, were astonishing. I was honored to have spent the week with such inspirational people.Â
Magic & Meaning is coming up in a few weeks. I’m really sad that I won’t be able to go, but Jen and I will be hosting some of the Shao-lin instructors here in Phoenix for our annual Elder Master visit. This year Jeff and Eugene are trying something new: they’re turning the conference into the “TED Talks” of magic. I hear Larry Hass has quite a lineup of presenters.Â
Finally, I want to apologize for the amount of “press” we’ve been sending you. If you’re like me, your filters are set pretty high for this type of stuff. But Jeff is really excited about the show and Wonderground and, apparently, so are the audiences and press.Â
Yours in better magic,
Bryce
THE SHOW AND NIGHTCLUB IS A BIG HIT! Read the reviews:
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Greetings Friends,
Lance Burton, Criss Angel, Johnny Thompson, Eugene Burger, Chris Kenner, Jason England, and many other top magic names attended the MAGIC AT THE EDGE show, and WONDERGROUND last weekend! 
Photo: Richard Faverty/Beckett Studios
Anyone who was with us last week witnessed amazing card manipulation by Spanish National Champion EDUARDO, the high weirdness of ZAMORA The Torture King, the surreal magic of Jordan Wright and many others! Watch the video at StreetOfCards.com A special awards ceremony was held for Steve Dacri, who received Close-Up Magician of The Year from Tony Hassini, president of the International Magicians Society.
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EVERY WEEK WE WILL PRESENT NEW TALENT AND INTERNATIONAL STARS OF MAGIC AND VARIETY! Comedy magic, Stage magic, Close-up, Street & Strolling Magic, Variety, Art, Sculpture, Film and Video, Dance, Performance Art. For details go to http://www.vegaswonderground.com/
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Just look at the amazing line up we have for you this weekend: Steve Dacri – IMS Close-up Magician of the Year! Jeff McBride – Presenting New Parlor Magic creations Chris Randall – Performing his competition stage act Nancy Roth – The Psychic Ventriloquist The Dymonds – Las Vegas Lounge Magic Scott Hitchcock – International Stand Up Magic Paul Draper – Mind-bending Mentalist Don Hahn – Up close magic creations MIDNIGHT MAGIC The return of ZAMORA with an entirely new act! (You’ve been warned!) 
Avant garde films and video art by Jordan Wright. Street and strolling magic with Tommy Wind, George Millward, and more! DJ Master Leo Diaz spins early evening smooth down-tempo & ambient chill …after midnight: house and techno mash ups. Dance animation by THE MOJO-A-GO-GO GIRLS
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Plus: Live art installations by Areeya, Katlyn, and other Las Vegas artists. Psychic sideshow! by Morganne and Danita. Twisted Sculpture by B. A. Lunatic and Roger Godin. Magicians-only private session table (show your “pass” to get in) Coming up in the next weeks: Sept 13 & 14: Jeff’s 48-hour Birthday Bash! Saturday the 13th: The New World Rhyhmatism Ensemble – Middle Eastern Dance with Joshua Levin and Deborah Nervig and special guests. Sept 19 & 20: MAGIC AND THE MARTIAL ARTS! Students of martial arts will converge on the WONDERGROUND to mix magic and the skills of the Asian masters! FISM winner Aaron Crow, Sensei Strange, Kinetic Shiva, Tom Meseroll, Bryce Kuhlman and a possible demonstration by the Chinese Shao-lin Center. UPCOMING: SEPT/OCT Kubilay Tuncer – TV star and magic celebrity from Istanbul Berk! – First Place Winner of the Turkish TV show PHENOMENA with Uri Geller God’s Favorite Mind Reader! – Luke Jermay Buster Balloon – Twisted Variety Abraca-drag with Mona Lott Matt Black – The New Card Act! The WONDERGROUND is a co-creation of so many talented artists. It is an honor and a pleasure to share my showroom with all of you! Spread the word… it is happening at WONDERGROUND! Please feel free to forward this information to your lists and friends! See you there! Jeff
“It’s one of the most stunning and incredible illusions you can imagine. Acclaimed magician Jeff McBride rolls up his sleeves to his shoulders to prove there is absolutely nothing there at all. Then hundreds of playing cards individually appear from his fingertips, pour from his mouth and race from his arms and elbows. He then flicks them at Guinness Book of World Records speed so fast they actually bounce off the floor and land perfectly in a pile 30 feet away. It’s not just mind-boggling — it’s
mind-numbing.”
— Robin Leach on Magic at the Edge
Jeff & Robin Leach
Photo: Richard Faverty/Beckett Studios
Greetings friends,
All is well in Las Vegas. McBride Magic at the Edge is up and running. The dream has become a reality. After 21 years of performing in other people’s shows, we finally have opened our own room. Please join us for the fun and magical adventure! (details below)
Photo: Richard Faverty/Beckett Studios
The press night of the show we had 2 standing ovations…I guess the show is a big hit! People are asking me about our show schedule. We have shows each night at 7:30pm, and if you come Fri and Sat, just stay on for our after-party at the Wonderground.
AWARDED BEST MAGIC SHOW 2008
This Wednesday we had a pre-show awards ceremony. Our friend Tony Hassini presented our show with the award.
I would also like to thank all the Mystery School magicians and local magicians who are showing up to contribute to the magical extravaganza that is the Wonderground.
Yours in magic,
Jeff
McBride: Magic at the Edge
August 21 through Thanksgiving
Nightly at 7:30pm (except Tuesdays)
Sound Trax Showroom at Palace Station
For tickets, call (702) 221-6756 or visit
http://www.palacestation.com/entertainment/trax/
Wonderground: A Magical Club Experience
Every Friday and Saturday, 10pm until 2am
Sound Trax Showroom at Palace Station
Visit VegasWonderground.com for more information
“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.”
— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Greetings friends and magi,
Our dreams are coming true! We are so excited to share the great news! After our many, many years of touring the world, we are actually coming home to Las Vegas for a long run! Well, three months is a long run anywhere for us, in this business. In the next few weeks we will tell you about special theme weekends and exciting guest stars. Read on to see all of the new additions to our class line-up this fall!
MCBRIDE MAGIC AT THE EDGE OPENS AUGUST 21!
A VERY SPECIAL OFFER TO ALL MAGIC AND MYSTERY SCHOOL STUDENTS:
FREE TICKETS TO JEFF MCBRIDE: MAGIC AT THE EDGE!
Yes that’s right! Any student who attends a class with us at the MAGIC AND MYSTERY SCHOOL, from now until Thanksgiving will get 2 free tickets to see the show and attend the after party at Jeff McBride’s WONDERGROUND!
We know a lot of you have been friends for a long time – and we need your help now to spread the word – there are just three months to experience “Magic at the Edge” right here in Las Vegas, in an intimate showroom (just 200 seats – none more than 30 feet from the action). We want to fill every seat – and perhaps if we do, we can extend the run. But for now, please help us out by telling your friends to rush and get their tickets, either on line at http://www.palacestation.com/entertainment/trax/, or by calling them at (702) 547-5300.
SIGN UP TODAY AND JOIN US FOR THE FINAL CLASSES OF 2008!
3 DAY MASTER CLASS: Sept 12, 13, 14
The 3-day Master Class includes personal instruction and videotaped feedback. This is the only event in the world of magic that focuses on you and the performance of your magic. Those who choose not to perform are always amazed at how much they learn from experiencing McBride’s Master Class process and especially from listening to the critiques of others.
MAGIC AND MARTIAL ARTS: Sept.16, 17, 18
“Experience the Mystery of Mastery!” Dedication, discipline, patience and practice, are just a few of the ingredients it takes to hone your craft. Join us for one of the world’s most unusual magic events. Special guests include Tom Meseroll, author of the new book, MAGUS: MASTER OF MARTIAL MAGIC, and FISM winner Aaron Crow. This week’s theme for the class and stage show will feature martial arts magicians from around the world.
FOCUS ON STAGE MAGIC AND MANIPULATION: Sept. 22, 23
A 2 day intensive where a small group will journey deep into the art of stage magic. This is a “hands on” workshop, so bring the magic you want to polish with you!
FOCUS ON STREET MAGIC,: Oct. 8, 9, 10
Both classic “busker style” magic and modern TV magic will be explored during this event. Also a special bonus! FREE admission to THE AGE OF CHIVALRY: the Las Vegas Renaissance Faire! Our friends have a huge castle at the Ren-faire that has a stage. We will take turns on the stage working our magic with the faire attendees!
THE MAGIC AND MEANING CONFERENCE: Oct. 22, 23, 24, 25
Join Eugene Burger, Robert Neale, Dr. Lawrence Hass, George Parker, David Goodsell and many top storyteller magicians for a weekend of wisdom and inspiration.
This event includes the Famous Las Vegas Witches and Wizard’s Ball and BONEDANCE, an all night Fire ritual in the Nevada desert! Go to the website to read all about it!
MAGIC AND MEDICINE: Nov. 6, 7, 8, 9
Magicians, doctors, nurses, therapists, medical professionals and all kinds of folks who love magic will join us in Las Vegas for this 4th annual event. If you are interested in the healing power of magic and its connection to the medical arts, this is an event for you! This event will focus on magic and its use in the workplace, on stage, as part of presentations and just plain fun! All levels are welcome!
MENTALISM MASTER CLASS: Nov 12, 13, 14
Master Mentalist Ross Johnson will join Eugene Burger and top “mystery entertainers” from around the world for this in depth exploration in the realm of mind mystery. Recently, we had the pleasure of coaching many of the students that won Uri Geller’s “Phenomena” TV show. Now you can learn the inside secrets to create your own award winning mind reading and mental miracles!
See you at the show! And thank you all for spreading the word about our new show, our nightclub and our events here in Las Vegas!
Your friend in the art of magic,
Jeff
A SPECIAL NOTE FROM TOBIAS:
For our friends in Canada – before we open the show at Palace Station, we’ll be in residence at the Capital Magic Festival at the Civic Center Arena in Ottawa on August 15, 16 & 17. Not only will we be performing Magic at the Edge, but Jeff will be offering a one-day “Secret Session” mini-master class. Learn more at http://www.ottawasuperex.com/index_magic.php?page=43
Also, if you’re a fellow magician, variety entertainer or performance artist and you’ll be here in Las Vegas during the run of Magic at the Edge and The Wonderground, and you think you’d like to perform at the Wonderground, please contact me at tobias@yourmagic.com. We have a limited number of spots available, so I can’t guarantee you’ll get on our list of performers – but I CAN guarantee that if you do, you’ll have a great time!
JUST IN: One of our students for the August extended master class (our last of the year) had just had to cancel – opening up one spot in that class. Register and send your deposit today and the slot is yours! Not only do you get to experience the intensive class, with visits to both Mac King’s show and Lance Burton’s (including visits with Mac & Lance after the show) – but for the first time you’ll also get to see Jeff’s own show over at Palace Station, with an exclusive backstage tour, and your own invitation to become a real “Las Vegas Performer” by performing strolling magic for our guests at McBride’s Magic Wonderground. Hurry and sign up now, though, as only the one slot has opened up!
Looking forward to seeing you here in Vegas!
Sincerely,
Tobias Beckwith
There’s a fascinating new film available on DVD, called WOMEN IN BOXES. This full length documentary about the lives of magicians’ assistants features short interviews with Eugene Burger, Jeff & Abbi McBride, and many Mystery School alumni and friends. Get an inside look at what happens behind the scenes and inside the boxes… This is an entertaining, fun film, made by our friend Blaire Larsen. You can get your copy at