Greetings, Friends!
Here we are once again in December, coming up on the longest night of the year. Many cultures celebrate this magical time with traditions that go back thousands of years – Yule, Hanukkah, Christmas, and others. One thing they all seem to have in common is the notion of light returning. Even on the darkest night, a single candle brings comfort and light – and a warm fire provides a place to gather and share the stories that help us define who we are communally and individually. Since the earliest cultures, the role of “lore-keeper” has fallen to certain members of a tribe – and often those same members were the shamans, healers, and magicians.
I remember, when I was a child, gathering at my grandparents’ home, along with aunts, uncles, and cousins. This was at a time when many families still had both a family room and a parlor. During most visits to Grandma and Grandpa’s, we would spend most of our indoor time in the family room, watching movies and TV and playing games. But on special occasions, like Thanksgiving and Christmas, they would build a fire in the giant fireplace, and we would gather in the parlor. This was a time without the normal distractions of television, board games, or other casual play. We would open gifts and catch up with one another’s lives – in other words, tell our stories.
Uncle John would tell us about his adventures growing the bank where he was president. Aunt Carol had a funny story about something that happened in the church group where she was active. Mom had something to tell about her activities getting the local League of Women Voters chapter off the ground. Cousins traded stories of what happened at our various schools, or the sports teams we played on. It was a time when the whole family came together as one, sharing our stories around that huge stone fireplace. Sometimes, my Aunt June would sit down at the piano, and we would all sing carols together–all while the field outside the big picture windows filled with snow. I have only happy memories of those days, and I think it had a lot to do with defining the person I was to become.
That’s a big part of the reason I’m excited about the show we’re developing for later this month. Jeff McBride – The Story Master will be a collection of stories from our larger family – the whole human family stretching around the globe. Stories and magic, both the warm and fuzzy kind and the more terrifying, perhaps funny ones. Both the mundane and the magical. Of course, there will be lots of magic – and most of it will be magic you haven’t seen before. As with our other shows online, the formal show will be followed by an after-party where audience members get to ask questions, make observations… and perhaps even tell some of their own stories.
(You can click the graphic to go to the ticketing site.) Tickets start at $30 per screen – which doesn’t mean $30 per person. Gather the whole family and put the Zoom room on your big screen. Just make sure you can turn on your own camera and microphone so you can interact, and we can see all of you. The Zoom platform isn’t quite like a live show, but the show can and will be far more interactive than a typical show on TV or movie. As Jeff likes to tell his audiences, the more energy you give from your end, the more you’ll inspire him and the better the experience will be for everyone.
We hope you’ll be able to join us for our holiday celebration. We have two performances on Saturday, Dec. 18. One at noon and one at 6 pm, Las Vegas time. That’s so our friends on the East Coast and in Europe can join us at times convenient for them, and even those of you in Asia won’t have to get up in the middle of the night. We’re planning a wonderful celebration for all, no matter what your personal holiday traditions and beliefs might be.
Oh…and we’ll be having guest performers, some of whom might be new to you. Chris Herren as Faust is a wonderful performer who, like Jeff, combines mask, mime and magic. His style is unusual and immensely creative. Judge Gary Brown (yes, he’s a real judge) will be telling a harrowing but magical story I’m sure you’ll all be able to relate to. And our own Abigail McBride will be sharing some magic and a story in the Celtic tradition. Have I convinced you to join us yet? I hope so. The more the merrier!
Just click here to get your tickets: https://mcbride.wellattended.com/events/jeff-mcbride-is-the-storymaster
While I’m thinking of it…most of the holidays we celebrate around this time involve the giving and receiving of gifts. We might have something you’d like to give or to get right here at the Magic & Mystery School. A number of new classes have just been posted.
The class I’m personally most excited about is the one Jeff and I will be teaching for 8 weeks, twice weekly, starting January 14. It’s our class for professionals, and we’re calling it Show & Business. It’s probably different from any other class you may have taken, as it will be largely student-directed. In the first week or two, we’ll give you the basics of building a business around your magic and re-thinking your magic to make sure you’re serving your market as well as possible. After that, you’ll tell us what you want us to teach. The format will be that we’ll deliver you a lesson on streaming video each weekend, and then on Tuesday and Friday mornings from 9:30 am till 10:15 am (Vegas time.) We’ll meet online in an open seminar format, to discuss what has been taught in the video lecture, and what each one of you is experiencing in building your own business and career. Want tricks appropriate for your situation? We’ll teach that. Want marketing and sales techniques? We’ll teach that. Each week you’ll tell us what you want (by consensus), and we’ll do our best to deliver what you need in our next video lesson and discussions. We have to limit the class to just 18 in order to be able to deliver the kind of personalized instruction you each will need.
Learn more here: https://shop.magicalwisdom.com/event/show-business-the-pro-class
To tell the truth, though, I’m excited about all of our new offerings. Jeff and Larry will be teaching you all about Masters and Mentors of Magic in 3 online sessions starting January 13. Interested in knowing more about Tommy Wonder, Dai Vernon, Juan Tamariz, Eugene Burger, and other master teachers of the past? Do you want to know what made each one special, and formed the heart of their teachings? This is the class for you! Paul Draper will be leading his new class for performers who like doing private events, but who find that, although they get lots of bookings for certain months, they also experience “dry” periods. Book Yourself Solid with Life Cycle Shows is designed to help you learn how to book more events like weddings, bar mitzvahs, and more. People gather to celebrate for baby showers, baby naming ceremonies, baptisms, and confirmations — and they can use our skills. There are seasonal holidays in every religion from Easter to Passover to Chinese New Year -– and they can all use a little entertainment. Paul and his guests will teach you how to find and market for all these and more – and how best to serve those markets, which may be new to you.
Then, starting February 10, Dr. Larry Hass will be teaching a class I know many of you have been waiting for: Deep Study of a Modern Master: Eugene Burger. Larry has helped write and publish the definitive books on Eugene and his work, and I know you’ll want to be there for this very special class.
Any of these classes would make a fine holiday gift – for yourself, or for the magician in your life.
So…that’s what I’ve got for this one. Thanks for reading, and I’ll look forward to seeing you at the show on the 18th, at one of our Mystery School Monday get-togethers, or in class.
Best wishes for a wonderful heartwarming holiday, filled with joy and magic!
Sincerely,
Tobias Beckwith
tobias@yourmagic.com
Greetings my friends,
When was the last time you heard a story that changed your life? I mean a real “shake your bones and make your heart leap out of your chest” kind of story?
Well, you are invited to two great Storytelling Experiences!
They said it couldn’t be done—an online séance.
But after last’s year’s success, we decided to do it again!
Dedicated to the Spirit Theater and Bizarre Magick of Eugene Burger—The 2021 Las Vegas Séance Summit—Live Online
Dates: November 19-21, 2021
If you have ever been interested in the world of ghosts, spirits, and storytelling—then this is the event of the yea—a celebration of bizarre magick and storytelling.
Some of the top minds in the world of spirit theater, séance, and bizarre magick will gather online to form a circle, and share their stories, as we journey together into the world of shadows and candle-lit mysteries.
And when the candles are extinguished, these spirits will emerge enlightened and armed with messages of hope and courage for these challenging times.
Raising Your Spirits in a Time of Darkness
Join us for this 3-day online adventure from darkness to light, as we explore the history and mystery of the performing arts of seance and bizarre magick with some of world’s leading mystery teachers and entertainers.
The teaching team: Jeff McBride, Dr. Larry Hass, and Paul Draper
With Special Guests: Daniel Gastelum, Careena Fenton-Cullen, Joe Cabral, Vince Wilson, and David Parr, and other guests to be named!
Dedicated to the performance arts of séance, bizarre magick, and storytelling. This course will:
Register Now!
https://shop.magicalwisdom.com/event/the-2021-las-vegas-seance-summit-live-online
December is a most magical time!
One of the things I love most in the world is sitting next to the fireplace, sharing some of my favorite stories with my friends. Now you can join me online for a one-day only special event!
An All-New Show! – December 18th 2021
You are invited to our House of Mystery for our first-ever interactive holiday magic show. All new show! * All new magic! * An All-new show for the holidays!
Jeff McBride isTHE STORYMASTER. Come join us, as we celebrate this special time of year with tall tales and magic from many cultures. Pull up a seat to your fire, and join Jeff McBride, as he entertains with these wonderful and inspiring pieces of interactive magic! Yule be amazed! Space is limited, so get your tickets early. Gather family and friends for what promises to be a truly heartwarming time!
Get your ticket here!
https://mcbride.wellattended.com/events/jeff-mcbride-is-the-storymaster
Jeff has created a whole new evening’s entertainment, using the amazing interactive tools developed to create MagicQuest — this time with a different set of holiday stories and magic!
Once again, there will be a special VIP afterparty in which we will share some of the never-before-seen items of Jeff’s extensive collection.
*This is a COMPLETELY NEW EXPERIENCE!
Jeff created the show just for YOU and this year’s YULETIDE SEASON!
Our past couple of shows have been sold out, and garnered raves from our audiences. Here are just a few:
“One of the greatest teachers in the history of magic. He’ll share an important story – his own.”
– David Copperfield
“Fantastic Virtual Experience!! Superb!”
– Mat Franco, USA
America’s Got Talent winner
“The most beautiful magic show that I’ve seen in a long time.”
– Adrian Lacroix, Argentina
Master Magician
“What an experience and a privilege to dive into the life of the Grand-Master!”
– Andrew Lee, Malaysia
Asia’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent semi finalist
Here’s what the New York press said about Jeff McBride:
“He wields the primordial weapons of the magician — the wand, chalice and sword. He wrestles with titanic unseen forces. He does not do rabbits.”
– The New York Times
“McBride, with sleeves pushed up, extrudes card after card from the air. Cards sprout from every fingertip like cabalistic tentacles, then pour from his mouth, as if a full deck had been sequestered inside his cheeks.”
– The New Yorker
THE UNIQUE INTERACTIVE VIP AFTERPARTY EXPERIENCE WILL EXPAND YOUR MIND!
Bonus gifts and extras for our VIP ticket purchasers
MAGIC TREASURE CHEST
Each VIP guest will receive a unique master key to open an online archive of rare videos, photos and Jeff McBride memorabilia, including a video of Jeff’s full evening Las Vegas stage show ABRACADAZZLE and other rare video footage!
An extraordinary value never previously offered.
So, get your tickets now – seating is limited!
https://mcbride.wellattended.com/events/jeff-mcbride-is-the-storymaster
Have a Happy and Magical Thanksgiving, my friends!
Jeff, Abigail and all your friends at the Magic & Mystery School
“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorns have roses.”
—Alphonse Karr
I’ve always been one of those “find the silver lining” types of people. No matter how dire the circumstance I find myself in, my first thought is usually something along the lines of “Wow, that could have been way worse. OK, what can I learn from this so I don’t have to repeat it?”
After the motorcycle wreck in the early 90s, I really knew things could have been way worse, and that I was lucky to be alive and whole, with both my legs and all my arms intact. Ok, yeah, I had to figure out which way was up, and going from easily walking in six-inch heels to needing a cane to find where the ground was, wasn’t fun, by any stretch of the imagination. But, I learned that I am loved, that death is nothing to be afraid of, and that my butt does not belong on a motorcycle…
But, seriously, the choice of how we choose to see things influences everything in our lives. Ever since that fateful day, I choose to see everything with eyes full of gratitude and wonder, and the linings are not silver anymore; they are pure gold.
“The soul that gives thanks can find comfort in everything; the soul that complains can find comfort in nothing.”
– Hannah Whitall Smith, British author and suffragette
This past year has been so hard, for so many. We have seen loved ones die, families fighting over different beliefs, friendships falling away, and fears growing daily…. and yet, there is still wonder and there is still magic in the world. The sun still smiles down on all of us, asking nothing in return. It is good to hold the challenges in one hand, and gratitude in the other. Finding little things to be thankful for helps to balance the challenges. We know that “energy flows where attention goes,” and that which we focus on is what grows, from plants in the garden, to food on the stove, to our magic practices, our relationships, and our art.
More than anything, I am so deeply thankful to be the bride of McBride, and I grow more in love with this dear man every single day.
“Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness. It’s the spark that lights a fire of joy in your soul.”
– Amy Collette, author
So, friends, as we approach our time of thanks-giving, consider starting your own gratitude practice. See if you can find three different things each day to be thankful for, and start your own gratitude journal. Write down what those three things are, and also write down why you’re grateful for them. Conduct the experiment for 100 days, and see if the magical fire of joy grows brighter within you. If your self-talk moves toward comfort and away from complaining, and if you’re finding more roses amongst the thorns.
Email me, Abigail@mcbridemagic.com and let me know what you find!
Dear Friends:
We are having a Halloween party, and you are invited!
Jeff McBride here in Vegas. I am preparing new adventures for those willing to expand their minds!
SHHH! Hidden in this letter is a bonus video for those of you who want to dig even deeper into the real meaning of this season, if you dare!
I have a few invitations for you my friends; one is a party, and the other is an immersive learning experience. (But first let’s look into this month’s darker theme, if you really dare!)
The Real Meaning of Halloween??
Historians have linked Halloween to Samhain, the Celtic festival of the summer’s end celebrated in Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. According to Celtic mythology, the veil between the Otherworld and our world thins during Samhain, making it easier for spirits and the souls of the dead to return. People would make offerings of food in order to get on the good side of these spirits and departed ancestors.
Different traditions celebrate this autumn season in many ways. Here in Las Vegas, we are celebrating by doing what we do best, putting on a party!
I have created a show that will inspire you, shock you, and maybe even raise your spirits in these dark times!
MAGIC, MASKS AND MONSTERS – Twisted Mysteries & Bizarre Storytelling
ALL NEW SHOW!
One day only! Saturday Oct 30th, 12pm & 6pm Pacific – (Vegas time.)
Join me for my online Halloween party! Wherever you are on planet earth — you can make it!
A limited number of tickets are available here:
https://mcbride.wellattended.com
Jeff McBride, Master of Masks & Mystery, invites you to his House of Mystery for our first-ever interactive Halloween show, directed by Tobias Beckwith, with special guests including Media-Mage Scott Steelfyre — and more surprise guests!
“One of the greatest teachers in the history of magic.
He’ll share an important story – his own.”
– David Copperfield
October is World Magic Month, and your spirit guide for Magic, Masks & Monsters will be Jeff McBride, whose passion for masks, monsters, and magic, his live Las Vegas shows, and his recent MagicQuest virtual show have all helped him gain critical acclaim.
Jeff has created an all-new experience, using the wonderful interactive tools developed to create MagicQuest — this time with a very different set of dark stories and very twisted magic!
Once again, there will be a Special VIP afterparty, in which we will share some of the more frightening and bizarre aspects of Jeff’s extensive Curiosity and Oddity collection.
ONE NIGHT ONLY!
Last month we SOLD OUT all tickets! So don’t miss out — ORDER NOW! CLICK HERE for your ticket. Get just one ticket for your entire household!
https://mcbride.wellattended.com/events/jeff-mcbride-magic-masks-monsters
Also coming up in mid-November is a special online class for those who want to dive deeper into the real mysteries of magic.
The Las Vegas Seance Summit – A Celebration of Bizarre Magick and Storytelling – November 19-21, 2021
They said it couldn’t be done–an online seance. But, after last year’s success, we decided to do it again! Dedicated to the Spirit Theater and Bizarre Magick of Eugene Burger.
Some of the top minds in the world of spirit theater, seance, and bizarre magick will gather online to form a circle, and to share their stories as we journey together into the world of shadows and candle-lit mysteries. When the candles are extinguished, these spirits will emerge enlightened, armed with messages of hope and courage for these challenging times.
Raising Your Spirits in a Time of Darkness
Join us for this 3-day online adventure from darkness to light, as we explore the history and mystery of the performing arts of seance and bizarre magick, with some of world’s leading mystery teachers and entertainers.
The teaching team: Jeff McBride, Dr. Larry Hass, and Paul Draper, with special guests: Daniel Gastelum, Careena Fenton-Cullen, Kevin Lepine, John Ferrentino, Jon Stetson, Joe Cabral, Vince Wilson, and David Parr, with other guests to be named!
On November 19-21, 2021, the Magic & Mystery School will once again hold an Online Seance Summit. Our subject: the performance arts of seance, Bizarre Magick, and storytelling, this course will:
https://shop.magicalwisdom.com/event/the-2021-las-vegas-seance-summit-live-online
Now, as we journey into the dark time of the year you just might need some magic to lift your spirits in these dark times.
Well, my friends, here is magic that is guaranteed to make you and your friends smile! This is one of the most versatile magic routines I’ve ever performed. Now you can learn why I love to perform this in every one of my shows!
You can perform it to music, perform it silently — or with the professional scripts provided. You can even create your own custom presentation. It can be performed solo or interactively with audience members. Take a look!
You can order yours now by clicking here:
https://shop.magicalwisdom.com/p/stage-magic-manipulation/best-ever-knots-off-silk-bekos
You take a large silk handkerchief. Tie a very fair and sturdy knot in the center. Tug on the knot to make sure it’s secure… Then, you make a magical gesture, and the knot mysteriously slides right off the end of the silk!! This can be repeated with a hilarious kicker finale.
BEKOS Packs Small & Plays Big!
You can perform this strolling, street, parlor, and it is visible even on the largest stages. BEKOS is a complete professional routine!
Our detailed instructions, scripting, and presentational tips will give you all you need to dazzle and delight your audiences. Your choice of classic red, or Smiley Face yellow. BEKOS comes complete with special, improved knots, and access to a special online training video. Get it here: https://shop.magicalwisdom.com
I hope you find something of interest on our Events Schedule this fall. it is our great pleasure to host you! I will see you at our online Halloween party or here in Vegas at one of our live events.
Jeff & Abigail and all your friends at Mystery School
PS: you made it so far, so here is the bonus video… it brings tears to my eyes every time I watch it.
PPS We still have a spot left for our Weekend of Wisdom, coming up next weekend. Use the calendar link below to grab it!