My Show From Hell

My first shows were disasters! 

I really wish I had heard Eugene Burger’s wise words when I was starting magic! 

I had many challenges. I was not very skilled. I was self-taught. I lived in the sticks and I had no local magic shop, no real professional books, and videos, and DVD’s would not even be on the market for years!

All I really had was my overwhelming passion for learning magic… I tried, and I often failed!

My show from hell #1

Crash! Splash and broken glass!

I often TRY to forget that show. My 5th grade elementary school show back in 1971. I made lots of mistakes. My milk pitcher fell off the table and cracked open, splashing milk and broken glass all over the front rows. Then the feather flowers got stuck in my sleeve. Ouch! The show was a disaster –but it was a start!  Here are a few words that helped me heal that awful memory.

You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.

— Zig Ziglar

Photo Credit: Sheryl A. Garrett

Taking your first steps in Magic? Let us show you the way.

Perhaps you love magic but have never taken a class or even performed before.

We are holding a class just for you! Magic for Beginners, from Jan. 23-25.

This class is the place to go for an in-depth introduction to the art of magic. Taught by the some of the world’s most respected magicians and magic teachers, participants will witness extraordinary magic, learn how to perform astonishing magic that is right for their skill level, and learn about the fascinating principles that make magic fun and exciting.

You do not have to be a performer to attend this class; it is designed for people who love magic, and who want to take their knowledge and appreciation of the art to a deeper level.

http://www.magicalwisdom.com/events#550 

 

The card trick that changed my life 

The fact is that one card trick did change my life! I will never forget the 1st card trick I learned. It set my mind on FIRE!

Over the years, I worked on this effect and refined it, and it is now a feature in my full close-up show. You can learn it here:

https://www.magicalwisdom.com/shop/l/street-magic/kings-of-poker

The History, Mystery and Magic of Tarot Cards

Tarot Cards hold a timeless mystique.  Regardless of whether you’ve been doing readings for ages or are brand new to this fascinating world, this class is perfect for all those with an interest in cards, card magic and card readings.

Our modern-day deck of playing cards has a fascinating origin. Many say that modern-day cards came from the mysterious beginnings of the tarot.  Some say they are a mystic oracle, and a book of ancient wisdom handed down through the ages.

Tarot cards are beautiful, magical objects filled with powerful and mysterious symbols. One thing we know for sure is cards of all styles are imaginative, fun and highly entertaining.

Study with us here: http://www.magicalwisdom.com/events#573

Magic routine of the year!

Many of you saw my Rainmaker on “FOOL US” with Penn & Teller.

I will be sharing the secrets to this original effect with just a few students this year.

So reserve your spot now at: http://www.magicalwisdom.com/masterpieces

Winter Training in Las Vegas

Here’s a perfect way to warm up your body and soul… with magic!

Take a vacation day (or six) and join one of our amazing training events. These are among our newest and most popular offerings. Let us host you in Las Vegas

http://www.magicalwisdom.com/events#554

We are delighted to help you plan your Las Vegas Vacation  

If you have any questions about our events please call Abigail at 702-450-0021

MAGIC CASTLE – Hollywood

I’ll be at the Magic Castle from Jan 15th- 21st 2018, and I’m told all the dinner reservations are sold out. You must be a member of The Magic Castle to get into this show.

United Kingdom Tour: April 2018

Join Larry Hass and me for our only Master classes the UK in 2018. For info  http://www.magicalwisdom.com/events#565

Photo Credit: Richard Faverty

WONDERGROUND 10 Year Anniversary!

That’s a looooong run in “Las Vegas years!”

Yes! 10 years running EVERY month!

Thursday December 21st, 2017

3 Great Shows!  One Night Only! Never to be repeated!

8pm – Your MC is  Abigail  McBride 
     Steve Owens - Extraordinary Manipulations
     Lion Fludd - Comedy with a magic touch
     Fr Daniel Rolland - The Priest-tidigitator
     Charlie Mount & Chloe - Magical Musings
     Elliott Hitchcock - International Man of Mystery

9pm Close – Up Magic - Will Bradshaw is your MC

     Elliott Hitchcock

     Charlie Mount

     Fr Daniel Rolland

     Scott Steelfyre & Lion Fludd at the WONDERBAR

10pm - Tim Wise is your MC
     Will Bradshaw - Holiday Hocus Pocus
     Steve Owens - Shadow-Magic
     Tim Wise - the Magical Game Show!
     Charlie Mount & Chloe - Makers of the Impossible
     Chris Randall -  The Championship Act

Stay happy and warm this winter… and if you want to be really happy and warm, come visit us in Las Vegas!  See you here in town, online, or on the road!

Jeff and Abigail 

Wishes, Snow, Lights, and Gifts of Magic for the Season

Dear Friends:

 

Our guest contributor today is Fr. Daniel Rolland, someone who has been a part of our Magic & Mystery School community for many, many years. He is a delightful performer who uses his magic in the context of his ministry to young adults, currently at the Newman Center on the Campus of UNLV. We are delighted to have him share his thoughts here for the first time.

 

From Fr. Daniel:

 

 

December seems a most magical time with its traditions, memories and fantasies. You might be all booked up, or perhaps you are planning something special for the office party. Your friends, family and community need your magic this December. Look for the opportunities to make some magic happen as a gift for them, and for you. No excuses – the month will be over, and the year ended before you know it. Will you bring magic or not?

 

I wish my musings on December might serve to inspire you for a season full of magic. Make a wish. The holidays are filled with wishes. People are making lists filled with them. Children are encouraged to make them. Adults will exchange them with each other. “We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year.” It seems both seasonal and magical to offer people wishes. Wishes are the simple act of desiring something, or wanting reality to be a certain way. Make a wish on a candle flame, on a lucky pen–on the ace of diamonds. Put it under your pillow, or store it in a private special place and see what magic happens. 

 

Maybe you can catch a wish like a dream catcher, or in the palm of your hand. Maybe it materializes in the form of a clear marble or a golden feather charm. Remember that wishes are delicate. Be careful with people’s wishes–don’t have people make wishes and then laugh at them or dash their hopes. Believe in the wish. It is where some of the magic lives.

 

 

Some kids wish for snow. Snow can be magical too–particularly the first snow, light and delicate, transformative and seemingly coming out of thin air. Like a gentle breeze blown across your fist, you can make wet and slushy snow, appear in your palm, and that would be magic! The snow you make can be like adapting Dan Harlan’s “Starcle” to a snowflake, reminding people that they too are unique and wondrous. 

 

Breathe on a glass as if it’s cold outside to reveal a card, or rest an etched glass over hot cocoa. The fact that you can make Ice or snow appear is amazing, and unless you are presenting yourself like an X-men hero, you may have to ask yourself (and let your audience know) why you are doing it. Just because you can, may not make it your greatest achievement. What is it about the person, the season, the place where you are, that make you do what you do in your magic?

 

Taking lights off a lit tree or wreath and bringing the light to a child’s forehead can be mind-blowing for the child. With all the lights that are twinkling in bright red and green–and a lot more colors this year–it might be a shame not to do something with lights. Michael’s has lights to add to your sweaters. You can find lights in ice cubes and packages. I once floated a light over an audience to make a Christmas fairy come to life. Go with a friend to the park and have a D’lite-ful time–pass a light to one another giving shoppers rushing home a treasured moment they can share.  “Star light, Star bright.” Give a bit of starlight to your participants. Is light something to hold, or contain? Is it to be shared, perhaps a gift–or symbolic of something deeper and more meaningful? Is it the light from Rudolph’s nose, or one of the Match Girl’s wishes? Whatever the source of the light and whatever you do with it, try to bring more light into the world during this darkest time of the year.

 

 

Let your imagination go wild with this season so filled with magic. Create and recreate and perhaps repurpose some old magic that needs to be dusted off and given a new life. Maybe you realize you have too much magic stuff, too many books, tricks or packets–and maybe this is the season to re-gift a bit of magic to a magician friend, a young apprentice, a nephew or niece. A great gift has thought behind it. Match what you give to the person receiving your gift. Will they appreciate the gift or will it become something that sits on their shelf instead of yours?  Finding new homes for old magic is like landing on the Island of Misfit toys. It’s about finding the correct item for the right home—one where it can be appreciated and treasured and used.

 

In this season of gift giving, it is appropriate for a Magi, Magician or Wizard to gift others through magic. Gift magic (which is its own topic) thrives in the holidays. At the end of a routine or as a surprise to a fellow worker, giving a little gift in a magical way awakens the wonder in us all. With the magic on the tip of your thumb, or the mystery gift wrapped in Buddha wrapping papers, the production of so many gifts at this time is like going from house to house in a flying sleigh. Some of your magic might be for pay, but much can be for pure joy. Perform for those poor people in long lines who would be glad to have a diversion.  Dress as an elf or some Christmas fantasy-being, and bring magic to those in shelters or nursing homes, or the homeless in your streets. Let the magic connect you to your communities, and experience the magic yourself in the eyes of those with whom you share.

 

Think of the magic you already do, and give it a holiday flare. Do not worry about the perfect venue, time or situation. Get out into the world and give back a bit of the wonder, and a sense of awe that touched your life. Do this and my wish will have come true.

 

Merry Christmas, Hannukah, and Yule, and a Magical New Year.

 

Fr. Daniel Rolland 

 

What is Meditainment?

 

 

What is “MEDITAINMENT?”

Like many magicians, I am passionate about the “practice of magic.”It is not something I “must do” to be polished in my art… Practice is what I LOVE to do. I practice almost all of the day, and am interrupted by the mundane things in life, like phone calls, business meetings, and other odd tasks.

 

  

Magic is my Meditation

Magic is my entertainment.. I perform and spend more time  “doing magic” for myself than for any of the audiences I entertain! Yes…far more hours are spent in solitude practicing than I ever get to perform for other people.. and I perform almost every day!

That would also make me my most frequent (if solo) audience! I am also my harshest critic!  But, I don’t believe my own reviews! The truth is… my magic is my meditation and my favorite entertaining pastime…and I am not alone in this passion.

 

 

Music & Magic Meet

Kenton is a magician who combines his passion for entertainment with his crystal singing bowl meditations.

Recently Kenton was a guest speaker at our Magic & Meaning conference here in Las Vegas. As part of his contribution to our magical community, he sent this gift as a thank you to all of the participants and YOU!

Here is the URL to the page with magic gifts for you

https://www.wonderwizards.com/free/mandm17

 

Every month I get to bring out my new “magical meditations” to our monthly showcase, Wonderground! We are going on 10 years in January – yes 10 years, of bringing fresh magical performers and seasoned professionals to the magic-loving community of Las Vegas.

 

 

Wonderground news!

Thursday Nov 16th - 3 great shows, close-up magic, parlor magic, stage magic and more! One show only! Never to be repeated. Last month was a complete sell out! 

www.vegaswonderground.com

 8pm – Tim Wise is Your MC

           Joe Atmore – Modern Mentalism

            Ian Galloway

            David Shareef – Art & Magic Meet

            Professor Phelyx – Convivial Conjuring

 9pm 

            Will Bradshaw – New Wonders

            Joe Atmore – Mysteries of the Mind

            Louie Foxx- Comedy Magic

            David Shareef – Forces Unseen

 

Tim Wise & Steelfyre at the WONDER-BAR

 

10pm - Jeff McBride is your MC

            Ian Galloway – Post Modern Magic

            AgaBoom!!

            Professor Phelyx – Messenger of Mirth & Mystery

            Christian Doleshall – the Award-Winning Microphone Act

            Louie Foxx – Whiplash!

 

ALL THIS PLUS!

Our fabulous host Simone Marron – “Queen Bee of the Las Vegas Magic Scene!” Photography by Sheryl Garrett, Bar Magic with Scott Steelfyre, Corey Rubino, Taylor Lloyd, New World Rhythmatism Belly Dancers, 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 Mystery School Monday (at http://www.mcbridemagic.tv), or at one of our events here in Las Vegas soon!

Darkness & Light

Greetings magical friends,

Abigail here, writing from the safe sanctuary of the Library of Secrets here at the House of Mystery. Here and now, at this moment, with this breath and this heartbeat, all is well.

I am still wrapping my head and my heart around the tragic events in Las Vegas on October 1st. It’s an awful mystery, of why people act the way they do, why they think harming so many innocents is a good idea, why this happened at all… and there are no answers. There is no sense to be made. No way to understand, and so, the mind spins on….

Eugene would speak of the philosophy of India. I have been learning that, according to one school of Indian thought, we are now in the middle of the Kali Yuga, the period of time when everything falls apart and is destroyed, so that it can be created again. This age supposedly started about 5,000 years ago, and is supposed to last 432,000 years. It leads one to think that things may be challenging and chaotic for some time to come.

And so, we have a choice to make.

We can either give in to the despair of the time and give up, or, we can recognize that we, as bringers of light and delight, of magic and mystery, are here now for a reason. And we can double down and rise up, recommitting ourselves to our practices, whether we practice magic, music, art, or something else entirely. We dive deep and reach way in, and find the spark of consciousness that burns in each one of us, and we can remember.

We can remember those who lost their lives on that terrible day, and on all the other terrible days before that one. We can remember the courage and the strength of all those who helped in those minutes, hours and days right afterwards. We can remember the families of all those affected. And in the act of remembering, we can re-member. We can begin to put it all back together again. Like the phoenix, we rise.

And that’s where the real magic can happen.

In these times of challenge, we need, more than ever, to tap into our own light within, to grow our roots down and branches up, connecting with the other trees in our forest, with the other people in our communities, with those who need us now.

May we turn the difficulties into compost and mulch to help us grow, to get us through the dark Winter ahead. May we hold fast to the light as it fades, knowing it will return in the Spring. May we not be afraid of the dark, for in the dark, there is mystery, power and magic…

Yours in the shadow and the light,
Abigail