Jeff McBride will appear on Penn & Teller’s FOOL US in July. Tune in to see if he fools P&T
Are You easily fooled? A recent BBC article explains why our mind is easily fooled.
The real boom in studying illusions began in the 19th Century. A school of scientists who studied perception – among many other things – created simple illusions to shed light on how the brain perceives patterns and shapes, which kick-started the early theories on how our eyes can play tricks on our mind…
One school of thought suggests that some illusions highlight the way the brain constantly tries to predict what will happen. The theory goes that many illusions show that we try to predict the future to compensate for the slight delay between an event and our conscious perception of it. The real boom in studying illusions began in the 19th Century.
The light from these words you are reading has to reach your eye, before a signal travels to the brain to be processed – this takes time, which means the world you perceive is slightly in the past. Mark Changizi, a theoretical neurobiologist, believes the brain may make predictions about your surroundings in order to “perceive the presentâ€.
Read the full article:Â http://www.bbc.com/future/bespoke/story/20150130-how-your-eyes-trick-your-mind/
“You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time. “
–Abraham Lincoln
“Jeff points east towards his upcoming Asian tourâ€
World Tour – ASIA 2017
June, July and August I will be on tour in China with our new show: LAS VEGAS MAGIC STARS!
http://www.lasvegasmagicstars.com
Going with me will be master Illusionist Greg Gleason, Ariann Black, Dean Gunnarson, Will Bradshaw, Bill Cook and Tobias Beckwith.
NEWS FLASH:
Our Magic & Meaning 2017 Guest of Honor will be Mat Franco!
Mat Franco takes the stage in MAGIC REINVENTED NIGHTLY at The LINQ Hotel & Casino with a fun and feel-good twist on magic that defies all expectations. The show was named Best Show by Las Vegas Weekly and featured in the 2016 Best of Vegas awards in the Las Vegas Review-Journal. You’ll remember Mat from his triumphant win on America’s Got Talent.
“Mat Franco with Jeff McBride at a recent Master Classâ€
The Magic & Meaning Conference 2017
“Return of the Mysteries”
To celebrate the 25th year of our school, we will be returning to our roots to explore some of the best loved rites and ceremonies of the past 25 years.
People often ask, “What were the old mystery school days like? Will you ever bring back the activities you did in the early days?â€
YES! Magic & Meaning 2017 will be our Return of the Mysteries.
We’re excited that he’ll be with us for this year’s Magic & Meaning at Sunset Station.
WONDERGROUND NEWS
The Heart & Soul of the Las Vegas Magic CommunityÂ
Our next Mega-Magic Party is May 18th
7:30pm   Will Bradshaw – Showman Extraordinaire!
Strolling magic & Tarot Reading by  Stephanie Castellone
8:00pm   Tim Wise is your MC
John T Sheets – Ingenious Illusions
Lance Johnson -Â Outstanding Variety Artist
Ming Da – Direct from Asia!
Krystal Lawrence – Delightful Deceptions
Jeremy Mikaelson – The award-winning stage show
John Shaw - You won’t believe what you see!
9:00pm   Ming Da
Krystal Lawrence
Lance Johnson
August Meyer
Jason Powers
10:00pm   Jeff McBride is your MC
Jeremy Mikaelson – International Award Winning Illusion
John Shaw – Shock and Awe!
Ming Da – Asian Mysteries
Jamilla Deville – Sensuous Sensation!
Lance Johnson – Smoking Hot Manipulations
John T Sheets – The Modern Mystifier!
PLUS: Photography by Sheryl Garrett. Bar Magic with Zack Pattee, 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!!
The day after WONDERGROUND I will be performing at one of the magic events of the year! BEYOND BROOKLEDGE!
Stay and Play in a Palace of Dreams
“The best way to describe Beyond Brookledge is that it’s as if somebody fit the L.A. Opera and Burning Man into the Magic Castle, and then had a three-day slumber party.”
– LA Weekly
“This is your chance to be immersed in performances, and community, with the most amazing magicians, comedians, and performance artists you’ll ever find hanging around a 5 star hotel… Join this party!” – Boing Boing
FOR MORE INFO:Â http://www.beyondbrookledge.com/#about
With magical best wishes.
Your friend,
Jeff McBride
We are delighted to have another article by our Dean, Eugene Burger, for you this month:
THE PATH OF COLLABORATION
Eugene Burger
Museletter May, 2017
Sometimes getting our (magic) act together isn’t easy. We are close to being ready to debut our performance, but we hesitate. There are so many unresolved issues, so many questions, so much doubt. Yet if the curtain never rises, we are trapped in our thoughts. and we face the danger of never putting our magic into the real world. This is a problem for many performers. Is there anything that can be done about it? Is there a way to move our inaction to action?
Let me recommend a path that I have followed for the entire length of my professional career. I began this path, in fact, before I became a professional magician. It is the path of collaboration, the way of working with others to accomplish our goals. I have found this a way to get things and myself moving, a way to end inaction and move to genuine action.
My first magical collaboration began in the mid-1970’s. I had always dreamed of putting together a séance show, and even had a title for the show in my mind: “Hauntings.†But I was stuck. The idea remained no more than an idea; a thought. Then one night when I was explaining my dream to my friend Erik Counce, he enthusiastically said he would love to join me in putting this show together. Two other friends, Dennis Rook and Marcella Ruble, also joined in, and suddenly I had a little company dedicated to realizing the dream of creating a séance show.
We worked well together. Collaborating with others helped me move my dream into reality. In less than a year the show debuted and was very successful. In fact, the show was one of the primary things that helped convince me to move into full-time professional magic.
Over the years, I have collaborated with Jeff McBride on many shows — and that collaboration continues today. I have also worked with Max Maven and Tina Lenert on a show called, “The Nocturnal Trio.â€
In 2010 I collaborated with my friend Michael Carbonaro on a show in the Peller Theater at the Magic Castle. We worked together again in 2012, giving the show a name, “Dark Stories,†and a more formal structure. We repeated it in 2014 and 2015. We also performed it at James Randi’s Conference in Las Vegas and at a Genii convention in Florida.
In 2013, when Michael was involved with his wonderful television show “The Carbonaro Effect,†I collaborated in the Peller Theater with Rob Zabrecky. Rob and I repeated this in 2016 with the title, “Fun and Games with Eugene Burger and Zabrecky.â€
Larry Hass and I have collaborated for several years now, mounting about a dozen séance shows at Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania and at Austin College in Texas. For one of the Muhlenberg shows, Michael Carbonaro joined us to be an audience-member-turned-medium who, when the lights came up, had disappeared. Larry and I have also performed non-séance shows together at colleges, conventions, and the Magic Castle.
Collaboration may be a path that you might consider. You can learn a great deal from working with others who are as dedicated as you are. And sometimes, collaboration may help us move our magical dreams from ideas to reality. Think about it.
“Face Your Fear!â€
My biggest fear, and how I lived through it!
I still have the nightmare… it goes like this.
I’m moments away from show time.
None of my props have arrived. I’m naked. The curtain opens to a full theater of people and music starts! Aaaahhhhh!
I don’t have anything ready. I panic! The show is going to be a disaster! Then I wake up in a cold sweat.
My Russian Ordeal
One day this nightmare became all too real.
I was booked in Russia for an international magic convention. I was representing the United States. My prop cases never arrived. The only thing I had was my costume in my carry-on…lucky me! I had no props. I had no magic. My biggest nightmare had just become real–to arrive for a show and have nothing on me. But the show must go on…Um, right? Right!?
For some reason, I always pack a little emergency magic kit in my carry-on luggage. Here is a Photo of the contents of my eyeglass case. This little bag of tricks saved the day.
“The Commando Kitâ€- I never leave home without it!
I also borrowed 13 coins and a champagne bucket for my “Sorcerer’s Apprentice†Misers Dream act, and 2 normal soup bowls from the kitchen for my “RAINMAKER†routine–and I was back in show business. Nightmare over!
LESSON LEARNED!
That ordeal taught me that my props are not my magic. I am the magic, and the props just enhance what I do. This is a lesson I share with all our students… and I also teach students how to perform a ‘prop free’ show!
Remember: YOU are the magic!
Just by ‘looking inside,’ we can find the essence of our magic. We always have everything we need. It’s there all the time! (cue wizard of OZ music here)
So “The show must go on†–and it did!
Here is a photo from the finale of that show…you can see the grin on my face after making my way through this ordeal
Oh! And the man–Vladimir Danilin–who ran the event, booked me back the following year! That year, my props did arrive… but by that time my story had become a legend.
This real-life horror story motivated me to go online and do some research, and I have reprinted the real “List of Fears†below, along with comments on how Mystery School can help you move beyond your fears, so you can discover your magic potential
THE TOP 10 WORST FEARS**
Here are the top fears, and how our Magic & Mystery School classes can help you overcome your biggest fears!
01. Fear of flying
Make it a road trip! Many of our students drive to Las Vegas or take a train or bus. Just don’t fly United, OK?
02. Fear of public speakingÂ
We teach you how to gain confidence. You can also do a silent magic act to music! I did that for 20 years all over the world!
03. Fear of heightsÂ
Most of our activities and classes take place on the 1st level of our House of Mystery. No need to worry!
04. Fear of the darkÂ
Las Vegas is one of the brightest places on planet earth. Even at night there is no darkness here!
05. Fear of intimacyÂ
Our small group classes will help you make connections with your magic.
06. Fear of deathÂ
No one ever dies at our classes! We create a safe place to explore your growing edge.
07. Fear of failureÂ
We are here to help you move past all that!
08. Fear of rejectionÂ
Nope! We love you and will be accepting your application when you register.
09. Fear of spidersÂ
We spray every month and you won’t see them here!
10. Fear of commitment
Now you can commit to taking a class with us and move beyond your self-imposed limitations.
**Â http://www.selfhelpcollective.com/top-10-fears.html
What do you need the most help with?
Our students composed the following list of topics that we have explored at recent McBride Master Classes. What are the areas you need to focus on this year?
*Presentation *Character Development *Originality *Theater Arts *Confidence* Showmanship * Encouragement * Music *Costuming * *Personal Attention *Improvisation *Movement *Routining *Script Writing *Show Building *Lighting Design *Creativity *Mentoring *Acting *Dealing with Hecklers *Career Development *Marketing *Motivation *Business *Artistry *Insight *Brainstorming *Advertising Resources *Coaching *History *Close-Up Magic *Vision *Evaluation *Street Magic *Publicity *Support *Innovation *Parlor Magic *Psychology *Mastery *Stage Magic *Transformation *Empowerment *Consultation *Philosophy *Performing Arts Diction *Prop Construction *Card Magic *Networking *Comedy *Technique *Trade shows *Audience Participation *Wisdom  *Mentalism *Hands on Learning *Coin Magic *Corporate Shows *Dramatic Arts *Storytelling *Manipulation *Stagecraft *Pantomime *Family Shows *Promotion *Public Relations *Inspiration *Social Magic for friends
Take a free tour of our school today
Go to this link first and sign up for the school. Watch the video.
http://virtual.magicalwisdom.com
Then, after the video, go here and take the tour of the online school.
http://www.magicalwisdom.com/about/online
Be inspired by the tour.
Criss Angel, Banachek, Maestro & Jeff onstage at WONDERGROUND
WONDERGROUND NEWS
The heart & soul of the Las Vegas Magic CommunityÂ
Our next Mega-Magic Party is April 20th—and you are invited!
APRIL 2017
7pm – Strolling magic: Will Bradshaw, Tim Shegitz, Taylor Lloyd, and Miguel. Scott Brown as Allen Scott will do tarot readings in the “art area”
8pm – Comedy & Magic Show
Jeff McBride – Magic to Dye For
Lion Fludd – The Hustle & Muscle of Magic
Bizzaro – Something NEW and very Twisted!
Smoothini – From America’s Got Talent!
Tim Shegitz – Classy Conjuring & Comedy
Steve Owens – Award Winning Manipulations
9pm – Three different Close-Up strolling magic lounge areas are open!
Lion Fludd
Smoothini
Tim Shegitz
Steve Owens
Mondre
10pm – STAGE EXTRAVAGANZA!
Jeff McBride is your MC – with something very new to show you!
Magnus – Zombie Time
Steve Owens – World Class Manipulations
Jason Andrews – Neo Classical Conjuring
Habaka Kfj – Musical Magical Enchantress
Mondre – Pure Magical Mastery
PLUS: Photography by Sheryl Garrett. Bar Magic with Zack Pattee, 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!!
I look forward to seeing you at Wonderground, one of our upcoming classes or one of my touring events soon!
Jeff McBride
Look deeper into the Mystery
One of the real secrets to living a magical life is seeing just a bit deeper into the mysterious things in life—the things that most people gloss over and never notice.
Did you know that…
*Â Â Your eyes are capable of processing 36,000 pieces of information per hour.
*Â Â Your eyes will process 24 million images in your lifetime: Overall, they contribute nearly 85 percent of your knowledge. Simply put, they’re responsible for setting up how we react to the environments in which we live.
*Â Â One eye consists of more than two million working parts. Incredibly complex, your eye, as previously mentioned, is a highly productive and resilient organ that can adjust to different conditions and overcome a number of disturbances.
* Your eyes can recognize candle light from up to 14 miles away: Of course, this can only be done under perfect conditions, but it’s impressive nonetheless. Your eyes are the strongest muscles in your body relative to their duties, and they function at 100 percent capacity. Capabilities such as this one prove they’re one of the most powerful tools possessed by humans…
(Read the full article this comes from at:
http://www.nursingschools.net/blog/2011/06/15-fascinating-facts-about-your-five-senses/)
Not all facts we see are USEFUL facts! But it is worth looking closely at things that ARE meaningful to us… so let’s take a deeper look at 3 things today.
MAGIC WORDS
Words have more power than we think! Did you know that the word “ABRACADABRAâ€Â has a deeper meaning?
It does, and it is a secret that can change what you think and say! Our words have a powerful effect on our reality… more than you can even imagine!
What does the word “Abracadabra†Mean?
Magicians use it all the time. So does Hollywood! But does it really have a meaning? Yes!
The word â€Abracadabra†comes from an Aramaic phrase meaning “I create as I speak.” In the Hebrew language, the phrase translates more accurately as “it came to pass as it was spoken.â€
What are you creating with your words… for example, if your thoughts and words are old thoughts or “last year’s†words, you will repeat another year of not getting what you desire!
The Amazing World of Female Magicians
Let’s take a closer look at the world of magic. People often are surprised that there are many great female magicians! Click and look at this list and see how many YOU know!
http://www.all-about-magicians.com/femalemagicians.html
Did you know that we have MANY female magicians that are part of our Mystery School Team? Here are just a few:
Abigail McBride – Executive Administrator
Katherine Rettke – Executive Assistant
Simone Marron – Social Coordinator
Marjorie Hass – Faculty Consultant & Teacher
Sheryl Garrett – Official Photographer
Jenny Hearn, Betty Riley – Costumers
Melanie Kramer – Stage Assistant/Choreographer
Did you know that Jeff McBride’s FIRST magic teacher was a woman?
Yes! My first exposure was my “Aunt Joanna.†Joanna Rawson married my “Uncle Craig Hammond.â€
Joanna’s father was Clayton Rawson the mystery writer. He was also known as The Great Merlini and was founder of “The Witch Doctors Club.†Joanna showed me my first magic trick when I was 7 years old. I was crying because I did not want to go to sleep. Joanna showed me an amazing magic trick to try to stop me from crying—and it worked. Joanna wiggled her fingers and plucked off her thumb! I was amazed. I was so amazed that when she said that if I stopped crying I would learn it, I stopped immediately, and she showed me how to do the trick. I’ve never stopped learning magic since that night! I have also learned that magic can make tears disappear!
Here is a rare film of Joanna Rawson floating!
My Aunt Joanna The Floating Lady!
Thank you Clayton Rawson for the video clip!
Who is the Greatest Magician of all Time?
I would be interested to hear who YOU think it is.
Here is my vote! (You can see that I am biased though). Just watch Abigail and see how smart, funny and skilled she is! Can you see why I voted for her?
In this video, my dear wife Abigail talks about our much-needed healing of Mind, Body & Spirit! Love is the greatest healer of all. Magic is good medicine!
Jeff McBride: Top 10 Magicians to Watch
9 Artists Who Help Redefine Magic Entertainment
by Wayne Kowamoto
Read the full article:Â https://www.thespruce.com/magicians-to-watch-2266707
Jeff McBride made the Top Ten List list!
The article states:
“Like the rest of the world, the art of magic is changing with social media and YouTube, and there’s the decline in brick and mortar magic shops and struggling magic clubs. But, there are artists who are evolving with the changes and even pioneering how magic is presented in our age. Jeff McBride played a key role in redefining magic entertainment.â€
Other Vegas magi included on the list are David Copperlield, Mat Franco, Penn &Teller, and Criss Angel.
LAS VEGAS MAGIC NEWS
The Mysteries Return! An Immersive magic experience like no other!
Our Annual MAGIC & MEANING CONFERENCE will have a new mysterious format that harkens back to the original days of Mystery School! Preparations are being made for a 4-day long, interactive and immersive ritual theater experience, designed to create memories of a lifetime.
http://www.magicalwisdom.com/events#521
A real Brick and Mortar Magic Shop opens in Vegas!
Yes folks, there is a new shop in town! The Top Hat & Wand Magic Shoppe is now a proud sponsor of MYSTERY SCHOOL MONDAY. Owner John McClenahan also hosts the INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF MAGICIANS Ring 257, and features magic lectures every month by top names in magic.
https://www.facebook.com/TopHatandWandMagicShoppe/
Epic Event: Mystery School Monday reaches 300 episodes on March 20th!
300 HOURS of professional magic training await you 24 hours a day! Just go here and look:   www.MCBRIDEMAGIC.TV
WONDERGROUND NEWSÂ
Join us for the biggest magic party in Vegas!
March 16, 2017
3 big shows, starting at 7:30pm! All info at www.vegaswonderground.com
7:30 PMÂ Strolling magic with Will Bradshaw, Taylor Lloyd & Allen Scott will do tarot readings
8pm  –   Comedy Variety and Magic Show – Tim Wise is you MC
John Shaw -Â Sideshow Arts Supreme!
Michael Mirth – Master of Mystery
Will Bradshaw – Diamond in the Rough
Matt Johnson – Â Urban Deceptions
Richard Rebuffo – Theatrical Enchantments
The Halls of Magic – Side Splitting Sorcery
9pm  –  Close up Magic Show
The Halls of Magic – Crazy – Comedy – Conjuring!
Richard Rebuffo – Theater of Magic
Matt Johnson – Urban Deceptions
Jeff McBride – Always a Wonder to Remember!
10pm  –  Stage Magic Extravaganza - Jeff McBride IS YOUR MC
John Shaw – Beyond Bizarre!
Matt Johnson – Urban Deceptions
Michael Mirth – And his World of Wonders
The Halls of Magic – Madcap Magic & Mystery!
Mysterion – The New Face of Magic
PLUS: Photography by Sheryl Garrett. Bar Magic with Zack Pattee. Scott Steelfyre, Corey Rubino, NEW Belly Dancers, Psychic Sideshow Alan Scott, live art with Areeya – and many more surprises and special celebrity guests!!
I look forward to seeing you there!
Jeff McBride
What is the hot NEW class of the season? Take a look!
SPRING TRAINING FOR MAGICIANS
http://www.magicalwisdom.com/events
scholarships available http://www.magicalwisdom.com/scholarships