December is upon us, with its short days, long nights, and holiday preparations in full swing! In many traditions, this is a time of gift giving, and our guest writer for this Museletter has some fascinating observations about gifts and magic. And don’t miss a special offer from Teller and Todd Robbins at the end of this Museletter. Enjoy!
This month we hear from Associate Dean Larry Hass:
Dear Magical Friends,
As the calendar turns to December — with a chill in the air and perhaps also the flickers of snow — we turn and return to a remarkable, wonderful time for the giving of gifts.
Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa, or some other gift-giving practice, this is a time of year when most of us think about the people in our lives and the gifts we might like to give them.
If you are like me, then you know there is a deep joy and pleasure in this meditation; it feels good to connect my heart and thoughts with the people around me.
But you may also know there can be disquiet or confusion in it. We may say or hear such things as: “How can I top last year?â€Â “I don’t have enough money.â€Â “I don’t have enough time!â€Â “I hate the lines and the hassles of shopping!â€
For me, an alternate approach starts with a quote from novelist and poet Richard Bach: “Every gift from a friend is a wish for your happiness.â€Â Wow! What a magical thought! For me, that trasnforms and re-frames everything.
As I think about gifts I have received, I recall so many of them that arrived on the wings of a wish for my happiness: the long-desired Led Zeppelin album I received when I was fourteen (even though my parents hated that stuff), a big, fluffy bathrobe from my wife Marjorie, hand-written, hand-drawn cards of love from my kids — just to name a few. Each of these arrived with a palpable wish for my joy in the world.
And so as we approach the season, as we think about the people to whom we might gift, perhaps we can approach it this way: “What could I give to [fill in the blank] that would arrive as a wish for [his/her] bliss?â€
For me, when I approach the coming season this way it becomes much easier to know what to give my people; the light bulb goes on! And too, when we quiet the disquiet — the struggle and chatter fueled by market and marketing forces — it is rather amazing how quickly flawed practices fall away.
For example, it becomes clear that spending a lot of money — or even any money — is missing the point. It becomes clear that giving something because we want to enjoy it isn’t much of a gift, such as “Here’s that 52†HD TV for us, honey; now we can watch the game!â€Â It becomes clear that giving to others out of sheer obligation arrives more like a burden than a blessing.
And so, again, what can I give to each person in my life, or to needful people in my community that will let them “feel the love?â€
I hope you find Richard Bach’s magical idea to be helpful and refreshing as you approach the coming season. And I truly wish for you wonderful days and nights with family and friends—and all the people you love.
Larry Hass
(Larry is also the editor and co-author, with Jeff, Eugene, George Parker, Bob Neale, and Rich Bloch, of Gift Magic: Performances that Leave People with a Souvenir. All the profits from the book are being donated to Rich Bloch’s non-profit Encore Foundation that assists magicians in times of catastrophic need.
Gift Magic is available from Larry at www.TheoryandArtofMagic.com and from select magic dealers.)
From Tobias:
For those of you near Kansas City, now is the time to give yourselves and your loved ones the gift of magic. Take someone you love to see Jeff’s show at US Toy on December 11. Not your average magic show, by any means. Jeff will not only dazzle you with his amazing feats — he will make you think, and, even more important, his magic and stories will touch your emotions. I see what care he puts into sculpting each of his performances, and I know you are your loved ones are in for a treat! And if you’re a magician yourself, by all means stick around for the lecture. Jeff always has something new to teach and talk about, and he carries several items to lectures that you can only get directly from him…so this is an opportunity not to be missed. Finally, the workshop. For those truly serious about taking their magic to the next level — no matter what level it is at now — there’s really no better way to get a quick boost in knowledge, skill and inspiration than learning directly from the master. Don’t pass this up — it is Jeff’s first visit to your area, and we have no idea when he might get back there! For more information, please go to: http://tinyurl.com/mcb-ustoy
One final reminder: Magic makes a great gift, for you, for friends and family…and we have lots of very special magic to offer. Visit our sites at:
http://virtual.magicalwisdom.com/
Wishing you all a fabulous holiday season!
Sincerely,
Tobias Beckwith
(415) 889-9491
From Bryce:
We do our best to shy away from advertising in our Museletters. In fact, we’re doing less than ever so we have more room to bring you quality content. However, we’re so excited about the new Play Dead production from Todd Robbins and Teller that we couldn’t resist making their offer available to our Museletter readers. Information about the show and the special offer can be found below.
You’re probably well past getting scared by haunted houses, but you haven’t been entertained in an abandoned-looking theater, lit by a single ghost light leading you on a darkly comedic journey, encouraging the dead to speak to you.
PLAY DEAD takes a more supernatural road than what’s generally seen on, off or anywhere near the great white way. Co-writer TODD ROBBINS (“Dark Deceptions”) stars as the audience’s storytelling guide on an evening exploring death, darkness, and deception. Magician, comedian and dark arts expert TELLER (Penn & Teller), is the director and other co-writer. Their collaboration and combined knowledge and expertise in the underworld promise to take the audience into uncharted supernatural waters, loaded with haunting surprises and plenty of shrieking nervous laughter.
“4 Stars. Great Date: It is exactly the kind of show that will have you pawing each other for comfort!â€
– Time Out New York
“This wild, wicked show is not just a screamfest; it’s a good piece of theater!â€
– The New York Times
“Funny, furious and wholly enthralling!â€
– Wall Street Journal
“Teller has filled Play Dead with elaborate illusions and effects including a slam-bang finale!â€
– New York Post
“Todd Robbins is a consummate showman!â€
– New York Magazine
“If there’s one thing more fun than a haunted house, it’s a haunted theatre!â€
– Variety
Performance schedule:
Tues-Fri at 8pm |Sat at 7pm & 10pm |Sun at 3pm & 7pm
SPECIAL OFFER!
$25 TICKETS (reg. $61.00)
THREE EASY WAYS TO BUY:
ONLINE: Visit www.ticketmaster.com and use code DEAD1
PHONE: Call 800.982.2787 and mention code DEAD1
IN PERSON: Print out a copy of this offer and visit The Players Theatre Box Office – 115 MacDougal Street (Between West 3rd Street & Minetta Lane)
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.PlayDeadNYC.com
*Offer valid through 1/16/11. Offer is subject to availability and may be revoked at any time. Blackout dates may apply. Normal service charges apply to online and phone orders. No exchanges or refunds. All sales are final. Cannot be combined with other offers. Not valid for prior purchases. Limit 8 tickets per order. Schedule subject to change.
Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?
—Albus Dumbledore
Dear Friends:
Allow me to be among the first to wish you a very happy and magical holiday season!
Jeff asked me to put together this special bonus Museletter because he wanted to make sure you’re all informed about the upcoming “Magic & Mystery School Week†at the Magic Castle. From November 29 through December 5, Jeff & Abbi, Larry Hass, Eugene Burger, George Parker, Jordan Wright and Bryce Kuhlman will all be performing at the Castle, taking over all of the performance spaces, and treating Castle guests to our own special brand of meaningful magic. It promises to be a wonderful week, topped off with a joint lecture given by the authors of the new “Gift Magic†book, recently published by Larry Hass’ Theory and Art of Magic Press. If you have a chance to be in Los Angeles any time during that week, you’ll want to be sure to drop by and see the whole gang.
With the holidays coming, we all start thinking of gifts to give, and what we’d like to get, as well. I don’t know about you, but each year I find myself challenged to find something really special for my very special friends and family. Most of us, as we get older, don’t really need another set of gloves, or a tie, or whatever they’re pitching this year down at the local big box store.
So, I hope you’ll forgive this blatant pitch: There’s no greater magical gift than the gift of learning. Each new skill, new idea opens us up to grow further. And so, if you’re a magician yourself, think of putting one of our upcoming classes on your holiday wish list. We have master classes in January both for magicians and for balloon twisters, and we still have spots available in each one. Las Vegas is even more affordable than usual in January, and learning new ways to take your magic to the next level is a great way to keep your momentum going through the dark months of winter. Check out our upcoming offerings at www.magicalwisdom.com.
And, if a class seems like a bigger gift than you’re likely to get or give, wander on over to our catalogue at http://shop.yourmagic.com, where our magic can become your magic.  Featured products include Jeff McBride & Alan Wong’s excellent “Butterfly Blizzard,†a package including a teaching DVD along with everything you need to perform the butterfly effects taught. The new Gift Magic Book is also available there, along with Bob Neale’s Magic Matters, and much, much more from Jeff, Eugene, Larry and others.
If you’re not a magician, we also have a selection of wonderful music by Abbi Spinner McBride & Gary Stadler available on CD, as well as a number of collectible and souvenir items you might enjoy if you’re reading this.
Ah: One final bit of news. If you’re anywhere near Kansas City, you’ll have the opportunity to see one of Jeff’s shows presented by the magic division of US Toy Co. on December 11. He’ll be there for two days, Dec. 11 & 12. On the 11th he will present “Magic UnMasked†at 7pm, then will lecture for local magicians at 9:30pm. The following afternoon, he’ll present his special Super Session workshop, an intensive four hour, no holds barred, hands on workshop.  This will be Jeff’s first visit to Kansas City – and probably the last, at least for the next few years. Don’t miss this rare chance to partake of “The McBride Experience.†For more information, call the shop at (913) 642-8247.
Note from Bryce: I grew up in this shop. I spent every Thursday night and Saturday morning there from the age of 8 until I was in my late teens. I’m not sure I’d still be in magic if it weren’t for the guys at that shop. It was always my dream to get Jeff to K.C. It only took me 20 years of knowing him and now I have to fly in from Phoenix to be there with him. Don’t miss it!
That’s all for now. Next week we have a special Museletter coming to you from Larry Hass, talking about gifts and magic. I think you’ll really enjoy Larry’s thoughtful writing. We may have some additional news for you by then, as well. Till next week, then!
Best wishes for a magical holiday!
Tobias Beckwith
tobias@yourmagic.com
Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.
— Cicero
Greetings Magical Friends,
Abbi here, saying “hello” from the House of Mystery in Las Vegas. Jeff is preparing to go back to Mexico for a couple of days, and will be home again just in time for Thanksgiving.
This is one of my favorite times of the year. I grew up in New England, just outside of Boston, and autumn there is a radiant symphony of color, with the maple trees turning bright red and the forests erupting into colorful cacophonies. Here in the Mohave desert, the signs of Fall are far more subtle. I have several fruit trees, and one of the ways I know it’s Fall is that the persimmon tree’s leaves all turn a lovely shade of orange before deserting the tree. There’s a snap in the air, and a crispness that is palpable.
This is the time of year when, in ancient times, people would take stock of their harvests, all safely stored for the winter… a time of gratitude, of knowing that there is enough for the coming cold-time. I love to look back at the year, and see all there is to be grateful for.
This year, the WONDERGROUND moved to the Olive, and has been blossoming there, month after month.
What a remarkable venue, what an incredible opportunity for magicians and variety artists of all kinds, to come together to create illuminated night-life. I’ve been belly-dancing at the WONDERGROUND each month with members of the New World Rhythmatism Dance Ensemble. It is amazing for us to have a place to show the silent language of motion that weaves together seemingly spontaneous movements into the flow of the dance. This month’s special guests include Jonathan Pendragon, Alain Nu, Luna Shimada and Dirk Losander. To see a full line-up visit
http://www.vegaswonderground.com
I’ll hope to see you there on the third Thursday of each month!
I’m also incredibly grateful to see how the Magic and Mystery School has been growing this year. Month after month, students from all over the world have been coming to the House of Mystery in Las Vegas, to pursue their passions and learn more about the art of magic.
In just a few short weeks, Jeff and I, along with many of the faculty of the Magic and Mystery School, including our Dean, Eugene Burger, our Associate Dean, Larry Hass, adjunct faculty George Parker, along Jordan Wright and others will all be performing at the Magic Castle in Los Angeles. It’s going to be an amazing week of magic and mystery, and we hope you’ll be able to come join us!
And of course, one of the biggest gifts of all is my husband, and I am so deeply grateful for Jeff, and for these past nine years of being married to the “greatest magician of our time.” Our life together is truly magical, and I am more thankful than I have the words to convey. My Thanksgiving wish for all of you is that you may know the sweetness of the season, the security of a bountiful harvest, and the magic of true love….
Your friend in the art,
Abigail McBride
“The Sussex lanes were very lovely in the autumn … spendthrift gold and glory of the year-end … earth scents and the sky winds and all the magic of the countryside which is ordained for the healing of the soul.”
— Monica Baldwin, I Leap over the Wall
Dear Friends:
We have just completed national magic month — I’m wondering how you all celebrated? A magical Halloween party, perhaps? Maybe a séance — did Houdini visit your group? We certainly enjoyed a magical month at the Magic & Mystery School!
As you read this, Jeff and Abbi are in Appleton, Wisconsin for a whirlwind three days of workshops and shows. If you are in the area, you may still be able to get tickets to a special fundraiser for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization. Visit http://www.foxcu.org/bbbs-jeff-mcbride.html for further information.
We’re all still buzzing from the incredible combined Magic & Meaning conference and Fall Fest, with its Witches & Wizards Ball and Bone Dance. The photos you see in this issue are taken from those events… and we’ve just set the dates and location for next year’s Magic & Meaning, and opened up registrations: http://www.magicalwisdom.com/events/view/430.
Next week is the final class for the Magic & Mystery School of this year, our annual “Magic & Medicine,†event, this year with two special guests: Dr. Randall Wolf and Dr. Ricardo Rosenkranz. It promises to be our best Magic & Medicine yet — and we do still have one or two spots available, so if you are wondering what Magic & Medicine is all about, it’s not too late to register.
Coming up later this month, Jeff will be traveling to Mexico again, this time as a featured show at the International Balloon Festival (hot air balloons) in Leon. Will he levitate with the balloons? You’ll have to be there to find out.
At the end of the month Jeff, Eugene, Larry Hass, George Parker and Bryce Kuhlman will be hosting Magic & Mystery School week at The Magic Castle in Hollywood… and giving a special lecture based on the new book Gift Magic, which was just released by Larry’s Theory and Art of Magic Press. Gift Magic will provide readers with a deeper insight into ways of giving the gift of magic… with some fantastic effects included. At least one Las Vegas magician we know of is making a full time living doing just ONE effect from the book. We might suggest that Gift Magic would be a terrific gift for the magician on your holiday list!
Wishing you all a wonderful November and magical holiday season!
Sincerely,
Tobias Beckwith