Tag: Jeff McBride

Impostor Syndrome and Magicians

Inside Magic Image of Innovative BunnyThere is a wonderful, short essay in Jeff McBride’s newsletter today from a fellow magician by the name of Santiago.  His topic is one that we ponder incessantly – the Impostor Syndrome.

Magicians may face this more than other realms of the variety arts.  After all, our whole job is to be an impostor.  We recall Robert Houdin’s famous saying that a “magician is an actor playing the part of a magician.”  We weren’t around when he said or wrote it but we think it applies in spades to our feeling each time we take the stage or the close-up table.

Part of being a magician is deciding how we represent ourselves to the audience.  Do we claim to have magical powers (or can a psychic truly read minds)?  Or are we simply using skills undetectable by the audience to accomplish what appears to be real magic?  Or are we just presenting puzzles for the audience to guess their method?

Pop Haydn taught in his phenomenal School for Scoundrels that when presenting the Three Shell game, the audience doesn’t see it as true magic because they know there must be some way the invisible movement of the pea is being accomplished.  But that does not diminish the effect.

We are a sucker for charts.  You could tell us that the earth was round, the sky is blue and grass is green, and we would nod knowingly.  But if you showed us in a chart or a graphic, we would say things like “of course, now we see!” and we would say it in a manner that implied an exclamation point at the end of our statement.  Probably by speaking emphatically and nodding like a bobble head and smiling like a fool who is doing brain damage from incessant head nodding.

We mention charts not only because we love them but also because Santiago includes charts in his essay.

If you have pondered the Impostor Syndrome or are suffering from it, you should check out the essay and sign-up for Jeff McBride’s newsletter.  It has yet to disappoint.

Read the essay here.

Sign-up for Jeff McBride’s newsletter here.

Las Vegas magic star Jeff McBride awarded highest honor by London’s Magic Circle

Head-Mask-FavertyPRTFrom Tobias Beckwith –

September 3, 2018 Las Vegas, NV – Last night, at their headquarters in London, The Magic Circle presented Jeff McBride with The David Devant Award. Among the highest awards bestowed in the world of magic and illusion, the Devant award is given to those who have made a significant contribution in advancing the art of magic or who have given outstanding service to magic internationally. The trophy is a miniature bust of David Devant, the first President of The Magic Circle. The original life size bronze is on permanent display in the Magic Circle Headquarters.

A 10-year headliner at his popular McBride’s Wonderground, in Las Vegas, Jeff McBride has long been known as a foremost innovator in the world of magic, being among the first to incorporate masks and pantomime with world-class sleight-of-hand skills. His early career saw him as opening act for such superstars as Diana Ross & Tom Jones. Later, his full-evening shows won raves off-Broadway, in Atlantic City and Las Vegas. He is founder of the McBride Magic & Mystery School in Las Vegas,McBride’s Wonderground (magic nightclub) and can be seen regularly on such popular television shows as Masters of Illusion and Penn & Teller’s Fool Us. He is author of the book The Show Doctor and host of the Monday Night Mystery Schoolwebcast, currently with over 350 episodes archived. Earlier this summer, McBride was presented with one of the magic world’s other highest honors, the International Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques’ (FISM) Theory & Philosophy Award.

The Magic Circle, located in London, is the premier magical society in the fascinating world of magic and illusion. They have an international membership of around 1500, all dedicated to promoting and advancing the art of magic, an entertainment as popular today as when the famous club was formed in 1905.

Former recipients of the David Devant Award include:

2018 – Jeff McBride

2017 – Silvan

2016 – Lance Burton

2015 – Johnny Thompson

2014 – David Copperfield

2013 – Luis De Matos

2012 – Jim Steinmeyer

2011 – David Berglas

2009 – Ali Bongo

2008 – Siefried & Roy

2007 – Paul Daniels

2006 – John Fisher2004 – Marvin Roy2005 – John Calvert

2003 – Mark Wilson and Nani

2002 – Dr. Eddie Dawes

2001 – John Gaughan

2000 – Channing Pollock

1999 – Jay Marshall

Be sure to check out Mr. McBride, Mr. Beckwith and the Magic Circle sites here:

http://wow.mcbridemagic.com

https://themagiccircle.co.uk/

http://www.magicalwisdom.com

 

The McBrides and Magic and Mystery

Jeff McBride

Last night, the place to be was The Magic Castle at the corner of Franklin and Orange in Hollywood, California.  We squeaked in (we are on the waiting list for a hip replacement or a good oiling) just before they closed the parking lot.   Phew, we said to no one.

We were dressed in our finest and even polished one of our two shoes (the right – and we always walk with it going first) and wore a tie inherited from our late uncle.  Like all families, we had to fight to recover the tie he promised us.  Our aunt said he never intended us to have it.  Our cousins claimed they were entitled to it.  The funeral director said we couldn’t open the casket without a court order.  But we have it – most of it – and we were wearing it with the pride of a person who knows how to wear a snap on tie.

Steve Valentine is more than a great magician, he is also a world-famous actor and great guy.  When his name is on the bill, there are going to be crowds.  Well, last night, his name was on the bill and there were crowds.  QED.

Mr. Valentine was hosting a special Castle Perk for members on Street Magic in the beautifully appointed Peller Theatre.  Unfortunately, the Peller Theatre seats around 40 guests and there were far more than that looking to learn the ins and outs of performing on boulevards and byways.

We stood solemnly by the door, gazing in with hope and expectation but to no avail.  We couldn’t hear a thing.  We saw mouths moving and props being displayed but without the language track, the visual was insufficient for us.  Dejectedly, we gathered our street performing props and funny hat, and walked away.

After a wonderful meal in the dining room, we were able to see Jeff McBride and Abigail Spinner-McBride in the Palace of Mystery.  What a treat.  Because of our late arrival and dubious hygiene, we were given a choice seat with lots of room near the front.  We have seen Mr. McBride several times and were once again delighted by his creativity and skill.  He is a man of many talents and masks.  He uses both resources to make for a fantastic show.

We have never seen Ms. Spinner-McBride perform and were equally delighted to see her work.  She has a wonderful sense of poise and grace on stage.  Her performance of Max Maven’s Brainwave was beautifully done.

The McBrides will be at The Magic Castle through Sunday as part of the Magic and Mystery School Week.  If you haven’t seen their show or haven’t seen it in a while, make plans to get there.

McBride & Burger Present Lance Burton Young Magicians Seminar

Inside Magic Image of Lance Burton, Master MagicianThis just in: Jeff McBride and Eugene Burger will be facilitating the Lance Burton Young Magicians Seminar at the 2014 Combined Convention in St. Louis, MO on June 29-30.

Jeff and Eugene have been facilitating Lance Burton’s young magician’s events since its inception in 2003.  Along with Jeff and Eugene we are expecting participation from Kenrick “Ice” McDonald, David Oliver, Dr. Larry Hass, Kayla Drescher, Bryce Kuhlman and other surprise guests.

If you haven’t registered yet – don’t wait any longer – register today! To register go to http://ibmsam.com/registration/ TODAY!  See you in St. Louis, where it is All About the Magic.

IBM Announces Sorcerer’s Safari Partnership for Youth Camp Scholarships

Inside Magic Image of International Brotherhood of Magicians and Magic Camp LogoThe International Brotherhood of Magicians (“IBM”) Endowment and Development Fund provided funds for two scholarships to the Sorcerer’s Safari Magic Camp.
Two lucky teens, one male and one female, attending the IBM Lance Burton Teen Seminar will be selected to receive these awesome scholarships.
The McBride Magic & Mystery School will also select one Teen Magician to receive the McBride Magic & Mystery School Faculty Award.
Founded in 1991, the McBride Magic & Mystery School’s goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and inspiring place for magic enthusiast (both amateur and professional) to work on their magic. They work with students of all skill levels and interests.
At McBride Magic & Mystery School the unparalleled faculty are there to answer your questions, help you become a better magician and, most importantly, to have fun.
One lucky teen magician will receive the opportunity of a lifetime!
For additional information on the McBride Magic & Mystery School, go to their website: http://www.magicalwisdom.com/
The Sorcerer’s Safari Magic Camp will run from August 27th through September 1st at the beautiful Camp White Pine in Ontario, Canada. Continue reading “IBM Announces Sorcerer’s Safari Partnership for Youth Camp Scholarships”

Criss Angel’s Plans for MagicPlace.Com Portal

Inside Magic Image of Criss AngelThere is one thing we can say for Criss Angel, he never does thing halfway. Many a magi have performed levitations but only one did it on top of a Las Vegas Casino. Criss Angel is taking the same philosophy to the web and broadcast world.

The illusionist leaked word of the August 2011 launch of MagicPlace.com to Robin Leach. Robin, in turn, shared the news with about a few million readers of his Luxe Life column in the Las Vegas blog, VegasDeluxe.com. Criss Angel told the cigar-chomping reporter of all things rich, famous, and glittery the site will be a combination of a broadcast network, magic portal, magic store, and magician school and talent agency.

Criss Angel intends on having 14 magic shows produced and “aired” each week. He will handle the hosting duty for four and enlist additional talent for the remaining ten shows.

The Pierced One told Robin Leach, “It’s completely different from anything ever attempted before on or off the Internet. I’m insanely passionate about it. I believe it will ultimately revolutionize the way people experience everything magic. There’s nothing in the world like it.”
Continue reading “Criss Angel’s Plans for MagicPlace.Com Portal”

IBM 2011 Closes on High Note

Inside Magic Image of IBM Convention LogoAnd now the 2011 IBM Convention is complete.

It ended with a wonderful show entitled “Legends of Magic & Comedy.” The show began with Jeff McBride. He was in top form and served as the perfect entreaty to the special night. His energy unique ability to take advantage of any unplanned surprise ensured a wonderful start.

The lovely Frances Willard introduced son-in-law Michael Ammar and his beautiful wife, Hannah as they performed their rendition of The Spirit Cabinet. Hannah has learned well from her mother — the effect was perfect.

Max Maven introduced the concept of “suspension” by correctly reading the minds of the sell-out house and segued into clips of Walter “Zaney” Blaney performing his Ladder Suspension over the years and in many venues. But this evening Walter did not perform his world-famous illusion. That honor was bestowed on Becky Blaney and Walter’s granddaughter. They did an outstanding job and Walter’s pride clearly showed.
Continue reading “IBM 2011 Closes on High Note”

Young Magician Conrad Continues Jet-Setting and Great News Coverage

Conrad Performs with the Help of His Lovely Assistant in Recent Show

 

From Vegas to New York City to Bryn Mawr, PA, this young magician has been just about all over in the last few months.

The Central Jersey news site has a big write-up this morning about the young but already very successful, Conrad Colon.

Conrad Colon, local teenage magician, was one of over a hundred student selected to attend a summer magic camp, sponsored by the Louis Tannen Magic Company of New York City and held at Bryn Mawr College located in the village of Bryn Mawr, PA.

Through out the week, Conrad attended lectures, show, and classes in advanced stage magic.

Conrad has been a magician for 7 years. He first began performing after viewing great magicians such as Lance Burton and Jeff McBride on television. While Conrad’s favorite trick is signed bill in lemon, his repertoire includes effects such as card manipulation, rope tricks, and a floating metal ball.

When asked how the tricks are done, Conrad simply replied, “Very Well.”

Conrad’s recent performances have included the 6th annual Somerville Sample day and upcoming shows include the Somerset County 4-H fair, where Conrad will be performing all three days August 11,12,and 13.

For more information see his website TheMagicofConrad.webs.com.

Read the full article in the Central Jersey Publications here Area

Jeff McBride to End Run with Bang

Jeff McBride’s wildly successful show at the Palace Station Casino in Las Vegas will come to an end this month.

If you have not already made plans to see Mr. McBride, you have until November 22nd.

The award-winning performer will be working corporate and international gigs immediately after the Palace Station engagement.  He is currently mulling several offers on the Vegas Strip and Inside Magic will be sure to announce when his selection is made.

Continue reading “Jeff McBride to End Run with Bang”