Thursday night (3/19) we performed our second fundraiser for March (we do a lot of these in the spring for some reason). This one was near and dear because it as for the local public school that Princess Amelia attends. We took our stage, back drops and sound system and turned their cafeteria into a theater. the place sold out. And to our amazement the kids were extremely well behaved (audience kids, that is). Everyone was appreciative of the show and the response were awesome. The local news for northern California came and covered the show with a pre-show interview and footage from the show. we ended up being the 4th story on that night's news. The video will be posted here later tonight and can be currently seen on our Facebook page.
Track- The Kent Family are big track fans. Princess Cynthia went to State finals last year in the 100 hurdles and hopes to go back this year....but there is a whole season to get through first. She missed the first pre-season meet recovering from a cold and only participated in a single event today at the first invitational of the season. She ran the 4X100 relay (3rd leg) and as is the custom of her team....won. Out of about 20 schools from all around the North State and Reno they took home the gold...or a t-shirt in this case.
Our contribution to the distance runners is Indiana Miles. This was his second meet and first one that counted. He place 2nd in the 1 mile and first in the 2 mile this past Tuesday at the pre-season meet. Today, facing a whole bunch of schools and nearly 50 runners in the 1-mile race he finished 21st...the nerves took their toll. He got it together and end up medalling in the 2-mile knocking a whole minute off his best time to get 5th place. He was happy with that.
With the Kents not only do you get the entertainment news you also get sports.
Jugglin' Jim took advantage of an opportunity to teach local kids juggling today with a local afterschool program. He will also perform several one man shows in the up coming months.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
My Office:
There are a few who read this blog that have been in my office. And you know it is cluttered. I take heart because I have seen Houdini's desk in photos and it seems he was a clutter bug too. I also had the honor of visiting Mark Wilson at his office and studio and he too is a clutter bug. My desk is a litter with promotional material, pocket tricks I want to practice, a camera, a recorder, and a cup of Oolong Tea. To my left on my side table is the computer box, printer, scanner, various tools and about 10 cans of paint. Next to the door leading to the back is my tortoise's home...he's outgrowing it. Besides that is part of the Blackstone Drum Illusion,and beside that is Bobbi the cockatoo's cage...currently covered for the night. In front of that is my Whore-house lamp and beside that is my bookcase with well over 500 magic books. next to that are two gray metal shelf-systems holding a sundry of props and tricks. In front of that is my Impaled Illusion and my Modern Art Illusion (in for touch-ups) the middle of the room are cases filled with magical wonders, costumes, dreams that may someday be routines or tricks in the show, tools, a cage or two and a giant fake pumpkin head with long white hair on it. It keeps the 3' Christmas Drummer bear company on the TV and another gray metal shelf system holding the AV stuff. Hanging from this is a marionette blue wingless bird. At the highest shelf is My Psychic Bunny box. Costumes hang from a movable cart (much like a bell boys has) just next to the door to the rest of the house. And here in my black leather swivel chair with my back to the windowed adorned in Burgundy and gold tassel whore-house drapes is me.
Dental Floss, Masters of Illusion, and more
Summer Tour News:
It's official as of this morning we will extend our Summer Tour with July1 having us at Festival in the Park in Willard, Ohio. Then we drive down to O'Fallon, MO for their Heritage and freedom Festival for the 3rd and 4thof July. So two more states are now in the mix. We are hoping to add another state to the end of our tour and are in talks with a group now but it is too early to cinfirm. On one more note we have picked up a booker in Texas who will be working with us for a Texas Tour perhaps as early as September.
Tooth Floss-
Once a week a great magician and I have lunch together either at my home or at a local eatery. The locals like it because we are always performing for them. My dining buddy can never resist to perform for ANYONE>>>>ANYWHERE. We have a ton of laughs together. I'm not mentioning his name because he asked me not to because of the following story. It made us laugh long and hard. Often when we lunch about town my wife will tack a honey-do onto our gallivanting. Today it was picking up apple juice at Wal-mart. My friend picked up several packets of tooth floss ("Now I have enough for the rest of the year", he said.) While int he car driving out of the parking Lot I notice he is flossing his teeth with the edge of the plastic bag the contained the 5 or 6 containers of tooth-floss. I mentioned it to him and we both had a jolly laugh. He absent-mindedly forgot all about the tooth floss. (Probably thinking about who he was going to squeaked his nose for next.) OK, JC, I didn't mention your name. You happy?
Masters of Illusions (MOI):
My Network TV has been hosting Masters of Illusions, a TV show featuring magicians of all ilks doing their thing for live audiences. (This is the same network giving us the Masked Magician.) I have been watching every week and have been keeping my mouth shut. Over the weeks, however, I have run into several laymen who have expressed to me their utter disappointment with the show. So I will now for the first time publicly put in my two cents. This show is the most ridiculous display of magic ever on television. It is badly edited, badly shot, badly produced and badly performed. The masked Magician does a better job at performing and his producers a better job of producing a professional package than MOI. It is sad. I will say that last night's closer, Rick Thomas, was awesome. Way beyond the other acts in style and production value.
Now, I need to clarify something. I know many of the acts (performers) who have performed on MOI. Most are extremely gifted performers. However, the production value, or lack there of, of MOI make their acts look cheesy in some cases, and just birthday party magician quality in other cases.
I always think it cheap to slam something without giving suggestions to make things better. First, they need to film the acts several times and use the best of those shootings, or edit the best clips from each shooting. They need to rehearse more with the camera men to better produce quality angles and cuts. They need a host of some sort. Perhaps a comedy-magician who can interact with the acts, introduce the acts and perform a bit him/herself. Get rid of junior magicians unless you create a segment identifying them as such. Think costuming. Some of the performers look like overweight business men who found a cool toy. Scrap the cheesy dancing unless a professional choreographer can come in and make it look good. Talk to Copperfield, or the producers of World's Greatest Magic or someone with experience doing these types of shows and have them advise.
The Masked guy hurst magic buy exposing secrest he didn't create. in otherwords they are not his to give-away. The MOI group hurts magic on TV by producing a low quality product. And it doesn't have to be so. The masked Guy could have ethics and morality and quit. The MOI folks (with such wonderful talent as they have but are wasting)could work harder and prduce a better product. OK, I awiat cruxifition from my peers. (I should mention one more thing....I don't blame the acts...it's publicity baby....used right any publicity is good publicity. And as I said many of the acts are awesome...they just didn't appear that way due to the production value of MOI.)
It's official as of this morning we will extend our Summer Tour with July1 having us at Festival in the Park in Willard, Ohio. Then we drive down to O'Fallon, MO for their Heritage and freedom Festival for the 3rd and 4thof July. So two more states are now in the mix. We are hoping to add another state to the end of our tour and are in talks with a group now but it is too early to cinfirm. On one more note we have picked up a booker in Texas who will be working with us for a Texas Tour perhaps as early as September.
Tooth Floss-
Once a week a great magician and I have lunch together either at my home or at a local eatery. The locals like it because we are always performing for them. My dining buddy can never resist to perform for ANYONE>>>>ANYWHERE. We have a ton of laughs together. I'm not mentioning his name because he asked me not to because of the following story. It made us laugh long and hard. Often when we lunch about town my wife will tack a honey-do onto our gallivanting. Today it was picking up apple juice at Wal-mart. My friend picked up several packets of tooth floss ("Now I have enough for the rest of the year", he said.) While int he car driving out of the parking Lot I notice he is flossing his teeth with the edge of the plastic bag the contained the 5 or 6 containers of tooth-floss. I mentioned it to him and we both had a jolly laugh. He absent-mindedly forgot all about the tooth floss. (Probably thinking about who he was going to squeaked his nose for next.) OK, JC, I didn't mention your name. You happy?
Masters of Illusions (MOI):
My Network TV has been hosting Masters of Illusions, a TV show featuring magicians of all ilks doing their thing for live audiences. (This is the same network giving us the Masked Magician.) I have been watching every week and have been keeping my mouth shut. Over the weeks, however, I have run into several laymen who have expressed to me their utter disappointment with the show. So I will now for the first time publicly put in my two cents. This show is the most ridiculous display of magic ever on television. It is badly edited, badly shot, badly produced and badly performed. The masked Magician does a better job at performing and his producers a better job of producing a professional package than MOI. It is sad. I will say that last night's closer, Rick Thomas, was awesome. Way beyond the other acts in style and production value.
Now, I need to clarify something. I know many of the acts (performers) who have performed on MOI. Most are extremely gifted performers. However, the production value, or lack there of, of MOI make their acts look cheesy in some cases, and just birthday party magician quality in other cases.
I always think it cheap to slam something without giving suggestions to make things better. First, they need to film the acts several times and use the best of those shootings, or edit the best clips from each shooting. They need to rehearse more with the camera men to better produce quality angles and cuts. They need a host of some sort. Perhaps a comedy-magician who can interact with the acts, introduce the acts and perform a bit him/herself. Get rid of junior magicians unless you create a segment identifying them as such. Think costuming. Some of the performers look like overweight business men who found a cool toy. Scrap the cheesy dancing unless a professional choreographer can come in and make it look good. Talk to Copperfield, or the producers of World's Greatest Magic or someone with experience doing these types of shows and have them advise.
The Masked guy hurst magic buy exposing secrest he didn't create. in otherwords they are not his to give-away. The MOI group hurts magic on TV by producing a low quality product. And it doesn't have to be so. The masked Guy could have ethics and morality and quit. The MOI folks (with such wonderful talent as they have but are wasting)could work harder and prduce a better product. OK, I awiat cruxifition from my peers. (I should mention one more thing....I don't blame the acts...it's publicity baby....used right any publicity is good publicity. And as I said many of the acts are awesome...they just didn't appear that way due to the production value of MOI.)
Saturday, March 7, 2009
We have punted!
It's a kick off.
Last night we preformed our annual season kick off show at the EV Free Church in Oroville, Ca...a benefit show for the youth group trip to Mexico to evangelize and build homes for needy folks there. Thus the show was called Magic for Mexico V! One of the biggest crowds ever to come. Largest number of little ones to come as well. (And with today's parents' lack of parenting skills that meant a bunch of kids who really had no self control or ability to sit still.) This lack of parental control has become a bigger and bigger issue with me as time marches on. Still in view of that, the show went well. We introduced a number of new things...some will stay in the show...some won't or will be revamped or rethought.
I will mention to my disappointment that none of the church leadership nor the youth leadership came. The youth were pretty much put under the lackadaisical overview of a couple of good meaning but skilless in youth motivation parents. This meant quite a few of the youth (whom this event is to benefit) goofed off.
Also the church had booked the building for the next day for a women's conference and these organizers were not generous or at best reluctant to share space and at least one gentleman give into the stress of it all and being far from a Christian in his reactions and words. I mention this because it is hypocritical of me to criticize the secular word and there progressive spin down the toilet and overlook people proclaiming Christ only to really represent the World. My philosophy is to lay it all bear so we (believer's) can never be accused of covering up, playing favorites, or hiding anything. It may not sit well with some "believers" but better to hear it from a brother than from a heathen.
All outward criticism aside I will turn the camera inward and say....a couple of the new effects didn't go over the way I hoped. The Firestarter routine needs more rehearsal and the show seemed to run a little long.
Good Friend and magician Bill Jackson did a magic routine that saluted the HEROs going to Mexico. It was a lot of fun. He also ran several spikes through his arm.
On a personal note one young lady from the youth group (who by clothing and actions seemed to have one foot firmly planted in the World) greeted me with, "You really need to shave and cut your hair...because, honestly, you look terrible. " I've know this kid and her parents for years and was shocked by her remarks. I talked with her about it but she seemed really not to care.
Bobbi the cockatoo was a hit. She was a last minute addition to the show (by my wife's insistence). She danced and and then performed her card trick....not finding the card but eliminating every other card but the chosen one....it was a hoot.
New items in the magic shoppe were a success infact a couple of items even sold out. Including Knife through dollar bill.
Cheers.
Last night we preformed our annual season kick off show at the EV Free Church in Oroville, Ca...a benefit show for the youth group trip to Mexico to evangelize and build homes for needy folks there. Thus the show was called Magic for Mexico V! One of the biggest crowds ever to come. Largest number of little ones to come as well. (And with today's parents' lack of parenting skills that meant a bunch of kids who really had no self control or ability to sit still.) This lack of parental control has become a bigger and bigger issue with me as time marches on. Still in view of that, the show went well. We introduced a number of new things...some will stay in the show...some won't or will be revamped or rethought.
I will mention to my disappointment that none of the church leadership nor the youth leadership came. The youth were pretty much put under the lackadaisical overview of a couple of good meaning but skilless in youth motivation parents. This meant quite a few of the youth (whom this event is to benefit) goofed off.
Also the church had booked the building for the next day for a women's conference and these organizers were not generous or at best reluctant to share space and at least one gentleman give into the stress of it all and being far from a Christian in his reactions and words. I mention this because it is hypocritical of me to criticize the secular word and there progressive spin down the toilet and overlook people proclaiming Christ only to really represent the World. My philosophy is to lay it all bear so we (believer's) can never be accused of covering up, playing favorites, or hiding anything. It may not sit well with some "believers" but better to hear it from a brother than from a heathen.
All outward criticism aside I will turn the camera inward and say....a couple of the new effects didn't go over the way I hoped. The Firestarter routine needs more rehearsal and the show seemed to run a little long.
Good Friend and magician Bill Jackson did a magic routine that saluted the HEROs going to Mexico. It was a lot of fun. He also ran several spikes through his arm.
On a personal note one young lady from the youth group (who by clothing and actions seemed to have one foot firmly planted in the World) greeted me with, "You really need to shave and cut your hair...because, honestly, you look terrible. " I've know this kid and her parents for years and was shocked by her remarks. I talked with her about it but she seemed really not to care.
Bobbi the cockatoo was a hit. She was a last minute addition to the show (by my wife's insistence). She danced and and then performed her card trick....not finding the card but eliminating every other card but the chosen one....it was a hoot.
New items in the magic shoppe were a success infact a couple of items even sold out. Including Knife through dollar bill.
Cheers.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Oh How Exciting!
Where to start....scuttlebutt is we will be extending our summer tour a bit with a gig (3 shows) in Ohio and then two days (6 shows) in Missouri before starting our Kentucky leg of the tour. We will confirm this next week.
Princess Amelia will be adding yet another very cool, somewhat spooky routine. "Fire-starter". We will present the beta version tomorrow at our kick off show. A newspaper brought by a spectator will be placed into a clear pyrex bowl (but can be placed anywhere...the bowl protects the table and stage fromt he fire)...the Princess will stand behind the bowl (Not close-enough to touch it) and her hair will begin to flow (like in a soft wind from the direction of the bowl) and then the paper will burst into flames. OOUUUUUU!
Princess Olivia will present here first offical choreographed song number, costumed to match, for the show. In rehearsals she has been beyond cute.
See yo at the show....or on the tour this summer!
Princess Amelia will be adding yet another very cool, somewhat spooky routine. "Fire-starter". We will present the beta version tomorrow at our kick off show. A newspaper brought by a spectator will be placed into a clear pyrex bowl (but can be placed anywhere...the bowl protects the table and stage fromt he fire)...the Princess will stand behind the bowl (Not close-enough to touch it) and her hair will begin to flow (like in a soft wind from the direction of the bowl) and then the paper will burst into flames. OOUUUUUU!
Princess Olivia will present here first offical choreographed song number, costumed to match, for the show. In rehearsals she has been beyond cute.
See yo at the show....or on the tour this summer!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Tid Bits and Season Kick Off
We are just a few days away from the season kick off and we have been blessed with a Spring-Summer-Fall calendar that is nearly packed wall to wall. Still have a gap here and there we are trying to fill and we are really wanting to perform in Maine. Never been there and with all I've seen on TV and books and the Internet I am convinced it will be one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Quassy park emailed today. Looks like we are going to be on a CT TV show on August 4th promoting our shows by way of profiling our family.
Offer a Ohio gig that is just a day out of our schedule. We are hoping to work that out. We would love to perform in Ohio. The people there have always been so cordial to us.
The insurance has been settled for the theft. Three cheers for AAA! New equipment is on it's way. (You are going to like the design on the clubs Jim has picked out.)
In spite of the adversary we spit in his eye and Jim, as a result of the theft, had to rely on inspiration (which means "Breath of God") and creativity. Because we had a couple of shows coming up last week that needed his services. So in the garage he found two nice looking tennis rackets and a nearly new soccer ball. The routine he come up with was incredible...never seen anyone else do it.
Today I will lunch with JC Dunn of Magic JC, lifetime member of the Magic Castle and one of the nicest people on the planet.
If you have been watching the Master of Illusion on TV on Mondays here is my opinion on the shows. Wow...what stinkers. I don't meant he acts. I know many of them and they are great. But the production company putting the show on is doing such a bad job I have actually heard lay people say the acts sucked. Now I know they don't. But the editing, the camera angles, the whole production is so bad I think it's hurting magic. On top of that immediately after the MOI the masked magician, on the same network, had his reveal show. MOI needs to scrap the contract and start afresh somewhere else. I think if they got a really good performer to host/perform the show and interactively introduce the acts as well as someone to coordinate costuming and show flow-pace to create some kind of cohesion to the show.
Quassy park emailed today. Looks like we are going to be on a CT TV show on August 4th promoting our shows by way of profiling our family.
Offer a Ohio gig that is just a day out of our schedule. We are hoping to work that out. We would love to perform in Ohio. The people there have always been so cordial to us.
The insurance has been settled for the theft. Three cheers for AAA! New equipment is on it's way. (You are going to like the design on the clubs Jim has picked out.)
In spite of the adversary we spit in his eye and Jim, as a result of the theft, had to rely on inspiration (which means "Breath of God") and creativity. Because we had a couple of shows coming up last week that needed his services. So in the garage he found two nice looking tennis rackets and a nearly new soccer ball. The routine he come up with was incredible...never seen anyone else do it.
Today I will lunch with JC Dunn of Magic JC, lifetime member of the Magic Castle and one of the nicest people on the planet.
If you have been watching the Master of Illusion on TV on Mondays here is my opinion on the shows. Wow...what stinkers. I don't meant he acts. I know many of them and they are great. But the production company putting the show on is doing such a bad job I have actually heard lay people say the acts sucked. Now I know they don't. But the editing, the camera angles, the whole production is so bad I think it's hurting magic. On top of that immediately after the MOI the masked magician, on the same network, had his reveal show. MOI needs to scrap the contract and start afresh somewhere else. I think if they got a really good performer to host/perform the show and interactively introduce the acts as well as someone to coordinate costuming and show flow-pace to create some kind of cohesion to the show.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Season Kick off Nears
We are just 5 days from our traditional Season Kick off. Magic for Mexico is a fundraiser show we donate each year for the past 5 years to help raise money to send teens and college kids down to Mexico over spring break....not to party but to build homes for the poor and share the Word of God in actions and words.
This show is where we introduce new costumes, new routines, new stunts, and new tricks. This year is now different with the official kick off of the Modern Art Illusion ( a cool sawing in half), James' new soccer ball-tennis racket routine that test audiences have been loving, Amelia's lighting then exploding light bulb and her two new mind reading effects, Olivia will do a comedy piece new to her but has run the gauntlet with each of the kids doing it when they were her age...it culminates with the production of a dove. Miles has added flare to his bull whipping. Victor will do a 100' rope tie challenge. And the list goes on.
Most of the effects have been tested in front of audience since December but will be performed in full together this coming Friday in Oroville, Ca at the EV Free Church at 7pm.
At another regular show I perofrmed at (5th year I think) tonight )Which booked at the last moment this year,) I asked if anyone remembered me from last year. Many raised their hand or clapped. I ask if I had changed. One boy hollered, "Yeah, those creepy sideburns". I laughed by mutton chops off!
This show is where we introduce new costumes, new routines, new stunts, and new tricks. This year is now different with the official kick off of the Modern Art Illusion ( a cool sawing in half), James' new soccer ball-tennis racket routine that test audiences have been loving, Amelia's lighting then exploding light bulb and her two new mind reading effects, Olivia will do a comedy piece new to her but has run the gauntlet with each of the kids doing it when they were her age...it culminates with the production of a dove. Miles has added flare to his bull whipping. Victor will do a 100' rope tie challenge. And the list goes on.
Most of the effects have been tested in front of audience since December but will be performed in full together this coming Friday in Oroville, Ca at the EV Free Church at 7pm.
At another regular show I perofrmed at (5th year I think) tonight )Which booked at the last moment this year,) I asked if anyone remembered me from last year. Many raised their hand or clapped. I ask if I had changed. One boy hollered, "Yeah, those creepy sideburns". I laughed by mutton chops off!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Updates-
On the robbery we have filed all police reports and insurance info. we have also given local pawn shops and antique stores information and are checking ebay and craigs list to catch a theif. A couple items are one of a kind so all the dumb theif has to do is try to publicly sell them.
The calendar is filling up...PTL
Public shows only are listed Private and corporate shows are NOT listed. If yo would like us to consider performing at your event give us a call 530-532-7933
Jubilee on the Ridge Feb 21-22 6pm(Paradise, CA)
Magic for Mexico, EV Free Church March 06 7pm(oroville, CA)
Plumas Ave School Stage Show Fundraiser March 19 6pm (Oroville, CA)
Colusa Family Festival -(Colusa Co Fairgrounds) April 4
Bayhills Church (Elsabrante, CA) Aprill 11-12
Corning Community Church Kids Outreach April 12-15 evenings (Corning, CA)
Lemoore Pizza Festival 10am-6pm April 18 (Lemoore, CA)
FRRPD Fundraiser, Oroville Municipal Auditorium 5pm (oroville, CA)
Feather Fiesta Days Jubilee on the Ridge Word Explosion May 3, 4 6pm (Paradise, CA)
Glenn County Fair (CA) May 14-17
Silver Dollar Fair (Chico, CA) May 21-25
Yuba City Aquatic Park June 11
Gold Sox Baseball-3rd Annual Circus Day (Marysville, CA) June 27 (PM)
Laurel County Fair (London, KY) July 7-11
Beech Bend Amusement Park (Bowling Green, KY) July 13-26
Ulster County Fair (New Paltz, NY) July 28-August 2
Quassy Amusement Park (CT) August 3-16
Wolcott Fair (CT) August 22-23
Calico Ghost Town (Yermo CA) Oct 23-25,30-Nov 1
Hemet Mall (Santa Arrival) 11am-1pm Hemet, CA
The calendar is filling up...PTL
Public shows only are listed Private and corporate shows are NOT listed. If yo would like us to consider performing at your event give us a call 530-532-7933
Jubilee on the Ridge Feb 21-22 6pm(Paradise, CA)
Magic for Mexico, EV Free Church March 06 7pm(oroville, CA)
Plumas Ave School Stage Show Fundraiser March 19 6pm (Oroville, CA)
Colusa Family Festival -(Colusa Co Fairgrounds) April 4
Bayhills Church (Elsabrante, CA) Aprill 11-12
Corning Community Church Kids Outreach April 12-15 evenings (Corning, CA)
Lemoore Pizza Festival 10am-6pm April 18 (Lemoore, CA)
FRRPD Fundraiser, Oroville Municipal Auditorium 5pm (oroville, CA)
Feather Fiesta Days Jubilee on the Ridge Word Explosion May 3, 4 6pm (Paradise, CA)
Glenn County Fair (CA) May 14-17
Silver Dollar Fair (Chico, CA) May 21-25
Yuba City Aquatic Park June 11
Gold Sox Baseball-3rd Annual Circus Day (Marysville, CA) June 27 (PM)
Laurel County Fair (London, KY) July 7-11
Beech Bend Amusement Park (Bowling Green, KY) July 13-26
Ulster County Fair (New Paltz, NY) July 28-August 2
Quassy Amusement Park (CT) August 3-16
Wolcott Fair (CT) August 22-23
Calico Ghost Town (Yermo CA) Oct 23-25,30-Nov 1
Hemet Mall (Santa Arrival) 11am-1pm Hemet, CA
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Theft
Have you ever been violated? Has someone encroached on you, taken things from you, taken away your security? Well, in these fine days of "Hope and Change" some jerk smashed a window in Jugglin' Jim's car and stole his cart that contains most of his act...over $1500 in props. They got in the trunk and stole his guitar, a present from his mom and I for his birthday 3 years ago. And to top it off they stole his bible....it was in a zipper pouch so I think they thought it was an electronic device or man purse or something. Still over $2K gone plus a busted window (on a rainy night) and peace of mind trashed. Satan is alive and well and lives in the acts of jerks like this. All this happened early this morning right in front of our house. Police report is filed but what can they do.
I hope in my deepest being that they truly needed the stuff to sell for food or medical help. reality is it was for kicks and money for less than noble causes. Tomorrow car alarms, a massive halogen light, servalence cameras on my roof and the real estate page in the paper.
A bit of good news. A man at our church heard about the incident and brought Jim a new guitar today. Wow! Also we have a lot of practice juggling equipmentthat can stand in for the more expenseive stolen stuff and the other stuff can be ordered for now. Still the question is WHY!?
I hope in my deepest being that they truly needed the stuff to sell for food or medical help. reality is it was for kicks and money for less than noble causes. Tomorrow car alarms, a massive halogen light, servalence cameras on my roof and the real estate page in the paper.
A bit of good news. A man at our church heard about the incident and brought Jim a new guitar today. Wow! Also we have a lot of practice juggling equipmentthat can stand in for the more expenseive stolen stuff and the other stuff can be ordered for now. Still the question is WHY!?
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Jim Pace Lecture:
Jim Pace and Victor KentTraditionally magicians learn their craft from each other. Sharing and teaching. On Feb 10th I had the lovely opportunity to attend one of these lectures in the wonderful town of Martinez at the California magic Company...a magic dinner theater and magic shop (http://www.calmagic.com/). The teacher or lecturer is the world famous close-up magician who specializes in restaurant magic and hales from Portland....Jim Pace.
Victor and Gerry (owner of California Magic Company)Because of our crazy performing schedule it is rare I can attend a lecture or convention so this truly was a treat. The fact that we could attend a gathering of performers in SF in early Jan then the magic castle last week and Jim pace's lecture this week was a very fortunate pleasure. Jugglin' Jim attended with me on the rainy 2.5 hour drive ...but worth it.
Jim's skills are out of this world. His humor and routines are audience tested and strong. We loved every second of the lecture. Being a public blog I won't go into detail of what we learned and what was taught, let it be sufficient for me to say there are at least two things that will be added to my repertoire. When I say that I must caveat that Jim and I have totally different performing styles so when the routine or trick finally makes it's evolution into our show (the only evolution I believe in) it will be a bit different from Jim's.
Another great thing about lectures is that the teacher always brings items to sell. Most the creation of the lecturer. Yes I partook.
While at the lecture I had the chance to meet many kind people and meet up with old acquaintances and friends. Jay Alexander and (Glenn) Al Catraz from the January gathering were there. And I met many members of the local SAM (Society of American Magicians). I also met Gerry the owner of the California Magic Company and Dr P who will be performing at the theater next week. If you want a special treat take your family to the California Magic Company on Castro Street in Martinez if you get the chance...heck make the chance.
Master Pace, Jim Pace, Dr P, Jay Alexander, VictorI also met a man named Ian from Tasmania. He and I bonded at once since we are both of Scottish decent.
Victor and IanJim Pace had his son along and though he didn't perform he was a very nice and polite young man with a keen sense of humor.
Back to Jim. He is an extremely well practiced coin and card man. His sleight of hand was poetry. I wish I could express it better but I can't so you will have to go to Portland and see him live or see if he has anything on Youtube.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Monday Night at the Castle
Sunday night was fun. It was Super Bowl Sunday so the crowds were small....good for us because we got to see all the acts and got to meet the performers and got to be more casual with the people we met (busier nights would have made all the more difficult). Not so good because the whole atmosphere and energy is different when you have large enthusiastic crowds.
Monday was a bit busier but the crowds were still small enough that we missed nothing and were able to spend more quality time with other performers and lay folks visiting.
We got to watch the 2008 Close-up magician of the year, Paul Green and later the actor-magician Jonathan Levit in the close up room. Both were great....Leveit was insane. Very funny show. In the Parlour of Prestidigitation we saw Geoff Williams but due to the small crowds and a change in schedule we missed Rob Watkins. Geoff was a hoot. He does a very funny show and his highlight is a routine with borrowed money, a beautiful girl from the audience, him dressed as a MN postal worker, a pack of cigarettes, and matches. All the makings of a very enjoyable show.
In the Big room....Palace of Mystery we saw Comedian-Juggler, David Deeble (liked him so much we got his DVD), Arthur Trace (impressive manipulation act) and Joseph Tran, dove magician and illusionist. Joseph is a second generation Vietnamese American...after his dove act which is done in silence he walks to the apron of the stage and speaks for the first time. In a broken English with a heavy accent he talks about coming to America and coming to the Castle to learn magic and English....then he breaks character and speaking in perfect English admits he was born right there in Southern Cal. He got big laughs. He had a large entourage of family and friends int he audience. In fact, his mother sat next me and was very animated throughout her son's performance. I got at least six hugs from her during his act.
I also got a chance to take in the music room or Irma's room. In here there resides a ghost that plays the piano...and it's not a player piano. You can ask "Irma" to play just about any song and she does. Through the keys you can even have a conversation with her where the keys (notes) make words, so to speak. For example, when I asked if she was there the notes rang out "yes, I am" and when I tipped her by putting a dollar or 2 in the ghost-bird bird cage not only did the invisible bird tweet for me but Irma said, "thank you" with the notes.
Only one downer the whole night was a rude host who seemed to be incapable of simply responding to people's inquiries without trying to be "witty" (which I witnessed twice to be down right rude. ) The rest of the staff were stellar and professional to an impressive degree. The Director, Mark, can be very proud of his staff (minus the one). The three different Hostess' or receptionists that we met of the 2 nights were fabulous people to have at the front. The bartenders were friendly and fun. The bus boys and restaurant manager and staff where very kind. And the other host(s) I met were top notch.
As I mentioned before, the Magic Castle is a private club. To be a member you have to show your seriousness about magic by auditioning. You don't have to be great...just serious about the art. On Monday night we met four young men who were all trying out for membership. Each were nervous but held their own in the bar (only board members get to be in the auditions). The board made them wait a bit and so in my wanderings of the castle I bumped into them many times and chit chatted or showed them a stunt or trick. As I waited to go into to see a show I noticed the guys were gone. But a few moments later they emerged from the auditions and with glee each exclaimed they had made it. Wohoo!
Monday was a bit busier but the crowds were still small enough that we missed nothing and were able to spend more quality time with other performers and lay folks visiting.
We got to watch the 2008 Close-up magician of the year, Paul Green and later the actor-magician Jonathan Levit in the close up room. Both were great....Leveit was insane. Very funny show. In the Parlour of Prestidigitation we saw Geoff Williams but due to the small crowds and a change in schedule we missed Rob Watkins. Geoff was a hoot. He does a very funny show and his highlight is a routine with borrowed money, a beautiful girl from the audience, him dressed as a MN postal worker, a pack of cigarettes, and matches. All the makings of a very enjoyable show.
In the Big room....Palace of Mystery we saw Comedian-Juggler, David Deeble (liked him so much we got his DVD), Arthur Trace (impressive manipulation act) and Joseph Tran, dove magician and illusionist. Joseph is a second generation Vietnamese American...after his dove act which is done in silence he walks to the apron of the stage and speaks for the first time. In a broken English with a heavy accent he talks about coming to America and coming to the Castle to learn magic and English....then he breaks character and speaking in perfect English admits he was born right there in Southern Cal. He got big laughs. He had a large entourage of family and friends int he audience. In fact, his mother sat next me and was very animated throughout her son's performance. I got at least six hugs from her during his act.
I also got a chance to take in the music room or Irma's room. In here there resides a ghost that plays the piano...and it's not a player piano. You can ask "Irma" to play just about any song and she does. Through the keys you can even have a conversation with her where the keys (notes) make words, so to speak. For example, when I asked if she was there the notes rang out "yes, I am" and when I tipped her by putting a dollar or 2 in the ghost-bird bird cage not only did the invisible bird tweet for me but Irma said, "thank you" with the notes.
Only one downer the whole night was a rude host who seemed to be incapable of simply responding to people's inquiries without trying to be "witty" (which I witnessed twice to be down right rude. ) The rest of the staff were stellar and professional to an impressive degree. The Director, Mark, can be very proud of his staff (minus the one). The three different Hostess' or receptionists that we met of the 2 nights were fabulous people to have at the front. The bartenders were friendly and fun. The bus boys and restaurant manager and staff where very kind. And the other host(s) I met were top notch.
As I mentioned before, the Magic Castle is a private club. To be a member you have to show your seriousness about magic by auditioning. You don't have to be great...just serious about the art. On Monday night we met four young men who were all trying out for membership. Each were nervous but held their own in the bar (only board members get to be in the auditions). The board made them wait a bit and so in my wanderings of the castle I bumped into them many times and chit chatted or showed them a stunt or trick. As I waited to go into to see a show I noticed the guys were gone. But a few moments later they emerged from the auditions and with glee each exclaimed they had made it. Wohoo!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
More on the Castle>>>>
Who would think I would spend Super Bowl Sunday at the Magic Castle. Deep in the bowels of the Castle in what makes up the WC Fields bar and other assorted rooms is the Inner Circle where members gather to do lectures, get togethers and a number of other sundry things including gather for a Super Bowl Party. We arrived at the start of the last quarter and enjoyed crowd watching as the place lit up when Arizona began an incredible run. I think most in attendance were supporting the cardinals. That fire was quenched in the last minute when the Steelers made an exciting last minute pass and catch and took the trophy!
By games end it was time to catch the first shows. Well, almost we missed it by 5 minutes so we headed off to the first Parlor Show and caught comedy magician, Kerry Ross. I should mention here that the audiences here are made up of lay people (non magician who had passes, many having come for the awesome dinners at the Castle) and magicians (both members and non-members. Kerry amazed and entertained the audience completely.
We then caught the Palace of Mystery show featuring three magicians, Eric Buss (as the MC) , Danny Cole and Ron Saylor. Though all the acts were awesome (REALLY) I was most impressed with Danny's show. He has a fertile mind and has a very unique act. Still Eric Buss was funny as heck! Ron was the illusionist and did a fine job. We missed the close-up magic of Alfonso but did get to chat with him a bit at the table Dai Vernon used to perform at. We performed for the lay folks and a few of the other entertainers in a strolling atmosphere...I also pounded a few nails into my nose for them.
The last show we caught was with Paul Draper. He performed a fun show that starts with him playing an Indian flute and ends the same but as a Pied Piper leading us out. He's playing in Vegas this week at the Venetian.
More to come....
By games end it was time to catch the first shows. Well, almost we missed it by 5 minutes so we headed off to the first Parlor Show and caught comedy magician, Kerry Ross. I should mention here that the audiences here are made up of lay people (non magician who had passes, many having come for the awesome dinners at the Castle) and magicians (both members and non-members. Kerry amazed and entertained the audience completely.
We then caught the Palace of Mystery show featuring three magicians, Eric Buss (as the MC) , Danny Cole and Ron Saylor. Though all the acts were awesome (REALLY) I was most impressed with Danny's show. He has a fertile mind and has a very unique act. Still Eric Buss was funny as heck! Ron was the illusionist and did a fine job. We missed the close-up magic of Alfonso but did get to chat with him a bit at the table Dai Vernon used to perform at. We performed for the lay folks and a few of the other entertainers in a strolling atmosphere...I also pounded a few nails into my nose for them.
The last show we caught was with Paul Draper. He performed a fun show that starts with him playing an Indian flute and ends the same but as a Pied Piper leading us out. He's playing in Vegas this week at the Venetian.
More to come....
Magic Castle---there and back again
Prior to the Castle JC performs for a Hollywood Blvd Shop keeper
So did I!
OK, Maybe I performed the Blockhead stunt...a lot!
The Magic Castle
In the Lobby with Bonnie, JC and Stephanie (Receptionists)
Geoff Williams, JC, Victor, Paul Draper
JC
At Hollywood Magic the Shop keeper nails me with a nail!A whirlwind tour. We spent 2 days in Hollywood and got a chance to meet many wonderful people. Prior to the evenings when the castle opens we visited local shops and did a bit of window shopping and "freaking" of the people. We performed little tricks here and there and brought a little fun to the otherwise Boring Hollywood Blvd. OK...boring it was not!
I am pretty sure, though, that very few celebrities hang out around here. It is a tourist spot through and through with the multitudes of souvenir shops, out of work actors dressed in character costumes taking tips for pictures, out of work actors handing out brochures, star maps, etc, homeless people asking for handouts, hookers and a bunch of other colorful folk! We even had one homeless guy who talked to himself follow us about for a while. The best thing is we found a donut shop between our hotel and the castle....it became a frequent stop for me over the two days. Next to the donut shop was a Medical Marijuana den. (The donut shop must do great business when the munchies hit the "patients" next door. ) The MJ shop was boldly decorated with large neon signs of the familiar 5 leave herb and other signs to make it obviously clear it was there.
I will continue this thread tomorrow with stories of the performers and our own little performances.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Magic Castle
It is my first trip to the Magic Castle. We made it here in great time even with the CHP pulling people over left and right...fund-raising for the State. Dinner consisted of donuts on the way to the castle. JC Dunn (life time member) brought me in as a guest. we got to watch the last 10 minutes of the super bowl in the inner circle (club house) and then we made the rounds of the shows meeting many wonderful performers. Tomorrow I will post photos and list the acts and kind people we met. All I can say is that it was a wonderful evening but boy am I tired.
Blessings to all.
Victor
Blessings to all.
Victor
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Updates January 09
First- the great JC Dunn and Victor Kent will be visiting the Magic Castle in Hollywood February 1 and 2 on a social visit. If you are in the area first round is on us!
January is always a light month for performances for us and this January is no different. We have been using the time updating, booking, repairing, practicing, networking, marketing, and brainstorming. As a result we have a longer Summer East coast tour; new illusions and routines; new costumes; and all around updated programs.
January is always a light month for performances for us and this January is no different. We have been using the time updating, booking, repairing, practicing, networking, marketing, and brainstorming. As a result we have a longer Summer East coast tour; new illusions and routines; new costumes; and all around updated programs.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
A Day ins SF
We were invited by the legendary Jay Alexander, SF's foremost magician, to attend a gathering of local performers at Lefty O'Douls on Friday night. Jugglin' Jim and I went up together. We wanted to make a few stops so we headed up early. Our first stop was Misdirections Magic Shop on 9th Ave. It is a fully stocked wonderland of magic. Joe and his wife Melisa were very kind and we spent a little while chit chatting.
before coming up Jim and I decided we would do street food or finger food all day so we headed down to Judah Ave and found a joint that sells bagel dogs...real good ones...foot long ones. It was nice!
From there we hopped in our 15 passenger van (which I am sure thrilled the two Greenpeace nuts trying to stop people with wide open arms, ready for a hug, that worked the corner there at 9th and Judah. "You want to talk to me! ...Do you love mother earth?" was their cry to each person passing by. I said, "I love mother earth...she's hot!"
We headed down to Clement Street. Clement street is the real China town. The food is inexpensive and real...not like to poor tourists where dealing with downtown. We stopped by one shop and picked up two huge chicken-onion skewer thingies that were awesome. Followed that with two humongous steamed pork buns filled with that "Unique to SF" red pork filling. We popped into a few shops to look around and then jumped back into the BIG VAN to take Geary to it's end.
Geary terminates or more correctly turns into another road at the Sutro Baths, the Cliff House, Seal Rock or the Pacific Ocean...take your pick. We parked the van and immediately noticed two things. Fists their were a lot of fire trucks. And their were Ninjas. A fireman told me they were unrelated. The firemen were testing some new equipment. That would be cut short due to a call and they all headed off with sirens. The Ninjas were a low end film group prepping for a shoot in the area.
I was hoping to take Jim to the Cliff House to show him the old music box and old time arcade museum under the main part of the old restaurant. Turned out they had completely redone the old building and added to it. It was all modern cement, girders and glass. The old gift shop, museum, and restaurant had died and this ugly hoity toity trash heap was put in it's place. It doesn't fit their next to the ruins of the old Sutro Baths that look so much like an ancient world archeology dig. the old seal rock and the tired Ocean beach.
Jim and I climbed down the steps to the old baths and since the tide was out we were able to go through some old caves and climb around the ruins. The climb up convinced me I was old. My calves ache the memory to me now as I type this out.
After a rest we hopped back in our Texas Mini-van and headed to Daly City following the coastline. I lived in North Daly City while I went to College at SFSU over 20 years ago. Westlake Joe's was still there and smelling great as we drove by. But the old outside mall had changed and so much had been added and/or moved about. My old apartment was still there and looked the same but the Lions Coffee Shop was now some fancy Bistro. Again way out of place.
We parked at the Daly City BART station and headed into the City where we would hang out until dinner.
DOWNTOWN!
Full of tourists and the mixed smells of the city (good and bad). Exiting the Powell Street Station a group of bandanna and baseball clad college kids protested Scientology with signs and flyers. Cowards...why protest with masks.
The street bustled with street performers, tourists, locals, and the homeless.
The pictures below show the people and places we experienced.
We showed up early to Lefty O'Douls, a bub that bragged the best Corned beef...at least according to their Irish green and white sign. Lefty's has been around forever. When I worked in the city so long ago I passed it a billion times but never went in. I guess I was stupid. The Corned beef sandwich was incredible...and it didn't break the bank.
Slowly the performers, not dressed in their costumes and fancy duds but in their street clothes, filed in. We met many wonderful people and shared stories and told jokes. Strangely no one besides Jim and I did any tricks or stunts, or anything form the "job". I nailed a nail into my nose and did a couple of tricks for the Lefty's staff and a few customers and Jim balanced a chair on his chin. It was the first time I ever experienced a group of magicians getting together and no one performed. Oh , well. it was a great night after all and I have no complaints and only compliments for everyone.
Low end Ninja flick prepping to film near Sutro baths, Seal Rock and the Cliff House.
Met "Miruki" the balloon twister on Powell Street.
Had a slice at the legendary Blondies Pizza....BIG NY style pizza.
This is Nate Jackson. As we were crossing the street at Union Square a pimped out black van with tandem rear wheels...jet black and polished cranking old Mo-town was stopped at the light. The gent in the van and I locked eyes and a friendship was formed. I gave him the thumbs up and he gave it back. Later while in Macy's we bumped into him. We posed for the picture.
The MacTagets and the Thomas' from Sydney and Wagawaga, Austrailia were seated right nest to where the performers were having their festivities. i went over and performed for them and we chatted for a while. later on the little girl would come over and say thaks and say good bye...I squeekered her tummy ala JC Dunn.
Boswick Trunstile Jr and I. I met him way back when we both had no gray hair at the trinity County Fair. haven't seen hide or hair again until tonight.
Jim with Frisco Fred (magician-juggler)
Jim with Brian Scott (magician)
Jay Alexander, Victor Kent Big Al Catraz, Frank Oliver
Jay, Vic, AL (Gary), Frank
The Donatello- I worked her back in 89 as a supervisor for timeshare sales and reservations and tour guide for Japanese clients.Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Summer Schedule (Public shows)
Oroville Municipal Auditorium 10AM Feb 6
Lemoore Pizza Fetival (CA) April 18**
Arvin Wild Flower Festival (CA) April 25-26**
Calico Ghost Town (Yermo, CA) May 8-10
Glenn County Fair (CA) May 14-17
Silver Dollar Fair (Chico, CA) May 20-25
Yuba City Aquatic Park June 11 PM
Gold Sox Baseball-3rd Annual Circus Day (Marysville, CA) June 27 (PM)
Willard City Festival(OH)**
Laurel County Fair (London, KY) July 7-11
Beech Bend Amusement Park (Bowling Green, KY) July 13-19 or 26
Ulster County Fair (New Paltz, NY) July 28-August 2
Quassy Amusement Park (CT) August 3-16
Wolcott Country Fair August 22,23 (CT)
Calico Ghost Town (Yermo CA) late October
(((**dates are tenative and will be confirmed later)))
Lemoore Pizza Fetival (CA) April 18**
Arvin Wild Flower Festival (CA) April 25-26**
Calico Ghost Town (Yermo, CA) May 8-10
Glenn County Fair (CA) May 14-17
Silver Dollar Fair (Chico, CA) May 20-25
Yuba City Aquatic Park June 11 PM
Gold Sox Baseball-3rd Annual Circus Day (Marysville, CA) June 27 (PM)
Willard City Festival(OH)**
Laurel County Fair (London, KY) July 7-11
Beech Bend Amusement Park (Bowling Green, KY) July 13-19 or 26
Ulster County Fair (New Paltz, NY) July 28-August 2
Quassy Amusement Park (CT) August 3-16
Wolcott Country Fair August 22,23 (CT)
Calico Ghost Town (Yermo CA) late October
(((**dates are tenative and will be confirmed later)))
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Happy New Year!
We would like to wish all of you a very safe and happy New Year. May you be blessed and may you come to know a peace and joy that is Jesus.
If you need anything in 09 call us or email us.
We love you all.
Victor and the Family
If you need anything in 09 call us or email us.
We love you all.
Victor and the Family
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
The Sultan and "Come What May"
Sunday, December 28, 2008
End of the year Newsletter
Greetings. We pray you had a good year and likewise pray your coming 2009 will find your prosperous, healthy and happy!
On all levels 2008 was a very interesting year; with many ups, a few downs, a trial or two, a record or two broken, challenges met, goals realized, laughs and tears and that was 2008.
Wow, where to start?
In 2008 we had three great sadnesses. One of my close childhood friends lost his fight with an aggressive tongue cancer and died. He left behind three young kids and a devoted wife. Shortly before that my very good friend lost his mother after years of various problems plaguing her with discomfort, pain, and limiting mobility. The devotion of that man to give-up everything to take care of both his parents in their diminishing capacities has been an inspiration and perfect example to all who call themselves Christian. And I should add that though both of these fine people who passed this year are missed they both embraced Christ Jesus as their Savior so their passing is ultimately an occasion of rejoicing, for they are in Glory with Him now.
What started off as a blessing turned out to be a great sadness and somewhat a tribulation. As you know we announced Mami was pregnant with baby number 8. At the twelfth week however, after an ultrasound, we discovered the sack where the baby was supposed to be was empty. Mami would very shortly afterwards begin the process of expelling the contents of her uterus. This would lead to massive bleeding and her actually stopping breathing momentarily until I could get her to the floor where the little blood left in her could get to he major organs and get her going again. Two days in the hospital, one minor operation and a ton of bed rest and she is much better. The staff at Oroville hospital was wonderful. So baby number 8 wasn’t to be…. yet.
From the show perspective we had three record income months and the year as a whole was a record year; we had 4% growth over last year in spite of loosing two major clients in December due to the economy. That calculates to 301 performances (sometimes several performances on one day at a single gig.) Good news, we picked up several new clients and many have rebooked for 2009. I just received an email from a 2007 client who decided not to use us in 08 but wants us back in 09. We have a 90+% rebook rate at this time. We performed in Oregon, Nevada, Kentucky, Minnesota, New York and California in 08. All the out of state clients have rebooked us for 09 or have requested us back (but we can’t do because of the date already being booked). So far we will be in Kentucky, Nevada, New York, and Connecticut for sure in 09. And highly possibly Ohio and Maine. We are working for bookings in other states but I am not confident (no contract in yet) to call then as solid bookings. Another point of good news for 09 is that the Silver Dollar Fair in Chico (which has a strict rule in rotating acts 3 years on and three years off) have rebooked us for 09 in an unprecedented 4th year on. (This will be our 7th year over the past 10 years.) Of course we will be back our regular digs in Calico Ghost Town, in Nevada, and up and down Cali! For more on the show happening and the on the road antics see our blog at our website. There are a ton of pictures and stories from our 2008 season. www.kentfamilymagiccirucs.com (The blog link is on the left side of the page in the red bar area.) Traveling is a blast. In fat, if I am home for too long I find myself craving the road. Too long on the road and I want to get back home. But not for too long.. Home is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there. I am so thankful the kids like to travel and i hope someday we can figure a way to bring Titus so mami can come too.
Now on to the family: James started college up at Simpson University, a Christian University in Redding, CA. He majored in Youth Pastoring but discovered no classes for start until his junior year. So he focused on his second love, music. He also joined the cross-country team (they gave a $1000 scholarship if you joined); he loved it. He loaded himself with 23 credits, a couple of no-credit but required classes including music practice time. He also joined the Jazz band and the Pep band and the Chamber Winds and Brass Ensemble. If you are saying, “wow”, well, he’s not superman and he discovered that…a bit late though. He flunked his GE classes and the piano lab and got himself on academic warning. He will be coming home to go to a local community college until that is fixed and then returning to Simpson, hopefully, more in control. On a positive note Jim’s popularity in the show overflowed this year with our 09 Connecticut client requiring in our contract that Jugglin’ Jim be a part of the show. He was reported while performing at our New York show as being “Brilliant”.
Cynthia the jock! 07-08 was her sophomore year and after discovering she wasn’t the start basketball player she hoped to be she put her energies into track. In her freshman year she was moved to the varsity track team and ran at the faster level. It prepared her well because she would end up going to State in June. The irony is she ended up going in an event she we didn’t expect her to go in. It was a clinch in everyone’s mind that the Las Plumas High School varsity girl’s 4X100 relay team would take regionals and move on to State. Fate had other ideas, Leg one dropped the baton as she handed it to Leg 2 (CC is leg 3). And even though they had the fasted time for the region during the season (almost 5 seconds faster than the team that would end up going to state) it’s the regionals that count and CC and the young lady at the anchor position were devastated. But a similar situation would play out in the 100 hurdles. The girl expected to win had a bad day and clipped a couple of hurdles. CC had a perfect run and ran her best time. As a result Cynthia moved on to state; she was seeded 29 out of 29. She was the only non-African American runner in the event and she ended the day seeded 28th beating only one girl….still she moved up and is considered the 28t fasted HS girl’s 100 meter hurdler in California. For Christmas she got her letterman jacket. She pulled a 4.2 GPA for the 07-08. During the summer she had a ton of pre-class homework as part of Honors History. So at many of the venues we performed at this summer she would be found studying when not performing.
Miles (14) started high school and is loving it. He went through a growth spurt and shot past CC in height and he also lost his baby fat and is now sporting some impressive abs. He has added the fire-whip and bullwhipping while on a 24” walking globe to his act. He’s pulling a 4.0 at school and is an active member of the JROTC where he is the academic and athletic captain. He likes to run and is trying to average 50 miles a week. He is going to join the track team and run the mile and two-mile races. Like his brother and sister before him he is hoping to go to Mexico missions with our church this coming spring. For Christmas he got a new nylon Australian style whip and a leather stock whip…the nylon whip is exactly like his Kangaroo hide 8 footer but it’s made of nylon so in venues (like Kentucky last year and east Texas two years ago) where it rains a lot he can perform his act with damage to the leather whips. The stock whip is kangaroo leather and attached to a long stick…it makes a powerful cracking sound and great for certain tricks. He celebrated his birthday on the road for the umpteenth time (as did Victor). We always try to make it special going out to dinner, getting them special things and often dragging it out over a couple of days. Mami also sends them presents through the mail so that the gift is waiting for them at the hotel when we arrive. Pictures of both Miles’ and Victor’s birthdays and the stories with them are on our July Blog.
Titus (11) is still going to Mesa Vista School and loves his teacher Tim and his classmates. He has improved in communication and has a very strong opinion on things he likes and dislikes. He can answer yes or no question by touching either our left or right hand. He has gotten more mobile and likes to hop around the house. He also likes to get into standing poison using chairs, couches, or anything else. Sometimes this is dangerous and he will tumble un-able to catch himself so we have to stay diligent keeping an eye on him. My good friend Bill (we call him Uncle Bill around the house) comes over to do respite with him quite often. He loves Uncle Bill. Titus also loves going for walks (really he is in his chair and we will push him). Depending on who is walking him he gets a jog, a run or a gentle walk…. he loves the faster trips!
Victor (7) started 2nd grade at a new school. OCS just wasn’t doing it for him. He had slipped in his reading skills and we were unaware how far he was behind. OCS, being a Christian School, seen to be leaning more on the business of being a school than the business the church set it up to be and that was a ministry unto the Lord. That and the fact that they kept increasing fees and cutting programs and other things, we would’ve ended paying more, getting less and having him in a split grade class. Sadly after sending James, CC and Miles (and two years for Victor) through OCS we had to make the hard decision (really it was easy after watching the school decline so much) to take him out. Fortunately, we ran into a few parents who felt the same about OCS over at his new school so he had a couple of friends he knew there. The reading program at Ophir school for 2nd graders is phenomenal and Victor has caught up and beginning to exceed. Now we are working on Math (a curse of all Kinnamonts). In the show he has shifted from working with the rabbits and doves (We discovered he is allergic to them) and he is doing escapes. He is eager to do even more. He has also cut dairy out of his diet because of his allergies and his physiological problem of large adenoids, and small holes between his sinus’. He has done well to remind us that one food or another has dairy in it and he can’t eat/drink it. Fortunately he loves soy milk and Mami is always trying to make him special non-dairy version of foods and deserts. I should also like to mention he has a knack for art. He is an incredible drawer and a very creative writer. His teacher tells us the other kids a re riveted to their seats when Victor tells stories from the road during sharing and his creatively in writing stories is beyond his years. You can see his Shark story and picture on our blog.
Amelia (5) lost a tooth and has started home-schooling Kindergarten. She one of those quick study kids and is eager to learn everything. Because of her good memory and ability to learn quickly she performs mentalism in our show. She as you know is the girly girl and loves to dress up and will always put on lipstick when at grandma’s house. She like her brothers and sisters really travel well. Can you believe they sat through several 12-19 hour drives this summer and stayed in good spirits? And there are no DVD players, I-pods, or the like in our van. It’s draw, write, read, converse or look out the window. At the fair we performed at in New York she gave us a scare running off with a couple of little girl friends (daughters of vendors) and disappearing for about an hour. All us parents went into worry mode and Cynthia eventually found them after a vendor thought they saw them in the commercial tent near our stage…they took the long way back from the sheep pens. Whew. She drew first blood at many of the venues quite often (we use the term here to mean they were the first to get a free something from a vendor…often vendors will give fellow workers at an event a free drink, snack, toy, etc if they like you). Apparently a lot of vendors liked Amy and she drew first blood even more than Jim the stilt walker (who held the record for a long time. )
Olivia-baby (3) Olivia turned 3 and has already performed over 300 shows! She is a natural on stage can turn it on and off at will and will pose or dance at the drop of a hat. The awwwws from the audience were constant. She also loves to dance and would occasionally do it for the crowd. In fact her and Amy sat through every show they could of the magical dance group at the Park we performed at in KY. Olivia to this day remembers many of their moves and the lyrics. She wants to dance in the show.
Mami has completely recovered from the miscarriage and is constantly overwhelmed with keeping a home with nine people in it. Having a disabled son doesn’t help. Still she is mostly cheery and handles the tasks swimmingly. She has many Japanese friends living in Chico and Oroville that she will get together with, especially when the rest of us are on the road. Occasionally we even get to go out on a date to a movie, dinner or lunch, or something similar. Someday we might even get to have that honeymoon we never had. Her heart’s passion is to witness to Japanese living here and in her own country about Christ. She has even located a source for bilingual bibles for them. She is an incredible baking and has piecrusts second to none and the same can be said about her biscuits. When on trips the kids crave their moms cooking and look forward to getting home just to eat in spite of our opportunities to eat local cuisine on the road (I should mention here we also take a microwave oven, a foreman grill, a hot plate, etc and often cook our own meals to avoid the whole restaurant thing….it gets old fast.) My parents live nearby and are a constant God-send to Mami while we travel (and when we are at home). My dad is always on call for a leaky pipe, broken this or that, to install a window air conditioner, or what ever. Mom loves to take the little ones for a morning or afternoon and do fun things with them. She is a former preschool teacher so Amelia studies with her from time to time. It is good to have the grand parents near by.
Me…hmmm…me. When not on the road I am at home trying to get bookings. I spend a lot of time in the office marketing, marketing, marketing. I maintain our website and the other bits of technology for the show. I rebuild and repair props, build new ones, and the experiment. Once a week or so I hang out with my good buddy Magic JC (known to the kids as Uncle JC). We either eat here or we give Mami a break and eat at local eateries. Uncle JC loves to perform his pocket magic everywhere we go to everybody we meet. Trust me if you meet him he will be squeaking his nose and making red hankies vanish and reappear then turn into a cane. Everybody we meet love him. Being a few years older than me he and I will occasionally mess with people by having him pretend he’s a mindless old guy and we loudly talk about how we have to get him back to the home early because they are going to be serving rice pudding tonight. He plays the part hilariously well. As you know I grew muttonchops this year for a new look and because I like them. On the health front I still battle a bad back (had that tethered spine tumor thing inside my spinal cord taken care 2 years ago but there is still a pain that exists….may have to go under the knife again). I should add that falling on my bottom three months after the operation didn’t help I am sure. I have added Cubital tunnel syndrome (like carpel tunnel but on the inside of the arm) to my list of “body falling apart things”. Eventually I may even go see a doctor about it. But to be 100% candid, I feel pretty good and look forward to a very busy 2009!
The animals:
Bobbi the Cockatoo performed a few shows this year and was a hit.
The Sultan (Sulcata Tortoise) turned three and is nearly 12’ across on his way to 36”.
(Both will outlive me so I will never have to say good bye or bury them…..I was the animal mortician as a child-youth for the family and as a result have grownup not wanting to get too close to animals. Try burying a score of them, taking the family pet down to be put down a few times, and scrape a loved cat off the street a couple of times and you will understand.)
Prince (dog) had an eye-infection after getting out and fighting with the neighbor dog but is doing well for a 10 year old.
Red the cat is sad she can’t come in the house (Victor’s allergies) but she is content and fat!
The 9 doves and several bunnies for the show are all content and fat too. We did loose one bunny this year.
Well, that’s a lot said and I am sure I said too much here and there and not enough in other places. I am sure I left out a lot! That makes a good reason for you to stay in touch and give us a ring now and again. Or better yet stop on by. We won’t bite……hard!
On all levels 2008 was a very interesting year; with many ups, a few downs, a trial or two, a record or two broken, challenges met, goals realized, laughs and tears and that was 2008.
Wow, where to start?
In 2008 we had three great sadnesses. One of my close childhood friends lost his fight with an aggressive tongue cancer and died. He left behind three young kids and a devoted wife. Shortly before that my very good friend lost his mother after years of various problems plaguing her with discomfort, pain, and limiting mobility. The devotion of that man to give-up everything to take care of both his parents in their diminishing capacities has been an inspiration and perfect example to all who call themselves Christian. And I should add that though both of these fine people who passed this year are missed they both embraced Christ Jesus as their Savior so their passing is ultimately an occasion of rejoicing, for they are in Glory with Him now.
What started off as a blessing turned out to be a great sadness and somewhat a tribulation. As you know we announced Mami was pregnant with baby number 8. At the twelfth week however, after an ultrasound, we discovered the sack where the baby was supposed to be was empty. Mami would very shortly afterwards begin the process of expelling the contents of her uterus. This would lead to massive bleeding and her actually stopping breathing momentarily until I could get her to the floor where the little blood left in her could get to he major organs and get her going again. Two days in the hospital, one minor operation and a ton of bed rest and she is much better. The staff at Oroville hospital was wonderful. So baby number 8 wasn’t to be…. yet.
From the show perspective we had three record income months and the year as a whole was a record year; we had 4% growth over last year in spite of loosing two major clients in December due to the economy. That calculates to 301 performances (sometimes several performances on one day at a single gig.) Good news, we picked up several new clients and many have rebooked for 2009. I just received an email from a 2007 client who decided not to use us in 08 but wants us back in 09. We have a 90+% rebook rate at this time. We performed in Oregon, Nevada, Kentucky, Minnesota, New York and California in 08. All the out of state clients have rebooked us for 09 or have requested us back (but we can’t do because of the date already being booked). So far we will be in Kentucky, Nevada, New York, and Connecticut for sure in 09. And highly possibly Ohio and Maine. We are working for bookings in other states but I am not confident (no contract in yet) to call then as solid bookings. Another point of good news for 09 is that the Silver Dollar Fair in Chico (which has a strict rule in rotating acts 3 years on and three years off) have rebooked us for 09 in an unprecedented 4th year on. (This will be our 7th year over the past 10 years.) Of course we will be back our regular digs in Calico Ghost Town, in Nevada, and up and down Cali! For more on the show happening and the on the road antics see our blog at our website. There are a ton of pictures and stories from our 2008 season. www.kentfamilymagiccirucs.com (The blog link is on the left side of the page in the red bar area.) Traveling is a blast. In fat, if I am home for too long I find myself craving the road. Too long on the road and I want to get back home. But not for too long.. Home is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there. I am so thankful the kids like to travel and i hope someday we can figure a way to bring Titus so mami can come too.
Now on to the family: James started college up at Simpson University, a Christian University in Redding, CA. He majored in Youth Pastoring but discovered no classes for start until his junior year. So he focused on his second love, music. He also joined the cross-country team (they gave a $1000 scholarship if you joined); he loved it. He loaded himself with 23 credits, a couple of no-credit but required classes including music practice time. He also joined the Jazz band and the Pep band and the Chamber Winds and Brass Ensemble. If you are saying, “wow”, well, he’s not superman and he discovered that…a bit late though. He flunked his GE classes and the piano lab and got himself on academic warning. He will be coming home to go to a local community college until that is fixed and then returning to Simpson, hopefully, more in control. On a positive note Jim’s popularity in the show overflowed this year with our 09 Connecticut client requiring in our contract that Jugglin’ Jim be a part of the show. He was reported while performing at our New York show as being “Brilliant”.
Cynthia the jock! 07-08 was her sophomore year and after discovering she wasn’t the start basketball player she hoped to be she put her energies into track. In her freshman year she was moved to the varsity track team and ran at the faster level. It prepared her well because she would end up going to State in June. The irony is she ended up going in an event she we didn’t expect her to go in. It was a clinch in everyone’s mind that the Las Plumas High School varsity girl’s 4X100 relay team would take regionals and move on to State. Fate had other ideas, Leg one dropped the baton as she handed it to Leg 2 (CC is leg 3). And even though they had the fasted time for the region during the season (almost 5 seconds faster than the team that would end up going to state) it’s the regionals that count and CC and the young lady at the anchor position were devastated. But a similar situation would play out in the 100 hurdles. The girl expected to win had a bad day and clipped a couple of hurdles. CC had a perfect run and ran her best time. As a result Cynthia moved on to state; she was seeded 29 out of 29. She was the only non-African American runner in the event and she ended the day seeded 28th beating only one girl….still she moved up and is considered the 28t fasted HS girl’s 100 meter hurdler in California. For Christmas she got her letterman jacket. She pulled a 4.2 GPA for the 07-08. During the summer she had a ton of pre-class homework as part of Honors History. So at many of the venues we performed at this summer she would be found studying when not performing.
Miles (14) started high school and is loving it. He went through a growth spurt and shot past CC in height and he also lost his baby fat and is now sporting some impressive abs. He has added the fire-whip and bullwhipping while on a 24” walking globe to his act. He’s pulling a 4.0 at school and is an active member of the JROTC where he is the academic and athletic captain. He likes to run and is trying to average 50 miles a week. He is going to join the track team and run the mile and two-mile races. Like his brother and sister before him he is hoping to go to Mexico missions with our church this coming spring. For Christmas he got a new nylon Australian style whip and a leather stock whip…the nylon whip is exactly like his Kangaroo hide 8 footer but it’s made of nylon so in venues (like Kentucky last year and east Texas two years ago) where it rains a lot he can perform his act with damage to the leather whips. The stock whip is kangaroo leather and attached to a long stick…it makes a powerful cracking sound and great for certain tricks. He celebrated his birthday on the road for the umpteenth time (as did Victor). We always try to make it special going out to dinner, getting them special things and often dragging it out over a couple of days. Mami also sends them presents through the mail so that the gift is waiting for them at the hotel when we arrive. Pictures of both Miles’ and Victor’s birthdays and the stories with them are on our July Blog.
Titus (11) is still going to Mesa Vista School and loves his teacher Tim and his classmates. He has improved in communication and has a very strong opinion on things he likes and dislikes. He can answer yes or no question by touching either our left or right hand. He has gotten more mobile and likes to hop around the house. He also likes to get into standing poison using chairs, couches, or anything else. Sometimes this is dangerous and he will tumble un-able to catch himself so we have to stay diligent keeping an eye on him. My good friend Bill (we call him Uncle Bill around the house) comes over to do respite with him quite often. He loves Uncle Bill. Titus also loves going for walks (really he is in his chair and we will push him). Depending on who is walking him he gets a jog, a run or a gentle walk…. he loves the faster trips!
Victor (7) started 2nd grade at a new school. OCS just wasn’t doing it for him. He had slipped in his reading skills and we were unaware how far he was behind. OCS, being a Christian School, seen to be leaning more on the business of being a school than the business the church set it up to be and that was a ministry unto the Lord. That and the fact that they kept increasing fees and cutting programs and other things, we would’ve ended paying more, getting less and having him in a split grade class. Sadly after sending James, CC and Miles (and two years for Victor) through OCS we had to make the hard decision (really it was easy after watching the school decline so much) to take him out. Fortunately, we ran into a few parents who felt the same about OCS over at his new school so he had a couple of friends he knew there. The reading program at Ophir school for 2nd graders is phenomenal and Victor has caught up and beginning to exceed. Now we are working on Math (a curse of all Kinnamonts). In the show he has shifted from working with the rabbits and doves (We discovered he is allergic to them) and he is doing escapes. He is eager to do even more. He has also cut dairy out of his diet because of his allergies and his physiological problem of large adenoids, and small holes between his sinus’. He has done well to remind us that one food or another has dairy in it and he can’t eat/drink it. Fortunately he loves soy milk and Mami is always trying to make him special non-dairy version of foods and deserts. I should also like to mention he has a knack for art. He is an incredible drawer and a very creative writer. His teacher tells us the other kids a re riveted to their seats when Victor tells stories from the road during sharing and his creatively in writing stories is beyond his years. You can see his Shark story and picture on our blog.
Amelia (5) lost a tooth and has started home-schooling Kindergarten. She one of those quick study kids and is eager to learn everything. Because of her good memory and ability to learn quickly she performs mentalism in our show. She as you know is the girly girl and loves to dress up and will always put on lipstick when at grandma’s house. She like her brothers and sisters really travel well. Can you believe they sat through several 12-19 hour drives this summer and stayed in good spirits? And there are no DVD players, I-pods, or the like in our van. It’s draw, write, read, converse or look out the window. At the fair we performed at in New York she gave us a scare running off with a couple of little girl friends (daughters of vendors) and disappearing for about an hour. All us parents went into worry mode and Cynthia eventually found them after a vendor thought they saw them in the commercial tent near our stage…they took the long way back from the sheep pens. Whew. She drew first blood at many of the venues quite often (we use the term here to mean they were the first to get a free something from a vendor…often vendors will give fellow workers at an event a free drink, snack, toy, etc if they like you). Apparently a lot of vendors liked Amy and she drew first blood even more than Jim the stilt walker (who held the record for a long time. )
Olivia-baby (3) Olivia turned 3 and has already performed over 300 shows! She is a natural on stage can turn it on and off at will and will pose or dance at the drop of a hat. The awwwws from the audience were constant. She also loves to dance and would occasionally do it for the crowd. In fact her and Amy sat through every show they could of the magical dance group at the Park we performed at in KY. Olivia to this day remembers many of their moves and the lyrics. She wants to dance in the show.
Mami has completely recovered from the miscarriage and is constantly overwhelmed with keeping a home with nine people in it. Having a disabled son doesn’t help. Still she is mostly cheery and handles the tasks swimmingly. She has many Japanese friends living in Chico and Oroville that she will get together with, especially when the rest of us are on the road. Occasionally we even get to go out on a date to a movie, dinner or lunch, or something similar. Someday we might even get to have that honeymoon we never had. Her heart’s passion is to witness to Japanese living here and in her own country about Christ. She has even located a source for bilingual bibles for them. She is an incredible baking and has piecrusts second to none and the same can be said about her biscuits. When on trips the kids crave their moms cooking and look forward to getting home just to eat in spite of our opportunities to eat local cuisine on the road (I should mention here we also take a microwave oven, a foreman grill, a hot plate, etc and often cook our own meals to avoid the whole restaurant thing….it gets old fast.) My parents live nearby and are a constant God-send to Mami while we travel (and when we are at home). My dad is always on call for a leaky pipe, broken this or that, to install a window air conditioner, or what ever. Mom loves to take the little ones for a morning or afternoon and do fun things with them. She is a former preschool teacher so Amelia studies with her from time to time. It is good to have the grand parents near by.
Me…hmmm…me. When not on the road I am at home trying to get bookings. I spend a lot of time in the office marketing, marketing, marketing. I maintain our website and the other bits of technology for the show. I rebuild and repair props, build new ones, and the experiment. Once a week or so I hang out with my good buddy Magic JC (known to the kids as Uncle JC). We either eat here or we give Mami a break and eat at local eateries. Uncle JC loves to perform his pocket magic everywhere we go to everybody we meet. Trust me if you meet him he will be squeaking his nose and making red hankies vanish and reappear then turn into a cane. Everybody we meet love him. Being a few years older than me he and I will occasionally mess with people by having him pretend he’s a mindless old guy and we loudly talk about how we have to get him back to the home early because they are going to be serving rice pudding tonight. He plays the part hilariously well. As you know I grew muttonchops this year for a new look and because I like them. On the health front I still battle a bad back (had that tethered spine tumor thing inside my spinal cord taken care 2 years ago but there is still a pain that exists….may have to go under the knife again). I should add that falling on my bottom three months after the operation didn’t help I am sure. I have added Cubital tunnel syndrome (like carpel tunnel but on the inside of the arm) to my list of “body falling apart things”. Eventually I may even go see a doctor about it. But to be 100% candid, I feel pretty good and look forward to a very busy 2009!
The animals:
Bobbi the Cockatoo performed a few shows this year and was a hit.
The Sultan (Sulcata Tortoise) turned three and is nearly 12’ across on his way to 36”.
(Both will outlive me so I will never have to say good bye or bury them…..I was the animal mortician as a child-youth for the family and as a result have grownup not wanting to get too close to animals. Try burying a score of them, taking the family pet down to be put down a few times, and scrape a loved cat off the street a couple of times and you will understand.)
Prince (dog) had an eye-infection after getting out and fighting with the neighbor dog but is doing well for a 10 year old.
Red the cat is sad she can’t come in the house (Victor’s allergies) but she is content and fat!
The 9 doves and several bunnies for the show are all content and fat too. We did loose one bunny this year.
Well, that’s a lot said and I am sure I said too much here and there and not enough in other places. I am sure I left out a lot! That makes a good reason for you to stay in touch and give us a ring now and again. Or better yet stop on by. We won’t bite……hard!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas fromt he Sultan
Merry Christmas from the Kent's and the Sultan, our 3 year old tortoise. Princess Cynthia made the hat and his mouth is full of his Christmas Eve treat of grass and Chickweed!Saturday, December 20, 2008
Merry Christmas
Our 2008 Christmas Card-Merry Christmas from the Gang!
Miles-Victor Jr-Victor-Princess Cynthia-Titus-Princess Olivia-Mami-Princess Amelia-Jugglin' Jim
We made this card because for the umpteenth year we received a perfect family picture from my sister and my brother. We could never pull it off so this year we said, "to heck with it". And did the least "perfect family" picture we could think of...the play with "gang" was also on my mind. The photo is a composite of six separate picture.
Those of you who wondered what the non-performing members look like you can see Titus and Mami in this pix.
Merry Christmas....
Remember, Santa is like the clown you hire to entertain the kids at a birthday party. The Party is for the birthday boy...Jesus. Grant it, so many come just for the entertainment. They could care less about the birthday boy...sad. Christmas is not about snow, not about trees, not about food, or drink, or family, or carols, or warm hearted stories. It's about the baby that was sent here to grow up, experience life, and die on a cross only to be resurrected by God in payment for our sins. He said, that whenever you do this (feed, clothe, help) the least of your brethren, thus you do unto to me....so this Christmas do something for the birthday boy.
God Bless!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
A followup
I was feeling a little down that last night's show's audience was less than my favorite (always striving for perfection, I guess...and the AUDIENCE-FACTOR IS MOSTLY OUT OF MY HANDS). When this morning I received a email from the HR director of the company for which we performed. Here is the email (minus the personal info of the person):
Last night we put on our annual holiday celebration for our employees children, an event in which you and your children have also attended for the past 2 years. I wanted to take just a few minutes to thank you so much for the entertainment that your family provides us with. It does not happen very often but my children ages 5 and 11 actually sat still for more than 3 minutes. Although I was a little grossed out by the “Nail In The Nose” trick the rest of the show was great. Your children are all beautiful (tell Jugglin’ Jim that is not a bad thing) and they all seemed to enjoy what they were doing. Again thank you for helping us celebrate, and I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season
Warmed my heart and made me feel much better. It was a good start to a great day...booked another show for this month and confirmed a gig for January with a potential booking in May calling in.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Highs and Lows
The Private Show ...great stage....lousy audience (they arrived later).
Santa and the kids.
Santa at the Chico Christmas Craft Faire.
Blistery, foggy start of the day at the Chico event...it stayed this way all day Sunday...and people actually came and watched our show.It's amazing how the same show performed identically a thousand times to a thousand audiences gets different reactions. The only real variable in our show is the audience. A great audience can make the show seem more incredible than ever. A bad audience can make it seem a lot less good than it really is. By bad audience I am referring to a group of people who are not in the mood, too busy with their obnoxious kids, obnoxious kids, a couple of people too busy visiting with each other and their talking disrupts others, bad weather causing discomfort, a bad smell or distracting sounds disrupting people, a drunk or a heckler trying to be disruptive, etc etc etc.
Last week in spite of very cold weather small crowds formed to watch our show at the Chico Christmas Faire....parent and kids alike were courteous and kind. Kids obeyed their parents.
Contrast that with tonight. We performed a private event for a large company that has it's own showroom. The setting was awesome. And we thought the crowd would be similar to last year when we had a great audience. Turns out the crowd was twice as large as last year and they brought more kids this year. (It was a company family party). These kids had to be the worst behaved kids outside of Minnesota. They were filthy, noisy (in a bad way), disruptive, they blocked people's views by standing on chairs, they grabbed, ugh!
Then there was the loud noises from the bounce house blowers. The folks in the back visiting with each other and a couple of smaller problems with their sound system and we had the making for a lousy show. I mean we performed our show spot on the same way we always do. the same show that gets us booked over and over again by clients. The show that take us around the country and sometimes abroad.
Highs and lows.
Still I am thankful for the booking and thankful for the kind people who did enjoy the program and the invite back next year (I guess it wasn't as bad as I thought...but my standards are very high). And I suppose this experience helps me to appreciate the good audiences we have been time and again blessed with.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Chico Christmas Craft Faire
What a wonderful two days. Freezing cold...but wonderful.
We were invited to perform at Chico's Christmas Craft Faire held at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, Ca. The wonderful thing about this craft faire is that the artisans were local and all the products were made by them....no repackaged Chinese Junk.
Though the traffic was light compared to other years (so we were told) the quality of the guests were high (good purchasers)...the fair had to compete with about 6 other same size events in the area.
Our shows were held on the Garden Court Stage in the "U" part of a U shaped building. The weather was freezing and it was a tough venue in that fact only. Between shows we spent much time in the buildings. Our frozen hands, feet, and bodies manned it up for each show and in spite of the mid-high 40s, fog, and occasional frosty breeze crowds gathered and watched our 45 minute programs with enthusiasm. Braver souls than I....I was there but I was paid to be there.
We introduced out newest illusion, "Modern Art meets Circus meets Samurai meets Disco". It was a chance to develop a presentation and the crowd loved it.
All the stunts went over swimmingly and the kids were real troupers.
At the event was a wolf adoption group with a beautiful giant wolf named Eros. There was a Santa that had not a bowl full of jelly and borrowed whiskers. Still he was a kind man. Singers, musicians and the like made out the entertainment bill.
Our boss (the promoter) broke his ribs a couple of days prior to the event but managed to make it out to the show...his family took over the duties to pull of a very nice show. His family was very kind but a very interesting group of individuals. I think his wife can be said to be the Normal one....not that abnormal is bad. Abnormal can be the spice that makes things special.
We were invited to perform at Chico's Christmas Craft Faire held at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, Ca. The wonderful thing about this craft faire is that the artisans were local and all the products were made by them....no repackaged Chinese Junk.
Though the traffic was light compared to other years (so we were told) the quality of the guests were high (good purchasers)...the fair had to compete with about 6 other same size events in the area.
Our shows were held on the Garden Court Stage in the "U" part of a U shaped building. The weather was freezing and it was a tough venue in that fact only. Between shows we spent much time in the buildings. Our frozen hands, feet, and bodies manned it up for each show and in spite of the mid-high 40s, fog, and occasional frosty breeze crowds gathered and watched our 45 minute programs with enthusiasm. Braver souls than I....I was there but I was paid to be there.
We introduced out newest illusion, "Modern Art meets Circus meets Samurai meets Disco". It was a chance to develop a presentation and the crowd loved it.
All the stunts went over swimmingly and the kids were real troupers.
At the event was a wolf adoption group with a beautiful giant wolf named Eros. There was a Santa that had not a bowl full of jelly and borrowed whiskers. Still he was a kind man. Singers, musicians and the like made out the entertainment bill.
Our boss (the promoter) broke his ribs a couple of days prior to the event but managed to make it out to the show...his family took over the duties to pull of a very nice show. His family was very kind but a very interesting group of individuals. I think his wife can be said to be the Normal one....not that abnormal is bad. Abnormal can be the spice that makes things special.
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