MagicManRusty

Season's greetings, faithful readers. And by "season's greetings", I mean Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I've been absent in my blogging for about a month now. Not because I haven't had shows...I have. It's just that they have been private parties, Christmas celebrations and the like. I tend to not blog about these events or post them on my website, since they are not in the public arena, so to speak.

I have had every intention to post an entry, just to let you know that I'm alive and well, but my own sloth and enjoyment of the season has gotten the better of me.

Last night I had another Christmas party show. Yes, I know that it's a bit untimely. The show was for Roots, a company in my home town of Connersville, Indiana. They had originally wanted the show for December 20 (more commensurate with Christmas), but because of scheduling issues, the party was moved to last night.

It all worked out well, with one little exception...LAST NIGHT THE COLTS WERE IN A PLAY-OFF GAME!

Root's party was held at the Connersville Country Club--a place where I've done dozens of shows over the years--so it was a nostalgic feeling to begin with. Little did I know as I arrived that that feeling of homecoming was about to become much closer.

I had found my contact for the party, Connie Chandler, and together we decided where I would set-up, and what time I would begin.

The room was packed. I'm not sure how many people were there, but almost every square inch of floor was used, with guests over-flowing onto the enclosed terrace area. This made getting my props and sound equipment tricky to get in.

We also decided that I would begin my show at 8 PM. Normally a great time, with one exception...THAT'S THE SAME TIME AS THE KICK-OFF FOR THE GAME.

In the next room, adjacent to my performance area, was the country club's bar, with a big screen TV. I jokingly told Connie that I'd be surprised if there would be a dozen people in the audience during my show.

It was about then that a lovely lady approached me. She introduced herself to me as Becky Gibson--a member of the committee in charge of the party. She looked familiar.

She then said, "I'm sure that you don't remember me, but..."

She didn't have to say another word. It came to me; hit me like a hammer from the past.

I said to her, "You live on Meyer Street..."

She smiled. "That's right," she said.

Becky Gibson used to live at the top of 5th Street, on Meyer. In July of 1984 her daughter, Krista, celebrated her 9th birthday. Becky threw a party for her in their backyard.

About a week earlier Becky saw a flier tacked at the Fayette County Public Library (I believe) that promoted a magician available for kids' parties.

The magician's name was Dr. Illusion.

She called that magician, booked him, and he presented a 20 minute show. She paid $10. Everyone was happy!

Dr. Illusion, I'm a bit embarrassed to say, was me. I was 16 yeas old, and Krista's 9th birthday party was my first show.

Becky remembers me showing up with my assistant--my girl friend Trisha Brandenburg--and a table, and a case with all of my tricks.

I told Becky last night that in July of 1984 I didn't have my driver's license yet, and Trisha wasn't only my assistant, but my chauffeur.

Embarrassing, huh?

So, it was decided that Becky should be the one to introduce me, and that she did.

She gave a wonderful introduction, including the story of my first show in her back yard. She even took credit for my career saying, "I'm responsible for all of his success..."

That's more true than she knows.

If my first show for Krista's party had gone any way other than perfect, I would have been too scared to do another.

Thanks Gibson family...

Here we are:



Yep...it's all her fault.

I had such a great time performing for my fellow Connersvillians--many of whom I know. As it turns out I lost very few people to the Colts game. Bad for them, good for me.

I had a fun time, and I hope my audience did as well.

Let's say that my night went better than that of the Colts.

Sad day.

I'm back in the swing of shows in the days to come.

Stay tuned, faithful readers.