MagicManRusty

All Hallows Eve

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:52:51 GMT

Happy Halloween, by faithful readers.

If you remember, I'm taking two classes this semester. Anatomy & Physiology I, and Psychology. That has kept my free time to a minimum. But, I thought that it's time to post a blog.

This past Friday I did two shows in Cambridge City, IN. One for Lincoln Middle School, and one for their High School. Mr. Mike Cerqua (who used to be the athletic director, then principal at my alma mater, Connersville High School) is now the principal at LHS. He brings me back every few years to entertain the kids.

Friday was a special day for me, though, as I performed my Straitjacket escape (I call it Houdini's Revenge) for my first live audiences. I've rehearsed it several times, but this was the first opportunity to actually put it in a show.

If I do say so myself...IT WENT GREAT! I have some work to do with the patter (the spoken part of the trick) and the timing, but I'm definitely on to something with this routine. On Friday the 13th of this month, I'll be taping the routine with a live audience. As soon as my video dude, Rob Chin, gets it edited, I'll post it on YouTube. I hope that you find it as entertaining as do I.

The two shows for LHS were really fun. For the High School I had the PE teacher, Mr. Scott, bind me in the Straitjacket. He showed NO MERCY! It felt like a clamp.

A few students took several photos. I'll call Mr. Cerqua and see if I can get copies. As soon as I do, I'll post them.

Promise.

Then Saturday I traveled to Florence, KY for the NACA conference. NACA stands for National Association for Campus Activities. I work with an agent named G.G. Greg, and I spent the day at his booth doing close-up magic for the kids, trying to get them to book me for an event.

Here's me with a young lady (Amanda, maybe) as I finish a trick with her ring...and--like a gentleman--return it to her finger.

Since it was Halloween, several of the college students took the opportunity to dress up. Here were my favorite two:

I feel so...saved.

I gotta hand it to him...it took some guts to go as Ted Nugent!

So, I'm back to study now. More to follow...

Riley Children's Hospital

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:53:17 GMT

Today was a most special day for me. I feel honored, and blessed.

Today I had the privileged to perform for the extraordinary patients of Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis.

Named after Indiana's celebrated poet, James Whitcomb Riley, the Children's Hospital opened in 1924. Since then, Riley has earned the reputation as one of the finest children's hospital in the world. So, to be invited to entertain the patients (henceforth known as "the kids") is beyond imagination.

It was all put into place by a lady named Tina Fewell, who works at Carroll Elementary school, where I did a show last year. Tina has connections within the Riley network, and spent several months getting the pieces to fit.

Also, a big tip of the hat to Psi Iota Xi, Beta Alpha chapter in Flora, IN for funding the show.

I was contacted my Melissa at Riley, and we worked out the date and details. Riley, as you can imagine--always wanting nothing but the best for their kids health--has a few conditions for all those who visit, and I wanted to make sure that I did everything correct. For instance, photos could be taken, but the faces of the kids could not be used without the parents permission. So, in some of the photos you'll see here...the kids are cut out. I didn't have any parent say no, but several got away before I could ask.

I had about 20 kids, plus their families. Then, several staff members stopped by to watch too. I'd say about 100 people in the atrium. It was quite a good turn-out.

So, enough of me...here are some memories from my day with the kids at Riley:

(The interior is amazing)

(Here I am with Hunter, and his rock-n-roll lovin' dad John)

(Locucia tries to help me with a trick...)

(My...I sure look silly during shows, don't I?)

(Billy assists me with Roper...my pet rope)

(Careful where you point that wand, Billy)

(I'm about to become...THE FLASH!)

(Me...at Super Speed)

(I signed and gave away posters of yours truly to anyone who wanted one. I feel so special.)

I hope you enjoy my photos.

The kids were all terrific. I can say, without question, that I got so much more from this show than they did. Between performing for our troops, and then here at Riley...I've done it all.

The Strait Truth...

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 13:32:58 GMT

Well, faithful reader, I have two shows today. One at Good's Candy Shop (1 - 3 PM), and the other at a private event.

I got something in the mail yesterday...a new little routine I'll be adding into the show soon.

Wanna see...?

Cool, or what?

I can't wait to put this in the show.

So, if you'll excuse me, I have to keep this short so I can get to my shows. And, because it's really hard to type with only my nose.

I hope I can figure out how to get out of this straitjacket soon...

Good Times, and Bad...

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 19:33:14 GMT

What a day it has been, faithful reader. Let's begin with the good...

Of late my blogs have been on the subject of Bearcreek Farms, and the fond memories I have of performing there in my youth...and even recently. I promised that I'd post some clips of the gang (Buddy Graf, Ken Renner, and myself) from the shows we did "back in the day". Alas, I am a man of my word.

With the help of Brent & Stacey Gardiner (who were in the band back then, and put the VHS video on DVD for me), and David Champe (great friend, who's always there to back me up, and edited the clips from the DVD) I am now able to share some wonderful memories with you.

First, let's look at a couple of routines with Buddy Graf and Ken Renner. Buddy (as you know from my previous entries) is the veteran vaudeville comic, and my mentor in the arena of all things funny. Buddy taught me SO much about comedy and audience interaction, that I can never be thankful enough. Although Buddy passed away in 2000, part of him lives on in every show I perform...he affected me that much.

So, without further ado...Let's go back to the summer of 1989, during the show "Grin 'n Bear It". I give you Rick Delaney, Buddy Graf, and Ken Renner in the classic vaudeville sketch..."Niagara Falls."

Notice the perfect timing executed by the three? That's what makes something silly, funny.

Okay, next let's look at a musical number by Buddy & Ken. This is an original song called "I'm so Lonesome in the Saddle (since my Horse Died)". One thing you need to know...during the black-out between the last act and this one, the audience members feel spritzes of water on their face. When the lights come on, they see these two "cowboys" shooting water pistols over the crowd. Other than that, enjoy the song:

Comedy Gold!

Now...on to something a little more personal, faithful reader...ME!

I had three sets during the 90 minute show. My last one (near the end of the show) was my longest. Here is my version of an old comedy magic trick. FYI...some of the help I'm getting on-stage is by Brent Gardiner (the one jumping off the stage to get the girl) and his wife (although not at the time of this performance) Stacey (who is holding the scarfs for me). Take special notice, too, of the band leader sitting at the keyboards during a few shots. That's "Mr. Magic Fingers" Mark McGee. I'll tell you more about Mark in a bit. For now, enjoy a twenty year old Rusty, loving every second of his job!

Wow! How about that?

I haven't watched this is more than ten years and--I must say--that doing so now makes me giddy. I had SUCH a great time that summer with these wonderful people. It was--as I've said before--like college for me.

I noticed that we used several little techniques there. One, is that Brent went out to get the girl, not me. The truth is...we knew who was going to be the "bra girl" before the show even started. The girl didn't, but we sure did. We, the cast and band, would seat the audience as they entered. The tickets were assigned to specific seats, and we would escort them to their row. Stacey--who at the time was a deaf education major at Ball State) taught us some sign language for the basic colors. She would stand at the back of the house, and take their tickets. The tickets were color coded, and she would then give us the sign for that color, and we immediately knew the section that they needed to go to. It was great.

She also taught us other signs, like "Pretty Girl". When a possible candidate for "The Bra Trick" would enter, she would let us know. We guys (Brent, Kurt, and I) would decide on who to pick. It wasn't just looks...I swear. We would also judge them by how friendly they were when we were seating them. We wanted a girl would would not only look good on stage, but be good too. So, the three of us would make our choice, and that's where Brent would go. We decided to use Brent (I think this was Buddy's idea) to take the heat off of me. In the twenty plus years I've done this trick, I've never had a girl get up set. They have always--and I mean ALWAYS--loved the routine, and been great. But, as an added buffer, we let Brent get the girl, so I could be the good guy. I was the one feeling sorry for her. Get it? It worked brilliantly.

Remember I said to pay attention to the man behind the keyboards? That's Mark McGee. Mark was--for years--the musical director for every show at The Good Times Theater at Bearcreek Farms. Although he graduated from Ball State University with a degree in languages (he spoke fluent Spanish, French, Russian, and German I know for sure), he was also a musical genius. He played several instruments, and was a wizard at the keyboards, thus the nick name "Mr. Magic Fingers". Mark was also blessed with an ability called perfect pitch. Now, a lot of people use that term loosely to mean the ability to know if something's in tune. That's not what it means though.

Perfect Pitch is the ability hear a note (or notes) and identify them by name (e.g. A#, B, C). It's estimated that about one in three thousand people have this ability. It can't be learned, only cultivated.

Mark used to do this little trick...he'd turn his back to the piano and someone would walk up and strike ten keys at once. Almost always the sound created was ugly. Mark, however (having the ability to recognize tones as clearly as you and I do color) would name off the ten keys, completely correctly! It was amazing.

He could listen to a song and "see" each note from every instrument. He could immediately tell you in what key it was being played. This made borrowing songs and doing his own arrangements an easier task.

We would also--during some shows--play a little game with Mark. Before the show he would ask someone for their favorite move, musical, band...whatever. Their answer would inspire him for traveling music. Traveling music is what is played by the band as things are moved on stage, especially during black-outs between acts. It's used to fill a little time. Anyway, Mark would integrate music from the choice into these interludes...but so subtlety that--unless you knew what to listen for--you likely never make the connection. I once gave him the challenge to use Gilligan's Island, and his adaptation of the theme was brilliant. He was extraordinary.

Well, I lost touch with Mark around 1994 or so. I knew that he was in Florida playing for a dinner theater in Wildwood. I was in the area performing, and we met up for lunch. Thai food. I remember that he was impressed that I could speak Thai (which I learned from being in so many Thai restaurants). I haven't seen him since.

Flash forward to last Wednesday...one week ago today. As you remember, faithful reader, I was back at Bearcreek Farms doing my bit in another variety show. In the process of catching up with so many familiar faces, Mark's name--of course--came up. I heard, from a few cast members, a disturbing story about him. Mark's mother died about a year ago, and he took it really hard. It seems (this is what I hear) that to cope with her loss he sought comfort in a bottle. Mark was no stranger to alcohol to begin with, but I guess that he really went wild after her death. So much so that--after about three months of solid drinking--he ended up in a hospital for a while.

They told me that he was now living in a nursing home in Anderson, Indiana. I couldn't believe it. I'm in Anderson several times a week. That's where Good's Candy Shop is where I do close-up almost every weekend. I've been so close to him for so long and not known it. I decided that I was going to find him, and quickly.

So, on Friday of last week (two days after I learned where he was) I initiated my search. I got a couple of hits on the 'net, but the phone numbers were all out of service. I tried throughout Friday and Saturday (thinking that I might be able to see him after my show at Good's), but kept ruining into dead-ends.

I decided that I'd contact the gang at Bearcreek Farms this week to get more info, to complete my quest.

On Tuesday (yesterday) I sent an email to Ken. The subject was inquiring about future shows at Bearcreek Farms, and to get more info on Mark. Not two minutes after I sent it I got a call from Vickie--she was part of last week's show too, and in "Grin 'n Bear It" with me back in 1989. She called to tell me that this Sunday Mark died. I was in shock. How could that be? Only four days after I found out he was in Anderson, and two days after I started my search, he passed away. I was profoundly sad. I learned other things during that conversation with Vickie as well. Apparently Mark was not in Anderson, but--rather--Alexandria (a small town just north of Anderson). That detail alone could have made the difference between me seeing him before he left us. Mark was 54 years old.

The funeral was today.

I went.

There was no casket and, thus, no body. I didn't ask why, but I know that he's to be cremated, so maybe that has something to do with it. There were lots of people, though, and several pictures. It was nice to share stories about Mark, and see photos of him throughout his life, that was far too short. I talked to his sister, Donna, and she filled in some of the details. Over the past ten years Mark has been living in Alexandria with his mother. He substitute taught a little, and played music a bit...but that's about all. When his mother died a year ago, Mark tipped over the edge. Everything I heard from the gang at Bearcreek Farms was, essentially, accurate.

Mark did get out of the nursing home, though, and moved into an apartment in Anderson, but that only lasted for a short time. Mark had, apparently, decided to give up, and he made that clear to everyone. He purposely ignored the doctors' orders, stopped taking his medication, and drank a lot, eating almost nothing. He lost 80 pounds, I was told. Sometime in late May his body said, "enough..." and he devolved pneumonia, then became unconscious. He was able to breath only with the aid of a ventilator. He stayed in this comatose state until his death Sunday. So, even if I had found him, I still wouldn't have found him at all.

I kick myself, though, for not finding him earlier, like last year...or two years ago, or three years ago. It's for selfish reasons, for sure. I really enjoyed his company, his talent, and his brilliant sense of humor.

So, faithful reader, join me in watching that last clip again...seeing Mark McGee in the prime of his life, sharing his talent with the world. Let's see him laugh and be happy, a joy that only the stage could bring. Let's celebrate his life.

The moral here is to enjoy each other while we can, and don't procrastinate visiting with your friends.

Mark "Mr. Magic Fingers" McGee, I miss you.

Holiday Magic '87.

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 02:28:36 GMT

Well, faithful reader, I seem to be on a Bearcreek Farms kick, as of late. Sorry to drag you down memory lane with me...but...that's what blogs are all about.

If you remember, my first show at Bearcreek Farms was "Holiday Magic '87". It ran during the--no surprise here--Christmas season of 1987. I auditioned for the crew in the fall of '87, and Buddy offered me a place in the show. It was my first experience in a professional run. By "run", I mean that the show played continuously. It was a dream come true.

Well, in light of my recent re-appearance at Bearcreek Farms, I've been digging through old scrapbooks, and am uncovering some great little treasures. Not the least of which is the show program for "Holiday Magic '87". I thought I'd share it with you...

It's funny to see how I'm bragging about 300 shows. Wow! I do that in six months these days. Funny how things where we're younger seem so impressive. That's a good lesson.

I promise that in the next week you'll get to see video clips from "Grin 'n Bear It", which played at BCF during the summer of 1987. I can't wait for you to see what I looked like then!

My Old Stomping Ground.

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 02:16:13 GMT

Yesterday was a very touching day, faithful reader. As you know, I returned to Bearcreek Farms Resort in Bryant, Indiana.

Bearcreek Farms (BCF) is the headquarters of Richard's Restaurants, and the site of a family amusement center. Various shops, activities, lodging, restaurants, and entertainment make it a great, rustic place to spend the day.

Here's the layout of the whole property:

This is just the shops, restaurants, and lodging area:

Starting in 1987, and throughout 1990, I was part of the cast in various variety/vaudeville shows at the "Good Times Theater".

Here it is from the sky:

The shows were all produced by Buddy Graf, a veteran comic of stage sketches. He was a wealth of knowledge when it came to all things about live entertainment. Buddy's ability to interact with a crowd was unparalleled. The very name of the "Good Times Theater," was suggested by Buddy himself, and several photos of him are on display around the lobby:

Unfortunately for us all, Buddy passed away in 2000, but the impression he left on me (and countless others) will go on, and on. As a tribute to his memory, Bearcreek Farms opened the Buddy Graf Museum in an area called Bloomfield Village. I got to peek at the displays:

Here's one of Buddy's funny jackets:

Throughout his life, Buddy collected clowns, hundreds of them. Many are on display:

And, of course, various promo photos too:

I miss him, and his encouragement.

So, when I was invited to appear in a variety show at BCF yesterday, as a kind of an homage to the old shows in the days of Buddy, I couldn't wait to jump in. I've often said that BCF is where I went to college, so yesterday was my 20 year class reunion.

Among the cast in yesterday's show was Ken Renner. Ken was Buddy's straight man, and a comedic genius in his own right.

The countless skits he and Buddy performed together (and the myriad of one-liners) are forever etched into my conscious thought. Here's a shot of Buddy & Ken, back in the day...

Ken told me yesterday that every good thing that happened in his life is a result of being hired by Buddy.

I could say the same thing.

So, Ken was the M.C. for the show, and did a couple of throw-backs to old bits. Also in the cast was Vickie Kibellus.

Vickie and I (and Ken) worked together on the BCF show "Grin 'n Bear" It during the summer of 1989. She has an AMAZING voice, and it was a thrill to spend the day with her and reminisce about old stories. I made a lot of good friends that summer, many of whom I'm still in contact with...friends like Brent & Stacey Gardner (they weren't married then), and Curt Amstutz. Those three were in the band...excuse me...the Bearcreek Symphony Orchestra. The four of us hung out ALL the time, and we had a blast.

We did two shows a day, five days a week, for three months. Most of us also lived in the cast housing on property, above the general store. It was a living area we called, The Loft. It's since been opened up, as the store expanded upstairs, but here is the area where my room was:

It was amazing to be living with other performers, and working our craft on a regular basis, and getting paid the whole time. We were all quite close.

The cast of "Grin 'n Bear It" was even featured in a brochure that Bearcreek Farms placed in thousands of tourist stands all over the mid-west.

Open the tri-fold and you'll see this:

Take a close look at the photo in the upper left corner, and there we are:

(The cast pictured is Buddy Graf and Ken Renner lying on the stage, then behind them, left to right, Rick Delaney, Vickie Kibellus, Me, Mary Beth Sullivan, and Michael Scranton)

Remember, it was 1989.

Yesterday I arrived at 11:30 AM, met the cast, did a sound check, then we all ran through our acts:

The stage at the "Good Times Theater"

Here's the performers' view from the stage:

We did two shows, one at 2, and the other at 7:30. The crowds were a good size, and very responsive to the show.

Walking back on the stage after all of these years was surreal. It, truly, felt like coming home. The time at spent at Bearcreek Farms (especially the summer of 1989) are the fondest memories I have of my life in show business. It wasn't the most money I've made, it wasn't the biggest crowds I played for...but it was best learning experience...EVER!

I have video clips from the show in 1989, and I'll post them soon. I promise.

What I wouldn't give to re-create those shows year-round.

Well, faithful reader, maybe that's something I'll just have to work on...

The Weekend is Gone.

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:19:10 GMT

And what a weekend it was. Friday night at Good's Candy Store was a blast, as David & I got to sit-in with My Delilah. If you haven't seen the video, David has a new Director's Cut version...you should check it out:

Saturday, I was back at Good's doing my Close-Up magic. Nothing's better than Good's Ice Cream, and magic.

Saturday night Wayne & I saw "Funny People".

We liked it. A good story, but--perhaps--a bit esoteric. I think that if you're not in show business, it may be a bit hard to appreciate. That being said, though, this has Oscar stamped all over it.

Then, Sunday morning, came the challenge. Wayne & I are training for the Hilly Hundred. What's that? It's a bike event that takes place every year in southern Indiana. It starts around Bloomington, and is a two day bike route. 50 miles on Saturday, and 50 on Sunday. The area in which it takes place is notorious for its relentless hills, and thus the title, Hilly Hundred.

This year it'll be the weekend of October 23, and we want to do it. So, we've been kicking up our riding, and the difficulty of our routes. Sunday, we went a little crazy. 40 miles over ridiculously hills, some of them 22% grade (more than hills on the Hilly Hundred), and--because I screwed up the map--a 2.5 mile stretch over a gravel road. Not fun on road bikes.

Here's where we went:

We were beat. My legs still feel like rubber. But, that which doesn't kill you...makes you regret doing it in the first place. Only a few weeks till we'll have to do that two days in a row. Will we be ready?

Tomorrow I'll perform at Bearcreek Farms Dinner Theater, and familiar place for me. From 1987 to 1991 I was a regular cast member in various variety shows produced there by veteran vaudeville comic Buddy Graf. Buddy was my professor when it came to live performance and working an audience. I've said that Bearcreek Farms is where I went to college. It was at BCF that I learned the difference between amateur theater, and professional theater. In amateur theater, you rehearse the show for three months, then perform it for a weekend, and in professional theater you rehearse the show for a weekend, then run it for three months.

Buddy is no longer with us, and this will be my first appearance in 18 years. I'm excited, and nervous. I'll let you know how it goes. I hope I do him proud.

I'll take plenty of photos, so...faithful reader...stick around.

My Silver Anniversary.

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 21:56:35 GMT

This summer, my faithful reader, I celebrate my 25th year performing magic. It was July of 1984 that I did my first show...AND GOT PAID.

I've recounted this long story time and time again, but if you'd like a refresher, here's a blog entry where I explain how I got started:

Click Here

And there are a couple references to my very first show here:

Click Here

and at the end of this one:

Here

So...25 years ago I decided that I'd do shows for money. I needed a stage name. I thought, and thought about it...and wanted to use something like Professor Amazing.

My girl friend's dad suggested that, instead of Professor, I should have a Ph.D. in magic. Thus...the name Dr. Illusion was born.

I went to my buddy Kevin Hamilton--the dude was quite the artist--and asked him to design a flier for me. He did; my mom used here photo copier at work, and we plastered that flier all over Connersville. The library, laundromats, grocery stores...anywhere that would let me. Amazingly, the phone started ringing. I was in business.

It was in December of 1984 that I joined The International Brotherhood of Magicians, the largest world-wide magicians club. To join, two members need to sponsor you. Members of the I.B.M. are hard to find in Connersville, so I asked the owners of Magic, Inc., the Chicago based store where I purchased most of my tricks mail-order. The owners were the famous magician team Jay & Francis Marshall. At the time I didn't realize just how well they were connected in the magic universe, but they were way up there. Because of his relentless contributions to magic, and his wealth of knowledge, Jay is known by his title, The Dean of Magic.

The little rabbit sock-puppet is the famous Lefty, Jay's great comic partner.

So...they said yes, and I was in. After 25 years of membership in the International Brotherhood of Magicians, you are honored with a special title called The Order of Merlin. This title would later be borrowed by Harry Potter writer J.K. Rowling. Just a few days ago I was officially inducted into the Order of Merlin. I received a gold pin, and this certificate:

It's pretty cool that I my promo material can now say, "And...in 2009, Rusty was awarded the Order of Merlin by the International Brotherhood of Magicians...", but the truth is...it just means that I paid my dues on time for 25 years.

Getting the award, though, does make me very happy...and nostalgic. I realized that I've been doing this for a quarter of a century now. So, I dug out my old magic promo stuff, and found a few gems that I'd like to share with you, faithful reader...

I found my first Dr. Illusion flier designed by Kevin:

If you look in the lower right hand corner, you'll see Kevin's signature--Kev.

I was also surprised to see how we kept the Dr. theme going in the text. Notice the "makes house calls for..." part? Pretty clever for a couple of kids, huh?

Then I found this rarity...my first business card:

How bad is THAT? At least the graphics match the flier. Notice how I suggest events where I could be needed. And don't get me started on the rabbit. The image of a rabbit on magicians' business cards is one of the three things I make fun of today. Hey...if you can't laugh at yourself...

...then you don't know what you look like when you're sleeping.

My next business card design was much better. I had anther friend, Chuck Rathel, draw a characture of me. I like this card the best, of my first attempts. It sells what I'm trying to sell...Humor!

My only issue with this card is the "Magic for all Occasions..." That's the second of three things I make fun of today.

For my next, more mature, image, I wanted to be taken more seriously as a magician. I went with a new, more mysterious image. Here it is:

The pixelation portrait of me was cool, but people thought that it looked like I had a perm, or an afro.

So, when and why did I drop the pseudonym of Dr. Illusion...? It seems to me that I did so fairly quickly. Not longer than two years. The reason is self evident...Who (outside of Connersville) is gonna take a magician named "Dr. Illusion" serious. My name's Rusty...and that's a GREAT stage name already. Still, to this day, it makes me smile!

Now that I've embarrassed myself, faithful reader, I'm going to eat. "But Rusty," you may be asking yourself, "What's the THIRD thing you make fun of on magicians' business cards today?" Well, it's when a magician takes his name--like Greg, let's say--and calls himself "The Great Gregini" Anyone who puts the suffix "ini" after his name...well, I think it just speaks for itself. Don't you?

Later this week I'll be performing at Bearcreek Farms Dinner Theater...where I did my first, consistent appearances in an ongoing show. I can't wait to tell you about that.

So, 25 years behind me. Let's meet back here in 25 more, and we'll do this again.

The Break Up Song.

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 10:56:20 GMT

I promised you, faithful reader, that I'd post this tonight...and I'm a man of my word.

As you know, David & I got sat in again with My Delilah tonight at Good's Candy & Ice Cream Shop. Randy Good had a special event tonight called "Good's Friday".

David (on guitar) and me (on drums) played along with the dudes in the band to the classic Greg Kihn Band "The Break-Up Song."

This is the second time we've done this...and I love it.

We had two cameras this time, one static, and the other under the direction of Beth (David's wife). There will (David promises me) be an extended director's cut using both cameras...but--for tonight--you will only get to see this raw, stationary angle.

Here we are....ENJOY!

I'll be back at Good's tomorrow from 1 - 3 PM doing close-up magic. And, for now, I go to sleep.

Night, night...

Rock & Roll.

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:00:39 GMT

Well, my faithful reader, today is going to be fun. First, I have a magic show in Muncie, Indiana. Then, I'm off to Good's Candy for an event. I'll be doing some magic there, I'm sure, but I'll also be playing drums, while my buddy David strums his ax.

If you remember, several months ago David & I sat in with my neighbor's band My Delilah. We played the Greg Kihn Band tune "The Break-Up Song (They Don't Write 'Em)" .
If you'd like a reminder, here we are:

Well, my neighbor (also named Rusty) has invited us to do it again tonight. Same song. Maybe, if you're nice, we'll get it on video too.

So...wish us to "break a leg".

Also, if you would like to, you can follow me on the following networks:

Twitter: http://twitter.com/magicmanrusty

We can also be friends on:

Facebook:

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/magicmanrusty

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MagicManRusty

I'll let you know how it all goes...

The Last Library.

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:45:34 GMT

Today I did my final library show for the summer tour. For the past two months I've been quite the busy book-worm. I did shows for 37 libraries during their various Summer Reading Program events. I Love It!

My final stop was at Otterbein Public Library in Otterbein, Indiana. Cindy, who had the library sponsor my show for their local elementary school, has a tremendous sense of humor. She, I, and her daughter Lydia (who also works at the library) spent most of the time I was setting-up by citing quotes from Steve Martin's "The Jerk."

A CLASSIC film. One of the greatest comedies of all time. Right up there with:

and

These really are staples of comedy cinema. Must see's for anyone who appreciates film.

I also got to meet Sarah, the director, and Chris. He and I spent a goodly amount of time after the show talking Star Trek. He asked if I've seen the new movie:

I said, "Only three times...," then I showed him my tattoo.

Anyway, the whole staff was a blast. Here I am with Sarah, Cindy & Lydia:

And here's my audience, looking NOT at the me:

And, folks, here's the honest effect I have on most who see me perform:

That's my life...

Summer's End.

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 02:46:35 GMT

It's been quite the summer. I must apologize, faithful readers, for letting you down.

During my tour out west, and the summer that followed, I was a diligent blogger. Almost every day. Sometime in the past year I stopped my regular blogs. The reason that I quit was not because of a lack of desire. It's my plan to fix that from here on out.

I'm going to give you a quick catch-up for this summer...

Lots and lots of library shows. I can't even count how many. I've had mostly good crowds, and lots of really nice people.

Here are just a few photos from the tour:

The gang at Avon Library

I'm the great thinker...

Tug of Linking Rings

Me with an adoring fan...I mean ADORABLE fan.

My peeps at Garrett Library

My handsome, packed audience at Waterloo Library

Along the summer I had a chance to re-connect to old friends. Brent & Stacey Gardner worked with me at BearCreek Farms Dinner Theater in Bryant, IN. I was the magic act in the vaudeville show, and they were in the band. Brent played guitar and trombone, Stacey woodwinds. Stacey also acted as my assistant during one illusion. Brent (now a big time audio video guy) claims to have a tape of one of our performances, and promises to get it to me for your enjoyment. I will pass it on as soon as I have it.

They (with their two children) now live in Muncie, IN. I did a show for The Kennedy Library in Muncie, and we got together. It was a blast. And...HERE THEY ARE!

They look exactly the same, and Kyle & Anastasia are a treat.

More about Brent & Stacey to follow in upcoming blogs...

Another trot down memory lane was running into Terry Hornsby. The summer of 1980 was my real introduction into live theater. I auditioned for a group called Civic Youth Theater (CYT). They were doing three one-act plays, and my grandma Weaver thought I might like it.

I DID.

I was cast in two of the plays, The Pied Piper and For Goodness Sake. There were a lot of high school theater kids there too (I was just going into 7th grade), and I was in awe of them. Two in particular were Mike Bently and Terry Hornsby. I thought they were SO cool (and they were), that I wanted to be just like them. For one thing, they are responsible for getting me interested in Steve Martin. They introduced me to the comedy album "A Wild and Crazy Guy", and the played that 8-track (yes, 8-track) over and over until there was no magnetic residue left.

That album--and Steve Martin, who is also a magician--became my inspiration for what my show has morphed into today.

Terry & Mike graduated from CHS in 1981, five years before me, so we weren't in the same building ever. But they (Terry especially) was really into the high school drama club (Tri-Ep), and he was my idol.

They all went their own ways, and people do, and I haven't talked to either in more than a decade. Ah...but then there's the magic of FaceBook...

Terry contacted me a while back, and we became FaceBook Friends. Terry, I learned, has spent the past several years living in Taiwan, working as an actor on their version of Sesame Street. Pretty cool, huh? He and his wife and daughter spend the month of July in Indiana, visiting with friends and family. I was luck enough to catch-up with Terry twice, and talk about our past, and show business.

He has some amazing ideas, and I'm confident that we'll work together soon, and often. Here we are having lunch:

He looks EXACTLY the same.

You'll be hearing more about Terry in up-coming blogs too.

Also, it's been a year since my vocal cord surgery. I went in to see Rebbecca (my vocal therapist) for my one-year check up. It looks good. Same to assume that I'll never be perfect, as surgery always compromises something....but I look pretty darn good. You can watch my Videostroboscopy here, if you dare:

Notice no redness? My vocal cords look pretty normal. I'm happy. Of course, some days I still struggle with my voice.

On a great note...I got to be the opening act for Greg Hahn. The full video will be online soon. Until then, here's a look at my introduction. This is the big time!

Pretty cool, huh? I felt like Elvis walking toward the stage.

So...I think that's it for now, faithful readers. I'll keep this up. As the shows happen, and funny little events in my life, I'll share it with you. Hold my hand, and we'll walk the path together.

Greg Hahn Show

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:04:02 GMT

Well, faithful readers, after a week of library shows in the Peoria, IL area...I'm getting geared-up for the big Greg Hahn show tonight.

I'll be the opening act, then comedian Dave Dugan (of Bob & Tom fame) will be the warm-up. Then the legialy insane man we call Greg Hahn will take the stage. Well, since we're in a high school gym, I guess he'll take the "floor".

I'm excited, and--of course--nervous.

In the mean time my most talented friend David Champ was been working all week on a little video. Here it is for your viewing enjoyment:

(Kids...don't try this at home)

More to follow...

Wish me to, "Break a leg."

Summer time, and the livin' is...BUSY!

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:00:30 GMT

Greetings, faithful reader. I have a few things to discuss, then I'll let you get back to your sunbathing.

I am fortunate to have the busiest summer on record. I have dozens of shows throughout Indiana (and a little in Illinois) in the next few months. My schedule is posted on my website. PLEASE...come see me if you can.

One of the bigger show on the books is June 27. I'll be performing Benton Central High School in Oxford, IN. It's a BIG show. I'll have the pleasure of being the opening act for Greg Hahn.

Greg is a spectacular comedian, and a regular on the Bob & Tom Show. I'm talking side-splitting funny. I have my work cut-out for me.

I'm so very honored to be a part of this show.

My sweet friend, Danielle Payne with the Oxford Library set this all up. I emailed her and asked where people could buy tickets. Here is her reply:

If people want to buy by credit/debit I have paypal account set up. Send payments to oxfordlibraryfriends@yahoo.com. Make sure they include their mailing address in their payment email.
We will also take check payments...they can mail to us at PO Box 6 Oxford, IN 47971 and I will send out from here.

So..there you have it. Seriously folks, this is a MUST SEE SHOW.

In other news, I just received word that I'll be returning to Bearcreek Farms in Bryant, IN.

What's Bearcreek Farms?, you may ask. Well...Bearcreek Farms is the home of the Good Times Theater. In the late 80's and early 90's the Good Times Theater was produced by veteran vaudeville comic Buddy Graf. His shows--in which he stared as the comic relief--were variety spectacles, featuring music, singing, dancing, classic vaudeville skits, and variety acts...LIKE ME. The shows would run for three or four months each. I was fortunate to be a part of a half-dozen or so shows starting with "Holiday Magic 87" in November of 1987, through "Monkey Business" closing in March of 1991.

Buddy was my mentor. He--for some such reason--really liked me, and I adored him. He taught me so much about how to deliver comedy, and work an audience. I have often said that Bearcreek Farms is where I went to college, and Buddy Graf was my professor.

Buddy went on to do the same productions in Florida as a kind of retirement.

Buddy passed away February 15, 1998. Although we stayed in touch, I was never able to work with him again. We just couldn't get our schedules to work out.

I just learned that Bearcreek Farms is presenting special "Nostalgia" shows on Wednesdays. My understanding is that they are inviting back those who have graced the stage of The Good Times Theater from years past.

I have been asked to take part in the shows on Wednesday August 5. Shows at 2 & 7:30 PM. I'm SO excited. It'll be like visiting my old Alma Matter.

Please come see me, if you can.

And finally, on a personal note...for those few of you who don't know...I'M A GEEK. It's true...I admit it. Especially in the area of Star Trek. I am SUCH a Star Trek fan that I named my dog Tiberius--Captain Kirk's middle name.

With the new Star Trek movie taking the box office by storm, my love of all things Star Trek has been rekindled. BTW...if you haven't seen the new film, it's a must see. Star Trek fan or not--I don't care if you've never seen a single episode or even know what "Beam me up, Scotty" means--you will LOVE this movie.

So...all of the new hype got me thinking about my Trekkie collection. I remembered that my good buddy David and I shot a little Star Trek film at Universal Studios Florida back in 1995. We acted in front of a green screen, and got to take the VHS home...and it was pretty cool.

I asked David to convert it to a digital format. He did.

I've posted it on YouTube for your enjoyment and ridicule.

REMEMBER...it was 1995, and it was SUPPOSED to be cheesy. David and I purposely camped it up to have fun.

I hope that you do too:

Until next time, faithful reader...LIVE LONG, AND PROSPER.

Aww!

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 22:16:30 GMT

Well, faithful reader, here's the first new blog in weeks. Why? I'VE BEEN BUSY...that's why.

I'm very fortunate to have the busiest summer ever. Entertainment is a feast or famine kind of career. You have to take it when you can.

First of all...I was part of a PodCast. A few weeks ago I was hanging out with my buddy Tom Savini at the Horror Hound convention in Indy. While there I met some interesting people, as usual. One was a gentleman named Jordu Schell. Jordu is an effects artist, not unlike Tom. He makes AMAZING collectors masks. Check 'em out HERE.

He also hosts a PodCast called N.E.R.D. Cast. He joined us for dinner Sunday night, and I did some magic for the table.

Jordu invited me to be a guest, along with Tom, to discuss how film makers use illusions to tell stories. I said, "Sure!"

So...that's what we did. Tom and I sat and recorded a 90 min PodCast. It was really enjoyable.

If you want to listen to it you can. I'll give you the link in a second. Here's the thing, though...THIS POD CAST IS R-RATED.

I can't say this enough...THERE IS HARSH, HARSH LANGUAGE IN THE POD CAST...SOME OF IT FROM ME!

Now...you've been warned.

Here's the link for N.E.R.D. Cast #5

Enjoy.

Also...here a photo of me at age 5:

I'm wearing the tux 'cause I was the Ring Bearer in my uncle Joe's wedding.

Even at that young age I was dressing like a magician.

Or, perhaps...Bond. James Bond.

I told ya so...

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 02:21:28 GMT

Hey there, faithful readers...here's a cute little story for ya...

The year was 1975. I was 7 years old.

My Grandma and Grandpa Ammerman lived in Jasper, Indiana. I've always liked the name...Jasper. Wanna guess why? Because as a child--and even now--it reminds me of Casper...the Friendly Ghost.

It was common for us (dad, mom, and me) to make the four hour drive, three or four times a year to visit Grandma & Grandpa.

The thing is, there's no easy way to get from Connersville to Jasper. Every time we went down (and back), we seemed to take a different route, my dad experimenting to find a quicker, shorter way. There are a lot of back roads in Southern Indiana, and we tried almost all of them.

On one such trip we must have done a route similar to this...

So, there I was...sitting in the back seat of our car, playing with my toys, when suddenly...I looked out the window, and off the road, in a wooded area I saw a balancing rock.

I couldn't believe it! It looked just like the formations I see in Road Runner cartoons.

I leaned forward to get my parents attention, "Hey...pull over. I just saw a balancing rock."

Well, they didn't believe me, and gave me some line like, "We'll stop and see it on the way home, dear."

For the rest of the trip that's all I could think about. I asked my Grandma & Grandpa, and other family members who lived in Southern Indiana, "Where's the balancing rock at?"

No one seemed to have any idea what I was talking about, and--although they never said this to me--they all believed that I had imagined it.

On the way home I was glued to the window...but never saw it.

On every trip down to Grandma & Grandpa's, I would look out that window, hoping to get a glimpse of that balancing rock.

Even years later, when I got my license and would drive myself, I would often remember seeing that formation, and find myself looking for it.

At some point I started to convince myself that I had imagined it.

Flash forward to 1995 or so. I was on a tour, doing shows in the Mid-West, and found myself in Southern Indiana. Shoals, Indiana to be precise.

I walked into the Shoals High School and met with the principal. He told me that we would do the show in the gym, and walked me down there. As we were talking about where the students would be seated, I noticed an odd looking character painted in the middle of the tip-off circle on the floor.

I looked at it and thought to myself, "That looks weird...what's it supposed to be? It looks kinda like a balancing rock....OH MY GOD!"

I turned to the principal, pointing at the picture. "What's that?" I asked.

"Oh," he said, "that's our mascot. We're the JugRocks."

"JugRock," I said. "What's that?"

"It's a rocky formation, with a flat top."

"I see. Does this...JugRock...does this formation really exist."

"Oh yeah. It's just off the highway, on the North side, on your way out of town."

"Is that right....?"

Suddenly I felt vindicated. I couldn't wait for the show to be over so I could go and see if this was my infamous, illusive Balancing Rock.

I drove slowly, looking to my right--just as I remember as a kid--and, low and behold...off the road, in a wooded area I saw a JugRock.

I didn't have my digital camera then, so I didn't get a shot. But, I sure let everyone know about it.

I called my dad, my mom, my grandma. They, of course, had no memory of me seeing the balancing rock.

I bring this up now because, just today, I did a show for the Huntingburg Public Library. It's just south of Jasper. I remembered that little story and the JugRock, so I decided to take a round-about way home...through Shoals.

This time I DID have my camera, and here's what it looks like:

That's exactly what I remember it looking like, all those years ago...

Now, be honest faithful reader, if you were a kid, and saw that...wouldn't you describe it as a balancing rock?

So there...take THAT mom and dad.

On another note, the show went well, and the people were wonderful. I especially liked the sign they made promoting my show:

Nice job, huh?

Then, in Connersville, I ran into Krista Gibson. I didn't recognize her, but she did me.

On July 10, 1984 Krista was celebrating her 9th birthday. She had a party in the back yard of her house on Meyer St. in Connersville. There were 15-20 kids there. Their entertainment was Dr. Illusion who performed a magic show.

Dr. Illusion was ME, and that was the first show I ever did.

Here's me with Krista:

Ironically I ran into Krista's mom a few months ago at a Christmas Party. You can read about it here.

And everything comes full circle.

I feel REALLY old now.

Gettin' My Kicks...on Route 66.

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 19:25:49 GMT

Monday morning I woke up in Hollywood, CA. I'm now back home after a 2,200 mile drive over 5 days, with two shows along the way.

Most of the journey I was on I-40. Before there was an Interstate system, the road that people would have take was Route 66:

Lots of roadside attractions popped up along U.S. 66. When I-40 opened, most of these died away. Some, however, are still there. Since I-40 and Route 66 still intersect at several place, on the way home I decided to see a couple tourist attractions.

The first I came to was an homage to an Eagles song, "Take it Easy." I found myself standin' on a corner in Winslow, Arizona:

Truth be told, no girl has EVER slowed down to take a look at me, but there was an empty flat-bed Ford:

If you look over my shoulder, though, you can see the reflection of a young lady...so, maybe all hope is not lost.

The next site I took in was near Amarillo, Texas...an oddity called Cadillac Ranch.

It's a weird thing, seeing 10 Caddys buried up to the steering wheel in the ground:

People are encouraged to bring spray paint and add graffiti. I just wanted to see:

And be seen:

Not much further down the road, near Groom, TX, I started seeing signs that said, "The Largest Cross in the Western Hemisphere". Soon enough, I found this:

It's, apparently, 190 ft. tall. It looked very familiar...but more of that to follow...

On Wednesday I had two shows in Oklahoma, the first for Del Crest Middle School in Oklahoma City. 500 Kids, grades 6-8. Here're some photos:

And, me with The Balloon Girl:

(What a Hair-Flip, huh?)

Then a lengthy drive to Briggs Elementary School. 500 kids, grades K-8.

Here are some fun photos:

(Disco Fever...?)

Then it was a sprint for home...

I-40 met up with I-70, and, when I saw this:

I knew I was in the final stretch...

Near Effingham, Illinois I saw this off of I-70:

at 198 ft., this is, now, The Largest Cross.

That's gotta make Texas a little miffed, huh?

So, I'm home now. Time to re-charge, and get caught up...

If you'll excuse me now...I'm gonna sleep.

Sunday at The Castle.

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:04:12 GMT

Today was bitter-sweet, to be sure.

Sweet because I had six shows, and five of them were the best audiences of the week. Sweet because I was proud to complete another week of shows at The World Famous Magic Castle.

Bitter because it meant that it was time for me to leave...

I started my day with another round of Brunch shows for families. I had three shows, and the first and third were spectacular. I was so energized by the crowd...and the routines just flowed.

Also because I was blessed with special guests. A friend of mine who lives in the greater L.A. area, Jeff, and his family came to see my shows, and spend a day at The Castle. They had never been, and that's always a thrill when I can let someone experience the magic for the first time.

They got to see two of my shows, the big show in The Palace of Mystery, and spent some time with Erma (the piano playing ghost) making requests.

Here we are in The Parlour of Prestidigitation:

I then had to set-up for my evening shows...

I realized that I had some time to kill, so I walked the five-minute stroll to Hollywood Blvd. to take in some sites. I decided to see the Hollywood Wax museum.

Cheeze, I know, but I'd never been.

It was actually quite cool. I do recommended it. I took lots of pictures, but I won't bore you with them all. Only a few...

Here I am auditioning for the next Terminator film:

And teaching Spiderman how to aim:

My Mommy Says I'm Special...

I did the evening shows...and they were wonderful. I'm so glad to end my run with such generous people.

I then had to sadly pack-up and say good-bye to everyone, including the performer with whom I shared the Parlour, Charles Arlington:

So...thus ends another week at The Magic Castle. I hope to return soon...it really does seem like home.

Tomorrow I have to make it half-way to Oklahoma City for shows I have on Wednesday. Drive, DRIVE, D R I V E!

Saturday at The Castle.

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 16:49:34 GMT

I'm just plain beat!

This afternoon I did the Parlour shows for The Magic Castle's Family Brunch.

On Saturday & Sunday afternoons, The Castle hosts a family brunch--the only time minors are allowed into The Castle. It's also the only time the dress code is relaxed to casual. So, the shows are all themed toward an audience of all ages.

I did three shows in The Parlour.

The audiences were great! It's fun using kids in the show with their family watching...it always gets a strong reaction.

Steven--one of the ushers who's been paired with me a lot this week--dealt with seating The Parlour and introducing me:

He's a dude!

Then I went back to catch some Z's, then I was back at it again tonight. Three shows.

The Castle was JAM PACKED with guests tonight, and most had never been here before. The best scenario for a magician.

I am so tired that I left right after my sets, and am about to crash.

Tomorrow I repeat today...Brunch shows and evening shows to close my amazing week at The Castle...

Friday at The Castle.

Sat, 28 Feb 2009 17:37:19 GMT

This morning started early.

I, unfortunately, had to take Tony to LAX so he could get back to Indy for work.

I had a great time visiting with Tony, and it was sad to see him go. It was also sad to fight morning L.A. traffic. We made it, though, with lots of time to spare.

He sent me a text this evening that he made it just fine.

Friday night is always a busy time at The Magic Castle. It's when lots of guests come--often for the first time--to experience its wonder. So I go above and beyond to do extra special shows.

I was standing by the bar talking with Kurt when a young lady walked in with several friends. She seemed to do a double-take and rushed toward me.

"You're Rusty," she said.

"Yes. Yes, I am," I admitted.

"I was told that I HAVE to see your show. You're in the Parlour, and I want to make sure that I can get to your show after the show in The Palace."

We spoke with Kurt, who explained how she could make that work, but I was curious.

"Who told you to see my show?" I asked.

"Oh...a board member," she answered.

"Cool. That's nice," I said, "Which one?"

At this point she hesitated just a tad, then she leaned in and whispered, "Neil Patrick Harris."

I was taken aback. Surprised.

"Really," I told her, "I met him right here at the bar a few nights ago, but he didn't see my show. Well, I didn't see him there, anyway."

"I think he did," she said, "because he told me that you were really good. Really funny that I had to see you."

"Well, I hope that I don't disappoint," I said.

She and her friends went on their way, but they were all in the front row for my 9:30 show. A couple of them even helped me with my routine.

I'm not sure is Mr. Harris did or did not see the show...but I'd like to think that he did, and sneaked out before I--or anyone--saw him. Either way, it makes me happy to think that he would recommend me to a friend.

Tomorrow I have to get up early to do the Family Brunch Shows at The Castle. It'll be a LONG day tomorrow, a total of seven shows.

So, off to bed I go. We'll chat tomorrow...

Thursday at The Castle.

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:34:42 GMT

This was Tony's last day here in L.A., so we did a little more site-seeing. We started at Grauman's Chinese Theater to look at the hand prints in the sidewalk, then walked down the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I already have photos of a lot of these Stars...but I saw two that I had missed before:

William Friedkin is an extraordinary film director. I believe his masterpiece is this little film:

The scariest movie of all time.

Period.

I also came across this star:

Robert Wise grew up in my home town of Connersville, IN. He went on to become...well...the Godfather of Hollywood. He started as an editor, then went on to become a director, producer, and president of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. He directed some little know films, like:

And, one really close to my heart:

Our high school auditorium is even named after him.

We also stopped into the famous Hollywood Magic Shop on Hollywood Blvd:

After all this walking, I was BEAT! So I took a subway back to the hotel and left Tony to fend for himself.

I had a great nap and went to The Castle to get ready. I did two shows tonight, and both times the audience was THE BOMB!

I was pleased to have a great magician, and good friend, Robert Baxt, show up to see my show.

Robert is a comedy magician, and creator of great magic effects. For instance, he created the Coke Trick on which I get such great comments.

If you've never seen me do it, watch.

It's really weird to do someone else's routine with them in the audience.

After the show Robert and I visited and he was--as always--most charming. He was also very complimentary about my show in general, and presentation of the Coke trick in particular. He liked the way I made it my own.

Here we are together:

Robert is always very generous with ideas, and he worked with me on a few moves. Thanks Robert.

Also in attendance at The Magic Castle tonight was Mr. Bob Barker. Remember him?

I didn't get to speak with him--he didn't see my show--but he looked just like he did on The Price is Right, and his smile still fills the room.

My Grandma Weaver will be SO jealous.

Tony leave tomorrow, and I head into the busy weekend.

Wish me luck...

Wednesday at The Castle.

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 18:23:10 GMT

This morning, faithful reader, Tony and I went to watch a taping of Jeopardy! at Sony Pictures Studios:

Tony knows a guy, who used to work on the show, that still has connections with a guy, who....well, you get the idea. So, we were given Production Guest passes and allowed to sit in the first row.

We watched 3 episodes taped that will air the week of May 25. There was then a lunch break, and another audience came in to watch 2 more taped. It seems that they shoot all the shows for a week in one day.

There were about 100 or so people in the studio audience, and we were given the low-down on being quiet and when to applaud. Then, Jeopardy! announcer Johnny Gilbert came out and acted as the warm-up. He told little funny stories about goof-ups on the show, and answered a few questions.

The contestants were brought out, shot a few promos, then we were already to tape.

The music started, and Johnny--from his booth announcer platform--spoke the so familiar phrase, "This....is...Jeopardy!" He then introduced the contestants, followed by, "And now, the host of Jeopardy!...Alex Trebek!" And, out he came:

Now, of course, I didn't take these pictures. No cameras or cell phones were allowed, but it looked in person just like on TV.

They went through their first segment, and came to a commercial break. Alex immediately walked over to us--the audience--and started chatting. We was polite, engaging, charming, and quite funny. He took questions and asked several of the audience too. Then it was back to the game.

This continued during almost every break unless he had to re-record a line or question what he fumbled or mis-pronounced. And, when that did happen (less than six times during the three shows) he always made a joke about it.

Alex went way out of his way to visit with the studio audience, and seemed to enjoy talking with us more than doing the show.

During one such encounter I got to answer an Alex question. He was talking to a guy from Canada (Alex's home country) and the man said he was from Windsor. Alex said, "Yes! Windsor! One of the few Canadian cities located south of the border. In fact Windsor is due south of what American city...?"

I raised my hand, and he pointed to me. "Detroit," I said.

"Detroit is correct," he said...and I felt like a million bucks.

I didn't win any money, though.

After a few hours and three shows, we took off back to the hotel, stopping at In-N-Out Burger on the way. It's a fast food chain that everyone on the West Coast seems to LOVE!

I thought the burgers were good.

That's all.

At The Castle tonight, lots of members were there. When I say "members" that mostly means "magicians". That always makes me edgy...I feel like I'm under a microscope. But, truth be told, that's what working The Castle is all about.

I did a new routine that Tony actually wrote, so he got to see me read his lines. It was cool. Trying new stuff is what The Magic Castle is all about.

Rich Cowley is The Magic Castle's Videographer--he shot my footage last time--and is always a joy to hang out with, even if it's only for his endless database of jokes.

Rich has been a great source of encouragement, helping me to keep in sight what's important in the performance of magic, and what's just hype.

Jon Armstrong--The Magic Castle's Magician of the Year, several years running, and board member--was a wonderful help the first time I was here, and has been a great friend this time as well. Last time Jon went well out of his way to spend time with me, give me advise--GREAT advise, actually--and make me feel like I am welcome at The Castle. This year has been the same. No one has made me feel more welcome than Jon.

(Ain't we cute...?)

Jon is also a demon with a deck of cards.

No lie.

And, here's Tony and I in The Parlour:

Tomorrow night, through Sunday, is when things get REALLY busy at The Castle. I'll keep you posted...

Tuesday at The Castle.

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 01:14:10 GMT

Today was Full-Throttle in Hollywood.

First, I had to take Wayne to LAX for his flight home, and--only minutes later--I picked up Tony Wilson who is visiting me for a few days from Indianapolis. Tony and I have know each other for more than a decade. He's a great fan of magic--and all things Geek. So, as a birthday present to himself, he's here visiting The Castle.

On the way to our hotel I surprised Tony with two stops. The first was the famous Griffith Observatory:

It used as a filming location in numerous films, like Rebel without a Cause. They even have a James Dean monument on site:

We then went to the near-by River Road Tunnel, also used in various films. It should look familiar:

Then, Tony being an extrema fan of Super Heroes...I HAD to take him to the famous Bat Cave, from the 1960's TV show:

We then checked in to our hotel, and got ready for The Magic Castle. On the way I took Tony down Hollywood Blvd, past the Famous Chinese Theater. There was a film premiere going on across the street at the El Capitan theater. It was, we soon learned, The Jonas Brothers: 3D Concert Experience. People were ALL OVER THE PLACE as we slowly drove down the street. Both sidewalks were swarmed with young girls, expecting to get a glimpse of the stars. Some of the girls weren't happy that my car was in their line of view, as they looked across the street. I'll tell you, until you've had two dozen 15 year old girls screaming at you to "Get the #*&$ out of the way," well--you just haven't lived.

We made it to The Castle and who was seated at the bar the second we walked in...none other than Magic Castle board member, Mr. Neil Patrick Harris:

We met him, and he was unbelievably kind. I told him that I believed that "How I Met your Mother" was his best work to date. He said to me, "Well, we have a lot of fun shooting it."

"And it clearly shows," I said.

I did three shows, each getting better as the night went on.

Tomorrow...we go see a taping of Jeopardy!!

I'll let you know how it goes.

Opening the Castle.

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:21:48 GMT

Tonight was my first night of my week run at Hollywood's World Famous Magic Castle.

It started with the help of my buddy Wayne White (who came to LA to visit his brother, Bob, and give me a hand) who assisted me in moving my gear into the Parlour. The set-up went quickly, and things just fell into place.

Just in case I couldn't go on...Wayne was ready as my understudy:

We moved stuff in around 3, then went to lunch and did a little site seeing. One place we visited was the Kodak Theater where, last night, the Oscars was televised.

Here's Wayne walking down the same steps all the guest walked less than 24 hours ago:

We made it back to The Castle around 6 so I could set-up for my 7:30 show.

By this time a lot of the staff were there, and I got to see familiar faces. Not the least of which was Kurt--an usher whom I grew very fond of during my last visit in May.

Upon seeing me, he immediately recognized my name and said, "Rusty...welcome home."

That was the kindest sentence I could possibly have heard.

Seconds later the legendary Max Maven

(Entertainment Director at The Magic Castle--my boss for the week) came in and addressed me my name as well, welcoming me back.

I feel SO important.

At 7:15 Kurt opened the doors for my theater, The Parlour of Prestidigitation, and I waited back-stage for the introduction:

At 7:30 Kurt introduced me, and I walked onto stage to my second run at The Magic Castle.

And....it DID feel like home.

My first audience was most generous, and that makes me happy.

My second show was cut do to low attendance (very common Monday through Wednesday), and the last show was perfect.

After my second show I bumped into an interesting man. Did you see the Oscars Sunday night?

If you did you must remember a film that won Best Feature Documentary, Man on Wire.

It tells the story of Philippe Petit, the man who, in 1974, walked at tight-rope across The World Trade Centers.

During the acceptance speech Philippe did a bit of magic, and balanced the Oscar on his chin.

If you missed it, here it is:

Well, one night after that win, Philippe was at The Magic Castle. He was nice enough to pose for this picture:

What a dude!

I'm sure I'll have more stories tomorrow...

A Week to The Castle.

Sat, 21 Feb 2009 01:58:11 GMT

Here we are, faithful readers, as I am only a few days away from appearing--for the second time--at The Magic Castle.

Getting here has been a long adventure. I left home on Sunday, as I write this, have driven 2688 miles. Here's how it looks:

Along the way I've done three shows. First, Red Rock Central Elementary School in Jeffers, MN.

Here are some shots :

Then, it was a long drive to Darby, MT for a show at Trapper Creek Job Corps. I was there in April, but most of the kids were new. A Job Corps is like a boarding vocation school. These kids learn trades, like how to be a Chef:

This gang knew how to relax and have a good time:

Mr. Ferguson introducing me:

After the show I heard an amazing story I want to share with you. A 17 year-old named Christian came up while I was signing autographs and asked me if I would sign...HIS EYE. I immediately dismissed him as teasing me. Then I heard him say, "No...I'm serious.."

At that I looked over and saw this:

Now THAT'S something you don't see every day.

I, of course, said no. I mean, come on people, there is NO way I'm signing someone's glass eye.

Christian spoke with me for a while and told some funny stories about how he's punked people with his prosthetic eye. For instance, he purchased sunglasses at an expensive sunglass boutique, and asked them if he could buy them at half price. When they asked why, he showed them.

As I was just packing up and about to leave he said, "You haven't asked how I lost my eye."

"Well, no," I said, "I haven't because it's none of my business. If you want to tell me, though, I'd be honored to hear."

"It happened when I was 12," he said, "I was playing with a gun and accidentally shot myself."

I thought that I heard him wrong.

"What? You shot yourself...in the eye...?" I asked. It didn't make any sense. I mean, if you were shot in the eye, then that means that you were shot IN THE HEAD, right? People don't usually live to talk about that.

"Yes," he said, "the bullet went in my right eye and came out the top of my head."

I was speechless for several seconds. "The bullet went through your head?"

"Yep"

"You're telling me that a bullet went in your eye, through your head, and out the top of your skull...and 5 years later we're standing here talking about it?"

"That's right"

"You're neurosurgeons were extraordinary," I said.

"Oh, they were."

Folks, once upon a time, in a galaxy far, far, away...I worked as a medic for an ambulance. Too many times I've seen the outcome of a gunshot wound to the head. I've never heard anyone talk about it. Well, I thought, it must have been a very small caliber. A .22 maybe?

"What kind of a gun was it?" I asked.

"It was a .44 Magnum," he said.

At this point I had to sit down. A .44 Magnum is not a small caliber. It's a LONG way from that. It is, in fact, touted as the most powerful hand gun in the world...made famous by Clint Eastwood in the Dirty Harry movies.

Once, in my two years at AID Ambulance, I saw a gentleman who was shot in--believe it or not--his right eye with a .44 Magnum. He wasn't as fortunate as Christian.

I told Christian that I believed his survival was nothing short of a miracle.

He agreed.

I had to get my pic with this amazing young man:

I then went to Trapper Creek's sister school, Anaconda Job Corps in Anaconda, MT for an evening show. These kids were ready to have fun too:

Bea introduced me:

And here I am with the balloon girl, the spectacular Janeane:

Tomorrow I have to drive to LAX to pick-up my buddy Dr. Wayne White, then we'll crash at his brother's house.

It'll be a long drive...so, if you'll excuse me...