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12.26.2003 Hope you all had a pleasant Holiday ... what ever you celebrate... its all good, just as long as part of your beliefs include peace on Earth.... then its cool. Today is Ma's birthday...she still claims she's 29 .... but I'm not buying it! On a sadder note we lost a fellow magician a few days ago... Ralph Beck. He was well known in the Chicago area... he passed his secrets on to many others... including Terry Evanswood and Jeanette Andrews, who are both from the area. Terry called with the news and asked if I would make the special wand for the ceremony.. know as the "broken wand'. Its a tradition when a magician passes, that the "spell is broken" and the wand is snapped in half. There's more to it but you get the idea. To me it's an honor that I can do something special for a fellow magician and hand-craft this special wand as one last symbol of his magical life. The secret world of magic has many traditions... and it will always be a part of my life... and one day too ... the same tradition will be done for me.... not for some time at least... I hope.... Steve
12.23.2003 The eve of Christmas eve... that's today. I know I should be talking about magic stuff.... so I'll do that right now... then I'll tell you about some crazy stuff going on ...on the roof tonight!! We will soon be announcing information about our new Mega-Illusion that will be featured in out show next year. I'll give you a few hints... it weights in at 650 pounds, all metal and it will blow you away! Now back to reality... we've pretty much finished up with out holiday shows... and January is usually slow.... but I'm thinking about some travel in Ohio early February so well see about that. Right now its 3 am and I hear noises up on the roof... and its not reindeer. It's a racoon tearing up something.. I've got a sky light and I can see him ... its really gross. So I cant' sleep at the moment.... let's see what else is going on? I'm fine health wise.... thanks for asking... I'm back to 100% or so. I've got to wrap some presents ...... before Santa comes... so I guess I'll get to bed.... Merry Christmas to all...... Steve
12.17.2003 Today was interesting.. I was tossing and turning all night in pain ... so it was time to go to the hospital and see what the deal was. My brother brought me in... and many hours later .. they found a kidney stone that I have yet to pass. For the kids out there... lets just say it makes you hurt a lot.... a real lot. I'm pretty stubborn.. so I lived with the pain over the weekend... but it wasn't getting any better. It was my very first time one of those gowns with out the back. First ride on a stretcher and had a CAT scan ... something like that. Tony Andrini also came to my rescue and picked me up. I'm feeling better now... it takes a lot to keep me down... this did it. I hopefully will be back to full speed by Friday... I'll live.... don't send flowers... Steve
12.09.2003 The weekend went fast...and I'm beat. We had a lot of shows this weekend and we do it all again this weekend. The Strait Jacket escape has been added back in the show and it's tough one. I pay for it the next day... ouch, not to mention the load-in and load-out of the show. It's all a lot of work but I've got the Illusion Crew to help me out ... Jeff, Tony, Angel, Greg and Quissy. Greg carries in the light stuff while the girls lift the heavy illusions... I'm joking of course. Not to much rest for me... but January is usually a slow month.... I'll rest then.... Steve
12.03.2003 The cold has returned to the Windy City... we haven't seen snow yet... but it is getting cold. It's December and we'll be performing through out the Chicagoland area. We've got a lot to prepare... I just remembered I need to get some Twinkies.... really. It's getting late and I'm trying to get to bed earlier... its almost 3 am now... so much for that idea. I did get some stuff done today... but never enough... no rest for the wicked as I always say... Steve P.S. Tony ... put down the knife....
11.25.2003 I know... some time has passed... but here's the deal... something happened with the web program and it messed up things on the new iMac. Then I had to upgrade to Mac X point something... and paid another $129.00 for that... thanks Apple. So... everything seems to be working... we'll see. Lots going on... we had a photo shoot over the weekend... so the whole gang was here... it was a three ring circus. Hopefully we'll actually have some new pics on here soon... really. We are also getting ready for the holiday shows... so... I've got lots to do ... but I'm back online.... and keepin' you up to date with what's on my mind.... Steve
11.08.2003 Earlier today I headed out to the airport with fellow magician Paul Lee to pick up a new Mega - illusion shipped from Florida. This is an amazing new illusion that will be a perfect closing for my show... we're keeping it quiet until it's ready to add in. Its big ... in fact it weighs in at over 600 poounds... yikes! It also has the element of danger ...real danger... but you'll be the first to hear about it here on chezaday.com. It's getting late after 2am so... I'm heading to bed... gettin' seepy... rabbit stew.... Steve
11.04.2003 Scary is right... ya, ever take a wrong turn... and almost get killed... well that's what happened tonight. I had every intention of seeing my good friend in magic Barry Mitchell, conduct a lecture for a group of magicians near Joliet. I took a few wrong turns, as I couldn't find the "Timbers of Shorewood," and wound up in a very bad part of town. In fact this is something right out of a movie... but I was in real danger. I do come from a nice town, Naperville. .. probably the safest in the Chicagoland area... so I guess I'm not too use to seeing some stuff on a regular basis. Let's just say I won't be traveling down that way any time in the near future. So... I found my way back to Bolingbrook and stopped at "Noodles" for something to eat.... I'm all better now. Halloween was fun... I was with my good friend Terry Evanswood at the Paramount Arts Center in Aurora. It was a fun time being with him and the crew again. The next day I took my crew up to Milwaukee to see David Seebach's show at the Mojeska theater. It was a drive... but always worth seeing David. We went out to eat afterwards with his cast and talked shop. I've got a new illusion that's underway and I wanted his input on it. Right now it's still top secret... but the secret will be out soon... Steve
10.27.2003 Ooooh Scary.... Halloween is near... we did a bunch of shows this weekend.... and it's always fun to see the kids in their costumes. I'm experimenting with the site a bit more.... I've got Contribute on my my Mac now... so its a bit easier to play with... Mac's are still for the cool people.... sorry Greg. I picked up my friend Dan Sperry from the airport last night.... we hung out at his place and talked shop.... you know ... secret magic stuff. Dan is originally form Minnesota.. now he's near Chicago... so we'll be working on stuff soon...
10.21.2003 So its about 2:30 a.m... that's when I'm usually on the computer... in my room... so the updates may take an unusual twist... as I'm half asleep. I didn't get too much done today... just catching up to things left over from the weekend. If the weather is nice ... I've got to get a coat of wax on the new van. I went shopping at the grocery store the other night... I did pretty good... I went with the intension of getting some salad in a bag... and I usually wind up with a cart of junk food. I did have a taste for salad ... then I had some brownies to finish off the meal.... oops. I know this isn't really news.... but if anything.. it should be amusing and its therapeutic for me.
As far as show stuff.. there are some cool shows going on during Halloween.. first is David Seebach's "Illusions in the Night" that's up in Milwaukee.. but its worth the trip if your in the area. One other show on Halloween is the Terry Evanswood show at the Paramount theater in Aurora, IL. Then to finish off the night .. you can see the KISS tribute band at Synergy in West Chicago, IL. Lots to do that night... along with scaring some kids... I'll find the time.... Steve
10.20.2003 Get this.. I'm hooked up on my Mac now ...really ... so updates will be almost daily... if I've got something to say... like now...but I've got to run out the door to get some lunch. I'll be back later for some up dates... the site will have some dramatic changes... well it will be full of something...
Steve
10.14.2003 I think it's the 14th.. ya it is.. just looked at the girlie calender in my brothers room. Lot's going on ... let's see.. happy birthday to one of the Chezababes in training.. that little Lauren in Geneva. I've known her since she was just a little girl. It's officially Roctober...and we've had some nice weather ... but its been raining for 12 hours straight... makes it easier to sit on the computer instead of playing outside.... but I've still got to take Rocky for his walk as soon as I'm done here. Now with the recent news about Siegfried and Roy ....where to begin. This team made magic history over and over.. one of the most successful acts in the world of entertainment. I hope its not over for them... as its such a sad way to end the show and their long running career. I guess a lot of people saw them as a joke... dressing as they do and playing with tigers... but now I think people see them in a different light... and they care.... it's amazing how much they care. I heard the news before it came out..... and I knew when critical was mentioned .. that the tiger must have grabbed his neck. I've worked with tigers and lions over the years.. but they always remain in their cage during the show. I know and respect the power these animals have. The saying... you play with fire you're going to get burned ... kinda applies here. I know.. I do some dangerous stuff here and there.. but I try to keep things as safe as possible at all times... just ask my crew. So .. it's all over the news about the tiger attacking.. but I don't think it meant to kill .. because it didn't kill. These cats are treated better then most people and they live with the animals.. I think it was an accident... I don't think the tiger meant any harm... really. I watched a recent interview with Siegfried and I felt so sad for him... you could see how much he was hurting inside. I hope things will turn around for both of them.. and if they make a comeback ... it will be huge... You're in my prayers... Steve
09.30.2003 Rocktober is near... ya tomorrow is October...time is flying by fast. We recently were in Crystal Lake for the 2nd annual "Nothing up my Sleeve" show and we had a fun time. It was a magic marathon.. with almost a dozen acts on the show. Most of the performers are good friends of mine and we met some new local acts. Angel was the box- jumper for my act and she was tired by the end of the day...so was I. We also had some time to goof around with Marshal and Mary Brodien, I talked Mary into trying on some of my costume pieces .. and she started dancing around like she was a Chezababe. That really made my day... thanks Mary!! I was still recovering from the night before... my brother and I went to see KISS and Aerosmith. We were in the eleventh row... and my ears were ringing into the next day. KISS was everything you would expect and more... soon we'll have a picture with the band up on the site... trust me! So let's rock and roll all night!! Steve
09.18.2003 So there's a little gap in time line here for all those who really read this stuff. Apparently we changed servers or something and some stuff got lost.. mostly the entries from August... they are floating around somewhere in cyberspace for all to see. Lately I've been in the shop trying to catch up on projects for other magicians ... so I've got paint on my hands and glue on my pants. One day I'll catch up to things... then maybe I'll sit and watch one of the many DVD's that have been stacking up next to the TV. This weekend we're at Santa's Village for one last time this season. Summer has come to an end...let the the fall begin... Steve
09.04.2003 Looks like the summer is over... but it was a good one... we were busy!! I'm glad I got to do some traveling and see some of my good friends. Now its time for fall... and I do like the fall. The cool nights are great for sleeping.. and I love to see the leaves change color. Halloween will be coming up too... and that was always my favorite time of year. We are heading up north at the end of this month to the Raue Center, 26 N. Williams St in Crystal Lake. The show is called "Nothing up my Sleeve" and it features a half dozen or so magicians from the Chicagoland area... including myself. Showtimes are at 3:00 and 7:00 on Saturday, Sept 27. We're at Santa's Village for a few more shows... hope to see ya soon...
Steve
07.21.2003 Ya, I know... where have I been... well I've been a bit busy... we just did a week at Santa's Village and this week we're at the Du Page County fair. Let's see what's new... Greg and Quissy are on their honeymoon in Hawaii, my brother has an internet girlfriend now... and I added a new Chezababe to the show. Her name is Angela and she just started at Santa's Village.. she did a really good job and was fun to work with. Angel helped train her in the Chezababe tradition....get her in the suit and push her onstage. Just kidding of course... Steve
07.07.03 Yikes... almost a month has past since I sat at my brother's computer and updated this thing. Well ... I've been busy as usual.... we had the big Greg and Quissy wedding on the 4th of July.. congratulations to both of them. They will have a long magical life together... almost like a fairy tale wedding. It was a long, hot day but we all had a fun time. Chrissy made a beautiful bride and Greg looked ok too, for a guy that is. I was also stuck in a tux all day.... not my favorite thing to wear... but at least I didn't have to waste any time figuring out what to wear. It was a multi- media event with videos, music, magic and more. We even hopped on a bus and went to see the fireworks... still in our formal wear. Will the grass stains come out?? Steve 06.16.2003 Time is just flying by... but the big news is that we opened up for Rick Springfield last Saturday at Navy Pier. We got a last minute call from my good friend, comedy - magician Ken Mate. Well it all worked out and the next thing you know we're onstage. We met with Rick before the show and he was awesome.... a real nice guy. I'm pretty sure it was the first time an illusionist had opened for him. I wasn't sure how the crowd was going to react... but they really liked it, they cheered at points and it was great! If you haven't see Rick in concert... he's is something else... at one point he's in the audience standing on the seats playing his guitar...with the crowd surrounding him. He tosses his guitars around like they're toys... smashing a few in the process.... what a fun show! Special thanks to Jeff and Valerie for getting it all together, the crew at Navy Pier and to Ken Mate for all his valuable advise over the years... you're the best!!.
Steve
05.29.2003 Yep... I'm back from a world wind tour of Florida... I did more in four days than most people do in two weeks....really. I was in New Port Richie, Clearwater, Winter haven, Orlando and Silver Springs... to name a few! Spent some time with friends as I mentioned before and even got a backstage tour of Disney... wow!! Now its time to get ready for our summer season... check out our tour dates in the show section... Fairs, Festivals and More!!
Steve
05.20.2003 Wow.. it's been quite a month... we saw a bunch of magic friends at the Magic Flea Market... sold some stuff... and bought some cool stuff too. We also performed at the Magic Collectors' Weekend in Schaumburg, IL. Greg, Quissy and Angel were onstage with me on Friday for a special show called "Magic Old and Seldom Seen" and no its not referring to me...ouch! My good friend Terry Evanswood told me that one ...pretty funny... and by coincidence my birthday is in just a few days... yes... I'm somewhere in my 30's ..ouch! I'll be flying down to Florida to visit with Terry along with my other good friends Erick Olson and Steve Zigmont ..to name a few. Erick and his family will keep me occupied ... going from the beach to amusement parks... stuff like that... maybe I'll have a tan when I get back... I'll be older if anything... cool! Steve
05.08.2003 Time is just flying by... it's already Thursday and I'm a bit behind on projects. We're performing at another Magic Convention next week, with an old illusion that's still in my shop...ouch. We went out last night for my brothers birthday to one of his favorite restaurants, the Mongolian Barbeque.. good times! Today would have been my Dad's 61st birthday... although his life ended much too soon. Not one day goes by without me thinking of him. He was always a fun time, he would play tricks on the family... sneak up on us and stuff like that. He taught me right from wrong and always took care of his family. He gave me the freedom to pursue my dreams..... and I'm still chasing them. Each day I remember something he told me... and the time we had was special... I miss him so much...it hurts. I'm not sure if they have the internet up there in Heaven...but I have a feeling he may be watching over my shoulder ...right now... Happy birthday Dad! Your boy... Stevie
05.06.2003 We're back... just returned from Peoria with Angel and Valerie. We performed for a great group of magicians and the puplic at the Lake View Museum. We had a full house and the crowd really liked what we did... thanks to everyone involved. Birthdays... yep...my birthday is later this month on the 23rd but tomorrow is my little brothers... he'll be 33... ouch! Jeff has been involved with the show since he was a little boy... he didn't have a choice ...as I'm the older brother and that's how it goes. He's been on the side running the lights and the music ...along with pyro, confetti and anything else I throw at him. Many times, I don't know how he does it with just two hands. He's always been there ....except when he quits the show, which is less frequent now that he's older... Happy Birthday Nerd!!
Steve
04.28.2003 Thanks to everyone who celebrated at the Magic Masters banquet this past Friday. Special thanks to my crew, Valerie, Quissy, Angel and Greg for makin' it all happen and to everyone involved with the Magic Masters Show. The stage was tight and there were props than it could hold... no rehearsal time...but we pulled it all off without a hitch. We premiered a new levitation called Samurai ... and the audience really liked it. We also had a film crew following the action before and after the show... interesting stuff.... more on that later. The Land of Cheese & Fireworks... yep we ventured up to Wisconsin this weekend on Sunday for the Milwaukee Magic Auction and the we stopped over at David Seebach's ...again. The weather was great and the company was even better... Steve
04.21.2003 So... it was a busy weekend... everyone is moving and of course Chezaday Movers is there to help.. ya.. because I've got a big van. Also got a chance to catch up with some friends.. Tony Andrini was in town...hi Tony!! I spoke with the infamous "Flounder" on Sunday... he's doing fine and last but not least ... Mr. Sheppard and Tom Rozoff ... both in Ohio. They have both helped me in many ways over the years. We have been preparing for Magic Masters this week ... we may have a new Levitation in the show... we'll see. We just added some new dates to the Summer Tour of 2003..... including nine shows at the Du Page County Fair
More soon... Same Bat-time ... Same Bat- Channel..
Steve
04.14.2003 Wow... what a weekend... we were all over the Chicagoland area, including a performance at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum as part of the Magic: Science of Illusion display. We had a great crowd and after the show we went through the exhibit. The displays are all hands on and you can even loose your head in one illusion....really. If your in the Chicago area... I highly recommend going... its fun for the whole family. Special thanks to Jeff Bibik for inviting us to perform. Just down the street on Fullerton, we stopped at Demon Dogs and had some lunch... we had a great time in Chicago. As far a world news goes... it looks like the War in Iraq will soon be over and our troops will be safe at home. . Its amazing to see the people in Iraq get a taste of freedom...something we sometimes forget. I hope peace will prevail and the world will be a better place for everyone....
Steve
04.07.2003 What's up? It's finally spring in Chicago and we had snow last night...... perfectly normal, for this part of the country that is. We had a magic slumber party this weekend.. my good friend David Seebach spent some quality time at Chezaday Manor. We went to a comedy club on Friday and worked on some new illusions on Saturday. We even made a stop at a local magic shop, Midwest Magic in Franklin Park. I kept him busy... we watched some DVD's and ate a lot of popcorn. I'll have to stock up for the next visit. Thanks again David for sharing your time with the Chezaday Crew. The Vegas Connection... our web master and Cabin Boy Greg is currently in Las Vegas right now. He's probably hanging out with all the magicians out there ...including the soon to be famous Morgan and Mikala. Actually it's going to be Morgan's Birthday on Thursday... so Happy Birthday Morgan!! Good luck with the new show at the New Orleans!!
Steve
03.28.2003 Lots of stuff coming up... April we have shows all around the Chicagoland area ... check out the tour dates in the show section. I will be headed down to Florida at the end of May to attend the Florida State Magic Convention. I'll be visiting with some good friends including Erick Olson and family, Steve Zigmont and the Terry Evanswood Crew. It will be a fun time and maybe I'll catch some sun...
Steve
03.21.2003 Love, Peace and Magic... words to live by... once spoken by one of my hero's Doug Henning. Doug was the country's top magician back in the 70's when I was just a little guy. The world was a different place and although War should always be a last result .... we have to support our country and the troops around the world. I usually steer clear of such topics but... it drives me crazy seeing protesters causing trouble in cities across the county. We have enough problems here...now we have to deal with this?? I'm not one for war.... but, sometimes its the only way we can keep our freedom and our world a safer place. Hello...this is America... support your country!!! Steve
03.17.2003 More birthdays!! First up is one of the Chezababe's... Angel. She has been with the show for some time now.. I think its been ten years! She deserves a medal. Angel has always been there for me... sometimes running back and forth between the game show and the magic show at Santa's Village. She has survived many road trips and arguements with me...ouch! Angel has always seen things a bit different.. and that's why she's still with us... we could always use a laugh...just kidding babe. Happy Birthday... how old are you now??
David Seebach also celebrates a birthday this week! David is one of my closest friends in magic... you'll see more about him in the news below. We spend time together when we can ... sharing our knowledge and experiences in the magic world. Happy Birthday David!!
Steve
03.03.2003 Tomorow..its Greg's Birthday!!! He will be and even 25 years old. I remember the days Greg's mom would drive him to see my shows... he was a little fan of mine. A few years later he was behind the register at my father's grocery store, Cee Bee's Foods in Naperville. I also worked at the store and we had a lot of fun times there. Its been many years and many road trips we have traveled...Greg is one of my closest friends. He is also the creative force behind my web site and the media projects. If it weren't for him..I'd still be doing birthday shows.... Wait a minute... I'm still doing birthdays!!! Ouch!! Happy Birthday Gregory!!
Road trip... just got back from Milwaukee....Valerie and I went to visit David Seebach. We picked up an old Abbott's "Shredder" illusion for an upcoming show, and we learned all about the "Broom Suspension" illusion. It was like "Illusion Show 101" with David... he is a great instructor. We also dragged out the "Impailed Illusion" and gave Valerie a spin on top. Later ..we grabbed some dinner at Milwaukee's Champian Chicken with another friend and fellow magician, Glen Gerard. It was a long day, but a fun one...I always enjoy spending time with David. Thanks again David, you're the best!!
Steve
02.27.2003 Finally some good news... it's Quissy's birthday!! Of course we can not reveal her age.. it's a secret!! Quissy has been a Chezababe for five years now... quite an accomplishment... putting up with me for so long. She is also getting married this summer to Greg.. who has also been part of the crew for some time now. We first discovered Quissy working at Party City in Wheaton... we use to call her "Party City Chick." I talked her into doing shows the following summer and she's been a box jumper ever since. She has been a valuable part of the show... I even remember someone telling us that she "sparkles on stage"...thats pretty special... and so is she. Steve
02.25.2003 Lots of questions. first of all many of you have seen the video footage of a nightclub tragedy that involved pyrotechnics. The art of pyrotechnics is a very dangerous field and always should be in the hands of trained professionals. Safety has always been our main concern when using these devices. We have never used them when the venue is unsafe for these effects. I spoke with Steve Zigmont just yesterday about the situation. He agreed... that in the wrong hands, pyro can be deadly. Zigmont is one of the county's top pyrotechnicians and was on tour with KISS. He also is a good friend and has helped me in many ways. Check out his web site @ Zigmont.com
Thanks Steve!!
02.24.2003 A quick and speedy recovery goes out to my good friend and fellow magician, David Seebach. On a recent trip to Oregon, David fractured his foot preparing for a show. Believe it or not.. the show went on, performing in a cast! I can't tell you how much I look up to David (well, he's taller than me) but seriously. he is one of the top professionals in the country. When I have questions. I go to him... he knows it all. I'm grateful to have such a friend. Steve
Check out David's site @ davidseebach.com 02.18.2003 What's up? Long day yesterday.. we went to the vet with "Snuggles" she is one of the snakes in my show... but she's also a pet. She has a bit of a cold, so we had to get that checked out by Dr. Woods. Congratulations to a former "Chezababe" Tina, who recently got married on Valentine's day.
Steve
02.13.2003 OK, today is Thursday. the day before Valentines day.. I'll have to get some flowers for mom... I hope I remember. I'm going to update the tour dates so you can actually come and see us LIVE! We've got some cool stuff coming up in the summer including a performance at the Abbott's Magic Get - Together!!! So check it out.. oh..and buy some stuff from the Chez Depo section. We've got some new 8X10's that will be added soon. We take all the proceeds from the merchandise and place them i n a bottle... and at the end of the year ... we have a pizza party...cool...
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