Let’s just say it’s been a bit cold out here in the midwest .. we’ve actually warmed up to 3 degrees.  I’m not joking .. the other day it was well below zero, not including the wind chill.  I just got in from a short walk with Rex and I’ve got the Bears/Packers game on right now.  It’s Monday Night Football in Chicago .. a stadium full of fans sitting out in the cold.  They truly have got to be out of thier minds .. but the game goes on.  In the background I can hear my brother coaching the team from the comfort of his bedroom. It’s pretty funny when he gets all worked up.  I can deal with the snow .. and we’ve had some of that already, but the cold is killing me.  Anything above freezing would be fine around now.

As usual I’ve got some catching up to do .. and I’ll have to look back to where I left off a few weeks ago.  December has been a good month considering how things are overall with the economy.  It’s nothing like it was .. but I’ll always find work.  We had a string of shows earlier in the month, both Val and Angel took turns sharing the stage with me.  I’ve still got a room full of gifts that need wrapping and Christmas is just two days away!  I’ve got a fun story to share with you from years ago … we’ll get to that next time.

Now let’s go back to the middle of November .. is time travel actually possible, I’ve often wondered.  Don’t worry .. that’ not where this is going.  Anyway .. I think it was a Friday,  I had the day off and was just trying to catch up on things around the house .. that’s when the phone rings.  It’s my friend Paul, and again .. his mini-van won’t start.  Now I’ve actually bailed him out a couple times before in this very same situation.  Of course he would do the same for me .. that’s a fact.  So, he had a small birthday show not too far from his house.  We loaded up my van, did the show and he treated me to Charley’s … I couldn’t pass that up.

Little did I know a few weeks later .. my van wouldn’t start when we arrived to a show.  A little ironic .. but true.  We’re into the first week of December now and I’ve got a show with Val about an hour away.  After checking out the room we were performing in, I went to move the van to unload.  Sure enough the temps dipped pretty low that night .. and it click, click, click,  it was dead.  Now I was loosing time as I was performing close-up magic in an hour.  The van stayed put and we rolled everything down a long hallway.  After the show I crossed my fingers … and it started up.  I let it run while we gathered our things for the journey home.  I lucked out that time around .. I still had a number of shows on the weekend.  Overnight we had more snow but, I needed a new battery first thing.  My van is already five years old .. and sure enough, that’s about all you get out of the original battery.  This time I wasn’t playing around and went for the Die Hard SUV with 875 cold cranking amps .. I should be Ok for quite some time.  I made it throught the weekend without any further complications.

I’ve already rambled on way too long .. I promise I’ll pick up where I left off in just a few days.  Until then .. stay warm, stay healthy and Merry Christmas!

Steve

If you haven’t guessed by now .. I’ve been a bit busy these last few weeks.  I just wanted to write a quick note before I pass out.  It’s been a long day .. I just got home about an hour ago, then I had to go for a walk with my little buddy Rex.  Now it’s after midnight and I’ll probably watch an episode of “Monk.”  I think it was actually Valerie that got me hooked on the show .. and now she calls me Monk for various reason.  Yes, I can be picky about certain things .. I just look at it as being set in my ways.  The thing is, the more I watch Monk .. the more I understand why he does certain things, and I would do the same.  I’m not saying I’m obsessive compulsive just yet … but, I understand.  I actually took a lot of psychology back in college .. and I know a thing or two about this type of illness.  Don’t worry .. I think I’ll be OK for now.

Anyway, I just returned from a last minute gig at the Sabre Room in Hickory Hills.  It’s actually a pretty fun time working with the other acts and of course the Sabrettes.  I’m slowing down .. and I’ll catch up on all this in a day or two.  I’ve got some fun stories to fill you in on .. including dinner with and internationally famous magician and friend, Brett Daniels.

More in a bit .. I’ve got to get some rest .. my body is tired, ya .. I’m getting old.

Steve

Yes, it’s getting colder .. much colder around here.  I guess we’re even going to get a mix of snow this weekend .. but that can only be expected as it is the middle of November.  It was even time to break out the flannel sheets once again.

Question: Where does a 95 pound German Shepherd sleep??

Answer: Anywhere he wants.

There’s always something going on around here .. so let me see what I can fill you in on.  On today’s agenda .. raking leaves.  Ya .. I know the life of a star.  If I don’t get out there today it will never get done and it will only be a mess for winter.

We’ve had a few birthdays over here … one of our Chezababes,  Valerie turned 29 again.  So it was a short trip over to Cracker Barrel to celebrate.  She actually loves going over there .. I like it too.  Valerie has been with my show for 14 years or so .. I can’t even remember.   She’s pretty much family now .. Happy Birthday Babe.

The next morning I was invited to surprise my good friend and fellow magician, Ken Mate. He’ll actually be turning 50 next week … but we’re keeping it quiet, here on the Internet.  Ken is an amazing performer .. and a great guy on and off stage.  We’ve worked all over the Midwest together .. for many years.  He’s always on the phone trying to talk me into one of his crazy ideas, actually some .. not so crazy.  Over the years he has helped guide me to become a better performer.  I’m very thankful for his friendship.  Joining in the fun from left to right: Marshall Brodien, Mr. Ash and Bobby Schulien.  Ken of course is the old dude in the back .. Happy Birthday Ken!

Now it’s time to prepare for our holiday programs.  We’re getting everything ready for a fast  “set-up” as some days we’re performing in multiple locations.  It’s all part of the game .. everyone wants the same day, same time.  There’s only one of me at the moment .. but, I’m working on it.

Before I forget, I want to share one more photo with you of one of my special friends .. Collin.  He just turned four and on his birthday he got to visit the local Fire Department in Marseilles, IL.  Collin is Tina’s little boy .. you’ll have to go back and read up on her, it’s a long story.

Happy birthday little buddy,  you mean the world to me …

Steve

So much to catch up on .. I’ll see if I can fit it all in one post.  At the time I’m writing,  we’ve been enjoying 70 degree weather here in Chicago and we’ve got a new President from right here.  We should all support him and our country and hopefully things will turn around for all of us.  He’s got many challenges ahead of him .. but, lets face it .. you couldn’t do much worse than our last choice.  Maybe I should give it a shot in a  few years??

It’s been a very busy month for me .. and I’m very thankful that I’m in demand.  I’ve barely had enough time to think .. then I’m out the door once again for another gig.  That’s my actual desk calendar .. simply chaotic.  Just a few weeks ago, I added Buffalo Wild Wings in Naperville to my schedule.  You can see magic up close and personal on Wednesdays from 5-8pm.  It’s family night and the food is great .. you should stop by if your in the area.  Now lets see if I can finally get caught up once and for all.

After my trip to Tennessee I returned to record rains in the area.  I was lucky enough to get home the day before.  The park near my house became a lake that over flowed into the street.  We  were very lucky there was no flooding in our immediate area.

Only days later it would be Jacqueline’s very first show.  We had been preparing for her premier for many weeks now.  Angel came along to make sure things went smooth.  There is so much to learn as the on stage assistant, it can be overwhelming.  She did just fine and the show went well.  My good friend Paul Lee and Jeremy Schurtz from Wisconsin came to see the show and gave us a hand packing up.  We stopped at a near by Culver’s for some lunch.  The timing was just right for them to stop by .. I’m glad they did.

Now we’re into October and things are really picking up.  I’m scheduled at the Naperville Settlement for three shows a night in the middle of the “Haunted Graveyard.  These would be the last outdoor shows of the season for me .. so, I had my fingers crossed.  The set-up was pretty cool .. tombstones, fog and a mausoleum as my backstage area.  My props were set inside and I could grab them as I needed.  The first show went just fine .. then it began to rain.  The crowds were still coming through .. and sitting down for a show.  I really couldn’t turn them away .. and wound up doing additional shows .. in the rain. My temporary backstage area offered little protection .. as it had no roof.  I must be out of my mind .. in the rain and standing in mud.  The next night I spread hay in my working area and that really helped out.  This time I would face a new challenge .. the cold.  There were even more people showing up for some Halloween fun .. again I wound up adding shows.  Next year .. my fee goes up!

We’re almost caught up .. now its the week of Halloween.  I’ve still got a few private gigs and then “Jackie’s Magic” on Saturday.  Jacqueline was actually scheduled for this weeks shows but wound up sick .. very sick.  She’s slowly getting better .. but in the mean time, the show goes on.  Valerie and Angel stepped up and filled in for her.  On Halloween we found ourselves in the little town of Hampshire, IL.  The show went just fine and its always great to see the kids in their costumes.  Afterward, Angel was having a little gathering and we had a good time just relaxing for a change.  The next night was a big show that featured half a dozen other acts on the same bill.  We were closing the show, so we brought in a few extra things to make the it special.  We had a little extra backstage help that really made a difference.

On the far left is Tony and on the far right is Angel’s boyfriend Anthony.  They helped things run smoothly and even had everything packed while we were signing autographs.  It was getting late .. and of course we haven’t had dinner yet.  We joined up with the other acts at the iHop in Gurnee and had breakfast.  We all had a good time and it’s even better sharing the stage with some of your friends.  Now I think you’re all caught up .. I’ve got to get Rex out for his walk and take mother to her exercise class .. but, I do have tonight off for a change!

Steve

Again its a few days later and I’m trying to catch up on things around here.  I had to turn the heat on as it has dipped into the 50’s at night.  Fall is definitely in the air with the smell of burning leaves surrounding the area.  Now back to the story.

My good friend Erick Olson was also going to be in town to perform for a resort.  I actually planned my trip so I could spend time with both of my buddies.  We met up with Erick for lunch and went back and forth with stories from the past.  Erick is originally from Wisconsin and moved to Florida over ten years ago.  We all keep in touch by phone, but we were finally together in person.  After lunch I gathered my things and jumped in Erick’s mini-van.  I was staying in his suite the next two nights .. after all they had a TV in my room.  Erick was actually performing that night and we would go see Terry’s show right after he was finished.  It was a private group so I stole the mini-van and headed over to Wal Mart to grab a few things for the room.  Erick finished right on time and it was a short drive down the strip to Terry’s theater.

Before we arrived Terry had set aside some tickets for us.  Sure enough he also told the girl in the ticket booth to give me a hard time.  She had me going .. trying to spell my name a few different ways and so on. We walked in just as the show was starting.  It was fun to share the experience with Erick,  we all grew up together.  After the show we were all going to Tammie’s house for a little gathering.  It had been quite a few years since we were all together.  I can’t tell you how much fun we had watching some old videos from one of our tours.  Once again it was a late night .. but, I’m on vacation.

After a bit of rest, I was up watching the commercials for the local attractions.  We were planning on going to Dollywood after lunch with Terry, so we had some time to kill.  We drove to downtown Gatlinburg for a little shopping while we waited for Terry’s call to meet up with him.  Sure enough he arrived at Dollywood just before us .. he said “it was like Wally World.”  Confused .. I asked,  “no one is there?”  Sure enough the park was closed during the week.  I guess we should have checked the fall schedule.  Instead we met up with a few others from the show to see “Miracles” afternoon show.  We made it just in time .. of course I didn’t want to keep Jesus waiting.  It was an amazing production, complete with flying angels .. and of course a singing Judas.  We got a backstage tour and even met the Devil in his street clothes .. he wears plaid shorts, glasses and sandals .. go figure.  Later that day Terry set us up with tickets to the Black Bear Jamboree dinner show.  We had some time to kill so the cards came out and Erick and Terry showed me a few things.  They have been doing card magic from the beginning .. I’m still learning.

After the evening shows we all met up for a late night snack at Mel’s Dinner.  It would be the last time we got together before I had to head home the next day.  The years have passed but, we’ve all stayed close friends. The next day, Friday .. things were heating up.  I wasn’t heading back until later that afternoon so, Erick and I wondered up and down the strip to see the car show.   We grabbed some lunch at Fudruckers and it was off to the airport.  I was flying stand-by so I had to cross my fingers to get on a flight.  Back home we had storms .. all day.  There were two flights left out of Tennessee and after a two hour delay .. they announced the first flight was cancelled.  My hopes of getting home started to fade .. everyone on the first flight would just fill up the last one .. right?   I had already been at the airport since 3:30pm and it was almost 8:30pm.   I’m not one for sitting still .. but I patiently waited.   The nice lady at the counter slipped me a ticket for the last flight out .. and I was finally on my way home.   The fun and laughs we had together made it all worth while …

Steve

As I write fall has settled in, its just about 60 degrees out and its been raining on and off all day.  The leaves are changing color and many are falling to the ground.  I’m actually watching the presidential debate and trying to catch up on some things on my desk.

We’re going to go back now .. about a month and I’d like to tell you about my little adventure to Pigeon Forge Tennessee.  One of my best friends has made his home down there and just last year got his own theater.  Terry  and I grew up together out here in the suburbs of Chicago.  He wasn’t even driving the first time he came over to visit.  I think he was taken back by the amount of equipment I had amassed over the years.  It wouldn’t take long for him to catch up though .. it was almost like a little game.

My flight out was delayed .. and by the time I finally arrived in Knoxville it was almost 1am.  Terry had just finished performing a few hours earlier and was waiting patiently.  I figured he would be tired by the time we arrived at his house .. but, he gave me the full tour of his house.  It was probably around 4am by the time I went to bed.  Lets just say .. its Halloween all year long at Terry’s house.  Each room has a different theme in fact it even has one of those sliding bookcases to reveal a hidden stairway .. for real.  Even the bed I slept in was underneath the floor of a small stage he had set up in the living room.  In one corner was a sarcophagus and in the other was a full-size skeleton sitting comfortably in a chair.  Perfectly healthy .. perfectly normal.

I was up early as Terry was having a deck added on .. and they were making a bit of noise.  I quickly discovered there was no TV and I left my laptop at home.  I did have a few things to read to occupy the time.  Our first stop of the day was to meet up with Tammy for lunch.  She worked with Terry for over twenty years on and off stage.  It was great to catch up with her.  Afterward Terry showed me around town, we had some dinner and it was showtime.  Terry’s show is a the Magic Beyond Belief theater on the main strip.  Its been his dream to have his own show, in his own theater .. and sure enough .. his dreams have come true.  I can’t tell you how proud I am of him .. he really deserves it.  He’s worked hard all his life to achieve this.  He’s been trying to get me down to see the show for quite some time .. and finally I made it out.

The show looks like a million bucks .. his performance is flawless.  With over 700 performances in the last year and a half .. its no wonder how good he is.  If your ever in the area .. don’t miss it, trust me .. you won’t be disappointed.  I don’t know how he does a full 90 minute show, sometime twice a day .. every day.  Maybe that would explain why he sleeps until noon.

After the show I got the backstage tour .. which was just as amazing.  There’s even a special habitat set up for the tiger in the show .. a real 450 pound royal white tiger!  With all the illusions and other equipment involved in the show .. there’s barely room to move backstage.  The dressing rooms are tiny and hidden behind the back curtain with just enough room to make the next costume change.  It was time to head back and rest up for day two!

Steve

Last time I wrote was maybe a month ago .. I can’t tell you how busy I’ve been the last few weeks, but I’ll try.  First things first .. I’ve got to wrap up my summer adventures before I write about my recent trip to Tennessee.  It’s almost 2am and I’m wide awake .. so here goes.

As soon as I returned from the Dells, it was back to work.  Besides a few shows on the weekend I was also training the new girl ..  Jacqueline.  She will be joining the long list of Chezababes that have shared the stage with me.  It’s been a while since I’ve trained someone … and there is a lot to learn.  She seems to be picking up on things just fine.  She’s really excited about performing and I think the kids will just love her.

It’s the last week of August and it was time to catch up with some friends and have some fun.  Angel was working with my buddy John, so I went out to see the show. We all haven’t been together for a long time and we had a nice dinner afterward.  John and I have been friends for well over twenty years. We met at one of the local magic clubs when we were just getting started.  Time sure does fly when you’re having fun.

The very next day we took a little road trip up north to see Alice Cooper.  Every time he’s in town .. I’m there.  The show was in a beautifully restored theater in Waukegan, IL.   Alice never fails to get the crowd stirred up.  After the show it was time for a late night snack at the tollway oasis .. nothing like a healthy meal at midnight.

To finally wrap up summer we had a little cook out at my house.  Joining in the fun was Valerie, Paul, Tony and little Jacqueline.  My brother Jeff worked the grill and mother made a few things to go along with the meal.  We all sat back and relaxed a bit for a change.  It wasn’t long before we broke out the balloons and learned a few new twists.  It was getting late and there was a chill in the air .. looks like summer is just a memory once again.

Steve

It seems that lately everyday is a new adventure .. well something is going on at least.  After a couple of shows on the weekend it was time to head up to Wisconsin with the boys.  Paul and I met up with my brother and his friend Jeff up in the Dells.  If you were watching the news earlier this summer, you may have seen Lake Delton literally vanish.  They had heavy rains over a short period of time and the lake began to rise.  Before you know it … one of the highways gave way and the lake emptied into the Wisconsin River.  Luckily no one was killed but, some homes were lost.  It was an awesome sight .. you can’t mess with mother nature.

Our first stop was an “all you can eat” breakfast at Paul Bunyan’s.  Not much has changed since we use to go there with my parents.  My dad could really fill up on breakfast while mother would sneak a few donuts in her purse for later.  We met up with our good friend Jeremy Schurtz and checked out his “secret warehouse of illusions” or what most others would say … his storage unit.  There we found some treasures from the past .. including some of the hand made wands that Paul would sell after his show in the Dells.  We had a fun time just rummaging around and hearing some of the stories Jeremy recalled.

Later that evening we had tickets to see the Rick & Susan Wilcox  Magic Show.  They are both good friends of mine and have worked very hard to get to where they are at.  Its an amazing family show that everyone traveling through should see.  They even have their own theater complete with state-of-the-art sound and lighting.  The 90 minute show goes by fast .. all the latest magic and illusions are blended well from beginning to end.  After wards we usually go to Uno’s for some pizza and wind up chatting until after close.  I really enjoy spending time with them .. very down to earth.  Before we left Rick offered us a tour of Lake Delton .. or at least whats left of it.  Of course we couldn’t pass that up .. and we would meet the next day after lunch.

It was a late night .. but, we’ll skip past some of those details.  I just remember seeing the alarm clock read 3:36am as my head hit the pillow.  For some reason I was up around 9:30 and everyone else was still out cold.  I decided to jump in the pool for a little bit .. and boy that was refreshing.  No one else was insight .. and the water was just right.  It helped me clear my head a bit .. then it was time to get the others up.  We went downtown to Culver’s and had a few burgers.  I think we had some time to spare .. so, it was back to the Ho Chunk Casino for a brief visit.  I think I dropped about $20.00 and called it quits .. I just can’t see throwing my money away.

Back to the story .. we met up at Rick and Susan’s beautiful home on the lake.  We actually passed it a couple of times using the GPS .. but, we eventually found it.  After a quick tour of the house we ventured off into the back .. and there was nothing left of the lake.  If you look close you’ll even see a few deer passing through .. its very strange.  Rick had some amazing footage of a few homes that actually washed away.

Our plan was to head back home later that night and Rick invited us to see the show again.  I of course can’t pass up a magic show .. so, Paul and I went again.  It was after 9pm when the show let out .. then Rick wanted to grab something to eat with us.  I can’t say no to him .. we had too much fun the other night.  It was off to Monk’s and then we had to hit the road .. it was getting late.  We were hungry and I wanted to try the “breakfast burger.”  Let me just tell you .. it’s on the top of my all time favorite burgers right now  .. wow.  Paul thought I was out of my mind …. but it was good.

It was after 11pm and we still had like three hours of driving ahead of us.  I was already pretty beat but managed to drive about half way.  Paul took over the second half of the drive while I fell asleep in the back seat like I use to when I was a kid.  By the time I made it home from his house .. it was just about 3:30am.  I just have to remember,  I’m not 20 years old anymore …

Steve

Well, it’s not what you think .. actually it kind of is. I’ll get back to that in a bit. I’m still a few weeks behind here but, I’ve been pretty busy .. I promise I’ll catch up eventually. After a few days in the country, it was off to the city to visit some friends. First stop was the factory of Fun Inc. on the west side of Chicago. My friends John Sturk and Tomas take care of things in the office. John promised me the tour … and I finally took him up on it. Fun Inc. is one of the countries largest manufacturers of magic and novelties .. including, you guessed it … fake vomit. It was very cool .. rows and rows of shelving filled with magic and gags. I was amazed at the amount of stock they have .. it was everywhere!

Most of their kits and products find their way into the consumer market. It’s actually how I got started with my first magic kit by none other than Marshall Brodien. This was back in the 70’s when TV Magic was on every other commercial. Of course Fun Inc. made most of the products in those kits and before that, they made the prizes you found in Cracker Jack. Now I am sounding like an old dude … back to the tour.

In one area they work on card tricks, assembling special trick decks. Around the corner are the injection mold machines that melt pellets of plastic into pieces like the Ball & Vase or the Spiked Coin. Favorites of mine when I was just getting started. We headed upstairs to an area that was a wood shop at one point in time. Then John brought me into .. the “Vomit Room.” It was just a little room set aside where they stir up a small batch of fake vomit at a time. As he told me .. each one is different, like a snow flake. I’m glad they take their job so serious. After the tour it was off for a quick lunch at Applebee’s. John really gave a great tour .. I could have been there all day.

My next stop was at Rush University to visit a good friend in the hospital .. and I wasn’t sure how that was going to go. I was pleasantly surprised to see Greg Bordner sitting up in a chair playing with a laptop computer. Greg is the owner of Abbott’s Magic in Colon Michigan. He’s been in the hospital for a few months now awaiting a very serious heart operation. For all he’s been through .. he looked great. I could tell he was surprised and happy to see me. We visited for about an hour and I left him with a special movie to watch called “Big Fish.” It’s one of my favorites .. and if your a performer, you’ll understand why.

It was time to head back home, just in time for rush hour. It was a bit warm so, pulled off the expressway to grab a cold drink at Mc Donald’s. I used my trusty little Magellan GPS unit to guide my way. Lets just say .. I was a little out of place in a bright red Hummer. I quickly made my way back to the main road and off to the suburbs where I belong. Don’t worry .. I made it back alive.

Steve

Well, not exactly … I made the journey to Colon Michigan a few weeks back now. One thing after another comes up, and I’m a few adventures behind. Lets see what I can remember from this years Abbott’s Magic Get-Together. As soon as I arrived on Wednesday .. it was right to work. I’m part of the Abbott’s stage crew and we were preparing for the evening show .. and it was a big one, including a 350 pound tiger! My good friend David Seebach was performing and hosting the event. The stage was filled with props and illusions. Our job of course is to make things run smoothly during the show, setting the props, pulling curtains and so on. The first night went off without a hitch .. and no one was eaten by the tiger, always a plus. After the show it was time to “load out” and then get something to eat at the Five Star Pizza. It was well after midnight by the time my head hit the pillow at the Coldwater Red Roof Inn.

The convention consists of contests, lectures during the day and the big show at night. In between events we wander the quiet streets of Colon. Along side the Amish buggies there are yard sales, lemonade stands and even a craft fair. The weather was refreshing .. usually it’s a bit humid this time of year. Thursday was a blur .. but Friday my good friend Devlin was the feature act on the evening show. He brought in lots of big equipment and that means lots of work backstage. After the close-up show in the afternoon, it was time for rehearsal. We run through the lighting, music cues and prop placement. It does take some time but it really shows once the curtain goes up. Here we are after the show .. a bit tired, but in one piece.

Saturday is the last day and it’s a long one. Theres a lecture in the morning .. I opted for sleep, I do have my priorities. I had lunch with Carol and Julie at the Magi Cafe and then it was time for the afternoon matinee show. Four big shows down and one more to go.

The stage crew is treated to a pizza party before the Saturday night show and then its back to work. Tonights show featured the Great Tomsoni, a comedic legend in the world of magic. The auditorium was full and Wilma begins with the opening music. After our last show its time to tear it all down and return the stage the way we found it. The crew is nearly finished within an hour after the crowds leave. It was time for me to hit the road and head back home, traveling in the dark of night. Another year has passed and everyone is a little bit older. I’ve been attending every year for over 25 years now .. I’m going to be one of the old timers soon!

Steve