I’m extremely fortunate to make my living as a magician! Here’s what I’m thankful for this weekend:

• I have great clientele. I’m not the cheapest magician in town, and they know why! They appreciate how difficult it is to do the type of magic I do, as well as I do it. I’ve spend years perfecting my sleight-of-hand, and the old phrase “you get what you pay for.”

• I’ve been lucky enough to appear on television three separate times this year! By far, the best experience was performing on “Masters of Illusion.” I’ll be using that footage for 20 years! ;-)

• Although the economy is hurting right now, I’m still performing lots of shows, and my December is looking strong. I even have a shows this weekend. Could it be busier? Sure! But I’m paying all of my bills… and that’s more than some other magicians can say right now.

• I have two weekly gigs where I’m paid to perform in front of top-notch clientele. Having a nice website is good… but nothing beats seeing me perform live. When they ask me for my card, I know I’ll be the only one they call.

• Lastly, I’m incredibly thankful to have my wife. She’s is the most supportive person I know. In fact, she was the one who told me years ago to quit my job and do magic full-time. I wouldn’t be a full-time magician without her!

Yup… I’ve got a lot to be thankful for! I’m sure that when you think about it, you’ll realize that you do, too. Best wishes for a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Not only was I able to get my new Taschen book “Magic 1400s – 1950s” signed by the authors, editor and art director, but everyone in attendance was treated to an hour-long presentation on all that went into the making of the book.

This book isn’t for magicians (although they’re happy to have our support), but rather for people who appreciate great art, history, and are curious about magic.

Over 25,000 pieces were photographed for inclusion in the book, and only 1,000 made the cut. Every image has a detailed caption, and the articles are reproduced in three languages. The thing weighs a TON!!!!

My only problem with the book is that I don’t have a coffee table worthy of it. Guess I gotta buy me a new table!

My friend and Magic Castle board member Jon Armstrong has organized a members-only event for the new Taschen book I mentioned earlier.

The book features poster art, lithographs and paintings featuring magicians from the 1400’s to the 1950’s. They’ll be an in-depth presentation as well as a signing by the both authors and the editor!

I was going to wait to buy my copy until next year, but I just can’t pass up an opportunity to have it signed.

Ah well… there goes another $200…

My phone rang off the hook last week! I talked to lots of prospective clients, and I booked 6 shows. One of the shows was for October 2010, but the rest were for November and December.

December is easily my busiest month of the year. A lot of companies have holiday parties for their employees, and magic is a crowd-pleaser.

I know people keep talking about how bad the economy is right now… but I’m definitely seeing a huge uptick in calls for shows over the last month. I don’t know if this is a permanent change, or just temporary, but I’m confident that my December will be booked solid.

But who knows? I’ve been wrong before… ;-)

TASCHEN (who make some of the best art books in the world) has just printed a 600+ page book on the artwork of magic. I had a chance to leaf through a copy at the store… and it’s gorgeous!!!

Inside are hundreds and hundreds of full-color reproductions of advertising materials, playbills, stone lithographs, and posters of the greatest magicians in history. As is always the case with TASCHEN, the artwork is reproduced flawlessly. Older items are lovingly restored, and the accompanying articles (printed in English, German & French) are a joy to read.

The book weighs as much as the coffee table it will sit on, and the price of $200 is well worth it. I’m SO going to get this ASAP!

I have a new weekly venue: Falcon Hollywood

Falcon is a very cool nightclub/restaurant on the Sunset Strip featuring VIP table service, guest DJ’s and more. I’ll be performing tableside every Saturday night from 10pm to midnight.

Come on by and watch me blow people away with hard-hitting, jaw-dropping magic. It’s a fashionable crowd (dress to impress) and there can be a long wait to get inside so make your reservations early.

For more information Saturday nights at Falcon, visit Groove Society Online. Groove Society hosts amazing weekly events for the fashionably LOUD at hot locations all over Los Angeles.

See you there!