Heritage Bank Awards Banquet

Heritage Bank invited me to be part of their STAR Party held recently in Olympia.   Employees receive recognition for top performance and outstanding customer service.  Thanks to Teresa Dean for arranging all of the details and Lori Heckman for sharing the photos! 

With all of the turmoil in the financial industry I was curious how tough times were for Heritage.  It turns out that they are doing relatively well!  Heritage Bank has been in business for more than eighty years and has about ten locations in the south sound area.  They didn’t make a lot of risky loans, and therefore haven’t been hurt as much by the wave of foreclosures.  

It was a magic theme with top hats and fans of cards at each table as centerpieces.  Teresa even created hand-made magic wands for the table centerpieces.  Wow!

It was my first time performing at the newly remodeled South Sound Manor (formerly the Masonic Center).  I was very impressed, and was glad to hear from the facility director Armando that dates are filling up quickly. 

Of course, no show is complete without money magic, and I was able to borrow a woman’s $50 bill and change it into one million.  It all ended well with her signed bill inside of a real orange.

“Another Satisfied Customer!”

Last summer I received a call from the Nisqually Valley Moose Lodge in Yelm.  They have events for members and were looking for something special. 

Voila!  After my show for the Lodge members and guests, Carol Kann writes:

“You are great!  Members are still talking about your show, and inquiring about when we can have you return.  I don’t believe I have ever witnessed a magic act that was so utterly amazing.  That, coupled with your awesome showmanship makes your show worth seeing over and over again!”

I perform for private parties too, and last week I did magic for a young man’s 18th birthday party.  It was a SURPRISE party, and as it was a couple of weeks after his real birthday, they really did surprise him! 

It was held in a beautiful house in the South Hill area of Puyallup.  The young man arrived blindfolded, carried by several of his friends.  They unloaded him and let him, still blindfolded, into the entryway.  When they took the bandana off, thirty of his family and friends were screaming ‘SURPRISE!’

My client writes:

“Wow, what a show! You had everyone scratching their heads and laughing all night. My boys just kept talking about your tricks all the way.” 
     -Brad Stutz, Puyallup

I was able to get some video from the show and hope to be able to put small clips from that online soon.

Lucky Eagle Casino, J&I Power Equipment, & more…

Last weekend was the final weekend before Christmas, and BUSY.  Saturday I performed for the Olympia Country and Golf Club’s Santa Breakfast, then traveled to the Redmond Library with my Holiday Magic show, then performed for a group of doctors and their staff at Il Fiasco (Italian for, “no parking”) Restaurant in Tacoma. 

 

Sunday was the Chehalis Indian Tribal Party at the Lucky Eagle Casino. 

The Lucky Eagle brings back wonderful memories, as it’s where I got really good at close-up magic.  My first regular restaurant magic job was for the Golden Eagle Restaurant at the Casino in 1996.  

I still remember my “interview” with marketing directors Denny Murray and Duncan Macleod and GM John Setterstrom.  It’s a real tribute to the Casino and the Tribe that all three of them are still with the Casino.  And it’s not just management; many of the staff are also still at the Lucky Eagle.  I can’t think of many businesses or organizations that can boast the same thing, and it speaks volumes about the quality of the Tribe. 

Close-up magic is ideal for events like the Tribal Party.  There is a huge range of ages and a lot of things going on.  I’m kind of an unexpected bonus; folks know to look forward to a fantastic buffet, lots of bingo, and gifts from Santa for the kids, but magic is an unexpected surprise.  And yes, it’s something that even the teens love.  Thanks to Fred Shortman for the super photo. 

Afterwards I headed back up to Olympia for the J&I Power Equipment company party at Albee’s Garden.  I bought my first used Honda lawnmower from J&I when I was in high school and was mowing lawns.  Hondas are the best, and J&I is THE place to buy them.  I’ve since bought a STIHL edger and another mower, both from J&I. 

 

Last year I performed for the STIHL Northwest dealer meeting and borrowed owner Randy’s $100 for my “Fruitbox” routine.  This time I spared him and had his staff participate.  It was a fun time in a truly one-of-a-kind venue.  If you’re looking for something more cozy than a hotel banquet room with personality and charm, look into Albee’s Garden. 

Santa Breakfast at the Olympia Golf & Country Club

… isn’t complete without magic!  I first performed for their Santa Breakfast in 1998 and have been back nearly every year since.  It was originally the first Saturday, then the first two Saturdays in December.  A couple of years ago the catering manager Janice added the third Saturday as well.  They keep selling out!  

Here’s the secret – it’s a STEAL.  The prices are unbelievably affordable, and the Country Club is decorated beautifully.  They do it more as a service for their members and guests than as a money-maker, but it would be a great value at twice the price. 

Richard Hurley was kind enough to send this photo that he took with kids surrounding me before the Holiday Magic Show officially began.  Thanks, Richard! 

I’ll start the rumor here – Janice is considering adding a Sunday in 2010 for a total of FOUR Santa Breakfasts.  (They were booked solid with 175 reservations this past Saturday.)  A hearty breakfast, funny and amazing magic show, and SANTA?  You can’t get too much of a good thing! 

On the Air

Listen to my radio ad currently playing on KELA & KMNT Radio in the Lewis & Thurston county markets.  I did a trade-out with the radio station in exchange for some air time. 

I’ve enjoyed working with their DJs at various live events like the Southwest Washington Fair where they always have a live remote.  I’ve even performed magic on-air for their radio personalities.  (Listening to magic – now there’s a stretch of the imagination!) 

Dick Pust with KGY AM 1240 in Olympia has interviewed me twice on his morning program as well.  A classy guy, he has been the voice of KGY since 1967 and is still going strong.  His is the longest running show in the state—perhaps the nation.  Here I am with him a couple of years ago. 

Holiday Magic

Whew!  It’s the second week in December and I’ve already done ten shows.  Corvallis and Salem were fantastic.  Susan Adkins with Class Act Event Coordinators did a phenomenal job creating a Charles Dickens-themed event for the Videx company Christmas party. 

The Salem show was for the James W. Fowler Company.  It’s the third time in six years that they’ve invited me to be part of their Christmas party.  And, like Videx, it’s great knowing that there are companies that are not just surviving, but thriving in the challenging economy.  2010 is looking to be a huge year for them.

I picked up a top hat and scarf to fit the Dickens theme.  I liked the look so much it became part of my annual Christmas photo! 

Many thanks to my good friend and business partner Rick Anderson with Bruno Photography for taking all of my promo photos over the years. 

The hat and scarf are functional, too.  Last weekend I performed strolling magic outside for the Dupont Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony where temperatures were well below thirty degrees.  It’s the first time I wore long underwear tops and bottoms beneath my tuxedo, a wool cap under the top hat, the scarf, and was still chilly! 

• Yesterday:  Frank Tobey Jones staff party (Tacoma)
       BizXchange holiday mixer (Seattle)
• Today:  Lionfish Creative holiday party/Seattle
• Saturday:  Olympia Country Club Santa Breakfast
       Tacoma Fire Department
       Microsoft holiday party (Seattle)
• Sunday:  Bellevue Regional Library
       Microsoft holiday party (Bellevue)
• Monday:  Bow Lake Elementary (Federal Way)
       Valley View Elementary (Seatac)
       Federal Way 320th Library Holiday Magic
• Tuesday:  Lake Hills Elementary (Bellevue)
       Aberdeen Police Officer’s Guild
• Wednesday:  Military Officer’s Association of America (Olympia)

Birthdays: from Baby Showers to Octegenarians

Birthdays can be a big deal, and last month I performed for several that stand out. 

Mike and Mary Servais of Shoreline met me while I performed a Family Night Magic Show for an elementary school.  They immediately wanted to book for their son and daughter-in-law’s baby shower. 

Mike writes, “Everyone loved the show, I’ll be in touch about booking you in the summer.  Please use us as a reference if you like.”

RJ and his wife Grace have had me perform for three (four?) of their fantastic parties for their kids.  First birthdays are traditionally big celebrations in their culture and they put on an amazing time.  This year it was held at the Indian Summer Country Club in Lacey. 

A wedding reception held earlier that afternoon happened to have the same color scheme as their birthday so they kept the chair covers.  Add in balloons, games, a DJ, wonderful food, and MAGIC and the effect was incredible! 

Last but not least, I performed for Mildred’s 80th birthday party.  This was held at a jam-packed restaurant banquet room in Tacoma.  She saw me perform at a friend’s 80th celebration a couple of years ago in Puyallup and loved it.  I hope I live to see 80, let alone being as sharp as Mildred. 

Now – fast forward to December and a VERY busy weekend approaching!

• Friday – Corvallis, OR for the Videx company party
• Saturday – Salem, OR for the James Fowler Construction party (a three-peat client!)
• Sunday – private party in Olympia
• Sunday – Dupont Tree Lighting ceremony

MPI Banquet in Seattle, Magic Tricks & Secrets Live in Olympia

Last night I performed strolling magic for the Seattle Meeting Planner’s International (MPI) banquet at the Seattle Sheraton.  It was a Masquerade Ball theme and everyone was dressed up.  Thanks to Frontline Photos for the picture. 

The food was incredible.  As you can imagine, when you get a bunch of sales and catering professionals together to plan their own party it’s not oing to disappoint.   There were various cooking and serving stations set up everywhere it seemed!  They had even cooked a full pig and were making delicious little sandwiches. 

Thanks to Troy McVicker with EventSource Northwest for the referral and suggesting me.  He’s a great emcee and made a huge difference in the flow and fun feel.  He’s also one of the hardest working networkers around! 

Yesterday:  two shows in Olympia and the evening in Seattle.  Today:  an afternoon and evening show in Shelton.  Thursday:  noon meeting in Seattle with magician buddy Darrell.  Friday:  show in Duvall.   Saturday…

Magic in the Museum

Families are invited to “Magic Tricks and Secrets Live”, a combination magic show, hands-on workshop, and DVD release party on Saturday, November 21, 2009 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm at the Hands-On Children’s Museum in downtown Olympia (106 11th Ave SW).  Magician Jeff Evans performs shows at noon and 2:00 pm.  Admission is $7.95/person, $4.95 for toddlers, and free for Hands-On Children’s Museum members. 

Kids learn magic with rubber bands, paperclips, playing cards, and more.  All props and hands-on instruction are provided and kids go home with a “Mystery Dollar” and “Levitating Magician” cut-out.  Magic workshops are recommended for ages 6+.  Magic Tricks and Secrets DVDs are available for purchase at the Museum that day. 

Explore the DVD trailers at www.magictricksandsecrets.com. 

 

The Magic Tricks and Secrets DVD series is created by Jeff Evans and George Ford.  “Living Room Magic volumes 1 and 2” include magic with everyday items you already have around the home; string, playing cards, paper, and more.  Some effects are impromptu and can be done anytime, anywhere:  others require some practice, but are well within the ability of anyone willing to put in a little bit of practice.  

 

 

Tips for Planning Corporate Events – part 11/15

It’s important to take into account special accommodations that are needed by any disabled attendees.  If you don’t know what someone will need, simply ask them.  They will be happy that you cared enough to ask and understand that you didn’t have any other way to get the information.

This applies to wheelchair accessibility, food allergies/vegetarian requests, hearing or visually impaired guests, and more.

Halloween Party at Pierce College in Puyallup

Student Activities provided the treats and I brought the tricks! Close-up magic was a hit at both Pierce College and Lake Washington Technical College. Some of their international students were carving pumpkins for the first time – cool.

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