New Blog

My blog is now hosted on my website rather than at WordPress.com since July 2010.  Please click here to visit my blog and view the most recent post.

As always, feel free to connect with me by phone at (360) 412-5064, my website www.amazementproductions.com, or by sending e-mail to jeff@amazementproductions.com.

Summer Madness

Last week featured shows in Burien, Redmond, Olympia, Oak Harbor, Clinton, Langley, Coupeville, Freeland, Colfax, Moscow, Pullman, Marysville, Standood, and Monroe.  Whew! 

"I just wanted to thank you so much for such a great show last night at East City Park. I have received nothing but great comments!!!" -DJ Scallorn, Moscow Arts Commission

This week’s schedule includes visits to Gig Harbor, UniversityPlace, Dupont, Lakewood, Tillicum, Bothel, Burien, Federal Way, Covington, Fairwood, Issaquah, Key Center, Kent, and Olympia. 

Jeff performing magic for last year's Aberdeen Splash! festival. Photo by Anice Bommerscheim.

On the 4th of July I return to the City of Tumwater’s “Thunder Valley” and Artesian Family Festival.  It’s my ninth consecutive year!  Gates open at 6:00 pm; my magic show is at 6:30 pm, Rhys Thomas (my favorite juggler) is at 7:30 pm, skydivers drop in at 8:45 pm, and fireworks blast off at 10:15 pm.

Public Shows in Montesano, Olympia, & Burien

Check out my magic at these public shows this weekend:

• Friday, June 18, 2010 at 7:00 pm:  Gepetto’s Restaurant in Montesano; dinner + show, $25.
• Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 1:15 pm; Imagination Celebration at the Olympia Library; free. 
• Sunday, June 2010 from 3-4:00 pm; Burien Strawberry Festival at the Burien Library; free. 

Next week:  fifteen shows at libraries ranging from Oak Harbor to Moscow, ID.  Visit my EduMazement blog for more details.  Your city not listed?  Don’t worry, if you’re in western Washington I’ll be somewhere nearby this summer…

Graduation Parties, 5 Star Reviews on Yelp

The first half of June is packed with grad parties.  Here are two fantastic reviews from private party graduation celebrations I did recently.  Both were nice enough to post reviews at http://www.yelp.com/biz/amazement-productions-olympia. 

I hired Jeff to perform at my husband’s college graduation party.  We have seen Jeff many time at local community events, have always loved his shows and I always thought I should hire him!  Finally, the time came when I needed entertainment for a party and he was my first and last thought.  Let me say that he did not let me down!

Jeff performed a strolling magic show, going from group to group and showing his tricks.  The adults and the children were all in complete awe!!  Not only are his tricks incredible, but he has a great sense of humor and is very witty…which is great for the adults!  

When Jeff finally wrapped up his show and came to check out with me, he had a line of kids following him around, asking him to do more tricks!  Jeff”s show kept the guests talking long after he left, with most people wanting to know how to get in touch with him.

I can’t end this review without saying that my son actually called Jeff and left a message.  I figured with his busy schedule he probably wouldn’t have time to call him back but not even a day later my son received a phone call back.  Jeff talked to him about how to find books at the library and things on-line and then sent him a link (through my email).  We couldn’t wipe the smile off his face!

I would hire Jeff for another event in  second!  He was worth every cent and more!  He is a true performer and this community is lucky to have him!
     Tami C., Olympia

 

I highly recommend Jeff Evans.  Not only did he show up on time at my college graduation party in Renton, but he dazzled a really tough crowd of about 30 people ages 18 years and older.  Even employees of the restaurant were lining the entryway to my party to see Jeff’s performance!

Jeff is a wonderful magician and an entertainer.  I guess I can also call him part comedian, because he made the entire crowd laugh as he selected members of the audience to participate in the tricks he performed during his interactive act.  His performance was nothing short of spectacular.

I have already recommended him to friends and family, and if there is another event of mine where I need entertainment, he is definitely on the top of my list for candidates!
     -Gerald P., Renton, WA

 

Speaking of reviews, several clients have posted reviews for me over the past year.  The others follow here and range from private parties to festivals.  www.yelp.com uses a special system to determine which reviews are listed and which are considered “filtered” reviews.  Only registered users who have posted several reviews for various merchants appear under the “Reviews” tab. 

While I don’t totally agree with this process, I do understand the reason behind it.   If you’ve seen my show in person please feel free to create a free account and post comments!

We’ve had Jeff be part of our Summer program six times over the past eight years.  He never ceases to amaze me or the audience.  Kids and parents attend our 4th of July Festival just to see Jeff.  If you haven’t seen Jeff in action, it’s time you do.  You won’t regret it.
     Doug F., Aberdeen Parks and Recreation

 

Jeff is fabulous!!! My daughters 7th Birthday was a hit all because of Jeff. The show involved all the kids and parents as well. The amazing tricks kept all the children excited to see what was next! Jeff’s sense of humor engaged the parents attention which is a plus! The balloon hats were great for favors for all the kids.

We would highly recommend Amazement Productions for any event you want to turn into a fun and interactive time. GREAT GREAT GREAT!
     -Kirstie H., Olympia

 

Jeff has done several events for Let It Ride Casinos and Events Extraordinaire.  He is not only professional, but engaging and very good at staying focused on the guests.  Oh yeah, his magic is unbelievable as well.
     -Corey, Let it Ride Casino Parties

 

Jeff was AMAZING! He interacted with each and every guest and truly made everyone’s mouths drop. His magic tricks and humor really made our party a success. I highly recommend him and look forward working with him much more in the future.
     -Ashley M., Renton

Magic Seminar for Bigfoot Clown Alley

Performing magic is my full-time job, but occasionally I teach seminars on how to entertain with magic.  These have ranged from magic workshops for kids to pediatricians who wanted to put their patients at ease.  Last year I created a DVD series that teaches kids how to perform magic. 

Last week the Bigfoot Clown Alley in Fife invited me to teach their members some simple sleight of hand.  Clowns use magic a lot in their work, from birthday parties to festivals. 

Based on the goofy look on the boys face, I guess the trick worked!  Thanks to Sean Melicher, professional clown and photographer, for the great picture.

40th Birthday Party Magic

Over the years I’ve done all sorts of birthday parties; kids’ parties to 80th birthday celebrations and everything in between.  (Well, not a 73rd birthday party – still haven’t done one of those.) 

Here are photos from Ann Marie’s 40th birthday party at The Venue in Tacoma recently.  Thanks to Jan Domek for the super pictures.

See more photos at my Flickr site.

Learn more about entertainment for private parties at http://www.amazementproductions.com/parties.html or call Jeff Evans in Olympia at (360) 412-5064.

Magic for Church Family Night a Hit

Thanks to Kent Johnson who had me perform for a family night at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Puyallup last weekend.

Jeff did an amazing magic show at our church activity. We had over 100 people entertained for nearly an hour. Jeff did great adapting to all ages. My kids are still asking me how he did all the tricks. I have seen Jeff perform at a few business functions and knew his magic show would be a hit at our church. Thanks for sharing your wonderful magical talent Jeff!”
     -Kent Johnson, Puyallup

"A Magical Night" ice carving by Illustrations in Ice, also a Saturn Barter member. Visit James Royal's website http://www.illustrationsinice.com.

Each year I entertain for several events for churches ranging from Halloween parties to day camps to socials, and banquets.  Learn more here.

Kent is also a member of Saturn Barter, a great organization based in Puyallup with members in Pierce county and beyond that has really taken off this past year.  It’s great seeing so many local businesses participating in barter.  Learn more about my magic shows available on barter online.

Cedarbrook Lodge in Seatac a Hidden Jewel

Just when I thought I knew about every major venue in western Washington, WHAM – I get to visit Cedarbrook Lodge.  It’s just a few minutes from the Seatac airport. 

          Wait a minute, because that conjures up the wrong image. 

When you’re at Cedarbrook you feel like you’re miles away.  For one thing, the building is built more like a retreat center than a hotel.  (It should – it was custom designed as Washington Mutual’s corporate training center.  It is now under new owners and open to the public.) 

The grounds are well-manicured and are a cross between an ornamental flower garden and a private golf course.  (It is!  According to the Cedarbrook website, “Eighteen lush acres of natural restored wetlands provide an optimal location with the ambiance of a discreet hideaway.”)  I can see this being a fantastic location for weddings and outdoor meals during the summer. 

I was there performing for the Washington Society of Association Executives.  This was the annual awards banquet for the WSAE and members came from all parts of the state (Vancouver, Bellingham, Spokane, you name it). 

Donna Cameron, CAE, President of Melby Cameron & Anderson writes:

You were really fabulous!  Everyone was talking about how amazing your performance was, and how funny, as well.  Patty will be sending you an “official” thank you on WSAE letterhead when she returns from vacation and also looks at the meeting evaluations, but please know that you were quite a hit with WSAE.  I’m sure you’ll be hearing from a number of our members who want you to dazzle their own members.  Thanks so much for setting the perfect tone for WSAE’s Awards Luncheon! 

Thanks to Donna for sharing photos from the banquet, too!

To learn more about the Cedarbrook Lodge contact Robin (Catering Sales) at (206) 214-4383 or Sylvia (Director of Sales) at (206) 214-4140.

40th Birthday Party Magic

This past weekend was a fun mix of shows; a school assembly in Lakewood on Friday, a private party in Puyallup on Saturday and a 40th birthday party that evening in Tacoma, and a private party in Lacey on Sunday.  Yesterday I was in Toppenish for a school assembly. 

A big thanks to Nems Scarim, owner of Three Chicks Catering and The Venue, for sharing a great audio testimonial for me.  She’s been a big fan of mine for several years and has passed several clients my way. 

This photo was taken at the grand opening celebration of The Venue. Nems and the Chicks do a fantastic job and really know how to throw a party!

The private party on Saturday was for Nate with The Cart Doc (ink cartridge refills, replacements, and parts).  He’s a member of Saturn Barter.  I’m a big supporter of barter and belong to Itex, BizXchange, and Saturn Barter, all active here in Washington. 

Thursday I’m performing for the rollout of the new Microsoft Kin phone at the Verizon Store (on the Microsoft campus in Redmond). 

Friday I’m at the Red Lion in Olympia for a regional Lions Club convention, and Saturday I’m performing for Armed Forces Day at JBLM (that’s Joint Base Lewis-McChord for the non-military folks).

EQC, Microsoft, 50th B-day, +

It’s been a busy week!  Two shows yesterday (Microsoft party in Bellevue, family night in Woodinville).  Two shows today:  upscale birthday at the Seattle Tennis Club and a very fun 50th birthday party in Olympia.  At the kid’s birthday party I saw a new inflatable “ride” that I predict we’ll be seeing a lot more of.  It’s a huge inflatable ball with room in the center for a child.  You can hold on inside and let someone roll the sphere around, or you can run on the inside and move the ball like a big hamster ball.  I love it!  I seriously wanted to try it. 

Tomorrow I’ll be at the Puyallup Spring Fair with my Science Magic show.   It’s open to the public and sponsored by the Puyallup School District at 4:00 pm on the second floor of the Pavilion. 

McLane Northwest recently had me add magic to their annual driver’s banquet at the Emerald Queen Casino.  It was my first time in that building since it was the old Fife Executive Inn – wow!  (It’s completely remodeled by now, of course.  The Puyallup tribe has done a fantastic job.  What happened to their paddle boat/casino?  I worked a couple of gig there…) 

Larry Stewart, McLane Section Sales Manager and professional photographer, sent me a full CD of photos from the evening.  Thanks, Larry! 

Michael, VP of Distribution, and I having fun...

This event was a full-blown magical evening; strolling magic during the cocktail hour, magic souvenirs for all of the guests, and my stand-up show just before the awards presentations. 

Photos by Larry Stewart

I’m always glad when companies decide to go with the souvenir magic tricks for their guests.  They’re going to give something away anyway (centerpieces, custom imprinted items, candy, something), and I know that many folks will go home and show a magic trick to their family or friends.  And, I only choose the tricks to give away that I love demonstrating.  The fun is in the presentation, and it makes a big difference between reading how to do something and watching it done right. 

Clean comedy. Interactive magic. Guaranteed fun.