Jeff McBride: Magic at the Edge at Sound Trax Showroom at Palace Station

I have seen this show a couple of times and each time was fantastic. The first time I went Jeff was wondering around the audience and saw me sitting alone and came up to say Hello. He asked if I would like to sit with a group of his friends and students and proceeded to introduce me to everyone. Jeff entertained and amused us with many different routines from his collection of disciplines from his travels around the world of course including Kabuki Theater and sleight of hand.
One of the things that was most interesting was how he seemed to engage everyone in the audience. Not just that look at a certain section of the crowd act but actually looking particular people directly in the eye.

Another thing was his flawless performance. He told us that with constant practice anyone can be great at anything they work at. I heard a well known magician say after the show, “I know how he does the water bowls but he does it so well I love to watch it.”

He also has a way of interacting with his audience helpers that makes them feel comfortable and confident. I know because I got to help him twice. Ok so hitting the metal bucket with the magic wand to show the bucket is solid or holding a ring high in the air so he could link it with me is not a big deal but he could instruct and praise with a simple glance, nod and smile. Same with the child he brought on stage. Patients and positive suggestion goes along way and makes a star out of a possible future master magician.

And Jeff’s dedication to the art and his people skills are what inspires me to attend his magic classes and practice my own skills magic or otherwise. Maybe one day he will invite me to perform at Wonderground his magic nightclub after the show on Friday and Saturday nights. It is amazing the group of magicians I saw there and the ones I have heard have been there. There is techno dance music; magicians performing close up, magicians performing on stage, go-go dancers, comedians, balloon artists, and a host of other entertainers. Jeff wonders the club acting as host and MC all the while interacting with those enjoying the evening. At a mere $10 or free with a ticket stub from that night’s show, Wonderground is definitely one of the best deals in Las Vegas.

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Criss Angel’s Believe: I went to opening night of the preview shows. If you are expecting a live version of Mind Freak you will be disappointed. If you are expecting another version of a typically fantastic Cirque Du Soleil show you will be disappointed. Although the show has most of the basics- something levitates, something disappears, someone gets cut in half, and something passes through something else it also includes a straightjacket escape over the audience and several acts of imagery we are led to believe are taking place in Criss’s mind such as a tornado on stage.

I don’t want to be the one to give away the story line or any secrets although I am sure they will get out there sooner or later so let’s just say he does replicate the tesla strike from season one of Mind Freak and yes, it did mind freak me for a couple of minutes. You’ll understand when you see the show.

This show, even though it is approved for ages five and up is very dark and there are several parts that are somewhat disturbing and more appropriate for a more mature audience.

The theater is beautiful with some fascinating artwork in the entrance hallway. The dancers are a lot of fun to watch and we even get to see Criss break dance.

I recommend sitting half way back as any closer may be too close to take in all the action and you’ll miss the best part of the show, the doves routine that Johnny Thompson should be really proud of.

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Reading? Overrated! Download the review for later or listen to it below! If you have a product you want to talk about, tell us about it. Here’s how.

 Kidding Around Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [1:59m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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Ups:
- Lots of material that’s seen many audiences
- Great for kids
- Simple instruction
- Not overly hoakey performances/presentations
- See Chris perform the entire show (which is the where the real learning comes in)
– Chris does a good job covering the important elements of what in his performances makes them successful

Downs:
- None

Bottom Line:
It’s not about the individual effects, but rather, how to take very simple effects and make them entertaining for children. If you are a children’s performer, you should really take a look at this.

If you are a magic dealer and are interested in carrying this product, you can contact Murphy’s Magic Supplies at 916 853 9292 or visit them on the web at www.murphysmagicsupplies.com.

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Reading? Overrated! Download the review for later or listen to it below! If you have a product you want to talk about, tell us about it. Here’s how.

 Stand Up Magic - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [1:41m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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This set has an extraordinary variety of different kinds of magic: Card, Comedy, Mentalism, Escape, Openers, Closers… the list goes on. It wouldn’t be hard to construct an entire stand-up show from this bundle of professional effects and routines.

If you are a magic dealer and are interested in carrying this product, you can contact Murphy’s Magic Supplies at 916 853 9292 or visit them on the web at www.murphysmagicsupplies.com.

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by Ryan Ramtin

On Tuesday Jan 9, I had the pleasure of being a guest at Hennessy’s Smoothini hour. This event of course was hosted by none other then Smoothini the Ghetto Houdini himself, Tomas De La Cruz. I arrived at 7:45 p.m. and ordered one of the “Giant” burgers that were a key feature on the menu which turned out to be the best burger I have had west of the Mississippi and on Tues. they are two for one. In no time I found myself sitting down on the Porch of this Beach town diner, curling up to the brick lain fireplace with all sorts of local students and tourist. As a long time Go magic Go listener I felt that it might be appropriate to take the initiative of seeing a prominent local magic act while I was visiting San Diego, Ca and reviewing it for the benefit of the GMG family. I met a lot of passionate people who worked hard and played harder. That’s Where Smoothini the Ghetto Houdini came in…

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