Reviewing the State of Magicrap

This appears to be a non-biased magic-video review site.
https://www.youtube.com/user/AkiraFist/videos?sort=dd&shelf_id=0&view=0
No crazy gimmicks and not related to the distribution / prostitution of our art.

I started to bookmark the site for my (never-ending) favorites list and as I contemplated that, I contemplated the lack of good magic I've seen reviewed lately. **I have seen magic get good reviews... but that doesn't mean it's good. It only means it's selling.

There's little I enjoy more in life than researching magic. From the first day I cracked a magic book (30+ years ago) to watching the latest Wizard Product review (last Wed.) I have enjoyed many many long days and late nights in pursuit of the elusive miracle.

I can confidently state: If you're looking for a new  effect or routine, I'm confident in stating the best bang for your buck will usually come from a book. Not only will book study provide the most value, it will inspire you to interpret the magic on your own. Unlike a DVD (or watching someone else perform an effect in a lecture or show) YOU get to choose what the magic will convey.

I digress...
I'm not preaching the perfect way to learn magic. That's not the purpose of this post.
So, why are we here today?
Well....

After watching the recent episodes of the aforementioned  Wizard Product Review , I reflected on the insane amount of magiCRAP that is being released these days. I thought it was getting bad 10 years ago when I owned a shop and the flood gates were wide open. For the most part, the last few decades have provided an amazing selection of valuable products for the magi-community. But now that all the great performers have released their material, we're left with teenagers and non-professionals pumping out products as fast as paypal can launder the money. I've heard rumors of the amount of new magic that major distributors carry. No less than 5-7 NEW products added EVERY week. Its unfathomable that any company can deal with this output (much less profit from it.) But... they do... and someone is supporting them (and by someone, I mean 1000's of magi-marks.) I understand what its like when the magibug bites: it's grip is fast and wide. It seems the desire to learn anything and everything is satiated only by the size of your wallet.

I'm guilty as anyone. Rarely does a week go by that I don't wish for the latest trick or doohickey. But I recently realized that was no longer the case. I don't think it has anything to do with my interest in our art, I think it's just a lack of good products. Sure, There's a gazillion things I'd like to have: I never did get a (Pure) smoke device & I'd still like to test drive "Soundz Amazing" (both from my wishlist last year) but nope: nothing lately.
Oh, btw, speaking of Soundz Amazing, here's the in depth review from Akirafist:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67_801SsbkE
I'll be spending a good portion of my day, reviewing his reviews.

That's the bright-side of the current magic-meta. There are PLENTY of opinions to be heard. Turn on YouTube, check the Magi-cafe, ask Facebook, etc. Do yourself a favor: Weed out the chaff.

Alright, this post needs to end somewhere. I guess we'll wrap up here
#1: Buy More Books
#2: Buy Carefully
#3: Review the Reviews

and remember one of the golden rules:
The amateur magician does 100 tricks poorly. The professional does 10 tricks well.
*& the best magi do 5 tricks perfectly (my addendum) 

Hobb's Toolbox

If you like handling the paste-boards;
There's a great new resource being published by Stephen Hobbs (whose name you may have seen here, there & maybe everywhere...)

www.StephenHobbsTechnicalToolbox.com 

This is not really a beginner site and it's really recommended for the card enthusiast(and is password protected to keep the laity at bay)

I found it fun, enlightening and useful 
and if Hobbs can keep it up, it's destined for a year long run (something new every Fri.)

I've already found a couple things that made me think... and I'm looking forward to more
I hope you find the same
www.StephenHobbsTechnicalToolbox.com 

Blizzard!

Blizzard is a GREAT card trick from the mind of Dean Dill
I actually view it more of a utility device than an effect (think: Brainwave that ends with an examinable deck, etc) if you like magic and are not familiar with this wonderful secret, I HIGHLY recommend 2 place it on your 'must list'

Note: this is a freely named card and at the end, the deck is examinable
http://www.deandill.com/blizzard.html
all Dill's stuff is great. His Coin Work is Stellar:  I highly recommend the Extreme Dean DVD's

X

Blizzard is also a game developer that is akin to crack of the video game world.

I got both Diablo 3 and Starcraft 2 for xmas and have done little more (in my free time) than play those games since xmas. (*usually my free time was spent improving my sleight of hand or magic knowledge)

Fortunately, I can always reflect on the words of John Lennon "Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time"
(and in the case of Starcraft 2, this is a brain battle that requires keen senses and creativity to win against the amazing online players: I LOVE playing real time strategy against other players and their new system includes a 'ladder' ranking that is awesome (plus the campaign, single player mode is simply incredible: no wonder this game took 5...count em: 5 years to develop, I purposely avoided buying it, because I knew I would be sucked in. I was right. Devils work I tell ya! I shall not stop, but I shall delegate time: I'd think 30 minutes of Diablo and 2-3 games of Starcraft per day (aprox an hour - 1 & 1/2 hours of gaming is plenty) Considering I don't really watch TV, I don't think that's too much 'wasted tme")
Jeez, I feel like I'm confessing my sins!  But oh, the joy, just look at a couple of these screenshots, amazing
\

Diablo 3 ^

Starcraft 2 ^

It's starting to be an issue and thankfully, I'm now starting a new phase of life that will have me out of this house 5 days a week from 7:30-2:30 a..m. I'll be busy most of the time, but there will be stints when I'm not and I intend to use those stints to be magically productive. Time to administer some will power!

I mean really: I was rocking and rolling last year (with a couple lecture tours (one BIG One) and a couple convention appearances) I'd like to double that this year...This was scheduled to be MY year. So far, I've only wasted 1/2 of January (speaking of Blizzards, Ive also just started watching Game of Thrones ;) wow. So yeah, my free time slots are full
.
That's about to change :)  and with my todo list: more lecturing, working the Magic Castle, developing a one man show, release 4-5 downloadable products by my own hand / self publishing and last but not least, working sans table on the streets of NOLA (Or whereever) I've also got a few 'secret' things in the works that should prove to be interesting.  I've got LOTS to accomplish and more!

I got off to a rocky start, but I feel the change is coming (and as Warpo says "the Change will do me good" a hat / tip line when someone dumps change in your chapeau)

Keep your eyes peeled (or get Starcraft 2 and join me in battling! I'm "Connjure" (always :)

As I type the deck of cards at my side is beckoning, I shall now reach for my muse and bid you adieu
have a great day

M.O.M.

So... I've been "off the grid" (unintentionally)
and have a lot of catching up to do...
so... instead of writing a blog, I'm gonna suggest you read someone else'
I know I've mentioned Niko / Magician On a Motorcycle before
well, I'm gonna do it again. He's a rising star in our field and deserves extra / double notice

His Website:
http://magicianonamotorcycle.com/

Here's his current blog:
http://magicianonamotorcycle.com/2014/01/06/hi-hoarse/

*N is a great writer and I'm sure you'll enjoy his prose

and/or Maybe take a look at his Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MagicianOnAMotorcycle

If you happen to be visiting NOLA, be sure to stroll up Royal and maybe into Jackson square where you might be lucky nuff to find Niko performing his unique brand of prestidigitation. I , for one, love his style and enjoy the breath of fresh air he brings to the art.

Open thanks to Niko the M.O.M. (Magician On Motorcycle)
aight, I've now written enough to make this a regular post
I've got a shopping cart to fix... off to work,
Conn

www.dougconn.com

M.O!

Well, well, nice to see some rumors are true!

In 1994 Jon Racherbaumer published one of my original creations "Chameleon Sandwich" It was released in an "Underground" zine of his known as "Modus Operandi"  I felt like I was on top of a mountain (and since then have climbed many more mountains: very often, thanks to Jon: Thanks Rock!) I have a few routines in these pages. And beyond that: I've read them all (I'm happy to own an original set :) and I can say with confidence, if you're a cardman, there's gold to be mined. You WILL find something of use (check out a brief list of contents below) There are moves, sleights and routines for all levels of cardopia. From simple self workers to complete knuckle busters.

This post is to report the zine is being compiled into a Hardcover keepsake (as it should be) and will be available the first of the year... Presales start now ($45 pre, $55 post) It's being produced by Harry Anderson's Spade and Archer (which I LOVE) and I expect the production to be top notch.

Want one? 
Racherbaumer Writes (Quote)
This is to alert interested parties regarding the upcoming release of...

MO: MODUS OPERANDI BOOK

Meir Yedid and Harry Anderson are publishing an elegant, repackaged rendition of M.O. that features 50+ items, 20 + contributors, 240 + pages, and 180+ photographs. For those who may not know, M.O. was a limited edition quarterly I started back in 1993. If you ever wondered what kind of secrets were being shared by the elite underground, this is what M. O. was all about. Only eight issues were released, spanning from 1993-1996 and proved to be very exclusive. Few complete sets now exist and even single issues are almost impossible to find.

Contributors included: Arturo de Ascanio, Jack Birnman, Christian Chelman, Doug Conn, Daryl, Peter Duffie, "State-Street" Eddie Fay, Lee Freed, Phil Goldstein, Dan Harlan, Brad Henderson, Chris Kenner, Simon Lovell, Edward Marlo, Jon Racherbaumer, Steve Reynolds, Daniel Rhod, Jean-Jacques Sanvert, Bob Sheets, Ken Simmons, Gerry Surma, Jean-Pierre Vallarino and many others.

Some of the routines and techniques include: Another Invisible 21-Card Trick, Ascanio’s Floating Double, Banded Together, Bravura Transposition, Calculated Invisible Toss, Caribbean Assembly, Chameleon Sandwich, Conn’s Opening, Don’t Be Superstitious, Eddie Marlo Lives!, Flutterless Bottom Deal, Graduates Interchange, In Situ Glimpse, Incomplete Surprise, Invisible Palm Festival, Janus Cards to Wallet, Kick-Counting On It!, Killer Kitson Miracle, Lollapalooza Prediction, Observation Test, On the Clip Palm, Playing the Light, Professional Color Vision, Psychic Leap Frog, Rhod Show, Rhumba Count Display, Royal Rollover, Sharper’s Image, Shifting, Whispering Thoughts, Stranger Succession Aces, Subtle Scoop Addition, Swivel Change, The Spectator Works Harder to Triumph, Total A-Band-a-Ment, Universal Mexican, Whispering Snitch and much more.

This exclusive volume is being published by Spade & Archer in 2014 and will be exclusively distributed by Meir Yedid. I will have a limited number of copies available at a special pre-publication price of $45 Postpaid). Thereafter the book will retail for $55. 

Anyone interested in ordering it through me, please send me an e-mail now at Joncards@aol.com if you are interested and I'll add you to my list. Or you can pre- order it through PayPal at geniijon@aol.com and save $10.

Otherwise eventually check with Meir Yedid or Harry Anderson.

Ferre' & Magic as 'Art'

Just a reminder that sometimes "just magic" can be art

Norbert Ferre' (France Champion of Magic)
Amazing, Simple and Funny
http://youtu.be/y174OHQvlrY  (balls)
http://youtu.be/vsBV0atNJz8   (cards)
http://youtu.be/I7XCaIw9yBs  (just goofin)

I saw this act during a "Society of American Magicians" convention
In NOLA at the wonderful Orpheum theatre (long since submerged by Katrina)
His act with a few balls and a deck of cards was the ONLY act to receive a standing O that night (amongst 1/2 a dozen of his peers including some top notch / big / illusion acts: Greg Frewin , etc.)
I've yet to forget his soulful performance and when I need reminding that our art is just that, I look at Ferre'

Open thanks to Norbert for caring enough to make his  magic so good.

If you have some free time and would like to see some more magic 'art'
I suggest you consider Arthur Trace (Stagecraft)
https://www.youtube.com/user/ArthurTrace/videos
His Ball routine is outstanding and his Egg Bag one of the best

Bravo to both of these wonderful guys.
I've mentioned them before & will likely do so again.
good magic is worth re-watching :)
Enjoy

Magicrap & beyond

I've met all too many youngsters that have learned magic from "You Tube" (and I can't say I blame them, there is an amazing amount of information online there... there's also an amazing amount of BAD magic online there)  In general for the total newbie I send them to the book shop to see if their interested enough to #1: make that much of an effort to try and learn & #2: follow up on #1 (by actually learning something from a book)

Man - oh - man, I can't imagine a more challenging endeavor than trying to wade through the muck of magicdom in this day and age. There is SO much CRAP out there, it's unreal. Go ahead, Take a look http://www.murphysmagic.com/ (but keep your wallet in your pocket! at least for now...)

If you are a beginner or know someone who is:
I generally suggest Josh Jay's "The Complete Course". It's well written with some strong material (some say too strong) and he includes DVD which can be immensely helpful when learning this stuff. For under $20, you can't go wrong (heck, I bought it for my kid) Here's the Amazon Link
http://www.amazon.com/Magic-Complete-Course-Joshua-Jay/dp/0761149872/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1386086991&sr=8-2&keywords=josh+jay

Note: Josh also runs Vanishing Inc (Along with Magi-bud Andi Gladwin) I think they have one of the best online magic shops in the business. Your can pretty much throw a dart and insure that whatever you're getting is gonna be good.
They've also released some great FREE books for the neophyte and you could do much worse than take a peek at Over and Under offers some great newbie advice: http://www.vanishingincmagic.com/magic-downloads/free-magic-downloads/under-over/  and once you're ready to tread into the deep end, check out "Magic in Mind"

Along with VInc there's some other great resources online.
One is Genii / Richard Kaufman's Magi-Pedia (think Wiki-Pedia, but all things magic)
Check it out:
http://geniimagazine.com/magicpedia/Main_Page
Here's one worth researching :) http://geniimagazine.com/magicpedia/Doug_Conn

Genii also has a forum with some well informed magi that visit their pages, it's well worth joining
http://forums.geniimagazine.com/
Another forum that's chock full of info is "The Magic Cafe" (though at over 20,000 members, you get ALOT of bad with the good.) use any info attained from anyone online carefully: http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/index.php

Another wonderful resource (one that often offers some GREAT freebies) Is the
"Conjuring Arts Center"
http://conjuringarts.org/

and along similar lines:
Lybrary.com
an online e-book resourse with some truly wonderful freebies:
http://www.lybrary.com/free_ebooks.php?osCsid=97e6777ab24d9d9ada4ffb1a85e6c5d3

Perhaps the best course of action is to ask someone you trust. Meet some magi & acquire a mentor. Maybe Join a local magic club / organization, make some acquaintances.. Both the Society of American Magicians and the International Brotherhood of Magicians offer publications and clubs in most of the major cites in America. The fee for each is nominal and you get a magic publication (magazine) with each one that keeps you up to date with what's happening in the magic world.

There's lots of options and I just wanted to suggest those that who've limited their learning to youtube (or just video / DVD) that  you explore some of the other options available. I hope some of these options help someone somewhere out there.

If you need more help, I'm always available. Fire a question.

Murphy's Magic

Murphy's has been busy

I was introduced to their new review show over the holidays
"Unwrapped" featuring Kyle Marlett

It looks good, though initial viewings have been a bit 'happy'
no real negatives yet... so, it remains to be seen if this is a Murphy's commercial or really a review show

Each review show covers two items... here's the most recent (#10)
http://youtu.be/2PYTVr7eLH4 
I highly suggest going through the archives.

Seems they also have something called free trick friday in which a feature magi brings you a freebie effect.
all in all, I'd say their youtube channel is worth looking at. Check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/user/murphysmagic?feature=watch

Nice to see a company growing and keeping up with the times.

A+ Mem-Deck Tools

Tools and Websites for memorized deck work

http://www.stackview.com/index.html  Nick Pudar's amazing program
be sure to read about it (*download the user guide)
Nick's work is a incredible. The fact he gives it away: even more so!
Join/Read his "Musings" blog for some extra great info.

http://headinside.blogspot.com/2008/06/memorized-deck-online-toolbox.html
One of my all time fave "blogs" is Grey Matters http://headinside.blogspot.com/
Above is one of this pages regarding the Memorized pack
Wow

Vincent Hedan is a mem-master
On this page of his Blog: http://www.vincenthedan.com/magic/blog-iflipr.html
Vincent offers an online tool-tip on how-to memorize, a stack.
His blog offers lots more: Be sure to check the sidebar for some interesting info/effects

Simon Aronson is the godfather of Memdeck magic
His site has some invaluable readings and some GREAT effects using his stack, etc
http://www.simonaronson.com/magiciansonly.htm (read it ALL!)

If you've chosen the Aronson stack, you'll want to study the work of Eric Richardson
He's put more effort into composing effects for the above than anyone else I know of
Want to get into/out of New Deck Order? TOUR the site below:
http://www.vanishingincmagic.com/search/?term=eric%20richardson

There's more... I just have Aronson on the brain today and those are a few sites I had open this a.m.

As Always, I hope you find some of these useful
all for now, lots to work on today...

Happier Amp?

Just saw this in Walmart 

Interesting ... 

50amps

I-compatible

Bluetooth 

Mic in

Only $129

Worth a look maybe? 

Input anyone?

New Book (Title)

Working on a new book (every failure begins somewhere!)

Busking in the Corporate World : Magic - Outside in!

I've got a cpl dozen chapters laid out
 &
I think I've got some valuable advice worth sharing
{**some really good conn-tent that I'm excited to share)
now....
all I need are words.

wanna have it done by xmas (so I can sell an extra 3-4 copies)

so, I guess the phrase: coming soon
is valid

Wizardz Pics

For posterity

A few shots from last week's show @

Wizardz in Orlando

Great room for close up/parlor 

Eric & his lovely wife Kim were wonderful hosts & it was great seeing Ed McGowan , Robert Moreland (both in the pic above) as well as meeting many new faces & friends 

A nice selection of magic is offered for the enthusiast

Yours truly (Pic Rob Moreland)

All for now, just thought Id put these up before shipping them to photobucket

If you're ever in Kissimmee FL on a Monday, put this on your list of things to do!

http://www.wizardzmagictheater.com

Van

First of all; I love Vans shoes

The day I discovered I could pull off their casual sneaker as a formal shoe was life changing!

But this post is about Vanishing Inc (a wonderful company who stocks top notch stuff)

&

Specifically their iPhone app which they've finally update ld (to a version #4)

It can't be worse than the former & for this I thank them!

So: Search Vanishing Inc on your fave App platform (just cause I care!)

Sick

My new favorite magic reviewer Magic Johnny 8 Ball talks about "Sick" and Ponta is sick... check out his work

Blind

I've been waiting for this...

I've been an online friend of Rich Aviles for many moons (long live TSD)
and a personal acquaintance for a few years, yet I've never bought anything from trcky
Well, than all changes this weekend: He gets my bucks for this wonderful effort.

Regarding Rich (Author of "Above the Fold")
Some might be familiar with his new upstart http://www.trcky.com
("misdirecting the i ") It was with Rich whom I finally caved in and did a video project (or 3)
Built to Last by Doug Conn and the Pinky Swear Project
both have recieved rave reviews and I'm VERY happy mssr Aviles was part of the project.

I'm sure Mr. Jack Carpenter will feel similarly when "BlindSpot" is released on May 17th

Here's a Demo of the Effect : 


Num Num (the cereal too: I don't know what kind it was, but I know it was good)
You want this. I want this. Get it.

Thanks guys Enjoy

cARdT

If you like gambling stuff, you'll wanna watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tz_MAaN0-7w

His Mucks are awesome

His deals are great

His shuffle work is strong

He even does a bit of magic that's worth watching.

I enjoyed the full 3 minutes, wonderful editing, great music, amazing chops

all for now, back to work

tube

man, I wish I had youtube when I was a kid

I just stumbled through a ton of unmentionables (that taught some really great cardstuff)

along the way, I happened upon this link

http://youtu.be/bdYto9Ehrj0

This is Ricky Jay's "Learned Pigs and Fireproof Women" special from a couple decades ago ;)

there's a ton of other Ricky Jay stuff out there as well (easy nuff: search for it)

I also found this excellent series on the history of magic (some wonderful artists & clips)
Enjoy the 'Grand Illusions of Magic'

http://youtu.be/bdYto9Ehrj0
http://youtu.be/BQRgceYrqAs

Or maybe "The Worlds Wildest Magic" (and/or any of the other Gary Oullet / Bob Jaffe special from the 90s') This guy has 25 killer clips:  http://www.youtube.com/user/770pratik/videos 

Inluding Penn & Tellers invisible thread & Dai Vernon's "Spirit of Magic"  http://youtu.be/C_Pg-OTXYu4

wow... so much...

gotta go (I'm busy)

MIM

So...

Joshua Jay and Andi Gladwin have released a new ebook, titled: Magic in Mind, 
It's a wonderful (500 page) tome full of essays on magic theory.

it's available at Josh Jay & Andi Gladwin's most excellent site: Vanishing Inc

A note from Joshua Jay: What if I told you that today we are releasing a
book with contributions from Derren Brown, Teller, and Juan Tamariz? How
about if the book also included contributions from John Carney, Darwin
Ortiz, Tommy Wonder, Pit Hartling, Rene Lavand, Tom Stone, and nearly thirty
other magic luminaries?

Well what if I told you it was free?

It is!
Get your copy for free from the Vanishing Inc. web site:
http://www.vanishingincmagic.com/magic-downloads/free-magic-downloads/magic-
in-mind/

Yeah, no catches... just go get it.

I'm proud to be part of this tome. You'll find my 'wordy' essay on page 541-542

Josh sent me an email thanking him for my submission
but it is I who is thankful.
To be part of a book that contains some of the best thinking from our best minds in magic is an honor.

Josh, Andi.... Thanks.
It's guys like you that give me hope for the future of our art
Really, no one in recent memory has done more for magic than these two young men (OUTSTANDING magi in their own right!)
The recent revival of the Magi-fest and their generous scholarship / youth programs are unparalleled.
Keep up the good work gents. Bravo.

BTL

My " Built to Last" DVD set is being reviewed in Genii this month.

I've known for months that the set is bad-ass, but then again... I'm biased.

Ive tried to hold back and not blabber on & on about the awesome production (& for that, we have Rich Aviles' from TRCKY.com to thank. **thanks Rich)

So Anyhoo; now we get to read an extra opinion , before making the plunge...
Go ahead, crack your Genii's , I'll wait here

When you're ready to me the plunge, I'm waiting for yee @ connmagic.com
(there's a link to your right >> )

The two disk set is only $50
And I'm currently offering a couple freebies along with free shipping.
Truly a good time to buy

I also highly reccomend "Pinky Swear" while you're at the site. $15 gets ya a nice addon DVD

Check em out on www.connmagic.com

Questions? Email me; connmagic@gmail.com

End Scene

Be a Better Busker

In my spare time, I work busking / street performing on the cobblestones of the French Quarter. It's a great way to both make money and practice/rehearse.

This 'part time job' started many moons ago, when Tom Frank introduced me to this wonderful art form. It was at the Taste of Cincinnati back in 1988... I made more $ in one day, then I did in an entire week (working as a movie projectionist at the time.) I never went back to work after that day. I spent a month living, learning (and maybe just a tad bit of partying) with Tom and then headed off to Chicago. The summer I spent there was the stuff dreams are made of (good friends, good times, good money & good magic.) I then traveled to NOLA for the winter and have been here ever since.

If you're interested in learning more about Busking / Street Magic (the REAL street magic) there's some great resources to jump start your career (in fact, these days there's TONS of info on the subject... I'll try & stay concise.)

1st and  foremost, I'd recommend Jimmy Talksalot's "To Lure With Spectacle" this is a wonderful / concise tome that will give you all the basic info you need before attacking the streets. http://leapinglizardsmagic.com/lure_with_spectacle.htm

Jimmy also has a wonderful blog that contains much of the above info... and more:
http://jimmytalksalot.blogspot.com/

Watch Talksalot "Lure With Spectacle"

Cellini's "The Royal Touch" is an amazing book that contains a great selection of  strong street magic and info on how to apply that magic to the streets. It's a beautiful book. One of my 'top 10' and considering the # of magic books I have / read... that's strong.

The Art of Street Performing. Back in early 2000, while running my Big Easy Magic Shop (RIP) I answered a phone call from a guy named Ted. He was interested in coming to town & documenting Cellini's work. Cellini was hesitant to do the project, but after a bit of thought (mainly on how he could/would help others) he decided to do it. It's no surprise that within a couple years of producing these videos, Kozmo became a top-tier busker... I've no doubt, this info can do the same for you. Kozmo's busking DVD's are great. Strong info from strong performers that will have you making big bux before you know it.  KozmoMagic has produced several DVD's on the art of Street Magic. His Cellini series is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Once you get the basics down, you can wade into the deep end with Eric Evans & his 'Street Magic & the Art of War' ... this book is like art... it will make you think. http://www.secretartofmagic.com/secret2.htm

There are some great forums on the internet that will make you a better performer.

Danny Hustle's 'Buskers Cafe' is a wonderful spot full of top notch guys with great advice.
http://buskerscafe.com/forums/

The Sidewalk Performers Forums are very active and full of info to keep your hats overflowing
http://sidewalkperformers.freeforums.org/portal.php

The 'Sidewalk Shuffle' section on the magic cafe is worth a browse now and again...
http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewforum.php?forum=6&39486
the powers that be saw fit to ban me from that site... an act I still thank them for to this day ( with all the other great busking related forums... I'm not sure why guys still post there but they do, & that info is worth reading... so do it.)

Last, but certainly not least...  http://www.performers.net/  . This site (which has been online & active since 1997) has TONS of info on ALL aspects of street performing. Bookmark it. Visit & Revisit this wonderful resource.

You can also learn alot by researching youtube (but you probably knew that ;)
I'll humbly suggest ya take a peek @  some videos of NOLA busker magi on my YouTube channel
www.youtube.com/connjure

There's SO much more I could write about (and so much I've glossed over &/or omitted from this list.) I'm sure I'll be returning to this subject soon enough... stay tuned & in the interim; FAT HATS!