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Dan Sperry — Keep Your Eye on the Bird

Dan Wins!

I met Dan Sperry at the South Carolina Association of Magicians convention. I know you’re probably wondering why I am starting this article this way. Because one day, Dan Sperry is going to be working Vegas or headlining on television and that phrase will seem so much more important.

As I mentioned in an an earlier article, I am not a bird magician. I had a partner, Richard Ellis, who was a great bird magician and could do bare-handed productions and was one of the first to buy the Tony Spina harness.

Rich was the best bird magician I had ever seen. He’s not performing any more but he sure was good.

Then I saw Lance Burton. My life changed.

I know how it’s done. It is not a secret to me but when I watched Lance, it seemed to be real magic. He produced doves, silks, cigarettes and even cards at will. It really was real magic.

The point is that, Dan Sperry is the only person I have ever seen who has been able to tell me exactly what he was going to do and how he would do it (during his fantastic lecture) and then fool me when he did the exact same moves on stage. His performance in the Gala Show was incredible.

He has the poise of someone who has done this for years but who is still excited about the art. We’ve all seen bird magicians that are doing the routine according to the habits they’ve developed over the years. I hope that Dan never loses his sense of spontaneity; he seems as impressed as the audience when the doves appear or the doves split.

But I started this by saying I met him and spoke with him. I told you that I though it would be an important historical note. He is a great guy and has a calm demeanor and helpful attitude. He seemed so concerned trying to help us learn his craft even though he had to know we would never be as proficient as he is now.

So, like Lance Burton, he is proficient, charismatic and in the upper-echelon of magicians. Unlike Lance (and me) he’s only 18 years old. He’s got a great future ahead of him and we, the people that love magic, have a parallel future of enjoying his great work.

Continue reading Dan Sperry — Keep Your Eye on the Bird

January 26th, 2003 | Category: Magic News | One comment

The SCAM Wrap-Up

The final event of the South Carolina Association of Magicians (“SCAM”) was the Gala Show. It was a perfect ending for a great conclave.

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I have never had a chance to see Scott Francis perform. He served as emcee and was outstanding. Like Glenn Strange, he had just the kind of twisted, freakazoidal humor that I love. He was quick with ad libs, funny poses (like the Karate Kid stance for no apparent reason) and his interplay with the audience was comfortable and funny seemingly without effort.

I recommend you grab any opportunity to see Scott Francis perform. Of course, if you don’t have a twisted, freakazoidal sense of humor, I still think you’ll find him funny.

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Dan Sperry took the stage next. Dan had provided a fantastic lecture the day before as he patiently provided all we would need to know to do a dove act. I’ve never done doves (or even a rabbit). I used to do a special thing with a tapeworm but it wasn’t magic per se — it was kind of like snake charming; it wasn’t even healthy. But I digest.

Dan Sperry’s lecture was clearly from someone who knows what he is teaching. He showed us handling and techniques you would not find in the standard literature of the art. He is an exceptional lecturer and will do well in that field, if he chooses. But he is an even better performer. Dan is only 18 years old but has the talent of a long-seasoned professional.

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His moves were natural, his productions were surprising and his appearance was so professional. He reminded me of Lance Burton performing his FISM act. In fact, Dan was a winner of Lance Burton award for best teen magician.

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His routine is what makes inspired me. I think my routines are often just the ineffective linking of “tricks” but every move he made was there for a reason; a natural, logical reason. He was so cool and relaxed during the entire act. From his webpage, it looks like he’ll be performing around the country and I hope you will take the time to see him. It is inspiring.

Dave Tanner was another person I had not previously met. We corresponded by email so that I could register for for the stage competition. I got to meet him when I arrived and even saw him the next morning at about 7:30 am as we prepared to compete. He seemed like a nice guy; a funny guy. I had watched him work the dealers’ room pretty much the entire day so I knew he had been on his feet working and performing since before 7:00 am. I tell you all this to prove that I am clueless.

The first act in the Gala was Dave Tanner’s illusion act. I looked carefully from my seat at the back of the auditorium and sure enough, it was the same Dave Tanner. What a great act he has. His natural style and humor comes through so well and so effortlessly.

I am biased against illusion acts. It is unfortunate that most of the ‘illusionists’ out there today are either: rich people with money to spend on the latest effects; or copying one of the major professional illusion shows. I’ve seen so many folks do David Copperfield or the Pendragons or…
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January 26th, 2003 | Category: Magic News | Leave a comment

My To Do List Will Be Cleared by Tonight

I already got the flu shot

Here’s what’s well have up tonight — Promise!

SCAM Gala Show — Outstanding!

SCAM Dealers — Great!

Special Focus on Dan Sperry — Look out Lance!

The Unreasonable Speed Limits in Ohio — This is still the subject of litigation so I might not be able to get to it before the hearing(s) in both counties.

Special Focus on Trixie Bond — In case you didn’t pick up on my prior articles, I think the world of her work and dedication.

Simon Aronson Lecture – Blew me away like an F5 Hurricane but without the moisture and basement flooding.

Comments on the Latest Genii and my wonder how on earth Phil Goldstein comes up with the effects he offers for free.

A Review of a great book by Robert Jonte and his son Bobby Jonte.

An Expose of how the Ohio Police particularly follow and pick on poor magicians that happen to have Michigan Plates.

News in the Magic World — but we always have that.

After that, the Superbowl should be almost over. I’ll only type during the actual game, but I’ll take a break to watch the commercials and the half-time show.

Continue reading My To Do List Will Be Cleared by Tonight

January 26th, 2003 | Category: Magic News | Leave a comment