Magic & Meaning 2017: Reflections From The World's Oldest 10 Year-Old, Part 2

A brief view behind the curtain... When I write these blogs, there's no real plan.  There is, of course, a theme, but unlike the blogs and scripts I write for clients, I simply let whatever comes out land on the page.  There are no keywords, no word counts, no concern for a "call-to-action," or any of those other pesky details that my day-to-day marketing words require.  This means that I'm often surprised by what comes out.  What appeared in part 1 of this blog was more a love note to many of the people that have become my magic family, and less about the events at Magic & Meaning.  They were things that needed to be said, but again, I had no plan to write it that way. There's no question that words are magic. 

Of course, there are things I experienced at Magic & Meaning that I can't/won't talk about (it was a gathering of Magicians, after all), however there were wonderful parts that I can share... experiences I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Beginning at the End

The opening and closing nights both happened at Simone Marron's home.  It's a magical place, and it's not just the tastefully displayed magic posters and equipment.  As I mentioned in my last blog, Simone is the Godmother of Magic, and the atmosphere is charged with the energy of all the magicians who have made it their magic home away from home.  It's a place where nearly every magician you've ever heard of (and many you haven't) come to relax, party, and enjoy each other's company.  They also share their magic, as both learner and teacher.  Kenton Knepper made his bowls sing both nights, which was the perfect soundtrack, as old friends reunited and new friends were welcomed. 

During the Daze

Those who have never been to Magic & Meaning are probably wondering what exactly we were up to during the event itself.  Here's what I can tell you.  Each day was packed with discussions of Magic & Meaning.  Yep, truth in advertising.  Secrets were taught, illusions were performed, and lectures were presented, all revolving around the premise that magic is more than tricks... and when it's not, it should be.

The specifics have blurred together a bit for me, honestly.  I cheated myself by arriving for the event already sleep-deprived, and jet lag plus full days and evenings put me in a daze; a happy one, but a daze none the less.  When I go back and review the notes I took, I find more questions than answers; random phrases and words that I know were important to me in the moment, but now only muddy my memories. 

I can tell you that I was entranced by all the lectures and performances, and I'm not going to attempt to name them all in fear of leaving someone out.  I will say every piece by a staff member of the Magic and Mystery School was a polished gem, and my Brutha Kenton left jaws dropping open...

Master Payne is the funniest magician and Powerpoint Wizard I have ever seen. I agreed with Ed Underwood when he said, "Master Payne is my spirit animal."

America's Got Talent winner Mat Franco shared his journey to headliner in Vegas, and was kind enough to hang around until everyone got a photo op. 

But for all the amazing lectures the one that really touched me was Robert Neale's interview with Dean Hass, "Breaking Our Magic Wands."  The symbolism of breaking the wands of magicians who have passed is potent, but Mr. Neale treated us all to an exploration into the deeper meaning to the ceremony.  I don't believe there was a dry eye in the house when he symbolically broke his own.

I was lucky enough to talk to Mr. Neale.  I've been a fan of his magic writing for a long time, and I found it a powerful moment to meet him, at this time when he's breaking his wand while I'm trying to duct tape my own wand back together.  He could not have been more kind, and when he introduced me to his wife, she kissed me!  Such lovely, kind, magical people!

The Wonder of Wonderground

The second evening was a special treat, as we all headed to The Olive, a restaurant and hooka bar, to enjoy Jeff McBride's Wonderground, a once-monthly variety show... and what a show it is!  We were treated to an evening of belly and disco dancing, stage and close-up magic, and endless laughter & fellowship.    Jeff McBride and his "evil brother" were, of course, amazing, but he shared the stage with so much talent that it was overwhelming!  I'm not doing it justice, truly.  What I'll say is, if you ever find yourself in Vegas on the 3rd. Thursday of any month, experience Jeff McBride's Wonderground for yourself.  You won't be disappointed.

Wizards and Witches and Balls, Oh MY!

The third evening, everyone let the inside out, as we donned the costumes of Wizards & Witches of all kinds, and partied at the Elixir restaurant and bar.  Of course, a Wizards & Witches gathering is no ordinary Ball.  The evening included a seance room, tarot and other readings (I was treated to readings by both Kenton Knepper and Clint Combs), as well as magic performances, music from a DJ Wizard and more.

At one point, everyone was hushed, as Brother Paul came to the center of the room.  Michael Mirth whispered to me, "You HAVE to see this!"  What followed was legendary... The Stupid Bean Trick!  I DID have to see this... and no, I won't tell you what it is (perhaps you can find it on You Tube).  It is something that you have to experience for yourself to truly appreciate it.. it is a performance honed to perfection by a Master.

On a personal note, I had a breakthrough at the Ball, and finally performed for a couple of the magicians I had become close to.  It was just a card piece I have been working on, one that I scripted myself, but it was a big thing for me, and I was pleased to get positive responses.  Whew!

All Good Things Come to an End

So, two weeks have passed, I've let 2 blogs-worth of words out describing Magic & Meaning 2017, and I still feel like there are too many pieces of the puzzle missing to truly present the full picture.  Perhaps that's the point.  There are always new mysteries to discover, new meanings to share, new magic to make.  I know that I didn't plan to find all the gifts that I was given there, but each and everyone was a happy surprise, and I'm sure that as I continue to process it all, more gifts will appear. There is real magic, and it means more to me now than ever before.  Who knows what I'll discover next year, when I'm the world's oldest 9 year-old at the event?