The Newest Tops

Like most people .. December is a very busy time of year.  In the line of work I’m in that can consist of multiple shows, in various locations .. all in one day. This year my schedule was so tight that I actually duplicated my show .. every effect, all the supplies and even the sound... Read more

Let’s give this a shot .. ya, I’m a little behind again.  Spring has sprung and the summer will be here before you know it.  I do look forward to the warmer weather but, I don’t look forward to working outdoors.  I have plenty of horror stories to back that up.  The fairs and festivals ... Read more

If you’re reading this .. then you’ve survived the holidays and that’s a good thing.  January is a month to catch up on things for most of us … so let’s see what I can fill you in on.  My good friend Terry Evanswood and his crew came up to perform at the Arcada Theater in St. Charles, IL.  I’ve... Read more

I guess we all survived the holidays … yet winter is far from over.  As I write we’re between two snow storms here in Chicago.  I know you’re not reading this for a weather report but, it’s been colder here the past week or so than in Juneau, Alaska.  I can’t wait to thaw out .. the Chezmobile is a... Read more

Another month has flown by and as I write we should all be out doing holiday gigs and making some money.  Although things seem to be picking up somewhat…. they are far from seasons past.  I can remember around years back that we were running around sometimes doing up to five shows, with illusions in one day. (more…) ... Read more

The summer season is over and it’s really feeling like fall in Chicago.  There’s a chill in the air .. and lots of rain as we enter into October.  The fairs and festival work is just about over for now .. and lets just say, it will be nice to be inside again.  Performing outdoors does create many challenges ..... Read more

I can’t believe it’s already been a month since the annual Abbott’s Magic Get-Together and our performance on the Saturday matinee. As you may have guessed, we survived. Actually the end of our act felt more like a food fight! I’ll get back to that. (more…) ... Read more

The summer is just flying by and as I write this little article it’s only a few days away from the 72nd Abbott’s Magic Get-together. I still look forward to a few days with friends from around the country. It really feels more like a family reunion than anything else. If you’re new to the gathering, please... Read more

First let me just tell you I’ve had my hands full the past month or so. My brother had a freak dancing injury… that’s a whole other story. He had knee surgery and now I’m carting him and my mother around. I do try to fit in a show here and there, but let me tell you,... Read more

Well at least I’ve got the name of this column figured out. Let me tell you that was no easy task! Years ago I remember receiving my New Tops magazine once a month as I would get home from school. The first thing I would read was Subject: Illusions by David Seebach. Little did I know years... Read more