The Newest Tops

Summer is finally here and I can’t believe how fast time is flying by. The annual Abbott’s Magic Get-Together will be here in a matter of weeks .. and I’ve got to tell you, I still look forward to every minute of it. It’s truly my home away from home. It’s more than a convention .. it’s like a family reunion of sorts. I’ve made so many friends there over the years .. and memories that will last a life time.

My first memory of the convention was when I drove up for the day with my good friend Tom Rozoff and Mike McDade back in 1981. Yes, we made the journey just to see Landis & Company perform on the Wednesday evening show. I was really impressed with all the theatrics of the show and he did this amazing levitation .. I can still picture it. We even stuck around to meet Landis .. and I was of course taken by the whole character. Little did I know the Russian accent and his mustache were phony … he really got me. After all I was just fifteen and pretty gullible. We hit the road after the show .. but, I knew I would return for the whole event next time around.

Sure enough, it was 1982 and I was fully registered for the upcoming festivities. I can still remember getting nervous about going .. it was like the night before Christmas. I couldn’t even sleep .. I was so excited. If you do the math, this will be my 28th consecutive year attending the event .. that’s pretty impressive.

I think it was 1988 when I tried my luck at the Talent Show and walked away with an award. I remember it was 9am and I was the first act up .. we were doing illusions and I was still wiping the sleep from my eyes. My good friend Terry Evanswood was assisting me on stage and it a was very cool. I walked away with 3rd Prize … I still had a lot to learn. Years later I was asked to perform on the evening show, it was 1992 .. and it was awesome. I was thrilled to be part of the big show .. and I still get a kick every time I’m asked back.

I think it was around 1993 that I was asked to be part of the Abbott’s Stage Crew. Little did I know what was involved with that .. you wouldn’t believe all the hard work involved. I’ve worked with some of the greats .. and not so greats in magic. We’re a very tight group and we get the job done. No one can touch us … especially when we’re on our game. Sure we’ve had a few off nights .. but, that happens with everyone. We’re there to make the performers shine and we’ll do anything to make the show enjoyable for those attending. We’re a well oiled machine .. under the direction of Mark Holstein. We are truly like family .. and the time together is very special.

The Get-Together is unlike any convention I’ve attended. The little town of Colon has so much to offer and the friendships you make can last a lifetime. Come join us this year .. we’ll make you feel right at home.

Steve