Search found 48 matches

by Mark Pettey
August 2nd, 2009, 10:21 am
Forum: Alternative Media
Topic: Bring Back Live Music
Replies: 11
Views: 2644

Re: Bring Back Live Music

By the way, for those who complained about the union dictating the size of the musical group, this is hard for non-musicians to understand. A full pit orchestra, like Broadway uses these days can be anywhere from 18 to 25 people. It used to be twice that size 20 years ago. A large orchestra sounds c...
by Mark Pettey
August 2nd, 2009, 10:08 am
Forum: Alternative Media
Topic: Bring Back Live Music
Replies: 11
Views: 2644

Re: Bring Back Live Music

And for all of you who think it's cool to use pop music recordings for your act.... Some of my greatest memories of my road days were not of the concerts I did with big name bands for crowds of 80,000, but instead playing trumpet in the touring pit band for Joe Eddie Fairchild ! Yes, back then in th...
by Mark Pettey
August 1st, 2009, 11:49 pm
Forum: Children's Entertainment
Topic: Harry Potter Fodder
Replies: 18
Views: 6735

Re: Harry Potter Fodder

What a great shot, Roger ! Must have been a fun gig...
by Mark Pettey
August 1st, 2009, 11:29 pm
Forum: General
Topic: Philip & Henry Support and Sell Exposure
Replies: 7
Views: 2246

Re: Philip & Henry Support and Sell Exposure

I live in the same town as Keith. I was contacted when the place in questiion first opened and asked if I was interested in working the counter. I went down for a look-see. I was absolutely astounded to see how the demos were conducted in this shop. I found out the owner is also exposing basic spong...
by Mark Pettey
April 28th, 2009, 9:26 am
Forum: General
Topic: magnets
Replies: 17
Views: 5664

Re: magnets

Rachel Columbini has a nice little booklet that comes with a small set of magnets. The booklet is titled Magnets for Magic, costs $10, and is available from the website she runs with Aldo... <!-- w --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.wildcolumbini.com">www.wildcolumbini.com</a><!-- w --> Hope th...
by Mark Pettey
April 25th, 2009, 3:45 pm
Forum: Marketing & Magic Business
Topic: I'm a 20-year veteran of Corporate Entertainment and I'm Spilling My Brain
Replies: 88
Views: 22548

Re: I'm a 20-year veteran of Corporate Entertainment and I'm Spilling My Brain

Good one John ! You punny, punny guy.....

disclaimer : for those who have trouble spelling (and I have seen a few here that do ), that is punny, as in pun+ funny = punny, not to be confused with puny, as in small...

:)
by Mark Pettey
April 25th, 2009, 11:53 am
Forum: Children's Entertainment
Topic: Mentalism at school assemblies
Replies: 17
Views: 7210

Re: Mentalism at school assemblies

Ever have a child walk up to you and ask..... "Guess what I am thinking about!" I do a simple routine with the Creative Magic Svengali deck. I force the card, then tell the child to think hard about the card they picked. After a minute or so of facial contortions, and funny dialogue with t...
by Mark Pettey
April 25th, 2009, 11:44 am
Forum: Children's Entertainment
Topic: Pirate Magicians
Replies: 5
Views: 3055

Re: Pirate Magicians

I know a guy who does pirate theme shows who makes $500 per appearance. He is booked solid. The kids love him, the parents love him. He basically shows up in costume, runs around chasing the kids going "ARGH MATEY!", does a few very simple magic tricks, a few balloons figures, and does som...
by Mark Pettey
December 4th, 2008, 10:08 am
Forum: Children's Entertainment
Topic: Forgetful fred again
Replies: 3
Views: 2404

Re: Forgetful fred again

There is a "boy wizard" version I have seen in ads. Also, there is the Frankenstein version from Mike Bent. I actually made one myself last year. I wanted one that was a scarecrow, so I built it from the ground up. The mechanics revolve around a $1 rat trap ! Not only has the prop worked l...
by Mark Pettey
December 4th, 2008, 9:59 am
Forum: Children's Entertainment
Topic: Help! Preschool children
Replies: 65
Views: 17340

Re: Help! Preschool children

Umpa, that sounds like it was a great show ! I love the idea of the gator with rabbit ears ! I would also love to hear an update on your experiences with Super Frog. A good friend gave me this effect as he thought it didn't fit his show. I have been looking for a way to put this into one of my shows...
by Mark Pettey
November 23rd, 2008, 11:36 pm
Forum: Children's Entertainment
Topic: Video References
Replies: 3
Views: 2407

Re: Video References

JR...Love it when you had the audience chanting your name ! How cool is that ? Did you feel like a rock star ? I know I do everytime the little ones start calling out my name while I am loading into the building ! Performing for kids is such a great time....



Mark
by Mark Pettey
November 23rd, 2008, 11:30 pm
Forum: Children's Entertainment
Topic: Help! Preschool children
Replies: 65
Views: 17340

Re: Help! Preschool children

Just like Jolly Roger, I do scads of preschool shows every year. When I was getting into the local market, I decided to try to find an area that would not step on the toes of the guys who were already established here. The preschools were SO happy to find someone who was willing to come in on a regu...
by Mark Pettey
July 31st, 2008, 3:02 pm
Forum: Children's Entertainment
Topic: Silken Saga
Replies: 10
Views: 18255

Re: Silken Saga

Nice....brag about an effect up to the point someone might actually learn something, then shut the door in our faces ! Hmmm.....sounds like old fishermen talking about the big one that got away.

Just kidding guys. Of course we would ALL love to be able to put that in our shows....

8~)
by Mark Pettey
July 31st, 2008, 2:58 pm
Forum: Children's Entertainment
Topic: Pirate Magic
Replies: 8
Views: 5603

Re: Pirate Magic

I have a prop I have used for many different themes. It would be perfect for a pirate show. It is a large wooden chest, and resembles a treasure chest. It is made in India, I think, and called The Enchanted Chest. Basically a tip-over trunk. Looks very cool. Routines could involve a parrot (use larg...
by Mark Pettey
July 31st, 2008, 2:50 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Guy Fails to Escape from Imploding Building
Replies: 22
Views: 4557

Re: Guy Fails to Escape from Imploding Building

Although I did not see the show, I did have to field a question about it. While setting up a library/kid's show this morning, a maintenance worker at the facility approached me and said loudly "Did you see that magic on TV last night ?". I replied I had not, so he informed me that it was s...
by Mark Pettey
June 20th, 2008, 1:34 pm
Forum: Magician's Local Hangouts
Topic: Savannah GA
Replies: 3
Views: 1960

Re: Savannah GA

Thanks for the tips! We plan on retiring up there, as we have purchased some property in Spring Cove, about an hour south of town. Glad to hear there is a club that meets on Hilton Head. It won't be that far to drive.
by Mark Pettey
June 20th, 2008, 1:19 pm
Forum: Link Watch
Topic: Teacher Fired for Toothpick Trick
Replies: 16
Views: 4510

Re: Teacher sacked for being a magician

How great that they put Marty's magic shop on this ! Marty has a small shop in Tampa that has great stock, friendly counter service, and even hosts an SYM group for meetings in the back. A rare bird in this day and age. If you are in Tampa, you must stop and see this place and say hi to Marty. He is...
by Mark Pettey
June 18th, 2008, 1:45 pm
Forum: Magician's Local Hangouts
Topic: Savannah GA
Replies: 3
Views: 1960

Savannah GA

I will be taking the family for a trip up to Savannah in August. Any restaurents with live magic ? Perhaps a magic or joke shop to visit ? Are there any rings or chapters of national groups ? Any guidance here is deeply appreciated...

Thanks !
by Mark Pettey
June 14th, 2008, 12:25 am
Forum: Children's Entertainment
Topic: Malcolm Yaffe
Replies: 10
Views: 19142

Re: Malcolm Yaffe

Roger, why do you have to dangle this carrot if front of us ?!? How soon, man ? Early fall, I hope !

I can't wait for this one....
by Mark Pettey
June 8th, 2008, 12:55 am
Forum: Children's Entertainment
Topic: Dave at Chatham Historic Dockyard, Kent, UK
Replies: 14
Views: 5487

Re: Dave at Chatham Historic Dockyard, Kent, UK

I seriously doubt Tom will be there now. He and his companion Tony have been hurling insults at every American magician on the "green" site for the past 24 hours or so. The fight has gotten very ugly. He has made some deplorable statements about American entertainers, and made a point to s...
by Mark Pettey
June 7th, 2008, 10:58 am
Forum: Children's Entertainment
Topic: Dave at Chatham Historic Dockyard, Kent, UK
Replies: 14
Views: 5487

Re: Dave at Chatham Historic Dockyard, Kent, UK

Hmm, once again this morning, I have tried sevral times to post, and it simply disappears when I hit the "submit" button.
by Mark Pettey
June 7th, 2008, 10:57 am
Forum: Children's Entertainment
Topic: Dave at Chatham Historic Dockyard, Kent, UK
Replies: 14
Views: 5487

Re: Dave at Chatham Historic Dockyard, Kent, UK

Word is now Mr. Riddle has no desire to come, since he feels there will be too much emphasis on Gospel Magic ?!? I have never felt that Kidabra pushes that on anyone. I know some, (certainly not all), of the performers have strong Christian beliefs, but not sure where he got the idea it was a gather...
by Mark Pettey
June 6th, 2008, 8:56 pm
Forum: Children's Entertainment
Topic: Dave at Chatham Historic Dockyard, Kent, UK
Replies: 14
Views: 5487

Re: Dave at Chatham Historic Dockyard, Kent, UK

Hmmm, that time worked ! No , I won't be attending. Money this summer goes to family and my son's future college expenses. By the time he gets there, the costs will be phenominal. I am glad (and lucky) to say I am too busy that weekend to go that far from home. I am sure I will hear lots of reasons ...
by Mark Pettey
June 6th, 2008, 8:52 pm
Forum: Children's Entertainment
Topic: Dave at Chatham Historic Dockyard, Kent, UK
Replies: 14
Views: 5487

Re: Dave at Chatham Historic Dockyard, Kent, UK

I think there are problems with the forum tonight. I have tried three times to reply, and it keeps getting deleted for some reason.
by Mark Pettey
June 4th, 2008, 8:35 pm
Forum: Children's Entertainment
Topic: Dave at Chatham Historic Dockyard, Kent, UK
Replies: 14
Views: 5487

Re: Dave at Chatham Historic Dockyard, Kent, UK

He is a crusty curmudgeon from Chelsea,UK that haunts the Cafe. He always has some VERY interesting things to say ! He has been around, and seen alot. He recently lost his wife to illness, and per doctors orders, has decided to take a trip for therapy. He decided on Kidabra. And yes, that is his REA...
by Mark Pettey
June 4th, 2008, 1:56 pm
Forum: Children's Entertainment
Topic: Dave at Chatham Historic Dockyard, Kent, UK
Replies: 14
Views: 5487

Re: Dave at Chatham Historic Dockyard, Kent, UK

Nice clip Dave ! By the way, I hear Tom Riddle is planning to attend Kidabra, so you will have a British triumvirate.
by Mark Pettey
May 30th, 2008, 8:05 pm
Forum: Children's Entertainment
Topic: Effects for large audiences
Replies: 3
Views: 2575

Re: Effects for large audiences

Good point ! I have definitely made an effort to "amplify" my personality when working in front of a larger crowd, so that every word gets heard, every gesture is followed (well the ones I WANT them to follow !), and nothing gets lost due to distance from the crowd. I just wondered if mayb...
by Mark Pettey
May 29th, 2008, 7:56 am
Forum: Children's Entertainment
Topic: Effects for large audiences
Replies: 3
Views: 2575

Effects for large audiences

Occassionally, I have to do a public show for a very large audience, of 1,000 or more, (as opposed to private, smaller shows). I am curious about what effects some of my fellow children's performers have found play well in front of larger crowds. I am trying to pick material for upcoming shows like ...
by Mark Pettey
May 28th, 2008, 12:48 pm
Forum: General
Topic: Spectating v.s. Performing
Replies: 8
Views: 2294

Re: Spectating v.s. Performing

It is truly joyous to be on the receiving end of something that appears amazing. However, that high only lasts for awhile for me. The high I get from making others happy and amazed during the course of a single show lasts for days at a time. My wife says I can be practically insufferable, I come hom...
by Mark Pettey
May 23rd, 2008, 2:58 pm
Forum: Children's Entertainment
Topic: Malcolm Yaffe
Replies: 10
Views: 19142

Malcolm Yaffe

While persuing the new Genii this afternoon, I saw the ad for the new Malcolm Yaffe book. Since I am not familiar with him, I am curious about the book and author. I would really like to hear what anyone has to say who knows about Mr. Yaffe, and perhaps what the book covers. It looks interesting.
by Mark Pettey
May 22nd, 2008, 11:46 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: CELEBRACADABRA
Replies: 214
Views: 62283

Re: CELEBRACADABRA

David, as my relatives in Alabama like to say, you done good boy ! Really enjoyed the theatrical approach Magic with a plot. What a concept. Yes, there is no denying that Kim is hot, I just really prefered Lisa's routine to 5,000 dance moves thrown around one or two illusions. Mark Pettey Naples, FL
by Mark Pettey
March 2nd, 2008, 7:56 am
Forum: Children's Entertainment
Topic: Stuck Snakes
Replies: 9
Views: 4465

Re: Stuck Snakes

I use Barry Mitchell's Can O Wands on every birthday show. They are much more reliable than the plastic covered snakes. They appear to be covered with a silk or thin nylon fabric. Once in a great while, they do get stuck coming out. If this happens, I just make a funny face, peer inside the can, and...
by Mark Pettey
March 2nd, 2008, 7:46 am
Forum: Magician's Local Hangouts
Topic: Orlando Magic
Replies: 2
Views: 1481

Re: Orlando Magic

The Out of Control Magic Show at Wonderworks on International Drive ! Tony Brent and Co. will make it worth the trip.

Have fun....

Mark Pettey
Naples, FL
by Mark Pettey
February 8th, 2008, 8:43 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Beam Blaze vs. Flash Burst
Replies: 3
Views: 1323

Re: Beam Blaze vs. Flash Burst

These things looks very cool. Since I work kids shows exclusively, I have made a decision to stop using fire effects. These products would solve a host of problems, provided they are reliable "under fire" (sorry couldn't resist).

Mark Pettey
Naples, FL
by Mark Pettey
February 8th, 2008, 10:07 am
Forum: Children's Entertainment
Topic: Haunted Hank
Replies: 32
Views: 39187

Re: Haunted Hank

Wow.

Not used to seeing those type of posts on this forum.

Once again, I will ask, has anyone actually purchased Lynetta's Haunted Hank ? I would love to speak with someone who has actually worked with the prop. It looks beautiful...


Mark Pettey
Naples, FL
by Mark Pettey
February 8th, 2008, 5:42 am
Forum: Children's Entertainment
Topic: Haunted Hank
Replies: 32
Views: 39187

Re: Haunted Hank

Richard, I am very curious about this. Obviously there must be a huge difference in Lynetta's hank and the old Glorpy, since I paid only about $5 for my Fun,Inc. model, and her's sells for 10 times that much ($52, according to her site). I realize that no one can tip the gimmick here, (nor would I w...
by Mark Pettey
February 3rd, 2008, 4:17 pm
Forum: Children's Entertainment
Topic: Flash Cards
Replies: 5
Views: 3539

Re: Flash Cards

The backs have three large letters, ABC, in primary colors, floating on a solid blue oval. They look so harmless ! It was amazing how I was able to do simple things with the Svengali deck in front of my wife, and she was completely fooled. If you knew my wife, you would know that is NOT an easy task...
by Mark Pettey
January 30th, 2008, 5:11 pm
Forum: Children's Entertainment
Topic: Flash Cards
Replies: 5
Views: 3539

Flash Cards

After seeing the ads for the new Flash Cards that will be marketed by Creative Magic, I decided to call Brian at his toll free number. The idea of finally having a deck of cards that young children can identify was too exciting to not investigate ! Well, to make a long story short, Brian sent me thr...
by Mark Pettey
January 30th, 2008, 8:04 am
Forum: Children's Entertainment
Topic: Decorating Props for Children
Replies: 10
Views: 4175

Re: Decorating Props for Children

Phineas, Very cool idea ! I built my own circus wagon production (just like the $200 one you see on all the magic catalog sites) that I use for my puppet production. The kids are always fascinated with it, as an old-time circus wagon is not something you see everyday. The idea of an even bigger circ...

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