BrianMillerMagic
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MAWNY 2008 and Lessons LearnedHey gang,
Got back late last night from MAWNY 2008, and what a blast it was! Though I regret that I was unable to stay for the evening stage show (had to drive 4 hours home to get up for Monday morning math classes), I was in attendance from 10:00-6:00 for dealers booths, the auction, the dealer show, the close-up performances, and of course dinner. The true value of the day was talking with other magicians. Among some of the names present were: Reed McClintock, Matthew Bich, Kozmo, Daryl, Garrett Thomas, and Richard Turner.
In addition to "names," I met a number of young magicians, probably around the same age as many of our members here on Magicanada, that showed a true passion for the art of magic and a desire to make it professional or semi-pro at some point in the future. Let me just say this: watch out for a young kid, 13 years old, by the name of Nick Lathrop. Holy Moses!
If there is one thing I learned from the convention, it is that we are all unique, individual performers with our own magic to offer. Very early in the day I was informed that for my three close up performances, I would be in fact following Richard Turner (The Cheat). For those of you who don't know his work, he's pretty much the world's greatest living card mechanic. Period. And I had to follow him three times. When I was first told of this, I nearly panicked for an hour. Of my ten minute set, I was planning on doing at least 6 minutes of cards. How could I possibly follow the greatest card mechanic in the world with cards? I finally snapped myself out of it and decided that I was going to get up, make a joke about the situation, and then go into my set just as I had planned. It worked marvelously.
At each of my three sets, the very first thing I did as the applause for "one of Buffalo's fastest rising stars" (that's me  ) died down, I put my hand in the air and asked, "So...who else is ready to quit magic after watching that?" All three times it got wild laughter and totally broke the ice, simultaneously establishing me as an individual. I proceeded to have three wonderful sets, accompanied by many accolades from many magicians on my performance.
So just remember that it doesn't matter what anyone else is doing so long as you can establish yourself as a unique individual with something special to offer. You become your own brand and sell it!
That's all for now,
Brian
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Michael Kras
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Shoot! I thought MAWNY was next weekend... what a line-up, I cannot believe I missed this. We should session in the summer Brian, I am very eager to meet you!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.. by the way, I looked up Nick Lathrop on Youtube and, to be completely honest, I don't see what is so great about him. Perhaps you could explain why you think so much of him?
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BrianMillerMagic
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I haven't seen him on YouTube, but as you surely know, YouTube does not give an accurate display of anyone. Think about if someone stumbled upon some of your magic videos on YouTube from even a year ago Michael - yikes! In any regard, I spent a good deal of time with Nick at MAWNY and trust me, you'll be seeing him in the future.
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Ethan the Emazing
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I'm dissapointed I had to miss it as well. We should have a magicanada jam session sometime in the summer. Sounds like a great time, and to think I was 30 sec. away. Oh well, I will hopefully be there next year.
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Michael Kras
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It's true, Youtube can make some great magicians look AWFUL. Funny how a lot of my Youtube videos didn't turn out so well.. I don't know what it was but I tended to fumble for the camera. I hope to see him in the future! If he is as good as you say I am VERY eager to meet him!
A Magicanada Session sounds awesome! It sounds like a fun plan. Brian, what do you think?
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BrianMillerMagic
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I think that gas is extraordinarily expensive, and I won't be doing too much driving this summer that isn't paid for by a client, so we'll have to see.
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Liam
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when i read mikes post i assumed it would be over the internet, using something like skype and webcams
but it would be awesome to meet you guys, a magicanada session would be awesome
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BrianMillerMagic
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Ah well if it was online then sure, but that wouldn't be nearly as much fun as an actual Magicanada session. It must be arranged somehow...
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Ethan the Emazing
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We could even do both.
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Michael Kras
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It should be arranged somehow... maybe we meet halfway, like in Niagara?
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BrianMillerMagic
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We discussed that last summer. It would have to be carefully arranged, and I would only do it if there was going to be at least a decent turnout of Magicanada members. You kids forget how expensive gas is when you actually have to pay for it! 
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Michael Kras
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LOL no, we understand... perhaps public transportation would be ideal for most of the trip?
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Liam
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i could probably get to were ever it is, i get all over the place using public transit, the train could get me pretty near to niagara
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Michael Kras
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I thought you were way out in Nova Scotia. It would be awesome for all of us to meet and jam! Any ideas, anyone?
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BrianMillerMagic
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I wish my work was taking me to Toronto for some reason this summer. That would make everything so easy. Unfortunately it's not. All over New York State, but not to Toronto. I'm sure we can arrange for a meeting in Gateway Niagara if need be. Perhaps mid July?
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Michael Kras
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Gateway Niagara was what I was thinking... sounds good! We'll all stay in touch.
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Ethan the Emazing
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Niagaras good for me too.
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Liam
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micheal, i live in BC, not nova scotia
but they are both pretty far from niagara
but i was already considering going to hamilton (near toronto) to visit family.
if that happens, i'm sure i could duck out for a day and meet up with you guys at niagara
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