tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64209681545943671472024-03-12T19:54:55.054-07:00My Magical LifeA backstage view of life as a magician, with divers events and musings.Eric Henninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01141843150464009165noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420968154594367147.post-84079031668007788792013-11-26T19:38:00.001-08:002013-11-26T19:45:45.956-08:00OMG, It's Friday Night and My Relatives Are Still Here!<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;">
Friday, Nov. 29. 8:00 p.m. By that time, you'll have had your fill of turkey, pigskins and crazed mall shoppers. Not to mention your relatives. Take them to see Will Fern, a dog act and me in the <b>Comedy & Magic Society</b> show at the <b><a href="http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/poi/default.asp?POI_ID=1560&TOC=107;84;99;1560;" target="_blank">Gaithersburg Arts Barn Theatre</a></b> at 8:00 p.m. It's a great show and a cheap ticket. <strong><a href="http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/poi/default.asp?POI_ID=1560&TOC=107;84;99;1560;" target="_blank">Info & tickets here.</a></strong> You're Welcome.</div>
Eric Henninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01141843150464009165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420968154594367147.post-34753962661483178362013-11-21T07:06:00.001-08:002013-11-21T07:10:58.924-08:00The Influence David Blaine & I Share<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>Had a great conversation with WBAL TV ABC2 reporter Ron Snyder just before the recent David Blaine TV special.</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">LAUREL, Md. - Eric Henning’s fascination with magic dates back more than 40 years when as a youth he accidentally came across a book on famed magician Harry Houdini.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">To Henning, Houdini wasn’t just a magician; he was an artist who told a story, inspired people and gave them an emotional boost.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">“A great magician transports you to a place where you believe anything is possible,” said Henning, a Laurel resident who has performed in various capacities for four decades and owns <a href="http://www.erichenningmagic.com/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Eric Henning’s Old-Fashioned Magic.</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Henning said Houdini’s impact and influence on art and magic remains strong even 87 years after his death. He added that Houdini became an inspiration for many of today’s comic book super heroes and laid the foundation for magicians of today.<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br /></span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Read more: <a href="http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/entertainment/laurel-magician-touts-influences-of-houdini-david-blaine#ixzz2lICvdPXQ" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/entertainment/laurel-magician-touts-influences-of-houdini-david-blaine#ixzz2lICvdPXQ</a></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />Eric Henninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01141843150464009165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420968154594367147.post-87428610965182889102012-05-05T06:36:00.001-07:002013-11-24T19:34:59.902-08:00Magicians: the Real Avengers?This week, the latest Marvel Studios blockbuster, "The Avengers," opened, breaking box office records all over the world. The quote that Marvel chose to lead with on the movie's <a href="http://marvel.com/avengers_movie/" target="_blank"><b>Web site</b></a> is from Nick Fury, (played by Samuel L. Jackson). "There was an idea," Fury says, "to bring together a group of remarkable people to fight the battles we couldn't." Sadly, we have no super heroes to balance the Federal budget or to use their mighty strength to raise the level of debate. But history does show us a group of remarkable people who were often called upon by their governments to use their extraordinary skills in time of need: magicians. In fact, one magician even stopped a war! (<a href="http://www.hulu.com/watch/194497" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to see the video.)<br />
<br />
<object height="270" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.hulu.com/embed/1rU5gy-9xdgaRz5-RiUUrw/1190/1359/i1340">
</param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
</param>
<embed src="http://www.hulu.com/embed/1rU5gy-9xdgaRz5-RiUUrw/1190/1359/i1340" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="270" allowFullScreen="true"></embed></object><br />
<br />
I am referring to the French magician <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Eug%C3%A8ne_Robert-Houdin" target="_blank"><b>Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin</b></a>, the father of modern magic, after whom <b>Harry Houdini</b> named himself. In 1856, the French government faced an Algerian uprising fueled by quasi-magical religious fanaticism. In a rare burst of creative insight, government officials realized that the best way to avoid bloodshed while keeping the <i>status quo</i> was to prove French magic superior to that of the native Marabouts. They called Robert-Houdin out of retirement, and he <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Eug%C3%A8ne_Robert-Houdin#The_magical_mission" target="_blank">succeeded in quelling the rebellion</a> without shedding a drop of Algerian blood. (The video clip above, was broadcast - only once - in 1996.)<br />
<br />
In World War II, British stage magician <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jasper_Maskelyne" target="_blank">Jasper Maskelyne</a></b> volunteered his expertise in developing new camouflage techniques to counteract the Nazis' air reconnaissance. According to Wikipedia, his largest illusion was to conceal the entire city of Alexandria, Egypt and the Suez Canal to misdirect German bombers. Maskelyne also famously created fake tank divisions in Calais out of cardboard and silver paint to pin down Nazi tank divisions away from the D-Day landing sites. If you are a fan of war stories, check out David Fisher's riveting <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-War-Magician-David-Fisher/dp/0425062953" target="_blank"><b>The War Magician.</b></a><br />
<br />
After the war, American magician and author <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Mulholland_%28magician%29" target="_blank"><b>John Mulholland</b></a> left the editorship of the magic journal "The Sphinx," ostensibly due to ill health, but in reality to work for the fledgling CIA. Along with developing sleight-of-hand and psychological techniques for spies (many of which are still valid today), he trained field agents and wrote <i>The Official CIA Manual of Trickery and Deception</i> (1953).<br />
<br />
Let us not forget the thousands of U.S. magicians who have volunteered their time at military and VA hospitals, events for military families and White house events, as well as those who did benefits shows for the troops, both at home and in war zones, and who raised millions of dollars in War Bonds.<br />
<br />
Among the U.S. government projects I am allowed to talk about, my own experience of being sent as an expert speaker on a diplomatic mission to counteract Fidel Castro's influence in the West Indies, while not quite a ripping yarn, will have to wait for another article. Suffice it to say that I know whereof I speak.<br />
<br />
This week's inside-the-Beltway mess involves the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and
their online <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/03/noaa-in-hot-water-over-ma_n_1476299.html" target="_blank">request for proposals</a> for a magician/speaker for a June event. They were
looking for a very specific person, a magician with top public speaking
credentials and familiarity with the works of Harvard's <a href="http://www.howardgardner.com/" target="_blank">Prof. Howard Gardner</a>
on multiple intelligences. The idea was to infuse an upcoming
conference with creative energy and make the learning more enjoyable. <br />
<br />
Unlike its namesake, NOAA's timing could hardly have been worse. Coming on the heels of the GSA's <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/16/gsa-las-vegas-conference_n_1429899.html" target="_blank">Las Vegas junket scandal</a>, which has already <a href="http://articles.cnn.com/2012-04-02/politics/politics_gsa-head-resigns_1_wasteful-spending-training-conference-government-spending?_s=PM:POLITICS" target="_blank">cost GSA head Martha Johnson her job</a>, the word "magician" in the RFP was a red flag to House and <a href="http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2012/05/04/NOAA-pulls-ad-for-training-event-magician/UPI-63931336142697/" target="_blank">Senate</a> Republicans looking to score easy points against President Obama in an election year.
While NOAA's proposal was hardly out of line - indeed, the fee they
offered was quite small compared to the going rates for full days by
expert speakers - the sound and fury it generated was like, well, a
sudden tornado. NOAA <a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0512/75879.html" target="_blank">removed the RFP the same day</a>, possibly (as one reporter accidentally revealed to me) at the behest of the White House.<br />
<br />
This
time, Washington's tempest-in-a-teapot hit close to home. As a
professional speaker and magician, I have worked at many Federal
government and military events, some as an entertainer and others as a speaker.
This gives me an unusually good perspective on the subject. Politico.com
called and interviewed me for a <a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0512/75899.html" target="_blank">follow-up article</a> which has been picked up by <a href="http://www.govexec.com/oversight/2012/05/magic-acts-conferences-can-add-substance-professionals-say/55591/" target="_blank">other outlets</a>. <br />
<br />
My point is simply this: in the wake of Washington's latest tempest in a teapot, and in the
light of history, the idea of a government agency hiring a magician is not ridiculous, nor is it reprehensible. In fact, it may be just what we need. <br />
<br />
<br />Eric Henninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01141843150464009165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420968154594367147.post-32271737269212976192012-05-04T04:48:00.000-07:002012-05-04T04:48:13.384-07:00Federal gigs are no hocus pocus, magician saysMy interview with Politico.com re: row over NOAA wanting to hire a magician.<br />
<h1>
Federal gigs are no hocus pocus, magician says</h1>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
Read more: <a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0512/75899.html#ixzz1ttttirax" style="color: #003399;">http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0512/75899.html#ixzz1ttttirax</a></div>Eric Henninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01141843150464009165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420968154594367147.post-74603050605289665712012-01-28T08:42:00.000-08:002012-01-28T13:36:53.457-08:00Elephant Room: An Unexpected Delight<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2RdSk16fxPQ/TyRopqShV_I/AAAAAAAAAKw/Vyn0tw_-yIA/s1600/media_001.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2RdSk16fxPQ/TyRopqShV_I/AAAAAAAAAKw/Vyn0tw_-yIA/s400/media_001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702798093093787634" border="0" /></a>I must confess, I went into the opening night with mixed feelings. Why, I wondered, would the venerable and esteemed <a href="http://www.arenastage.org/">Arena Stage</a> lend its new play incubator, the aptly-named <a href="http://www.arenastage.org/plan-your-visit/the-mead-center/">Kogod Cradle</a>, to a show that appeared to be nothing more than piling on the existing canon of bad magician jokes? From the publicity materials on the show's <a href="http://www.arenastage.org/shows-tickets/the-season/productions/elephant-room/media/">Website</a>, the featured "magicians," if one could use the word, are named Don Diamond, Daryl Hannah (no, not that one), and Louie Magic (!) They appear at best, to be deluded wannabes, and at worst just an exercise in cruelty toward the hapless nerd magicians that we all have met (and some of us have been).<br /><br />I was wrong. I was not merely pleasantly surprised, but delighted with a show that is by turns fresh, silly, enchanting and profound. And here's the tough part: in order to show you how well-crafted, adeptly performed and ultimately satisfying Elephant Room is, I risk revealing too much. How much curtain can one pull back without ruining the surprise? Do I tell you how they do it? I'm a magician; it's against my nature. Plus, I promised not to tell.<br /><br />Perhaps I'll just nibble around the edges, and whet your appetite to <a href="http://tickets.arenastage.org/single/psDetail.aspx?psn=12873">get your own tickets</a>.<br />Here's what I can tell you: there is more to Elephant Room than meets the eye.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TRTYJq1oaHw/TyQ7CE7DY1I/AAAAAAAAAKk/izKUhW9aXQs/s1600/media_004.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TRTYJq1oaHw/TyQ7CE7DY1I/AAAAAAAAAKk/izKUhW9aXQs/s400/media_004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702747935025095506" border="0" /></a>And I can add one thing you won't see elsewhere: the magic is very well-designed. It moved the plot and characters along, was transparent or mystifying as needed for the script. The show is full of magical inside jokes with plenty of sometimes affectionate, often pointed, send-ups of famous magicians.<br /><br />It's one of the oldest tricks in the book. The magician shows you a trick, apparently shows you how it's done, and then stuns you by proving the explanation impossible. It's called a "sucker trick," and it's often done badly. At its worst, a sucker trick makes you feel stupid and angry at the performer. Done well, a sucker trick can be a gentle reminder that no matter how much we think we know, there is always another mystery.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.arenastage.org/shows-tickets/the-season/productions/elephant-room/">Elephant Room</a> does it right.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d8N3RPwqvdU/TyQ59yEUiqI/AAAAAAAAAKY/AndO2Kgx6Eg/s1600/media_002.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d8N3RPwqvdU/TyQ59yEUiqI/AAAAAAAAAKY/AndO2Kgx6Eg/s400/media_002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702746761732590242" border="0" /></a>Elephant Room is <span class="credits">directed by Paul Lazar and written by Steve Cuiffo, Trey Lyford and Geoff Sobelle.<br />In the Kogod Cradle at Arena Stage, January 20- February 26, 2012.<br />Reserved seats are $40. <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://tickets.arenastage.org/single/psDetail.aspx?psn=12873">Buy tickets here.</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.arenastage.org/">Arena Stage</a><br /></span><a href="http://g.co/maps/tdvw6">1101 Sixth Street, SW</a>, Washington, DC 20024.<br />Metro: Green Line <a href="http://www.wmata.com/rail/station_detail.cfm?station_id=83">Waterfront-SEU</a><br />Tel 202-554-9066(General), 202-488-3300(Sales)<br /><span class="credits"><br /></span>Eric Henninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01141843150464009165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420968154594367147.post-73312808714659554562012-01-27T08:41:00.000-08:002012-01-27T22:49:54.701-08:00"Elephant Room" at Arena Stage<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bcepd-VKz4g/TyLVQtkFPQI/AAAAAAAAAKM/azzt3FJU8Bs/s1600/media_001.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bcepd-VKz4g/TyLVQtkFPQI/AAAAAAAAAKM/azzt3FJU8Bs/s400/media_001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702354561290026242" border="0" /></a>Hey gang! Betsy and I are going to see Arena Stage's production of<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.arenastage.org/shows-tickets/the-season/productions/elephant-room/">Elephant Room,</a> a show about hapless, clueless wannabe magicians billed as an "absurdist performance...Filled with off-the-wall magic and sublime comedy." Written by Steve Cuiffo, Trey Lyford and Geoff Sobelle, the show is directed by Paul Lazar.<br /><br />It's clear from the <a href="http://www.arenastage.org/shows-tickets/the-season/productions/elephant-room/media/">promo materials</a> that someone in the show has experience as a professional magician, with a certain amount of "inside baseball" humor. I'll let you know how it is.<br /><br />Elephant Room is a co-production of the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival, Philadelphia, PA and <a href="http://www.arenastage.org/">Arena Stage</a>, Washington, DC and runs from Jan. 20 – Feb. 26, 2012. You can <a href="http://tickets.arenastage.org/single/psDetail.aspx?psn=12873">buy tickets here.</a>Eric Henninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01141843150464009165noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420968154594367147.post-70964974695647279582012-01-24T09:57:00.001-08:002012-01-27T22:49:31.356-08:00This Just In...<img style="margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:left;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 192px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KV7TneN_3KU/Tx7yPBSgKkI/AAAAAAAAAKA/RDGK9fXKIjs/s400/redboneboater.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701260518155627074" border="0" /><br />Exciting News!<br />Just got booked to open for music legend <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.leonredbone.com/">Leon Redbone</a> at <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.birchmere.com/">The Birchmere!</a><br /><br />The show is Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 7:40 p.m.<br />You can <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://http//www.birchmere.com/events/leon-redbone/">buy tickets here.</a><br />The Birchmere is at <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&sugexp=pfwl&tok=RMm2be5naIzTZq0xm554Gg&cp=13&gs_id=2m&xhr=t&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.,cf.osb&biw=1280&bih=642&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=the+birchmere&fb=1&gl=us&hq=the+birchmere&hnear=0x89b7dd10e849dcd1:0x98cd5e2efdcd92fc,Laurel,+MD&cid=9625073737685019572&ei=hPIeT7yPDqu10AHY9YAG&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=map-marker-link&resnum=1&sqi=2&ved=0CDoQrwswAA">3<span itemprop="streetAddress">701 Mount Vernon Avenue</span>, <span itemprop="addressRegion">Alexandria, VA</span>, </a><span itemprop="postalCode"><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&sugexp=pfwl&tok=RMm2be5naIzTZq0xm554Gg&cp=13&gs_id=2m&xhr=t&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.,cf.osb&biw=1280&bih=642&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=the+birchmere&fb=1&gl=us&hq=the+birchmere&hnear=0x89b7dd10e849dcd1:0x98cd5e2efdcd92fc,Laurel,+MD&cid=9625073737685019572&ei=hPIeT7yPDqu10AHY9YAG&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=map-marker-link&resnum=1&sqi=2&ved=0CDoQrwswAA">22305</a><br />Their phone is </span>703-549-7500<br /><span itemprop="postalCode"><br /></span>If you are a music fan, you've probably already been to The Birchmere.<br />If not:<br /><br /><div id="siteSub"><span style="font-size:85%;">From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:</span><b><br />"The Birchmere</b> is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concert_hall" title="Concert hall" class="mw-redirect">concert hall</a> in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria,_Virginia" title="Alexandria, Virginia">Alexandria, Virginia</a>, known for presenting performers in the bluegrass, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Country_music" title="Country music">country</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folk_music" title="Folk music">folk</a>, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jazz" title="Jazz">jazz</a> genres. The main stage has table seating with dinner service. The room seats 500 people and the tables in front are about two feet from the stage. The bandstand includes a dance area."<br /><br /></div> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">See you there!</span>Eric Henninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01141843150464009165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420968154594367147.post-31847988267505036562011-07-17T20:10:00.000-07:002011-07-17T20:13:20.666-07:00Nice mention in the Washington PostHi gang:<br />Got a nice mention in tomorrow's Washington Post in an <a href="http://tinyurl.com/postmagic">article about magicians and smartphone technology</a> - check it out!Eric Henninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01141843150464009165noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420968154594367147.post-86018956887426040832011-07-14T16:48:00.001-07:002011-07-14T16:59:41.797-07:00Our Wounded Warriors, and What You Can DoI'll be at Walter Reed Army Medical Center this Saturday, July 16, from Noon-2 p.m. doing magic for families of our wounded warriors. In the past year, I had two more extraordinary privileges. The first was performing at the White House Halloween Party for the Obama family and 300 invited military families. The second was in December, performing at the Army Surgeon General's Holiday Banquet for the Army Medical Command leaders and the Sergeant Major of the Army.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jc2JgnFcFNw/Th-CjHk0viI/AAAAAAAAAII/2voDUxi6rV8/s1600/walterreedweb2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 241px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jc2JgnFcFNw/Th-CjHk0viI/AAAAAAAAAII/2voDUxi6rV8/s400/walterreedweb2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629361599076941346" border="0" /></a>I LOVE doing military events because it's like working for my family. As a child of two Naval officers, and with four generations of Navy in my family, this is a cause near and dear to my heart. I flew before I could walk. We moved from base to base, making new friends along the way. I know what it's like being in a military family, although thank God I never had to deal with a parent killed or wounded in the line.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">So why am I telling you all this? It's because the needs are acute right now, and you can help.</span><br /><br />Saturday's event is sponsored by <a href="http://www.operationhomefront.net/dcmetro/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Operation Homefront</span></a>, a<span> 501(c)(3) nonprofit </span>volunteer organization that <span>provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded warriors. By <a href="http://www.operationhomefront.net/dcmetro/currentneeds.aspx"><span style="font-weight: bold;">clicking here</span></a>, you can find out what items and skills are currently needed to assist military families in the DC metro area. Here's the unusual thing - they mostly don't want your money. They need skilled tradesman to repair houses and cars, donations of vehicles, gift cards, supplies for care packages, party supplies for Saturday and so forth. Even in this tough economic time, that's probably not beyond your reach.<br /><br />You can also visit servicemen and women - those who are here in DC may still be far away from loved ones. You can donate, and you can <a href="http://www.operationhomefront.net/dcmetro/volunteer.aspx"><span style="font-weight: bold;">volunteer.</span></a></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jPcNS6e-K5Y/Th-Cw-ApY9I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/tNfTFGesg6M/s1600/walterreedweb.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 379px; height: 336px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jPcNS6e-K5Y/Th-Cw-ApY9I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/tNfTFGesg6M/s400/walterreedweb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629361837027451858" border="0" /></a><br />A word of advice: if you plan on visiting our troops at Walter Reed or anywhere else, don't plan on doing anything else the rest of the day. You'll be an emotional wreck. Seeing the courage, optimism, vision and faith of these amazing men and women will hit you hard. In the gut. And you'll never be the same.Eric Henninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01141843150464009165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420968154594367147.post-89775127801950471562011-06-24T11:21:00.000-07:002011-06-24T11:53:45.398-07:00A Comedy & Magic Society show that is much more than just Magic!Here is the announcement from producer Mark Phillips:<br />Summer is here; the relatives are all in town for the fireworks, but you still have a weekend you want to fill with fun. We can help! Come join the Comedy & Mystery Society on <span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday, July 1st</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday July 2nd </span> at 8 PM at the <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.tinyurl.com/gabcms">Arts Barn in Gaithersburg</a>. We've got a special treat with two guest acts appearing both nights! (We may run out of room backstage...)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YCveY5R9EGg/TgTXwfEwQ7I/AAAAAAAAAG8/IM0A0bCQ8xo/s1600/2010_mutts.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 156px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YCveY5R9EGg/TgTXwfEwQ7I/AAAAAAAAAG8/IM0A0bCQ8xo/s400/2010_mutts.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621855462840353714" border="0" /></a>We have been trying to get Jesse & James to do our show since we started. Though they live nearby; they entertain all over the world, in theaters, on cruises, and as a featured act at Dollywood. Our schedules have finally aligned and they are bringing their newest show, <a href="http://www.muttsgonenuts.com/"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">"Mutts Gone Nuts"</span></a> to the CMS both nights. These two consummate entertainers always stop the show and now they have a troupe of performing dogs to add even more action to their hilarity. Who says Vaudeville is dead!<br /><br />In keeping with the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2sYlxA9VQ6U/TgTYX8LKkHI/AAAAAAAAAHE/6uhokq0OoEM/s1600/HayWireBarn%25252520%252525283%25252529.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 158px; height: 94px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2sYlxA9VQ6U/TgTYX8LKkHI/AAAAAAAAAHE/6uhokq0OoEM/s320/HayWireBarn%25252520%252525283%25252529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621856140666769522" border="0" /></a>variety theme of this week, we are pleased to have <span style="font-weight: bold;">Haywire</span> join us again for both nights. With these two, you never know what to expect - magic, physical comedy, verbal fireworks - its all part of the Haywire package.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sgr53yHMRCg/TgTY0UjyujI/AAAAAAAAAHM/bI-0l-xxTbM/s1600/bunny5avatar.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 140px; height: 160px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sgr53yHMRCg/TgTY0UjyujI/AAAAAAAAAHM/bI-0l-xxTbM/s200/bunny5avatar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621856628248853042" border="0" /></a>Our two magical guests, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Eric </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FDcUjiGF6f8/TgTZQF4IU8I/AAAAAAAAAHU/YyrxwdwqV5A/s1600/Michael_Kaminskas.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 106px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FDcUjiGF6f8/TgTZQF4IU8I/AAAAAAAAAHU/YyrxwdwqV5A/s200/Michael_Kaminskas.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621857105343960002" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Henning</span> (Fri.) and <a href="http://www.corporatemagicman.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mike Kaminskas</span></a> (Sat.), are both back for more fun with the CMS. Both are experts at magic up close and on stage, and both bring unique charm to each performance.<br /><br />Our alternating producers and emcees for these shows are <a href="http://www.briancurrymagic.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Brian Curry</span></a> (Sat.) and <a href="http://www.barrywoodmagic.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Barry Wood</span></a> (Fri.). Brian and Barry will prove to you that some of the best magic in the world happens in our own back yard. We hope you decide to come to both shows!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RJtvEPmcWBE/TgTZo1F4umI/AAAAAAAAAHc/iRJVQjVqJk4/s1600/curry_b3_sm.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:5px 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 143px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RJtvEPmcWBE/TgTZo1F4umI/AAAAAAAAAHc/iRJVQjVqJk4/s200/curry_b3_sm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621857530334984802" border="0" /></a>Once again, summer is our busiest season at the CMS and we hope to use this time to double our email list. We would be extremely grateful to have you contribute to our viral success by forwarding this article to any and all friends and family you think would enjoy our lighthearted, family friendly entertainment. They can sign up for future emails by sending one to me at <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="mailto:markcards@gmail.com">markcards@gmail.com</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g-0AZMXUOEQ/TgTaBAjEzsI/AAAAAAAAAHk/RFWIP2UUKkM/s1600/Barry_Wood.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 161px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g-0AZMXUOEQ/TgTaBAjEzsI/AAAAAAAAAHk/RFWIP2UUKkM/s200/Barry_Wood.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621857945727061698" border="0" /></a><br />Close-Up Magicians <span style="font-weight: bold;">George Woo, Jeff Eline</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nick Decutis</span> will be on hand, ensuring that there is always more magic per square inch at the Comedy & Magic Society.<br /><br />Come enjoy the air conditioned splendor and laugh until your sides hurt! The Arts Barn is at <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?q=arts+barn,+gaithersburg,+md&hl=en&cid=461184464809200568">311 Kent Square Road</a>, the Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Maryland. For further information or tickets, please call the Arts Barn at <b>301-258-6394</b>.Eric Henninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01141843150464009165noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420968154594367147.post-19319727410960513212011-05-28T06:41:00.000-07:002011-05-28T06:42:09.779-07:00Comedy & Mystery Society Show in Gaithersburg!I'll be at the <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/poi/default.asp?POI_ID=671&TOC=1;671">Gaithersburg Arts Barn</a> TONIGHT, May 28, at 8:00 p.m. in the Comedy & Mystery Society show, alongside Brian Curry and Mark Phillips. We'll also have more magicians doing Close-up magic during the intermission! That's a crazy amount of LIVE entertainment for only $12-$15! The show is appropriate for adults and children age 10+<br /><br /><span style="font-size:+1;">May 28, 2011<br /> </span><span style="font-size:+2;"><strong>Comedy & Magic Society</strong></span><br /> Astounding magic and sleight of hand with interactive theatre and hilarious fun!.<br /> <p><span style="font-size:+1;">Saturday at 8 p.m.<strong><br /> </strong></span>$15 Nonresidents / $12 City of Gaithersburg Residents<br /> For tickets call <strong>301-258-6394</strong> or visit RecXpress online at <a href="https://recxpress.gaithersburgmd.gov/recxpress/Start/Start.asp">recxpress.gaithersburgmd.gov</a></p>311 Kent Square Rd<br />Gaithersburg, Md 20878<br /><a href="http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/poi/default.asp?POI_ID=815&TOC=1;671;815;">Map & Directions</a>Eric Henninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01141843150464009165noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420968154594367147.post-20502618640327000882011-03-22T10:01:00.000-07:002011-03-22T10:11:06.023-07:00Gaithersburg Arts Barn Show March 25 at 8 pmHi Gang:<br />I'll appearing, along with <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.magicofgarymorton.com/">Gary Morton</a> and <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://barrywoodmagic.com/">Barry Wood</a>, in the <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.comedymysterysociety.com/">Comedy & Magic Society</a> show at the <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/poi/default.asp?POI_ID=671&TOC=1;671;">Gaithersburg Arts Barn</a>. We'll also have two excellent close-up magicians performing before the show and during the interval.<br />Tickets for this intimate 99-seat theatre max out at $15 - an incredible bargain for live entertainment of this quality.<br />It is going to be a great show so tell your friends, bring your family and come out and see entertainment as it was meant to be seen, live and in person.<br /><br />The Gaithersburg Arts Barn is located at <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Gaithersburg+Arts+Barn,+311+Kent+Square+Road,+Gaithersburg,+MD+20878-5727&aq=1&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=34.396866,79.013672&ie=UTF8&hq=Gaithersburg+Arts+Barn,&hnear=311+Kent+Square+Rd,+Gaithersburg,+Montgomery,+Maryland+20878&ll=39.120472,-77.239144&spn=0.007808,0.01929&z=16&iwloc=A">311 Kent Square Road</a>, the Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Maryland. For tickets, please call the Arts Barn at <b>301-258-6394 or go to <a href="http://m1e.net/c?83024136-s//Rfskik7psM%406284138-B7P523sfPM1jc"; text-decoration: underline;">https://recxpress.gaithersburgmd.gov/recxpress/Start/Start.asp</a> </b>.<br /><br />See You There!Eric Henninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01141843150464009165noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420968154594367147.post-6473520663908988912010-03-12T20:12:00.000-08:002010-03-14T12:22:54.971-07:00Continuing EducationI just got to take a lesson from the world's greatest parlor magician.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__dnbJwQkiyQ/S5sXTi6J1hI/AAAAAAAAAEg/M8fQaHoC2Xg/s1600-h/Eric_Henning_Marc_Oberon_we.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 273px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__dnbJwQkiyQ/S5sXTi6J1hI/AAAAAAAAAEg/M8fQaHoC2Xg/s400/Eric_Henning_Marc_Oberon_we.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447973798790419986" border="0" /></a>It may be hard to imagine, but magicians have continuing education, too. We have visiting "professors" who lecture and teach.<br /><br />It all began in the 1920's, when, from time to time, a "name" magician, such as <a href="http://thurstonmastermagician.com/">Howard Thurston</a>, <a href="http://magic.about.com/od/biosonfamousmagicians/a/033009blackstone.htm">Harry Blackstone</a> or <a href="http://www.magicdirectory.com/vernon/">Dai Vernon</a> would be in town for a show, and would drop by a local magic shop or magic club. From informal get-togethers, these visits became teaching sessions. The students saw a chance to learn real-world routines and ideas from full-time pros, and the pros saw a chance to make some extra money on tour selling books, tricks and "notes" from their lectures.<br /><br />In the Baltimore-Washington area, we are blessed with some active <a href="http://ibmring50.org/">magic clubs</a> and some of the finest magic shops in the world, and there are world-class magic lectures happening here nearly every month.<br /><br />This month it was <a href="http://www.marcoberon.com/">Marc Oberon</a> from the U.K., who won the World Championship in Parlor Magic at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F%C3%A9d%C3%A9ration_Internationale_des_Soci%C3%A9t%C3%A9s_Magiques">FISM 2009</a> in Beijing, China. He also holds the distinction of being a British Champion, European Champion and the winner of the I.B.M./S.A.M. combined North American competition in 2008. When you watch the video below, you'll see why.<br /><br /><div align="center"><object height="265" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/x7UZpGNKug4&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/x7UZpGNKug4&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="265" width="320"></embed></object></div><br />The video says more than I ever could about the precision, elegance and artistry of this amazing man. What you don't see in the video is his tremendous kindness and generosity as he patiently taught a group of magi his pet secrets. Some of these techniques are so advanced it will take great time and work to master them - but what fun! Fun for me, and eventually for you.Eric Henninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01141843150464009165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420968154594367147.post-42010113476941960572009-12-23T10:08:00.000-08:002009-12-23T10:50:55.189-08:00Let It Snow!This is a true story. It happened on December 6 of last year.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__dnbJwQkiyQ/SzJiV1o7maI/AAAAAAAAAEY/mnOhT3RyW5o/s1600-h/Eric+Henning+snowstorm+web.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 344px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__dnbJwQkiyQ/SzJiV1o7maI/AAAAAAAAAEY/mnOhT3RyW5o/s400/Eric+Henning+snowstorm+web.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418501428995660194" border="0" /></a>There is a show I do every year, a holiday party for military families. It takes place in a secure facility within a secure facility - it almost takes longer to get inside than to do the show! But once you're inside, you're in a fairy land of Christmas trees, lights, garlands and cotton "snow." Hundreds of children play games, color, eat popcorn and watch Christmas movies. There are face painters, balloon artists, clowns, costumed characters and elves - mostly volunteers. All this in<br />what is normally a loading dock.<br /><br />Around 10:00 am, Santa arrives on a huge fire engine and holds court in the lobby. This is, by far, the most efficient Santa line I've ever seen. Every child gets plenty of time with the Big Guy, yet somehow the line keeps moving. At the end, the lilliputian petitioner has a bag of goodies and a picture with Santa.<br /><br />During all this, I am doing close-up magic, "pulling" lights from the Christmas trees (the offices have a fierce tree decorating contest), making coins appear, and generally making fun.<br /><br />Around noon, the 500 or so people line up and get lunch (which is fantastic) while I set up for my platform show. My holidays shows always have some different material, more if it's a repeat client.<br /><br />This year, I planned to end with a classic Japanese piece, the "Snowstorm in China." This involves cutting tissue paper into a snowflake or other shape, tearing it up and immersing the pieces in water. The sodden pieces are squeezed out and fanned, and become dry confetti, which is fanned into the air and appears as snow.<br /><br />It's a great piece, and with the right script and music, there's not a dry eye in the house.<br /><br />It had not snowed yet that year, and so I ended my show by promising to add the one thing that was missing from that holiday season. The piece got a great response, especially from the kids, who rushed the stage to collect bits of the "magic snow" to take home.<br /><br />As I was leaving the base gate, I had a wonderful view of the US Capitol, the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial. Then I saw something else.<br /><br />It was starting to snow!<br /><br />Big fluffy flakes, like something out of a cartoon, coming down with purpose. I could hardly believe my eyes!<br /><br />Then I thought of those kids going home from the party and seeing the snow - and their parents trying to explain for the hundredth time that it really WASN'T magic.<br /><br />But maybe it was.<br /><br />Then I remembered something that has had me chuckling ever since. Earlier that day, as I was entering the first gate,. a Marine corporal, bristling with armaments, greeted me. As he looked over my car, he made conversation. "So what do you do in your show?" he asked.<br /><br />"I make it snow," I replied.<br /><br />"No, really."<br /><br />"Really."<br /><br />Now all I could picture was that Marine watching me leave the base - and then seeing the snow.<br /><br />Sometimes things just come together. I live for moments like that.<br /><br />Merry Christmas!<br /><br />ERICEric Henninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01141843150464009165noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420968154594367147.post-64920523564923216342009-11-30T15:51:00.000-08:002009-11-30T15:57:24.260-08:00What Laryngitis Taught MeSince today was dominated by my laryngitis, this story came to mind.<br />I actually learned something from being sick once, and perhaps this will help someone else.<br /><br />First, please understand that I had Crohn's disease for 15+ years and I know very well when I am sick and how serious it is. I spent 15 years in continuous, sit-on-a-tack pain with a constant low-grade fever. So I've probably spent the majority of my magic career performing sick.<br /><br />However, on this occasion, I was getting over a cold. Have you ever had this? It's that day where you're no longer contagious, in fact, you feel fine, and you KNOW that you're well again - but your voice is gone. Totally absent. No other symptoms. It's like the cold's final practical joke on its way out.<br /><br />Well, this happened to me on a Sunday when I was working brunch at Clyde's, and I was frantic. I do talking magic, with lots of storytelling, and how in the world could I perform?<br /><br />Here's what I learned in a nutshell:<br /><br /><ul><li>I got MUCH better responses from my audiences. Looking back, I realize it was because I was gentler in my approach to the tables. I am 6'4" tall, 250 lbs., with dark hair, a dark beard and a loud voice. when approaching a table, I am standing and my audience is seated. It's easy to forget that all this together can be intimidating. My laryngitis evened the playing field, so to speak, and folks felt more comfortable. I now approach tables with more relaxed body language and lower vocal volume.</li></ul><ul><li>Many of my routines need few, if any, words. I found I was able to get very far into many of my pet routines with no words at all. This also helped focus attention on the magic, and I got much more applause and laughter. So I have gone back and severely trimmed my scripts.</li></ul><ul><li>If you simply tell people "My voice is gone," you build rapport very quickly. I think most people have been in that situation. So rather than trying to hide it, I was honest about it. But of course, not being contagious helped!</li></ul><br />Hope this helps,<br /><br />Eric Henning<br />http://www.HenningMagic.comEric Henninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01141843150464009165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420968154594367147.post-4211479979133164002009-10-13T08:11:00.000-07:002009-10-30T08:19:56.970-07:00How to Have a Stress-Free Holiday Party - for Less!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.erichenningmagic.com/"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__dnbJwQkiyQ/StSaJ-vrf6I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/Ywwy5M3k_7U/s400/EricHenningsnowstormweb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392104150121807778" border="0" /></a><br />The holidays, it seems, bring out the best and the worst in us. Holiday parties can be fun, but they can also be exhausting and expensive! In more than 25 years of doing magic at corporate, community and social events, I've seen great and not-so-great holiday parties. Here are some of the ways you can have a great party with a lot less stress and many of these tips will save you money, too!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Have it in January! This is the biggest secret of all!</span><br />December is full - full of family, school, community, religious and company obligations. Sometimes your party becomes just another burden on overtaxed schedules. I cannot tell you how many times I have seen a company spend big bucks for 200 employees, and 40 people show up. Schedules are much more open in January and that's the time when people really need a party! By moving the party to January, when things are slow in the event business, you'll also save on nearly everything: the venue, the food, entertainment, etc.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Delegate. </span>You may be only super-human, but you'll have a lot more fun if you figure out what needs to be done and find people to help you. Define the jobs clearly; explain what successful completion of their task looks like ("Our goal is to get everyone to the party without people getting lost"); give them a deadline, and then check back to make sure it gets done. Other people may not do things exactly the way you would let it go. Many times they'll do them better or they'll think of aspects you hadn't. Getting more people involved also increases the group's ownership of the event, which increases attendance. If everyone does one thing, no one has to do everything.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Try a buffet.</span> Plated dinners are elegant and expensive and often s-l-o-w. You'll not only get a better value, but people will appreciate having more food choices, and you'll get people fed faster. It's a good idea to have non-dairy, vegetarian and low-sugar choices on the table, and label them as such.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Try Lunch. </span>Evenings are prime times during the holidays, so why not make your staff party really for the staff? In many cases, spouses are not having fun in a room where they don't know anyone. By doing lunch, you'll save wear and tear on your guests and save money, too.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Pump DOWN the Volume</span>. Sometimes, background music can become dance music long before people are ready to dance. People have to shout to be heard, and the room quickly becomes a cacophony, not a celebration. Make sure that the venue and/or the DJ understands that music during cocktails and dinner must be in the background low enough that people can converse comfortably. Get your favorite music lover to monitor this during the event to make sure as the crowd gets bigger, the music should not get much louder. The older the crowd, the softer the music - don't forget that some people have hearing problems. Also, consider live music a pianist, harpist or jazz guitar during cocktails and no music during dinner can be a welcome relief from the endless parade of golden oldies on CD.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. Keep it simple.</span> After a long day at work, most people are not up for cocktails PLUS dinner PLUS speeches PLUS door prizes PLUS gift exchange PLUS dancing. And folks with kids are going to be out the door by 9:00 PM, regardless. So keep it simple: some background music during cocktails, a few door prizes, maybe a 20-30 minute magic show during dessert. Keeping it focused makes it easier to stay on schedule, and your guests will thank you<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">7. Help them get there.</span> It's not "The Amazing Race," so don't make finding your party a puzzle to solve! Don't just add a link to MapQuest or Google Maps - your venue may not be there, or the directions could be wrong. Find someone who is really good with directions, and ask them to write directions in plain English from all major highways, and make a simple map. Include all in your invitations, both via email and in the mail. Test your map person's cell phone to make sure it works inside the venue, and print their number with the directions in case someone gets lost. Have them get to the party early and let their only job be to give directions to people who might get lost. If you really want to be thorough, make signs with arrows to guide people in, and post them at critical turns or ahead of hidden entrances. Your local sign shop will be happy to help you with this, and it can be surprisingly affordable. Just make sure someone takes down the signs immediately after the event.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">8. Combine events. </span>If you decide to have your party in January (see Tip#1), you'll have all of your year-end information and can combine the holiday party with your spring awards event. Even if you spend more on this party, you'll have saved big bucks versus having two separate events.<br /><br />Of course, the most obvious way to reduce the stress and save money on your holiday party is to start planning early and by reading this and acting on it, you're already doing it! Congratulations!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">ERIC HENNING is an award-winning magician and public speaker based in the Baltimore-Washington area. For more information on how to make your events amazingly successful, call him at 800-485-0029 or email him at eric@henningmagic.com</span><br /><br />Article copyright © 2008 by Eric B. Henning. All Rights Reserved.Eric Henninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01141843150464009165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420968154594367147.post-82078562573902979802009-09-16T07:18:00.000-07:002009-09-21T14:43:03.342-07:00Al Cohen: The World's Best Magic Dealer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__dnbJwQkiyQ/SrEAB08nnFI/AAAAAAAAADs/AlARHr766ls/s1600-h/al_cohen2001.jpg"><img style="margin: 5pt 10px 10px 5pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 237px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__dnbJwQkiyQ/SrEAB08nnFI/AAAAAAAAADs/AlARHr766ls/s400/al_cohen2001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382083061077220434" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Al Cohen 2001 Photo: <a href="http://www.npr.org/programs/morning/features/2001/dec/magic/011221.magic.html">Barry Gordemer/NPR</a></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.npr.org/programs/morning/features/2001/dec/magic/011221.magic.html"><br /></a><br />On Monday night, I once again had the pleasure of seeing a lecture by the one and only Al Cohen, this time at the National Press Club. For more than 55 years, Al WAS magic in Washington, DC. His shop on Pennsylvania Ave. (later moved to Vermont Ave. off McPherson Square) was the Mecca of magic in the Nation's Capital. Magicians, both famous and obscure, would go out of their way to visit Washington and stop in to see Al.<br /><br />The list is so long and distinguished, you wouldn't believe it. When someone questioned it, Al would just smile and point at the ceiling, covered with playing cards signed by great magicians. Doug Henning, David Copperfield, Blackstone (Sr. and Jr.), Fred Kaps, Dai Vernon, Eddie Fields, Lou Tannen, Carl Ballantine, Eugene Burger, Okito, Cardini, J.B. Bobo, Mark Wilson, Bob Fitch, Slydini, Jay and Francis Marshall, Ali Bongo, Don Alan and many more all made the pilgrimage.<br /><br />The list of celebrities who made a point of visiting Al's Magic Shop reads like a Who's Who from the last half of the 20th Century: Presidents Harry Truman & George H.W. Bush, DC Mayors Walter Washington and Marion Barry, GEN Norman Schwarzkopf, Mohammed Ali, Jay Leno, Joel Grey, Joan Rivers, Avery Brooks, Willard Scott, Steve Martin, Henny Youngman and Ted Koppel...and the list goes on.<br /><br />While being in the Nation's Capital undoubtedly helped, I know of no other magic shop that can boast of this kind of patronage. When Al retired and sold the shop in 2001, the magic world went into mourning. In 2003, Al Cohen won magic's equivalent of a Lifetime Oscar, the <a href="http://www.magiccastle.com/ama/index.cfm">Academy of Magical Arts'</a> Lifetime Achievement Award.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why? Why would someone who sold magic tricks for a living command such respect and admiration? And what can we learn from Al Cohen?</span><br /><br />I first met Al in his shop as a youngster of perhaps 9 or 10. I supposed now that Al must have met thousands of budding magicians, but he always remembered my name and made me feel important. He also steered me right. I can't count the times that I would be looking at some expensive piece of apparatus and he would say, "You don't want that - get this instead," and he would sell me a trick I could actually learn and perform.<br /><br />You see, Al was in the business for the long term. He knew that if I felt bad about an impulse purchase I might not come back. So he sold me things I could do and books that would help me become a better magician, knowing that I would buy from him for many years to come.<br /><br />Al has a manner about him that has earned him the moniker "Magic's Mr. Nice Guy," a nickname he detests. But he learned early on that being an amazing magician was NOT the way to sell tricks. "People had to believe that they could do it, too," he once told me, "or they wouldn't buy the trick." So Al developed a style of presentation that was casual, conversational and fun. He was everybody's uncle who can do a few tricks and will teach you one. And that's how he became King of the magic dealers. His subtext was never "Look at me and be amazed," but always, "Look at this cool thing - you can do this, too!"<br /><br />He seldom presented a trick according to the instructions. He would get a trick in the shop and spend hours, sometimes days, playing with it, experimenting, coming up with presentational gambits until he finally had something he felt would engage his customers and their audiences.<br /><br />One of the few tricks he did by the book was probably his best-seller: a close-up gambling demonstration from Emerson & West called <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQjKrHFut38&feature=related">"Color Monte."</a><br /><br />"This trick is great," Al told me, "It has lots of visual surprises, it's easy to do, and it comes with a story, so you know exactly what to say. And the story helps you remember what to do. It's great for beginners." It was also great for sending his son Stan to college. When Stan graduated from Georgia Tech in 1973, he came to work with his father at the shop, eventually taking over doing shows so Al could focus on his burgeoning mail-order business and creating his own products.<br /><br />Al needed someone to do shows because by this time he had become the favorite magician of Washington's elite, performing at the White House and the most exclusive dinner parties at the homes of the rich and powerful. Years earlier, Evelyn Lincoln, President Kennedy's social secretary, loved to bring Al in to entertain - with a twist.<br /><br />"There were never more than 4 or 5 couples at a time," Al wrote in his <a href="http://www.geniimagazine.com/">GENII Magazine</a> column, "Memoirs of a Magic Dealer." "The thing that made this quite unique was the fact that she wanted everyone to think that I was just another guest at the parties who happened to do magic."<br /><br />The irony of all this is that Al never thought of himself as a magician. He told me that he always thought of himself as a salesman who happened to sell magic tricks. Because he wanted to sell a LOT of magic, Al was good, prepared and did everything he could to make the experience of watching magic and buying magic as much fun as possible for the person on the other side of the counter. In the process, he became not only a great dealer but a great magician, too.<br /><br />In the early 1900's, the great pioneer of close-up magic, <a href="http://www.magicwebchannel.com/hall_Leipzig.htm">Nate Leipzig</a>, famously said, "People want to feel that they have been fooled by a gentleman." No one in contemporary times embodies this more than Al Cohen.<br /><br />The magic shop is long gone, a victim of online discounters. But today, remarried to the lovely Rita, Al is still healthy and active at 83, and has a renewed interest in magic. We had lunch recently and he told me, "Eric, I am really having so much fun with magic! All those years I was selling it, I never really had time for magic as a hobby. Now I have time - and I'm having the time of my life!"<br /><br />Time for another lesson.Eric Henninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01141843150464009165noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420968154594367147.post-56810361435030966282009-03-15T20:41:00.000-07:002009-09-17T19:23:01.155-07:00My Son, the EntertainerOn my way to a show last night, Ian (3 1/4 yrs old) gave me his new <a href="http://fljerry.com/zencart/s-s-adams/snake-mint-can">Snake Can</a> and said, "Daddy, you need this for your show!" - It got the biggest laugh in the show.<br /><br />A week earlier, we were in <a href="http://www.fellspoint.us/">Fell's Point</a> (Baltimore's colonial seaport where TV's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homicide:_Life_on_the_Street">"Homicide"</a> was filmed) and I was planning to do some street, when we walked past a bar with a great electric blues band playing, and Ian started dancing, then break dancing. People leaned out of the windows and applauded.Eric Henninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01141843150464009165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420968154594367147.post-24439951931365620442009-01-20T20:04:00.000-08:002009-01-20T20:10:57.182-08:00The Man, the Message and the MomentThis benediction by the Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowry has to be one of the best speeches/public prayers ever. Possibly better than Pres. Obama's Inaugural Address. This is what happens when the man, the message and the moment come together.<div><br /></div><div><div><iframe height="339" width="425" src="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/28738443#28738443|1520|20790" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><p class="msnbcLinks">Visit msnbc.com for <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/">Breaking News</a>, <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032507">World News</a>, and <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032072">News about the Economy</a></p></div><br /></div>Eric Henninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01141843150464009165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420968154594367147.post-65663909977124756052008-11-21T19:53:00.000-08:002009-09-21T14:46:41.480-07:00Happy Thanksgiving!This week, the holiday rush will subside, the preparations will pause and on Thursday we'll take a moment - hopefully much more than a moment - to consider our blessings.<br /><br />For my part, the recent passing of an old college friend has made me keenly aware of the passage of time - and of the potential for missing the important moments.<br /><br />So before our family journeys to Southern Maryland for a real family reunion and ridiculous amounts of food, I wanted to take one of these moments to say a simple<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">THANK YOU.</span><br /></div><br />Because of your support, encouragement, and yes, your business, I am able to do what I love. It's a rare privilege, and one that I do not take for granted.<br /><br />I encourage you in this holiday season to take some time to thank those who have been especially important in your journey to this moment - they may never know their impact on your life unless you tell them.<br /><br />Happy Thanksgiving!Eric Henninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01141843150464009165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6420968154594367147.post-13718825992552812982008-02-26T15:56:00.001-08:002009-09-21T14:47:12.835-07:00Welcome to the new site!Welcome! I'll be posting all of the info, pictures and news on Henning Magic, LLC here.Eric Henninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01141843150464009165noreply@blogger.com0