Oooops! Sorry!

Well, I guess I owe an apology to anyone who's bothered to check out my blog here, as it's been over a year since I've posted. I could give you excuses, such as the fact that I've been swamped with other activities in my professional performing career, all of which would be true, but bottom line is I simply need to make these entries a priority. And I intend to make more of an effort in that regard.

I'm doing a lecture for the Quad Cities Magic Club on October 23, so it's a good opportunity to re-establish my focus on promoting magic as an actual Art Form.

Speaking of which, in my local area, I've been involved recently in several projects helping to promote the arts. Among other things, I've attended several meetings sponsored by the Economic Development Council in the Peoria area on creating an "Artist Relocation Program" as part of the downtown riverfront and warehouse district development in Peoria. The idea is to encourage established artists to move to the Peoria area as one means of stimulating the local economy, increasing tourism, and improving the lifestyle choices in the area.

Studies have shown that the economic development of a metropolitan area is driven largely by the "creative class", the artist, innovators, entertainers, and others involved in creative pursuits. Without them to draw interest and appeal to a city, nothing else happens.

I firmly believe that magic has a role to play in this crucial process. In these tough economic times, magic can inspire like little else. That is, if we're willing to step out on the skinny branches and make our magic represent more than just some cool tricks. How much meaning and emotion can you put into your magic? How much inspiration? It's certainly food for thought.