Happy Birthday, Henry

Today I had the honor to be featured at Henry's birthday party. Honored? Is that sarcasm? Not in the least! When I think of all of the choices that Henry's family had on ways to entertain for his birthday-- other magicians, clowns, jugglers, musicians, movies, mechanical mice, and so on and so on-- I am pleased and honored that they chose me.

Birthdays for me are not "quick gigs." The way that I see it, so few of us no take the opportunity to enjoy live entertainment today. Fewer of us still seek out private entertainment just for us and our friends. This may be one of the few times that these kids get to see a live show before they are completely immersed in the “mass media.” Our show may form the impression which can make a difference between someone who only knows movies, or who steps out occasionally and enjoys a play. Obviously we're not the only influence, but I think we make a difference. So with that in mind we try to do birthdays up big. We set a stage with a curtain backdrop. We have music using the same professional sound system that we would use for a corporate luncheon meeting. We try to do magic that matters including the good stuff and the hard stuff. Over and over again I have seen that kids can tell the difference. It makes the extra work worthwhile.

For Henry, the big moment came when he got to float on the air. The gasps which came when I removed the support holding him and he hung there motionless will be something that remains with him and everyone for a long time. The moments where Henry got to control the magic and created something for his friends will stay with him for a while. Maybe he'll look back on this as a memorable moment in his life.

Kid stuff? Sure! Kid stuff which takes all of the effort, skill and care as any commercial event I've ever done. Worth it? You bet your lucky nickel it is worth every moment. Because all of the memories that Henry and his friends carry with them, I get to carry too.

Thank you Henry and Henry's family, for considering me important enough to be a part of one of your most important events.