Itex (International Trade Exchange) holds their annual meeting in a different city each year.  This year it was held at the Red Lion Hotel on 5th Avenue in downtown Seattle.  Between 100 – 150 trade directors and brokers from Florida to Maine to Texas to Washington.  I’ve been an Itex member since 1998 so it was neat for me to finally get to meet some of the corporate leaders whose names I’ve heard over the years.

Business is Better with Barter

Obviously I’m a fan of barter.  I’ve bought everything from printer cartridges to video production services to a large fiberglass greenhouse.  In 2008 I joined the BizXchange, or BizX, and in 2009 I joined Saturn Barter.  Several trade directors asked about travel to their area.  My act is flight-friendly, I have my passport, and can fly from Seatac International Airport for events.  No live animals or pyrotechnics are used in my show, so traveling and shipping cases is not an issue.

Learn more about Seattle barter magician Jeff Evans by calling me toll-free (877) 412-5064 or sending e-mail to jeff@amazementproductions.com.

Island Recreation sponsors the San Juan Island Children’s Festival each year. I last performed for this event in 2004. Sally, Recreation Director, has tried to have me back several times and the date didn’t work out until this year.

The “Leap off the Page” theme and encourages kids to pick up a book and read. So, it was a natural for me to perform my Reading Magic show that uses characters and situations from popular children’s books. And of course, I included plenty of just-for-fun magic, too.

The San Juan Island Library had a gigantic replica of “Where the Wild Things Are”. Thanks to librarian Melina Lagios for taking the fun photo.

The weather was beautiful and taking the ferry from Anacortes to Friday Harbor was very a pleasure. I’ll do festival shows all day in weather like this!

I love Home and Garden shows because… I love my home and garden!  In fact, I just recently bought a Solar Gem Greenhouse, a vendor that I’ve met at this (and other home shows) many times in the past.  There’s nothing cooler than being able to plant your own veggies (or fruit) from seeds, watch them grow, and then pick and eat them.

I’m also a big fan of all things designed to make yard maintenance easier.  If it says Stihl or Honda or takes gas, I’m all over it!  It was also fun roaming through the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds.  For several years I performed as part of their Fair and I have lots of great memories of working there with my buddy juggler Greg Bennick, watching the demo derby, and more.

Here are some photos from this year’s Show.  Thanks to Jason Baker for sharing!

Yesterday I performed for the Harrison Medical Center’s Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at the Kitsap Golf and Country Club in Bremerton. I spoke with the Country Club event planner, Janet, in advance to insure that they had a stage and sound system available for me. I arrived early to check in, set up, tech my sound, and figure out the lighting. Before guests arrived I changed into my “show costume” and was ready as their guests began arriving.

I performed close-up magic as people mingled and socialized before the luncheon. Here’s where most groups go wrong, but Harrison and the Country Club did it right: meals were ready and served right on time. Starting on time is key to making sure that the rest of the schedule flows properly.

After hospital CEO Scott Bosch addressed the audience and thanked everyone for their contributions, Stephanie Cline introduced me as the feature entertainment and I actually started a little ahead of schedule. This never happens, and was a nice surprise! A good time was had by all.

“Jeff was fabulous, fun, amazing and WOWed our group of 225 youth and adults at a hospital appreciation luncheon. Everyone raved about his performance. Jeff is interactive, likable, professional, and easy to work with. I highly recommend him for any event. Enjoy!”
-Nora Bopp, Harrison Medical Center

This show was booked through Gigmasters.com. You can read Nora’s review – and a dozen others – on my Gigmasters profile at www.gigmasters.com/Magician/Jeff-Evans/.

If you’re looking for more great entertainment ideas for your staff, client, or volunteer appreciation event, please get in touch with me. Send e-mail to jeff@amazementproductions.com or call me in Olympia toll-free(877) 412-5064.

Dana initially found and booked me through Gigmasters. (I’ve mentioned this before, if you’re looking for entertainment online and don’t already know who you want to hire, I think the Gigmaster’s system of client-based reviews and the overall quality of performers is excellent.)  I’m pretty sure Jim knew about the dinner, but the magic show was a surprise literally until the moment that Dana introduced me and the show began.  Fun!

“Over a week later and we’re still asking…. how did he do that?? Jeff is wonderful – so talented and such a wonderful person and entertainer. We had guests at our party from ages 10 to 70 and he delighted each and every one of them. I have been told over and over that this party was the best party many of my guests had been to and I attribute much of that response to Jeff. He arrived well before his designated time and stayed and enjoyed the party with us as he delighted our guests with balloons and magic tricks. I have given his name to many people – including the owner of the restaurant and I whole-heartedly recommend Jeff to anyone wanting a quality act.
-Dana S., Everett

Read this review and others like it on my Gigmasters profile at http://www.gigmasters.com/Magician/Jeff-Evans/.  If you’re planning a birthday party or other celebration and are looking for proven entertainment that makes people glad they came, please visit my website and or e-mail me for more information.

When I arrived there were plates of doughnuts at each table.  Another area featured “decorate a cookie” stations where kids were creating their own custom bookies.  After that, it was outside for the Easter Egg Hunt.  Each plastic egg had a mini chocolate bar or other individually-wrapped candy.  Can you say SUGAR SPIKE?

On Sunday I performed for Charlie Company’s kids’ Easter party at the Family Resource Center at Fort Lewis/JBLM.  Joeetta and her friends did an incredible job of decorating and planning the party.

“Thank you! You were amazing to both young & older! I will definitely use you again and recommend you to everyone! I have heard nothing but praise about you today.  Again thank you for making our Easter Party so special!”
-Joeetta Davis, Charlie Company FRG

Along with magic, featured entertainment included face painting, a professional balloon artist, professional photographer By George Photography taking event photos as well as studio-style photos with Mr. Easter Bunny.  Of course, there was the Easter egg hunt as well as a huge catered meal and tables upon tables of cookies, Hostess goodies, cakes, pies, candies, and more.

I receive lots of compliments from my shows, but it’s not every day that someone goes out of their way to mail me a wonderful thank-you letter and share a photo from my appearance at their party.  Thank you, Linnea and Sofia!

“We were thrilled with the magic show Jeff Evans performed for our daughter’s 7th birthday party. From my first e-mailed inquiry to schedule the party about a month prior, Jeff was very professional and interested in making the party just what we wanted. Our party date turned out to be just after a big snow storm had run its course and Jeff assured me that weather had never prevented him from doing a show. He was there as promised.

“The group of thirty-five 4 – 7 years old and their parents were very engaged as Jeff flawlessly unveiled one creative magic trick after another. A couple of the kids were occasionally loud or fidgety but Jeff humorously got them settled in as though e was a seasoned elementary teacher. My often shy daughter had a great time getting to assist with a couple tricks and eve got transformed into a real magician. Jeff included a couple of science themed tricks and share the physics of how those tricks work and could be done at home.

“Jeff made a balloon hat for each child and even gave my daughter a birthday gift. His humor and professionalism definitely made the party a memorable success. One parent said, “That magician should be on Letterman” and many parents told me, “He is REALLY good.”

“Jeff’s performances definitely produced amazement, giggles, and clapping from the multi-generational crowd. Jeff’s birthday party fee was worth every cent. Our memories, pictures and video will bring smiles for years to come. Weeks after the party, parents tell me their kids are still practicing their magic tricks. We used our neighborhood library community room which was free and worked really well as a party location. If you are thinking about having a magical gathering, you cannot go wrong selecting Jeff Evans for the entertainment.

“We will be watching the library reading program schedules hoping you’ll be doing a show or two in our neck of the woods this summer.
-Linnea S., Seattle

Learn more about my magic shows for kid’s birthday parties at www.mymagicparty.com or send e-mail to jeff@amazementproductions.com.

I recently performed for Liam’s Bar Mitzvah at Maggiano’s Restaurant in downtown Bellevue.  His mom, Mindy, wanted a magician (Liam loves magic), but was adamant from the start that, I must not “dress up like a clown and do kiddie tricks.”  That’s very wise, because teenagers should be treated more like adults than kids.

I shared several recommendations from other Bar Mitzvahs that I’ve performed for in the past.  One family on Mercer Island has had me perform for all three of their boys’ Bar Mitzvahs!  It’s an honor to become part of a family tradition like this.

I also gave her two references from recent shows.  She called and spoke with both, heard what she wanted to hear, and hired me.  Suggestion:  when in doubt, ask to speak to a client.  Any professional will be happy to have you talk to a recent client.  If they balk or can’t come up with any names and numbers, move on.  Be sure that the person you talk with hosted an event similar to yours (demographics, number of guests, etc.).

I was impressed with how Liam’s maturity.  He narrated a wonderful slide show that featured pictures of him and many of his guests – both family and friends – that joined him that evening to celebrate the occasion.  He recognized his aunts and uncles and grandparents and out of town guests.  When I took the front all of the kids quickly found  a seat,quieted down, and were ready for showtime.  I’ve been to some wild Bar Mitzvahs, so this was a very pleasant experience!

“Jeff is not only a truly talented magician who will keep your party guests mesmerized, but also a great entertainer who keeps them laughing as well.  I am still hearing from out Bar Mitzvah party guests (both adults and kids) how much they enjoyed Jeff’s strolling magic as well as his show.  He really made our party special!”
-Patricia Blount, Mercer Island

 For more info on planning your son’s or daughter’s celebration in the greater western Washington area call me toll-free (877) 412-5064 or send e-mail to jeff@amazementproductions.com.

Linda with the Georgia-Pacific Federal Credit Union in Bellingham was looking for something fun, unique, and entertaining for their Annual Meeting. About the same time that she was researching options, she heard about me from an invitation to a local holiday-business mixer where I was the featured entertainment. The local business paper, the Northwest Business Monthly, sponsored me that evening. This worked out great because after receiving my proposal, Linda and her associate, Andy, were able to seem me in person. (Demo videos are great, but meeting a person live is always the best thing.)

They booked me, and the planning committee decided on a “Casino Night” theme which complements magic well. The event was held at Bellingham’s Northwood Hall, where I’ve performed for holiday parties in the past. It has a nice sound system and portable stage that insures that everyone can see and enjoy the program and presentations.

I enjoy performing both strolling and stand-up magic for events like this. The strolling magic gives me an opportunity to meet a lot of people and learn about them. I ask questions and learn about the organization. Basically, it gives me ammunition and material for my stand-up show! I’m also making mental notes about who may be a good volunteer to help out on stage later on

“Jeff Evans is outstanding! We had over 150 guests attend our annual Credit Union event, which included social hour, business meeting, & dinner. I made arrangements for strolling magic and a show. Jeff went the extra mile to become part of our hosting team, keeping guests completely engaged as they arrived with strolling magic during the social hour.

“After our meeting and dinner he presented a show that will be long remembered. Jeff delivers more than just illusions; with his impeccable timing, it was more like watching stand-up comedy with a twist! He is interactive and plays both to the volunteer assistants from the audience and his illusions. I consider it my privilege to have had Jeff for our event; he is a professional in every sense of the word. I would hire him again in a heartbeat! Thanks Jeff!”
-Linda Sant, GaPac Federal Credit Union

Read this and more reviews online at http://local.yahoo.com/info-22241729-amazement-productions-olympia#reviews. If you’re a client, feel free to add your own!

Visit my website for great  entertainment for your annual meeting or client appreciation night.  Or, send e-mail to jeff@amazementproductions.com or call me direct in Olympia, Washington toll-free (877) 412-5064.

Over the years I’ve tried and used different set-ups, and the system I have now really works well for me. Covered in this article are some comments about old-school handheld microphones, wireless microphones (handheld, lapel, and headset), and using music as a solo act. Not covered are speakers, mixers, feedback, and the host of other elements that go into making an act sound good to an audience.

The next time someone asks, “What sound system do you use?” I’ll say, “Read my blog, buddy!”

Learn to use a Stand Microphone

Using a stand microphone is becoming a lost art. The PTA mom who approaches a microphone and doesn’t know how to adjust the height of a mic stand has a good excuse. Entertainers don’t. The ability to use an old-school stand microphone is invaluable and can save your bacon. Several years ago I took a week and went through all of my school assembly programs using the school’s wired (or, sometimes, wireless) handheld microphone exclusively instead of a headset. I also used a gim-crack holder occasionally, but intentionally wanted to learn how to use the mic stand. I discovered a lot of benefits of a handheld microphone. And, it saved me at least ten minutes of set-up and take-down as I didn’t need to plug in and tech my wireless mic.

In addition to getting comfortable with straight stand microphones, experiment with the “boom stand” style. There are extra adjustments that, in certain situations, are really handy. However, most comics, magicians, and prop entertainers prefer a straight stand. Know how to use both.

My business partner, Rick Anderson, loves using mic stands. From his background in stand-up comedy he is very comfortable with it, and it shows. A handheld microphone is a fantastic prop. It makes a lot of effects possible that can’t be done with a lapel or headset. Tap on the mic. Bring it close to your mouth and whisper. Hold it in front of a spectator so their voice can be heard. And, as a magician, a microphone in the hand is a valuable prop. Items can be naturally palmed in the hand holding the microphone, etc.

Look at comics. They always use handheld microphones because they can alter the effect of their voices so much more with this style of microphone. (And, again, it’s a great prop.) My friend Charlie the Noise Guy does incredible sound effects with his mouth. And he uses? Yes, a high quality wired handheld microphone.

Gim-Crack Saves the Day

Even if you’ve decided to buy a quality wireless headset system, do yourself a favor and pick up a gim-crack microphone holder. Do an internet search and several options will come up. They’re less than $20 and more than worth it. This has SAVED me, and comes in plain handy for situations where you’re asked to perform five minutes on stage (maybe part of several performers), and setting up your own mic either isn’t an option or the extra hassle just doesn’t make it worth it. I have one in my sound system case and another one in my car. Very, very handy.

Wireless Microphone Systems

Assuming you’ll be using your wireless microphone on at least a semi-regular basis throughout the year, it pays to buy quality. Having a quality wireless microphone means no dropouts, higher sound quality, greater range, flexibility to change frequencies when working in an area with other wireless systems or when in a different city, and more options for transmitters/headsets/accessories. Better quality units are built tough (high impact plastic, metal chassis for the receiver, etc.).

I personally like Shure and have used their products since about 1990, but Sennheiser, Sony, AKG, and others all have quality units (as well as entry-level models). I purchase my sound gear from www.ccisolutions.com. They are just outside of Olympia and convenient for me, but they ship products anywhere. If you want to talk with a sales staff, call Dieter directly at (360) 786-9195 and tell him I sent you. He can find out about your particular needs and make recommendations.

Currently I have two Shure ULXP receivers, two bodypack transmitters, and one handheld transmitter. I have both lapel mics and Countryman e6 headsets that can plug into the bodypack transmitters. I have two separate systems for a couple of reasons. It’s nice to have a backup in case one is lost or stolen or I need to set up in two different locations. Occasionally I use both together in situations where two people are talking at once. When I am recording a show from a camcorder at the back of the room, I set both receivers to the same frequency and use one transmitter to send signals to both the sound system (for the live audience) and to the receiver at the camcorder for pristine sound.

Features that I feel are important in a wireless microphone system:

• quality sound (more a function of the microphone element than the transmitter or receiver)
• excellent range – further than you think you’ll need, for those situations where the receiver HAS to be placed in a control room out of line of sight of the stage
• switchable frequencies (yes, I’ve been at the county fair when the emcee of the demolition derby was coming through another performer’s wireless mic receiver)
• durable (metal chassis for the receiver is nice. Gear gets stacked on top of gear, dropped, etc.)
• battery monitor/indicator (and carry spare batteries to replace them before they die during a performance)
• bodypack transmitter should have a jack that allows the microphone to be removed and replaced with the type of microphone you want to use (cheap units have the cord permanently connected)
• no sound when switching power on/off (cheap systems will have a static noise)
• receiver should have diversity operation (uses two antennas to prevent signal drop-outs)
• volume output control on the receiver (handy for adjusting the volume feeding into the mixer)
• • both XLR and quarter inch audio output connectors
• visual display showing signal strength
• visual display showing audio strength
• ability to adjust the gain to fit with different microphones and speaking styles
• ability to purchase additional bodypack or handheld microphones that will be compatible with the receiver

My bodypack transmitter has a very handy feature; the gain is adjustable on the fly. Normally mic gain controls require a tiny screwdriver to adjust a board-mounted potentiometer. However, in the ULXP it can be adjusted with a thumbnail. Why is this super-cool? Before the show I move this adjustment to a “middle” setting and set the sound system where I think it’s appropriate. However, acoustics change when the audience is present. I can fine-tune my volume during the show by simply slipping the transmitter out of my pocket and making the adjustment between effects. Voila!

Lapel Microphones

Magicians really need their hands free, and lapel-style microphones have been popular for performers for years. Lapels mics are still popular for things like ENG (electronic news gathering). If you purchase one, be sure to get one with a unidirectional pickup pattern. This means that it exhibits gain in one direction (usually in a cone towards your mouth) and rejects noise coming from the back and sides. This property of a unidirectional microphone gives it greater gain before feedback (volume can be higher without feedback). On the other hand, avoid an omnidirectional pickup pattern which picks up sound in a more circular pattern and is very prone to feedback.

You will want a windscreen for your lapel mic as they are susceptible to wind noise when doing outdoor shows. Be sure that it comes with the proper cable to mate with your bodypack transmitter.

Depending on speaker placement, lapel mics can work great for live performances. That is the catch; as a live solo performer you work in a lot of different venues, and feedback is usually an issue with lapel microphones. Headsets are the way to go.

Headset Microphones

Headsets are better than lapel microphones for most live performing situations. While there are several quality models, the Countryman e6 gets my highest recommendation. I first saw Shawn Farquhar use this microphone about ten years ago, and was blown away by its small profile and sound that rivals quality handheld microphones.

Like the lapel mic, be sure that your headset comes with the proper cable to mate with your bodypack transmitter. Different brands use different types of connectors. You’ll want to use a windscreen on your headset for outdoor shows, too. And some of my juggler friends (like Rhys Thomas) use flesh-colored tape to make sure the mic stays in place while doing crazy stunts.

One caveat with the Countryman e6; it has an omnidirectional pickup pattern. Because it is close to the mouth feedback is rarely an issue, but in a couple of situations (based on speaker location and space acoustics), it has been a problem. I do have a directional headset that I can use in these situations, but I prefer the Countryman.

Cuing Music for Solo Performers

When you get into adding music to your act, there are a lot of different options. (All assume that you’re working solo and don’t have anyone running your sound cues, obviously!)

• My hypnotist friend Jerry Harris uses a tiny iPod and a Sennheiser transmitter, I believe. The iPod connects to the bodypack transmitter with velcro. He had the music store solder a custom cable (90 degree plugs, etc.) to create a very low-profile package. He stuck a small metal plate to the back of the bodypack transmitter and wears a powerful magnet on his belt. With this “music machine” on his waist it’s easy to pull the unit off (thanks to the magnet), scroll through songs, adjust volume, etc. He has total control of his music. I’m sure that often times he doesn’t even need to remove the device from his belt, and can just press the “track forward” button.

• For years I used a minidisc player and the Virtual Soundman (marketed by Majiloon). Minidisc players are last-decade, and the Virtual Soundman is no longer made or supported.

• Kerry Pollack makes very high quality electronics for solo performers, most notably the MP3 Tech, Showtech, and MediaStar. Visit www.wirelesswizardry.com. Many working pros use his units and they are top of the line.

• With electronics becoming cheaper and more reliable, for many performers an iPod and an RF remote control works fine. (Maxell makes one that I have used. It doesn’t have great range. It’s adequate, but not for professionals.)

• In shows where, for various technical reasons, I can’t be near my music (sound booth located far away and no audio snake), I’ll use my second wireless microphone system and something similar to Jerry Harris’ system outlined above. However, instead of having the iPod and transmitter on me, I clip the transmitter under my table and have the iPod sitting on top of the table. Cuing is easy, as I simply hit “track forward” at the right time. Volume adjustments are easy, too. If you don’t want to be seen approaching your table, throw a RF remote into the mix. Now you’re controlling your iPod by remote, but it’s only a few feet away from you. The audio signal from the iPod is then wireless sent to your receiver by the reliable wireless transmitter.

• My magician friend Clinton W. Gray makes his own remote music control system, literally buying long-range RF transmitters and interfacing it to circuits that play mp3 files on an SD memory card. None of us are likely that technical, but it means that he can customize the system to do exactly what he wants.

Putting it All Together

I use a small 5-input mixer that goes into a padded laptop case that holds all of my sound system gear (less speakers). I can walk into nearly any auditorium, stage, school, etc. with this bag on my shoulder and know that I’ll be able to plug in and sound great.

• wireless microphone receiver and transmitter
• lapel and headset microphones (in protective cases, with wind screens)
• handheld microphone and screw-on mic stand holder
• various XLR and 1/4″ mic cables
• various XLR, 1/4″, 1/8″, and RCA connectors and adapters
• iPod and remote control
• custom made cables for connecting the receiver and iPod
• extra batteries for the handheld microphone, bodypack transmitter, and iPod remote
• gim-crack adapter
• extension cord with triple-outlet connector
• outlet checker (Is there power? Is it wired correctly?)
• gaffer’s tape (for taping cables down)
• mini screwdriver (for adjusting gain on handheld microphone)

Another Trick: Split Speakers and Send the Signal Wirelessly

I mentioned earlier that I have two complete wireless microphone systems. There are some situations where you need to have speakers separated by a large distance and cables aren’t a good option. In this case place one speaker near you, and run an output from the mixer to a bodypack transmitter which sends the signal (which can be a mix of your microphone and music) to a receiver located at the other location. This means that you don’t need to run a speaker cable up a balcony, around a pool, outside, etc.

When I’m being introduced and the room doesn’t have their own sound system, I just grab my handheld mic and have the emcee use it to introduce me. I set both the bodyback transmitter and handheld microphone to the same frequency. As soon as the emcee introduces me, I take the mic, turn the power off, and turn my bodyback transmitter on. I’m ready to go. If there is ever a problem with my bodypack transmitter, or if I want someone else to be able to talk (for instance, a spectator reading instructions), I flip my bodypack transmitter off and switch the handheld on. (Of course, if it is important and worth the extra time to set up the second receiver, you can have both transmitters live at the same time. Depends on the circumstances.)

OK readers, your comments are welcome. This is obviously a HUGE subject and I’d like your wireless microphone suggestions and solo-performer music tips and tricks.