A warmer day, lots of sunshine and blue skies – quite a contrast from our last visit to Rockford, MI in February. Then, the blizzard came in – several feet of snow – and caused a cancellation of the performance. Most of the people held on to their tickets from February, a few turned them back in and they were re-sold. Tonight’s performance was sold out well in advance but there were a few pockets here and there of people who wanted to support the REF (the organization benefiting from the show) who didn’t make it.
There was a lot of excitement in the crowd. The light show started right on time, about 15 minutes before curtain. You could hear the chatter and, as the lights swept through the house, the people laughed and applauded. Their energy erupted as the final song introduced us and we were into the first illusion. I could tell that this was going to be a great crowd!
We had great volunteers on stage with us and, once again, the audience favorites were Walking Through a Wall and Windshear. We also had several of the local magicians in the audience. It’s always nice when we get the support of the area magicians – and have the opportunity to meet them. Several drove from miles away (Lansing, Toledo and Chicago). And I did have the chance to sit down and talk for a brief time with all of them after the show. It was nice to finally meet the Zubrick guys from Lansing. They’re off to Taiwan for two years, performing magic. I know they’ll have a great time.
Andy Riler (TD) and his crew were professional in every way. The day clipped along at a nice pace. We had our own extra “hand” because Nolan was with us this time. This was David and Kylie’s last performance with us after seven years on the road. And we’re trying to break in a new crew and start preparing for the fall tour. It will come rushing at us before we know it!
Tonight was the end of a chapter for us – and the beginning of a new adventure for David & Kylie. We’re heading home early in the morning and they will finish up packing for their big move at the end of the week – off to Dallas, TX. I know they’ll do a excellent job and it’s been great having them with us these last few years. They will be missed but what an adventure they have ahead of them!