724: Larry Hass, Ph.D. - Great Answers

Dr. Larry Hass is the Dean of Jeff McBride’s “Magic and Mystery School” in Las Vegas. Successor to the late Eugene Burger, Dr. Hass carries on the tradition and instruction in his own style, but with definite and apparent influence by Eugene. In fact, Larry was in secret collaboration with Eugene on his last two books that were not to be released until after his death. Those two books are now available and stand as testaments to the brilliant mind of Eugene Burger.

In this episode, Dr. Hass talks about his journey to be on the faculty, then Associate Dean to finally becoming the Dean of the School. He gives a short lesson covering some of the tenants taught in the School. In case you wondered about how the Magic & Mystery School works, then this conversation will fill you in on how and what they do. We also talk about the importance of contracts, lighting, and more plus Larry reminisces about his old friend, Eugene Burger.

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MINDvention 2012 Pictures from Days 2&3

Finishing the second day, Colin McLeod gave the last lecture for the day before the evening show. Colin always has commercial mentalism and his lectures are thorough, fun and creative. I think I bought (and will use) his complete lecture package.

Later that evening, Kenton Knepper was one of the featured performers on the "1st Masters of Mentalism" show. His lecture opened the second day and included material that is unique to him but sparks creative thought in all of us. He talked about loving your audience and having them love you.

Eugene Burger was in town for the Master Class for Mentalism that will follow the MINDvention. It will feature Ross Johnson, Eugene, Jeff McBride and Lawrence Haas. Which is why, in part, that Eugene came to introduce Larry Haas' lecture.

Lawrence Haas' lecture was another thought provoking talk. It was more than a lecture but more of a collegiate class on deep thinking about your own performance. Larry was one of the performers on the "1st Masters of Mentalism" show on Day Two. His performance style gave me pause to consider his character. I think you would get a clear picture of him if you could imagine Eugene Burger and Kreskin having a "love child".

Ross Johnon followed Larry with a lecture tribute to Al Koran. It was a fascinating study and history of one of the titans in mentalism. Ross finished his lecture with a ten miute blindfold act that killed. Well done, Ross! I am so thrilled to have seen his performance.

A big "thank you" goes out to co-roducers of the MINDvention, Robert Allen and Danny Archer and all the guys behind the scenes who make everything fun and run smoothly. Thanks, guys and we look forward to next year's tenth.

Photos from Abbott's 2012 Day 3

Day Three of Abbott's Get-Together was another beautiful, sunny day in southern Michigan. People were still coming in to Abbott's Magic Factory to pick up their registration packets. The bulk of their magic inventory, however, was relocated from the Factory to the dealers' room that was set up in the elementary school.

You never know who is going to show up at a Get-Together. Perhaps if I would have waited for the owner of this car to return, I could have solved an age old question.

Buskers fanned throughout the village to entertain the guests. One was appointed to the downtown area where the annual arts and crafts fair was taking place.

Jania Taylor (http://www.magicbyjania.com/) was assigned to the grocery store that had a throng of people who were there during the lunch hour for the Kiwani's Club benefit. They were offering lunch for $1.00 that included a hot dog, chips, soft drink and an ice cream sandwiich. You could order an extra hot dog for just 50 cents.

Michael Mode (http://www.magicmode.com/) was one of those who helped Jerry Costello with the "Happy Hour" party at Jerry's lake house that took place after Adele Friel's lecture and before the evening show. (Jerry is on the left and Michael is on the right).

You never know how people will be dressed for the Friday night show. Have you ever seen a dress made entirely from balloons? Never mind WHERE did she sit in the show last night. The question is HOW did she sit?