Old Shawnee Days a Success!

We packed the tent for all four mentalism performances at Old Shawnee Days! It was great to see so many familiar faces in the crowd – thank you to all who came out to support me. The planner said they want to have me again next year, so I will be looking forward to doing it all over again.

Mind-reading.

Taking in the sights and sounds of Old Shawnee Days between shows. (Left to right) My nephew Matthew, my sister Gretchen, my daughter Claire, and me.

I grew up at Old Shawnee Days, and so will my kids. This is my wife Lynn and I with our daughters Claire and Charlie.

Old Shawnee Days

I will be peforming my Mentalism Act all weekend long at Old Shawnee Days this year (the weekend of June 4-6). Show times are Saturday, June 5th, 1:30 and 5:30, and Sunday, June 6th, 1:30 and 4:00. Old Shawnee Days website - Old Shawnee Days on facebook

My Scranton Experience

Early in the spring semester I traveled to Pennsylvania to perform at the University of Scranton. In my short time there, I tried to take advantage of my close encounter with Jim, Pam, Dwight, Andy (or Drew) and yes of course…Michael Scott. Although I didn’t bump into any of the stars of “The Office” (which I believe is actually filmed in CA), my imagination got the best of me as my driver from Enterprise described to me which parts of the show accurately reflect Scranton: There is a Poor Richard’s Pub (but it’s in a bowling alley), there is an Alfredo’s Pizza – but there is no Pizza by Alfredo (or vice versa – we drove by whichever one was real), and there is a ‘Scranton Welcomes You’ sign. My driver drove out of our way to try to find it for me  - little did he know it is now on display in a mall in downtown Scranton. He didn’t want me to tell his boss that he wasted time driving me all over town looking for the elusive sign…so… “Alonzo” (as we’ll call you) – if you are reading this, our little secret is safe. And if Alonzo’s boss is reading this – your employee, “Alonzo,” who drove me all over town on Enterprise’s time and gas, isn’t actually “Jeremy.”

Apparently this famous sign from the opening credits of “The Office” was a road hazard due to tourists’ stopping by for pictures. It was uprooted from its place on the highway and is on display in downtown Scranton at the Steamtown Mall.

This novelty Office Store at Steamtown Mall was not open for business. I couldn't tell if it was coming or going, but it looked more like it was on its way out. Everyone I asked about it didn't seem to know or care.

Performing at the University of Scranton.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

“Devin, thank you again for making our event a big hit! I don’t remember our audience paying attention to our entertainer so well and especially wanting to talk with them! You were definitely a big hit and they are still talking about it! I’m glad you enjoyed it also! It was wonderful to have a Christian entertainer that was open about his faith (I don’t think we have ever had one before) and several mentioned that!”  Debbie,  Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

Debbie - Thrivent Financial for Lutherans - Awards Dinner

College Campus Shows

It has been a while since my mind has thought of time in terms of semesters, but this past ’semester’ was my first  in working with Power Performers, Inc. This New York-based agency hires out college campus entertainment across the country, and it is my privilege to be their Comedy Magician. They have had me all over the map recently, from Danville, Kentucky, to Seattle, to the Bronx. I enjoy the college crowd and am looking forward to the shows we already have booked for next semester.

“Devin was great; the students enjoyed his performance and requested he be brought back to campus soon. Devin was very professional and easy to work with. It was very easy to set up for his show.”  Edith Saint Fleur, Coordinator for Academic and Social Programs, Monroe College (Bronx, NY)

“The show was amazing! Can’t wait to have you back!” Jessica Svedberg, Sports and Leisure Chair SAB, University of Washington, Tacoma

New Jersey Institute of Techology (Newark, New Jersey) - Orientation

Centre College (Danville, Kentucky) - Family Weekend

Paul Smiths College (Paul Smith's, New York) - Orientation

Bancability Road Show

This summer I had the pleasure of working with a wonderful group of people: the Bancability Group of Bankers. You can recognize them by their green leaf logo, whether it’s just above your head on the doorway entrance of your bank or way above your head on their hot air balloon. They introduced mobile banking to their customers this past June, and I had the pleasure of accompanying them as they made rounds to many of their banks to introduce the launch to their employees. We did more than 20 shows in one week, and the purpose of them bringing me along was to introduce mobile banking in a fun and unique way – through mentalism. They introduced me as one of their techs from Jack Henry, and we had them all fooled until I started reading minds and bending silverware. We had a great time and I made some great friends along the way. Click here to see the newsletter they put out after the roadshow, and consider banking with the bancability group of banks – be sure to ask about opening up a ‘High & Free’ account. Visit www.bancability.com.

The Bancability Roadshow gang: Amber, myself, Carolyn & Pat

Big Boys Toy Show 2009

This past summer I had the pleasure of performing magic once again at the annual Big Boys Toy Show. The event hosted by Kansas City’s Sports Radio 810 was held in downtown Kansas City this year in the Power & Light District. It had been five years since I had worked this event, and I had a great time performing at the V.I.P. party, as well as in the pro athletes autograph line. The line-up included former Kansas City Royals pitcher Jeff Montgomery, center-fielder Brian McRae, and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and NFL hall of famer Len Dawson.

Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Famer Len Dawson and Kansas City's former FOX 4 sports broadcaster Frank Boal.

Former Kansas City Royals center fielder Brian McRae.

The legendary John Mayberry.

Former Kansas City Royals pitcher Jeff Montgomery (on left).

Improv

Thank you to all who have come out to support my appearances at the Kansas City Improv Comedy Club. I am tentatively scheduled to perform magic at the Improv again in February. They are shutting down for a few months to move to a new location in Zona Rosa. I will post my performance schedule at the beginning of the year. Please stay tuned.

Having a little fun with an audience member.