Yesterday I actually had my computer off, which meant my phone line was cleared. This in itself was a rarity. And it also meant that telemarketers and other calls might come in. I am such a phone-o-phobic.
Instead, the phone rang and a thick NY accent came thru asking if I was Magic Ian. Well, that type of intro was one I only get from very few knowledgeable souls who have my phone number.
The man continued and said he had called George Schindler to track me down, who told him I was in Florida and then he tracked me down online.
The man calling was the fellow who runs Monday Night magic at a theater in NY, http//www.MagicalNights.com,
http//www.MondayNightMagic.com
.
But, the conversation continued as he said that Lance Burton was looking for me. I immediately told him "don't tell me Lance needs some more match pulls". This fellow Michael was amazed that I knew that.
Now, I have all told people that I knew Burton but even I could not have anticipated that Lance would go to great lengths to seek me out.
Many years ago, in the 70's, I had developed the effective and simple device called the dependelite match pull was the answer to the stage magicians need to produce a flame on command. There were many commercial and home-made devices before mine, but mine worked every time.
Burton was working on his FISM act and his classic Burton candle routine and having gotten several clips from me, decided to utilize them in his act. His success with them has lasted over 30 years, which included having six matches appear while doing the Carson Show "live",
Since that time, whenever Burton came to conventions, he sought me out and got clips and other items from me, but the last time I had seen him, I took an entire box of clips and dumped them into his shopping bag as a gift.
Well, 25 years later, those clips finally ran out and he remembered me enough to have his staff put out inquiries to find me.
My biz name is so generic, and my real name was never associated with my products, so it was probably hard to find me. Any one else would run to a magic shop and get "the knock-offs", but Burton was always loyal.
Anyway, after about a ten minute conversation with this fellow Michael, he told me to wait a moment while he added a call to Vegas on his conference call.
He reached Abi-Lyn, Burtons personal manager. But, more than that, he opened that call by saying "Guess what, I found Magic-Ian", then Abi-Lyn, as if jumping up and down said really, its Magic Ian, Lance will be so pleased, one moment, he is in the other room.
It was 4 pm Las vegas time and one of the rare times between shows that Lance was available.
After exchanging addresses and contacts with Abi-Lyn, she called me back within a minute and put Burton on the line, which just made my day.
That was a ten minute conversation reminiscing about the old days, and Lance actually asked if I knew that he was in Vegas. Now, I have followed Burtons activities for many years and know about most of his shows and TV specials, but what was really cool was that he was as humble and glad to talk to me as I was flawed to talk with him.
Anyway, I am sending him another 30 year supply of clips and he invited to come to see his show as his guest whenever I get to Vegas.
What a great call. That fellow Michael invited me to go to the Monday Night magic when I get to NY, and then Burton.
Just thought I'd share that with you.
- Magic-Ian
