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jiayi Veteran user Canada 313 Posts |
There was a big debate about The Great Zucchini Eric a while ago. I was a bit sceptical as well, how could a guy dresses up like a slob for shows and raises to the top to become the #1 children's entertainer in Washington DC? But as soon as I saw his performance video, later his DVD lecture, I knew this guy really knows his stuff and I can relate to what he is preaching because I am a full time professional magician/children's entertainer in Toronto. I was intrigued, more importantly, I want to learn his secrets.
I decided to fly to DC past weekend and offer him $500 to learn everything he knows, under one condition that he will spend 2 full days with me and drive me to all of his shows so I can learn his secrets inside out. To my surprise, he turned down my money but accepted my offer. It was Labor Day weekend, every professional hates long weekends because it always means slower business, so I was surprised that he still had 3 shows on Sat. The first show was a 5-year old party, he literally had the kids laughing uncontrollable nonstop, his audience control is top-notch, he could have the kids running over the house during the show and as soon as he said the magic word "criss-cross apple sauce", everybody was back to their seats and in their best behaviours. The second show he was tipped $100, let's just leave it like that. The last show was a complete riot. I always thought the tricks Eric does is so simple and how could you possibly have parents sit down for 45 minutes to watch and enjoy, but he did just that. The basement was packed of kids and parents. Everyone laughed and had a great time. The kids were really into it, and the parents just cracked up watching the kids reactions during the show. Once you got the kids, you got the parents too. After the show, he mingled with the parents, talked to everyone at the party. Everybody loved him, he was just like a guest/friend at the party and walked away with a $50 tip in his pocket. I had to meet up with some friends in DC on Sunday, so I shadowed Eric again on Monday. He had 2 shows on Monday, the one I learned the most is a public show at Jamming Java, the phone was off the hook half an hour before the show, the place was packed with hundreds of Eric's little and big fans. He knew a lot of people by their names. I even saw some kids and parents from a birthday party Eric did on Sat! It was great to see a big show in action, Eric was so spontaneous with his routines/tricks. He asked me to throw a big sponge bone back to stage every time he threw it off stage. The kids love the running gag. I talked to some of the parents after the show, a lot of them have either seen him before or have heard so much about him. He is a real pre-school rockstar in the area. His shows were top notch for the pre-school children age 2-6, but what really impresses me is his down-to-earth demeanour. Unlike a lot of super stars who keep distance from their fans, he steps down the pedestal and completely humanizes himself. He is real. And to his fans, he is just like an uncle or a friend. I saw people chasing him down after the show, asking for business cards so they can refer his show to other families and libraries. It was an amazing experience! Not only Eric is great with what he does, but he also taught me a lot of young children psychology, the branding and subliminal marketing before and after the show. I can never thank him enough for the opportunity and the lessons. I can't wait to apply the things I learn to take my show and business to the next level. Thank you Eric! Ray |
Red Shadow Inner circle 1788 Posts |
If you still have that $500 to spend, you can shadow me if you want.
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Leland Inner circle St Louis 1180 Posts |
Hahahahahah!
Good one!
Life of Magic!
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TrickyRicky Inner circle TrickyRicky 1653 Posts |
I'm quite sure you've picked up a few tips from watching his performances. Although it not something I would do myself, shadowing another performer.
There is nothing wrong with it. Just not my cup of tea. Different strokes for different folks--I guess. Just in a short time he's come a long way. The guy has something that no one can copy. I've seen your show a few times and you're quite a performer yourself. You're probably better than me, but then again--who am I really. Toronto has great children entertainers--XRay---Wij--Mark Lewis--Buck Macleod(Uncle Buck). You guys are the tops. Tricky Ricky |
Harv Inner circle I'm building a fence with 1127 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-09-07 19:20, TrickyRicky wrote: Hey...you forgot about me!! Just joking...I'm average at best. Richard, you are a humble guy but you are without a doubt the master of children's entertainment. jiay, glad you enjoyed your weekend with Eric! |
TrickyRicky Inner circle TrickyRicky 1653 Posts |
Of course Harv, how could I forget you.
I've met a few of your custpmers who really like your performance. Great stuff. Ricky |
jiayi Veteran user Canada 313 Posts |
Hi Ricky you are the best children's entertainer in Toronto, hands down. You and Eric have built a great reputation and created a brand, I can never become Tricky Ricky or the Great Zucchini, the customers would refer you by the name/brand rather than another magician/entertainer. That's what separates you from others, and that's what I am striving for.
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TrickyRicky Inner circle TrickyRicky 1653 Posts |
One of our top guys (Wij) saw your performance a few weeks ago, and he says that it was fantastic. My advice is to keep developing your style.
Wij says that one of your many srength is that the audiance likes you right from the start. That is the most important one. Also, the laughs were many. I received a email from Eric (The Great Zucchini) last week. What a nice person. He wants to come to Toronto and meet up with us guys. That's a big compliment. Should be a lot of fun brain storming with all of you guys at one or two sessions. Tricky Ricky |
Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Tricky Ricky
I have seen you perform, and I have seen Eric perform, and IMHO you are the two best kids entertainers in the business bar none. At Kidabra they say that their members are the best. I love Ken Scott, and Mike Bent's work too, but Eric, and Ricky are in a class by them selves.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
Steve Petra Regular user New York 195 Posts |
I still don't know what all the negative fuss over Zucchini was about. In fact, since the release of my DVD, I have been asked to do a number of lectures and I bought Eric's DVD (Kid Show Rockstar) before I did my first. I was inspired to see how relaxed, fun and generous a lecture could be. I think he's a riot and I personally relate to that free form mind explosion type of presentation.
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TrickyRicky Inner circle TrickyRicky 1653 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-09-08 09:20, Al Angello wrote: Thanks for the compliment. The truth is, I am in no way as good as Ken, Mike and Tommy James. Those three are in a higher class than me. I could learn a few things from them. The only advantages I have is (older and wiser) with more years of experience. Some of the best children entertainers are from the USA, of course the UK is the tops when it comes to any form of entertainment. Ricky |
The Great Zucchini Inner circle 1347 Posts |
Steve, thanks buddy, I'm glad you got something out of it. The thing is, It was my first video, and production value, and things like that, I have a lot to learn. I basically threw something together out of a talk, and felt that if people could get by the poor video, etc. and just hear what I was saying, it might make some sense.
I do believe it's hard from video to see what someone is talking about unless kids are brought in front of them. Al, and now Xray, and it looks like Charlie Checkers is coming the weekend of the 22nd, have seen live shows, and my next video will hopefully be better with production value, and what not. |
TrickyRicky Inner circle TrickyRicky 1653 Posts |
Hi Eric, thanks for your gracious compliment you made to Ray on the short video that a customer put on the tube.
Compliments from you means a lot. Really looking to meet up with you one day. Tricky Ricky |
Steve Petra Regular user New York 195 Posts |
Eric, I realize the shortcomings of the production look of the video. What made it worth it to me was the content as you stated. Production values and production "vision" will be more important on what you offer next. That's why I literally spent years rethinking my own video concept. By time I got into the studio I had already personally edited all of the live footage and had a clear concept of exactly what I wanted to convey. in what order and what should be done in the studio to supplement it. I also had a great video producer who helped put it all together.
Anyway. I remain a fan. |
Gerry Walkowski Inner circle 1450 Posts |
Ricky,
I wouldn't sell yourself short. I have seen the best and you're at the VERY TOP of that list. Gerry |
Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
Ricky, do you have any lecture DVDs? If so, I would be glad to purchase one because of the great remarks members mentioned about you above.
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