My Mom thought it wise to channel some of my frenetic energy into theater and music at a young age. Otherwise, the nightly banging of fingers and butter knives on the plates and glasses of the dinner table were going to drive her crazy.
All five of us kids were exposed to constant music from our guitar-teacher Mom. For me, though, it was all about the rhythm. Guitars and pianos could carry a melody, but rhythm drove my waking moments – always has, and always will. And late-night radio drove my dreams.
Our hearts fulfill two functions that I especially care about. From birth, it is its rhythm that propels this life-giving muscle. It is that rhythm which allows us our adventures.
But our hearts also interpret the expressions made by rhythms, music, sculpture, painting, singing, magic, crying babies and lovers’ soft words. I figured I’d be in good hands if I followed that muse.
Fast forward to two days past my 18th birthday, and I left for 4 years of service in the 505th Air Force Band of the Midwest, followed by 12 more years of criss-crossing the country in the form of show bands and magic. I enjoyed living in Minneapolis, Champaign, Wichita, Nashville and Denver, and I enjoyed the travel. I especially enjoyed stopping in at local magic shops near each town we played in to find a special book or an effect created by local craftsmen.
But a tragic, unexpected event led to a life-changing decision. The time had come to leave music behind and embrace the possibility of a new career and a new city. I moved a couple thousand miles and became a resident of Naples, this place of beauty and hope.
And for 31 years in this town of art and education, beaches and festivals, magic has been my fulltime passion and calling. Because for me, magic is about infinite possibilities – about the ‘what ifs?’.
And now, I have the real pleasure of bringing my show, The Musical Mindreader, to a room that is also the stuff of dreams. It’s called the London Club, at the Bellasera Resort in downtown Naples. It is the finest live-performance venue in our region. It’s intimate and holds unforgettable surprises, from the art on the wall to the Churchill Room. You’ll love the amazing booths, and the state of the art sound and lighting. Not to mention their Yamaha grand piano!
The London Club is the newest venture of the restaurant family behind the legendary Bay House, as well as the Turtle Club and the Claw Bar, all well-known eateries of Naples. They’ve set the standard for excellence in Southwest Florida for decades.
Because most of my shows are private performances for corporations, resorts and country clubs, my public shows are a rare opportunity for me, so I can’t wait to bring the songs you’re singing in your head to life. Truly, your thoughts will become the music of the night. I am so excited to bring magic, music, laughter to this stage. If you’d like to see the show, please set aside January 31st. There’ll be tableside mysteries at 7, and the show starts at 8. I hope I’ll see you there.
