Music is a big part of my life as much as magic is.  Back in 1997, I performed at Jeffrey's 10th birthday party in Palo Alto. Jeffrey is the son of a school friend, Andy Schneider, that I've known since 3rd or 4th grade. Well, that boy is now about 24 years old and playing in a band in England called, Ellen and the Escapades.  What a nice surprise to learn that this 10-year old boy had grown up and found his passion in music. Their music is very enjoyable. It can be described as delicate, bitter-sweet and soul searching.  Influenced by musical artists such as, Carole King, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Ryan Adams and Fleetwood Mac. I downloaded a few tracks from iTunes.  You can find out more about the band at: www.ellenandtheescapades.com

More about my school friend, Andy Schneider....

It was in 4th or 5th grade when Andy came to school and showed me a practical joke.  He then told me about this magic shop in Los Altos.  So, after school, we both rode our bicycles from Palo Alto to the "House of Humor".  There I was introduced to magic tricks, jokes and other novelties.  From then on, I would return on Saturdays to watch, Magician Bill Hagen, demonstrate the magic tricks for sale.

A few years later, there was an opening for a new demonstrator and I got the job.  It was a blast!  I got paid to perform magic for customers and earn money at the same time.  I started out at minimum wage making $1.65 an hour.  That was good money back then.  I remember how shocked I was when I got my first paycheck and Uncle Sam kept $0.45 in taxes.  I thought I was robbed.

Thank you, Andy for telling me about the "House of Humor".