2007-06 Don Masters....from Bondi

Kudos to Dan Stapleton and his colleagues for organizing such a warm tribute event to 3 of Central Florida's most generous magicians. Mr. Stapleton was the perfect "Dick Cavett" style host, whose admiration for each honoree was plainly evident. Bravo!

Don Masters, one of the guests of honor, taught me so much that I was glad to be able to thank him in person. Over twenty years ago, I met Mr. Masters at Paramount Theatrical, now known as Pizazz. It was there that I learned not to just perform tricks but to entertain. Don later hired me to cover his days off at a Church St. Station magic booth. For over 4 months, I honed my skills demonstrating both beginner and professional close-up magic effects. I did not do it for the money. I did it for the experience. It paid off by improving my stage presence which has served me well ever since. And yes, I too perform Don Master's 5-Card Version of Wild Card to the delight of lay audiences and magicians.

Two quick stories: In 1981, Mr. Masters was recovering at Florida Hospital from a minor illness. When I went to donate blood, the hospital staff had a difficult time locating a Mr. "Don Masters." Well, after a quick phone call to Clarence of Paramount, my donation was correctly credited to a Mr. Douglas Cameron! Hey, who knew?

More recently, I was performing close-up at the Fashion Square Target store, when a friendly elderly lady named Emma approached me to say, "I'm going steady with a magician." Her enthusiasm and words made me chuckle inside. Then I asked who was her boyfriend. "Don Masters." she said blushing like a school girl. Wow, I thought. Forget about my card skills. If my wife is half that giddy about me when we are older, I will have really learned Don Master's true magical secret!

Thanks Don! :)

Bondi