Kozmo is one of the world's top street magicians and was once described by Jon Racherbaumer as "the best I've seen in the trenches, bar none!" Kozmo's new two-disc DVD set, "Tales From the Street," promises to teach the secrets of working and entertaining on the streets to "stop, build and collect." He recently took time out to talk with Magic.About.com.
Wayne N. Kawamoto: What are the most important things that magicians will learn from your new DVD?
Kozmo: Wayne, I think the DVD is an anatomy of a successful street show. It's the whole thing: stopping, building, keeping and hatting the audience. I think it's the most thorough product that's ever been put out on performing magic on a street corner.
WK: What are you most proud of on this DVD?
Kozmo: I'm proud that I have this opportunity to give back. I was a Cellini student and he, in my opinion, may have been the best magician to ever work the streets. Jim was pure magic. I think that Gazzo is the most important magician to ever work the street. He’s had more impact on the performance of magic in this environment and may be the most copied act in magic.
I loved the Cellini DVDs, but it was more of an overview of working and wasn't magic specific. (I produced those so I know.) I think that my DVD set will increase the learning curve dramatically and provide lots of answers.
WK: What does street magic offer a performer?
Kozmo: Cellini gave me this wonderful gift, the ability to go out and make great money working in the harsh world of the streets. Imagine never having to deal with an agent or always having a place to work. I can go out and work everyday and there's no place where you can get this amount of performance or stage time.
IT MAKES YOU STRONG and prepares you for any situation, which makes working inside so easy. I have seen so many talented magicians just run away with their tails between their legs because street magic is tough. But, if they see some success, then maybe they'll come back.
WK: What is that "something" that a magician has to have to be successful on the street?
Kozmo: You have to be willing to communicate with people passing by. You have to be outgoing. You have to be willing to fail. You need to have thick skin. If you don't have these things you will fail.
It also takes courage to work out there. A willingness to come back after failing. You need to be strong. But if you have those things, wow, what a life, what a blessing. I get to travel the world. It’s the gift of freedom.
WK: Can you please tell us about one important tip that's covered on the DVD that will help a newcomer to street magic.
Kozmo: Everything is there. All the answers. My show from start to finish and I welcome everyone to do anything they want from the show. But the important thing is the theory. All the things that have worked so well for me all these years.
WK: Any other projects that you’d like to talk about?
Kozmo: I'm really excited about our new artist, Eric Jones. This guy is off the hook - reat chops, a graceful performer and fantastic coin guy. His new DVD is called "Mirage et Tios." We're also excited about a new Justin Miller project, "Captured," a cap in bottle effect that's strong and appears impromptu.
We're working on a special project similar to the "As I Recall" Slydini Tribute that we put out a few years ago. Plus, we're focused on Reel Magic Magazine - trying to improve it so there's something for everyone and make it the best value in magic.
Hey Wayne. Thanks so much for inviting me to talk with you today. And I wish everyone who buys "Tales From The Streets" FAT HATS!!
