Who Were Your Heroes?
Greetings my Bubble Nation Community
Who Were Your Heroes?
When I was a kid, I had heroes. People who made me look at magic and think, I want to do that someday. As we grow up, our heroes have a way of becoming part of who we are. They influence our dreams, our creativity, and sometimes even the direction our lives take.
Yes that is little me... with my blue shirt and purple tie...which I still wear those colors to this day.
One of my greatest heroes and mentors is Jeff McBride. Jeff has spent his career pushing magic beyond simply performing tricks. He combines incredible skill with theater, movement, mystery, storytelling, and meaning. He has also dedicated decades of his life to teaching and mentoring other magicians through his Magic & Mystery School. Those ideas have had a tremendous influence on the performer I became.
I've been fortunate enough to learn from Jeff personally over the years, I’m also a pretty serious collector of his work.
I have the largest Jeff McBride and Mystery School collection in the world. My collection has grown to include some incredible rare pieces, including a few things you won’t find in anyone else’s collection.
But what means the most to me isn't the collection. It's what he taught me.
A great magician doesn't just create magic. He passes it on.
Today, after nearly three decades as a professional performer, I sometimes look out into the audience and wonder if there's a kid watching me the same way I once watched my heroes. One of my favorite parts of my performance is my Bubble Superhero routine. I invite a child onto the stage, dress them in their official Bubble Hero gear, and for those few minutes, they aren't just watching the show anymore. They become part of it. They become the next Bubble Hero.
There's something special about watching a child step into that role. They get to be brave, silly, magical, and completely caught up in the moment while an entire audience cheers them on.
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A Dream is Becoming Real
I know what it felt like to be a kid looking up to my heroes and imagining what I might become someday. Now, after nearly three decades as a professional performer, I get the incredible opportunity to stand on the other side of that experience.
Maybe one of those Bubble Heroes will go home wanting to learn magic. Maybe they'll become a performer, an artist, an inventor, or something completely different. What matters is that they had a moment where they got to imagine themselves as something extraordinary.
Our heroes show us what is possible. As we grow, we have the opportunity to turn around and do the same for someone else.
You never know when something you say, create, teach, or share might become the spark that inspires someone's story.
I'm incredibly excited to finally share that another longtime dream is now in the works. I'm opening a brick and mortar magic shop and event center!
The Bubble Dragon Magic Shop is already thriving online, and now the physical shop is beginning to take shape. There is still plenty of magic happening behind the scenes as we bring the space to life, but I don't want to wait until everything is finished to start using it for something I'm truly passionate about.
Teaching...
Beginning this September, I'll be hosting in person Magic Workshops and Bubble Workshops, with additional dates and workshops to be announced at the Bubble Dragon Magic Shop. These will be opportunities to learn, experiment, create, and experience magic hands on.
For me, this shop was never meant to be just a place to buy magic. I want it to become a place where people can discover it, learn it, and experience it together. A place for the community to gather for magic workshops, bubble workshops, card games, D&D, gaming, and more. Because magic isn't always a trick or an illusion.
Sometimes the real magic is simply finding your people, sharing what you love, and having a place where you belong.
Maybe I'll even meet a future magician who is just beginning their story.
Learn Magic & Bubbles With River
This month's featured experience is something I'm especially excited about.
My new Magic and Bubble Workshops give you the chance to learn with me hands on, build new skills, ask questions, and discover some of the secrets behind the magic.
Four classes. Four chances to unlock something extraordinary. From secrets of magic to the art of incredible bubbles, each workshop builds your skills week by week through September. Choose magic, bubbles, or take on both and see what you can create.
Click the buttons below to reserve your spot in one of my Magic or Bubble Workshops.
Join Magic Workshops Here Join Bubble Workshops Here
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Bring the Magic to Your Next Event
Summer may be coming to a close, but the magic certainly isn't!
I'll be heading to Enchanted Fairy Fest next!
All while continuing to bring bubbles, magic, laughter, and wonder to schools, festivals, birthdays, summer camps, weddings, community events, and special celebrations.
Find your heroes. Follow your magic. Then become the inspiration for someone else....
The greatest magic is inspiring someone else to discover their own
With Magic, Bubbles and Gratitude,
River Barry