It was the year 1998 when local magician featured in the City Times
Gary has been practising and performing magic since 1973 from the tender age of 15.
President of the South African Magic Council (SAMCO) Gary Weedon takes us down memory lane while sharing some of his fondest memories as a magician since he was featured in the City Times in 1998.
The former East Rand Magic Society president for the Benoni branch said since he appeared in the papers, he has been continuing doing magic shows and also developing himself in the corporate world.
“The industry has changed a lot in 23 years. At one stage I was doing close-up magic in seven different restaurants from Alberton to Pretoria in a week, to doing shows on the weekend,” said Gary.
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“Even with the industry changing, I have performed for well-known television celebrities. I turned an old army bus into a children’s entertainment area called Big Bertha.”
When Gary was featured in the newspaper, he was going to perform at Nelson Mandela’s birthday party for underprivileged children and the magic society’s 10th birthday celebration in 1998.
He has been practising and performing magic since 1973 from the tender age of 15.
The 62-year-old still works as a magician, however, due to the pandemic, it has been challenging but he does some of his shows through zoom.
“I love being a magician because you get to make those who are sad happy and seeing the amazement on their faces when something disappears gives me satisfaction.
“I also enjoy meeting interesting people and showing my talent to less privileged people. I do shows for some of the homeless originations and Mr and Miss Benoni as my way of giving back to the community,” he said.
Gary who has been a Benoni resident for the past 23 years added that he loves the City Times because it supports local people and makes them proud of what the residents are capable of doing so they can get to support each other.
The Northmead resident encouraged the youth to become magicians as it improves their self-esteem, you became disciplined and practise before showing your tricks to anyone.
He wished the City Times a happy 100th birthday and hopes to be featured again in the newspaper in 23 years.
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