My First Paid Gig: $50, a Hooters Shirt, and a Backyard Full of Wonder

I was 13 years old. I’d just been booked for my first real paid gig — a Labor Day party in the backyard of one of my dad’s friends.

The client? A guy named Whitey. The payment? $50 cash and a Hooters t-shirt from Kalamazoo.

These kids are in their mid-late 20's now...

No stage. No lights. Just a backyard deck, a bunch of kids on the lawn, adults gathered around with drinks in hand, and a 13-year-old magician doing a 25-minute show with a magic coloring book and a color-changing handkerchief. I don’t remember if they clapped, or even if I had a closer planned… maybe there wasn’t one?

But I do remember the feeling. I had found something that lit me up.

From Tap Shoes to Card Tricks

Before magic, I was took tap dance as a kid. The only boy in my class at seven years old. I’ve always wanted attention, always loved the spotlight. Even back then, people noticed my showmanship — my ability to connect and perform.

That spark grew fast. By high school and especially college, I was all in. But this backyard show was the first time it felt official. A paid gig. A real audience. A t-shirt that was "delightfully tacky yet unrefined".

The Next Year, I Leveled Up (Sort Of)

Whitey’s Labor Day Party, 2009. Trix was a meat rabbit that I gave a few years of show biz instead.

Here’s a photo from Whitey’s party in 2009, the year after my first performance. By then, I’d upgraded the show (was it good? No), but it had props. I had a rabbit production. A stiff rope routine. The zombie ball. I was making things appear from a square circle like it was real theater.

That act — in all its Midwest backyard glory — would go on to become my contest routine at local talent shows, the Michigan State Fair Talent Showcase, and stages across West Michigan.

Pulled Pork and Purpose

Looking back, this party was more than just a first gig. It taught me how important “showing up” is. When you do a good job, even for a backyard party, people remember. That’s how gigs start stacking. That’s how you grow.( Also… pretty sure all those kids in the audience are in their 20s now. That’ll make you feel old real quick.)

Stiff rope, zombie ball, square circle — the early hits. Michigan State Fair 2009 in all it's grainy glory.

This Is Where It Started

A patio, a crowd, a rabbit, and a spark. It wasn’t perfect — but it was real. That moment was the beginning of a journey I’m still on. A reminder that every standing ovation, every spotlight, and every gig… starts somewhere........Usuallyin someone’s backyard.

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Because every big stage starts small — but it never stops mattering.