Virtual Deceptions. Stand Up.
“In these challenging times it’s more important than ever to acknowledge your teams, connect with your clients, and celebrate the milestones in our lives,” says magician extraordinaire Dennis Kyriakos on his Virtual Deceptions promotional video … and he couldn’t be more spot on.
The Bay Area-based entertainer has been dazzling in the world of magic throughout the country ever since the wand touched him at the age of ten. He’s entertained the likes of such companies as Google, Salesforce, Apple, UCSF, and Facebook, as well as graced theatrical stages, universities, and the famed Magic Castle in Hollywood.
With the latest statewide guidelines rolled out this week, Kyriakos’ most recent innovative creation arrives at the perfect time. After all, who doesn’t love a little magic to brighten their day and lift their spirits?
In April, Kyriakos launched his first virtual inspiration, The Wonder Intervals, a series of short magical offerings providing a quick “time out” to awaken your “wonder” gene at conjuringwonder.com, on YouTube and via email.
Virtual Deceptions is his latest offering to the world as he zooms into your home and takes you on his virtual magic carpet ride. “That’s why I created Virtual Deceptions, a highly interactive, virtual experience, that’s guaranteed to amaze, connect and engage your audience no matter where they are in the world,” says Kyriakos.
The father of two has performed in many circles so his latest segue to “shelter-in-place” entertainment was a natural. From virtual happy hours to online meetings or gatherings with family and friends, Kyriakos promises to “strengthen the bonds by bringing people together to share moments of wonder, laughter, and joy, just when they need it most. Virtual Deceptions is about making you and your guests the stars of the show. Everyone has a front row seat and you’ll be thrilled to experience the magic happening right in your own home.”
On with the show! For more details and to schedule magician Dennis Kyriakos for your next virtual soiree, visit conjuringwonder.com or virtualdeceptions.com.
MUSICAL NOTES. This past March, vocalist Clairdee debuted her latest recording “A Love Letter to Lena” at Berkeley’s intimate Freight & Salvage in a live-stream concert, sharing her personal tribute and inspiration from the late great Lena Horne. As reported by Andrew Gilbert in the Bay Area News Group at the time, Horne meant a great deal to Clairdee “in so many different ways.”
Clairdee’s summation bears repeating: “The example she set, the role model that she was for so many African-Americans was so powerful. I learned so much about what I do and how I present myself on stage from her. She was always impeccably, completely professional, despite all the discrimination and mistreatment. As my mother used to say, the best revenge is to never let them see you sweat.”
The album was received with great acclaim in jazz circles and All About Jazz said it “isn’t merely a tribute to an artist from our past. It’s a statement about giving voice to what’s desperately needed in the present.”
Last week, Clairdee premiered the official video of Stand Up, from “A Love Letter to Lena” with Tony Lindsay, Janice Maxie-Reid, and Kenny Washington. Stand Up was written by Marcus McLaurine and Keva Youngblood and is a musical call-to-action led by Clairdee and co-producer, arranger, pianist Jon Herbst. “A diverse and talented group of San Francisco Bay Area musicians brought their voices and instruments to share our message of hope, encouragement, and action,” states Clairdee’s voice at clairdee.com/stand-up. The site also features a variety of ways supporters can get involved. To watch the video, visit bit.ly/Clairdee-StandUp.
Clairdee has more plans on the horizon for her celebration of Lena. Visit clairdee.com for ongoing details and to purchase “A Love Letter to Lena.”
RESTAURANT BITES. Now that indoor dining in California has been taken “off the table” so to speak, please
follow this space or visit froseneonthescene.com and facebook.com/froseneonthescene for updated information on the latest restaurants offering outdoor dining and other available tips. Several restaurants
already participating are located at City Center Bishop Ranch in San Ramon. For up-to-date details, visit www.citycenterbishopranch.com. More restaurant offerings to come soon! Have a safe weekend!