McCabe Funeral Home

The Wednesday night meetings at the Big Boy Restaurant in Southfield. Those were fun times.

I am also very sad to hear about the passing of Andrew Dakota. He was an extremely interesting and amazing guy. I have always been a big fan of his. His act was extremely unique and many of his methods were on the cutting edge of technology and way ahead of their time. His handling of the mental photography deck with the napkin with the radio drawn on it was one of my favorites. The "napkin radio" would actually play music and the spectators could change the station by turning the dial on the drawing! Wow! And all of that was closeup right at your table! As a kid I had the pleasure to be invited to his house a few times and although I never saw him perform anything except his closeup magic live, he did one day describe in great detail his standup comedy magic show that he used to do. For about 2 hours one day I was extremely entertained just hearing about his show and his unique ideas. It sounded amazing! His dog was even amazing as he could say "I love you" clear as day and could smile on command which was hilarious! At his house he even had a coffee table with a mirror in it that the dog could hide behind and disappear on his own! Hopefully someone out there has some sort of old tape or something that shows Andrew performing his completely original one of a kind act. The magic community has lost a great guy, a good friend, and an amazing creative mind. From the green light in his mouth to his trademark bright blond hair that stuck straight out in all directions, Andrew Dakota will be missed by all who met him as he is a very hard person to forget.

Stand Up Comedy classes at Mark Ridley's Comedy castle. The Big Boy magic meetings. Learning the flash silk production and receiving a hand made fire gimmick that I have and use to this day, over 25 years later. Learning a thousand subtle presentation touches that made all the difference in performing magic. The discussions about magic, philosophy, art, life, spirituality, and more. The magic effects that were marketed, the ideas and projects we worked on together. Just hanging out. There is an Andrew shaped hole in my heart.

So many memories! The encouragement and lovingly advice given in his gentle big brother type mannor. The shared, inside jokes, acknowledged with a wink and a nod. The occasional treks over to Windor for dim sum. Late nite conversatons on numerious subjects ranging from magic, music, art, books, and the creative process... to philosophy, spirituality, relationships, and life. "Some people come into our lives and quickly go...Some stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts...and we are changed forever." Andrew – I am a better person for haven known you, my dear friend, and for that I thank you! Blessings Always!