So the World May Hear Gala Benefit

It was a thrill to bring magic and smiles to the families at the Starkey Hearing Foundation’s hearing aid distribution event this summer. Around 150 children received hearing aids at the Starkey Event.

I love to see the smiles on the children’s faces as they react to the comedy and magic.  It is all very visual so they like it, but it was fun to see some of the kids as they came out with a new hearing aid and how they commented on what they were able to hear.  That’s real magic!

This is a great organization with wonderful work giving out hearing aids in countries all over the world.

To learn more ot contribute to this great organization check their website:

sotheworldmayhear.org

I’d like to thank the nice folks at the Starkey Foundation for inviting me to the spend the day doing magic with the families at the distribution, it was a joy.

I’m also grateful that the team at the Foundation saw my magic and enjoyed it and invited me to return two nights later to do strolling magic and comedy at their special event for the visiting audiologists.  I met some very sweet people from all over the US who came into town for the big Sunday benefit gala.  That night Elton John, Billy Chrystal and many others rocked the Exel Center and raised over $4.6 Million.

The Starkey Foundation does such a great work to help kids all over the world hear.

Norm With Sheila Raye Charles

I recently had the pleasure to perform again with Sheila Raye Charles.  Sheila is a very gifted and dynamic singer. The audience was thrilled by her original music as well as the songs of her father Ray Charles.  Sheila also shared her difficult yet awesome life story.

This was the second time I got to enjoy her wonderful music and be her opening act with my comedy magic. We are looking forward to more events like this.

Humor is the Magic in Relationships

My sweet wife and I just celebrated our 27^th Anniversary and I was reflecting on how humor is such a vital part of any relationship.

Researchers have proven the value of humor in the workplace. It is an important asset to successful teambuilding and customer service.   Anyone who is married more than 7 months probably realizes the helpful effects of humor in their relationship.

In the dating stage of the relationship almost everyone says that they adored their companion’s sense of humor. But after being married I discovered how vital that humor is to a healthy balanced relationship. We need humor to help us over the rough spots in life. If we can laugh at our slipups, mistakes, blunders and just plain bad choices, we are on the path to forgiveness and understanding.

I’m known for being a funny guy, but my wife has the best sense of humor.  Who else could so humorously bring me down to size?  Recently, I stepped out in my new swim suit, struck a Charles Atlas pose and said, “ah, a Greek god!”  I was quickly out-quipped by her comment, “More like a geek god.”

My sweetheart works in a bank. Once she brought a small gag gift, hand held device to her office that emits a small spray of sparks. It is like a joy buzzer that shoots sparks off a wind up flywheel.  This was the day the computer guy came to do check ups.  Before he came she surprised each of her co-workers with this same device.  Finally the computer guy arrives and after he tools around a bit she says, “Well there is one other thing about this computer, whenever I touch this button…” She lightly touches the number 7 on her computer keyboard and at the same time lets the sparks fly. The guy about does a double back flip, “shut it down – where’s the power supply!!!…” Everyone else who had been tricked by this device earlier got to enjoy seeing the computer expert encounter a very unique problem.  When he realized he had been tricked, he was the best sport of all and he laughed like crazy.  He probably still tells his friends about that crazy woman at the bank.

We all need a bit of humor to spark up our day.   Humor helps us realize we are simply human. We have troubles and challenges but laughter brings joy to our lives. It mixes things up and brightens our day. Go spread some humor.

Rockin’ with the Hollywoods

Rockin' Hollywood & Norm Barnhart

One of my favorite Twin Cities Bands is the Rockin’ Hollywoods.  These guys capture the fun and flavor of the fabulous fifties.  They cover the songs in a great way.

I’ve had the privilege of working with them at several venues including the Medina Entertainment Center, Sheraton Bloomington and the Radisson St. Paul.

Most recently I did the keynote kickoff for the Minnesota Petroleum Marketers Association and came in the night before my speech and was very happy to see the Hollywoods on stage doing their great act. Great vocals and expert musicianship.

I had a great time doing my motivational keynote and it was very well received. President, Wade Carlson said, “This was fantastic. You tailored the message for our group and along with the humor it was a perfect fit for us. Thank you, I received lots of positive feedback from the team.”

Learn more about my motivational keynote programs on Teamwork, Service and Humor in the Workplace at:   InspireBiz.com

Twins Great Harmon Killibrew

Comedy Magic and baseball great Harmon Killebrew make a great team. I had fun getting to spend some time with Harmon Killebrew and do some magic for the fans while they waited to meet Mr. Killebrew.

Mr. Killebrew is not only a Twins baseball great, he is a great guy.

I enjoyed hearing some stories from fans who were at the game at the old Met Stadium when Harom hit the 500th home run!

Harmon Killebrew & Magician Norm Barnhart

Comedy Magic Brings Life to the Party

Comedy Magician Norm

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Comedy Magician Norm Barnhart

Magic Norm brings entertainment to Corporate Parties

Comedy Magic Brings Life to the Party

I love to make people laugh.  Laughter truely is good medicine and now more than ever people need some laughs to help with the stress of life.

Laughter brings people together and builds a team.  Many companies find that a little humor in the workplace can raise productivity and lift morale. Many times I’ve been invited to speak at a staff development day or employee recognition event or corporate banquet.  Magic involves the audience and people enjoy seeing their coworkers invited on stage for some fun.

Clean comedy is the key. No one is embarrassed or put down. The comedy magician is the instigator of fun and brings an atmosphere of play.  People enjoy the mysteries of magic that cause them to think outside the box.

For over 28 years I’ve entertained full time and I still enjoy seeing a corporate executive or coworker double over in joy like a kid.  We all need to cut loose and break up the stress of life once in a while.

My earliest memories of trying to bring laughter was at 4-5 years old.  My family would sit around our tiny black and white television and watch the Red Skelton and Jackie Gleason  shows. Wow the roof would shake with laughter from my dad.  Ever since I wanted to make dad laugh!

In high school I started developing my comic routines and was hired to work at Paul Bunyan Amusement Park in Brainerd, MN twice each summer. I did three shows a day over the weekend. It was a great place to work out my chops. Other acts that entertained there each summer included the Minneapolis Magician Jose’ Santiago and The St. Cloud Magician, Russ Charles.  Russ was my mentor and a very funny entertainer. Both of these fine gentlemen are no longer with us.

Another act that also worked a few weekends each summer at Paul Bunyan Amusement Park was my favorite from Minneapolis TV, Roundhouse Rodney. He was part of the Casey Jones Noon kid’s TV show. I enjoyed his creative comedy and antics in the vein of Ernie Kovaks and Sid Ceasar. He sadly died quite young while jogging in Brainerd on one of the weekends he workd up there.

The Secret to Comedy Success

The secret key is simple – to work a lot. Comics hone material at open mic nights and entertainers like myself work an amusment park in their teens and early twenties. Three shows a day at the Paul Bunyan Amusement Park was a great way to develop as a performer. I could discover how timing and pacing would bring more laughs.

Steve Martin in his recent excellent book, Born Standing Up, talks about doing magic and comedy skits at an amusement park in his teens and college years. It helped him develope as a performer and prepared him for the wild and crazy world of Stand up comedy.

30 years later I’m still enjoying bringing laughs to people and spreading a little joy.  Please stop buy and learn more about how I entertain at corporate events at . MagicNorm.com

Eden Prarie Grand Opening Features Harmon Killebrew

Spire and Minnesota Twins Hall of Famer Harmon Killegrew have teamed up to celebrate the grand opening of the new Eden Prarie Branch on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

While Harmon Killibrew is signing autographs – Comic Magician Norm Barnhart will present strolling magic along the line and throughout the office.

Norm’s Note:
I’m excited about the opportunity to meet and hang with Mr. Killebrew. The Spire Company invited me to be a good will ambassador and present magic to the people who are waiting in line for Mr. Killebrew. This is very fun and helps the guests pass the time as they wait. I really enjoy entertaining with strolling magic as its fun to see the smiling faces and looks of amazment on the people’s faces.

I was also fortunate to present magic for fans waiting to see Twins great, Tony Olieva several years ago. Mr Olieva is a very kind gentleman who really loves the fans.

Strolling Magic on Musical Cruise Ship 

Last year I worked on a special musical cruise ship in the Carabean and presented magic while people waited to meet bands that had performed on ship. There were over 30 recording artists and bands performing and doing autograph sessions on this cruise.  The lines got to be as much as 2 hours wait, so the producers of the cruise felt that comedy and magic would brighten people’s day as they waited to meet their favorite artists.

I enjoyed working on this Cruise Ship with two other fine magicians, Don Bursell and Mike Norton.  The three of us worked the main showroom one day for a full house.  It was a great crowd who loved to laugh and the three act show was a hit.  Don finished the show with tall unicycles and and juggling. A difficult stunt on a rocking ship.  

When the line had finally ended, I would be the last in line and the musicians would want to see some magic too. So I felt doubly fortunate to get to meet some cool stars and also bring them a laugh and a bit of joy after their autograph session.

Strolling Comedy Magic adds fun to special events like Cruise Ships, Minnesota Twins autograph sessions and even Company Banquets.