Greetings. As you surmised from the topic, I'm Dan and I live in Atlanta GA, USA. Music is my hobby, not my profession. I had some intensive training in piano for 4 years as a teenager (classical and jazz) and I was once quite good. I also taught myself a small mattering of acoustic guitar, just enough to strum, travis pick, and play a few songs. All of this was self taught through music books from the record store. Around 1966-1970 BI (before internet, even DVDs, CDs and videocassettes!) Yes, I'm a senior dude now,  just turned 65.

I left music completely for 35+ to pursue my career as a professional magician. I still do that full-time. I'm pretty well known in the magic world, among my peers. I have served as National President of the Society of American Magicians (aka S.A.M.), which is the same office held by Harry Houdini (aka Ehrich Weisz) himself. Quite an honor for me. I've performed for the Presidential Inaugural Dinner in Washington DC, did a half-time show in the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, FL, was Grand Marshall at the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Savannah GA (one of the largest in the world), performed live on CNN Headline News, all sorts of things.

Almost exactly 3 years ago I took up guitar. I play for myself, I don't sing well. My progress under tutelage of my guitar teaching in Atlanta and MGA under Robert Renman has been very pleasing. I am playing guitar riffs by artists I have loved all my life, but never dreamed I could play anything close to that!

I don't have a ton of gear, but it kinda adds up fast, doesn't it? I have my original Epiphone acoustic. Then 3 years ago I bought a custom Zager acoustic/electric, and a Fender Strat (sunburst) MIM. I use the Line 6 Amplifi75 modeling amp, Garageband and other Mac software, Crybaby wah pedal, and other accessories.

I tend to write a lot (I'm a professional writer for magic trade magazines also), so you will hear more from me. I will endeavor to keep my subsequent posts shorter than this one. I will entertain all questions, but I won't tell you "How did they do that?"

Dan Garrett