Fox Creek Ranch Western Event Venue

I'm fortunate to be able to travel the world and enjoy unique event venues. Here's one that's a little different that took me back in time a bit. It's called Fox Creek Ranch, located just outside of Hollister, California.

My wife, Traci, in front of the "Hotel"

From corporate events, celebrity parties, themed private functions and more, I'm typically in a "dust free" environment and out of the elements. I'm also never in harms way or taken down by gun fighters! Just this past weekend, I performed as their magician all afternoon in what truly felt like an old western town complete with a bank, saloon, jail, stage and more. This particular event set-up (for a 25th anniversary party for Brent Redmond Transportation) had a cattle drive, amazing catering, fun animals, Wells Fargo stagecoach rides, professional gun shows/fights, gambling, music concert and a costume contest! There were giveaways, pie and watermelon eating contests, magic, ice-cream parlor, live music and shuttles to nearby hotels. Congrats to the entire Redmond team for a fun event. It was a "blast!" My wife and I got to be Sheriffs for the day as well!

To top it all off, we stayed the night just up the street then enjoyed a full day hike at the Pinnacles National Monument, which is located only about 30 minutes from the Fox Creek Ranch. If you are on the west coast and want a western themed event, check them out! As seen on of the above photos, there was an additional 400 person event tent for dinner. Parking is simple. For an outdoor type event, I give it a big thumbs up! Yeehaa!

For a cowboy, western, county, gun slinging good 'ol time, give Fox Creek a call to have your next company party in old west town style! Check them out on facebook.

As always, please consider bringing me in for your next exclusive private party or corporate event! Hiring "The Ice Breaker" to interact with your special guests makes your event unique, fun and memorable!

Thanks for sharing the magic! E-mail Rich Official Website Local: 805-234-7469 National: 877-RICH-FUN

Bridlewood Winery Amazing Race

Bridlewood Winery is "Amazing"! I'm not just saying that because they are the starting point of tonight's Amazing Race on CBS! Read on...

Taken directly from The Amazing Race. This lawn is one
of a couple large open areas at Bridlewood Estate Winery.

I've had the honor of being the VIP party magician at numerous events at Bridlewood Winery. From NLF Hall of Fame parties and movie shoots to company parties and wedding receptions, it's always a top notch affair! I can not say more about the staff, view, location, weather, features and wine at this place. Here's just a few photos of the basics. To see the grape vines, barrel rooms, banquet possibilities and more, go to their website. Even if you are not holding an event and just want to stop by on your way up or down the central coast, it's fabulous! 

Bridlewood Estate Winery

3555 Roblar Avenue,  Santa Ynez, CA 93460

(805) 688-9000

There are a lot of wonderful photo opportunities!
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Horse and carriage rides
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Beautiful Pond
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I love these handcrafted cocktail tables!

Sneaking around the back toward the banquet area

Gorgeous driveway
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Plenty of room for picnics

Me arriving in front of this Amazing winery today
on my way back from an event in Santa Barbara

Visit them at www.bridlewoodwinery.com

In addition to these photos, I thought I'd share some recent commercials that were filmed at Bridlewood Estate Winery for a nearby casino. Yours truly was in the entire campaign. In the first video, you can see me at the winery barrel room at .04 seconds and again in a nearby ranch riding a horse at .11 seconds. The scenic car scene was on a nearby road. It's a beautiful area indeed.

In the second commercial, you see my hands at the opening pulling out a wine bottle in Bridlewood's wine tasting room. At .04 seconds, you see my hand again holding a glass of wine and finally holding a wine passport filmed in their barrel room.





I hope you enjoyed this peek at a marvelous venue and winery along the central coast of California!  For those who get to catch the Amazing Race, I hope you noticed the winery!

As always, please consider bringing me in for your next exclusive private party or corporate event! Hiring "The Ice Breaker" to interact with your special guests makes your event unique, fun and memorable!

Thanks for sharing the magic! E-mail Rich Official Website Local: 805-234-7469 National: 877-RICH-FUN

Santa Barbara Magician Entertainer

If you are having a private event and want to make it extra fun, get sleight of hand magician Rich Ferguson. Here's a video highlighting the benefits of letting a skilled entertainer like "The Ice Breaker" loose at your event! From Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez and San Luis Obispo to nation wide, Rich Ferguson will be the hit of the party using wit, sleight of hand, mentalism and comedy. Although Rich works worldwide, certain Central Coast deals can be found on our show information page.



Make your party unique, exciting and memorable! It's takes a very specialized type of entertainer to be able to be dropped into any type of party, bring people together and add tons of excitement without being the center of attention. I'll help make your event a jaw dropping-success!

Get a Real Pro with Experience! From entertainment awards and best selling products to the most demanding corporate client, I have the experience, skill and confidence you're looking for.

Entertainer to the Stars - For the best entertainers on television to VIP events for celebrities, athletes and CEO's, you can trust that I'll make a positive and surprising impact that even the most skeptical guests will talk about for years.

My philosophy is simple. It's not about "magic tricks", but what I can do to make your event fun and memorable.

Anyone can do a magic trick, but YOU need someone to add true value to your event and that you can trust to make you and your event look good.

Please visit www.TheIceBreaker.com, watch endless performance clips and testimonials and see how easy it is to add me to your next event!

Thanks for sharing the magic! E-mail Rich Official Website Local: 805-234-7469 National: 877-RICH-FUN

Motivational Speaker for At Risk Youth

My motivational speaking program for "at risk" youth has been years in the making. I'm so excited to have a full length program that truly connects with kids. The "Rich: Real & Radical" presentation is broken down here so you can understand the value it may have for your school, academy or "at risk" youth group. Keep in mind that I'm available nationally and the program is best suited for teens or preteens.

The motivational speaking program starts off with me demonstrating some magic effects using nothing more than common sense and observation - which is a main topic in the program. Then the kids guess truths and false about me. The results are surprising enough to keep kids engaged the rest of the program. I share openly my unique childhood struggles and difficulties making it to success.  We quickly turn the direction to "us" as a group.

Opening slide as kids takes seats

A main focus on the program is Overcoming Obstacles and inspiring kids to realize that they have a gift with street smarts that will allow them to do anything they set their mind to. The program is built upon a psychological NLP timeline. This engages kids with powerful and funny slides about common sense, smarts, goals, focus, negativity, distractions, stress, attitude, complaining, excuses, being present and much more. The psychological structure hooks kids from every situation, gets them to agree with or absorb everything they hear and see... Then they get hit with truths about themselves they accept which they would normally be defensive about. The gloves are off and the truths of reality reveal themselves. Trust, rapport and common ground is established early on and kids absorb my message because it is real to them without being lectured to. I believe struggle has given us the best tools in life to adapt, be observant and be fast on our toes. Quit frankly, as a magician and mentalist who know exactly what they are going through, I've "tricked" them into seeing the truth and possibilities. They leave motivated, inspired and believed in.

...Then they learn how they are was SMARTER than "other" kids...

I stay personally connected to them throughout

Popular culture and sports are used to make points

The home-run record holders also have the most STRIKEOUTS with 1,500!

Making a strong point about holding onto stress

One of my favorite sections used famous faces that you'd be shocked struggled in school or did not go to college, were social outcasts growing up, were abused and suffered growing up or were homeless as young adults. In addition, some celebrity friends are used to show how we can not judge a book by its cover and how complaining doesn't accomplish anything.

During full length programs, we talk about "statistics" and how we are only a statistic or products of our surrounding if we chose to be.  The pressure from statistics and social labels on kids who are struggling will be lifted.

Statistics are not about you but about everyone in general

Another fun and engaging section uses dozens of funny images to make points about common sense, observation, "smarts", possibilities and more. This takes the pressure off looking at ourselves for a moment until they are hooked and ready for some more "naked truths". A fun section about comparing yourself to others is a hit. Along the way, magic is used as analogies for paying attention and making decisions.

When the focus is turned back to us, they are ready for some tough love and more likely accept messages about balance, community, attitude and peer pressure. I do not focus on sex, drug, social misconduct and peer pressure. I believe it is a mistake to drill kids about pressures or problems they are well aware of. I, instead, focus on empowering them with the tools to make better and smarter common sense decisions for themselves.

In the end, they hopefully walk out "HUNGRY" for life. "Staying Hungry" is one of the main points and ties into several other sections. Many well known CEO's, celebrities and sports figured have been homeless, broke and hungry. They've overcome great odds and have stayed hungry and nothing stops them from achieving their goals - They also do not complain about their past. A shift in understanding the gift people who have struggled have is a subtle undertone to the entire program. Personally, I'd not trade "street smarts" for anything. It's an empowering message.  To finalize, the gloves come completely off and I'm an open book for real questions.

Helping kids see the light of a better life starts with someone who has been there but doesn't let struggles in the past define them, but lets struggles become the fuel for greater things. Please share this with groups you know of and I'd be honored to be their motivational speaker. Visit my official website about booking an appearance.

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As always, please consider bringing me in for your next exclusive private party or corporate event! Hiring "The Ice Breaker" to interact with your special guests makes your event unique, fun and memorable!

Thanks for sharing the magic! E-mail Rich! Official Website Local: 805-234-7469 National: 877-RICH-FUN

San Luis Obispo Magician Review

Interested in hiring a magician for a party in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara or beyond?

Be sure to do your homework to ensure they will treat your guests with professionalism, put your event before the "magic"and have the experience required to make your event memorable and fun! Letting a magician loose at your party is about personality you can count on.

Tips to ensuring you hire the right magician or entertainer for your party:


• Be sure they specialize in what you are looking for. You do not want a children's magician accepting a job much better suited sleight of hand artist or visa versa. Hire the appropriate person for the job or everyone looses out.


• Beware of entertainers that jump on any event without any care or concern about your specific needs or event details. You know right away you have an amateur or unprofessional magician on the phone if they are whiling to take your money but are not interested in learning more about your event.


• Be sure they are a true professional with a business license, insurance and appropriate accreditation. 


• Check out their website and credentials to ensure they have the experience they are claiming to have. Do they have testimonials, promotional materials, interviews, awards or press to view?


• Do they have established, public prices and types of shows on their site or do they make it up depending on your feedback? Beware of services lacking an established, industry price structure or competitive public price. (Of course, prices may vary depending on what you require.)


• Have your guests or friends heard of this entertainer and can they vouch for the character or quality of service? Is this entertainer an authority in their field? You certainly get what you pay for when it comes to entertainment.


Magician Rich Ferguson takes care of all of these concerns...

Hear what some well known people from the central coast are saying about Magician Rich Ferguson, AKA "The Ice Breaker". Many more qualified reviews can be found on our official site.









Living in San Luis Obispo and being a full time entertainer and magician has it's "tricks". However, I'm blessed to live on the central coast and have such wonderful people in my life.

As always, please consider bringing me in for your next exclusive private party or corporate event! Hiring "The Ice Breaker" to interact with your special guests makes your event unique, fun and memorable!

Thanks for sharing the magic! E-mail Rich! Official Website Local: 805-234-7469 National: 877-RICH-FUN

In Session One on One Training

In-Session One on One Training for Magic, Sales, Marketing yourself and more is available world wide simply using your webcam and Skype! If you are a magician, mentalist, business person, presenter, salesperson or anyone wanting to take your product pitch, small business or magic performance to a new level, contact me for one on one training. I'm available world-wide using the comfort and safety of our own homes or offices.



It was a wonderful platform that Ellusionist provided teachers and students and it is sad to see their "In-Session" system go. It made scheduling easy. However, there is no reason we can't connect and arrange a date on our own. It's quite simple. Using Paypal or credit card, our computers and webcams, the sky is the limit. All you have to do is take the step to contact me and set up a time we can session.

A 1.5 hour session is $150.

Please watch this Video Testimonial of one of my past Satisfied Customers from the other side of the world.




I'll be teaching you everything from magic, mentalism to even marketing yourself as an entertainer!  ...And if you are not a magician, there's a good chance you're looking for techniques for sales or cool tricks or ice-breakers to help you in your job. Whatever it is, I can help you.

If you are new to magic or been studying for years, my unique blend of magic WITH mentalism will open your eyes to untapped potential!  I look forward to teaching you in an intimate and safe environment during our one on one sessions…

What do you want to session about?

We can session on psychology and mentalism-mixed with magic or not. You know from my DVDs that I don't hold much back when it comes to psychological subtleties, framing, set ups or outs.

Perhaps, you want to dive into some up-close magic. I can teach you some clever sleights like this… … or unorthodoxed variations of classics to twists on common moves.

Maybe you want me to share some secrets to creating your own material… and most importantly material that's fun to do and is MEMORABLE so people want you back again and again…

You might want to have a session devoted to taking something you already know and tweaking it to make it mind-blowing. I pride myself in my ability to strategize and be resourceful with what I have in front of me. Some of my greatest effects (from the perspective of my spectators) came from boring tricks I've seen and thought "Man, if that was only tweaked and dressed up a little, that could be awesome…"

Do you want to session on the secrets of business, marketing and getting bookings! I think most would agree that I'm one of the most successful in the industry when it comes to this subject. I'd be more than happy to save you time, money and the major mistakes that entertainers (and business of all sorts for that matter) often make. If you are interested in making the jump from hobbiest to professional, we need to talk.

I've been heavily involved with products, marketing and performing full time since the late 90's and I have a great idea of what it takes to design effects for different types of clients and venues, how to get bookings and how to use what you have for high impact. From magicians and poker players to businessmen and presenters, I've consulted all around the world. I hope I can help you too.

If you are looking for these types of reactions, enjoyment as a performer and recognition as a business, lets session. I'm here in your corner and ready to attack it with you.

Thanks for sharing the magic! E-mail Rich! Official Website Local: 805-234-7469 National: 877-RICH-FUN

Corporate Magician Trade Show Pitchman

Most large companies are involved with Trade Shows and Corporate Events at some point. For many, Trade Shows are an ongoing part of business. Sadly, we have all seen boring booths with sales people who are so eager to push their info that nobody stops to listen! Attendees quickly snatch whatever free junk they are giving away and run! Well, luckily for smart businesses, there is a solution to making a strong impact and being remembered.  It's magic!

Really. I mean magic as in magician Rich Ferguson! Let's face it, the main goal of a trade show is to:

• Get Leads and Crowds - One of the biggest advantages of using a corporate magician for a variety of trade show booths is gaining a crowd! Crowds do so much for a company. Sales teams can easily gather more leads. Crowds make you look like you have something worth sticking around for. Crowds cause more crowds.

• Be Remembered - Using a product or company message within a magic effect becomes much more memorable than if presented by a company sales person.  Everyone is intrigued by magic and learning about your product in an entertaining way does not feel like a sales pitch.

• Impress Other Companies - Posturing is often the goal of large companies and having a magician on your side is essential. It's about attraction. If your booth looks like people are interested, those key business partners and companies you are hoping to impress behind the scenes will notice that attendees seem to like what you are about... and will tend to like it too!

• Look Like you Have Something Exciting to Offer - Similar to impressing other companies, just looking like you have something unique or exciting causes people to stick around. This is why crowds start to form to begin with. Magic has a way of bringing people together and making the experience fun.

• Get Company Messages and Product Information to Attendees - Of course, the magicians job at a trade  show is to pitch something. The creative thinking behind making magic effects is directly related to pitching a product. A skilled magician or mentalist has the know-how to build effects around your specific message or product and be your specialized product pitchman.

• Creative Consulting - It's been proven time and time again that magicians are the best at strategizing, psychology and creative thinking. As seen on numerous TV specials, magicians are used as examples for sales, psychology and as masters of opening people's eyes to fresh ideas. Sometimes, using Rich for creative consulting is just as important as a pitch itself.

• After Parties are a Blast - "Personally, my favorite part of corporate work is my ability to blow the minds of VIPs at after parties or CEO parties. It takes a special set of skills to impact the elite in society. I've been flown around the world just to be let loose at these parties with no connection to the trade show floor whatsoever! It's highly engaging, memorable and fun."

These are just some of the benefits of using a creative magician as a pitchman for your company trade show or corporate event. Sure, supermodels, sports-cars and freebies are awesome eye candy and attention getting, but they do not pitch your message and are forgotten moments later in the crazy buzz of the trade show floor!

Of course, there are some small exceptions;) Who wouldn't check out a new radio from JVC installed in this car? Now that you are done looking at Arianny or this sports car, take a peek at our corporate magic video:



Contact Rich by visiting www.TheIceBreaker.com today! If you know someone who might benefit from this unique and beneficial idea, please forward this on.

Thanks for sharing the magic! E-mail Rich! Official Website Local: 805-234-7469 National: 877-RICH-FUN

The Magic Castle Magicians and Entertainment

For years, I've been a member of the Magic Castle. In fact, after my decision to become a professional, full-time entertainer, I joined immediately. Ever since becoming a professional magician, people have asked about the Magic Castle. Let me explain it in layman's terms - as it is quite often thought of as simply a theater by those who have not attended this unique, invite only, mysterious old mansion.

(If you are looking to HIRE A MAGICIAN, you are welcome to contact me. If I can not take care of you personally for a private party or corporate event, I can refer or provide the best in each field of magic. Do not hesitate to call.)

The Magic Castle is located just behind the Chinese Mann Theater
one block from the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The Magic Castle in located in Hollywood, California. It's the home of the Academy of Magical Arts. Does that statement even make it more confusing? Here's the deal... The Magic Castle is a place to see amazing shows, discover the history of the magical arts, have dinner and drink 'til you can't... as there are six bars conveniently located throughout! But the "Castle", as pro's call it, is much more than a showplace. It is an invite only club in which public can witness magicians from around the world on any given night. Now, the Academy of Magical Arts is like the worldwide union for performing magicians and entertainers and it's offices are located inside the Magic Castle! Got it? It gets "trickier"...

Won Gold Medal for Interactive Magic.
Right: Gay Blackstone, wife of the late Harry Blackstone Jr.

Within the walls of the Castle, you'll find endless memorabilia, secret doors, moving parts, numerous showrooms, a fine restaurant, a guarded library and a museum. Shows range from pure sit down sleight of hand presentations to stand up comedy shows to nightly stage shows. It get's even "trickier"...

When planning on going to the Magic Castle, you might expect or have heard that a particular magician works there... The truth be told, on any given week, it's different performers from around the world. No entertainer actually works there permanently... but do not confuse this club as the comedy club where acts come and go. Nope. It's much harder to become a performing member and entertainer than it is to attend as a guest. It gets even "trickier"...

One of numerous intimate showrooms your discover.

To become a member is not easily defined. You have to audition or interview first. Believe it or not, most members are not magicians at all. There are thousands of members worldwide that range from people that collect magic, build magic, research magic, perform magic and those that just love it and want to be a member of the most unique club in the world. Each type of membership has it's perks and path to becoming an accepted member. Performing magicians have to perform in front of a committee that decides their fate while non-magicians have to apply and be interviewed to ensure they have the best intentions and understanding of the club. It's certainly a special place indeed... and the numerous, similar places that are compared to it are simply wonderful showrooms and do not have the behind the scenes and industry aspects. It gets even "trickier" yet!...

Along with the obvious features of the Castle, there is even a room devoted to Houdini. Here, you will find his original shackles and other amazing memorabilia. This room is open for very special reservation only dinners where you get to whiteness your own personal seance. Another very popular feature is Irma, the piano playing ghost. Oh, this is not just a self playing piano! Nope, you communicate with her and request any song you want. If you are really sharp and know the lyrics to songs, you can hold conversations. That's tricky! Told you.

Just behind me, you can see the water barrel Houdini would
be shackled and submerged in.

Currently, Neil Patrick Harris is a big part of the Magic Castle as well are numerous well known celebrities who love this unique art. The Castle is a source of the worlds best magicians and is often called upon for hiring magicians for private events. You can even host your own party at the club. Just call the Famous Hollywood Magic Castle for details.

The founder of The Magic Castle is an amazing force in entertainment. Milt Larsen transformed an old victorian mansion into the world famous club in 1961 while his brother Bill helped promote it. He also created the Mayfair Music Hall in Santa Monica, California, The Variety Arts Theatre in Los Angeles and Caesars Magical Empire at Caesars Palace Las Vegas. Milt is seen regularly at the club and still produces top magic shows such as "It's Magic!"

With Milt in front of the Magic Owl and "secret" entrance

To attend and bring guests, expect to make dinner reservations and adhere to a strict dress code. Learn more about it at MagicCastle.org  If you know me and want passes/invitations, just email me anytime. It makes an awesome date and is a wonderful place to take an important client. You have to be 21 and over to attend at night or you may attend for brunch on the weekends with kids. I'll quickly add that there are classes and special events to look out for as well. When you arrive, you'll notice the house and think to yourself, "That can't have too much in it"... when you enter, you'll be very disorientated since the entire building is like an iceberg as 2/3 is underground. Pretty tricky! When you first enter, you will have to say the "magic words" to the golden owl on the bookcase to have the bookcases open to let you into the main building ...That's tricky too!

We've taken endless clients, celebrities and friends!

Music and Actor buddies. Check out Damon Castillo Band.
Dress code? The Castle was not open yet! Don't worry.

HIRING A MAGIC CASTLE MAGICIAN: If I can't appear, I can highly recommend or provide top quality acts from different areas of the country for high end private and corporate events. If you want mind-blowing magic at a party or event, give me a call and I'll try my best to "appear"... but please only contact me if you are looking for mind-blowing, fun and interactive magic that your guests will rave about for years. I work all over the world and no party is too big or too small. Have a truly magical day.

Best, RICH Ferguson, AKA "The Ice Breaker"

Thanks for sharing the magic! E-mail Rich! Official Website Local: 805-234-7469 National: 877-RICH-FUN