Bucket Busters Drumming School

The Bucket Busters made an appearance at Good Morning SLO, a monthly breakfast meeting for about 300 business owners in San Luis Obispo put on by the Chamber of Commerce. It was a pleasure to see my good friend Steve (owner) and his students perform their form of magic by serving up some beats for us all. He has become a real force in the business world of San Luis Obispo with training facilities and music shops for all. They have been around since the 80's but there have been some amazing changes recently! From guitar lessons, piano, violin, drums, vocals, woodwinds, brass and so much more, there is something for everyone.

His newest facility in San Luis Obispo is amazing! If you are looking for a great gift for your children and just need supplies, go visit his store Music Motive. They are also available for hire to put on some entertainment at your event! Steve and his crew are great, just tell him "the magician sent you." Speaking of magic, the real magic here is you are supporting the learning experience for kids all over our county every time Bucket Busters is hired for an event.

Recently, they were showcased on a commercial for SLO Like magazine.




Here's what they have to say about themselves:

Music Motive is a fresh concept in music education and inspiration. We offer music programs for every age in a relaxed, fun environment and provide highly qualified instructors with a passion for teaching. In addition to our San Luis Obispo facility, we have locations in Paso Robles and Nipomo.

We've been providing music lessons since the early 80's, and now offer many instruments. We also have music enrichment classes at Music Motive and in local schools for beginning Guitar, Drums, Piano, Ukulele, and a Glee Club! We are endorsed by the San Luis Obispo Symphony.

Percussion Break (weekly drum circle), special workshops, and many other happenings go on continually throughout each month. All of these programs are especially designed to give our students and the local music community opportunities to stretch and be inspired. 
Our scholarship program provides a way to give every young aspiring musician a chance to learn and grow regardless of family income level. Music Motive's famous Bucket Busters whose energetic performances thrill crowds all over the Central Coast, raise scholarship funds from donations they receive, including the sale of their CD, "Buckets Of Fire". Scholarships are also partially funded by the sale of music accessories sold out of our store as well as private donations from individuals and organizations.

Our Mission
To provide high quality music instruction with private lessons, classes, workshops, and performance groups. To draw excellence from every student and every teacher.

From the Founder/Director 
A good teacher can potentially launch your music career. They might introduce you to a lifetime of playing an instrument, or possibly give you the opportunity to play music for the very first time! I'm confident that our program and facilities will help you get the most out of your musical experience.

I believe that music is an essential part of our lives. It can help you to express your thoughts and feelings, but it’s also been proven that learning to play a musical instrument helps develop thought processes and brain development. It can make you smarter, reduce stress, and help you to feel better about yourself.

It is my life’s work and sincere honor to share the experience of music and I personally invite you to be a part of it. Together we can keep music alive and vibrant! Will you do your part? 

Playing music may be the greatest thing to ever happen in a person's life. It could be the best investment you will ever make.

 -Steve Hilstein, Director

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

First Online Candidate for U.S. President

I'm Rich Ferguson. Vote for me for U.S. President in 2012! - "No Tricks, Just Common Sense!"

I meet all the requirements in the constitution. I was born and have lived in the US for well over 14 years, I'm over 35 and I'd be acceptable to a large number of people across the nation due to the internet.


Donate to support my efforts and message.

I'm part republican, part democrat, part independent, part liberal, 100% human and would not classify myself clearly as one party or the other. I suppose to fit in a voting box and the system that we have in place, I'd have to run under "independent" but would fight to ensure equality and a high quality of life for anyone with any political affiliation, lifestyle or belief. Period. All the little arguments, positions and views do not matter compared to taking care of each other.

High level politics has become a rich person's SPORT! It's become a business rather than serving communities and people first - and I'm all about being self-employed, running a business and having the freedom to do what I want, but not at the expense of my neighbors or community. Enough's enough. To some degree, our country has been run like a bad business and as a business, we are bankrupt and a lot of people need to be fired... and other's promoted.

I have no political background but I have a masters in being an average citizen scraping to get ahead like 99% of those that read this. I know little about the game of politics but I know plenty about what people want and have a whole lot of street smarts and common sense that seems to be lacking everywhere.

Regular, everyday guy for president?
Mayor of common senseville?

Politics has become a game of tricks. I've been a full time magician for over 14 years and I know all about smoke and mirrors. Maybe I can make a few people in office that are corrupt disappear since they are in this political game for sport and money - without much care how it affects you and me in the long run.

If my name officially ended up on a ballot, I understand that I would not get many votes from the ultra Rich although I've had the opportunity to be part of that world through entertainment. I understand that there are amazingly prepared and qualified politicians better suited for president than I and that there are many out there who truly mean well. I'm not knocking them or being negative except to express that the system is broken and going in the wrong direction with priorities. We all know it.

Perhaps it's time to find another way and get back to the basics. Why can't we pick a nobody for president if we wanted? It now costs 100's of millions to run for president. What an unfortunate waste of resources. As your president, I'll make no secret deals, have zero tolerance for corruption and waste, not alter my views and maintain my morals. There is one goal - to take great care of our citizens who deserve to live life happy, healthy, safe lives complete with education and heath care… and to be a great example as the best nation to others around the world.

Most likely, I'll never even make it to filing… We will see. Hopefully, I'll get some to think about the possibilities and where we seem to be headed… regardless of their political affiliation.

My slogan is "No Tricks, Just Common Sense!" Share this with everyone you know. Donate if you want, even if to just help make a point. It would be ridiculous to have a nobody name on the ballot.

It's time for everyone to get RICH!  VOTE for RICH FERGUSON in 2012!

If you want to purchase mugs, t-shirts or stickers, you can visit this online store.

Visit http://www.cafepress.com/richferguson

In order to submit a statement of candidacy, $5,000 must be contributed or spent on campaigning. 
Am I serious? Not "completely," but partly. I'm willing to try anything. Crazier things have happened. It does make me wonder what's possible. I know there are better uses for me and more qualified and honest people out there that SHOULD run for president. Mostly, I want people to fight for what they want and deserve and quite being armchair critics without lifting a finger to accomplish changes on their own or contributing to their community.

The Jeff Probst Show

I'm pretty excited for Jeff Probst and his new show "The Jeff Probst Show" because he's a heck of a guy and I believe it will be a positive type of show like Ellen (see me perform magic on Ellen) - as apposed to the unhealthy drama, shock, hate and gossip found all over television networks. I'd bet that this show will motivate and inspire it's viewers.

If you are wondering how to see his show live, you can get tickets to the Jeff Probst Show!  Jeff is very well known for being the host of Survivor, but this will certainly change his public image fast. I'm thrilled for him and this show.

This is from my academy awards where I joined Jeff

for dinner and enjoyed doing magic for him once again.

From what I know about Jeff, he'll dig for the real answers and will not hold back asking the tough questions. I also think he'll be positive and encourage the best for everyone. The vibe I'm getting is this show is all about discovering greatness in people. How cool is that? We need more people and shows like this. I look forward to amazing guests, stories and audience participation... congrats Jeff!

UPDATE:
I attended Jeff's first show taping and was blown away at the level of care given by the staff. They take great care of their audience and realize that the audience help make the show. In fact, I heard from the warm up comedian, who is Jeff's long time good friend, that Jeff insisted on a quality room for all the guests and had to fight a lot with the network to get it! There were games, snacks, photo-booth, massage chairs, music and entertainment. In addition, it's the only show in LA that allows you to take photos. Even though this is probably more to do with all of us helping the show be marketed, it's nice to see a show let go of some of the over-control associated with other productions. Oh, I almost forgot... I took over Jeff's spot and did some magic for the audience!

To the show itself.. Sure enough, my hunch was right. Jeff really digs for the connection between people, the WHY associated with choices and discovering greatness all around. He is very interested those people who don't just talk about ideas, but those who act on ideas and follow through with them. Each show ends with a segment that lets women ask questions to men about why men do the crazy things they do.. and another segment called Audience Ambush where he chooses one audience member and gives them a challenge and goal to accomplish in one week that typically fits the theme of the show. The main guests come on and it's a very comfortable and personable vibe as apposed to hype and marketing of books you see so often on other shows. Jeff gets right to the questions people at home are likely to ask. In fact, he randomly tosses out the mic to audience members and gets opinions throughout the show.

At the door Jeff enters the show from!

All in all, I'm super excited for this show and for Jeff. He wants to inspire and motivate people to reach for greatness. His tagline says it all. "Life's an adventure. Let's talk about it." Thanks for listening.

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

WTF - Pet Peeves and Other Annoyances

WTF is a popular acronym! "Wow, that's fun?" "What this fail?" "What the February?" I'll let you decide!  The good news is that WTF - Pet Peeves and Other Annoyances is now a book!



From idiot drivers, barking dogs, screaming kids, stupid people at work, lazy roommates to annoying relationships, here's over 1,500 examples that people have no common sense!

In addition, there are numerous sketches to make this reading much more entertaining! Enjoy finding the ones that drive you crazy or put in on the desk of that person that deserves it!

If you know someone with bad habits, rude behavior or is generally a dumb ass, here a book for them! Enjoy.

Only $11.99 - Available now! http://www.amazon.com/dp/1477668748

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

Graduation Gift Gag

Getting a Graduation Gift for high school grads or college grads is sometimes difficult. Here's a way to add a little humor to the day! With this Gag Gift, your new graduate will enjoy some great laughs with you as you poke fun of him or her!

Our Blank Gag Books are loaded with clever and funny quotes. Check out the Blank Gag Books website and see all the funny quotes on the book covers. All of our books are Blank on the inside - making obvious fun of the person receiving it! Our best selling book, Sex after 50, obvious says they get NO sex after 50. So, if you are looking for a little something extra to make a graduation gift or party fun, check out our Gag Gift Books. In addition, you can use these books as a journal or guest book at a party.

So, what did they learn in school? NOTHING! ;)

Get a copy of "What I learned I High School" now at Amazon.com
Get a copy of "What I learned I College" now at Amazon.com

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

Father's Day Gift Gag

Getting a Father's Day gift is sometimes difficult. Here's a way to add a little humor to the day! With this Gag Gift, your Dad will enjoy some great laughs with you as you poke fun of him.

Our Blank Gag Books are loaded with clever and funny quotes. All of our books are Blank on the inside - making obvious fun of the person receiving it! Our best selling book, Sex after 50, obvious says you get NO sex after 50. So, if you are looking for a little something extra to make Father's Day fun, check out our Gag Gift Books. In addition, you can use these books as a journal or guest book at a party.

What's your dad know about being a dad? NOTHING!

Get a copy of "What I Know About Being a Dad" now at Amazon.com

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

Motivational Speaker Magic Maker

My Magic Maker™ motivational speaking program geared toward youth organizations has "appeared!" What is a Magic Maker™?

"Anyone who makes a difference in someone's life is a Magic Maker™. As Magic Makers™, our job is to help kids overcome obstacles, embrace challenges and help foster their Magic, whatever that is. Life experience builds street smarts and common sense, skills that make the kids we work with shine if we help. Helping them discover their Magic in life, along with an attitude that challenges are essential, gives them purpose and identity." 

Revisit some ideas shared by Magician Rich Ferguson, hear his story and see how his observations may make a big impact on the Magic in your life and the kids we work with.

As a successful magician and individual that has a story that surprises people, the direction of this program came together naturally. Magic Maker™ has a wonderful framework around the Magic of life, attitude, discovery, intelligence and how important our jobs are when supporting with each other and the youth we try to help. I share my story of survival and insight on how I believe we can work to open doors for kids who have doors shut in their faces unnecessarily. 

If you break down what anyone really wants, it's purpose and identity. I explore ways to stop getting in the way of this process.

This 1.5-2 hour motivational program or keynote presentation is geared toward organizations that work with teens and kids in protective care, social services, at-risk academies and similar. However, the overall message can be presented to kids directly or people of all walks of life. It's all about embracing challenge and finding your Magic. Too often, the way society forces kids to deal with challenges or "issues" make them feel even more disconnected, ashamed or frustrated. As an expert observer and "survivor", I want to share how this can be different.  Challenges can be awesome and fuel opportunities if we let them.

Part of the program focuses on how we can shift our behavior to get amazing results. We can LOOK for opportunities in any situation to help someone explore their magic. In this example below, maybe realizing this child has rhythm and might be expressing a love for music would lead to something that would give him purpose and identity if harnessed correctly. 

Another section focused on an important question: "What is Smarts?" From identifying the power to knowing how to adapt, keen observation and having common sense, we quickly see what a gift it is to be challenged while growing up.

A very fun section of the program is seeing celebrity faces and guessing what they have in common. This following slide, although revealed here, will still surprise you when you see it. There are several sections like this which make the point that we know famous people for what they have driven to accomplish and not "problems" that they may have had earlier in life. It's a choice. Let problems define you and hold you back... or let them be the fuel for greatness. I share my formula.

Of course, as an entertainer, I add a lot of humor and magic to make it a memorable and fun experience. A lot of focus is on common sense and awareness due to the fact that kids that go through a lot have more life experience and smarts than they are given credit for. They are the most observant people in the world in many cases.   We also discuss learning, street smarts and my secret formula to connect with kids and each other.

Magic Maker™ is available for at-risk youth groups, social services, academies, schools and any organizations that want to make a difference in kids and the world around them through shifting stigmas and being positive.  I was lucky enough to make my struggles drive me in a positive direction and accomplish amazing goals. I want to share this secret.

For more information about booking me as a speaker, visit my official site.

Prior to adding motivational speaking with a touch of magic into high gear, I was involved with other organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Social Services and Dream for Kids helping the best I could in intimate and mentoring programs.

Here's a clip from a recent fundraiser and auction for Big Brothers Big Sisters where my "little" surprised me with being one of the speakers!



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