I was introduced to Steve through my friend Doug Geinzer who knew I was looking for an honest-to-goodness Las Vegas entertainer to host a show on the network. The three of us met at Green Valley Ranch Casino for what was supposed to be an hour meeting. Steve brought cigars. Four hours later, long after Doug had to excuse himself, Steve and I were still talking, laughing and thinking about what ended up being Behind the Curtain.
Well. . .at least that was part of how I spent those first four hours with Steve. Truth is, my favorite part was listening to Steve’s stories.
For those not familiar with Steve, he’d been in the entertainment business for 30+ years. Considered among the top close-up magicians in the world, I got to hear stories about his past (Johnny Carson, Merv Griffin, Milton Berle) along with what was keeping him busy today (Las Vegas Hilton headliner, movie producer, regular at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, Internet publisher, etc.). Each story was funnier (and more inside) than the previous. I couldn’t wait to hear more. We were both very excited about working together.
A week or so after our first meeting, Steve invite my wife Melissa and me to see his show at the Hilton. This is where I got to see firsthand what an amazing magician Steve was. Melissa, who hates secrets, kept nudging me the whole time. . .
Melissa: “How does he do that?”
Scott: “Uh. . . .I don’t have the first clue.”
This went on for every trick Steve performed.
Afterward, we joined Steve and his wife Jan for dinner at Benihana. (He thought it was very important we all “break bread” at the beginning of this relationship.) The four of us had a great time — really connected.
Planning the show with Steve was a kick. Lots of emails, voice mails, text messages. . .and one-on-one time. He had tons of ideas and the enthusiasm of a kid in a candy store. We were both very excited.
(I was especially excited about his closing segment – A Little Magic – where Steve preformed some close up magic with cameras right on top of the action. Jacob and I often saw a trick, looked at each other, and just shook our heads. On many occasions, after everybody had left the studio, we even played back many of his tricks in slow motion. . .and still couldn’t figure out how he did what he did. Amazing.)
We only had the opportunity to shoot five episodes. As many folks know, he was fighting his illness throughout the entire time we worked together. Every time he came into the studio, I got a hug. Always had a smile on his face. Couldn’t wait to get the show started. And during that time, he never once mentioned what he was going through. I don’t think I could have been so strong.
In tribute to Steve, the VEGAS VIDEO NETWORK homepage is featuring all his shows in the main section for much of this weekend.
Our thoughts go out to his wife Jan and the rest of their friends and family.
sounds like he will be missed don t like 2 see that happen may god bless
Billy Collins here, Steve and I had crossed paths many times over the past 25 years.
My first glimpse was as a young actor in LA, at the Magic Castle back in the 80’s…..Amazing.
I wasn’t untl the last 8 years that we became good…good friends. (hard to find these days)
I had the pleasure of working with Steve as my director on “the Lemonade Stand”, and “The Fatboy” short fiilms.
We always had a blast, and the results were….. funny.
Steve, my friend, i miss you already, and damn you for disappearing so fast. “Magical” til the end…..that’s what you do best.
Love
Billy
PS “at the end of the end……it’s the start of a journey to a much better place”
Only had the pleasure of meeting Steve once, but he was the kind of guy you instantly liked. Everything about him was unique in that effortless way that only someone who is truly comfortable in their skin can be. I will miss being associated with him on this network and my thoughts are with his friends and family.
I loved Steve Dacri. Right up to the end, never a complaint. no whining of any variety. Only positivity and love…and of course flat out funny. Just adored you, Steve. See you on the other side, Bro.
I’m going to miss Steve. I am a little disappointed in not finding his shows posted here (There are posts on Facebook saying they would be available here all weekend as a tribute), as I would really like to be able to see Steve in his element again.
Was there some decision to pull them off, or have they just not been posted yet?
Hey, Don.
Steve’s shows are still on the website. Check the column on the right side of the site. Under “Select Your Show”, look for the WWW link for Behind the Curtain. That will take you to a page that lists all of Steve’s shows.