Introducing Terry Roses and His Box of Wonders

Terry Roses as The Honest Cheat

I met Terry Roses through the late John Bushey, host of the Dylan-themed radio hour Highway 61 Revisited. Bushey had many passions beyond his well-publicized Dylan fascinations. A former school teacher and naturalist, he was also a Houdini aficianado, professional and handcuffs collector, this latter a direct off-shoot of his escape artist hero Houdini, and his mentor Terry Roses.

Like Houdini, Roses was much more than an escape artist. Magic, illusions and inventing new tricks opened doors for Terry Roses around the world.

 

Besides escape tricks, another facet of Houdini's career was disproving mediums and revealing frauds. In this, Terry Roses also emulated the great master magician. Terry's contemporary application of this was to become The Honest Cheat. Roses became an expert in identifying the ways gamblers cheat, and the variety of ways they mark cards, "load" dice, etc.

During the past several years Roses has worked on a new act which he calls The Box of Wonders. Here's a brief interview we conducted that will give a glimpse of this new show which he is unveiling at the Alhambra this weekend.

 

EN: Your career mirrors Houdini’s in many ways, from escape artistry to exposing frauds as ‘The Honest Cheat.’ How has Houdini’s legacy inspired you, and how does Box of Wonder reflect that influence?
 

TR: I have been fascinated with illusions for 65 years. When I moved from Cloquet, MN. to Orange County, California I decided to emulate Harry Houdini. My Challenge escapes obtained national media attention, resulting in obtaining a LOT of free publicity for my magic shows. THE BOX OF WONDERS is my way of expressing my dreams in the format of a playlet.

 

EN: The Alhambra’s Vaudeville-era stage is a unique setting for your Box of Wonders. What is it about this historic venue that excites you, and how does its atmosphere enhance the storytelling and illusions in the show?

 

TR: The cozy atmosphere of the Alhambra Vaudeville Theater will provide an intimate connection with the audience. I love having audience members participate throughout the performance.

 

EN: You’ve described Box of Wonders as ‘storytelling with illusions.’ Can you share what the ‘Box’ represents in the show and how it ties into the narrative you’re crafting for the audience?

 

TR: THE BOX OF WONDERS brings to life a dream of the end of the rainbow and what I found there. 

 

EN: As an inventor of new tricks, what’s one innovative illusion or escape in your Box of Wonders that you’re particularly excited about, and what inspired its creation?

 

TR: Animatronics bring to life, children's stories--such as the Hare and the Tortise, The Enchanted Garden and Olympic Dreams. (I’ve spent ) Five years, creating many special effects.

 

EN: Your work as ‘The Honest Cheat’ exposes the mechanics of deception in gambling. Will  The Box of Wonders incorporate elements of this expertise?

 

TR: I have worn many hats. Magician, Escape Artist, Balloon Pilot, Master Locksmith & Safecracker, Inventor, Entrepreneur of Fragments of History, specializing in rare books, coins and gems. Up until Covid I owned a secret lab where I developed special effects for magicians. One of my discoveries allowed a person to see through things. I marketed the trick to many of the world's leading magicians under the alias of Dr. X. The discovery was called THE Dr. X RAY Vision System. 

 

Eventually the casino industry reached out to me to address the WORLD GAME PROTECTION CONFERENCE. This is because Ray Vision allowed a person to see through playing cards. One discovery led to another. High profile government agencies suddenly became interested. That's a story for another time.To answer your question, all of these adventures have played a part in developing THE BOX OF WONDERS.

 

EN: You’ve traveled the world performing and inventing magic. What personal experiences or passions have shaped your Box of Wonders, and what do you hope audiences take away from the show?

 

TR: Audiences will be delighted, amazed, have many laughs, suspend their imagination, and once again recall what it was like growing up in a world filled with wonder.

 

Related Links
Escape Artist, Magician, Inventor, Honest Cheat: How Following His Passion Unlocked Terry Roses' Career

The Handcuff Kings

TICKETS for The Box of Wonders

Northland Dylan Tributes: Gregg Inhofer, Billy Peterson, Paul Metsa and Duluth Dylan Fest 2025

This coming Friday and Saturday, Gregg Inhofer and Billy Peterson will be joining Glenn Swanson for a very special weekend of Cookin' at the O. Though Peterson has been a staple at the Oldenburg House for years now, this is the first time Inhofer has joined him in an event that will serve as prologue for the upcoming week of Dylan Fest.

An American singer-songwriter, pianist, and vocalist, Gregg Inhofer's music combines a wide variety of influences, including rock, R'n'B, and jazz. He's played a significant role in the Minneapolis music scene throughout his career and is a member of the Minnesota Rock and Country Music Hall of Fame. 

Gregg Inhofer w/ Billy Peterson
on set of Metsa's Wall of Power (2019)

What's special about this weekend's shows is that Gregg Inhofer and Billy Peterson, who have been performing together since the early Seventies, recorded with Dylan on half the songs on "Blood on the Tracks". (For more about that story, follow the links below.)  FWIW, Dylan’s album “Blood on the Tracks”, ranks number 16 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. 

Another special feature about the weekend: Glenn and Gregg worked together decades ago in the band "This Oneness" and for the two of them, this is a long awaited reunion.

I first met Gregg at a special event in the studio of Paul Metsa's Wall of Power. The six Minnesota musicians who contributed to Bob Dylan's 1975 double Platinum Blood on the Tracks were gathered together to celebrate the release of Bootleg 14: More Blood, More Tracks. (Two were present via media connections.) It was an exceedingly moving event, because their contributions to the original album had not yet been publicly recognized. Thus, this was a vindication of sorts, in addition to being a reunion.

IF YOU'VE NEVER BEEN to the Oldenburg House for their A++ jazz events, you really owe it to yourself to learn more about this historic Carlton hideaway. The shows include first class cuisine by Chef Paul Sapyta of Room at the Table.

In addition to the 8-day week of events assembled for Duluth Dylan Fest 2025, I have to quickly mention that the Alhambra Theater, adjacent to the West Theatre, is having it Grand Opening this weekend. There will be magicians, musicians and more. (For the record, Dylan was a big fan of Harry Houdini. On one occasion he was asked what event he would like to see if he could go back in time. He purportedly said that he would like to have been there when Harry Houdini was chained, trussed and locked in a box that was thrust into the East River.)

So, on Tuesday May 20 at 8:00 pm at the Alhambra, Paul Metsa and friends are inviting you to share a Salute to Bob Dylan Concert and Conversation. This intimate setting will include special guest Gregg Inhofer and Metsa's superbly talented harmonicat sidekick, Sonny Earl. Doors open at 6:30, concert kicks off at 8:30. Tickets are $18 and $23 based on seating:  https://readertix.com/events/paul-metsa-friends-do-dylan

About the Alhambra

The Vision for the Alhambra

New chapter for Historic Duluth Theater

About Paul Metsa's 2019 BOTT Reunion Celebration
Inside the Studio: Still More Blood and Tracks as Paul Metsa's Wall of Power Features MN Music Luminaries

Paul Metsa's Wall of Power Featuring Dylan's BOTT Studio Musicians from Sound 80 (Part 2)
Lives Touched and Energized: Dylan, Blood, Tracks, Metsa--Part 3

Cookin' at the O 2025
Upcoming Performances

Tickets for May 16 Dylan Tribute

Tickets for May 17

10 Things You May Not Know About the Oldenburg House in Carlton

When I first met Gregg in 2019 he shared these personal observations from his experience in 1974 recording with Dylan. “I was working for Kevin (Odegard), Billy Peterson and Bill Berg (drummer). They needed a studio keyboard player. First impression: 'Cool' He (Dylan) had my respect. I wasn’t a fan like the other guys. I was studying jazz/rock fusion. Dylan’s tunes were technically simple."

When I asked about not being mentioned on liner notes he replied, “I take my own 50% responsibility. I should’ve called David (Zimmerman). I was naïve about business and didn’t follow up.”

The week ahead will be loaded with memorable moments. If able, you may want to be part of them. 

SPECIAL SHOUT OUTS

Big shout out to Glenn Swanson and Emily Fuerste for the richness and life they've brought to their community. Shine on!

Another big shout out to Bob Boone and all the volunteers and financial contributors who sacrificed so much to bring the Alhambra back to life for a new generation.

A Memory from My Days Painting Apartments

From 1982 till 1986 Susie and I made ends meet by painting apartments (and a few houses) in the Twin Cities. During that time I encountered many interesting people with fascinating stories. 

On one occasion I did some work in the apartment of a young man with a giant map of the world on his wall. It was not an ordinary map. The fellow had been researching and identifying where all the nuclear weapons in the world were located. 

The day I painted there he returned for his lunch break and we got into a discussion regarding various issues related to the matter of global armaments. He explained the markings on his map and showed me the literature he would read to stay informed. But what stuck with me most was an ethical conflict that was quite personal. This issue that disturbed him greatly. 

He had a girl friend whom he wanted to marry, but her father worked at Honeywell, a major developer of military hardware. He wasn't sure he could compromise his convictions by spending holidays with the in-laws while having to suppress his condemnation of her father's activities or avoid sharing his own beliefs just to get along. 

His dilemma was very real for him. And thinking back on this recollection made me wonder how often we play it safe in order to get along with others. 

This is one of the challenges of life. There are no real guidelines for many issues and this--knowing when and when not to compromise--is one of them.

The Odd Duck: "Delightfully Scrumptious" and Many Other Superlatives

I recently had the privilege of eating at the Odd Duck, a nationally recognized Milwaukee restaurant, and savored every minute of it.

Let's start with the menu: extraordinary, noteworthy, phenomenal, remarkable, rare, singular, sensational, memorable and very, very special. The dishes are delectable, delightful, rewarding, tasty, luscious and yummy. I prefer not to overuse superlatives, but in this can justify making an exception. 

The Odd Duck is a Milwaukee restaurant with a menu that must be experienced to be believed. The word "Odd" means different or unusual. In other words it's the perfect place to escape the "same old, same old." I've often written about expanding one's boundaries, coloring outside the lines and escaping from the status quo. The Odd Duck is a place where you can do this with your taste buds. Let yourself go.

The restaurant describes its menu is ever changing and globally inspired. HERE is a sample. The only problem with this The Odd Duck for me, personally, is that it is between 6 and 7 hours from my home. 

For more information about its history, philosophy and the people who conspire to make these culinary dreams come true, visit https://oddduckrestaurant.com/

Lamb Manti Dumplings have been a hit this past several months.
Look for something new soon.

My son Micah and I shared this Mediterranean-inspired dish
that he created. Almost too tasty to be true.

I forgot to take the photo as the chicken was being served.

The chocolate cheesecake was unbelievable.

Wordless Wednesday: Clubbin' It In Milwaukee

Cactus Club -- May 5, 2025

https://www.cactusclubmilwaukee.com/events/odor-eaters-misprints-evinspragg/

Are You Too Busy for New Connections?

Still friends after all these years.

When my wife Susie and I returned from Mexico after the second year of our marriage, a friend suggested we visit Bethel Temple in St. Paul. He raved about the good people, solid pastoral care, and vibrant worship. It was a very special place, he said, in the heart of the Twin Cities. I believe he even repeated “good people” for emphasis, which stuck with me. 

After the service on the first Sunday we went, a friendly, blonde-haired man greeted us with a warmth that felt genuine. His name was Henry, and our conversation flowed effortlessly. He was on a wavelength I instantly connected with—thoughtful, engaging, and genuine.

I could tell Henry was someone I wanted to know better, but I also sensed he had a very busy life. The way he moved through the crowd, balancing greetings and tasks, I could tell this was a role he played here, making a conscious effort to welcome visitors and get them connected to the fellowship. 

As we were talking later I blurted out, in my somewhat direct way, “Is your life too busy to have another friend?” It was a bold ask, but after a pause in which he no dubt did a quick internal inventory of his commitments, Henry’s gracious smile said it all. Despite his packed schedule, he and his wife Lisa welcomed Susie and I into their lives. That openness changed us, and we remain deeply grateful for their friendship.

From tme to time I've reflected on that moment and have had to ask myself Are you too busy to allow another person or new experience into your life? It’s a question worth pondering. Life moves fast—work, family, errands, and endless to-do lists can fill every crevice of our days. It’s easy to say, “I don’t have time for new friends” or “I’ll try that new hobby later.” But what if “later” never comes? What if the cost of busyness is missing out on connections and experiences that could enrich us?

Henry could’ve brushed us off. He had every excuse—his plate was full. Yet, he chose to make space, and that choice sparked a meaningful, lifelong friendship. It’s a reminder that life’s best moments often come when we pause and say “yes” to something new. Whether it’s a conversation with a stranger, a spontaneous adventure, or signing up for that class you’ve been eyeing, opening the door to new possibilities takes courage. It means prioritizing connection over convenience and growth over routine.

So, here’s the challenge: take stock of your life. Are you too busy to let someone new in? Too swamped to try something different? If so, maybe it’s time to carve out a little space. Say hello to that coworker you’ve never really talked to. Book that weekend hike. Invite someone to coffee. Like Henry, you might find that making room for others—or for new experiences—brings unexpected joy. Life’s too short to let busyness block the beauty of what’s waiting. 

Related Link

Henry is a professional pianist and founder of Quiet Heart Music.

www.quietheartmusic.com

 

Crowds On Demand: How Money Can Be Used to Create Illusions

THROWBACK THURSDAY

My first trip to Las Vegas was in 1991. I'd gone to attend a trade show on trade shows at Bally's Convention Center. It was highly informative. For two days my boss and I attended workshops and walked the show floor, absorbing everything we could learn. 

One thing we observed was there seemed to be three pricing tiers in the booth business, just like McDonald's, except that instead of 1, 2 and 5 dollar prices, these structures were priced 5, 50 and 200.... thousands. If you had the money, there was no limit to how much you could spend once you had consultants and architects paid off.

In a similar vein, there was a wide variety of talent you could purchase for your show booth. There are national organizations with models who you can hire for the duration of your show. Kelly Girls is one such organization, but an internet search will unearth others. There are also magicians you can hire to draw crowds. Who doesn't enjoy a good magic show? This is where the "almost famous" end up, I suspect. 

There are also look-a-likes of famous people whom you can rent to work your booth. A smiling Michael J. Fox stepped over and shook my hand. A veritable twin. Same voice and mannerisms, too. Ever wonder what an actors' doubles do when the actor is not working? Yep. You can probably rent him to attract people to your booth. And for a price, you can even have the real person, if you have the bucks.

All these memories came to mind when I saw an email this week about a company called Crowds On Demand. Having been an extra in a Hollywood film, I'm aware that when movies need lots of people for crowd scenes they have systems in place to recruit them. Were you aware that there are systems in place for manufacturing crowds in real life? 

Here's their sales pitch:

"Are you looking to create a buzz anywhere in the United States? At Crowds on Demand, we provide our clients with protests, rallies, flash-mobs, paparazzi events and other inventive PR stunts. These services are available across the country in every major U.S city, every major U.S metro area and even most smaller cities as well. We provide everything including the people, the materials and even the ideas. You can come to us with a specific plan of action and we can make it happen. OR, you can approach us with a general idea and we can help you plan the strategy then execute it."
https://crowdsondemand.com/

Next I learned about another group called Demand Protest. Here's info gleaned from their site.

We are strategists mobilizing millennials across the globe with seeded audiences and desirable messages. With absolute discretion a top priority, our operatives create convincing scenes that become the building blocks of massive movements. When you need the appearance of outrage, we are able to deliver it at scale while keeping your reputation intact.

Demonstrations

We develop, recruit, manage, and execute on your high-level objectives. Our trained operatives can lead entire crowds or simply steer events in your favor.

Movements

We have the proven expertise required to expertly shape political, corporate, or public health perceptions.

Intelligence

Our operatives can embrace and steer existing organizations, providing you valuable insights about those involved and their future actions.

Training

Our strategists can train your organization in our methods of creating effective demonstrations and design the situations that will deliver your goals.

Website: www.demandprotest.com

https://www.demandprotest.com/?fbclid=IwAR0A6p6AmfcudnVvNIlJCdcziBZ3seSf_b1e2H1CoCC2-ROz9BIye3vXeOs

* * * *

When I was growing up I remember being told, "Don't believe everything you hear." When the Internet came along, we were told, "Don't believe everything you read on the Net." As time went on, online misinformation was given a name: Fake News.

The purpose of these two saying was to encourage a healthy skepticism and critical thinking. To these I'll add a third, attributed to Edgar Allen Poe. "Believe none of what you hear and half of what you see."

When we read about these two groups--Crowds On Demand, and Demand Protest--it ought to cause us to question the things we're seeing in real life. What is really happening? Who is manipulating whom? When you see protests, are they spontaneous or organized? If organized, what's the real agenda?

Both of these organizations claim to be skilled at influencing public opinion. That is how they set their prices. Purportedly they are able to deliver on their promises. 

When we take a closer look, over the last 80 years U.S. clandestine activities have included similar hocus pocus shenanigans. On this topic much has been written and more can be said. As we following stories in the news, let's make an effort to be a little more discerning regarding what we swallow. As George Harrison once noted, "You know that what you eat your are // but what is sweet now turns so sour." 

* * * *

Related Link

He Who Controls the Narrative Controls the People

Photo at top of page by Rob Curran on Unsplash

The original blog post here was published in November 2020. I republished with a new ending because I noticed some recent stories in the news about Crowds on Demand.

New Orleans Jazz Fest: Wyland Blues Planet with Taj Mahal and Friends

Last week on Earth Day, April 22, Wyland Records released the final installment of its Blues Planet environmental-themed blues albums featuring Taj Mahal and an all-star ensemble of blues musicians. Saturday night, Wyland, Taj and company gave a generous performance at the New Orleans Jazz Festival 2025.

Born in Harlem in May 1942, the multi-instrumentalist Taj Mahal.

Taj with Wyland, pouring out the blues.

Mahal has played an influential role in shaping the blues
over the course of a 50+ year career.

All photos courtesy Gary Firstenberg except this one, courtesy Sunbonnet Sue.

Wyland the arttist is also a songwriter and producer.

L'il Freddie King

Kirk Joseph

Roger Lewis

Tour guide Gary Firstenberg

Let the good times roll.