Reggie Hart continues taking unique multi-platform show on road

Reggie Hart, right, performs live with Lucho Rocoso in Gwangju, Feb. 24. Courtesy of Isaiah Winters

By Daniel J. Springer

In the era of social media running amok, many musicians and bands are quite literally praying for a viral 30-second clip from a concert. Whatever gets the name out there does exactly that.

Given the pervasive media landscape we currently inhabit, musicians have video games, Netflix, thousands of TV channels, YouTube and any number of other forms of entertainment to compete with for eyes and ears.

One musician who's been through the entire development of the modern media landscape is Daejeon-based Reggie Hart, creator of "The Reggie Hart Show."

Thirty years of history are seen on the guitar case of Lucho Rocoso, bought in Spain in 1993. Courtesy of Daniel J. Springer

"The Reggie Hart Show" is a folk program of mostly covers performed by Hart, a Canadian, with his American partner in crime, Lucho Rocoso. But what raises eyebrows with their program is not necessarily the music repertoire.

In a recent performance in Gwangju, Hart took a quick break to light a cigarette. In 2024, smoking indoors is obviously a big no-no, and the bar staff were incensed. Hart then calmly put out the still-lit cigarette in his hand, making it summarily disappear to the delight of all in attendance.

The show's unique blend of country, blues, magic and comedy might make the kids roll their eyes upon hearing of it, but one cannot deny how unique this traveling show is, whether you're talking here in Korea or anywhere else. As with most things in his very long career spanning over five decades, the germination and development of Hart's traveling music box is a bit of a saga.

Hart initially started learning magic as a young boy. "As a young man, I performed briefly as a magician only and was the opening act for [comedian and actor] Alan Thicke," he told The Korea Times. "I began incorporating magic into my music shows way back in the '80s as a way to get the audience involved."

Reggie Hart performs a card trick in Gwangju, Feb. 24. Courtesy of Isaiah Winters.

"The Reggie Hart Show" has thus continued something that started way back, by using some basic magic and audience participation to keep engagement high.

Generally, Hart said, “I learned early that audiences enjoy themselves when they are a part of the show and not just spectators.”

Given the language barrier and reticence of individuals for any type of spotlight here in Korea, finding an audience to take part can be a challenge. However, Hart notes that it’s not usually a cultural barrier, but more often linguistic.

Hart, who doesn’t speak the Korean language, noted, “Koreans actually enjoy participating in my shows, but the biggest challenge is communication. So, I have created a number of illusions that do not require language. I also perform traditional magic, such as the Chinese magic rings that are visual and there is no need for language.”

This being the case, it does beg the question as to how much effort it takes to perfect the magic tricks in these performances. Many might blow them off as parlor tricks easily found on YouTube or wherever, but Hart is resolute in stating that is not the case.

“[Rocoso and I] practice at least three times a week for the music in my show. The magic portions literally take years to develop," he said. "Luckily, since most of my illusions are unique to me, once I have incorporated them into the show, they don't change much. I do need to practice though.”

The musical selections can also be a bit challenging, or at least were at first when he started his act locally back in 2003. Asked how Korea has affected his performances, Hart replied, “I learned a few Korean songs, but the biggest change has been learning what Western songs are widely known by Koreans and incorporating those into my show.”

Hart, over the years, has credits as an audio, visual and even written artist.

On the former, he’s credited with over 30 songs, most notably “Walkin’ in Rain,” which had extensive airplay in Canada back in the 1990s. While his 1992 album “Modern Cowboy’s Life” is not available for physical purchase any longer, it can be streamed for free.

Hart’s musical and lyrical creation has continued to the present. Notably, he has written “Poetry Glass” for award-winning Canadian artist Daniel Holden and his band My Sister Ocean. The song will feature on the band’s album as a lead single.

On the collaboration with Hart, Holden told The Korea Times, “We’re excited about this track with Reggie because it reminded us of one our earliest ‘fan favorite tracks,’ and it felt like it fit in with our discography perfectly.”

Holden noted further, "While we're always trying to push our envelope, we also enjoy when a song just feels good, and you don't have to fight it. I loved 'Poetry Glass' immediately, and it was a pleasure to use (Hart's) melody and words. 'Poetry Glass' could easily belong in any genre."

"Kimchi Painting: by Reggie Hart / Courtesy of Reggie Hart

On the visual front, much like in music, Hart exhibits an easygoing manner that has found acclaim with those who’ve paid attention. An active member of the Daejeon Arts Collective for years now, he’s had a painting called “Kimchi Painting” that was featured on U.S. television with American actor Ken Jeong’s “Dr. Ken.”

The cover of "Grampaw Pooped His Pants" by Reggie Hart with art by Kevin Nickolai

With all of this experience and output, it almost beggars belief that Hart has found the time to publish 10 children’s books, one of them with illustrations by Daejeon artist and mayhem maker Kevin Nickolai. The two teamed up several years ago for “Grampaw Pooped His Pants,” which is a Christmas comedy book for kids that also features an original song from Hart as well.

However, while Hart obviously keeps steadily busy, that can’t be said for the recent past, at least as far as live performances are concerned. Media saturation and especially COVID-19 have put a bit of a damper on the volume of shows for almost everyone, Hart included.

“Prior to COVID, I was extremely busy, performing at least two or three times a month and rarely had to leave Daejeon. COVID has had a major impact on the live music nightlife here,” Hart stated.

“Still, I have no plans to give up performing and instead have been exploring opportunities in other cities here in Korea.”

Even without "The Reggie Hart Show" as a constant performing factor, things are sure to be busy for Hart.

Visit reggiehart.com for more information.

Daniel J. Springer is the former host of “The Drop with Danno” on GFN, and current music director and resident DJ at FRIENDS in Gwangju.