* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #406 Date: Sunday 22nd April 2006 Editor: Alan Watson www.magicianz.com www.Alan-Watson.com e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. Update On Billy McComb In Hospital 3. "Free Texas Holdem Poker Tournaments" 4. Fantasma Magic New Modern Venue Is Now Officially Open 5. Meetings With Remarkable Magicians # 7 - Nick Lewin 6. Las Vegas Magic - May, 2006 7. Trouping With Dante By Marion S Trikosko 8. Flicking Fingers Team In New York 9. Wonder Workshop (Los Angeles) 10. Wanted A Patent Attorney 11. Abbott's 25th Annual Flea Market And Auction 12. Camp Scholarship For Joshua Miller Of Cambridge 13. 12th Annual Magic Auction 14. Les Levante Used, Some Of Maurice Rooklyns Billiard Ball Gimmicks 15. 15. IBM Hospital Shows 16. Wanting Help With Movie 17. Anniversary Of Magic Circle Graz 18. "Its MAGIC" Airing In April/May 19. The Amazing Orchante Saga 20. e-zine Archives 21. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editors Message -------------------------------------------- Monday Night Copperfield Shows Cancelled April 21, 2006 05:16 AM http://www.14wfie.com/Global/story.asp?S=4780973&nav=3w6o It was no illusion....disappointed fans lined up at the Centre's box office to get their money back. Right after the 5:30 show had started with a video introduction, there was an announcement that stunned the crowd of 25-hundred..... ----------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. Update On Billy McComb In Hospital -------------------------------------------- Message from Annabel Gray (US) As most of his friends know, Billy ended up back in the hospital via the ER nearly two weeks ago. It turned out that he had pneumonia and it was serious enough to put him into the ICU. I am very happy to say that he left the ICU last night & is now in a regular room in the main hospital. He is still very sick, but getting better every day & asking for, or should I say demanding, coke, orange juice, chocolate & ice cream! No visitors, coke or other goodies yet ,,, but SOON! Thanks for all the kind messages & cards etc. It was his birthday last week & I put up all the cards in his room so he could see them. I will keep you updated, but meantime, please pass the news on to all interested parties. -------------------------------------------- 3. "Free Texas Holdem Poker Tournaments" -------------------------------------------- Message from Barry Govan (Aust) This might be of interest to other magicians around the world as it offers great scope for extra work for magicians. It's a bit like hotel and restaurant work in that the money is average, but the work is regular and is mainly on the first three days of the week when not many gigs are happening. I am talking about "Free Texas Holdem Poker Tournaments" that are sweeping the country both here in Australia and overseas. You basically entertain the queues, demo some close up stuff at the table, show them how to play, and help run the tournaments. There are currently 2600 venues that run in NSW and Victoria with more to come, and that must mean lots of easy work for card experts and getting paid for just handling playing cards. The only requirement is to apply for these positions as they are advertised and demo your close up skills to the organizers. Knowing a bit about security and cheating skills will help get the gig. The current company in Australia is called "Australian League Poker" and can be found on the net. Any questions about the job can be directed to myself and I will try and explain it in more detail. Best Regards Barry G (The Bandit) -------------------------------------------- 4. Fantasma Magic New Modern Venue Is Now Officially Open -------------------------------------------- Message from Roger Dreyer (US) Fantasma Magic is excited to announce that their new modern magic venue is now officially open and ready to great magicians from around the world. In addition to the Fantasma line, their partial assortment consists of Colin Rose 5 of hearts, Mikame, Joe Porper, Viking Magic, Magic Land, Tricks from Japan, Pro Magic, Magicus, Dube juggling and more. Visitors will be greeted by a 3 dimensional holographic magic video, a magic museum featuring Houdini's Metamorphosis trunk, two stages, VIP party room and Houdini escaping from a straight jacket in the ceiling. April 22nd will be a memorable party for all that can attend from 7 PM to 10 PM. In house magicians include David Roth, Simon Lovell, "Magic," and Director Thorsten Happel. Located across from Madison Square Garden on 7th Ave and 33rd Street. Hours M-F 11-7, Sunday 12-6. Mention "Kiwi Magic" and win a free surprise. Fantasma 421 7th Ave. 2nd floor New York, NY 10001 212 924 8345 www.fantasmatoys.com -------------------------------------------- 5. Meetings With Remarkable Magicians # 7 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) The Master There are many magicians but very few masters in magic. Dai Vernon was above all a master. The professor, as he was known around the World was the man who changed the face of modern magic and reinvented close up magic. I first met Dai when I joined the Magic Castle in Hollywood. He was every inch the master when you saw him holding court in a corner of the Castle with a brandy in a snifter, a cigarette in the ashtray and a deck of cards in his hand. Magicians would discretely shadow him for hours just to add a little touch or move from his endless store of wisdom. Dai was very subtle, nothing he did was flashy or "show-offy", it was just right. For any situation that might present itself during a card trick the professor had at least half a dozen ways to get where he wanted to go. Some of the greatest books of sleight of hand routines can be traced directly to his fertile mind. He was also generous and a true gentleman. In spite of the fact that I have always made my living performing comedy magic I have a guilty secret, I am also a first rate sleight of hand magician, shh, don't tell anyone! However to me the mark of a true magician is to appear not to be doing anything other than watching the magic happen. My greatest joy is to find a move that works perfectly and then find a way to make it look like nothing is happening. Dai was a fan of my magic but deeply suspicious of the laughs my show created in audiences, to him anything that wasn't magic was unnecessary and indeed a detraction from a magic show. Dai kept asking me why did I feel the need to make people laugh and in honesty it was a good question. I learned a great deal from the 'spirit' of Dai, he was unique and a true living legend, in a world where everyone thinks they are legends. In spite of his disregard for comedy Dai gave me a comedy line once: "When you lick the envelope to steal it say I will seal this envelope in this unsanitary manner. There is a long list of people Dai gave 'moves' to but I was always pleased at him giving me a line for the show. Sometimes late at night after the Castle closed I would take Dai for a late night supermarket run to the all night Hughes market in Hollywood, I would push the cart and he would throw some groceries into it, then I would drive him home and carry the grocery bags to his door. I always enjoyed these late night runs, it was fun to spend time alone with the great man and watch him choose between brands of dishwashing liquids. It made the legend into a real life person. Well, I never did give up the comedy in my act and I still haven't quite worked out why I need to get those laughs. However, after seeing one of my shows in the 'Parlor of Prestidigitation' Dai said something that I will never forget. He looked me in the eye and said that one of his greatest joys was that he had never needed to perform magic for a living. He then added that if he had to actually earn his living doing magic then he would come to me and buy my linking finger ring routine. He loved the strength of the magic and thought the comedy was perfect for the routine. Then he gave me a big wink and said; "But I wouldn't ever want to perform magic for a living, it's more fun perfecting it." Here's to the great perfector, if there is a heaven, I know Dai will be in a corner of it with a brandy in a snifter, a cigarette in an ashtray and a deck of cards in his hand. -------------------------------------------- 6. Las Vegas Magic - May, 2006 -------------------------------------------- Message by David Neubauer (www.dnmagic.com) Production Shows: Amazing Johnathan 10 pm, (Dark Thurs.), Sahara. http://www.saharavegas.com/shows/amazingjohnathon.html Beacher's Madhouse Tyas Frantz, Chris Karpiak & Seth Grabel - 10 pm - Hard Rock. Check www.beachersmadhouse.com for dates. Bite (Vampire Strip Revue) Antonio Restivo (magic & fire manipulation) 10:30 pm (dark Thurs.) Stratosphere www.bitelasvegas.com Buck Wild Nathan Burton (as a redneck magician) 7 pm covered shows Mon.-Wed. & Sat. 9 pm Topless shows (Over 18) - Sahara (Dark Fri.) www.saharavegas.com/shows/buckwild.html Collin Foster - Quicker than the Eye 4 & 6 pm (Dark Mon.), Comedy Zone, Plaza. $6.95 admission includes a drink coupon: http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponcollinfoster.html David Copperfield 7:30 & 10 pm, 4:30 Sat. & some Sun. MGM Grand. June 1-14, 20-30. http://mgm.admission.com/cgi/guide.cgi?l=EN Haunted Vegas Tour & Show Robert Allen, Jac Hayden & Zamora - Greek Isle. 9:00 pm tour and show (Dark Fri.) $10 off coupon: http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponhauntedvegas.html Illusionary Magic of Rick Thomas 2 & 4 pm, Stardust. (Dark Wed.) http://www.stardustlv.com/site/entertainment/index.cfm?Page=Artist&ArtistID=27 Jason Bird The Shops in Desert Passage - Aladdin. Main stage, near the "V" Theater, Thursday - Monday Various times from 1:15 pm. - 8:15 pm. - Free. La Femme Stephan Vanel 8 & 10:30 pm, (Dark Tues.), MGM Grand. http://www.mgmgrand.com/pages_html/entertainment_lafemme_lafemme.asp Lance Burton, Master Magician 7 pm Tues-Sat & 10 pm Tues. & Sat. Monte Carlo. http://www.montecarlo.com/entertainment/lance.aspx Mac King Comedy Magic Show 1 & 3 pm, (Dark Sun. & Mon.) Harrah's Clint Holmes Theater. www.mackingshow.com Penn & Teller 9 pm, (Dark Tues.), Rio. http://www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/rlv/entertainment/entertainment_detail_00.html V, The Ultimate Variety Show Jeff Hobson, Nathan & Sarah - www.vtheshow.com 7 & 9 pm, Aladdin. 2 for 1 coupon: http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponvshow.html World's Greatest Magic Show Kevin James, Joseph Gabriel, The Majestix, Kozak. Derek Roberts, Billy Fergueson & Chris Randall (pre-show). 6 pm Sat. - Thurs., 8:15 Fri., Greek Isle. April Guest Stars: Through 23: Roy Shank (sub for Kevin James) & Ardan James, 24-30: Kevin James returns & Scott and Muriel. May Guest Stars: 1-7: Ardan James, 8-19: Danny Cole, 20-28: Shimshe, 29-June 25: Ardan James. June Guest Stars: 1-25: Ardan James, 26-30: Shimshe. Xtreme Magic Starring Dirk Arthur Tiffany Theatre, Tropicana 2 and 4 pm. (Dark Fri.) $10 off coupon: http://www.vegas4locals.com/Coupontropicana_dirk.html Jamie Porter's Radio Side Show Sat @ 5 am, KLAV FM 1230. Restaurants: Eric Allan Outback Steakhouse (Green Valley), Fri. & Sat. Jayden LaCross TGI Fridays, Wed. & Sun. Las Vegas Magic Organizations I.B.M. #257: 7 pm 1st Monday of each month at Boomers, 3200 Sirius Ave. www.ring257.com April, 2006 April 24-30: Scott and Muriel - Guest Stars, World's Greatest Magic Show, Greek Isle. April 24: Kevin James returns, World's Greatest Magic Show, Greek Isle. May, 2006 May 1-7: Ardan James - Guest Star, World's Greatest Magic Show, Greek Isle. May 8-19: Danny Cole - Guest Star, World's Greatest Magic Show, Greek Isle. May 20-28: Shimshe - Guest Star, World's Greatest Magic Show, Greek Isle. May 29-June 25: Ardan James - Guest Star, World's Greatest Magic Show, Greek Isle. June, 2006 June 1-25: Ardan James - Guest Star, World's Greatest Magic Show, Greek Isle. June 1-14: David Copperfield, MGM Grand. June 11-June 13: Las Vegas Magic Invitational (LVMI) - Palace Station. Guest of Honor: J.C. Wagner. Featuring Lee Asher, Mark Mason, Bob Sheets, The J Team (John Born and Jason Dean), John Carney. www.lvmi.net June 14: CoinCon. Featuring: Rune Klan, John Born, Mickey Silver and Kainoa Harbottle. - Palace Station www.lvmi.net June 20-30: David Copperfield, MGM Grand. June 26-30: Shimshe - Guest Star, World's Greatest Magic Show, Greek Isle. -------------------------------------------- 7. Trouping With Dante By Marion S Trikosko -------------------------------------------- A review by Peter Reveen (US) Firstly, a short prologue, the date June 17th 1955, the place, at the home of Reg Fielder, a local professional magician in the city of Albury, New South Wales, Australia. A dozen or so magic fans were gathered to respect the passing of the most revered American magician ever to have played Australia - Dante with his extravaganza, "Sim-Sala-Bim". I was playing at the local Town Hall with my own hypnotic performance and Reg invited both Coral and I over after the show to meet with some of the local magicians. He introduced me to the local radio announcer/manager of the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Commission). As we chatted away he told me that he was many years ago one of the Australian assistants hired for Dante's second tour of Australia. I exclaimed that "It must have been a great experience". "No, he could be most of the time one of the toughest and most critical men one could ever work for." "If you felt that way about him why didn't you leave?" I asked. "Because I learned more about the craft of theatre and showmanship from this man, than from any other source - ever. As tough or abusive as he could sometimes be, there were the after show chats, that consisted of gold nuggets of theatrical wisdom, they were priceless." Now, on to the business at hand! Marion S Trikosko has authored one of the finest historical biographies of a theatrical giant, in the annals of magical history. The research into the long and hard working career of a true genius is a work of love. His protagonist worked for and among all the greats. This gem of a book dives deeply into the mind and drive of a man who worked both long and hard in order to feed an ever growing large family. A man's man, married for life, to a great woman who both loved and understood him. Like many a great man, nothing came to him easily. You will learn as you read this great book which Marion has so painstakingly crafted, the frustrating hardships that Harry August Jansen had to overcome. If you are a true devotee of the great era of the magic arts be forewarned - the book is definitely a no-put-downer. The relationships between Thurston and Dante are cleverly woven in and out of its many chapters. Dante's run in with crooked theatre owners in Manchuria is a study of how tough a man he could be when crossed. He wouldn't back down to anyone. A story of an Australian beauty, falling in love with Dante's youngest son. The true historical facts of Dante's great co-star Moi Yo Miller. What happened between Dante and the Russian dictator Joseph Stalin? The in-depth story of George White. A great, indispensable man behind both Thurston and Dante. Buy Marion S Trikosko's book. To paraphrase Al Jolson "You ain't seen nothing yet!" In the mid 1960s Robert Towner sold me Dante's original "Broadcasting a Woman" and "Crushing a Woman" illusions, together with the original scenery, that Dante had handmade in Singapore. All of which Robert had had purchased from Al Jansen. Plus the beautifully made "Rods Thru Body" which Dante gave to Virgil as a gift to take with him on his world tour. Robert Towner and Rick Rimsnider were my major staff members. The show cost a fortune to run. In those years magic shows were not in favour. After a few months I closed it down. Sold all the tons of equipment, props, drapes and costumes to some young fellow in the east. I think his name was John Moering! Peter Reveen PS: Moi Yo Montes and Gerald Taylor called tonight from Melbourne. Orders of Marion's books have arrived in Australia. It's a hit. Going straight off the shelves. Gerald Taylor's and Charles Waller's book "Magical Nights At The Theatre" is out of print. The book is a history of all of the magicians who played Australia from 1854 through to 1958. Complete with comments and critiques on all of them. Gerald no longer has any. He informed me that Owen Magic bought the final copies from him some time ago and may have a few left. -------------------------------------------- 8. Flicking Fingers Team In New York -------------------------------------------- Message from Thomas Fraps forwarded on by Phil Willmarth, we've met at past FFFF conventions and hopefully will do so again this year as I'm able to attend FFFFs! Actually the whole Flicking Finger gang from Germany will be attending Fechters, heading of to the Castle for a "German Week" and then finish the trip with a two-day workshop/lecture Festival in New York. My question is whether you'd be able to spread the word or put a mention on the Linking Ring online section about our New York event? It's the first time in 8 years that the full-team is in the USA (and my guess is that it won't happen anytime soon, since synchronizing the schedules of 10 professional magicians is not easy feat! ;-) The Flicking Finger Festival will take place in New York on May 13/14th at the TRIBECA Performing Arts Center. A trailer, infos on the event-schedule and registration is available at: http://www.flickingfingersfestival.com The full festival registration also includes a ticket to our theater show on Saturday, May 13th also at the TRIBECA Performing Arts Center: http://www.theflickingfingers.com/newyork/ We would appreciate it if you could spread the word at your next ring meeting and or online... Feel free to contact me with any questions. Thanks in advance and looking forward to seeing you at FFFFs! Thomas Fraps Die Fertigen Finger www.theflickingfingers.com www.diefertigenfinger.com -------------------------------------------- 9. Wonder Workshop (Los Angeles) -------------------------------------------- Message from John Carney (US) Four Saturdays May 6, 13, 20, 27, 2006 3-6 pm Announcing a new workshop for magicians in the Los Angeles area. Wonder Workshop is a four week crash course which will help you plot a new direction for your magic. Each week I will offer a curriculum of subjects, as well as personal coaching. Bring specific routines, or techniques that you want to work on. Perform the routines for the group and I will offer suggestions and guidance. Subjects include, Creativity: How to add personal touches to routines you already do, and how to create new and original material. We will also brainstorm on your ideas, fleshing them out, and making them work! Approach to Study: how to get the most out of your study and practice. Presentation: Write presentations for routines, and learn better stage craft that will make your act more professional. Technique: Demonstrations of basic techniques and the secrets to making them more effective. We will also work with individuals who are trying to learn specific techniques. Misdirection: What is it, and how to apply it. History: Where does all this stuff come from? How can we learn from and apply it to our performances? Tuition is $250 Limited seating - to reserve your space, go to http://www.carneymagic.com/workshop.htm Location: TU Studios 10943 Camarillo Street (Four blocks north of 134, off Lankershim Blvd - Entrance at rear) North Hollywood, California 91602 Conflict in your schedule? If you live in the LA area and can't make this round, send an Email to info@CarneyMagic.com with "Los Angeles Lectures and Workshops" in the subject line, and I will notify you of future events in the Los Angeles area. US Lectures and Workshops I am beginning to book special weekend versions of the Wonder Workshop in select cities across the country, as well as a few lectures in the coming year. If you want to be notified, please send an Email with your city in the subject line, ("My city Lectures and Workshops"), or check in at http://www.carneymagic.com/schedule.htm for updates. Europe Lectures I will do a few lectures in Europe in the Fall of 2006, in just a few larger cities. If you would like an Email with the details of dates of my European tour, write to: info@CarneyMagic.com with the subject "European lectures". When the tour is finalized, I will let you know the dates and details by Email. Theatre Show Carney's Wonders I will be doing my full theatre show in Los Angeles in the fall of 2006. If you want to know of all my Los Angeles Shows, send an Email with "Los Angeles Theatre Show and Lectures" in the subject line to info@CarneyMagic.com , or check in at http://www.carneymagic.com/WonderCab.htm to get updates. Carney's Wonders in your town Sign up on my lecture schedule page to be notified when Carney's Wonders is coming to your city. http://www.carneymagic.com/schedule.htm -------------------------------------------- 10. Wanted A Patent Attorney -------------------------------------------- Message from Don Drake (US) I'm looking for a patent attorney that might also be interested in magic. I now have a provisional patent on my new invention Moving Wall Technology, but I need to file for the permanent one. So if anyone know of a good patent attorney that's reasonable (I'm not rich yet -:) ) please contact me privately, thank you for your time we now return you to your magic lurking . Don Drake 1412-A Santa Margarita St. Las Vegas, NV 89146-9306 Ph. 702-258-7071, Cell 702-215-9337 dondrake@blackartsecrets.com -------------------------------------------- 11. Abbott's 25th Annual Flea Market And Auction -------------------------------------------- Message from Hank Moorehouse (US) Abbott's 25 Annual Flea Market and Auction will be held on Saturday, May 13. The Flea Market is held in the Colon Elementary School Gym from 9AM to 1PM with 20 vendors. A few tables still available. Start at 1PM the auction is held in the Abbott's Building with Hank Moorehouse doing the auctioning. Hank has been the auctioneer every year. A bid card for the auction costs $5.00. This is just like watching a show. Hundreds of items both large and small will go to the high bidder. For more information contact Abbott Magic phone 269 432 3235 or check www.abbottmagic.com -------------------------------------------- 12. Camp Scholarship For Joshua Miller Of Cambridge -------------------------------------------- Message from Warren Kaps (US) Attached is a copy of Press Release announcing that the Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund has joined with The Magic Circle to provide a full tuition magic camp scholarship with travel expenses to a very worthy candidate, Joshua Miller, of Cambridge, England, to attend Sorcerer's Summer Safari magic camp in Toronto, Canada. We are particularly proud to contribute to Josh Miller's chance to travel to another continent to broaden his magical experience and develop is expertise in magic at a young impressionable age. The other campers will also benefit from the exchange of Joshua's experience. As the saying goes, this is a "win-win" situation, and one I hope we will be able to continue. For the summer season of 2006, the Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund will provide another four full-tuition scholarships with travel expense to Sorcerer's Summer Safari camp in Toronto, Canada or Tannen's Magic Camp in Long Island, New York. Applications can be obtained by writing or emailing requests for scholarships. Warren Kaps, Trustee kapsbarto@earthlink.net -------------------------------------------- 13. 12th Annual Magic Auction -------------------------------------------- Message from Larry McMechan 12th Annual 2-Day Magic Auction Preview May 26, 2006 Auction May 27-28, 2006 Starts 10:00 A.M. Each Day Stage-Cabaret-Illusions-Close-Up Over 100 Costumes Contents from Estates and Lifetime Collections Already Consigned Now Accepting Consignments Auctioneers Larry McMechan & Lysle McMechan 210 Nation Ave. Eaton, Ohio 45320 (937)456-7136 mcmechan@infinet.com Food Available All Day -------------------------------------------- 14. Les Levante Used, Some Of Maurice Rooklyns Billiard Ball Gimmicks -------------------------------------------- Message from Timothy Hyde (Aust) First time visitors to our house here in the Blue Mountains are always amazed when we show them our "Library". Part museum, part cabinet of curiosities, its packed on all four walls with intriguing objects. Tin toys, bakelite collectables, old Australian board games, wooden "treen", Lynda's vast marble collection and of course a smattering of magic. A few Houdini pieces, a nest of boxes that Les Levante used, some of Maurice Rooklyns Billiard Ball gimmicks from his FISM winning act, a collection of Alma metal goods, handcuffs, bang guns and my favourite fading examples of Green Frog packaging. Each with a story and each with a memory. Not always, but sometimes, visitors to the room pick up a small cardboard box that's at eye level on the main shelf. It's a perfect cube with a lid that drops over the top. Inside, fits a wooden cube with a coloured dot on each face. Like me, it's looking a bit beat up now. The covering (it seems to be some gold wall paper) is frayed around the edges. The corners are all worn off. Exactly as you would imagine it should look like some 42 years after I bought it. It's travelled with me, back and forth across the Tasman, through numerous shared flats, domestic upheavals, through droughts and flooding rains. It was the first trick I ever bought and I bought it from Burns Scandrett. I was saddened to hear of his death and although I never knew him very well at all, he was certainly a major influence in my life. I very much doubt I would be doing the job I love today if I hadn't seen his many smooth appearances on national television, his school holiday shows at our local department store or made an occasional visit to his magical shop in Chancery Lane. I think that deep down, most magicians plan to die young as late as possible. I know I do and think Burns did as well. Timothy Hyde http://www.achieving.com.au -------------------------------------------- 15. IBM Hospital Shows -------------------------------------------- Message from Ron London (US) Once again Ron London looking for a few good performers to aid in the IBM hospital shows at the Miami convention. The shows are traditionally on Tuesday (June 27 this year) of convention week so they won't interfere with your attendance at other convention activities. We need both close-up and stand-up performers. Often your performance to be flexible up to the last minute because of the mix of patients on that day. So it's is quite a challenge. If you'd like to take part contact Ron London at: londonron@webtv.net -------------------------------------------- 16. Wanting Help With Movie -------------------------------------------- Message from T. Rappel (US) A friend of mine called today and ask me about a movie that he'd seen about 20 years ago. When he explained what he remembered about the film, nothing sounded familiar. So I am asking the readers of this wonderful e-zine to possibly help my friend. This is what he remembers about the movie: The main character was a young pretty woman, she loses custody of her child, gets a job as a magician's assistant, then as a clown under makeup, performs for her child at birthday party, they reunite with a happy ending.  If this jars any memories, please let me know. Thanks, T. Rappel TRa3697307@aol.com -------------------------------------------- 17. 75th Anniversary Of Magic Circle Graz -------------------------------------------- Message from Kurt Freitag (Austria) An interesting link regarding 75th anniversary of Magic Circle Graz - for Austria a very spectacular convention. Go to: http://www.magicmania.at/eng_index.php -------------------------------------------- 18. "Its MAGIC" Airing In April/May -------------------------------------------- Message from David Schleich Note: This is ONLY available in the Cities listed since it is on Comcast cable TV. If you need to see it, ask a friend in one of the listed cities to tape it for you. The "It's MAGIC" cable show is shown on Thursdays at 5:30 PM in the cities listed below. Each month "It's MAGIC" features different magicians from the Chicagoland area. The April/May show features a performance from "Jeffery the Great's Magic Circus" starring Jeff Fredriksen. Air dates for this show are: April 20, April 27, May 4 May 11 and May 18 Arlington Heights, Ch. 35 Glendale Heights, Ch. 19 Palatine, Ch. 19 Bartlett, Ch. 35 Glenview, Ch. 35 Park Ridge, Ch. 35 Bedford Park, Ch. 19 Golf, Ch. 35 Prospect Heights, Ch. 35 Bensenville, Ch. 19 Hanover Park, Ch. 35 River Forest, Ch. 19 Berkeley, Ch. 19 Hillside, Ch. 19 River Grove, Ch. 19 Bloomingdale, Ch. 19 Hinsdale, Ch. 19 Rolling Meadows, Ch. 19 Bridgeview, Ch. 19 Hodgkins, Ch. 19 Roselle, Ch. 19 Broadview, Ch. 19 Hoffman Estates, Ch. 19 Rosemont, Ch. 19 Buffalo Grove, Ch. 19 Itasca, Ch. 19 Schaumburg, Ch. 35 Burbank, Ch. 19 Justice, Ch. 19 Schiller Park, Ch. 19 Burr Ridge, Ch. 19 Lincolnwood, Ch. 19 Skokie, Ch. 35 Carol Stream, Ch. 19 Lombard, Ch. 19 Stone Park, Ch. 19 Cicero, Ch. 19 Lyons, Ch. 19 Streamwood, Ch. 35 Clarendon Hills, Ch. 19 Maywood, Ch. 19 Summit, Ch. 19 Countryside, Ch. 19 McCook, Ch. 19 Villa Park, Ch. 43 Darien, Ch. 19 Medinah, Ch. 19 Westchester, Ch. 19 Des Plaines, Ch. 35 Morton Grove, Ch. 19 Westmont, Ch. 19 Downers Grove, Ch. 19 Mt. Prospect, Ch. 35 Wheeling, Ch. 35 Elk Grove Village, Ch. 19 Niles, Ch. 19 Willow Springs, Ch. 19 Elmhurst, Ch. 19 North Riverside, Ch.19 Willowbrook, Ch. 19 Elmwood Park, Ch. 19 Northbrook, Ch. 35 Wilmette, Ch. 19 Forest Park, Ch. 19 Oak Brook, Ch. 19 Wood Dale, Ch. 19 Forest View, Ch. 19 Oak Park, Ch. 19 Woodridge, Ch. 19 Franklin Park, Ch. 19 Oakbrook Terrace, Ch. 19 ----------------- 19. The Amazing Orchante Saga ----------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Hi everyone, following last weeks interlude due to my dear friend - Burns (Delarno) Scandrett's sudden passing, here's Page 96, the continuing story of this particular episode. I'm finding it rather odd that there are no messages on my computers 'inbox' from Burns, and I'm having to continuously check myself from sending him messages and jokes etc, along with his other best mate, John Sullivan, as the three of us we were practically in daily contact; now its just John and I... and he's having the same problem! Ah well, time heals, in time - just wish it would hurry up! How does that old saying go - oh yes, 'Make haste slowly...' Page 96 On tour - with the '.Spectacular '74'. Fun? Twenty City and town centres, from Motueka at the top end of the South Island of New Zealand, to Invercargill, the most Southerly city - it was quite a run. The tour ran, with other 'Ports of Call' in-between, up the East coast from Timaru, Christchurch, Blenheim etc., across to Nelson, Motueka and then down the West coast from Westport, Greymouth, Queenstown, Invercargill and then worked our way up the East coast - Dunedin, Alexandra, and Omarama etc. The Travelling arrangements were; 'Prentice' (the band) travelled in their own van, which carried all their instruments and sound equipment, the promotions manager Bxxx - who worked for Eddie Brooks, he had his own car and we had ours - a 'Humber Hawk'. To help make things more interesting, and to prevent boredom whilst travelling, the artists/band members would switch cars in which to travel. One day we would have Craig Scott and Angela Ayers with us, the next it could be Brendan Dugan and a couple of the band members; it was a good arrangement and worked well until we got to Greymouth, when the oil rings blew in our 'Trusty' Humber Hawk ('Bloody 'Murphy' strikes again). We left the car in Greymouth - to sort out when the tour finished. Jumping into Bxxx's car was NOT the most pleasant of experiences. He was the most personable and likeable of chaps but unfortunately, he suffered from a medical condition that tended, through no fault of his own, to insult one's olfactory senses somewhat - it was in fact, way beyond the 'Bounds of Etiquette'! Even within minutes of having had a bath/shower his odoriferous 'fragrance' - in simple language, his potent body odour, could - 'KNOCK a BUZZARD OFF a 'SHIT WAGON' (American slang for old fashioned sewage collection, by horse and cart)! In N.Z. it was more politely called - 'THE 'HONEY WAGON'. Aw c'mon, it's history! To gain some sort of relief from the unpleasant stench that emanated from the poor fellow's body, it was wise to have two windows partly wound down to create fresh airflow through the car. It was therefore somewhat of a mixed blessing when, on our way to Queenstown (for a Sunday night show) - somewhere south of the Haast Pass, on a freezing cold day, a passing car threw up a stone that totally shattered the window screen. The glacial temperature that came off the Southern Alps and later, the 'REMARKABLES' (The mountain range that surrounds Queenstown), together with the wind that howled through the car, even at low-speed, chilled us right through to the bone marrow! We stopped at a store on the side of the road and bought every newspaper that they had, stuffing them underneath shirts, trousers, tops and dresses - protection from those freezing conditions, they didn't help much. FOUR HOURS LATER, when we finally arrive at Queenstown, we must have resembled 'Ice Statues' we sure felt like it. It took some thawing out before we were ready for the show that night, and everybody except Angela Ayers and myself wound up with colds, bad chests and sore throats, after that Antarctic like experience! Brendan Dugan, apart from singing, was also the Compere for the show and for some reason on this particular night, decided to appoint himself as -'Me 'BIG CHIEF' - Sound Technician'! Now there is one thing I just cannot stand, and that is someone, ANYONE - MEDDLING OR PLAYING AROUND WITH MY SOUND SETTINGS, ON MY OWN SOUND SYSTEM - ESPECIALLY DURING MY PERFORMANCE! I have NEVER stumped off stage during my show in the middle of such a calamity; I was far too professional for that, but afterwards? Woe-betide all concerned - I have been known to cause minor riots! Sound and lighting men throughout 'Club Land' in Sydney Australia, in fact all of New South Wales, Queensland etc., during the Seventies and Eighties - when we were living there, quickly learnt to -'Leave Things Alone, where 'The Amazing Orchanté' was concerned'! Here in Great Britain, I was especially 'feared' by D. J's in Disco Clubs from one end of the country to the other, including North and Southern Ireland and on the Continent, from the top of Norway to the Island of Crete! They all very quickly learnt that you - 'DON'T mess with 'ORCHANTÉ'S' sound'! Nothing is more off-putting when performing to split timed music, for the volume to be suddenly turned down to the point of inaudibility - then gradually turned up again so that you can ONLY JUST hear the music. Instantly, everything goes flat and the excitement that has been generated by your music, as well as your performance, has gone - not just for you but more importantly, your audience. -------------------------------------------- 20. Magic New Zealand e-zine Archives -------------------------------------------- Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html Both the User Name and Password MUST be entered in lower case to gain access. User Name: magic Password: kiwi When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order and are coded. Eg 001 Nov06 1999.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue number, then the date (Nov06) and the last figures the year (1999) -------------------------------------------- 21. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- Our subscriber list is NOT made available to any other companies or individuals. We value every subscriber and respect your privacy. 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