* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #509 Date: Sunday 24th June 2007 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. Australian Centenary Convention 7-8-9 July 3. 'Remarkable Magic' #12 - Nick Lewin 4. Tips For Visitors To Reno 5. Meet Me In Reno 6. The Long Awaited Book On Maurice Fogel 7. Biography About Dariel Fitzkee - Dave Goodsell 8. Martinka Auction XXV Ends This Sunday, June 24 9. Las Vegas Magic - July, 2007 10. Tony Wilson's Magical Adventures 11. Magic 2 Have A Little Girl 12. James Dimmare Is Canada's Magician Of The Year 13. Australian Children's Entertainer New Zealand Tour 14. Magic Equipment Sales Table Event in Auckland NZ 15. Australian Hypnotist 'Ronricco' Has Died 16. The Amazing Orchante Saga 17. e-zine Archives 18. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- Richard Webster has returned from yet another trip to the United States. He attended the Psychic Entertainers Convention and, much to his surprise, was awarded the Dan Blackwood Memorial Award for "Outstanding Contributions to the Art of Mentalism." Congratulations, Richard. ----------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. Australian Centenary Convention 7-8-9 July -------------------------------------------- Message from Charles Gauci (Aust) President ASM Inc. Two weeks only to the biggest line-up of International Stars at any Australian convention ever. 3 jammed packed days of top quality magic. Due to numerous phone calls we have extended the registration period. Great news for children's performers. Cannot mention names but there will be some very exclusive top quality children's effects on sale at the convention. Jeff McBride's "Secret Session" sold out completely at the last FISM. There are four places left. This session begins at 6.30 pm on Tuesday 10th July at the ASM clubrooms. Please e-mail or ring me to reserve a place at 03 9431 2900. Price AUS$100 pay at the door. You must reserve otherwise no entry. On Friday 6th July night beginning at 7.30 pm there is a pre convention get together at the Victoria Hotel on the mezzanine floor. Come and dazzle everyone with your latest effects. There will be a registration area set up so that you can collect your registration bag of goodies to ease the pressure on Saturday morning. Please note that no tickets will be issued for the banquet. Those who have booked should proceed to the ANZ Pavilion at the ARTS centre in Melbourne, start time 8 pm on Sunday 9th July. Looking forward to seeing all Charles Gauci -------------------------------------------- 3. 'Remarkable Magic' #12 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from - Nick Lewin (US) Remarkable Magic from a Remarkable Magician. In 1983 I was planning a large magic production for one of my major clients. The client was Advanced Micro Devices and the venue was the BMW museum in Munich. This was to be a rather complicated show that involved the magnificent museum as the environmental center of our show. One of the interesting factors about this show was that it was to be attended by a very international audience that had been drawn to the city by the annual Elektonica Festival. In fact the spectators were so international that my comedy magic was to be simultaneously translated into four languages. I decided that I would take the core of my comedy and illusion show with me from Los Angeles and augment it with another performer whose knowledge of the German language was more thorough than my, "Eine Jagermeister bitte!" This phrase might prove useful after the show but less than adequate for the many pre-show necessities. I searched my memory bank and came up with a performer who seemed just right for the occasion. My choice turned out to be rather inspired. The magician I worked with was Magic Christian from Vienna. Not only is Christian one of the finest performers I have got to work with over the years but he is also a true gentleman. When I first thought of Magic Christian to work in our production I had a mental image of him performing his award winning manipulative act. It was a great act made unique by the fact that the cards he worked with kept getting bigger and bigger. It was a simple concept that worked really well and lifted the act to a different dimension at the obvious progression involved. When I first spoke to Christian I talked in terms of his card manipulation performance as being his 'act' and he seemed a little surprised. "Oh that's just the magician show." He said. "Don't you want illusion or something more commercial?" This was when I realized I had fallen into a trap that is so prevalent in magic circles. I had remembered Christian's act but it had remained frozen in my mind the way I had first seen it. It is amazingly easy to think that a performer is just the way you first saw him and still does the same act! I was quickly awakened to reality when my assumption about Christian and his act were run through my producers mind instead of my magician's memory. Of course I wanted the most commercial act he could contribute! What a joy it was to collaborate with Christian. Not only were his manipulative skills as great as I remembered but he turned out to be one of the most skilled performers I have ever had the pleasure of working with. His comedy was really funny and presented in several languages. His illusions were all unique and superbly crafted to incorporate distinctly personal touches. Here was a magician who could blow you away in any location with any kind of magic: plus he could do it in a multitude of languages. Working with Christian on that first engagement was an experience that remains fresh in my memory. We have worked together since and remained good friends. Magic Christian is all too unique in our business. He is an absolute professional who thinks like a businessman and performs like an artiste. A producers dream and a magician's role model, if you love fine magic and have not had the pleasure to see Christian perform then the loss is truly yours. His card stab is an unforgettable piece of performance art and should be required viewing for anyone who wishes to improve their performing skills. In this second series of writings I have been trying to highlight specific moments in magic that have given me the most pleasure upon seeing them. In the case of Christian I have to say his handling of the classic knife through jacket is truly a masterpiece. There is a moment with a single thread wrapped around the knife that is pure genius. As always send any bricks or bouquets to nicklewin@earthlink.net and check out my website at http://www.NickLewin.com -------------------------------------------- 4. Tips For Visitors To Reno -------------------------------------------- Message from Tony L. Lewis (US) Dear fellow magicians, I assume that many of you will be attending the IBM convention in Reno, Nevada that takes place from June 26 to June 30. This article is for your benefit. It should also prove useful to any of you who plan to visit Reno in the future. I have been a frequent visitor to Reno for the last couple of years. During that time I have found several ways of getting the most out of my stays there. The first thing I have discovered is that reasonable gratuities are the norm in Reno. A dollar a bag to a bellboy with a minimum total of three dollars is received with appreciation. A couple of dollars to a car hop is fine. You can probably get away with a dollar, but I feel that is cutting it a little thin. I use the usual 20% rule for food service. I tend to get excellent rate offers on rooms in various casinos. These are generally for basic accommodations. I have found that five dollars offered discreetly to the check in person gets me an upgrade to a much nicer room as well as a 3:00 PM checkout. In a particularly busy period, 2:00 PM may be the best that you can do. That is still a considerable improvement over 11:00 AM. Two years ago the IBM convention was held at the same hotel where it is taking place this year. However, the hotel has been sold since that time and its name has been changed from the Reno Hilton to the Grand Sierra. When I attended the 2005 convention I picked up a "Club 55" card from the Reno Hilton. This entitled me to a 25% discount at any hotel restaurant. When I called the Grand Sierra I was told that this discount was not available with their player's card. However I was informed that the hotel would convert my old card to their player's card with the 25% discount still in force. I still have my old card, but I was told that it was not required to make the conversion. One and a half miles away from the Grand Sierra there is located another casino in downtown Reno called the Sienna at 1 S. Lake Street This is a very well maintained small hotel with rooms that are purported to be exceptionally luxurious. The personnel are very friendly. However, this casino has a big problem This is the fact that it is located about four blocks away from the main downtown area with its many casinos. Therefore, any customers of this establishment visit it intentionally in contrast to the other downtown casinos that get a lot of business from tourists who just happen to drop in. In order to stimulate traffic, the Sienna has introduced rules for its table games that are the best to be found in Nevada and perhaps in the world. First, you are offered single deck Blackjack where you can double down on any two cards as opposed to doubling down on ten or eleven only. Next you can take ten times odds behind the line at craps. If you take full advantage of this rule, the house advantage is lowered to 18/100ths of one percent. Unless you are a blackjack card counter, this is the best odds that you can get at any casino for any game in the world! Finally, the Sienna features a European style single zero roulette wheel, a real rarity in the US. The table games manager of the Sienna Happens to be a good friend of mine. His name is Jean-Michel Atlan. I first met him when he was the table games manager at the Atlantis Hotel. When I told him about the IBM convention, he made the following offer. Any member who shows his/her IBM membership card or convention badge at the desk of the River Club in the hotel will receive $10 in free casino play. The Sienna is only about a $7 cab ride from the Grand Sierra or about a five minute drive. If you like to play the slots, the most liberal ones in Reno can be found at the Pepper Mill casino at 2707 S. Virginia Street. If you happen to be age 55 or older, I strongly recommend that you get a Passport Club card from this casino. In addition to giving very generous discounts at several of the casino's restaurants, this casino card entitles you to periodic offers such as a free night's stay or $30 in free casino play. Of course this will only benefit those who plan to visit Reno from time to time. The Pepper Mill is located about 3 1/2 Miles from the grand Sierra. That will be about a $13 cab ride from the Grand Sierra. Note that there is no charge for additional passengers. Since I do not play at the Grand Sierra, I am unaware of the benefits it gives to its casino patrons. However, I strongly recommend that you obtain a free casino card there. When you do, you will be informed of the extras that it entitles you to. Regards, Tony L. Lewis Tonylew1@SBCglobal.net" ----------------- 5. Meet Me In Reno ----------------- Message from Tony L. Lewis (US) Dear fellow magicians, I will be attending the IBM convention in Reno, Nevada from June 26 to June 30. I will be carrying with me a couple of my own original effects in addition to several others tricks that I think you will find to be impressive. Additionally, I will also have with me my dice stacking equipment along with a couple of extra dice cups and dice. If you would like to contact me, you will find me regularly hanging around the dealers' room and the closeup events. I am of medium height with a full head of white hair fastened in a short pony tail. I have a stud and an ear hoop fastened in my left ear and I always wear shorts in the summer. I will be most happy to meet any of you there. I will be glad to give you some tips on dice stacking as well as show you some neat closeup magic. Regards, Tony L. Lewis Tonylew1@SBCglobal.net -------------------------------------------- 6. The Long Awaited Book On Maurice Fogel -------------------------------------------- Message from Chris Woodward The book, "Maurice Fogel - In Search of The Sensational" is written by Chris Woodward & Richard Mark. It has 440 pages packed with over 50 tricks and routines with an attractive coloured dust wrapper and is published by Hermetic Press. It can also be ordered in the USA from Richard Mark at rimark@pol.net at US $72 postpaid or in the UK from Chris Woodward at £36  plus postage at c.woodward@tesco.net Both Richard & Chris offer a unique special 'bookplate' with 3 signatures Chris, Nadine (his wife and Maurice Fogel's daughter) and that of Richard Mark. The Book was successfully launched at the recent PEA Conference in San Jose California USA to high acclaim. We are looking forward to hearing from any interested parties. www.MauriceFogel.com -------------------------------------------- 7. Biography About Dariel Fitzkee - Dave Goodsell -------------------------------------------- Message from Dave Goodsell (US) Dear Friends in Magic David Goodsell here. I am writing a biography about Dariel Fitzkee, author of the famous Fitzkee Trilogy, and will appreciate hearing from anyone who has information, photos and/or anecdotes about Fitzkee. David Goodsell 329 West 1750 North Orem Utah 84057 801 724 9758 superg13@comcast.net -------------------------------------------- 8. Martinka Auction XXV Ends This Sunday, June 24 -------------------------------------------- Message from Ted Bogusta (US) Martinka Magic Auction XXV Ends This Sunday, June 24 Martinka's 25th online auction of vintage and modern magic ends this Sunday, June 24th. There are hundreds of lots listed in all categories and price ranges. You can view items and bid by visiting us at: www.martinka.com/auction Thank you, Ted Martinka & Co www.martinka.com PS: If you have items you would like to sell in our next auction, please contact us as soon as possible as it is filling up fast. -------------------------------------------- 9. Las Vegas Magic - July, 2007 -------------------------------------------- Compiled by David Neubauer (http://www.dnmagic.com) Production Shows: Amazing Johnathan 10 pm, (Dark Thurs.), Sahara. Reported to be the Final Year http://www.saharavegas.com/shows/amazingjohnathon.html Beacher's Madhouse Christopher Karpiak, Chuck Lane, Tyas Frantz 9 pm pre-show. Last Sat. each month. Hard Rock. Bite (Vampire Strip Revue) Antonio Restivo 10:30 pm (dark Thurs.) Stratosphere. www.bitelasvegas.com Crazy Horse Paris Stephan Vanel 8 & 10:30 pm, (Dark Tues.), MGM Grand. http://www.mgmgrand.com/entertainment/crazy-horse-show.aspx Criss Angel - Cirque du Soleil Luxor Hotel and Casino. (Scheduled to open February, 2008) David Copperfield June 14-July 3. 7:30 & 10 pm, 4:30 Sat. & some Sun. MGM Grand. http://mgm.admission.com/cgi/guide.cgi?l=EN Dixie Dooley, Master Mystifier 7:30 & 9:30 pm (Dark Mon.), Weston Casuarina. http://www.houdiniexperience.com Gerry McCambridge - The Mentalist 8:00 PM nightly, Saturday at 6:00 PM - Hooters Casino Hotel. Hans Klok - The Beauty of Magic Hans Klok (with Pamela Anderson) - Aladdin Theater - Planet Hollywood Resort. 7 pm & 10 pm, Thur. - Sat. Ends July 12. 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 Jason Bird Miracle Mile Shops - Planet Hollywood Resort. Main stage, near the "V" Theater, Thursday - Monday Various times from 1:15 pm. to 8:15 pm. - Free. 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.) Clint Holmes Theater - Harrah's. http://www.mackingshow.com Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show 2 pm every day, 6 pm Fridays V Theater at the Miracle Mile Shops - Planet Hollywood Resort. Penn & Teller 9 pm, (Dark Tues.), Rio. http://www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/rlv/entertainment/entertainment_detail_00.html Steve Wyrick 7 & 9 pm. Miracle Mile Shops, Planet Hollywood Resort. The Magic of Rick Thomas 4 & 7 pm, (Dark Sun.), Orleans. http://www.orleanscasino.com/entertainment/index.html The Ultimate Variety Showcase Christopher Karpiak and "S". 8 pm - Midnight every Tuesday. Free. http://www.samstownlv.com/entertainment/event.cfm?EventID=332 Roxy's Live - Sam's Town V, The Ultimate Variety Show Jason Byrne (most Tues. - Sat.) or Nathan Burton (most Sun. - Mon.) 7:30 & 9 pm, Planet Hollywood Resort - www.vtheshow.com 2 for 1 coupon: http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponvshow.html World's Greatest Magic Show Kevin James, Kozak, Roy Shank, Losander, Shimshi. Billy Fergeson (pre-show). 6 pm Sat. - Thurs., 8:15 Fri., Greek Isle. http://www.greatestmagicshow.com Xtreme Magic Starring Dirk Arthur Tiffany Theatre, Tropicana 2 and 4 pm. (Dark Fri.) $10 off coupon: http://www.vegas4locals.com/Coupontropicana_dirk.html Other Vegas Magic Restaurants: Eric Allan, Outback Steakhouse (Green Valley), Fri. & Sat. Jayden LaCross, TGI Fridays, Wed. & Sun. Jamie Porter's Radio Side Show Sat @ 5 am, KLAV FM 1230. Las Vegas Magic Organizations I.B.M. #257: 7 pm 1st Monday. http://www.ring257.com Darwin's Magic Club meets every Wednesday. Both meet at: Boomers, 3200 Sirius Ave. Las Vegas Children's and Family Entertainers Association 7 pm every 3rd Monday, Amazing Clowns, 3525 E. Flamingo. YMS (Young Magicians Society) 7 pm every 2nd Monday, IHOP Boulevard Mall on Maryland Pkwy. News: Kevin James (World's Greatest Magic Show at the Greek Isle) performed the "Chaplin Doll" on "America's Got Talent" and blew away the judges. His next appearance is July 3rd. Criss Angel has signed a 10-year contract at the Luxor, with a five-year option that could extend it to 15, it was announced Tuesday. Angel's 4,600-show run with Cirque begins in summer 2008. July, 2007 July 16-22: Extended Master Class. McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger. http://www.magicalwisdom.com August, 2007 August 19-22: MAGIC Live! - The Orleans. http://www.magicmagazine.com September, 2007 September 14-16: Master Class. McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger. http://www.magicalwisdom.com October, 2007 October 10-12: Master Class for Mentalists. McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride and Eugene Burger. http://www.magicalwisdom.com October 23-26: Magic & Meaning Conference; Magic And The Art Of Storytelling, McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, George Parker, Special Guest: Robert Neale. http://www.magicalwisdom.com November, 2007 November 1-4: Magic for Medical Professionals, McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride and Eugene Burger. Please email any Las Vegas magic updates/news to: David Neubauer vegasmagic@dnmagic.com http://www.dnmagic.com -------------------------------------------- 10. Tony Wilson's Magical Adventures -------------------------------------------- Message from Tony Wilson (NZ) We left New Zealand on June 16th for Honolulu to overnight before flying over to Maui for four nights to visit friends who lived on the island we had not seen for several years. Other friends had kindly lent us their condo while they were in the US (or "mainland" as they say) and had also kindly arranged for us to see the two main magic attractions on Maui namely Warren and Annabelles (www.WARRENandANNABELLES.com) and Jody Baron's show, ( both shows being dinner and show packages at venues approximately 15 kilometers away from each other. We thoroughly enjoyed both evenings, meeting the respective casts after each show. John Shrylock and Dana Daniels were featured at Warren and Annabelles and Jody had all of his family involved in his magic and illusion show. We highly recommend both shows to any magicians that get a chance to visit Maui as well as the wonderful food, sun and surf and the well known scenic attractions. On June 20th we flew on to San Francisco to stay a few days with the current IBM International President Fred Casto and his lovely wife Manya. A visit to the California Magic Theatre (www.calmagic.com) in nearby Martinez and a meeting with the owner Gerry Griffen, took place and we enjoyed viewing the numerous magician photos on display of artists who had performed there. -------------------------------------------- 11. Magic 2 Have A Little Girl -------------------------------------------- Message from Paul Bowen (Aust) Just a short note to let everyone know that Magic 2, Michael Boyd and Cathie Costello (Boyd) gave birth to a beautiful baby girl Chloe Kathleen on 19/6/2007. Everyone is doing well. Congratulations can be sent to michael@magic2.com.au -------------------------------------------- 12. James Dimmare Is Canada's Magician Of The Year -------------------------------------------- Message from Clive Court (Canada) International Magic Star James Dimmare Is Canada's Magician Of The Year Kitchener, Ont. (June 16)---After two decades away, international magic star James Dimmare returned to Canada today to be acclaimed by his peers as Canadian Magician of the Year. The presentation was made this afternoon at the convention of the Canadian Association of Magicians (CAM) in Kitchener, Ont, Dimmare, recognized for his debonair style, was born and raised in Abbotsford,BC, and inspired by the TV specials of the late Doug Henning, a 70s superstar of stage and television. Dimmare developed his skills as a teenager and left for Hollywood where he was mentored by the legendary American magician Channing Pollock. Like Pollock, Dimmare has become famous for his elegant dove magic. He is also a spectacular illusionist who bears a striking likeness to the legendary musical movie star Fred Astaire. Dimmare even taps into movie-going nostalgia with his promotional line, 'The Style of Astaire and the Cool of Sinatra.' It has worked well for him as he as he circles the world performing in the top nightclubs, casino showrooms and variety theatres of Asia and Europe. Next month he takes his Las Vegas Magic revue to The Prince Hotel in Tokyo for the summer season. In presenting the award, CAM president Joan Caesar said, "This year the award goes to James Dimmare--an internationally recognized award-winning magician with credits as entertainer, producer, director, designer and lecturer. At the moment, he has his own show in Las Vegas and came here from that show to perform at the gala tonight." Further info sources: www.dimmare.com/promo/ www.wwwww.co.jp/lvm07-a4 (Japan) www.canadianassociationofmagicians.com See 'Channing Pollock" on YouTube Questions re-Dimmare's schedule,etc. to: Management@dimmare.com -------------------------------------------- 13. Australian Children's Entertainer New Zealand Tour -------------------------------------------- Message from John Kendrick (Aust) John Kendrick, well known Australian children's entertainer and comedy magician now takes his antics to a whole new level!! Having performed his hilarious comedy magic internationally from the USA to the UK, from kids clubs to five star resorts, John now introduces his crazy antics to the big screen!! Having produced two previous triple gold sales entertainment children's dvd's. John has crafted his art of illusion to include the camera as a "tool of the trade" In "The Silly Billies Save The Circus!!" you'll see Flying fairies, disappearing elephants and disappearing unscrupulous bank mangers.. Don't you wish that we could all make the bank manager disappear permanently! The movies release also assists raise much needed funds for local New Zealand Kindergartens and community group. Your kind support is very much appreciated. Jump Online to download info and images at www.sillybillies.com.au New Zealand Cinema Screenings North Island Thames Multiplex Cinema - 28.06.07 Rotorua Basement Cinema - 29.06.07 Bay City Cinemas- Tauranga Cinema 8 - 21.06.07 Bay City Cinemas- Mt Maunganui Cinema 4 Taumarunui Regent Cinema - 29.06.07 Upper Hutt Lighthouse Cinema - June 2007 Hawera Cinema 2 - 04.08.07 Levin Cinema 3 - 29.06.07 Palmerston North Downtown Cinema - 28.06.07 Napier Hastings - 28.06.07 Havelock North Cinema Gold - 28.06.07 Wellington Paramount Cinema - 29.06.07 Keri Keri Cathay Cinema - 30.06.07 Whitianga Mercury Twin Cinema - 20.09.07 Taupo Starlight Cinema - 29.06.07 Te Puke Capitol Cinema - 28.6.07 Horomatangi Cinema - 28.06.07 Oruru Cinema - 28.06.07 Picton Cinema - 30.6.07 Berkley Cinema, Takapuna - 4.7.07 South Island Nelson State Cinema 6 - 29.06.07 Takaka Village Theatre - 29.06.07 Dunedin Metro Cinema - 23.06.07 Gore Cinema - 28.06.07 Te Anau Fiordland Cinema - 29.06.07 Ashburton Regent Theatre - 28.06.07 Also Whangerei Tbc Hamilton Tbc New Plymouth Tbc Contact cinema management for group bookings on request at the cinemas below Civic Theatre, Waipukurau Top Town Cinemas, Blenheim Christchurch Hollywood Cinema Geraldine Cinema Martinborough Cinema Dorothy Browns, Arrowtown Featuring Red Symons and the Circus performers from Moulin Rouge this fun film screened at Cannes Film Festival Life's a Circus. You'd be a clown to miss it!! A great Australian alternative to the usual torrent of American children's entertainment - David Stratton, At The Movies, ABC HOT NEWS!!! The best children's film we've seen from Australia!! - AMI Media Sony/ATV Europe Children absolutely loved this movie!! - Australian Film Commission, Big Screen Film Festival -------------------------------------------- 14. Magic Equipment Sales Table Event in Auckland NZ -------------------------------------------- Message from Mick Peck President SCMC The Shore City Magicians Club Inc will be having its annual magic sales table and auction this coming week. After having several inquiries we have decided to invite non-club members who have magical equipment, books, DVD's etc that they wish to sell along to the event. The evening will be on Tuesday July 3rd at our clubrooms in Takapuna. If you have items that you wish to sell please get in contact with club secretary Bruce Allan (BJ) on 027 289 0596 or 021 289 0596 for an invitation. ----------------- 15. Australian Hypnotist 'Ronricco' Has Died ----------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) I don't know if you knew or were aware famous Australian Hypnotist, Des Tocchini, Stage name 'Ronricco'? had been ill for some time; died 16th June aged 81. I'm sure most of the Australian magicians would've known him. ----------------- 16. The Amazing Orchante Saga ----------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Volume Two The Amazing 'ORCHANTÉ' Saga - Page 1 'The Australian Years' G' DAY, AUSTRALIA! What a contrast! Flying over New Zealand, you are captivated by a panoramic view of the cool, velvety green of the countryside below. Looking out of the windows of the aeroplane as we flew over the city of Sydney heading for Kingsford Smith International airport, we were greeted with millions of sizzling red roofs, and a myriad of various shaped and sized sparkling blue patches - swimming pools that appeared to be in every other backyard. We knew Australia was a hot country and from our viewpoint at two thousand feet up, it sure as hell looked like it; Phew! Sunday 1st August 1976. We, like many other New Zealand entertainers before us, have landed on Australian soil. Ten years earlier, two good mates had practically begged me to leave New Zealand for Australia with them. One was (the late) Peter Taylor, juggler and acrobat (see pages 39 to 43 - The N.Z. Years) the other was top kiwi/Italian singer Robert Gennari. Mind you, if I'd gone with them, I wouldn't have met my first wife Sharon, and my two sons Jason and Darin, wouldn't have happened; neither would I have met Veronica, my wife of 27 years (we have been 'an item' for 32 years). The 'Master Planner', sure does has a strange way of doing things! Bill Godfrey was there to meet us in the customs hall and being a security officer for the airport, we whizzed through customs etc, picked up our luggage and equipment in no time at all, and were soon on our way to Bill's home. It's the old story - it's not what you know, it's who you know. What a relief - I was still seething over our treatment at the Nadi Intl. airport in Fiji, apart from the problems we'd had with the 'officious ones' in Suva, in to regards our non-existent work permit. My God, the traffic! Well let's face it - the largest city I had been in at that point in time was Auckland New Zealand, my birthplace. I don't know about now, but back in 1976 the entire population of New Zealand (not counting the sheep) was equivalent to that of Sydney - around 3 million. As far as I was concerned, Sydney-ites in cars were total maniacs and it was every man for himself - at breakneck speed. Up to then, my driving experience had been ambling along the length and breadth of New Zealand (albeit on some pretty hair-raising roads), and the laid-back South Pacific Islands. How frightful was the Sydney traffic to me? Let me put it this way. When we bought our first car (in Australia) a few weeks later, I didn't have the nerve to drive it from the car sales yard to home; I had to ask Bill to drive it! From there on, I drove it around the back streets of Fairfield, a suburb west of Sydney central where Bill and his family lived, until I got used to the fast paced Sydney drivers. That probably explains why I became a 'fast' driver myself, it was self-defence; I learnt to out-drive the 'Nutters' for my own safety, and to get away from them. The worst drivers I've had the misfortune to encounter are here, in London, England, but that is another story. We stayed with Bill, his wife Betty and children for two weeks, while we looked for a place of our own, and then discovered that their neighbour had a garage that had been converted into a flat, and that it had become available; perfect! In the meantime Bill (sadly, he died many years ago), a most engaging, upfront character, with an enormous personality to match, was a member of just about every RSL (Returned Services League) club for miles around, as well as various football clubs, and he knew all Secretary Managers at every one of them! He dragged us around to most of them - introducing us to anybody who mattered, or didn't! I damn near wore my fingers to the bone doing close-up magic, and getting 'very happy' on Australian lager most of the time in the process. Page 2 In Sydney, these clubs, which number in the thousands, were the 'bread and butter' venues for the equally thousands of fulltime professional entertainers - singers, dancers, comedians, speciality acts, you name it; artistes from all over the world who worked in them. Sydney was rated as second only to Las Vegas for volume of work within one city, and Sydney had a hell of a lot more venues to work in than Vegas' did. It was said that you could work a different club every night of the week in N.S.W. (State of New South Wales) for ten years without going to the same one twice. Maybe a slight exaggeration, but not much! -------------------------------------------- 17. 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) -------------------------------------------- 18. 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. You can subscribe to or unsubscribe from the Magic New Zealand® E-zine at www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html. Magic New Zealand® E-zine is published each Sunday. The opinions expressed therein are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Magic New Zealand®. Neither Magic New Zealand® nor Alan Watson vouch for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, message, statement, or other information reported via Magic New Zealand® E-zine. Subscribers to this publication and authors who contribute to it by doing so agree they will not hold Magic New Zealand® or Alan Watson, jointly or individually liable or responsible in any way for the opinions expressed therein. Magic New Zealand® reserves the right to alter, correct or disregard any articles submitted. Readers are encouraged to submit timely articles or news items which may be of interest to subscribers. By submitting articles to this e-zine, the authors grant Magic New Zealand® the right to publish such articles and such authors confirm their copyright of the material submitted. All works published by Magic New Zealand® are protected by international copyright legislation and articles must not be published for profit by anyone other than the individual authors without the written permission of Magic New Zealand®. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this publication may be freely redistributed, but not sold, to other magicians if copied in its entirety, including the copyright notice below and the above disclaimer. © Copyright 2007 Alan Watson