* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #514 Date: Sunday 22nd July 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. Winners Of The 2007 IBM Annual Convention In Reno, Nevada 3. Winners Of The 2007 S.A.M. Annual Convention In Dallas, Texas 4. The Magic Circle's Young Magician Of The Year 5. Australian Centenary Convention - Huge success For ASM 6. Remarkable Magic' #14 - Nick Lewin 7. Magic: The Universal Language - By Kyle Peron 8. Sorcerers Safari Summer Magic Camp 9. MINDvention Update July 2007 10. 2007 Convention - Magicians' Alliance Of The Eastern States 11. Daytona Beach Festival Of Magic Convention 12. New Book - "Sveriges Trollkarlar" 13. Latest News Of The British Ring Convention 14. US - Canada Workshop Tour 15. Tony Wilson's Magical Adventures Number 3 16. Tricks, DVD's And Books For Sale 17. The Amazing Orchante Saga 18. e-zine Archives 19. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- Congratulations to Charles Gauci, Ross Skiffington, Nick Morton and Brian Pleasants who were presented the Australian Society of Magicians highest award "The Gold" Sphinx at the recent Centenary Convention in Melbourne, Australia. ----------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com ----------------- 2. Winners Of The 2007 IBM Annual Convention In Reno, Nevada ----------------- Message from Jerry Schnepp, Sr. Stage Contest Chairman International Brotherhood of Magicians Convention contest winners, 2007 Close-Up Contest - Youth Category First Place Trophy and $500 Savings Bond - Ben Proudfoot. Hallifax, Canada 2nd Place Award Of Merit Plaque - Vincent Villamonte, Lincoln, NE Close-Up Contest - Adult Category First Place Trophy and $500 cash - David Minkin Northridge, CA 2nd Place Award Of Merit Plaque -- Nathan Gibson, Moreno Valley, CA Finalists Awards 1) M. C. Chow, Hong Kong, China 2) David Minkin, Northridge, CA 3) Nathan Gibson, Moreno Valley, CA 4) Raymond. Macao, China 5) Rod Chow, Vancouver, BC, Canada 6) Hayashi, Mannheim, Germany FFFF "Peoples Choice" AWARD - Hayashi, Mannheim, Germany Gold Cups International Award Of Excellence In Close-Up Performance - No Award Stage Contest - Youth Category First Place Trophy and $500 Savings Bond - Sterling Dietz, Lynden, WA 2nd Place Award Of Merit Plaque - Krystyn Lambert, Malibu, CA Fantasma Special Youth Award -- Streling Dietz, Lynden, WA Stage Contest - Adult Category First Place Trophy and $1000 Jerry Schnepp, Sr. Stage Contest Chairman Shen Juan, Beijing, China 2nd Place Award Of Merit Plaque - Shayna Reed, Eaton. OH Finalists Awards 1) Sterling Dietz, Lynden, WA 2) Shinichiro Ito, Osaka, Japan 3) Shayna Reed, Eaton, OH 4) Chin Chin, San Francisco, CA 5) Raymond Iong, Macao, China 6) Shen Juan, Beijing, China People's Choice Award - $300 cash - Sterling Dietz, WA Gold Medal International Award Of Excellence In Stage Performance - No Award Karrell Fox Comedy Award - No Award -------------------------------------------- 3. Winners Of The 2007 S.A.M. Annual Convention In Dallas, Texas -------------------------------------------- Message from Paul Critelli (US) Close-Up Genii Award + $300.00 Masataka Jimbo (Japan) Originality Award Satoru (Japan) Brad Jacobs People's Choice Award + $500.00 Satoru (Japan) Second Highest Score + $500.00 Hayashi (Canada, Germany [he lives and works there]) Chairperson's High Score Award + $1000.00 and Silver Medal of Merit + $500.00 Satoru (Japan) Stage Genii Award + $300.00 Sterling Dietz (Washington State) Brad Jacobs People's Choice Award + $500.00 Shen Juan (China) Second Highest Score + $500.00 Sterling Dietz (Washington State) Chairperson's High Score Award + $1000.00 and Silver Medal of Merit + $500.00 Shen Juan (China) -------------------------------------------- 4. The Magic Circle's Young Magician Of The Year -------------------------------------------- Message from David Beckley (UK) Press Officer of The Magic Circle Sixteen Year Old Ben Hart from Winchester Wins The Young Magician of The Year Trophy Last night, sixteen year old Ben Hart who comes from Winchester in Hampshire, became The Magic Circle's Young Magician of the Year. This prestigious competition, which is open to all magicians under the age of eighteen, is held every two years and is always fiercely fought over. Bens Act, which included a novel floating light which mysteriously rose out of a briefcase, was a combination of classic magic with some unusual twists. An apparently endless stream of salt poured from his hands, reminiscent of the great Fred Kaps, and the flex from his light bulb holder took on a life of its own as it danced around his body. He wowed the audience at the end by filling the stage with colourful streamers. Runner up was Joe Ray, an extremely talented young man who is a third generation magician having been taught by his Grandfather Geoff Ray, a name well known in Magic. Joe's act was pure poetry in terms of card manipulation and sleight of hand. Dazzling card fans and productions were followed by beautifully executed coin productions which culminated in the classic use of a 'Coin Ladder'. Third place went to a young lady from the Isle of Man, Lexi Watterson. Lexi walked on stage and immediately captivated the audience with her charm and humour. She produced an 'antique camera' and entertained the spectators with an unusual reference to David Wrighton who was better known as David Devant, first President of The Magic Circle. She produced scraps of 'press cuttings' she had 'found' in the camera which she then proceeded to restore to a complete newspaper. Other effects included a baffling card trick whereby a 'thought of card' rose out of the body of the camera. The judging panel, which was composed of experienced professional magicians as well as the Head of a group of "Stage Schools" commented, "This competition was of an extremely high standard but Bens' combination of skill, charm and entertainment value ensured that he became a worthy winner." Alan Shaxon, President of The Magic Circle, presented the prizes and commented, "Seeing these young performers on the stage this evening gives me great confidence that the future of Magic is safe in their hands". As well as a trophy presented in honour of a well known respected past magician, Derrick Speight, Ben also won a hundred pounds worth of book vouchers from L Davenport and Co as well as four years membership of The Magic Circle when he reaches the age of eighteen. -------------------------------------------- 5. Australian Centenary Convention - Huge success For ASM -------------------------------------------- Message from - Brian Pleasants ASM Vice President and Editor Magic Makers The much heralded and promoted Centenary Convention was a huge success for ASM. The Australian Society of Magicians celebrated 100 continuous years of their existence with a three day celebration at the Besen Centre, Melbourne. The star line-up included International stars; Jeff McBride, Eugene Berger, Shawn Farquhar, Gaetan Bloom, Shoot Ogawa, Lennart Green and from Australia there was Peter Rodda, Cath Jamison, Sam Angelico, Raymond Crowe, Dean Atkinson, Steve Walker and star in the making, 16 year old Joel Howlett. Beginning on July 7, the programme included lectures, competitions, a banquet and two showings of the International Show "It's Magic". Produced and directed by Ross Skiffington the spectacular was presented to packed houses. In addition to the stars mentioned above Ross brought dance and music to the esteemed gathering of magicians. Included were Bernard's Junior Magicians, The Peter Wallace Dance Studio and Ross Skiffington's Grand Magic Company whose Illusion Technician is Gordon Arney. The stage manager was Steve Armstrong and lighting was by John McKissock. Acting as compere, the ever popular Steve Walker introduced the acts. He provided the audience with his own special brand of humour to ensure they left the theatre laughing as well as being bedazzled by the magic and entranced by the dancing. From an original idea by ASM's President, Charles Gauci, the convention was 18 months in the making. The fact that the 4th oldest magic society in the world had been in continuous existence for 100 years was indeed a cause for celebration and all the magical stars fell into the idea with enthusiasm. Some of the International personalities had never been Down Under before and they welcomed the idea of performing and lecturing in front of their Australian hosts. The additional Jeff McBride Secret Session workshop on Tuesday drew a huge gathering and was enjoyed by all who attended. The number of registrants far exceeded our expectations with an incredible number of last minute registrations happening on Friday and Saturday morning. We thank the 31 New Zealanders for their support and others who came from Japan, Korea, France, Singapore and Canada. Of course the largest contingent was from Australia. It seemed that most of them tried to cram into the Arts Centre ballroom for the banquet on the Sunday night, which in itself was a huge success. Bill Walsh from Sydney acted as host and the entertainment was very much enjoyed. We flew Paul Martell in from Sydney and he had the audience in stitches. His impersonations of famous movie stars were incredible. It is no wonder that he is regarded as one of the best comedians in Australia. By way of a change we had two wonderful ballroom exhibition dancers Charlotte and Shane who provided a much needed break from magic. Needless to say there were plenty of table hoppers doing their best to dazzle the lay audience. During the evening I had great pleasure in making a special presentation to our President in the form of a "Certificate of Appreciation" that had been autographed by all the performers in the "It's Magic" show.  At the end of the final day the presentations were made. First place in the Close up Competition was shared by Simon Coronel and Shahin Zareei who shared the $2700 first prize. Adam Murby was presented with a $300 cheque for 3rd place. Because the standard of competition was so high amongst the Stage competitors we decided to award $3000 prize money. First place went to Jonas Jost who will receive a cheque of $2000, 2nd place of $700 to Joel Howlett and 3rd place to Minsoo Park from Korea who will receive $300. The trophies and Certificates will be posted in due course. Life Memberships were presented to Neville Finney, Keith Lawrence, Ian Baxter, Rodney Cuthbertson, Peter Rodda, Ken Russell and Bill Welsh for their continuous support over the past 50 years. Charles Gauci, in his final address praised the efforts made by many people to ensure the success of the convention and presented awards to those most closely involved. Leaving it to the very last minute, one of ASM's longest serving members, Ken Russell, climbed onto the stage and on behalf of the society as a whole, presented Charles with ASM's top award, the Gold Sphinx. Well earned I must say because at the time of writing I understand that the soon to be released financial results far exceed the business plan. -------------------------------------------- 6. Remarkable Magic' #14 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) Remarkable Magic: Bernard Reid, the man I think about whenever I print money! During the four plus years that my show 'Comedy Magic' was featured at the Maxim Hotel in Las Vegas I had the chance to meet many visiting magicians. Several of them became good friends and this is the story of one of them! My first meeting with Bernard Reid began on a less than auspicious note. The staff in my showroom had become all to familiar with the disgracefully common habit of certain magician 'types' who feel that buying a fifteen dollar ticket to a comedy magic show includes the right to take notes and even tape record comedy lines for future inclusion in their own show. Just to clarify the point IT DOESN'T! In his own highly protective manner the maitre d' would collect up notebooks and tape recorders from offending audience members and return them to their owners after the show. Every now and then this simple, and to me heartwarming, service proved to be a miscalculation and such was the case with master Kiwi-Magi Bernard Reid. After the show I met Bernard for the first time and discovered that the notes he was taking during my show where for an article he was writing in his wonderful series in Magicana magazine about magicians around the globe. We sat down together at the bar and began to talk. In this way we began a friendship that I really prize and is hampered only by the fact that we both spend way too much time on the road. The last three times I have met up with Bernard have been in Cape Town, Tahiti and the Seychelles Islands! Bernard is the consummate cruise ship performer and has specialized in this delightful area of entertainment for longer than Max Maven and Eugene have been wearing black clothing. I worked on my first cruise engagement in 1970 so we have many friends and much in common to discuss whenever we chance to meet. Anybody who thinks that the life of a shipboard entertainer is easy hasn't done it long enough to know the real difficulties involved. I will just brush on the topic by saying that until you have to entertain a world cruise audience who have already watched six magicians perform; you don't know what creative use of your meager assortment of props can be. I personally love the challenges of this kind of work and more importantly still love the very act of traveling. However it is not for everyone. Bernard is one of the very top performers in this field: not only does he perform great comedy magic but he also presents a pickpocket routine that leaves audiences buzzing with excitement and laughter long after he has packed his bag and departed for yet another exotic location. Much as I enjoy reading Bernard's fascinating column in Magicana magazine I really miss his wonderful newsletters. For many years, regular as clockwork a long and chatty newsletter about his travels and adventures would arrive from Reid. If you knew the art of 'reading between the lines' more useful information was contained about performing and the reciprocal art of traveling than in any half dozen books on the field. Why do I think about Bernard whenever I print my own money? Well on that first meeting with him at the Maxim he mentioned that he had noticed I used a flash bill onstage. He said; "I have something you will like." He did. The next day he arrived with two rubber stamps and a green ink pad that allowed me to turn inexpensive pages from a flash pad into wonderfully realistic looking flash bills. This little wrinkle is simple, direct and unbelievably cost effective. I have saved enough money using those rubber stamps to put a couple of kids through higher education. In fact I even have enough left over to buy the first couple of rounds of Merlot when we next meet up. Hey Bernard, let's aim for Bora Bora in the fall! As always send any bricks or bouquets to nicklewin@earthlink.net and check out my website at http://www.NickLewin.com -------------------------------------------- 7. Magic: The Universal Language - By Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message from Kyle Peron (US) Magic4u02@aol.com I had an incident happen to me a few weeks back while performing stage and strolling magic at one of the festivals my wife and I work at. It was an interesting situation and one which I thought would make for an interesting article. I am sure many of you have heard the phrase, "Magic is a universal language." I have heard it often as well from many different sources. But I have to be honest that I have never really studied it or witnessed it first hand as much as I did a few weeks ago. Allow me to share this story with you in hopes that it opens your eyes as it did my own. I had just completed our first stage show of the day and finished signing autographs for the kids. Now it is my routine that I often get booked to perform strolling magic around the festival between our 2 stage shows. I got prepared and started walking around performing my strolling magic to the festival patrons. As I turned down one of the crafter lanes, I found myself looking for a spot where I could perform, draw a crowd without causing traffic problems. I found this vacant spot where a vendor must have canceled. It looked ideal but it has always been my policy to talk to the vendors nearby to 1) introduce myself to them and 2) to ask if it is ok to perform there and that I will do what I can to mention them throughout my show. The vendors appreciate my kindness and it makes things run much better. Well I went to talk to the one vendor and realized in a second that he had no idea what I was saying and I could not understand him at all. Now I being 75% deaf in both ears and even wearing hearing aids was not helping me to understand him any better. Surely this was a case of cultural and language differences. It turned out he was from Peru and just came over to America a few months prior. All of a sudden this idea and phrase "Magic is a universal language" popped into my head. If surely this was true, then now was the time to really apply it and see if it really does work. Because of my deafness, I have become quite fluent in reading lips, body language as well as using pantomime and minimal sign language so that I can cope myself but also try and have others understand me. Through doing this, I was able to get him to allow me to perform in the spot next to him. Now it could have ended right there. I asked permission, he granted it to me and the case could have been closed. But what happened next I will never forget. It was an experience of not only crossing language and cultural barriers but we seemed to cross art form barriers as well. Let me describe what happened. I started to perform my warm up. Basically this is just very visual magic done to draw attention through curiosity. As I started into my routine with a billiard ball, I heard this music playing. Now because of my deafness I could not really pin point where it was coming from. As I started to perform more, I realized that the music I heard was changing to accompany my change in movement and what I was doing. It was at this time I glanced over and saw the vendor next door was playing incredible pan flute music and flute music from Peru. I said nothing to him and he said nothing to me. But the 10 minutes was an enlightening and magical experience unlike I have had in a long time. As it turned out, he was amazed at the magic I was doing and thought it would be a nice touch to create music on the spot to accompany the magic I was creating. As he played, my body movements and my routine changed to go along with it. It was as if the music and the magic happening became one universal thing. It was almost like visual and musical poetry of sorts. In that short period of time we were able to create and communicate not only to the audience, but to each other. Even though he did not understand me and I could not understand him, we were able to communicate through his music and my magic. It was a very powerful and enlightening experience and we have become good friends. It is simply amazing how we can use our magic as a universal language. We as magicians have the power to be able to use our magic to communicate and cross language and cultural barriers. To me that is a very powerful thing. I hope many of you may have the chance to experience what I experienced. Kyle Peron Magician and Illusionist Graphic Designer and Illustrator (Specializing in Logo creation) www.kyleandkellymagic.com Chair Suspension Ebook Author http://www.magicenhancer.com/ChairSuspension.html -------------------------------------------- 8. Sorcerers Safari Summer Magic Camp -------------------------------------------- Message from Lee Asher (US) What do Wayne Houchin, Greg Frewin, Aaron Fisher, Oscar Munoz and I have in common? We're all going to be at Sorcerers Safari Summer Magic Camp this year. At the end of August 24th through August 31, 2007 I'll be attending Sorcerers Safari, Canada's Premier magic camp, for my seventh consecutive year. 2007 in particular, is most exceptional. Master Magician Wayne Houchin is coming all the way from Chico, California to spend the week teaching h all the campers. Don't forget card legend Aaron Fisher from California, world champion stage illusionist Greg Frewin from Niagara, all-around-super-talented Oscar Munoz from Texas, and the rest of the Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp staff will be up there all week too doing the same. Words cannot express the amount of fun and gratification received from attending magic camp. MAGIC magazine covered Sorcerer's Safari Summer in a four-page spread in an issue published earlier last year. Sorcerers Safari Summer Magic Camp is for ages 10-20. If you fall between those age ranges, OR missed our article in MAGIC magazine - please click the link below. http://www.leeasher.com/magic_camp.htm (cut and paste if not clickable) -------------------------------------------- 9. MINDvention Update July 2007 -------------------------------------------- Message from Danny Archer (US) I thought I would take this opportunity to give you the lowdown on what to expect at this year's MINDvention 9www.MINDvention.com). MINDvention Registration is $175 until August 15th and then increases to $195. Click on the links for more info about a particular person or topic or if you a question we have answered, please contact Danny Archer at lecturenet@aol.com or 303-321-6267 Lectures Our first lecture on Sunday will be by Patrick Redford (the alter ego of George Tait). George Tait has been bending the minds of audiences around the world with his "Psychological Magic" for over the past ten years. He's entertained such notable talent as bands Metallica, Kid Rock, and Ted Nugent. He's a well respected author in the magic community with three books to his name. Tait has transformed his art form into both a real and emotionally powerful experience. Also lecturing on the first day will be Sean Taylor from Australia. Sean is widely recognized as one of Australia's top corporate entertainers. His razor sharp wit, hilarious audience management and cheeky British humor make him a natural for the corporate environment. Soon he began tackling the university and corporate market in his home town of Cambridge. Sean has been a professional mind reader for over 25 years, more than half that time in Australia. His work has taken him around the globe including guest performances at The Monte Carlo Casino and London's famous Magic Circle. Lecturing on Monday is English entertainer John Archer. Mentalism can sometimes be a dry subject, but not when John does it! John has spent the last 19 years entertaining audiences all over the World. In November 2002 at 'The Magic Circle Awards Banquet' awarded 'The Carlton Comedy Award' for outstanding use of Comedy. In 2003 John was awarded the "Senator Crandall Award for Comedy" at Abbot's convention in the USA. His comedy Mentalism lecture combines great effects with hilarious presentations. Later Monday evening, after performing his wonderful Dunninger radio show recreation, Joseph Atmore will screen rare Dunninger footage and lecture on the life and times on this giant of Mentalism. Tuesday's lecture starts with the Master of the Mind - Guy Bavli. Guy is a polished mentalist and corporate entertainer with thousands of appearances in Caesar's Palace, Carnegie Hall, and in over 50 countries. Bavli's astounding talent and ability combines telepathy with psychology and physiology. Guy has appeared on numerous television-shows and has been featured on national campaign-ads for Microsoft, Volvo, IBM, Delta Airlines, and Coca Cola just to name a few. Tuesday's final lecture is by Eugene Burger. Renowned in the world of magic and Mentalism for his well-scripted and polished performances, Eugene is a performer and thinker that always commands great attention and respect from members of the arts. During the past several years, Eugene has been a featured speaker for major companies as Coca-Cola, Williams-Sonoma, Unisys and Pottery Barn, as well as top business schools including Wharton, and the graduate schools of business at the Universities of Chicago and Maryland. When the leading international trade journal Magic magazine compiled its list of the one hundred most influential magicians of the twentieth century, Eugene Burger was included for his ability to "arouse feelings of astonishment, as well as a host of other indescribable sensations." Special Events Jon Stetson Interview On Monday morning, Rick Maue will interview one of the busiest corporate mentalists in the world, Jon Stetson. Jon has presented for President Bush, President Carter, The King of Sweden, Donald Trump, The New England Patriots, and hundreds of Fortune 1000 organizations, associations and celebrity audiences worldwide. Knowing Rick and Jon, this will be not only informative but a very entertaining interview as well. Dunninger Radio Show Recreation Later Monday evening is a real treat as Joe Atmore presents his acclaimed recreation on the Dunninger hit radio series. Now you can experience what it was like to sit in Studio 6B of Rockefeller Center on a Wednesday night in 1944. The stage is set with vintage and replica props, original show organ music and a classic presentation to baffle anyone. "Dunninger" will read the minds of the audience, perform great mental tests and close the show with an impossible "Brain Buster". David Berglas Speaks! We tried to arrange a radio interview with David Berglas one of the living legends of Mentalism, and we realized that during MINDvention, David will be on holiday with his family on a cruise ship. Not wanting to chance phone reception while at sea, David has graciously agreed to answer some questions and a top panel of mentalist have assembled the questions and we will be showing the videotaped interview sometime during the three days. Thanks to one of the UK's top corporate mentalists Marc Paul for his assistance in producing the video. Attendee Shows Three shows are scheduled and this is the chance for convention attendees (and perhaps a surprise guest or two) to strut their stuff and show off their latest routines and effects. In fact since the Jeff McBride Master Class (their first ever focusing in exclusively on the Art of Mentalism and with special guest Ross Johnson!) will take place right after MINDvention, there is an excellent chance that both Jeff and Ross will be persuaded to perform sometime during the convention. At this Special Master Class all of the performances and all of the talks and breakout sessions will be on the subject of MENTALISM. Eugene and Jeff will share their thoughts on Mentalism for Magicians. And our Special Guest for the Class will be ROSS JOHNSON, perhaps the most successful corporate mentalist in the United States. This is a RARE appearance for Ross because he does not write books and rarely speaks to groups of mentalists. We are thrilled to be able to spend several days with him finding out what has made him so successful. The McBride Master Class is limited to a small group of students. Although there is no pressure to perform, many students choose to present their act (or a magical piece they are working on) for one-on-one direction from Jeff and Eugene who are both committed to helping you attain new levels of excellence with your performance of Mentalism. Panel Discussions While the topics have not been finalized as of yet, the panels at the previous MINDventions have been well attended and absolutely riveting to watch. We assemble a world-class panel of Mentalism experts (usually we have a special guest panelist or two) and they answer questions from the audience as well as each other. Informative, thought-provoking and entertaining. if you are interested at all in Mentalism, you will not want to miss these two events. Dealers  The dealers room will be chock full of the latest and greatest props and books from around the globe, with many hard to find effects just waiting for the right person to make them into miracles. The Venue The Palace Station Hotel and Casino has reasonably priced rooms starting at only $69 a night and many dining options from fast food and buffets to fancy dining, all without having to leave the property. And of course if you want to catch a show or see the sights, Las Vegas is at your beck and call twenty-four hours a day! Peace, Danny Archer The MINDvention mentalism convention featuring; Eugene Burger, Jeff McBride, Ross Johnson, Guy Bavli, John Archer (UK), Patrick Redford, Sean Taylor (Australia) & Joe Atmore (Dunninger Radio Show recreation) is coming up October 7th-9th, 2007 in Las Vegas .... MINDvention for more info 1139 S. Brentwood Street Lakewood, CO 80232 303-321-6267 www.dannyarcher.com -------------------------------------------- 10. 2007 Convention Of The Magicians' Alliance Of The Eastern States -------------------------------------------- Message from Phil Milstead (US) It isn't too late to register for the 2007 convention of the Magicians' Alliance of the Eastern States (www.maesonline.org) August 23 - 25, 2007, just outside Philadelphia. This is a friendly, laid-back convention noted for the talent brought in from all over. This year's performers include: George Saterial Richie B Alain Choquette Bill & Nadine Dickson Joan DuKore Graham Fishman Dan Garrett Goldfinger & Dove Bruce Kalver (S.A.M. President-Elect) Joe Lefler Bob Little Howard Mincone Richard Sanders Peter White Mystery Guest - A Person Who Is Known Worldwide! You can register online or on-site registration begins at 1:00pm on Thursday, August 23rd. The fun continues until very late Saturday night. Bring your unused magic for the auction on Thursday night! 3 Great Evening Shows 1 Close-up Show that will knock your socks off 1 stage competition 1 close-up competition 6 Learning Sessions 16 Dealers 1 Magic Auction - great magic to buy or sell! 1,000,000 Tons of Fun! -------------------------------------------- 11. Daytona Beach Festival Of Magic Convention -------------------------------------------- Message from Harry Allen (US) The Florida State combined Daytona Beach Festival of Magic Convention Details www.daytonamagic.com click on "festival 2007." Registration is nearing 3/4 sold . We expect another 6th year sell out. Talent: Kevin James & Company Johnny Thompson & Pam Lennart Green Alain Choquette Dan Stapleton Harry Allen Tom Burgoon John Mendoza Scott Humpston Ron Conley Dan Fleshman Chiaki Daisuke Seo And more to come Register Before It's Sold Out !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -------------------------------------------- 12. New Book - "Sveriges Trollkarlar" -------------------------------------------- Message from Christer Nilsson (Sweden) Hello! At last some news from Sweden: The Swedish magician, writer and owner of the Swedish Magic Archives Christer Nilsson has just published an new book. The name is "Sveriges Trollkarlar" ("Swedish magicians") and has 328 pages, presents in shorter or longer biographies 1.165 Swedish magicians, illustrated with about 500 photos. Sorry all text is in Swedish. The price is 240 Swedish Crowns (36 USD or 26 Euro) plus postage. You are welcome to e-mail christer@magiarkivet (www.magiarkivet.se) -------------------------------------------- 13. Latest News Of The British Ring Convention -------------------------------------------- Message from Bob Hayden PRO to the British Ring Go to the Programme Page of our website. www.britishring.org.uk you will find a full schedule of the Convention Events taking place in Southport between the 12th and 16th of September. And what a mouth-watering schedule it is! For its 71st Annual Convention the British Ring has never before offered such a high standard of talent on each of the four days. This is a result of the untiring work of Paul Stone, the Ring's Convention Executive Producer, who has literally spent hundreds of hours securing and booking the Acts that make a fantastic line-up of talent covering the entire spectrum of magic. Genuinely there are several of the world's top entertainers, from stage performers to close-up, from lecturers to children's performers and even some street performers. In the unlikely event that it becomes necessary to make any alterations to the programme, due to unforeseen circumstances, notices will be immediately posted. There's something for everyone, many of the performers being not only new to a British Ring Convention but who have not previously appeared in the UK. It has been Paul's dedicated aim to make each show and event one to be remembered long after the Convention is over. Will the critics who have suggested we were in a 1950's time wrap, with the whole Convention revolving around a single show concede we have moved on and are now meeting the needs of today's Conventioneers? This is probably too much to expect. The names of those appearing and the balanced programme confirm Paul's aim has not only been achieved but by hitting the target has scored a bulls-eye. If you are not at this Convention you will miss the Convention of the Year! You will notice from the programme there are several new innovations including the Late Night Magic Shows in the Southport Arts Centre Theatre, a Celebrity 'Ask the Experts' forum and a session of Street Magic. The Late Night Magic Shows take place on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night starting at 11 o clock (midnight Friday) and feature several great entertainers including David Williamson, Bob Sheets, Tim Gabrielson, John Fealey, Kevin King and Gaetan Bloom. David Williamson and Bob Sheets have already been profiled so here are biographies of the other participants. Just a few words can be used to describe the comedy magic of Tim Gabrielson funny, hip, non-offensive and cool. Over the course of his show people discover his amazing magic skills, his dry witty unique sense of humour and the human element that's specifically Tim Gabrielson. This magic man truly likes to 'Keep it funny!' As Paul Stone tells us Tim began performing at a local theme park aged 16. His comedic wit and natural timing combined with magical prowess quickly made him a park favourite and landed him a contract with a local agency. He soon became one of the Midwest's youngest and fastest rising entertainers. Tim's shows exceeded 200 per year and provided limitless exposure to every imaginable audience, which gave him the ability to handle any crowd. His increasing popularity took him from a best-kept secret among the college venue to a highly sought after performer. Tim's business is magic, but for this busy professional it's much more than tricks. 'People are always talking about the technicality of magic. You have to be good, but the magic itself is meaningless. Do you entertain the crowd? Can you grab an audience in the first few minutes and hold their attention? You can be a fabulous magician, but if you can't entertain the crowd, people aren't going to come back. I don't want to be just a good magician. I want to be a great entertainer'. Beginning July 2007, Tim is bringing his comedy magic to the House of Blues at the fabulous Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino where he can be seen performing six days a week. John Fealey, through no fault of his own has become one of the most experienced and well-travelled comedians working today. A life in comedy has taken him around the world and back again. John started as a street comedian and developed an improvisational approach bordering on fearless and a style distinctively his own. In the eighties of the last century he appeared on Saturday morning television, lived and worked in New York City, fell in love with the Edinburgh Festival and became the regular emcee at a number of comedy venues. In the early nineties, John together with old friends Noel Britten, Alex Dandridge and Andre Vincent formed 'The Bowlers' a show that combined their mutual love of variety and improvisation. He has been seen at some of the most celebrated comedy events in over twenty countries. He has also played his fair share of toilets. Kevin King is not your typical comedic genius but offers an individual blend of stand-up comedy with magic that leaves an audience speechless. He is world renowned for his wacky brand of humour and on stage antics. His high-energy performance is amazing and amusing that will have you rolling the aisles. Kevin is a much sought after worldwide performer. By drawing people from the audience he creates a party like atmosphere where everyone is a part of the show. Kevin utilises strange props breaking all the stereotypes of traditional magicians. Gaetan Bloom is France's answer to Tommy Cooper where he is regarded as a National Treasure. He is considered to be one of the greatest creative minds the world of magic has ever known. Gaetan's stage routine is hilarious. He works regularly at the 'Crazy Horse Saloon' in Paris and Las Vegas. Everything he does will fool you thoroughly. His methods are so devious, that they are just as entertaining as the effects themselves. He has the distinct ability of holding an audience for every second he is on stage and with his comedy and misdirection he is hard to match and is certain to stop the show. He has been honoured by The Magic Castle with the Creative Fellowship Award. You may be wondering if these Late Night Sessions will clash with the Fringe shows that are usually staged at this time. Fay Presto has decided not to do a 'Fringe' this year but it is understood that she still plans to organise a 'Fringe Banquet', which it is thought will take place in the Arts Centre Studio. It is predicted that the laughter emerging from the Arts Centre on these three evenings will be such that it spills out into Lord Street and heard several hundred yards on either side. Saturday night finds Lennart Green entertaining at a Midnight Finale in the Scarisbrick Hotel. Will these late night sessions be too late for you? It's doubtful. Who will want to sleep when quality magic is available to be seen and enjoyed whatever the hour? The Celebrity 'Ask the Experts' will take the form of a question and answer session in which a panel give their opinions and possible solutions on any problems that members may be experiencing with their performances either technically or in presentation. It is hoped to give more information on this event in the coming weeks. Never before have the British Ring included Street Magic in their Convention programme. This breaking ground occasion will take place outside the Southport Arts Centre in Lord Street on Saturday afternoon when specialist street magicians will display their skills not only to magicians but also to the residents and other visitors to Southport It is hoped that this previously overlooked side of magic will be a permanent feature at future Conventions. When outside stunts had to be discontinued some years ago because of the high financial cost of insurance premiums for the multi million pound third party liability cover that became necessary for the stunt to go ahead we lost the opportunity a means to publicize, to the general public, our presence in town. We hope this initiative will go some way to make it be known that the magicians are in town. To ensure that you can enjoy comfortable viewing, as promised, the majority of the lecture/workshops are to be repeated on different days The lectures involved are those to be given by Bill Malone, Rocco, Bob Sheets, Magic Al, Boris Wild, Paul Kieve in the Arts Centre Theatre, while those to be given by Michael Vincent and Joanie Spina are in the Lakeside Suite of the Southport Conference Centre. It should be noted that the Gaetan Bloom lecture will only be given once in the Southport Theatre. To assist our elderly members or those experiencing walking difficulties, a shuttle mini coach is being provided to convey them between the Arts Theatre in Lord Street and the Southport Conference Centre on the Promenade. Able-bodied members are respectfully asked to see that those with difficulties are given priority to this facility only taking advantage of it themselves when the needs of those requiring the service have been satisfied. Last year's Balloon Workshop given by Mike Stokes of Playtime Balloons proved to be most popular with an audience in excess of 225 being instructed in the art of producing balloon flowers. With the help of Margery (Mike's wife) and Gerry Luff, Mike ensured that all participants were kept busy with an endless supply of balloons kindly donated by The Qualatex Balloon Company with the majority being able to produce a very passable balloon flower by the end of the session. The scope of this year's workshop is not yet to hand but all you balloon modellers can be assured it will be an instructive session. It takes place in the Lakeside suite on Wednesday afternoon. With such an extensive programme, with at times alternatives being available it will not be possible for you to see everything but by being selective and doing some very careful planning you will be able to take in the majority of what's on. It is Paul Stone's belief that it is far better to have too much to choose from than not enough. So start planning now or on some days it might not be possible for you to have lunch! If you have been waiting for the programme to be published before deciding to register there is now no reason for not doing so. This is the quality Magical Convention of the Year. You will forever have regrets if you decide to give it a miss and don't attend especially when you learn of the glowing reports and experiences from those who were there. Make that registration today. Don't procrastinate, do it now! -------------------------------------------- 14. US - Canada Workshop Tour -------------------------------------------- Message from Charles Gauci (Aust) Hi Everyone, Firstly, now that the ASM's Inc. successful Centenary Convention is out of the way I can get back to leading a normal life. However, it has turned my life upside down. Due to two excellent newspaper articles my corporate bookings have picked up enormously to the extent that I have decided that after the next 12 months I will be limiting my overseas travel to lecture or deal at overseas conventions. I want to get back to doing full time corporate work where it is simpler and less strenuous. After all, I have toured the world at least 7 times during the past 9 years. Next year, my workshop tour will include Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, Belgium, Austria, France, Ireland and Scotland. Therefore, I have decided to extend my forthcoming workshop tour of the US and Canada to four hours per session beginning at 6.30 pm each evening. I will be tipping my very closely guarded effects in detail for ,instance giving an additional methods for performing some of my marketed effects which you can make up yourself. Each attendant will receive the required apparatus for performing six of my commercial effects so there is nothing to buy. I will be also tipping my method of marking a deck of cards which can be seen up to 10 feet away without the participants noticing any markings on the back. You will learn three different presentations using this deck and coupled with my memorized deck system will give you a very powerful tool. You have seen the staggering effects that Lennart Green produces with his tremendous skill. Using these two combined principles you will have at least 3 killer card effects. The tour of USA and Canada will commence in Oct and November. I have rescheduled my original September bookings due to heavy corporate bookings at home. The price is US$100 per head with a guaranteed minimum of 8 persons required. Recommended maximum is 25-30 persons. As each attendee will be receiving their own personal workshop kit a parcel will be mailed to each club's secretary prior to my departure so it is critical that the numbers be finalized at least 30 days prior to my booked date as I will not be carrying any additional stock. Included in the kit will be a DVD with detailed explanations of all the effects and a performance of each effect. The average price of the effects will be US$10 so as you can see you are getting 10 commercial effects for your $100 entrance fee which is great value when you consider that if you bought them separately they would have cost you at least US$300. For over 54 years magic has been extremely good to me and this is my way of really contributing something back. I will be holding nothing back. I will be tipping in detail my 20 minute professional routine which has earned me good money over the past 7 years. I travel all over the country presenting this routine with minimal props which can be carried in a handbag. I had received 19 expressions of interest from my previous notice but due to a PC crash I have lost a lot of data. I would like to hear from those people again. I would appreciate if you could post a copy of this notice on any local magic bulletin boards or forward to your local club secretary. Anyone or club that is interested please contact me only at charlesg@ozemail.com.au -------------------------------------------- 15. Tony Wilson's Magical Adventures Number 3 -------------------------------------------- Message from Tony Wilson (NZ) The SAM convention was a blast! Mary and I spent 7 nights in Dallas, Texas 2 for sightseeing and 5 for magic. The choice of what to see and do for both magic and sightseeing was overwhelming. It was all go from day 1 of the SAM convention. I entered the world's greatest magic show (near the end of it) as I was enjoying watching it so much I didn't what to miss anything. Let's hope it gets into the Guinness Book of Records! The variety of workshops, lectures and options each day were difficult decisions to make as there was so much to see and do. Everyone was so friendly and, as we all know, the major joy of attending magic conventions regularly is not only to see and buy new tricks but more importantly to see and catch up with magical friends from all over the world. Writing this on a plane to Charlotte in North Carolina where we stay 4 days before flying on to Sarasota in Florida for 8 nights before we leave the USA from Miami on 21 July bound for the UK and Europe. ----------------- 16. Tricks, DVD's And Books For Sale ----------------- Message from Mick Peck (NZ) New Magic For Sale List I have prepared a small list of tricks, DVD's and books for sale. Just like last time I'm getting rid of a lot of as-new product at very reasonable prices - ten pages of stuff was all snapped up in a couple of days last time. Everything must go, I need the room. Send me an email with "Magic List" in the subject and the list will be forwarded to you. NZ buyers only please :-) Mick Peck micknz@ihug.co.nz ----------------- 17. The Amazing Orchante Saga ----------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Page 5 Prior to our three-night show with the infamous Don Lane, Clive had said, "What you need is a good agent"! As I mentioned earlier, Clive booked all his acts through various agents, instead of relying on just one to take care of all the clubs entertainment. According to Clive, all agents are crooks (ain't that the truth), but there are a few honest ones among them, the problem is finding them. Usually, you manage to find all the 'bad eggs' who will do anything to rip you off and make an unreasonable amount of money, your money, in the process, before you find the one who believes in you and your act, and has your interests at heart, as well as his own. A very rare breed indeed! Fortunately, for us, Clive had sorted the wheat from the chaff years ago. Of all the agents in Sydney, the one he recommended for us was: Brian Fogarty - Theatrical Productions PTY. limited. Unbeknownst to us, Clive had rung Brian and told him that he had, "From New Zealand, The Newest, Hottest Specialty Act to hit the Australian/Sydney club scene", and that we were the support act for Australia's 'Biggest TV Star', at his club; he arranged for Brian to come and watch our act on the last night, knowing full well that we would be 'Right in the Groove' with the Don Lane Show by then, and would be at our best. What a perceptive man he was! Page 6 The outcome of Bill Godfrey's enthusiastic 'get up and go', together his wide ranging membership into scores of clubs, and Clive Herring's initiative in arranging Brian Fogarty to view our act, was that by September 6th, Monday afternoon, following a protracted meeting with Brian at his office in Milsons Point, North Sydney (which is across and almost under the famous Sydney harbour bridge), we were under exclusive management with our first Australian agent. Not bad, considering we had arrived in the country totally unknown only 36 days earlier. Without doubt, our coming to Australia, and choosing to make it our new home was a wise decision - and it wasn't too far from N.Z., around three and a half hours flying time - things were starting to look up. Within two weeks - Sat. 18th of Sept, Brian had arranged our first job through his agency, at the 'Catellezian Club', which was on Anzac Parade, Kingsford, doing two spots, followed by the 'Chesterhill' RSL on the Sunday. All artists were required by most of the clubs to work two spots, except the main attraction. They would do at least an hour's show on their own; I did the 20min. Sleight of Hand magic act in the first half of the concert, and performed our 22min. 'Master of the Mystique' act for the second, which was the: Fire-eating, Bed of Nails, Sword-Swallowing and Psychic Surgery ('String Thing') routine. Sunday the 26th, we were back at the 'Wenty' for Clive, but booked this time through Brian, consequently having to give him his 10% of our fee. Couldn't really moan, if it wasn't for Clive and Brian, we would have still been struggling to get onto the lucrative club circuit. Our next booking was a beaut. From Wed.29th to Sun.10th Oct - two weeks at the 'Marrickville' RSL doing just the one spot each night - the Fakir act, which made life just a little bit easier, and our fee remained the same as for two spots. Not only that, but on the Thursday (the 30th), Brian had got us onto the No.1 Daytime Television Variety show in the country - The MIKE WALSH SHOW which was broadcast from Ch.9 daily on a Nationwide live hook-up! You really have 'cracked it', to appear on his show! What a feather in our cap that was! There were literally hundreds of artists who had been working the Australian /Sydney circuit for many years, who would have given their right arm to appear on 'The Mike Walsh Show'! All that publicity, and as a bonus, you got well paid into the bargain! No doubt about it, in a very short space of time we had - 'ARRIVED'! Almost all of the club shows featured: a Comedian, who normally doubled as the compere and linked all the acts together. Two 'Sight'/Speciality acts, Two or Three Singers - male and female, and the 'Main Draw', who could be a 'Big Name' Australian singer or TV Star, or a Top Line overseas act who would be in Australia for a season; English singers and TV Stars, and many American artists. Also in the line-up was: 'The Ballet', a troupe of long legged, attractive dancers. Each week, they had new, stunning costumes, and rehearsed different and imaginative dance routines that had been devised by a choreographer, who quite often was the leader of the troupe. They would open the show, getting it off to a cracking start, and also opened the second half after the interval, with a totally different costumes and dance routine. They sure worked hard - very few appreciated just how much effort, sweat or the hours those girls poured into their dancing rehearsals, but they were sure delighted with the results! Many of the comedians on the club circuit were English. They had left for Australia during the early Fifties, when the country was trying to get more skilled workers and build up its labour force. They were, and still are, called 'Ten Pound Poms', because they immigrated to Aussie by ship for ten lousy pounds and started a new life. In case you didn't know, 'Pom' or 'Pommie' is slang for an Englishman, or woman, 'Down Under'! All the clubs had light and sound systems, with operators for both, and all clubs had a Live Band - Professional Musicians who could read music. Depending on the size of the club (somewhere absolutely massive), the line-up/instruments would include - well, here are three examples from the 'ENCORE SHOWCAST VARIETY DIRECTORY' - Edition No.18, 1979. 'The Fairfield RSA', Manager R. W. Vesperman, Agent: Lou Menser, Bandleader: Ed Bird, Instruments: Piano, Bass, Drums, Sax, Trumpet, or on Sat. Trombone - Sun. Guitar. 'The Mt. Prichard Community Club', Manager: M.P. Dubois, Social Sec: Clive Edwards, Agent: Ross Roland, Bandleader: Norm Faber, Instruments: Piano, Bass, Drums, Guitar, Tenor/Alto Flute, Trumpet, Trombone. 'The Tweed Heads Bowls Club', Manager: Robert Watts, Agent: Ron Kitchin Enterprises, Bandleader: Ted Preston, Instruments: Organ, Piano, Drums, Saxophone, Bass, Guitar, Trumpet. Music-wise the entertainers, particularly singers, were well catered for. -------------------------------------------- 18. 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) -------------------------------------------- 19. 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