* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #591 Date: Sunday 29th June 2008 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. 1st July IBM/SAM Convention Registration Increases To $595 3. Dress for IBM/SAM Gala Banquet 4. WOW What A Response To Last Week Message 5. The Master Magicians Siegfried & Roy 6. DVD Of "Woman in Boxes" Four Sale 7. Remarkable Magic #56 - Nick Lewin 8. The Best Investment In Magic - Kyle Peron 9. Entertaining On The Ocean #32 - Paul Romhany 10. Las Vegas Magic - July, 2008 11. British Ring Convention News 12. Bill Malone Judges Chicago Magic Competition 13. Dirk Losander & Luna Shimada Help! 14. Only Vegas Has More Magic Than Branson 15. 10 Years Of Appearing Ladders 16. KIDabra Conference Update 17. Darren Romeo Follow-Up 18. Elio Simonetti And Eva Salleh Free Public Performances 19. e-zine Archives 20. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- If you didn't get the chance to see the Pendragons perform on the America's Got Talent 2008 show go to: http://youtube.com/watch?v=cvjQffFZ6LE Had an e-mail from Terry Seabrooke saying that his new website is now up a running go to: www.terryseabrooke.co.uk Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. 1st July IBM/SAM 2008 Convention Registration Increases To $595 -------------------------------------------- Message from John Apperson forwarded on by Brad Jacobs Registration to the IBM/SAM 2008 Combined Convention at $495 expires on Monday June 30. Registrations by phone or mail after June 30 will increase to $595. No one-day or partial registrations will be sold prior to or during the convention. There will be a one-day DEALER ROOM ONLY pass sold for $25 at the Registration Desk each day. In addition, a limited number of remaining tickets to the Tuesday and Friday night Gala Shows are available through the Registrar. Most of these tickets are in the balcony or extreme sides but may be slightly better than the tickets available through the Kentucky Center Box Office. All remaining theater tickets are $25 -------------------------------------------- 3. Dress for IBM/SAM Gala Banquet -------------------------------------------- Message from Brad Jacobs (USA) The 2008 Gala Banquet is a convention party and an opportunity to dress up and have a good time. There is no "head table" and there are no planned speeches. There will be music, dancing and entertainment. The ladies always seem to know what to wear. Black tie is optional. If men brought a jacket, this would be a good time to wear it. Shorts, T-shirts and flip-flops are not appropriate. -------------------------------------------- 4. WOW What A Response To Last Week Message -------------------------------------------- Message from Keith Garrett (NZ) K.G. Magic Ripped Off Magic Dealers W a response to last week message, thanks to all that got up and had their say. Well the service is still there, but sometimes it needs a little push, so I do encourage you if you are not happy speak to the Manager and get what you paid for. And to all those dealers, have a thought for all those orders, and order numbers, they are people on the other end. A good referral is much better than no customers. Good trading to all in magic. -------------------------------------------- 5. The Master Magicians Siegfried & Roy -------------------------------------------- Message from Ted White (Argentina) The Prize Executive Committee organization , were expecting until the 2007 edition, to tribute Siegfried & Roy for being this year, the 40th anniversary - Ruby Anniversary - that S&R break into Las Vegas at the Tropicana Casino. This anniversary is considered for us, a landmark in magic history. For this reason we are so proud and pleased to give you this prize like a tribute to "The Master Magician Siegfried & Roy", who enchant and inspire the old, present and future generations of magician around the world. More info http://www.premiosmagia.com.ar/2007/inicio.html The "Premios Magia" Cometa Magico Magic Prize is the First and unique Prize that included all kinds of Iberian American magic categories and specialties, and has well been received for all Iberian American Magic Society, the press, media and the general audience, who also emit his own vote, together to the 24 magic association that nominee and awarded to the magicians. The Multimedia Cometa Magico Project is 7 years old, so during those years we were working supporting the art, receiving a lot of visitors daily to our web site. More info http://www.cometamagico.com.ar Our effort in this project included the production of shows like "Magic Fest in Halloween", "Magic Fest by the children", "Cometa Magico TV" where the general audience can live the magic performing by the young talents, the most popular and awarded Argentinean and Latin American magician and also interviews, the last one to the magician Roberto Giobbi. See the programs http://www.cometamagicotv.com.ar Our goal is supporting the effort that means being an artist in this part of the world, creating in this way a friendly bridge between magician to all over Iberian American, the whole world and the public. The awards Ceremony will be on July 14, in the big and famous Lola Membrives Theatre, in the world well-known Corrientes Avenue in Buenos Aires, Argentina where 1200 magicians will come from different parts of Argentina and Latin America. -------------------------------------------- 6. DVD Of "Woman in Boxes" Four Sale -------------------------------------------- Message from Ricki Gray (South Africa) I am wondering if you have any idea, when the DVD of "Woman in Boxes" might be on sale, and where I could source it from? Kindest regards Ricki Gray Mobile: 082 551 5942 e-Mail: magic@global.co.za Tel / Fax: 031 262 5853 Web: www.tricki-ricki-magic.com -------------------------------------------- 7. Remarkable Magic #56 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) A tale of two Stanley's. Many of the greatest characters I have met in the magic world were not the celebrities or the famous magicians. In fact sometimes it can be downright disappointing how ordinary the big name folks can be. One of the blessings in our strange universe is some of the peripheral players who enrich the daily life of the performing magician. Some of them don't even perform much magic, but make up for it by being audience members of the highest order. A favorite meeting spot, or should I say watering hole, of this special breed of magic aficionados used to be Friday lunch at the Magic Castle. It was always a joyful exchange of gossip and good will and there were also the amazing beef ribs that were served exclusively on these occasions. Two of my very favorite people attended these luncheons in the '70s with a regularity that made the workings of Big Ben seem erratic. These two characters were Stan Gray and Stanley Blumenthal, and they were a splendid pair of jokers to add to the Castle's deck of magicians. Stanley was a cigar salesman by trade and the most enthusiastic supporter of magic you could ever find. If you were performing a gig in some local club or dive, chances are that Stanley would turn up (and pay his admission--no freeloader was Stanley) and be right there in the audience with a big smile on his face. He would laugh heartily at all the right places as if he had never heard the joke before. The only piece of magic I ever saw Stanley perform was a curious bit of business where he removed the wrapper from a cigar and then stretched it out until it resembled a gigantic condom. If it sounds strange believe me it was! The little gizmos he used to achieve this result had something to do (I believe) with the casings used to manufacture sausages. I have about a dozen of these little gimmicks left that Stanley gave me and I keep them in a beautiful wooden cigar box he gave me too. I treasure them. Stan Gray was a character of a different sort and as brash as the day is long, but he shared the enthusiasm of his namesake when it came to his appreciation of the magical arts. Stan was a tour bus driver for the Gray Line--no family connection sadly! He used to entertain his tourists with a trick or two during their sightseeing tours of California. Stan always said he did it because he made more money in tips but he never fooled me. Stan couldn't resist a captive audience and a chance to entertain them. There was nothing that Stan could do to support magic that he didn't do. Nothing was too much trouble if he thought that it would help out a fellow magician. Now, I realize that neither one of these two gentlemen will be too familiar to most of my readers but they are the heart and soul of what magic should be all about. Both have long since passed away, but in this strange and quirky memoir of magic that I seem to be writing they both deserve a special mention and tip of the hat. If you did know either of them then I am sure you will recall them with a fond smile. If you didn't know them you will just have to take my word for it that they were as deeply entwined in the fabric of magic as Shimada and Copperfield. As always send any bricks or bouquets to nicklewin@earthlink.net and check out my website at http://www.NickLewin.com -------------------------------------------- 8. The Best Investment In Magic - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message from Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com What is the best investment you ever put into your magic? What was the single best thing you ever got for your show? Is it the GPS system that now gets you to your shows flawlessly? Is it the new Modern Art illusion that has been just killing audiences? Think about this. Think about it hard and ask yourself this very question. What is the best investment in your magic? My answer may surprise you because it is not the norm and is not an answer that many are accustomed to seeing. My personal greatest investment in magic is one simple word...... MYSELF! I am my own greatest single investment in my magic. With this said, I can also be my own worst enemy as well. I bring this up only because I see so many magicians out there searching so hard for the next great investment for their show. They search so hard for the newest effect that will just jump them to stardom. They seem to forget that the best investment in magic is not something they constantly need to search for. They already own it but they just do not realize it. If you start to realize that YOU are the best investment in your magic, then it starts to change everything. It forces you to change how you not only view your magic, but how you perform it and how you go about it. We all know that we do not need to buy more magic. We just need to learn to be more creative with the magic we already have. Invest in yourself. Too many folks start magic with this desire and passion that fuels them. But somewhere down the road that passion and fire inside starts to die and ideas and thoughts of the next gig or the next best illusion fills their heads. When this happens you allow yourself to become dormant. You must learn to invest time in yourself and your magic and not fall victim to becoming stagnant. If you are your best investment you must nurture it. You need to grow in the art of magic and growth means constant pursuit of knowledge and learning and sharing that knowledge with others who seek it. Instead of locking your knowledge inside of you, take the time to educate someone else. This not only makes you a better performer but it improves our art as a whole. It also means never stop asking questions, never stop reading and never stop striving to be as creative as you can be. It means pushing the limits and not being afraid to fail but learning through your mistakes and it also means being a professional at all times and not just when the curtains open. If we want our magic to be taken seriously, then we must start with ourselves first. If we want to grow magic to a higher art form and have it be viewed with respect, then we must invest time; we must invest energy and we must invest in ourselves. As always, I encourage you the readers to let me know your thoughts. So if you have any thoughts on my articles or suggestions or comments, please feel free to e-mail me directly at magic4u02@aol.com. I would love to hear from you. Products: - I am very proud to release my newest E-Book "Encore! Creativity in the Art of Magic!". It is a 21 page E-book based off my full lecture by the same title. This E-Book is about learning how to be creative, think creatively and how to apply direct exercises and techniques to allow your own creativity to grow with the magic that you perform. Every single person possesses the ability to be creative. These notes teach you direct techniques and exercises that you can use to unlock the doors to your own creativity. I discuss the reasoning behind why creativity is so important, why people have a hard time being creative and how to break down those barriers. I then go on to show you a few brainstorming techniques (derived from also being an artist) and walk you through how these techniques can be used as creativity tools. A wealth of information is shared that anyone can freely apply immediately to the magic that you do. You can order directly by going to the "Encore!" page at: http://www.magicenhancer.com/Encore.html - I am also still excited to be offering my first E-Book, "Tips and Techniques on the Chair Suspension". This has been doing very well and remains one of the only books that really covers off on so much information, tips, techniques and safety tips on the presentation of this fine illusion. You can order this e-book directly by going to: http://www.magicenhancer.com/ChairSuspension.html -------------------------------------------- 9. Entertaining On The Ocean #32 - Paul Romhany -------------------------------------------- Message from Paul Romhany (NZ) This week I am pleased to hand you over to a very funny and clever magician Eric Bedard who has been performing on cruise ships for many years. I'll be honest and say that after 9 years of performing on cruise ships myself, I am still learning new things about travel. Thanks so much Eric for sharing these wonderful hints and stories. I am more than happy to look at any articles from magicians who have stories about ship life they would like to share with me and the other 14 thousand readers of this wonderful Magic-ezine And Now ... Over To Eric Bedard Often times you land in a city in the middle of the night and need to sleep in the next day so you are well rested as you could be scheduled on the Welcome Aboard Show. Then you discover that the curtains don't close all the way in your Hotel room. If you take one or two of the hangers that have the pants clips on them, you can use the clips to hold the curtains shut. Just put in your earplugs and you are good to go. Sometimes you are scheduled to take the shuttle with the crew, which usually leaves at 7:00 am or earlier. Then when you get to the ship, you often can't get on until all of the pax are off the ship. (I stood in the blazing heat for 3 or 4 hours before I learned). Instead of getting up after 3 hours of sleep, get your rest, have a nice breakfast and then take a cab to the vessel around noon or so; you can submit the receipt directly to the cruise line and in most cases you will be reimbursed. (This is the case with Princess whom I cruise with exclusively, so you should check with other guest entertainers for other cruise lines so you don't get in trouble.) NOTE FROM PAUL ROMHANY: Having worked Princess for 6 years then worked other cruise lines after that, I soon discovered they all have different ideas about what guest entertainers should do. Example: RCI give you an allowance which includes your meals and taxi fair, they won't pick you up. This can be a bit daunting when you land in Egypt for example and have to find your own way to a ship!! I advise this for ONLY EXPERIENCED TRAVELERS. I think I'll do an entire article next time just on the pickup experience alone. A few packing tips: When packing dress pants, roll them up tightly. They open up without wrinkles and many times you can wear them after they hang for an hour or two. Also saves a lot of room in your baggage. If you go to Shoppers Drug Mart in Canada or Walgreen's in the US, you can buy "Space Travel Bags". Pack each one like they are a drawer...undergarments in one, workout clothes, shorts in 2nd, and shirts and tee shirts in the third. After packing them, you zip them up and roll out all the air. Great for saving space and if you happen to take a ghetto speed boat to meet your ship on an island in Bali, it insures that all of your clothes will be dry when you get there...even if you are not! NOTE FROM PAUL ROMHANY: If you can't get these Space Bags then do what my wife and I did. We had a 6 month contract and wanted to take our own pillows and blankets etc for the bed on the ship. We simply put them in a large garbage bag and used a vacuum cleaner to suck all the air out, it shrunk that stuff down to nothing ... like real magic, then I tied the bag and wrapped tape around it. I am sure that most travelers have learned to have lots of Zip Lock Baggies with them, but in case you are new to traveling & cruising: carry lots of these with you. Put all of your toiletries in them when traveling so there is no leakage and they are great for storing props. You put all of the small items for each routine in its' own baggie so instead of having whole bunch of loose props, you have 5 or 6 baggies. Oh and carry a small flashlight with you in your pencil/marker case so if you are back stage just before the show and the back stage lights get turned off, you can still check on props or see your way around. My buddy and fellow magic dude, Sukuma Avery told me this one: Carry a bottle of Fabreeze with you and if you are ever in a situation where you have a shirt that gets a little sweaty and is a little ripe smelling, you can spray the arm pits with Fabreeze and let it air out and wear it one more time, in case you can't get to the Laundry before you go on. And another great tip from another fellow magic dude, Trevor Watters, is to carry some of those Ass Gaskets (Trevor's name for them) with you when traveling. You know when you are in a nice restroom and they have those thin tissue, disposable seat covers for you to use. Well these fold up really small, (you can actually carry one in your wallet) and you should always have a few with you. In many countries, especially in Europe, the Med and the Orient, the washrooms can be very interesting and you will be grateful to have these Ass Gaskets with you. Note From Paul Romhany: Another little hint, you can now buy these amazing cotton clothes that are little balls no bigger than a US quarter. When you put them in water they expand and you can use them as a cloth, very handy to have. Also when traveling, always carry some toilet paper or tissue paper with you as in many countries they don't have any in the public washrooms. Another must is to carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you at all times. I got the Norowalk virus (two times in a week) in December of last year and was quarantined for 7 days in my cabin; and I spent a lot of time in that tiny washroom. So, sanitize your hands often; use paper napkins to open and close washroom doors and avoid shaking hands with pax if possible. A polite way to do this is to do what Chickie Spears does and that is to offer your knuckles for a slight bump as many people do nowadays. (You were right Chickie, all that hand shaking & high fiving at the beginning of my show finally caught up to me! I certainly learned that one the hard way!) Note From Paul Romhany: What I am about to say will astound everybody who has been on a cruise, but this is the latest NEWS from those who know better I guess. On pretty much ALL cruise ships they have hand sanitizer at every corner, however cruise lines are now taking them away because it is proven they DO NOT DO ANY GOOD! The company I worked for last week have taken them off all their ships because they have now shown that hand sanitzers do no good at all. The only real answer is TO WASH YOUR HANDS as often as you can ... and I mean often. To be honest, my wife and I still carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer with us, however I've always maintained washing hands. Norowalk virus is the worst thing to get on a ship (it's what I call 'CODE BROWN') and knock on wood I've never had it, however I can only imagine what Eric went through ... or what went through him! Just a few pointers that come to mind as I have my morning coffee and prepare for another busy season on the high seas. Happy travels & Keep the Magic Alive! Eric Bedard, Cool Magic Dude. Eric "Given the choice, isn't it always better to believe in magic?" www.coolmagicdude.com Paul Romhany paul@chaplinmagic.com www.paulromhany.com www.chaplinmagic.com BLOG - http://romhanyreport.blogspot.com -------------------------------------------- 10. Las Vegas Magic - July, 2008 -------------------------------------------- Compiled by David Neubauer - www.dnmagic.com Magic Production Shows: Amazing Johnathan 9 pm (Dark Wed. & Thur.), Harmon Theater - Planet Hollywood. David Copperfield Jun. 19-Jul. 16, Aug 21-Oct 1. 7:30 & 10 pm (and 4:30 Sat.) MGM Grand. www.mgm.admission.com/cgi/guide.cgi?l=EN Dixie Dooley - Master Mystifier 7:00 pm (Dark Sun. - Tue.), Royal Resort and Hotel. www.houdiniexperience.com Gerry McCambridge - The Mentalist 7:00 pm (Dark Mon. & Tue.), Hooters Casino Hotel. Special Comp tickets for Las Vegas Magic readers: http://comps.mentalist.com/ Lance Burton, Master Magician 7 pm Tues - Sat & 10 pm Tues. & Sat. Monte Carlo. www.montecarlo.com/entertainment/lance.aspx Mac King Comedy Magic Show 1 & 3 pm, (Dark Sun. & Mon.) - The Showroom, Harrah's. www.mackingshow.com Free tickets (buy 1 drink) are usually available at the concierge desk or handed out occasionally by showgirls. Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show 4 pm. (Dark Thurs.) Main Showroom - Flamingo. www.nathanburton.com Penn & Teller 9 pm, (Dark Tues.), Rio. www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/rlv/entertainment/entertainment_detail_00.html Stars of Magic Showcase of Prestidigitation Dixie Dooley hosts. 7:00 pm Sunday, Royal Resort and Hotel. www.houdiniexperience.com Steve Dacri: Impossible Magic 7 pm, Sat. & Sun. $300 includes gourmet meal. 30 seats only. Six Tables Restaurant at Summerlin. 2110 N Rampart, Las Vegas. www.vegasinsidetips.com/MAGIC_impossible.html Steve Wyrick 7 & 9 pm. (Dark Fri.) Steve Wyrick Theater - Miracle Mile, Planet Hollywood. www.stevewyricktheatre.com Will Roya - Master of Variety 4-8 pm the last Fri. each month - Free - Town Square Park. www.townsquarelasvegas.com World's Greatest Magic Show Joseph Gabriel, Dan Sperry, Roy Shank, Jason Baney, Losander, Jeff Hobson hosts. 7 pm each night - Greek Isle. www.greatestmagicshow.com Xtreme Magic Starring Dirk Arthur Tiffany Theatre, Tropicana 2 and 4 pm. (Dark Fri.) Magic In Production Shows: Bite (Vampire Strip Revue) Antonio Restivo - 10:30 pm (dark Thurs.) Stratosphere. www.bitelasvegas.com Crazy Girls Tony Douglas - 9:30 pm (Dark Tues.), Riviera. www.rivierahotel.com/entertainment_crazygirls.asp Crazy Horse Paris Stephan Vanel 8 & 10:30 pm, (Dark Tues.), MGM Grand. www.mgmgrand.com/entertainment/crazy-horse-show.aspx Haunted Vegas Show and Tour Jac Hayden, Robert Allen, Adam Flowers 9:30 pm (Dark Fri.), Greek Isles. www.hauntedvegastours.com The Ultimate Variety Showcase Christopher Karpiak and "S". Roxy's Live - Sam's Town 6 pm - Midnight every Tuesday. Free. www.samstownlv.com/entertainment/event.cfm?EventID=332 V, The Ultimate Variety Show Jason Byrne (most Tues. - Sat.) & various others. 6 & 7:30, Planet Hollywood Resort - www.vtheshow.com Viva Las Vegas Max Clever and Katalin - Plaza. 2 & 4 pm (Dark Sun.) www.plazahotelcasino.com/entertainment/special-events.php X Burlesque Seth Grabel (pre-show) 9:30 pm, Mon. - Wed. - Flamingo. Other Vegas Magic: Craig Keith performs behind the bar at various times - Dick's Last Resort, Excalibur. Paul Draper strolls at various times - Grand Canal Shoppes, Venetian. Jamie Porter's Radio Side Show Sat @ 5 am, KLAV FM 1230. Las Vegas Magic Organizations Fantasma I.B.M. Ring #257, 7 pm 1st Monday each month. www.ibm257.com Amazing Clowns, 3525 E. Flamingo. Darwin's Magic Club, meets 10 pm Wednesdays. Boomers, 3200 Sirius Ave. KIDabra Las Vegas, 7 pm every 3rd Monday. Amazing Clowns, 3525 E. Flamingo. www.kidabralasvegas.com Magic Lunch Club meets every Thursday at 11:30 am - Sizzler, 307 S Decatur. Hosted jointly by IBM 257 and KIDabra Las Vegas. YMS (Young Magicians Society) 7 pm every 2nd Monday each month, IHOP Boulevard Mall on Maryland Pkwy. News July, 2008 July 21-27: Extended Master Class, McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride - Eugene Burger www.magicalwisdom.com. August, 2008 August 25-31: Extended Master Class, McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride - Eugene Burger www.magicalwisdom.com. September, 2008 September 12: Criss Angel - Believe, opens at the Luxor, previews start Sept. 1. September 12-14: Master Class, McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Tobias Beckwith - Eugene Burger www.magicalwisdom.com. September 13: The premier of Jeff McBride's "Wonderground," a once a month magical evening held on the Second Saturday of each month. Jeff McBride and the Mystery School faculty are the creators of the world's most progressive magic events. Working with Las Vegas artist communities they will host a fresh nightclub experience featuring the new faces in the world of magic, mystery, variety. Every month there will be new guest artists, close-up magic, and interactive installations. PUFF is a new nightclub on Flamingo near the Strip. For more info and tickets go to www.mcbridemagic.com/calendar.php. September 16-18: Focus on Martial Artists, McBride's Magic & Mystery School. www.magicalwisdom.com. September 22-23: Focus on Stage Magic and Manipulation, McBride's Magic & Mystery School. www.magicalwisdom.com. October, 2008 October 10-12: Focus on Street Magic with Jeff McBride, McBride's Magic & Mystery School. This special 3-day class, Jeff will share his insights and special magic effects the are best suited for today's "STREET MAGIC" venues. Both real "STREET PERFORMANCE" and "STREET MAGIC FOR TELEVISION" will be covered. www.magicalwisdom.com. October 11: Jeff McBride's "Wonderground" - Puff Nightclub. www.mcbridemagic.com/calendar.php. October 22-24: McBride's Magic & Mystery School's Magic and Meaning Conference. www.magicalwisdom.com. November, 2008 November 2-4: MINDvention - Palace Station. November 6-9: Magic for Medical Professionals, McBride's Magic & Mystery School - with Eugene Burger. Jeff McBride and Eugene Burger are pleased to offer a special seminar for medical practitioners of all sorts: physicians, nurses, therapists, holistic practitioners, and other professionals who wish to understand how to apply the powerful skills of performance magic to enhance the healing relationship. www.magicalwisdom.com. November 8: Jeff McBride's "Wonderground" - Puff Nightclub. www.mcbridemagic.com/calendar.php. November 12-14: Master Class for Mentalists, McBride's Magic & Mystery School. Presenting their third annual Master Class aimed exclusively at mentalists, with special guest, Ross Johnson. Jeff McBride's Master Class is the premier program in contemporary magic where YOU and your performance take center stage in a safe and supportive setting. 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. www.magicalwisdom.com. December, 2008 December 1: IBM 257 hosts it's annual Magician of the Year Gala at the Orleans Hotel and Casino. Honoree to be named soon! December 13: Jeff McBride's "Wonderground" - Puff Nightclub. www.mcbridemagic.com/calendar.php. February, 2009 Seigfried and Roy are set to perform for one show only at the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute's "Keep Memory Alive" Fundraiser in Las Vegas. This might turn into a television special. Details to follow. April, 2009 April 27-30: Steve Kissell presents the Performance Skills for the Family Entertainer, a four-day working seminar which includes "America's Funniest Magician" Competition. Trixie Bond, Steve Kissell, Marcella Murad, Dave Risley, Dave Hill, Glen Bailey, Ralph Metzler, B-Rad, Ron Conley, Tom King and Will Roya. Special interview with Stan Allen. Orleans Hotel. www.familyentertainersworkshop.com Please email any Las Vegas magic updates/news to David through his website: www.dnmagic.com. -------------------------------------------- 11. British Ring Convention News -------------------------------------------- Message from Bob Hayden (UK) Our Executive Producer of the Convention Paul Stone has been hard at it arranging a galaxy of so many Stars of Magic to come and perform and lecture at Eastbourne in September. Here are four of those Stars who for the very first time appear at a British Ring Convention. So we are pleased to welcome, from the United States, Michael Weber, Jon Armstrong, Jason Byrne and Oscar Munoz. Michael Weber is just a phenomenal magician and one of the most sought after talents on the corporate circuit across the USA. He is a terrific lecturer, close-up and stage performer. For more than two decades Michael has been creating and performing his own remarkable style of entertainment and has demonstrated his amazing talents throughout the United States, Western Europe, South America and the Far East. What must it feel like to meet someone face to face who has the ability to determine your thoughts? Concentrate on a word, an idea, any number or image and Michael is able entertainingly to capture that thought with almost scientific precision. With style, wit, charm and absolute discretion, Michael utilizes these thoughts to create entertaining and mind shattering results. He has performed for two U.S. Presidents. His style and originality has made him the personal performer for a host of celebrities like Arnold Schwartzeneger, Sharon Stone, Frank Sinatra, Steven Spielberg and Johnny Carson for their own private events. Michael is the author of a book 'Life Savers'. It is a collection of techniques and routines that can be performed with ordinary materials, ingredients to particular locations. These routines can be quickly improvised in a variety of location (the office, restaurants, bars or a friend's home). It is a real coup for us to be able to get Michael Weber to Eastbourne. Jon Armstrong grew up in Orlando Florida becoming fascinated by the magic he saw in the theme parks around him and dreamt of having his own show. His dream came true when Disney asked him to bring his act to Epcot where he became the resident magician at Walt Disney World. He was just 20. After spending 5 years there, Las Vegas called and found Jon on a semi-regular basis inside the Secret Pagoda at Caesar's Magical Empire. He is also a frequent performer at the famous Magic Castle and was named Close-up Magician of the Year by The Academy of Magical Arts in 2007. Using an amazing blend of dynamic personality and imaginative presentation, he brings wonder to all who experience him. By combining card magic, humour and audience participation Jon will keep you laughing and well entertained and making the unexpected happen. The magicians who have seen Jon Armstrong perform on his two visits to this country confirm his work is awe-inspiring as they watched in disbelief. You too will be awe struck when Jon performs for you. Jason Byrne was born in Fribourg Switzerland but has spent most of his life in the USA. From the age of 6, when he first became fascinated with magic, Jason was destined to become a world-class performer. Jason started his show business career by becoming a regular performer at local Dinner Theatres, Wizardz - The Comedy and Magic Club and the Magic Castle. His style and approach impressed a producer Gary Ouellette that led him to perform on NBC's 'Worlds Greatest Magic' to be followed by Fox's 'Magic on the Edge'. Jason has earned several major distinctions including the Golden Lions Head Award presented by those magical legends Siegfried and Roy. Then for two years in succession he was voted Stage Magician of the Year by The Academy of Magical Arts. Around the world Jason has performed at the Lido in Paris, the Wintergarten in Berlin and the Shinagawa Prince Hotel in Tokyo. He is no stranger to Las Vegas having appeared in such Revue Shows as 'Splash' at the Riviera and 'Folies Bergeres' at the Tropicana. He is currently performing twice nightly at 'V'- The Ultimate Variety Show at the Venetian and Planet Hollywood. We await with great excitement the chance of seeing his 'Post Modern' magic act in the main Gala Show, when he will be joined by other top class acts. Not only is Eastbourne Jason Byrne's debut at a British Ring Convention, it is his first UK appearance.  Oscar Munoz is an award illusionist and humorist with a powerful message in his act. Throughout the United States, Mexico and the Far East he has presented his brand of comedy magic to the delight of adults and children of all ages. Renowned as a motivational speaker with over 15 years experience Oscar uses his brand of magic as a vehicle to transport his audience to a world of wonderment and empowerment. In his home state of Texas he is known as a leading specialist in the field of motivational presentations. He was the hit of last year's Abbott's Convention. Be prepared for something different when Oscar Munoz lectures and performs. So here you have brief bio graphs of just four of the 34 headliners who will be making Eastbourne 2008 the finest Convention the British Ring has ever presented. It is no idle boast of ours that we don't believe that there is another Convention in the world that compares with the line-up we are assembling and value for money for what we are offering. So if you haven't made a registration, DO IT NOW! Our Registration Officer Neville Johnson is waiting to receive your application. Get in touch with him immediately by telephone on 01202 873234 or by e.mail: nevillejohnson25@aol.com or of course you can always use the Payments Page on this website. -------------------------------------------- 12. Bill Malone Judges Chicago Magic Competition -------------------------------------------- Message from Neil Tobin Chair, Chicago Magic Competition President, Chicago Assembly No. 3 Society of American Magicians MagicalChicago.com 708.308.1280 Just Announced: World-famous magician Bill Malone will be on the judging panel for the 5th Annual Chicago Magic Competition at Navy Pier on July 8th! Since its inception, the Chicago Magic Competition has held to the belief that magical performers should be judged on their ability to entertain real audiences rather than other magicians. For this reason, each judging panel is comprised predominantly of lay people who understand entertainment, plus one magician. In the event's inaugural run, Jay Marshall graciously assumed that role; we are honored that Mr. Malone has agreed to do so in this landmark year. Originally from Chicago, Mr. Malone was a regular at the New York Lounge and Little Bit of Magic comedy/magic club. Since that time, he has become a figure of international prominence within the magic community, with memorable appearances on the NBC series of specials, World's Greatest Magic, and successful tenures as owner/headliner at Houdini's Pub in Ft. Lauderdale and Malone's Magic Bar in Boca Raton. His instructional materials for magicians have been widely acclaimed by performers and trade publications; and in the corporate world, Mr. Malone is in great demand by a long list of Fortune 500 clients. He has entertained such celebrities as Princess Stephanie of Monaco, Jay Leno, and Donald Trump, who was quoted as saying, "I love your magic and I think you're great, but stay out of my casino." Sharing judging duties with Mr. Malone are two highly respected non-magicians from the media and theatre worlds, who you'll be hearing about soon. So What Are You Waiting For? Enter the 5th Annual Chicago Magic Competition and be applauded by some of the town's best. Deadline is June 27, so get the details and your entry form today at http://MagicalChicago.com -------------------------------------------- 13. Dirk Losander & Luna Shimada Help! -------------------------------------------- Message from Maria Ibâņez National President Society of American Magicians Friends, it is indeed with a very heavy heart that I share the below news with you. I've just received this word through Steve Marshall the RVP in Japan. I won't go into detail here since you can read the details below BUT I will add my personal note of sadness at the news. My thoughts and prayers and those of my family go out to Dirk and Luna and their wonderful family. My motto has been keep a dream in the making - we create our tomorrows by what we dream today.....let us do what we can to help this baby have a tomorrow by what her parents and the rest of us dream for her today. ----------------------- Message from Steve Marshall Hi Maria, I just received the attached e-mail from Dirk Losander. I can't imagine how he and his wife Luna must feel right now. They are great people, please send them some good prayers too! Thanks! Sincerely, Steve Marshall -------------------------- Message from Dirk Losander I Need Your Help Our little baby "Ione" was born 6 days ago. Today we found out she needs a heart operation and our insurance is not going to pay for it. I am not writing you this to beg for money but if you need to buy something from my website now would be the time to help us out. Every Dollar counts and we really need all the support we can find right now! So if you feel like supporting this cause, go to my website and find yourself some great magic and make this operation happen for us. www.losander.com Even if you are a non magician, we just came out with a new DVD "Las Vegas Greatest Magicians" teaches you easy to learn magic go to: http://www.magicalvisionsllc.com/isell3/product.php?id=158 or if you just want to donate some money for us please send it via pay pal to losander@mac.com or just keep us in your prayers. Thank you so much for your support. Dirk Losander -------------------------------------------- 14. Only Vegas Has More Magic Than Branson -------------------------------------------- Message from Dennis Schick Last year I wrote a series of articles for The Linking Ring on the magic and magicians in Branson, Missouri -- the Live Entertainment Capitol of the World (they say). I said then and repeat now, there are more magicians in Branson than anywhere else on the world, except Las Vegas. At the time there was speculation that all those magic shows wouldn't survive, and they haven't. So who is still there and what's new? The oldest magic show in Branson -- Kirby VanBurch -- is still going strong in his own theater on Highway 248. During the Summer he and his wife, Bambi, will perform most days at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., with no shows on Wednesdays. They have a number of new illusions, and will work them into the show one at a time, over time. For more information, visit their Web site: www.kirbyvanburch.com or call (417) 337-7140. Bird magician Dave Hamner and his wife/assistant Denise, are joined by ventriloquist Jim Barber, for the Hamner-Barber show, returning to their own theater. They have two new illusions this year: an original, Mysteries of the Lost Ark Revealed (using the Ark of the Covenant as the theme, with a surprise finale); and a "Bump-in-the-Night-type" illusion, featuring Barber as Houston Towers (Austin Tower's third cousin). They also have added a clever video opening, and are working on a fantastic show finale illusion to be introduced in the Fall. The show runs at 8 p.m. through December 14. They are dark on Mondays. For all the details, go to www.hamnerbarber.com or call 1-888-335-2080. Hamner and Barber are also hosting a new weekly Webcast from their lobby, at www.bransonwebcast.com. Bart Rockett is back this year, still at his own theater right on the strip, Highway 76. Rockett considers himself a comedian and ventriloquist who also is a magician and musician, so his is a true family variety show. He has been gradually adding several new, big illusions this year. His show will usually run at 5 p.m. (allowing people to still get to a 8 p.m. show), with 8 p.m. shows Saturdays and Sundays, and no show on most Tuesdays. Go to www.bartrockett.com, his new Web site. Call (417) 348-0888. Justin Flom is still holding forth at his unusual Magic Parlor and Imaginary Theater, the clever multi-phase magic experience. He has revamped the two-act pre-show, as well as the show itself. His small, intimate theater brings the magic up close and personal, a delight for audiences. His high-energy show runs at 7:30 each evening, except Sundays and Mondays. Visit his colorful Web site at www.justinflom.com or www.imaginerytheater.com, or call (417) 332-1911. We understand that award-winning magician Chase Curtis, is using the Bart Rockett theater to plan, rehearse and preview his new show. Curtis won the Gold Cups at the I.B.M. Convention in 2003. From Burleson, Texas, his Web site -- www.chasecurtis.com --  introduces him, but it did not give any details of the when or where of the show. Amazing Pets is back this Summer, with magicians Sean-Paul, (with his wife/assistant Juliane, and Frankie the monkey); and comedy magician Chris "The Usher" Stanley. Their 10 a.m. show runs daily, except Sundays. Also highlighted in the show are Russian Valery and his dogs and cats; and Alonea's bird act. Visit their Website at www.impactmagic.com, or call (417) 335-2484. Award-winning magician and magic inventor Peter Gossamer will perform June 7 through August 10 at the National KidFest in Silver Dollar City. Their Web site is: www.silverdollarcity.com. Magicians -- including owner Chris Newsom -- perform multiple twenty-minute magic shows daily at two magic shops in the theme parks, Silver Dollar City and Celebration City. Go to Newsom's Web site: www.dazzlemagic.com for more information. Three magic shows will not re-open this year: The Darren Romeo Show, The Taylor Reed Show, and "Wings of Magic," with David Silverman. Romeo's show currently is in San Francisco. I understand Reed is working on a new show for his own theater next year; and the "Wings of the World" attraction closed, leaving Silverman without a venue. I'm told he is working for Kirby VanBurch this Summer. Also, he will continue to offer his exotic bird and animal magic show on the road. His Web site is: www.magicofdavid.com. Finally, we're told that Chris St. James continues to perform magic on the Branson Belle paddleboat; Mike Bliss is performing at several venues in the area (including Silver Dollar City); Peter the Adequate is performing street magic at Branson Landing, the riverside shopping/eating/lodging complex downtown; and the New Shanghai Circus/Acrobats of China is still featuring "The Magic Clock," the award-winning illusion, in their show. We understand that Bliss is using his two young sons in a charming Second Sight, mind-reading act. And don't forget to stop in the "It's Magic" shop in downtown Branson. Owner Yak Williams -- who performs himself -- will talk magic with you, and will bring you up to date on all these performers. In fact, he was a major source for much of this information. Call him at (417) 332-1559 for up-to-the-minute magic news. Enjoy Branson, but don't overdose on magic. -------------------------------------------- 15. 10 Years Of Appearing Ladders -------------------------------------------- Message from Wayne Rogers (NZ) It was 10 years ago in 1998 that I first launched the original Appearing Ladder from Briefcase onto the world market. My Missing Spade routine and the Appearing Garden Shovel had already been selling since 1996. Back in 1998 the first dealer to advertise and sell the Ladder was Paul Gross of Hocus Pocus Magic, followed shortly after by Hank Lee. Currently in the USA, the major distributor of my props for dealers is George Schindler of Show-Biz Services New York. In the UK the only dealer I supply direct is Kaymar Magic. Thanks to a contact through Alfred Hayes, soon a selection of my props will be distributed in Japan by the DP Group Ltd. Also a special thanks to my friend Pablo Contreras, an airline pilot and magic enthusiast from Chile who takes the occasional shipment to dealers in Spain. It is pleasing to know that the various magic props that I make by hand, in a cramped workshop in Auckland, are still appearing around the world after all these years. To celebrate 10 years of the Appearing Ladder I am offering on my website some special payment terms for retail customers only. For any orders over $US250.00 (excluding postage and handling) you will be able to split your payment into two or three easy monthly payments using PayPal. Estimated postage will be added to the first payment, and adjusted on the second, once the full amount is known. You should not use the standard PayPal buttons on my site for your terms purchase. You need to email me first and I'll give you the installment amounts. All dealers and retail customers are welcome to visit, but the installment plan is for retail orders only. There are some conditions, and everything is explained on the site. Visit: http://www.nzmagic.com/productpgwelcome.html Wayne Rogers CHICANE ENTERPRISES LTD Auckland, New Zealand http://www.nzmagic.com http://www.magicofthemind.co.nz chicane@nzmagic.com ph/fax +64 9 483 9641 mobile 027 483 9641 -------------------------------------------- 16. KIDabra Conference Update -------------------------------------------- Message from Mark Daniel August 13-16, 2008 Illusionist Terry Evanswood is a great friend, supporter and member of KIDabra International and this year he is arranging something really special. During the Wednesday night KID Show Magic Auction at the conference he is making available Five Golden Tickets to be auctioned. (The proceeds going to a local area charity) The tickets will be a for a personally guided "Willy Wonkaesque" tour through Terry's house, late night, during the conference. Now you may know about his love for haunted houses and sideshow exhibits, but what about his fascination with Willy Wonka and the Titanic? His house combines all of those interests and more. I have had the thrill of this tour and it's more akin to a theme park than a house. It's experience that reveals even more about the fascinating person who is Terry Evanswood! There are surprises galore awaiting the 5 winning bidders. Plus, for all attendees at KIDabra Conference Terry has arranged incredibly discounted tickets for his show Magic Beyond Belief. Just show your KIDabra Membership card for $12.50 tickets. Come early and go before the conference starts and stay afterwards and go again! His theater is less than a mile from our conference site at The Music Road Hotel in Pigeon Forge, TN For full info on KIDabra International go to kidabra.org and for info on Terry's show Magic Beyond Belief go to pigeonforgemagic.com -------------------------------------------- 17. Darren Romeo Follow-Up -------------------------------------------- Message from Phil Temple (USA) The following notice appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle recently. What a shame. While I enjoyed the show personally, I felt it has disappointing production qualities reminiscent of a high school variety show. To my mind, basically the show lacked the production values (i.e. director, choreographer, designer, etc.) of a Broadway production. Darren needs to surround himself with people of this calibre. As one reviewer wrote, obviously a direct slap in the face to Romeo's backers Siegfried and Roy, "Some of what works in Vegas should stay in Vegas." Romeo is a personable entertainer with a pleasing voice, and singing the songs of our generations most popular composers and singers doesn't hurt, either. Darren's closing notice read as follows: "Disappearing Act by Robert Hurwitt Crooner-magician Darren Romeo is packing up his magic tricks and getting ready to leave town two weeks earlier than planned. The producers announced Friday that "Darren Romeo: The Voice of Magic" will play its final performance at Post Street Theatre on Sunday. The show had been scheduled to run through July 13. A protege of the famed magicians Siegfried & Roy, who backed the show, Romeo began previews at Post Street on June 3 and opened a week later to some favorable but mostly tepid reviews." Given the tone of the final notice, it's almost as if the writer had a personal grudge against Darren. What a shame. Romeo is a magic talent that deserves better. -------------------------------------------- 18. Elio Simonetti And Eva Salleh Free Public Performances -------------------------------------------- Message from Elio Simonetti (Aust) Eva and I recently returned from a small and wonderfully successful tour of Tasmania. Now we're off to regional Victoria and South Australia for three weeks of free performances in shopping centres. The dates are: Monday 30 June to Friday 4 July 11AM and 1PM daily Centro Mildura Cnr 15th Street & Deakin Avenue Mildura VIC Monday 7 July to Friday 11 July 11AM and 1PM daily Centro Hollywood Windsor Street Salisbury Downs SA Monday 14 July to Friday 18 July 11AM and 1PM daily Centro Arndale 470 Torrens Road Kilkenny SA Come along if you're in the area and help keep live magic thriving! -------------------------------------------- 19. 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) -------------------------------------------- 20. 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 ZealandŽ E-zine at www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html. Magic New ZealandŽ E-zine is published each Sunday. The opinions expressed therein are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Magic New ZealandŽ. Neither Magic New ZealandŽ nor Alan Watson vouch for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, message, statement, or other information reported via Magic New ZealandŽ E-zine. Subscribers to this publication and authors who contribute to it by doing so agree they will not hold Magic New ZealandŽ or Alan Watson, jointly or individually liable or responsible in any way for the opinions expressed therein. Magic New ZealandŽ 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 ZealandŽ the right to publish such articles and such authors confirm their copyright of the material submitted. 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