* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.magicnewzealand.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #815 Date: Sunday 13th February 2011 Editor: Alan Watson www.watson.co.nz E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================   1. Editor's Message 2. 100 Years Of Magic - London Palladium Theatre 3. Hank Moorehouse - 2011 honoree Of The S.A.M 4. The Linking Ring Magazine - February 5. FISM Oceania Championships Of Magic Is Open 6. Meetings With Remarkable Magicians # 20 7. Anyone Home? - #197 - Kyle Peron 8. Tony Brook In Conversation With Ariann Black - (Part 7) 9. Remembering Pavel 10. Broken Wand - Jim Williams (aka Carazini) 11. The Magic Lounge Reappears In San Diego 12. Two Magicians On Board The Oceanos 13. Marrakech Magic Theater 14. Sick Of Basic Coin Magic 15. The 20th Conference KIDabra International 16. Packet Killer Workshop - Sydney, Australia 17. Abbott's 32nd Annual Close Up Convention 18. Rudy Coby Experience Live At IMX 19. e-zine Archives 20. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice   -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- Michele and I will be out of town next week so the NEXT issue of Magic New Zealand will be published on Sunday 27th February.   Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com   -------------------------------------------- 2. 100 Years Of Magic - London Palladium Theatre -------------------------------------------- Message by Paul Stone   Applications to appear in 'Palladium MagicT', A Celebration of 100 Years of Magic at the London Palladium Theatre, taking place for one night only on Monday 19th September 2011, are coming in steadily. Closing date for applications in 25th February. In case you have not read previous articles by Paul Stone or Nick Lewin about this 'once in a lifetime' opportunity for magicians to perform in the widely acknowledged 'Home of Variety', we are looking for both Close-up and Stage Magicians to participate in this unique event.   'Palladium MagicT' will be a fantastic Show featuring many of the world's greatest magicians, and will also pay tribute to the 'Magic Greats' who have appeared at this wonderful Theatre over the past 100 years.   We also plan to pay tribute to John Calvert, movie star, adventurer and master magician who will have just celebrated his 100th Birthday.   The experience will be unrepeatable, you will almost certainly never have another chance to perform in this world famous Theatre, and you'll be a part of British Magic History. For full details about the event and how you can apply, contact producer@palladiummagic.com   If you are interested then I suggest you do it NOW! I will be attending the Blackpool Convention, so if you see me and would like more details, please ask.   -------------------------------------------- 3. Hank Moorehouse - 2011 honoree Of The S.A.M -------------------------------------------- Message from George Schindler (US)   Hank Moorehouse, the 2011 honoree of the S.A.M. Convention is not only an honorary member, a Past National President, a producer and a fine magician but he is also a Magic dealer.   Dealers are the really great performers and the most colorful at any convention. Why not get an early bird treat in Pittsburgh? The dealers will be open for the "night before" people at the convention. (July 12) More than 20 dealers from around the world will be there.   See the list and Register early at www.magicsam,.com   -------------------------------------------- 4. The Linking Ring Magazine - February -------------------------------------------- Message Editor: Samuel Patrick Smith Reviewed by Paul A. Lelekis   February 2011 issue of The Linking Ring magazine, Vol. 91, No. 2:   The Linking Ring boasts the world's largest circulation of any printed magic magazine and has now launched a beautiful digital edition. I.B.M. membership is required to receive this monthly magazine. Members can access The Linking Ring at www.magician.org. This site allows one portal entry into the world of magic!   Each month in The Linking Ring, the Ring Events provide readers with the "scoop" on what is happening in different Rings around the world.   If you are not a member of the I.B.M. and want to receive this edition - and every other edition - NOW is the time to join up! Read below for details on how to become a member!   This month's cover features, Dr. Robert J. Albo, physician, magician and athlete. His inside story tells of his life long love of magic and his fabulous collections - beginning with his Gilbert Mysto Magic Set which is he shows with pride in one of the pictures!   He also tells of the huge fortune he was paid by David Copperfield for much of his collection! This story will enthrall all collectors!   Features for the February issue include:   The Yankee Gathering - The 13th New England Collectors' Assoc. Convention is described in full by Jason Goldberg.   Gazing At Iasia - Article by Jim Steinmeyer about Thurston's Great Illusion!   In Search Of Eugene Hellman - Part Two is the continuing article by Dr. William E. Spooner about the longest-performing African-American magician on record!   The Houston Parade is this month's feature - magic from ring 39 of Houston Texas. There are some excellent magicians in Houston!   The Houston ring has generously presented 16 fantastic effects! Close-up, Cabaret and children's' shows are showcased in this issue!   Other magic featured this month:   Bev Bergeron's Cutting Up Jackpots   Vanni Pule's, Classics Re-Visited   Mike Power's Card Corner   Tom Craven's Havenly Close-Up   Peter Marucci's Showtime   Storytelling Magic by Ed Solomon   The Linking Ring has a team of experts who review many new items of magic so that the magicians of the world may purchase wisely!   There are too many articles and too much magic in The Linking Ring for me to list, but everyone is world class!   Advertisers -- your products will enjoy unsurpassed worldwide promotion in The Linking Ring through the beautiful printed magazine, the dazzling digital edition, and links from the I.B.M. Web Portal.   The Linking Ring is now available for download to your computer on the first day of each month for I.B.M. members as well as the online edition! Go to www.magician.org, the I.B.M. Portal.   For details about advertising in The Linking Ring, contact BJ Hickman at advertising@magician.org.   -------------------------------------------- 5. FISM Oceania Championships Of Magic Is Open -------------------------------------------- Message by Tim Ellis (Australia)   Just a quick note to let people know that registration for the FISM Oceania Championships Of Magic is open.   The Stage Championships is already half full, so if you are interested in entering please don't delay.   There are still plenty of vacancies in the Close Up Championship.   Remember, the winners of both the Stage and Close Up Championships become, not only the first ever Oceaniac Champions of Magic, but also receive airfares and registration plus guaranteed entry to the FISM World Championships in Blackpool, 2012.   For more details go to www.fismoceania.com   -------------------------------------------- 6. Meetings With Remarkable Magicians # 20 -------------------------------------------- Message by Nick Lewin (US)   A special thank you!   I wanted to write a column this week with a special thank you to one or two people. The reason I am choosing this week is because it marks the 5th consecutive year I have been writing my column for Magic New Zealand.   By my reckoning I have completed somewhere over 250 columns for Alan and enjoyed every minute of it. It doesn't really seem possible but it is a fact. My work has been divided over three separate series of writings: 'Meetings with Remarkable  Magicians," "Remarkable Magic" and "More Remarkable Magic."   Sitting in the home of Richard Webster in New Zealand, with my new (and now dear) friend Alan Watson, Richard told me to write. Alan said that he would publish as long as I cared to write and the process was launched. I thank both of these remarkable gentlemen for setting me on a new path.   The numbering of the columns has been deliberately random and the series have been mixed up and interchangeable. The inspiration for this series was the influence of my long-term teacher and hero Mr. G.I. Gurdjieff.  An Armenian/Greek philosopher, Mr. Gurdjieff's second book was called 'Meetings with Remarkable Men'. The book contains the quietly coded and easily assimilated exoteric side of his profound teachings.   One of the very few people who have realized this was the 'Remarkable' Martin Breese. On the day I was lucky enough to meet Martin in his home in Brighton, I was amazed to discover that Martin had a copy of this rather obscure book on his bedside table, very, unusual. Of course Martin also has a genuine 'Banksy' signed and framed in his hallway.   If you are not familiar with 'Banksy' a truly amazing 'Street Artist' I strongly suggest you watch the outstanding documentary about/by him that is a serious contender for best documentary in the Oscar race this year. The movie is entitled 'Exit Through The Gift Shop'.  While 'Street Magic' swept the world of magic I have been intrigued and fascinated photographing and studying the slightly more dangerous school of 'World Graffiti'.  I plan to open a new website to highlight some of my favorite photographs in the near future.   I certainly hope that some of you have enjoyed my writings as much as I have enjoyed creating them. Along the way Phil Willmarth, Sammy Smith, Stan Allen and Diana Zimmerman have all encouraged and allowed me to explore, expand and publish my writing. I thank you all. It has given me a new lease on life and much pleasure to realize that I had skills other than taking cards from lemons!   Next week I celebrate yet another birthday, when was the year reduced from 12 to 6 months I wonder. The week after that I begin another week replacing the irreplaceable Mac King at Harrah's in Las Vegas. This is one of the very nicest places to remove those 'Soggy pasteboards from citrus".  I would like to extend an invitation to any magicians in Las Vegas from February 22nd to 26th to stop on by and say Hi.   Later on in the year I will be lecturing and performing at several magic conventions (a VERY rare state of events for me) and look forward to meeting more of my new Internet friends in person. I will be at the venerable 'Finger Flickers' convention for my old buddy Obie O' Brian and also at the 'TAOM' in San Antonio.  In my new role as 'Comedy Coach' for magicians I will be starting to re-enter the magic world after a self-imposed semi exile for a quarter of a century.   For any details contact me at http://www.nicklewin.com   -------------------------------------------- 7. Anyone Home? - #197 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message by Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com   What happens when you are told on the phone there will be 20 kids at the party and you get there and you are lucky if there are 4. The rest are toddlers or adult friends of the client. You are contracted for a children's show but the situation has changed drastically. This was a discussion I recently had with a few magicians.   First, it is safe to say that you are not the only one that runs into this situation. I think we can all admit that this happens from time to time to every entertainer and we must learn to adapt to the situation at hand.  Clients are only human and things change or situations change. Sometimes you have control over it and sometimes you simply do not. However, a professional is one at all times and as a professional we must make sure we handle the situation with poise and class.   The first thing anyone can do is to make sure you have a contract signed by the client long in advance of the show itself. If it is a smaller show, you can do a confirmation agreement.  In my own mind they are one in the same. It is just that the conformational agreement is a bit smaller in size but still covers the who, what, when, why and how of the event along with the details both parties agreed to.   I do this for every single show as it 1) holds the client accountable and 2) make the perception of you in the mind of the client climb much higher. You would be surprised at just how seriously you are taken when they have to sign something saying they agree to the terms.   The next thing I always do is to make sure that I send out a confirmation email to the client 1 week prior to the event itself. This is simply an easy way for me to clearly state the information that I have for the event for them to check over. It gives them a golden opportunity to make sure they tell me if any changes have happened since the last we talked. I can confirm number of kids, ages of the kids and get that information adjusted if I need to. This single concept alone has saved me a lot of headaches over the years.   So what if you already do all of this and you still run into this situation when you arrive? Well that is where being a professional means that you are ready for all situations and you learn to adapt accordingly. I carry most of my show in my truck and it remains there at all times. When the show is done, everything is placed back where it is supposed to be. I do this so I always know where everything is at all times. It also allows me to carry with me tricks for my older kid's show and even tricks for my adult shows that I do.   Because I always have that in my other cases, it is easy for me to adapt the show if I feel I need to. I can customize the show experience to the situation at hand. I am adapting to the situation and surrounding with the intent always to deliver a top quality show that meets and exceeds expectations and solves their problems.   Now with all of this said, I think it is critical that you never change a show from a kid's show to an adult show just because you feel you have to.  Remember that you are still hired to meet a need the client has. It is not right to change that without asking the client first. You would not go to a mechanic needing a tire change and have the guy decide to do your oil just because he thinks he wants to. The solution is a simple one, be respectful and ask the client.   Asking is a powerful tool many of us do not use enough. The client may still want you to perform for the children. If that is the case, that is exactly what you do. You may have to adapt the show to meet the demands of the low number of children, but you are doing what you got hired to do. If you still have to perform for a low turn out of kids, you can still have a great time by personalizing the experience a bit more. Remember that those kids still deserve your very best no matter how you feel. Do not ever give anything less than 100% effort.   If you need to talk with the client, never do it openly and publicly around their family or friends. This can lead to embarrassment for the client or an awkward moment for their guests. I will always pull the client aside and just be honest with them about the situation. Then hear them out as to their needs and wants and give them options that you can easily do for them. The key is you are being open with them and you are showing that you still want THEIR show experience to be the best you can give to them.   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.   - I would like to let everyone know that I just released a NEW book and E-Book to the magic community. "Blue and Gold! The Complete Guide to Working The Scout Market!" is now available as a soft cover printed book as well as an ebook download. http://www.magicenhancer.com/Blue/Gold.html - "Encore! Creativity in the Art of Magic" Ebook. Order online now at: http://www.magicenhancer.com/Encore.html - "Tips and Techniques on the Chair Suspension" Ebook. Order online now at: http://www.magicenhancer.com/ChairSuspension.html .   -------------------------------------------- 8. Tony Brook In Conversation With Ariann Black - (Part 7) -------------------------------------------- Message by Anthony Darkstone Brook - Europe/USA   TB: You have also been busy with many Guest spots, TV appearances and the like I know we can't list them all but give us a few highlights ..   AB: Yes I have. There are time when I look at my life and think I am the luckiest person on earth. I love the stage and the thrill of starring in my own shows, but I also love being involved in other projects and TV. Over the last four years I have appeared on television in a number of countries and specials, such as Steve Harvey's Bigtime on the WB, The Greater Magic of Las Vegas on Fox Family, Card Sharks on ABC, The Magical World of Beto Carriro with World Productions in Brazil as the co-host, Circus Magic on Italian television, Lance Burton's Guerilla Magic on Animal Planet, The Magic of Vegas on Art-a Television and in two separate BBC documentaries.   TB: Yes indeed. As I mentioned in my introduction, even a cursory glance at Google, You tube and similar will amply demonstrate some of your successes and skills. Because of time and space there is so much we haven't covered. Maybe soon, in another conversation.   You are indeed a very accomplished and versatile performer, highly respected in the business and I can't wait to catch the new show. .and oh .pancakes, waffles and ice-cream at your favorite place after the show .....shhh! I won't reveal where ..it's a SECRET. Ariann, as always, it has been just wonderful. Thank you for taking time to converse.   AB: Thank you Tony. Truly, it has been my pleasure. Comp ticket has your name on it. Stop by the Green Room, your favorite tea is always brewing.   -------------------------------------------- 9. Remembering Pavel -------------------------------------------- Message by Dan Stapleton (US)   I first watched Pavel on the Ed Sullivan Show in the early 1970's when it was taped in color. Pavel must have been in his late 20's. We had him for a lecture in Orlando a few years later and I was in awe of his imaginative mind. How creative he was. Commercial, colorful yet baffling magic.   I would guess that many creative magicians were influenced by much of what Pavel contributed to our world of magic. I began performing his Walking Knot in 1992 and it is still part of my routine. After many shows today, magicians still stop me to remark about it. One magician, last year, drove 100 miles, bringing his Walking Knot with him for me to show some tips in performing it. Pavel lectured for our Orlando group again in 2007 and looked like a little boy in delighting (and fooling) the magicians present.   He really got a kick out of fooling us, it appeared. And he was a salesman. I asked him for advice how to wash his ropes. He said, "It's best to buy new ones." I asked, "Why can't I just wash the ropes I have?" He replied, "If your car is worn out, you would buy a new one wouldn't you?" I said, "Worn out? Maybe. But if it was dirty I'de take it through a car wash". That made him laugh.   He then lectured for our convention group and performed in the public show for the 2009 Florida Magicians Assoc. Convention in Daytona Beach. It was a thrill to watch his magic once again, and think back to when magic was fresh and new to this teenager just learning the art, and watching on television the wizard, Pavel.-   -------------------------------------------- 10. Broken Wand - Jim Williams (aka Carazini) -------------------------------------------- Message by Lupe Nielsen (US)   Another magician that died last Sunday was Jim Williams (aka Carazini). Norm worked with him at the Crazy Horse Saloon in Paris, and Ron Wilson had an article about him in his latest book.   The link to his obituary is here: http://www.arnettsteele.com/obits/obituaries.php/obitID/642704   ---------------------------------------- Whaley's Who's Who In Magic Copyright by Lybrary.com, reproduced with permission. http://www.lybrary.com/   Carazini (Kentucky, USA: fl.1950s-90s) Stage name of Jim Williams. Pro theater & cabaret comedy smoke act in Las Vegas, Mexico, & 5 years at The Crazy Horse in Paris. 1970 AMA Best Stage Magician (shared). TV bits including 2 Carson shows in 1972 & 1978. Disappeared from the magic scene around 1990 & reportedly in Europe.   -------------------------------------------- 11. The Magic Lounge Reappears In San Diego -------------------------------------------- The Magic Lounge Reappears In San Diego After 30 Years   San Diego, California. One of the few magic-themed nightclubs in America, The Magic Lounge, has reopened in San Diego after a 30-year absence. In the late 1970s, The Magic Lounge was a sizzling hot-spot off University Avenue where the crowds went as crazy as the Magicians. J.C. Wagner and Bob Sheets were among the many featured entertainers.   Today, The Magic Lounge brings back that festive spirit to San Diego's historic Gaslamp District, with world-class magical entertainment every Thursday and Friday nights. Show times are 7:00 p.m. at the Rock Bottom Restaurant, 401 G Street in San Diego. Tickets are $10 per person, which covers close-up magic at your table and a live stage show. Food and drink are also available.   Most of the performers are members of the prestigious Magic Castle in Hollywood. The show is the brainchild of Terry Lunceford and Mike Stilwell, two veterans of the San Diego entertainment scene. They opened The Magic Lounge purely for fun, to showcase the amazing and highly secretive world of modern Magicians.   Other entertainers include Joe Mystic, illusionist from television, Jose Sanchez and his award-winning dove act, and close-up magic by Derek Ostovani. For information, call 619-929-0051 or visit www.magiclounge.weebly.com   -------------------------------------------- 12. Two Magicians On Board The Oceanos -------------------------------------------- Message by Wayne Abrahamse   You were looking for the magician on board the Oceanos when it went down off the South African coast:   1/. There was more than one magician on board. Besides Julian, there was Robin Boltman. In the YouTube video, Julian is interviewed but it is a shot of Robin, on the bridge, speaking on the radio to the Air Force directing the helicopter rescue.   2/. Apparently, Robin was being debriefed by the authorities while Julian and Moss were being interviewed by media.   3/. Robin was awarded a medal by the South African Magic Council for his bravery and his service to magic for the Oceanos incident.   4/. Robin was also the magician on the cruise ship the Achille Lauro when it went down off the east African coast.   5/. Robin's autobiography was published in 2007, titled, "Do these stairs go up or down?"   -------------------------------------------- 13. Marrakech Magic Theater -------------------------------------------- Message by Peter Morrison (US)   We have had a great start to 2011 with a sold out shows almost every weekend and a overwhelming support from local Bay Area residents. In the month of January over 85% of our attendees were residents from the Bay Area. With now over 75 Five Star reviews from local patrons we are currently one of the highest customer rated shows in the Bay Area.   Since the show offers clean comedy with magic, it has a much wider appeal than the traditional magic show. A large number of people attending the show have never seen a professional magic show before. Fortunately, the reason they are giving us a try is because they are being referred to us by their friends and co-workers, who have simply said "just go, you'll have fun".  We have also have had many patrons come back to see the show again with new friends to share the delight of the show.   To complete your fun evening out we offer appetizers and full bar service prior to the show as well. Patrons that come early will also get to the chance to interact and enjoy preshow magic with owner-magician Peter Morrison in the Sultans Oasis Lounge.   Here is what one gentleman recently said about the show after bringing his family out:   Our entire family loved it! :) Fantastic show, with Peter even doing personal tricks an hour before hand, individually at people's tables. The intimate atmosphere made this show very unique! Highly recommended!   www.sanfranciscomagictheater.com   or call 1-800-838-3006 and reference Magician Peter Morrison   419 O'Farrell Street San Francisco, CA 94102   -------------------------------------------- 14. Sick Of Basic Coin Magic -------------------------------------------- Message by Joel A. Moskowitz M D   If you are SICK of basic coin magic, this DVD is your prescription   One wonders when a store is so sure of its market that they will choose a name i.e. French Drop knowing that magicians will recognize instantly that the products will be coins or other magic. The manager of such an establishment (in Osaka, Japan) is? Ponta the Smith. He is also the creator, writer, director, performer, editor of a silent DVD entitled Sick. In terms of envy, the masterful coin effects - all without gaffs will make some green with envy; others, will marvel.   On the subject of names: Ponta the Smith is mysterious. Tim Trono from Murphys Magic Supplies, in a very fine and revealing Skype interview of Ponta, in search for a stage name, he became enchanted with Harry Potter. Then he became aware of Sylvester THE Jester and after watching a movie where the name "Smith" was used (Mr. Smith Goes to Washington?) Ponta the Smith was born! That is the easiest part of the revelation surrounding this DVD which features a superb ballet of coin wizardry.   The menu includes: Spellbound; One Coin Routine; Tenkai Pennies; Three Coins Across; Vanish; Three Fly; Winged Silver; Matrix; Backfire Matrix; Quick Matrix and Backfired Assembly.   On the Tim Trono interview we learn that "Ponta" praises David Roth and his Expert Coin Technique as his most admired but for Spellbound, of course, Dai Vernon, and also Michael Rubenstein, Eric Jones, and Tanoodej (?), For the "One Coin Routine" Tony Slydini and Kainoa Harbottle as well as David Roth and Eric Jones. "Tenkai Pennies" are credited to Tenkai Ishida, Homer Liwag and Jay Sankey. "Three Coins Across" have elements from the works of Katsuyoshi Shono, Jay Sankey, Homer Liwag, Geoffrey Latta and Brian Platt. For "Vanish", Ponta bows to Shoot Ogawa and Ben Harris. Jonathan Townsend, Chris Kenner, Kainoa Harbottle's works were studied for "Three Fly". David Roth, Aurelio Paviato and Dr. Sawa were inspiring for "Winged Silver". "Matrix" is naturally based upon presentations of Al Schneider, Dean Dill and Dan Fleishman. Daniel Garcia and Michael Rubinstein are referenced additionally for "Backfire Matrix". The usual suspects are mentioned in connection with "Quick Matrix" and one is added i.e. Yoshihiko Mutobe. For "Backfire Assembly" the known coin experts are referenced.   Clearly Ponta the Smith is familiar with the legendary contemporary coin workers. One may wonder what T. Nelson Downs would think of this young man's miraculous manipulations. Or for that matter, Bobo? It is universal belief that a picture is worth a thousand words. This DVD tests that maxim. The performance is viewed from the spectators vantage (unbelievable jaw dropping miracles. Is there camera trickery?). No! From the performer's view, the devious methods are exposed. Twice or thrice. Undoubtedly, the student will need to see the DVD over and over and over and over again. Then there will practice to the nth degree. Persons with back problems should not attempt these maneuvers. Because you will be bending down to retrieve the coins from the floor repeatedly.   Ponta the Smith employs muscle and finger grips not achievable without diligent repetition and maybe not then. Some may fault the DVDs lack of verbal explanation but the modus operandi requires none. The title of this challenging instructional DVD is "Sick". Does this suggest that anyone who has devoted the obligatory effort to master these coin effects is sick? Of, can the effort make one sick? Regardless, for a treat not only a treatment, run/ do not walk to your favorite dealer (or if you are a dealer contact Murphy Magic Supplies) for an outstanding demonstration of real magic.   -------------------------------------------- 15. The 20th Conference KIDabra International -------------------------------------------- Message by Mark Daniel (US)   August 9-12, 2011 (with optional Biz Builders starting on the 8th)  in the resort town of Pigeon Forge, TN at The Music Road Hotel and Conference Center The Year of Celebration!   Please join us for the amazing 20th gathering! Featuring creative KIDshow Guru: Trevor Lewis from Wales, Gregg Britt from New Zealand, John Kaplan from Canada, Jozo Bozo from Croatia and from the US: Barry Mitchell, Mark Wade, Ken Scott, Brad Ross, Tim Sonefelt, Steve Kissell, Bruce Amato, Jim Austin, Todd McKinney, Gary Shelton, Glenn Strange, the 2010 KIDabra International Performer of the Year: Tommy James, the 2010 People's Choice Winner Dorian LaChance, the KIDshow Magic Auction, the very popular Hands- on Workshops and the Amazing KIDabra Vendors room, plus your hosts Mark and Tami Daniel. This is just for starters, there's more incredible folks, and more fantastic surprise events to be revealed.   Trevor Lewis lectured at our very first gathering 20 years ago, and he returns to celebrate! The creator of many of today's classic KIDshow bits and tricks, like The Blooming Bouquet for instance, you'd be hard pressed to find a magician or clown anywhere in the world not using one of Trevor ideas! Trevor lectures and MCs the Saturday Night Gala at KIDabra Conference.   Greg Britt is one of the top school show performers in the world today and tours throughout New Zealand schools on a mission of anti-bullying. Making his first KIDabra Conference appearance, you'll meet Greg as "Elgregoe" performing "You've got The Power" live in front of a group of kids and then lecturing following the performance.   Ken Scott, direct from the cover of The KIDabra Journal and featured in the January issue of Magic Magazine. He presents for the first time at KIDabra his Live Birthday Party, also with a group of kids and then lectures during the world premiere of Making the Birthday Party Dough 2.   Plan now to join the KIDshow World in August for a Year of Celebration! For the complete story of all things KIDabra, go to kidabra.org   -------------------------------------------- 16. Packet Killer Workshop - Sydney, Australia -------------------------------------------- Message by Sean Taylor (Aust)   Sunday 20th February 10am - 4pm   For the first time, our new, giant location opens its doors for a teaching session. Packet Killer is a superb new full day workshop designed to help you through a huge collection of packet tricks and sleights.   Working along with Sean Taylor, you will learn, practice, session and work through a raft of easy and fun tricks with small packets of cards. These are versatile, anywhere, anytime effects with simple methods and hard hitting effects.   You will receive a full deck of Bicycle Cards, A full deck of gaffed Bicycle Cards and 2 full DVDs consolidated on a dual layer DVD with around 60 tricks and sleights. As a bonus, receive a copy of 'Green Backs' with a full run through of the special handling with extra tricks and tips. These freebies alone are worth the price of admission.   Wild Card, 3 Card Monte, McDonalds Aces, Open Prediction, SBS and so much more. A big day of card magic and FUN.   Relax in our dedicated, extensive carpeted, air-conditioned training room and learn from a complete packet trick nut.   Just $120 for the full day, cards, gimmicks, DVD, refreshments and more. BOOK NOW by calling 02 9411 6233 or 0414 80 20 20   Sean Taylor   www.taylorsmagicshop.com.au   -------------------------------------------- 17. Abbott's 32nd Annual Close Up Convention -------------------------------------------- Message by Hank Moorehouse (US)   March 11-12-2011 Schedule...Friday evening March 11 Famous One Trick Contest with $300 in Merchandise Certificates. We'll have a Tell Your Worst Ever Close Up Performance Nitemare with prize. Rick Merrill and Steve Bargatze in Concert. Then off to Costello's Castle on Palmer Lake for Drinks, snacks and OH yes more MAGIC.   Saturday March 12 Lectures by Steve Bargatze and Rick Merrill. Mini Auction, Banquet and Close Up Gala.  Then back to Costello's.   Only 27 reservations left.  Always a Sellout.   Advance Registration only $75.00 for everything. phone 269 432 3235/ 1 800 92MAGIC or Greg@abbottmagic.com   -------------------------------------------- 18. Rudy Coby Experience Live At IMX -------------------------------------------- Lab Man is Back!   "The Coolest Magician on Earth" is back with a vengeance.   IMX is proud to be hosting the incredible Rudy Coby Experience LIVE at IMX 2011 - http://imx2011.com/web/all-star-team/rudy-coby/   After nearly a decade away from magic - Lab Man returns for an out of this world experience that will literally make you re-examine everything you thought you knew about magic. Rudy's enthusiasm for the art of performance and creativity is simply infectious.   The Rudy Coby Experience will take you on a step-by-step journey on how to create an original act and a unique character that only you can play. It doesn't matter if you do illusions or close-up, these are powerful techniques to make you stand out from the crowd using examples and complete scripts from some of Rudy's best-known routines.   You'll learn first hand powerful close-up, stand-up and illusion ideas to trigger your own imagination and take your performance to a whole new level.   And as a special bonus - hear this remarkable performer give his take on creativity thanks to the folks at iTricks - http://itricks.com/news/2011/01/iitricks-magic-week-in-review-rudy-coby-on-creativity/   If you haven't done so already - be sure to spread the word amongst your friends and have them join you for what is undoubtedly going to be one of the highlights of 2011. With only a limited number of registrations remaining at just $149 - you don't want them to miss out!   Do the comparison, and you'll quickly discover nothing else comes close. 3 days of non-stop magic. 20+ headliners. Two International Stage Gala Shows. Three Close-up Encounters. Unique special events. Surprise guests. Session with the Pros. Small group training sessions. Individual scheduling. Dealers expo and so much more ... http://www.imx2011.com   See you in Vegas !   P.S. Be sure to have your friends include your details in the 'message box' during registration and we'll go out of our way to ensure that you get seated together ...   P.P.S. Stay tuned for news of our very special guest of honour who'll be joining us live via video conference for a session that you won't forget! A true legend of magic ...   -------------------------------------------- 19. e-zine Archives -------------------------------------------- Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html   When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order and are Coded, e.g. 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 Zealand® E-zine at: www.magicnewzealand.com   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. 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