* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.magicnewzealand.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #820 Date: Sunday 6th March 2011 Editor: Alan Watson www.watson.co.nz E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================   1. Editor's Message 2. Free PDF of Magicseen #37 3. MAGIC Magazine - In Print and On the Ipad 4. The 'Palladium Magic' Show 5. Magic Camp Scholarships 6. Update Earthquake Christchurch New Zealand 7. Meetings with Remarkable Magicians # 24 8. Multiple Points of Contact - #199 - Kyle Peron 9. Tony Brook in Conversation with Vinny Grosso (Part 2) 10. Blackpool Bonanza 11. European FISM Awards 2011 12. Branson Magic Bonanza, April 28 - 30, 2011 13. R.G. Smith's 24th Annual Comedy & Magic Spectacular 14. Broken Wand - Martino (Tienie Brits) - South Africa 15. Course of Professional Updating Xii Edition 16. British Ring Convention Southport - September 2011 17. Honoring John and Tammy Calvert 18. Paul Gertner Lecture Tour Colorado 19. David Ginn's Major Sale 20. Mentalism and Mental Magic for Children and Teenagers 21. Auditions for Australia's Got Talent 22. The World of Children's Magic 23. e-zine Archives 24. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice   -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- The membership of Magic New Zealand worldwide as of today is 16,283.    Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com   -------------------------------------------- 2. Free PDF of Magicseen #37 -------------------------------------------- Message by Chris Wasshuber (US)   Magicseen is a full color large format magic magazine that is now for the first time available in the US in print as well as digitally.   - digital subscription $22 (with full money back guarantee; anywhere in the world) - print + digital $29.90 (in the US only) http://www.lybrary.com/magicseen/   The digital version is a plain PDF that can be viewed on all devices (PC, Mac, iPad, Kindle, Nook, SonyReader, Android tablets, phones)   To receive the PDF of issue #37 free of charge you need to do the following:   1) Have a Lybrary.com customer account. If you already have one then there is nothing to do for you. If you don't have a customer account then create one here https://www.lybrary.com/create_account.php   2) Send an email to wasshuber@lybrary.com that you would like to have the free Magicseen #37 PDF. The PDF will then be placed on your digital shelf in your Lybrary account. From there you can download it anytime and as often as you wish, or view an online version if you do not want to download the PDF.   -------------------------------------------- 3. MAGIC Magazine - In Print and on the iPad -------------------------------------------- Message by Stan Allen - Editor MAGIC Magazine   March marks the third month that this magazine is available both in print and on the iPad. And, so far, the reviews have been - well, really good! Here's a sample of the feedback we've been receiving:   I love the new MAGIC Magazine app for my iPad. The look and feel of it is exactly that of holding the "analog" copy. The added features are tremendous. The additional photos and embedded video are - dare I say it - sexy! Being able to hear and see Joanie Spina's "Directions" in real time is so much more enlightening, and Jason England's videos demonstrating the subtleties of "Talk About Tricks" are genius! Bravo and kudos to you and your staff for, IMHO, the best magazine app for the iPad to date. Now, where and when can I subscribe? RJ Owens San Francisco, Calif.   If you have an iPad, please take a look at MAGIC in the App Store. If you don't have an iPad, go to: http://www.magicmagazine.com/digital and Mac King will give you a video tour of what a Reader-Friendly Digital magazine can be. Thanks.   Last month in my column, I mentioned that MAGIC Live was sold out, but that anyone interested in coming to our little 20th anniversary celebration should get on the wait list. I received an email from one of our columnists saying that he has a number of friends who want to come to Live, but for some reason won't get on the list.   Have you told them that we're getting a few cancellations and we're opening those spots up to people on the wait list? Check.   Have you explained that we hold out a number of registrations for presenters, performers, and vendors, and that some of these will be coming available soon? Check.   Did you mention that it doesn't cost anything to get on the list? And check.   I don't know what else to say. For those of you who would really like to join us in August (or even think you might), go to: http://www.magicmagazine.com/live/register.php to get on the wait list. We'll be in touch.   And finally, Kostya Kimlet has launched a company dedicated to helping restaurants succeed by creating a "magical experience". He's landed a national client with 140 locations across the United States, and he's now actively looking for magicians in 30 cities. With the program scheduled to roll out nationally in May, Kostya finds himself with more restaurants than he has qualified magicians for. If you're interested, go to: http://www.restaurantmagicbusiness.com/for-magicians   -------------------------------------------- 4. The 'Palladium Magic' Show -------------------------------------------- Message by Paul Stone   The 'Palladium Magic' Show on Monday 19th September is now really taking shape, and it will undoubtedly be a very unique, memorable and one time only event. The line up of talent is building fast and already confirmed in the show are Mac King, Marko Karvo, The Great Tomsoni & Co, Paul Zenon, Kriss Kremo and almost certainly Jeff Hobson, Michael Finney and Tom Mullica. I'm also hoping that Master Magician from Italy, the one and only Silvan, will be there too. And I'm speaking to a number of other major magic names who will hopefully be added to this incredible line-up of talent.   And of course, we are all hoping and praying that John Calvert will be fit and well enough to realise his lifelong ambition to appear at the London Palladium. To do this when he is 100 years old would be incredible and a real piece of magic history. We're keeping our fingers tightly crossed that he'll be there, and knowing John, I certainly wouldn't bet against it!   There are still places available for Close-up performers to entertain in the auditorium before the show and in the intermission. Don't forget you will not only have the kudos of performing in the world's most famous Variety Theatre, but your photo and contact details will appear in the Souvenir Programme, AND you will have a chance to take your applause actually on stage in the Finale of the Show. This opportunity will genuinely NEVER happen again. If you are interested in being a part of this unique event, email NOW to producer@palladiummagic.com and attach a biog and a current publicity photo.   -------------------------------------------- 5. Magic Camp Scholarships -------------------------------------------- Message by Warren J. Kaps   The Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund Presents . . . Magic Camp Scholarships   For over twenty years, the Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund has awarded full tuition scholarships to promising young magicians between the ages of 10 and 18 to attend facilities focused on the magical performing arts.   The S.A.M. has awarded over $105,000 in scholarships over the years to support magic education. This year, for the first time, the Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund is offering a scholarship to attend an Extended Master Magic Class at the McBride's Magic & Mystery School located in Las Vegas, Nevada. There are two Extended Master Classes the recipient can chose from, either July 18 to July 24, 2011 or August 19-25, 2011.   This class is an extraordinary experience and includes hands-on, interactive instruction in such things as the business of magic, script writing, and character development. It also includes a professional feedback session where each magician performs for eight minutes and receives detailed constructive critique from the faculty. Scholarships are also available for either Tannen's Magic Camp in Pennsylvania (July 9 - July 16) or the Sorcerer's Safari Magic Camp in Toronto, Canada (August 30 - September 4).   The Magic Endowment Fund realizes the importance of the magic arts in the lives of youngsters. The development of magical skills and respect for the art of magic can help them gain a positive mental attitude and become more confident in themselves. Candidates must be able to demonstrate talent and dedication to the magical performing arts discipline.   Applications may be obtained by writing to the S.A.M. Magic Endowment Fund, 15 Warren Street, Suite 39, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601, or by e-mail, stating your mailing address, to kapsmagic@optimum.net. A copy of the application may also be downloaded from the S.A.M. website, www.magicsam.com.   * * * Scholarship Applications DUE MAY 10, 2011 * * *   -------------------------------------------- 6. Update Earthquake Christchurch New Zealand -------------------------------------------- Message by Geoff Diggs Christchurch New Zealand   Nine days on from the Christchurch Earthquake and we are still shaking steadily. We have now had a total of 375 quakes/aftershocks (as of 10:15pm on March 3) since the devastation hit at 12:51pm on February 22, and a grand total of 5231 since our first big quake on September 4 last year. Some of these aftershocks have been as shallow as 2 km (1.25 miles), which really put a jolt in your day and continue to keep everyone's nerves on end.   Alan Watson has notified me that he has been contacted by many in the magic community around the world offering their thoughts and best wishes and, since the last earthquake update I provided, many have donated to the earthquake appeal. On behalf of everyone here in Christchurch I would like to thank all of you for your generosity and support and glad I have been able to do my part in some small way to help with the awareness of the situation.   Christchurch has a long, hard road ahead to rebuild the city and many individuals and families will be struggling due to the economic repercussions that a disaster such as this brings. (Estimates are up to 100,000 people having homes that are unlivable and thousands of jobs being lost initially - this in a city of around 415,000 population.) Previously donations could be made through various organisations, but now the New Zealand Government has now set up a new fund where donations can be made. This is www.christchurchearthquakeappeal.govt.nz and, along with the other official agencies (Red Cross, Salvation Army, etc) every cent donated through this website will be going to the cause - so if you haven't donated and wish to, this means is available.   I have been requesting and receiving updates from various magicians in the Christchurch area. So far, everyone and their families are all safe with just a few cuts being the worst injury reported. As in any disaster, an underlying sense of humour comes to the fore. I got one report of a magician's garage "now being further away from the house. The garage is also longer than is used to be and now has a built-in skate ramp". It would sound impressive if it was coming from a real estate agent extolling the virtues of a family home rather than something that has to go on an insurance claim, but it does sum up the way most are facing the situation.   The local magic club in Christchurch, the Canterbury Society of Magicians, has just received notice that their clubrooms (which belong to Scouting New Zealand) have received considerable damage and are probably to be scheduled for demolition. A working bee is currently being scheduled to remove all club items that include historical records and library. Again, a very fortunate situation where nothing seems to be broken and, most importantly, no one was injured.   Finally, one clarification to magicians overseas - New Zealand is a very small country, but the earthquake has only hit one small part of it. If you find a map of New Zealand, Christchurch is on the protruding peninsular half way down the east coast of the South Island - this is the affected area. The rest of the country, although fully supporting Christchurch in every means possible, is operating as normal.   One of the best ways anyone can help the country as a whole is to continue coming to this piece of paradise in the South Pacific for your holidays. The country has many fantastic attractions (and some of the best scenery in the world) and by continuing to come and enjoy your holidays here you will also be assisting Christchurch get back on the map.   Again, thanks for your thoughts and support.   Geoff Diggs   -------------------------------------------- 7. Meetings with Remarkable Magicians # 24 -------------------------------------------- Message by Nick Lewin (US)   Raising Arizona and Conventions.   Hi to all my friends out there in the digital world! I am currently at the start of  25 shows in the beautiful state of Arizona. Hard but rewarding work - I guess.   I just had a ghost from the past come back to bite me, as someone is writing a book about the Magic Circle's Young Magician of the Year contest. They somehow discovered that I was a finalist in 1969. I think DNA was involved in the discovery!   I have always had very mixed feelings about magic contests. Other than the ability to perform they really don't make any sense in the real world. How well you do has so much to do with people that really have a very limited view and grasp of so many aspects of the 'real' world. However, I guess they must do something or they wouldn't be there, right?   I missed the IBS magic convention in Las Vegas and can therefore only give a virtual review. However, I think that it is a fairly decent challenge, so here goes.   The convention was flatter than a pancake.  Tough to follow the Innovation earlier this year and Stan Allen's previous excellent 'Magic Live' conventions. The highlight of the event was the remarkable Juan Tamariz. The magic contests did pay all the contestants, which is a great improvement, however maybe all fees were paid in 'Tickle Me Elmo Dolls'.   Lots of non-Americans won contests. Wow, what a surprise, who would have guessed!   James Dimmare performed illusions but it wasn't enough to save the day, though it might have saved a dove or two! Ayala complained about Luna Shimada using a mask in her show and she had to cut it.  A fittingly humorous quirk of convention irony when you look at the history of 'Mask Magic'.  I think I can hear faint laughter in the distance from Shimada and Jeff McBride. Or possibly it is a 'Tickle Me Chenn' doll.   I could go on, but it hardly seems fair when I have no actual idea what happened! I will however make one simple comment, there are too many conventions now taking place around the world.  Let's lower the number and improve the quality.  Oh dear, more fighting words!   Please, please, no complaints about my quasi-joking review, I really have no idea fully what went on but I will defend to the death my right to make fun of it.  Let's start to get some fresh ideas and performers out there in the convention world.   Currently the best and freshest thing in Magic is Stan Allen's embrace of the iPad for his magazine. Great move Stan and I heartily applaud it and feel sure you are moving in the correct direction. Other interesting developments are Criss Angel's upcoming website, which sounds very interesting and another idea that I will enjoy following.   I am off to do a show, so next week I will try to write something slightly less fictional and probably a lot less honest!   Feel free to drop me a digital 'Hi' at http://www.nicklewin.com   -------------------------------------------- 8. Multiple Points of Contact - #199 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message by Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com   I am sure many of you out there have websites and know the importance and the power of an effective one. A good website can really tell clients a lot about you and the services you offer and entice them to take action to book your services.   I believe the key to any successful website is multiple points of contact. I make sure that it is very easy for any prospect to contact me in the way they feel most comfortable with.   I do use an online form on my contact page and it has worked great for us over the years. However, like anything, we researched it and tested it and tweaked it to make sure it functions the way we want it to. It needs to be easy to use and the person entering the information needs to know that the information was sent successfully. In other words, they need a confirmation sent to them or on the webpage stating that their information was sent and someone will get in touch with them ASAP.   The form is also set up so that a lot is check mark boxes or pull down menus. This makes it very easy for the prospect to quickly fill in information that I will need from them. Certain fields are required while others are optional for them. This is also clearly laid out on the form. The form is also not long and only takes a minute or less to fill out.   Another important feature of any successful online form is making sure you collect relevant information. In other words, make sure to try and capture enough information up front that is going to better help you to decide their needs and what services you think you can best provide. If you have to spend several emails to get that information, you are not doing yourself any good. Capture that information with your form so that you can immediately give them a solution.  By doing so, you have a much better chance of turning them from a prospect to a paying client.   I also clearly state that the form can be filled out so that we can send additional information to them on their event and answer any questions that they have. They realize they are not committed to anything and that their information will not be published or given to anyone. This is simply a fast and quick way for them to get information sent to them specific to their event needs.   I think many folks are used to filling out forms online. As long as your form is easy to use, makes sense to them and clearly states they are not committed to anything, they should not have any issue filling it out.   I also make sure I include my email and business phone number and business address as alternative ways for them to touch base with me. By doing so, they have a choice in the way they feel most comfortable. It is their option and they are not forced into any one direction.   In the era of the internet and digital age, I find most people like the instant results that a form gives to them. It can be automated so that an email gets sent to the prospect with anything I personally want to say to them. This happens in real time and is an automated process. No matter when the person sends a request, they will always get one back no matter if I am at a show or away from the phone.   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 .   Kyle   -------------------------------------------- 9. Tony Brook In Conversation With Vinny Grosso (Part 2) -------------------------------------------- TB: That's a most impressive number of activities that you are involved in. and why not? I always say do everything you can whenever you can . you lead a busy life and soon it's going to get even busier after you are sworn in as President of The Society of American Magicians. Who are you going to ask to swear you in and what kinds of things are you most looking forward to?   VG: I haven't asked him yet, but past president Jay Gorham is the reason I joined the S.A.M. There's a fun story there that I plan on sharing in my first president's column of M-U-M. I would love it if he were the one to swear me in. About becoming president, the closer it gets, the more excited I am. This may sound weird but as it approaches I am beginning to question if it's really happening. When I was elected 2nd Vice President I knew I would eventually become president but it was so far out I didn't really think about it. I was just concerned with what I needed to do as a part of the staff. I think we have a really good thing going and I am looking forward to keeping things moving in the right direction.   TB: The upcoming S.A.M Convention is very special because of the North American Contests of Magic. At our National Council meeting a few months ago in Colorado, Brad Jacobs told us some if the exciting things that will link this S.A.M contests to the upcoming FISM in Blackpool in 2012. You are the Contests Associate Producer and you have been literally involved every aspect of the running of the S.A.M contests elaborates on some of the Contest happenings scheduled for Pittsburgh .   VG: As you know Tony, both as the father of a previous contestant and a S.A.M judge on two occasions, the S.A.M contests are unique in so much that contestants are judged to a standard and not against each other. The FISM North American Championships adds an interesting dynamic to that. The folks you mentioned, Brad Jacobs and Paul Critelli along with others have been working hard to have the two work together. I think everyone at the convention will be happy with the results.   -------------------------------------------- 10. Blackpool Bonanza -------------------------------------------- Message by Peter Eldin (UK)   It proved to be another bonanza weekend for the 3500 magicians who attended the 59th Blackpool Magicians' Convention. There was so much to see and do, delegates were spoiled for choice. My apologies for names and events missing from this report but it is impossible to cover every event in detail and I have made no attempt to do so. The answer is be there yourself, then I will not have to write a report!   Under The Hammer I popped in to see the auction on Thursday afternoon and bargains were being snapped at a fast rate thanks to the auctioneering skills of Derek Lever and Mike Shepherd, aided by a band of 'delivery' people to carry the goods to the successful bidders. There were plenty of bargains to be had and I estimated that some 2000 items went under the hammer which must have raised a tidy sum for Blackpool Magicians' Club.   Marathon Of Magic The FISM European Magic Championships was a marathon of magic with so many entrants it had to be split into several sessions. I saw very few of the acts but waited for the All Winners show on the Saturday.   Derek Lever welcomed the audience to the All Winners Show and presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to Eric Eswin, Derek Bressman and Domenico Dante.   After the introductory speeches and presentation of awards the first performer was Vittori Belloni, winner of the close-up category. Among his offerings was a coin matrix using invisible coins and see-through cards! He finished with a bizarre pseudo striptease. Next came the winner of the cards category, Miika Pelkonen from Finland who presented superb and inexplicable card magic.   One of the strangest acts I have ever seen was that of the French performer Jann Frisch, winner of the parlour magic category, who was also voted the most original act of the competition. It was absolutely manic and impossible to describe as balls kept appearing on the table as fast as Jann could get rid of them much to his bafflement. Another French act was Cubic Act, winners of the stage illusion award. The act centered around an animated box which was obviously too light to contain anything - until a girl was produced from it, then the two male performers did a quick colour change of their costumes to end.   Towards the end of the first half the show was marred by the dissatisfaction of a section of the audience with the compere's approach and material. I have never seen such a hostile reaction from an audience (whether justified or not) and I hope I will never witness anything similar again.   The final act in the first half of the show, winner of the manipulation category, Dion from The Netherlands, opened with the transformation of a light bulb to a candle, colour change silk, a flower production and the change of a silk into a ball which then changed colour leading into a multiplying ball routine and the production of card fans in a flamenco-style presentation.   After a short interval the second half of the show, sans compere, was opened by Christian Bischof of Switzerland, second in the mental category (first prize not awarded) who showed how man and woman can communicate telepathically.   Charlie Mag from Spain, winner for general magic, worked with doves, cards and goldfish culminating in a vanish of the doves in their cage. The ever popular High Jinx, second in stage illusions, opened with the transformation of two dummies into Michael and his sister Siobhan. They then performed a synchronised and entertaining double strait jacket escape before jumping into a cabinet to change back into the two dummies.   As a bonus Richard Osterlind baffled us with his unique style of mentalism, bending spoons, divination of cards and a magazine test, and Tom Anders produced cigarettes, cards and water from two bowls.   International Close-Up - First Session This year the organisers provided excellent video facilities, the best I've seen, which meant that everyone could see what was going on and it was even possible to get a seat!   To open the first session Michel from Argentina performed various card revelations, and an astonishing cut and restored rope (which he explained in his lecture) and a card at any number routine which certainly got me thinking.   Then came the very popular Jay Sankey. He performed various card tricks including a fascinating torn and restored card in which a torn off corner of the card actually reappeared 'inside' the card itself! This was followed by a baffling borrowed ring and spoon penetration, the production of coins, a coins across routine and two playing cards were torn and restored.   The American magician Michael Rubenstein performed mainly with coins with a production of coins, coins across, the vanish of three coins, a copper/silver routine, coins across using a purse and a glass and a coin 'substitution trunk' (the 'trunk' being a nest of metal boxes).   Bernard Billis from France is utterly unique and his work with cards is amazing. There was a signed 'three cards across', an intriguing ambitious card routine with a pack of blank cards, and a couple of four ace routines.   International Close-Up - Second Session Craig Dickson, a Blackpool regular, opened with a signed card in wallet before cutting to freely selected cards. He then showed a small device with several coloured lights and switches in which the same coloured switch always illuminated the bulb of the same colour even though switches and bulbs were moved around constantly.   Richard Osterlind successfully predicted the total of freely selected numbers and performed a mental card selection.   Jupiter, another regular at British conventions, performed several rope effects before moving on to coins and then cards.   The final performer in the second session was Richard Sanders who transposed the corner of a note with a packet of chewing gum, repeatedly produced cards from his mouth and performed various card routines.   Loads of Lectures There was something for everyone with the lectures on offer. Unfortunately many of these clashed with other events so delegates had to make a choice as to what they wanted to see. All of the lectures I saw were well attended, particularly that of Jay Sankey where the Spanish Hall was so packed there was not even room to stand! Wayne Dobson's lecture contained some real gems but his personality was the real highlight of the session.   Tom Anders gave an in depth session of tips and techniques on front and back palming.   Craig Dickson's talk was magnetising, literally for his subject was on the use and possibilities of PK magnets. Fascinating stuff.   Richard Sanders provided his audience with a miscellany of entertaining effects with objects such as rope, blank papers and even lottery tickets.   After showing a short promotional video and the production of two doves James Dimmare opened the floor to questions all of which, including a couple of potentially awkward ones, were answered with honesty, openness and sincerity.   Richard Osterlind talked about the principles of mentalism and his approach to entertaining with this type of act. He then explained his spoon bending routine, a neat centre tear and an effective prediction using a nail writer.   International Gala Show One of the highlights of every Blackpool convention is the International Gala Show on the Sunday evening and this one was superb. Comperes for the show were the crazy Clive Webb and his equally crazy son, Danny Adams.   Thankfully they did not perform their wallpapering routine in which everyone in the front rows gets soaked in gunge - although I did get a small amount of water over me in one of their madcap routines!   The elegant and sophisticated Scott Penrose opened the show with his immaculate manipulations, dove productions linking rings and a snowstorm.   Derek Lever, was cajoled on stage to perform a cartwheel. It turned out to be half a cartwheel. He may be a brilliant Convention Organiser but, on that showing, he will never be an acrobat.   Jimmy Tamley proved to be an excellent ventriloquist with a wide range of dummies and a variety of voices. I have no doubt that he will be invited back.   Showing how recycling should be done Xavier Tobias constructed a robot from bits of rubbish. An intriguing, entertaining and most unusual act.   The sophisticated artistry of Dimmare treated us to traditional magic with vanishing and appearing canes, multiplying candles and produced smoke from his thumb. He also performed an excellent zombie routine in which the ball vanished at the end and a double salt pour.   To round off the first half we were treated to another form of magic, the magic of tenor Victor Michael. He is such a superb singer his talents deserve better recognition.   In the second half of the show the Murray Award was presented to Registration Officer, Arthur Casson, and the legendary Roy Johnson. The Ken Dodd Award for Comedy was given to the crazy Yann Frisch. A new award, the Neville King Award, in honour of the late and great ventriloquist, for a speciality act was given to Mark Raffles.   From the Ukraine came Roy Gardner and James in which the pompous magician is never successful but his butler performs most of the actual magic.   Although I had heard of Michael Finney I'd never seen him before. The effects were standard but put over with a humour that showed his wide experience.   Salvano jr (Tom Anders) presented the act made famous by his father with the multiple production of glasses of drinks as well as card productions, a cigarette routine and the transformation of a large silk into a cape.   An act new to me was Jonathan Hawley with a multitude of illusions including a sensational levitation of a girl and himself rising up to her level high above the stage.   The show finished with an exciting dance routine by The Dolphin Dancers featuring the magnificent voice of Victor Michael, a spectacular display of water fountains and a parade of all the artistes - a fitting and exciting climax to a great show.   On To 2012 Dates for the 2012 convention are 17th, 18th, 19th February and registrations are already pouring in. No way can Convention Organiser, Derek Lever and his band of merry helpers surpass 2011 - but I bet they do.   Their work load will be even greater than usual for they also have to organise the FISM World Championships, 9th to 14th July 2012. It seems an impossible task but no doubt they will achieve it with their usual dedication, hard work and aplomb. So confident are magicians worldwide in the success of this event that half the tickets have been sold already!   -------------------------------------------- 11. European FISM Awards 2011 -------------------------------------------- Message by Mandy Davis (UK)   European FISM Awards 2011   Manipulation 1st - Dion - Netherlands 2nd - Kenris - France 3rd - Franz Koffer - Hungary   General Magic 1st - Charlie Mag - Spain 2nd - Max Guito - France 3rd - Simon Pierro - Germany   Stage Illusions 1st - Cubic Act - France 2nd - High Jinx - England 3rd - Raul Black - Spain   Mental Magic - 1st Prize Not Awarded 2nd - Christian Bischof - Switzerland 3rd - Frederic Da Sliva - France   Comedy Prize Not Awarded   Most Original Act Silvana     - Spain   Close Up Card Magic 1st - Mika Pelkonen - Finland 2nd - Paul Sommersguter - Austria 3rd - Kristian Nivala - Finland   Micro Magic 1st - Vittorio Belloni - Italy   Parlour Magic 1st - Yann Frisch - France 2nd - Matthew Wright - England Joint 3rd - Hayashi - Germany Joint 3rd - Hector Mancha - Spain   Most Original Close Up Yann Frisch - France   -------------------------------------------- 12. Branson Magic Bonanza, April 28 - 30, 2011 -------------------------------------------- Message by Marty and Brenda Hahne (US)   Branson Magic Bonanza, April 28 - 30, 2011   Get close to the stars at the Branson Magic Bonanza! The Branson Magic Bonanza has a reputation for being the most fun and friendly convention in the USA! There are many reasons it is becoming one of the most talked about gatherings of magicians. First, it is held in the entertainment capital of Branson Missouri, and we all get to attend several Branson shows, included as part of the convention. And, the Branson stars pull out the red carpet for us, often with special backstage tours after the shows, Q and A sessions, and meet and greet time at our convention center. You never know who will stop by our convention!   We are also unique, because our speakers deliver content you can put to use right away. We don't do a "dealer's show" type of lecture just to get you to buy stuff. We really are focused on making you a better performer.   We have a relaxed atmosphere, with an ice cream party, pizza supper, and plenty of opportunities to mingle with our star performers.   We also take great pride in having the best organized and run convention around. Many of our lecturers over the years have said they have never been to a convention where all the events start on time and are so well organized. We pledge to do our best to make this convention go smoothly and to be run professionally.   This year's lineup features: John and Pam Thompson--"The Great Tomsoni & Co.," Denny Haney (of Denny & Lee), Dan Stapleton, Stoil & Ekaterina, Ventriloquist Mark Wade, Jason Hudy, Dave Hill, Al Moessinger and Greg Wood. Plus the Red Skelton show starring Tom Mullica, and the high energy musical entertainment experience by The Haygoods.   You registration includes: six lectures, all-star show, two Branson shows, an evening with Denny Haney, an evening with Johnny Thompson, dealers, ice cream party, optional pizza party, bonus gospel morning, and a whole lot of FUN! Don't forget, registration includes the two Branson shows!   Convention hotel is the Best Western Branson Inn & Conference Center.   For more information or to register, go to www.bransonmagicbonanza.com   -------------------------------------------- 13. R.G. Smith's 24th Annual Comedy & Magic Spectacular -------------------------------------------- Message by RG Smith, Producer/MC   R.G. Smith's 24th Annual Comedy & Magic Spectacular stars "America's Got Talent" Illusionist Jay Mattioli, Acrobat Li Liu, Balloon Zanyness of John Cassidy and the comedy magic of Kohl & Co. R.G. Smith will MC.   March 5, Asplundh Auditorium, West Chester Univ., West Chester, PA 7PM   March 12, Capitol Theatre, Chambersburg, PA, 2:30 & 7PM   March 19, Weinberg Centre, Frederick, MD. 7PM   April 1, Eichelberger Center, Hanover, PA 7PM   April 2, Lampeter-Strasburg HI Arts Center, Lancaster, PA 7PM   April 23, Maryland Theatre, Hagerstown, MD 7PM   -------------------------------------------- 14. Broken Wand - Martino (Tienie Brits) - South Africa -------------------------------------------- Message by Auke Slotegraaf (South Africa)   Martino (Tienie Brits), arguably South Africa's most famous magician, passed away on Friday, 2011 February 25, after a long battle with cancer. He was 64.   Martino grew up in Pretoria, and at the age of 17, began performing in circus acts and developed an interest in magic. For some three years he was part of the "Martino Trio" (along with his brother) before he began a magic career on his own.   Bernard Dyer (past SAMS President) writes that Martino "was an inspiration to many a fellow and upcoming magician", and indeed his was a house-hold name when his 1980s TV series "Die Kulkuns van Martino" (E: "The Magic of Martino") achieved popular acclaim.   His famous Afrikaans catch-phrase "Kul jou hier, kul jou daar en siedaar!" defies proper translation into English, but may be rendered as "Fool you here, fool you there, and voila!".   (References: Die Burger, 2011 Feb 26, News, p3; Bernard Dyer, personal communication)   -------------------------------------------- 15. Course of Professional Updating Xii Edition -------------------------------------------- Message by Massini Magic (Italy)   Course of Professional Updating Xii Edition - San Martino Di Castrozza - Italy   It arrives at 12 edition the Course of Updating Professional of Tony Binarelli. An Event that is developed in Italy from 13 to March 20 in the locality of San Martino di Castrozza (TN) in 5 star Hotel full room and board. The Course, in the previous editions, has seen the share of many well known  names of the Magic World such as Vanni Bossi, Roberto Giobbi, Pavel, Jon Racherbaumer, Erix Logan, Gaetan Bloom, Trevor Lewis, Tommy Wonder, Richard Bloch, Bernard Bilis, etc. that have all had enormous success.   This edition wants to help the serious professional to offer a "product-show" more high-level from a technical and artistic point of view but also, and above all, to increase the image of his/her own professionalism.  And with this objective that beyond to the technical arguments specific will come treated also theoretical arguments that will help each in the actual formation.   Teachers and Matters: 1) Tony Binarelli: Mentalism, tarots, creativeness, public. Creation is promotion of the image it is of the character;   2) Giuseppe Bonomessi: General magic from Scene. Commercial aspects in the proposition of his/her own show;   3) Luca D'agostini: Close up. Novelty cardmagic. The show (strolling) in the business demonstrations;   4) Flavio Desideri: Cardmagic (basic and advanced);   5) Mirko Menegatti: "Inputs" method of study and manipulation;   6) Claudio Pizzuti: Close-up and mentalism. Evolution of the close-up for the actual Market;   7) Federico Ruffoni: the show for children - 2 course (Negotiation And Acquisition Of the Clientele)   These are the Italian teachers to which a great international Artist will be placed side by side, one of the more hailed and in demand exponents of the close up of today:   8) David Stone (Winner FISM!) in his workshops of close-up magic. WOW!!!!! A whole week in contact with this great French Artist.   The event is "closed number" so that each one is able to be personally followed to draw the maximum one some result, therefore not a series of generic lessons but the treatment of a series of matters in deepened way and personalized. 7 hours of lesson a day, breakfast, lunch and supper in the splendid frame of the Dolomites Mountains and in the class of the hospitality of the Grand Hotel Des Alpes. Every evening shows of it gathered up and scene.   But San Martino di Castrozza is not alone "technical lessons" is also friendship, holidays (you can ski if you want) and fun with the midnight shows.   During the week compete among the participants with scholarship of the value of European 1.500 ?.   San Martino di Castrozza is also the only event ALL Inclusive:   - hospitality complete in 5 star hotel - Invitation to all the lessons - share to all the shows of frill - books of text - gadgets and materials   information to: info@tonybinarelli.com   -------------------------------------------- 16. British Ring Convention Southport - September 2011 -------------------------------------------- Message by Geoffrey Newton (UK)   Shawn Farquhar FISM Grand Prix Close Up winner 2009 from Canada is one of a line-up of top performers booked so far for the British Ring Convention in Southport. Other stars from overseas include Michael Finney from Arizona US, Vittorio Marino from Italy and IBM Shield Winner USA Jason Andrews.   There are also plenty of stars of magic from our own side of the pond engaged for this event. Do put the dates in your diary now, 22nd - 25th September.   Further information will be issued shortly. www.britishring.org.uk www.magicconvention.co.uk Geoffrey Newton PRO pro@britishring.org.uk   -------------------------------------------- 17. Honoring John and Tammy Calvert -------------------------------------------- Message from Eddy Lester (US)   Great news, we just decided to honor a true magic legend John Calvert.   Below is an initial news release to come for my special magic friends and dealers. Call for information now. 2122443633 Hope you can join us. Please spread the word as this is right before the IBM convention and many will be visiting from overseas.   Dealers limited space for quality suppliers only.   Fantasma Magic Presents "Magic On Manhattan" Honoring John and Tammy Calvert. In Celebration of John's 100th birthday and their 50th wedding anniversary. Thursday June 23rd VIP Reception. Invited VIP guests only. Friday June 24th Evening Gala Show Saturday June 25th Full day Magic Convention. Top Lectures Top Dealers Top Close-Up shows and a celebrity show not to be missed honoring the legendary John and Tammy Calvert. Optional Celebrity Workshop on Sunday. Special Teen events only. Where: New York's Hotel Pennsylvania 401 7th Avenue and 33rd Street across from Fantasma Magic. When: Thursday June 23rd (VIP Tickets only), Friday June 24th, Saturday June 25th Registration Fee before June 3rd $125 Teens: $95 After June 3rd $145 Teens $115 VIP $195 Preferred Seating, special collectible souvenir and Thursday Private Anniversary party.   Order tickets now to ensure best seats. This will be a sellout celebrity extravaganza.   Hotel room rates start at $169! code "Fantasma 2127365000 for reservations starting next week.   Produced by Roger Dreyer and Steve Rodman email service@fantasmamagic.com   -- Eddy Lester Talent Management Since 1970 Web Site: lesterproductions.net +1 239.774.0106 Email: eddylester@gmail.com Naples, Florida 34112 USA   -------------------------------------------- 18. Paul Gertner Lecture Tour Colorado -------------------------------------------- Message by Paul Gertner (US)   Here is a link to information about a short Lecture Tour I'll be doing in Colorado and Arizona next month.   Anyone in the Fort Collins, Denver, Phoenix or Tucson area can click on this link for all the details. http://www.paulgertnermagic.com/lectures.html   -------------------------------------------- 19. David Ginn's Major Sale -------------------------------------------- Message by David Ginn (US)   Due to an unexpected health issue, I have had to cancel my appearances at two conventions and so far postpone 15 shows! This link will tell you all about it and what I am doing as a solution. Please take a look!   http://www.ginnmagic.com/specials022011.html   If you cannot open this link, go to www.ginnmagic.com and click on SPECIALS on the home page (DG with red sponge balls page).   My Health Update: After a second spinal injection this week, even though in pain, I have managed to perform two school shows by sitting on a stool 95% of the time. Day by day I am hoping and praying that the medications will relieve my excruciating left leg pain due to a pinched nerve. I will appreciate your prayers during this difficult time.   Best wishes to all! Keep magic rolling, while I keep it CRAWLING!   David Ginn at home   -------------------------------------------- 20. Mentalism And Mental Magic For Children And Teenagers -------------------------------------------- Message by Paul Romhany (NZ)   For the past year I've also been working on another new book which is turning in to a Compendium, and perhaps will have two or three volumes. It is about performing Mentalism and Mental Magic for children and teenagers. I am currently asking if anybody would like to contribute to please send me an email at info@paulromhany.com with your routine and a short bio for the book.   With Mentalism being such the 'in' thing I have several professional friends who are performing different mentalism shows for kids. I am looking at effects ranging from ages four upwards. Some people might be horrified at the thought of performing mentalism for kids - but you'd be surprised at some of the top 'mentalists' who are doing exactly that.   My favourite routine for the younger kids is Andrew Gerard's Key Bend leaving them with a key attached to their wrist. For anybody that does any kind of walk about for children this visual effect is a stunner and leaves them with a gift that will become the talk of their school!!!   I am still writing the weekly MAGIC BLOG and we are now up to over 160 thousand readers and growing. It's full of photos of my travels as well as short reviews of magic effects I like and use. BLOG is at: http://romhanyreport.blogspot.com/   -------------------------------------------- 21. Auditions For Australia's Got Talent -------------------------------------------- Message by John Lawson (Lawsoni) (Australia)   Simon Heart and Jason Gray, magicians from The Gold Coast auditioned for the T.V. show Australia's Got Talent and were accepted for filming. Filming for the first series took place at The Arts Centre here on the Gold Coast last Sat. and Sun. 19th and 20th Feb.   Both magicians got through to the second stage so keep an eye open for the T.V. programme.   A new club called, "The Gold Coast Magic Circle" formed here a few months ago and meets on the Third Monday of every month and The Magic Vault 112 Discovery Drive Helensvale @ 7pm.  All welcome.   Our Web page has just come on line to-day @ http://gcmc.webs.com/apps/auth/confirm?inviteID=98753976&hash=2a98d90f8aa0a2470fbf4e7946ce9b66&action=accept   -------------------------------------------- 22. The World of Children's Magic -------------------------------------------- Message by Jeremy Le Poidevin   Practical Magic has just released a major book on entertaining children with magic called The World of Children's Magic. The idea behind the book is very simple: 60 magicians around the world were asked to contribute one trick or article each to form a compendium of children's magic. All profits from the book will go to global children's charities.   The Foreword has been written by Magic Circle President, Jack Delvin and the entire list of contributors reads like a Who's Who of children's magic: Ian Adair, Dave Allen, Richard Anderson, Mike Bent, Trixie Bond, the estate of Ali Bongo, Boretti, Jozo Bozo, John Breeds, Greg Britt, Ali Cardabra, Jimmy Carlo, Julie Carpenter, David Charles, Paul Daniels, Ken & Sue De Courcy, Steve Dimmer, Gary Dunn, Pat Fallon, Clive Fishlock, Michael Fitch, David Ginn, Tony Griffith, Terry Herbert, Andres Hinojosa, Tommy James, David Kaye, John Kimmons, Joaquin Kotkin, Duane Laflin, Ethan Leeds, Russell Leeds, Mark Leveridge, Trevor Lewis, Gay Ljungberg, Ricky McLeod, Paul Megram, Barry Mitchell, Oscar Munoz, the estate of Patrick Page, Dennis Patten, Steen Pegani, Scott Penrose, Craig Petty, Ron Popple, Poz, Vanni Pule, Conny Ray, Quentin Reynolds, Doug Scheer, Ken Scott, Alan Shaxon, Steve Short, Tim Sonefelt, Sean Taylor, Steve Taylor, David Tomkins, Chris Wardle, and Neville Wiltshire.   Layout and artwork is by John Breeds and the book has been edited by Jeremy Le Poidevin of Practical Magic.   The book has been 6 months in the making, is approximately 175 pages, and is profusely illustrated throughout. The price is £30.00; shipping is £5.00 to Europe and £7.50 outside Europe. Full details can be found on Practical Magic's website: www.practical-magic.com.   Thanks, Alan! Jeremy Le Poidevin Practical Magic, Gadlas Villa, Gadlas, Ellesmere, Shropshire, England SY12 9DY   Tel: +44 (0)1691 690789 email: info@practical-magic.com web: www.practical-magic.com   -------------------------------------------- 23. 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)   -------------------------------------------- 24. 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. 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 2011 Alan Watson