* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.magicnewzealand.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #888 Date: Sunday 1st January 2012 Editor: Alan Watson www.watson.co.nz E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. Carol Roy's Memorial Is Being Planned For June 3. New Contest Chairman For IBM Convention 2012 4. January 2011 Of The Linking Ring Magazine 5. Magicseen #42 6. Las Vegas Magic - January, 2012 7. Tony Brook in Conversation with Ray Parker #1 8. Magical 1 Malaysia Festival Update 9. Columbus Magi-Fest 10. 3rd Issue Of The Gimmick MagiZette 11. Melbourne Magic Festival 2012 12. Kevin James Australian Lecture 13. Jeff McBride's Wonderground 14. Illusion for Sale from Illusionist - John Taylor 15. Tony Clark - Illusion Fusion 16. Johnny Thompson to Lecture at the S A M 17. The British Ring Convention 2012 18. Broken Wand - Ruth Ann Pitts 19. 31st New Zealand International Magicians Convention 2012 20. e-zine Archives 21. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- Michele and I wish all the subscribers of Magic New Zealand a very happy and prosperous New Year. Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: Editor@MagicNewZealand.com -------------------------------------------- 2. Carol Roy's Memorial Is Being Planned For June --------------------------------------------- Message by Kate Medvedeva Carol Roy's memorial is being planned for June at The Magic Castle, more details later. -------------------------------------------- 3. New Contest Chairman For IBM Convention 2012 --------------------------------------------- Message by Oscar Munoz (US) Oscar Munoz, the new face for International Brotherhood of Magicians Gold Medal and Gold Cup Competition. The reason for this e-mail is to let the magic community know that IBM has a new contest chairman for the Norfolk IBM Convention 2012. That new chairman would be me. Now as you know "change" is good. But with change comes new ideas in order to improve things, this is not to say that the past chairmen were not good; in fact Don Greenberg is a great man. He ran the competition with precision and the upmost ethics. My only hope is that I can enhance the hard work Don placed into the running of the IBM Gold Medal and Gold Cup competition. Please let your readers know that I am the Chairman of the International Brotherhood of Magicians competition and the amended rules of the competition are posted on the IBM portal. This year I have new ideas to make the competition fun for all. We have moved the competitions later in the day so the competitors will be in a better state of mind to perform their best. Also we now have requested a video, I want to assure everyone that it is strictly for arrangement of the competition line up in hopes that two performers with similar acts won't be placed back to back. It also will help the new technical director to ensure the best execution of technical cues for each contestant. Some more and fun changes have been made. My contact information is oscarmunoz@mac.com in the event that your readers have more questions. I want to encourage everyone to participate in the new competition and come take the Gold in Norfolk. Thanks for your help. Sincerely, Oscar Munoz IBM close-up Gold Cup Winner SAM First Place Gold Medal close-up Competition ------------------------------------------- 4. January 2011 Of The Linking Ring Magazine -------------------------------------------- Reviewed by Paul A. Lelekis Vol. 91, No. 5: Editor: Samuel Patrick Smith 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. This month's cover of The Linking Ring is features the President of the British Ring, Brian Miller - the only person ever elected twice to the I.B.M.'s largest ring, Ring #25! Read all about Mr. Miller's colorful career in magic! Read about the many I.B.M. ring events around the world, their special events and charitable activities. The Daytona Festival of Magic joined by the Florida State Magician's Association Convention, held in Daytona Beach Florida, and proved to be a fantastic weekend of fun, magic and stars with the honoring of three legends in magic! The names that head-lined this convention include, John Calvert, Banachek, Johnny Ace Palmer, Celeste Evans, Jack Kodell and many others! Le Grand David and his Spectacular Magic Company, celebrate 35 years - the longest running show in history with a show scheduled for February 18th, 2012 in Beverly, Massachusetts! This month's Hocus Pocus Parade features the fantastic British Ring, compiled by Ian Adair! 15 terrific effects are featured by this dynamic ring and are all very clever and excellent for performance! Below are articles in which you can learn some fantastic magic! Cutting Up Jackpots by Bev Bergeron provides readers with a wonderful history of the early years of The Magic Castle! This is some excellent reading with nostalgic history! Mike Power's Card Corner gives readers an excellent (and easy to do!) effect called I.C.A.N. (Invisible card at any number) that is not only very clever but easy to do! Ways And Means by Joe Turner presents an effect by Carl Karl called Headquarters 37. This is a very cool mentalist theme that is impromptu! Peter Marucci's Showtime presents another rendition of the classic, The Runic Coins is very powerful and easy-to-do effect! Storytelling Magic by Ed Solomon provides readers with yet another excellent effect with fantastic story lines! This effect is called The Twelve Months, A Slavic Fairy! This one is great! 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 this issue of 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. For details about advertising in The Linking Ring, contact BJ Hickman at advertising@magician.org ------------------------------------------- 5. Magicseen #42 -------------------------------------------- Message by Chris Wasshuber Vol. 7, No. 6, January 2011; 68 pages Cover: Cyril Welcome - editor's letter Reader's Letters Celebrity Magic - Rebecca Ferguson Thom Peterson, Making Waves - interview Magic: Live Across the UK! - article by Eoin Smith Every Move Tells A Story - article by Marius Brill, author of How To Forget So You Want To Be A . Pro Magician - article by Mark Leveridge Celebrity Magic - Mark Spitz It Ain't All Magic - Circus Workshops - article by Mark Leveridge Cyril [Takayama]: The Man Who Should Be King! - cover article/interview by James L. Clark Paul Gordon: His future's told in the cards! - interview Masterclass Vote for The Masterclass Award 2011 The Sugar Routine - Dave Bonsall Spectator-Cut Christ Aces - Paul Gordon Annabel de Vetten, the icing on the cake . - interview Reviews Utopia - 4 DVD set by Dani DaOrtiz Alice's Revenge - effect by Bob Farmer Al Koran: The Unique Years - book compiled by Martin Breese The Magic Square - DVD by Luis de Matos Killer Cut - silk effect with DVD by John Kaplan Tom, Dick and Fanny - sponge ball routine by Tony Strange The Enigma - effect DVD by Paulino Gil A Complete Guide to Ventriloquism - book by Naveen Sridhar Stick-It - card effect with DVD by Chris Webb Money From Magic Training Course - 2 DVD set from Tony Strange Live Review - Ian D. Montfort at the Pocklington Arts Centre, York In The News Next Time . Advertisers Listings Back Issues -------------------------------------------- 6. Las Vegas Magic - January, 2012 -------------------------------------------- Message by David Neubauer - www.dnmagic.com Amazing Johnathan 9 pm (Dark Sun. & Mon.) - Planet Hollywood. Dark Dec. 20-31, Jan. 13-14, 26-28, Feb. 9-11 harmon-web.vegas.com/harmon/AmazingJonathan.htm Criss Angel - Believe 7 (except Wed. & Thurs.) & 9:30 pm (Dark Sun. - Mon.) - Luxor. www.cirquedusoleil.com/crissangel David Copperfield - An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion 7 & 9:30 pm & also 4 pm Sat. - MGM Grand. www.mgmgrand.com/entertainment/hollywood-theater.aspx Dirk Arthur - Wild Magic 7:00 pm Mon. - Sat. (Dark Sun.) - O'Sheas. Also 9:00 pm through New Years www.caesars.com/osheas/dirkarthur.html Fitz of Laughter - Kevin Burke 9:13 pm - Fitzgeralds. tickets.fitzgeraldslasvegas.com Two for One: www.vegas4locals.com/couponfitzoflaughterlasvegas.html Dinner & Tix: www.vegas4locals.com/couponfeastoflaughterlasvegas.html Gerry McCambridge - The Mentalist 7:30 pm (Dark Wed.) - Planet Hollywood. Comp Tickets and info: www.mentalist.com Illusions - Jan Rouven 7 pm (Dark Wed.) - FAME Theater, Clarion. www.illusionsvegas.com Jeff McBride's WONDERGROUND 3rd Thurs. each month 7:30 to midnight - The Olive (3850 E Sunset Dr.) Non-stop Magic & Variety Performance Art. A whole new show each month. Free with 2 drink minimum. www.vegaswonderground.com watch live: www.streetofcards.tv Mac King Comedy Magic Show 1 & 3 pm, (Dark Sun. & Mon.) - Harrah's. www.harrahslasvegas.com/casinos/harrahs-las-vegas/casino-entertainment/mac-king-detail.html Free tickets (buy 1 drink) usually available at the concierge desk or handed out by showgirls. Magic of Paris Starring Stephane Vanel and featuring Mark Kornhauser. 6 pm (Dark Mon. & Fri.) - Paris. www.parislasvegas.com/EventsDetail.do?detailName=magic-of-paris-detail&locationCode=PLV Magical Mix Christopher Karpiak 7-10 pm (Dark Tues. - Wed.) - Mix Lounge, Mandalay Bay. www.mandalaybay.com/dining/mixlounge.aspx Free to locals until 10 pm. Mike Hammer Comedy Magic Show 7 pm (Dark Sun. & Mon.) - Four Queens. tickets.fourqueens.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=35 $14.95 discounted tix + free drink: www.vegas4locals.com/couponmikehammercomedymagic.html Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show 4 pm, (Dark Mon.) - Flamingo. www.harrahs.com/EventsDetail.do?locationCode=FLV&detailName=nathan-burton-detail&eventTitle=Nathan Burton FREE Balcony Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/couponnathanburtoncomedymagic.html Paul Vigil - Mentalist Extraordinaire 7 pm (Wed.) - King Ink, Mirage. www.kinginklasvegas.com/events.html Penn & Teller 9 pm, (Dark Thurs. - Fri.) - Rio. www.riolasvegas.com/casinos/rio/casino-entertainment/penn--teller-detail.html Santa's Magical Circus 6 pm (Nov. 24 - Dec. 31) Bruce Block, Max Clever - V Theater, Planet Hollywood. www.varietytheater.com/SantaMagic.htm Free Tickets if you buy V The Ultimate Variety Show tickets The Magic of Rick Thomas Holiday Show Dec. 9 - Dec. 31 at 4 pm, added 7 pm shows Dec. 28-31 - Tropicana. www.troplv.com/entertainment/events/the-magic-of-rick-thomas-holiday-show Vegas Magic Theatre? Cabaret Show: Thurs., Fri., Sun. 7:00 pm, Sat. 5:00 & 7:30 pm (Dark Mon. - Wed.) Close-up and Bar Magic pre-show an hour before. Performers change each week. - Gold Coast. www.goldcoastcasino.com/whats-new/events/vegas-magic-theatre Magic In Production Shows Bram Charles 2 sets between 10 pm - 2 am (Dark Mon. - Thurs.) The Can Can Room on Industrial. Crazy Girls Tony Douglas - 9:30 pm (Dark Tues.) - Riviera. www.rivierahotel.com/entertainment/entertainment.asp Haunted Vegas Show and Tour Jac Hayden, Robert Allen. 9:30 pm, picks up at the Royal Resort. www.hauntedvegastours.com V The Ultimate Variety Show Featuring Melinda - First Lady of Magic 7 & 8:30, V Theater, Planet Hollywood www.vtheshow.com Vegas! The Show Joseph Gabriel 7 & 9 (Dark Thur.) - Planet Hollywood. www.vegastheshow.com/index.html Other Vegas Magic Shimshi - Resident Magician - Wynn/Encore. Seth Grabel - Fri. & Sat. 9-11 pm - Foundation Room, Mandalay Bay. Cameron Shadow - Resident Magician - Pure Nightclub, Caesars Palace. Craig Keith performs bar magic, various times - Dick's Last Resort, Excalibur. Chris Randall - Tues. to Sun. 6-9 pm - Carluccios Italian Gardens. Smoothini - Wed. to Sun. 8 pm-10:30 at Hard Rock Café (2nd Floor Bar); 11 pm to 2 am at Zingers, 3743 Las Vegas Blvd. and after 2 am at New York New York's Pour 24. Jamie Porter's Radio Side Show Sat @ 5 am, KLAV FM 1230. Las Vegas Magic Organizations Fantasma I.B.M. Ring 257, 7 pm - 8:45, 1st Monday each month at Denny & Lee's Magic Shop, 5115 Dean Martin Dr. Free Children's Classes at 5:45. No meeting if the 1st Monday is a major Holiday. www.ibm257.com 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 News: Paul Stone launched "Vegas Magic Theatre" at the Gold Coast. The "Vegas Magic Lounge" will offer Pre-Show Close-up Magic and Bar Magic. Magicians or Variety performers due to work the Magic Castle or with plans to be in Las Vegas in the next 6 months and who would like to be considered to appear at Vegas Magic Theatre should contact producer@vegasmagictheatre.com. Upcoming Special Events December, 2011 Dec. 5: Fantasma I.B.M. Ring 257 presents: Magician of the Year: Gary Darwin - Shrine Temple, 2222 N. Mesquite Ave. Fantasma 257 Ring and Honorary members: $30; Non Members: $55; Children under 16 with a paid adult, $15. Tickets available at the door. www.ibm257.com January, 2012 Jan. 27-29: Magic & Mystery School - Master Class - Jeff McBride and Eugene Burger. www.magicalwisdom.com March, 2012 Mar. 11-17: Magic & Mystery School - Extended Master Class - Jeff McBride and Eugene Burger. www.magicalwisdom.com Mar. 19-23: Paul Stone presents The 3rd Ultimate Performers Workshop - Johnny Thompson, Jeff Hobson, Seth Kramer, Shep Hyken, Richard Faverty, Gail Davies and Bob Kohler. Limited to 20 attendees. For details or to register email Paul at: qualityevents@aol.com July, 2012 July 23-26: Society of American Magicians National Convention - Joseph Gabriel & Katalin, Jeff Hobson, Dan Sperry, Tomsoni & Company, Roy Shank, Losander, Kim Hyunjoon, Jason Baney, Mathieu Bich, Boris Wild, Ali Shelly, David Stone, Sarlot & Eyed, Christian & Katalina, John Cassidy, Funtasio. The Mac King Show and the David Copperfield Show will be part of the convention. Honored Guest: David Copperfield - Golden Nugget. www.magicSAM.com or email samregistrar@yahoo.com Sometime, 2012 Innovention 2012 - Gold Coast. For details and register, contact info@innovention2012.com -------------------------------------------- 7. Tony Brook In Conversation With Ray Parker #1 -------------------------------------------- Message by Anthony Darkstone Brook - Europe/USA Anthony Darkstone ---- In Conversation With Ray Parker For Centuries greater minds than I have been trying to figure out what causes Déjà vu. In case you experience it in this and the following e-zines in 2012, you can blame Tech Gremlins. After a series of double-lifts, several undercuts and a large wooden mallet we have laid them to rest. They were responsible for getting "Anthony Darkstone In Conversation with Ray Parker out of sequence. In the interests of all concerned we have decided to start the article from Part 1 and give our guest Ray Parker the respect he so richly deserves. ------------------------------------ Ray Parker is a wonderful Entertainer. To call him an experienced all-round International Entertainer would not even begin to do justice to his consummate skill and talent. I met Ray back in May 2007 when I was invited to lecture in Canada. I was with Paul Kilshaw, Michael Roth and few others in Tony Eng's Joke & Magic Shop( already sold to Murray Hatfield) when a sprightly, spirited, jolly character, full of verve, dynamism and a beaming smile "floated" into the shop and introduced himself. I am happy to admit publicly that I am one of his biggest fans. He is a long-time Member of The International Brotherhood of Magicians and The Society of American Magicians. I've been in this business a while and I know a talented Pro when I see one. Ray Parker is The King! Nay! The Emperor! A fine wit, a genial personality and a very instantly likeable face endeared him to me instantly. We became firm friends. I am delighted to share our friendship via the following words. http://rayparkermadhatter.ca/ facebook : Ray Parker ADB: Hello Ray . Nice to be able to catch up with you. Thanks for taking the time to converse. RP: Always a pleasure with you Tony. ADB: Ray, you hail from England but now live in Victoria, B.C , Canada & I read somewhere that you have been an Entertainer for 71 years ... care to elaborate on that .. RP: I warn you that 71 years in show biz has given me many memories and it might take a while . ADB: Wonderful. I am sure we will just love to hear some of your recollections . RP: Yes as you say, I am English and years later moved to Canada. I now live in Victoria, B.C. From my earliest days, show biz has been part of my life. As a baby I was taken to the local Hippodrome and movie theaters in my mother's arms. I grew up watching my parent's favorite entertainment musicals and variety theater. Every week I was exposed to that type of entertainment. At weekends my favorite aunt and uncle would visit with my cousin Eileen. Eileen was a talented entertainer, six months my senior, she danced and sang and at the age of three had already performed on stage doing an impersonation of Sophie Tucker singing "Some of these Days." ADB: You even did a duet of sorts together.. RP: Yes we did. My Mother, Aunt and Uncle all played piano and Eileen and I would sing and dance in the corner of the room, one song I remember us doing together was :- "Say say, oh playmate Come out and play with me And bring your dollies three Climb up my apple tree Slide down my rainbow Into my cellar door And we'll be jolly friends Forever more. When I was 5 years old Eileen taught me "I Can't Give You Anything But Love Baby." one of the hit songs of a 1928 Broadway show. a song that is still being recorded by today's stars (Diana Krall 1999.) I sang it many years later, on every show I did with the trio that played on my shows in England. End of Part 1 -------------------------------------------- 8. Magical 1 Malaysia Festival Update -------------------------------------------- Message by Jay Scott Berry On March 22nd through 25th, 2102, over a dozen of the world's finest magicians will appear at the Magical 1 Malaysia Festival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Produced in partnership with Mahdi Moudini, the entire event will be held in the state-of-the-art Plenary Hall, a beautiful, 4500 seat theatre in the Kuala Lumpur Convention centre. With a host of international VIPs, this event promises to be the largest Celebration of Wonder ever held in SE Asia. Joining our all-star cast is the one and only, Tom Noddy, the creator and grandmaster of Bubble Magic! He will appear twice daily along with Michael Ammar, Christopher Hart, Rafael Benatar, Dirk Losander and Richard Forget with many more still to be announced. By special arrangement, our Official Guest of Honour for this 2012 Festival will be Grandmaster magician, Johnny Thompson, direct from Las Vegas! We are also very honoured to welcome a host of International Magic VIPs, including Domenico Dante, the 2012 FISM President, Derek Lever, Producer of the annual Blackpool Convention, Tony Hassini, President of the International Magician's Society and Irene Larsen, Founding member of the Magic Castle. The audiences will be treated to 2 gala shows per day and lectures by Michael Ammar, Dirk Losander, Rafael Benatar and Tom Noddy. There will also be an extensive dealer's area, The Carnival of Wonders, with a dedicated performance stage and non-stop shows throughout the 3 day Festival. Unlike most magic conventions, where the dealers are secluded in a remote room, the Carnival will be held in and around the Plenary Hall, in the very heart of the action. Plus, the entire Carnival of Wonders is a free event ensuring a continuous parade of customers above and beyond those attending the main shows. Including the lay public, we fully expect over 10,000 visitors a day. Please note that our Dealers booths are nearly sold out. For more information, please visit www.Magical1Malaysia.com Make plans to join us - I look forward to seeing you there! -------------------------------------------- 9. Columbus Magi-Fest -------------------------------------------- Message by Ron Spangler Director, Columbus Magi-fest The Columbus Magi-Fest (USA) will celebrate its 81st annual gathering, January 26-28, 2012 at the Columbus Renaissance hotel. The convention features three stage shows, a close-up show consisting of 6 performers, close-up and stage contests, a special street-busker performance by Brian Staron, several lectures and teaching workshops, and more than 25 dealers. The headliner stage show will be held on Saturday night, January 28th at the historic Palace Theatre in downtown Columbus. Performers at the convention include: David Acer, Ariann Black, Rich Bloch, Bill Boaz, Terry Evanswood, Cody Fisher, Cameron Francis, Derek Hughes, Losander, Francis Menotti, Reuben Moreland, Ivan Pecel, David Roth, Ken Scott, Kelly Spangler, and Brian Staron. More information can be found at www.magifest.org ------------------------------------------- 10. 3rd Issue Of The Gimmick MagiZette -------------------------------------------- Message by Editor: Salil Kumar "Solyl" Kundu The 3rd issue of The Gimmick MagiZette - First and Only Magic related E-zine from India is out. This 31 pages colorful little e-zine is chock-full of instructive as well as informative articles and photographs, in addition caters 'something for all' from Spain, England, America and of course India. Just read what is noted below and feel this is the best Christmas gift to your friend at a throw-away price. It is available from www.lybrary.com 1. Loch David Crane M. ED starts sharing from his book Captain Kirk and Star Tricks part by part from this issue. 2. Presentation and Showmanship - Maintaining an Objective View by Tony Brook is something one should not miss to go through. 3. Tip - Tops by Ian Adair covers a significant aspect. 4. Past Glory of India - a picturesque write-up on Asok Roy who has helped many a magic neophytes as well as some great magicians of India to reach their goal. 5. Another clever magic-themed Crossword Puzzle by Balasubramian Chandran aka Balu The Magician. 6. Magic from Spain - Lurgi Sarasa explains his finale for Classic Egg Bag. 7. A New Balloon Penetration - By Gora Datta, several award winner for his creation from UK, gives a new twist to Balloon Penetration effect to help working magicians. 8. Clear Prediction - Sukesh Patnaik, a cruise ship table hopping magician of India shares a magic with mental flavor from his own professional act. 9. ACES-ANDWITCH is a variation of Shigeo Futagawa effect by Aldo Colombini, and Aldo's name says what it could be? 10. A Coin Caper by Karl Fulves - an entertaining magic at its best and requires no special coins. One cannot afford to miss it! 11. Comedy Newspaper Restoration - Kakinada Sreenivas has explained his marketed version of an excellent comedy torn newspaper restoration. Great Comedy - Great Magic! 12. "News & Views" - Read and find out what is happening in the Land of Magic. Editor: Salil Kumar "Solyl" Kundu. E-mail: thegimmickmagizette@gmail.com and solylkundu@gmail.com ------------------------------------------- 11. Melbourne Magic Festival 2012 -------------------------------------------- Message by Tim Ellis (Australia) The Melbourne Magic Festival 2012 is back, bigger than ever, July 2-14 We would like to invite you to perform at this year's Festival. Simply go to www.MelbourneMagicFestival.com and scroll to the bottom of the page. There you will see the Producer's Guide which will tell you all you need to know about staging your own show at The Melbourne Magic Festival, and an application form which needs to be completed and submitted by January 31. Looking forward to working with you at the MMF2012! ------------------------------------------- 12. Kevin James Australian Lecture -------------------------------------------- Message by Garry J Cohen (Australia) Hey Presto Magic Studio Pty Ltd 7:00pm Monday 16th January 2012 Hey Presto Magic Studio Upper Ground Floor 84 Pitt Street, Sydney Kevin James is a world class Magician/Inventor. His ideas and routines have made it into the shows of top magicians around the world, including Doug Henning, Mark Wilson, Penn & Teller, Criss Angel and David Copperfield. He has performed on TV in 70 countries to date and did a command performance for the Obamas at the White House. He is very honoured to be a part of the cast of The Illusionists. Kevin's lecture will be a collection of ideas covering close-up, parlour and stage magic. He will also be talking about character, creativity and just about anything else you want to discuss. Don't miss the opportunity to learn from one of the magic world's great innovators. This will be Kevin's only Australian lecture. Just $25 - Bookings Essential: (02) 9232 7660 ------------------------------------------- 13. Jeff McBride's Wonderground -------------------------------------------- Message by Jeff McBride (US) Jeff McBride's Wonderground at the Olive Every third Thursday for the past two years, a diverse group of top magicians, international variety artists, body painters, musicians, burlesque stars, slam poets, belly dancers and others have come together to entertain an ever-growing audience of in-the-know Las Vegans and out-of-towners at the Olive Grill on Sunset as part of Jeff McBride's Wonderground. During that time, the Wonderground has become a hangout of choice for some of Vegas' magic royalty. Siegfried, Mac King, Lance Burton, Criss Angel, Johnny Thompson, Peter Reveen, Paul Vigil, Stephane Vanel and Amazing Jonathan show up regularly. "You never know who will be there - both on and off stage," says impresario and host Jeff McBride. "We're really fortunate to have been embraced by the whole magic and performance art fraternity." Not long ago, journalist Jaq Greenspon wrote in Las Vegas Seven: "Walking into The Olive, a Mediterranean-style lounge on East Sunset Road, is like stepping through Alice's mirror, and the Wonderground on the other side is more magical than Lewis Carroll's rabbit hole." It is an experience that has evolved over time. Jeff McBride started experimenting with The Wonderground almost 8 years ago - the Olive is its third home. It all began in McBride's "Wonderdome," an experimental inflated dome set up in a secret warehouse location, (then by invitation only), then moved to Palace Station in the fall of 2008, where it materialized once each week, following the Friday night performances of McBride's stage show, "Magic at the Edge." After a year off, The Wonderground re-opened at the newly created nightclub at the Olive Grill, on East Sunset, where it has lived ever since. The event continues to grow and evolve each month - on a recent third Thursday, there were long lines waiting to get in for most of the evening. Jeff McBride, creator of The Wonderground is a long-time Las Vegas favorite. He started coming here when he was still in his 20's, as an opening act for Diana Ross. First tapped as a headliner for the 1980's revue "Bal de Moulin Rouge," at the Hilton, he was later one of the headlining shows in Caesars Magical Empire's Sultan's Palace. He has toured the world with his shows, but "Magic at the Edge" several years ago at Palace Station was his first time bringing the full evening to Las Vegas. Living here for the past 14 years, McBride still performs around the world in between Vegas engagements. He is the founder of the McBride Magic & Mystery School, named by the BBC as the "world's most prestigious school of magic," which makes Las Vegas it's home, as well. "Over the years, I've discovered I'm happiest and most successful when I create situations where others can shine," says McBride. "The Wonderground is that kind of place." There is even a Wonderground Manifesto, which states, "The Wonderground was created as a place to bring the community of magic and variety together for an extraordinary experience in co-created art and deep play. Each month, we pause, to wonder. We stand rapt in awe inspired by the limitless potential and magic of life. The Wonderground is a portable feast." (You can read the whole manifesto at The Wonderground Web Site: http://vegaswonderground.com/) Jeff McBride's Wonderground at Olive Mediterranean Grill & Hookah Bar in Green Valley located on East Sunset between Sandhill and Annie Oakley, 7pm until midnight, every third Thursday. Links to other stories about Jeff McBride's Wonderground: http://www.lasvegascitylife.com/articles/2011/11/24/news/local_news/iq_49028170.txt http://articles.latimes.com/2010/aug/29/entertainment/la-ca-0829-vegas-20100829 http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/news/2011/oct/26/magic-gets-new-spin-wonderground/ http://www.vegasnews.com/35542/jeff-mcbrides-all-new-wonderground-thursday-nov-18-8pm-til-midnight.html http://weeklyseven.com/ae/2010/july/01/man-many-masks Photos for this release: http://mcbridemagic.com/downloads/wonderground_021810.jpg http://mcbridemagic.com/downloads/JeffMcBride-Masks.jpg ------------------------------------------- 14. Illusion For Sale From Illusionist - John Taylor -------------------------------------------- Message by John Taylor (Australia) Illusion For Sale From Illusionist - John Taylor Mint Condition Brand New- Audience Acupuncture (White) plus 2 x ATA Cases shipping from Sydney, Australia. Brand New Excellent Condition Mid Air Motorbike Vanish - No Case (But can arrange a case or crate if required) for shipping from Sydney, Australia. The prop has an original unique drop down door on the front so you can clearly see the bike in full view and the bars have all been laser cut so a lot more work has gone into the making of this beautiful one of a kind original Motorbike Vanish Illusion. Excellent Condition Twister Illusion - plus 1 x ATA Case shipping from Sydney, Australia. Good working condition, general wear and tear Tip Over Trunk - plus 1 x ATA Case from Sydney, Australia. Please contact John Taylor direct for photos and pricing information. info@suspendedanimationillusion.com ------------------------------------------- 15. Tony Clark - Illusion Fusion -------------------------------------------- Message by Tony Clark (US) Starring Award-Winning Master Magician Alex Ramon & Friends As seen on Disney Live! and Ringling Brothers Circus Shows Nightly at The Golden Cabaret / Horizon Casino Resort "Illusion Fusion," a brand new, high-energy theatrical show stars Award-Winning Master Magician Alex Ramon & Friends, featuring mind-blowing illusions, slight-of-hand close-up, and unique, never-before-seen magic that defines the word "art". Illusion Fusion appears nightly (Thursday-Monday) in the Golden Cabaret, inside the Horizon Casino Resort (www.horizonresort.com) on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe. This world-class production has tickets priced at just $24.95, with FREE tickets on Sundays for special guests 12 and under. (one free ticket with each paid adult). Also, all guests under 12 receive a FREE $5.00 pre-loaded arcade card for every show. Alex Ramon is no stranger to the international stage and has mesmerized millions around the world., performing on 4 continents in 14 countries. He's was the first magician in history to star as the "Magical Zingmaster" for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® circus, The Greatest Show on Earth®. Alex also toured the globe as the star of Disney Live! Alex Ramon won the coveted "Stage Magician Of The Year", along with other high honors such has the Lance Burton Award, and was the National Stage Magician Champion. The Los Angeles Times called his show "a razzle-dazzle exhibition of sleight-of-hand. and other mind-bending magic acts", and the Courier Post says "He pulls off some illusions. that can only be described as Grand". Alex has starred on the main stage at the world-famous Magic Castle, and has performed for dignitaries and celebrities at that epicenter of world-class magic. Illusion Fusion is produced by Paul Reder and Tony Clark. In 2010, these veteran producers won the highest honor in magic as they were presented the Merlin Award for "Producers Of The Year" which is the equivalent to the Oscars for the art form of magic. The only other producer ever to achieve this award was Kenneth Feld from Siegfried & Roy, and Ringling Brothers fame. Reder and Clark have produced such hits as the Award-Winning "Masters of Magic", Fusion and Fusion II, The Chipper Lowell Experience, Viva Vaudeville, and more. Illusion Fusion staring Alex Ramon will run Thursday through Monday in the intimate setting of The Golden Cabaret inside the Horizon Casino Resort. Doors 7:30pm, Show 8pm, with two shows on Saturday's, 7:00pm and 9:00pm. Tickets are only $24.95 for are available at the Horizon Box Office one hour prior to show time, or reserve your tickets by charging by phone at 1-866-468-3399 or purchase online at www.ticketweb.com. For more information call Horizon Casino, (775) 588-6211. Become a Facebook fan for prizes, contests and giveaways, www.facebook.com/IllusionFusion ------------------------------------------- 16. Johnny Thompson to Lecture at the S.A.M. -------------------------------------------- Message by George Schindler (US) Comedy magician Johnny Thompson will be one of the six lecturers at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas at the S.A.M. Convention in July (23-26). John will also be the guest speaker at the traditional "Life Members" event. And of course, he and Pam will bring The Great Tomsoni & Company to one of our gala shows. Don't miss this great convention! For best seats and our cost saving "early-bird special" register before the prices increase on February 1. www.magicsam.com ------------------------------------------- 17. The British Ring Convention 2012 -------------------------------------------- Message by Geoffrey Newton (UK) The President and his Lady (Brian Miller and Audrey) of The International Brotherhood of Magicians British Ring Number 25 send cordial good wishes for peace and happiness to magicians throughout the world and hope 2012 will be a successful year for you all. The British Ring convention takes place in Great Yarmouth from 26th -30th September 2012. It will truly be an all British convention and acts confirmed so far include Nicholas Einhorn, Mandy Muden, Roy Davenport, Steve Hewlett, Chris Woodward and Rajan. The dealers' hall is a very important part of any convention and we welcome back after many years of absence, Davenports and Mark Mason. Further information will be published when it becomes available. The members' preferential convention (early bird) rate of £95 is available up to 31st December 2011 and details can be found on www.magicconvention.co.uk -------------------------------------------- 18. Broken Wand - Ruth Ann Pitts -------------------------------------------- Article forwarded on by Dennis Schick (US) In Memory of Ruth Ann Pitts January 19, 1928 - December 22, 2011 Obituary Ruth Ann Pitts of Fort Smith, Arkansas passed away on December 22, 2011 following a brief illness. Ruth Ann Taylor was born January 19, 1928; she lived in the Saratoga area for many years and was a graduate from Ballston Spa High School. Ruth moved to Scotia, NY in 1959 when she married Clark Fonda, who pre-deceased her in 1998. Ruth and Clark were professional magicians, known as "The Fabulous Fondas" who performed locally and traveled extensively throughout the world on many cruise ships. She was also a popular and talented solo magician, and enjoyed the unofficial title of "Goddess of Gaslight Village" in Lake George. Ruth was an active member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM) and the Society of American Magicians (SAM), and was an avid bowler and talented artist. Ruth married Bill Pitts in 2000, and relocated to Fort Smith, Arkansas where she enjoyed many years performing magic shows with Bill throughout the country, and being very active in their church, and American Legion Auxiliary organizations. Ruth is survived by her husband, Bill Pitts, of Fort Smith, AR; her four loving daughters: Janice Baird of Ballston Spa, NY; Patricia Fonda of Briarwood, NY; Susan Dunbar of Galway, NY; and Jo Newell of Amherst, NHe three step-children, Debbie Moulton of Fort Smith, Bill David Pitts of Charleston, AR, Becky Barton of Greenwood, AR,; a step-brother, Bill White of Texas. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Jeremy Baird, Jeffery Baird, Jason Baird, Jessica Creter, Adam Dunbar, Anjelica Newell, and Sam Newell; and five great grandchildren: Andrew Baird, Collin Baird, Hayden Cahill, Mattingly Creter, Sebastian Creter, as well as six step- grandchildren, and one step- great grandchild. Ruth was an eternal optimist who kept her focus on the bright side of life, and frequently quoted, "the show must go on!" Memorial service was on Saturday, December 24, 2011 in Roebuck Chapel at First United Methodist Church. Services and cremation under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Memorials may be sent to American Legion Auxiliary, 4901 ½ Midland Blvd, Fort Smith, AR 72904. Online condolences may be sent to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com -------------------------------------------- 19. 31st New Zealand International Magicians Convention 2012 -------------------------------------------- Labour Weekend 2012 (19 October to 22 October 2012) in Christchurch, New Zealand We have four headliners confirmed Nick Lewin, Mark Mason and Ken Scott. Convention registration is now open and you can download it from http://www.ibmring160.com/media/7578/registration%20form.pdf Competition forms can be downloaded from http://www.ibmring160.com/media/7515/competitions%20.pdf For full information go to: http://www.ibmring160.com/media/7626/christchurch%20nz%20labour%20weekend.pdf -------------------------------------------- 20. e-zine Archives -------------------------------------------- Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to: www.magicnewzealand.com click on the red button center right "Archives" When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order in folders for each year 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) -------------------------------------------- 21. 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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 2012 Alan Watson www.magicnewzealand.com www.facebook.com/magicnewzealandnewsflash http://twitter.com/#!/magicnewzealand www.watson.co.nz www.corporatemagic.co.nz www.magician.co.nz www.magicianz.com www.balloon-twister.co.nz