* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand® * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.magicnewzealand.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #922 Date: Sunday 13th May 2012 Editor: Alan Watson www.watson.co.nz E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. VANISH - International Magic Magazine Update 3. More EMC2012 Speakers Announced 4. Latest Update For F.I.S.M. 2012 5. Registration For The MAGIC Live 2013 Is Now Open 6. Stars Of Tomorrow To Shine In Las Vegas 7. Remarkable Magic. #33 - Nick Lewin 8. Sleight of Hand vs. Pulling Levers - #257 - Kyle Peron 9. In Conversation with Eric Evans - Part 2 10. Information On Max Andrews Required 11. Innovention 2012 12. Second Annual Cape Cod Festival Of Magic 13. Wedding Announcement 14. The 21st KIDabra Conference 15. Magic Auction This Sunday - Last Chance! 16. Antibullying Magician Elgregoe And Sue 17. e-zine Archives 18. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- Six years ago Paul Romhany talked me into doing an interview with him on camera about what I thought were the seven secrets to my success as a professional magician. Three months ago I put the eight video clips up onto YouTube free to all magicians and entertainers and much to my surprise the channel has now received 110,000 views! To view these video clips go to: http://www.youtube.com/user/AlanWatsonMagician Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: Editor@MagicNewZealand.com -------------------------------------------- 2. VANISH - International Magic Magazine Update --------------------------------------------- Message by Paul Romhany (NZ) - Editor Since the first issue came out in April we have had 30,000 downloads, that we can track. This doesn't include the magic shops that have added the magazine to their site. Actually, at one point we reached our limit of downloads and the server had to shut us down for a day! We have now fixed the problem and have our very own dedicated website for Vanish Magic Magazine at www.vanishmagazine.com You will be able to download the PDF file from here. You can read it on your computer, or as most people seem to do, read it on your iPad or e-reader. Issue two is almost ready, and offers more articles from professionals, and we can promise a wide variety. The comments we have received have been amazing - here are a few from names you'll recognize:- "It is a crime that this magazine is free. This is better laid out and better content than many of the paid magazines out there. There is no reason anyone who has an interest in magic on any level is not reading this. In this day of age of "everything comes with a price," this is unbelievable." - Banachek "I think it's great! Definitely directed at the performing magician - which is a niche not covered by any other publication." - Bill Abbott "I just read a copy of Vanish magazine and in a word, "WOW"! It looks great and I am floored by the number of excellent articles by a variety of writers with great photos. I cannot wait to read the next issue, Bravo!" - Carl Andrews "After reading Vanish for the first time I committed myself that this will be the only magazine I need to read. This is a number one, extremely well produced magazine, and will be hard to top. I love it and it's about time we can read a class act magazine by a class act person. Congratulations, I rank this a TEN." - Neal Scryer "Vanish is a great magazine full of incredible articles, material and good looking people. What more could you want! Make sure you get your copy!" - Matthew Johnson - Real Funny Guy -------------------------------------------- 3. More EMC2012 Speakers Announced --------------------------------------------- Message by Luis de Matos (Portugal) Please welcome three more incredible speakers to the Essential Magic Conference. They are: Yaan Frisch FISM award winner and French magic champion Yann Frisch is one of magic's freshest talents. Yann has been creating a sensation wherever he goes with his unique take on classic magic, an absurdist take on the cups and balls. Cool, clever, stylish and oh so artful. We are proud to have one of France's top performers at EMC. Guy Hollingworth Guy Hollingworth is one of the world's leading sleight of hand artists. His most famous effect is probably The Reformation, an impossible torn and restored card. His book Drawing Room Deceptions is a one of magic's contemporary classics. His theatre show, The Expert at the Card Table, has played to packed houses and rave reviews. For us he is the personification of elegant conjuring and we look forward to his return to EMC. Jansenson From Argentina we are excited to introduce the wonderful Norberto Janenson, a magician who brings theatre and storytelling to his magic. He is a favourite of Rene Lavand, combining culture, literature and mystery to create a unique theatrical, spiritual and emotional experience for his audience. He is famous for his theatre and television appearances in Argentina. Welcome Jansenson! Conference speakers already announced are: Armando Lucero (United States) Bill Malone (United States) Chris Kenner (United States) Denis Behr (Germany) Graham Jolley (United Kingdom) Marco Tempest (United States) Paul Harris (United States) Tom Stone (Sweden) Yigal Mesika (Israel) Daniel Madison (United Kingdom) Eric Mead (United States) Woody Aragón (Spain) The Essential Magic Conference is the world's first web conference for magicians. 33 speakers over 3 days of conference streamed live worldwide. Register to attend today - access passes are limited. Register before May 31st and get a 25% discount on all Essential Magic Collection products. The cost of registering for the conference is US $99, EUR 75. You can subscribe via going to: www.essentialmagicconference.com -------------------------------------------- 4. Latest Update For F.I.S.M. 2012 --------------------------------------------- Message by Derek Lever (UK) Blackpool Magicians Club are offering F.I.S.M. Convention registrants incredible value for money. Each registrant will receive a special F.I.S.M. shoulder bag, a Jack Hughes World of magic compilation hard backed 230 page book priced at £150.00, a limited edition Magical Cooper Bear, a large colour Souvenir Programme, a box of Hanky Panky Magic Tricks, plus one lucky registrant will receive a genuine £6,500 diamond to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee. Joshua Jay will be presenting his brilliant one man show on Monday 9th. July and Tuesday 10th. July which has never been seen in the U.K. previously. Over 145 competitors have entered the World Championships of Magic. There are 3 stupendous Gala Shows, a Banquet and a night at the famous Blackpool Tower Circus, 30 star lectures and 125 International Magic Dealers. Over 2,000 magicians from 40 different countries have already registered. Are you going to miss out??? Visit www.blackpoolmagic.com or click on the banner at the top of this page. -------------------------------------------- 5. Registration For The MAGIC Live 2013 Is Now Open -------------------------------------------- Message by Stan Allen (US) This is just a quick reminder that General Registration for the MAGIC Live 2013 is now open at www.MAGICmagazine.com/live. By most accounts, the 2011 event was one of our best. We were able to give you another look at Carnival of Wonders, starring Kalin, Jinger, and Hobson; a first-time look at Joshua Jay's one-man show, Unreal; and a one-time-only look at Divided We Stand, the story of Sawing a Woman in Half, with Mike Caveney, Jonathan Pendragon, Mark & Jinger Kalin, David Charvet (as Harry Blackstone), Greg Wilson, and Kevin James. Oh, and we gave you "no look" at Juan Varela's From The Dark. And then there are the numbers: 1 entire Night at the MAGIC Museum, 2 parties, 3 General Sessions, 9 Focus Sessions, 45 dealers, and 47 cover subjects. More highlight photos and Late Night Live videos are still viewable on our website. It was certainly a time to remember! I hope you will join us next summer for yet another unconventional convention. It all happens August 11-14, 2013. And now, here's the latest update on MAGIC Live! Registration An $85 deposit gets you signed up and assures you the best seating preference available. The balance of $300 does not need to be in until February 1, 2013. To register, visit www.MAGICmagazine.com/live. We accept MasterCard and VISA. Your $85 deposit is fully refundable through December 31, 2012. So you really have nothing to lose, except guaranteed seats at a convention that sells out regularly. Innovation The hallmark of MAGIC Live has always been our willingness to attempt new ideas. The convention that you eventually experience is composed of about 100 ideas. And those 100 ideas are culled from well over 1,000 concepts and suggestions we've come up with or that have been shared with us by others. And that's where you come in. Join our Dream Team. Simply send us your idea for something that you'd like us to do at MAGIC Live. It could be a particular performer you'd like to see or something unusual you'd like that performer to do. It could be an improvement on an old idea or a whole new concept. All ideas are welcome. Please send them to dreams@MAGICmagazine.com. Here's something we're working on at the moment, and maybe you can help. How do we make the largest convention in North America not feel like the largest convention in North America? I look forward to hearing your ideas and to seeing you August 11-14, 2013. ------------------------------------------- 6. Stars Of Tomorrow To Shine In Las Vegas -------------------------------------------- Message by George Schindler (US) The curtain will rise at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 25, on the S.A.M. Stage at the Golden Nugget Hotel in Las Vegas as seven young performers ages 12- 17 will appear in 2012 "Stars of Tomorrow " Stage Show at the 2012 S.A.M. Convention. Nearly 30 young magicians applied for a spot in the show, which has become one of the most popular events at the annual convention. Here are the young performers from both the U.S. and abroad: Sebastian Joel Zaraz Guarino, "Mago Sebak," 12, from Buenos Aires, Argentina; TJ Ketchmark, 15, Brookfield, Illinois; Terashima Youri, "YOURI," 14, from Saitama-Ken, Japan; Nicholas Lee, "Magic Nick," 17, Cambridgeshire, England; Oliver Dodd , 17, Needham, Massachusetts; Christopher Quinteo, "Quintero," 17, Cocoa, Florida. Whitney Adams, 13, of Beaverton, Oregon; (Emcee) For a complete schedule of events see www.magicsam.com -------------------------------------------- 7. Remarkable Magic. #33 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message by Nick Lewin (US) More loose ends than the George Sands Rope Trick! This week I want to cover some topics that I have touched on recently in various Magic New Zealand columns. In a perfect world I would have visited the Magic Castle last night and have written a report on the really exciting all woman performers event scheduled this week. However, I will be attending tomorrow and writing about this nifty tribute to Geri Larsen in next week's issue. It has a wonderful talent line-up and should be a blast. Stay tuned. I recently mentioned my high regard for the way Stan Allen has developed the specialized iPad version of 'Magic Magazine.' He has just taken it a nice step further by playing a little 'catch up' for his paper and ink readers, the details show a nice sensibility and sense of style on his part. These non-digital readers can now access all the extra videos and goodies that they miss by being 'old fashioned' purchasers of his magazine. These extras are now available to readers at the MAGICplus page of his website, http://www.MAGICmagazine.com Nice touch Stan. Personally I am a very happy digital reader of this magazine now and find it a much more exciting way to peruse the magazine (and a steal at $3.99 an issue) but I was impressed by his continued service and improvements to his original customer base. It is easy to get run over by the digital steamroller! I am not a reviewer for Magic New Zealand and do not solicit or receive free items, I never mention or praise a product unless I have paid for it. The fact that I seem to speak highly of some magician's items repeatedly is based purely on my continued regard for their work. That said, I want to put in a plug for the new double release by David Regal---his 'Sudden Deck 3' and 'Disposable Deck.' These tricks are great magic at an amazingly affordable price. My most frequently performed new effect in years is David Regal's 'Restored Credit.' These two new items just confirm my theory that his sense of the visually commercial is second to none. Close-up or stand-up if these items can't add some dash to your work I would be amazed. After 40 plus years as a professional magician all three have found a very happy home in my A-show. Check out his website at http://www.davidregal.com and watch the videos. Another great release is making its way to the iTunes store from digital mastermind Carl Andrews and his Mojosoftwareonline.com it is an astounding App called 'Sound Cues.' Its sole purpose is to allow a magician to run his own sound cues remotely and easily during his show. It runs and plays the cues on any iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch. This App has the all the savvy and bells and whistles to become a dream addition to many magicians show. For years and years, performers have dreamed about being able to add the polish of music and musical stings to their show effortlessly. The correct sting can turn a good trick into an applause building and show stopping routine. I am very impressed by the way Andrews has turned his attention to this matter and come up with a deceptively simple and highly sophisticated solution. Congratulations. While I am busy promoting other performers products, let me take time out to give an update on the two projects that I am about to release. Both items will be released by early June, and I am now taking orders for both at nicklewin1@mac.com I am proud to be working with graphic designer Steve Mitchell on all my upcoming releases---his work is truly outstanding. The first item is my book, 'Cruise Magic 101. How to make a great living performing magic on cruise ships.' The title says it all; it is 40 plus year's worth of experience and it allows you to shorten your learning curve and enter this lucrative and still expanding area of bookings. It is an A to Z of how to get booked, do a great job and get re-booked as an entertainer in the cruise market. I know this market backwards, and I have held nothing back in covering every aspect of this topic thoroughly and in detail. There are more gigs on cruise ships available now than ever before and I share the tips, tricks, routines and techniques that can get you into, or improve your position in this kind of engagement. I can say in all honesty, having read them all, this is the most practical book of its kind ever released. The book will sell for $24.95 and could make you a real player in this delightful market. Most areas of work for magicians are slowing down or drying up---this one isn't. My other release is the much more limited (and more expensive) Book/DVD/CD of my highly regarded Linking Finger Ring routine. The release is highly limited and after the first 150 copies are sold it will only be available as part of a personal tuition event. This effect has been a reputation maker for me in my career and the impact of the routine can be just as great for you. I am not making this package available to everyone and am being very selective in my sales. For sales information on these two books, plus two other future releases Email me at http://www.nicklewin1@mac.com -------------------------------------------- 8. Sleight of Hand vs. Pulling Levers - #257 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message by Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kpmagicproducts.com There was a great question asked a while back on one of the forums. I will post it here "How many of you guys use a sleight of hand skill in your act? For example, a wand spin, the use of a false count, stealing from a hold-out, use of a die-tube or silk ball, the correct use of a 'take move' v a 'put move', palming or use of a Toppit? " This is a great question and one in which I find myself discussing quite often with others over the years. There is the belief that in order to be a magician, one must be skillful. One must have amazing skills in sleight of hand magic and be able to utilize those to "fool" people. It tends to be that this sleight of hand skill becomes the most important aspect in what they do even when performing for children. I have a few issues with this a bit and so allow me to dive a little deeper into what I just stated. I first feel that magicians have a habit of getting into magic for the LOVE of the craft. By craft, I simply mean that we as magicians love the "how" behind everything we do. We love how things work and the mechanics of it all. It may have been the discovery of the French drop that fascinated us. It may have been how a card vanishes via a back palm move that peaked our interest. It is these sleights and mechanics that attract us to the art of magic. We as magicians tend to fall in love with them and therein lies one of the first hurdles we must combat when performing for children. You cannot allow your own love for a move or obsession of sleights to get the better of you. Just because YOU love the sleights you learned does not mean you have to perform every single one of them in every routine or show you perform. There is a theory that less is more and that becomes very important when performing for children utilizing sleights. I have seen people vanish cards 15 different ways in a single routine simply because they could. It was not done to make the effect stronger. It was merely done because they themselves love the moves and wanted to show them off any chance they could get. But think of it from the perspective of your audience? Isn't the whole purpose of being a magician to entertain in the best way possible? Notice I said "entertain" and "best way possible". Both of these are key to understanding your audience better. The goal is not to "fool." I mean of course we must as that is at the heart and nature of what we do. However, "fooling" children and audiences is and should not be the first thing or only thing on your mind. Entertaining the audience should always be first...always. Now if we are to entertain an audience, must we always use every skill and every sleight we know? Not at all. This does not mean stop learning. This does not mean be self-working or utilize props all the time. It means having the ability to choose the right "tools" to get the job done the best way for you. An artist learns the tools of his trade. He studies composition, how to use paint, brushes, canvas and the tools needed. He acquires vast skill over the years so as to know how to do different techniques. These become tools in his tool box from which to build a masterpiece. However, any great artist will tell you that they know just WHICH tools to use to get the job done. A master artist never uses every tool he has for every painting. He chooses wisely the BEST tools to get the job done the right way and leaves the others in the tool box for another time. So how does this relate to magic? Well we as magicians need and should be building and adding to our own toolbox. We should be learning the sleights and learning the skills and moves to broaden our knowledge base. We should strive to never stop learning. These moves and sleights become OUR tools in our magic tool box. We cannot build better routines or better shows unless we have a wealth of tools from which to choose from. However, once these tools go in our magic tool box, we must become better at choosing HOW we utilize them. Do not dump them all out every chance you get. Instead, like a true artist, choose which ones make the most sense to get the job done right. Do not go overboard simply because you can. Choose wisely. The second point I would like to make is that the moves and tools we use (sleights etc.) should be invisible to our audiences. They are a means in which to get the job done. That job is to create an entertaining experience. In many cases why run if you are not being chased? Why utilize the hardest sleight possible if an easier one will work just as well? The notion here is the audience is not supposed to know or see it at all in the first place. So choose your tools wisely and allow yourself the chance to make your routine "clean" and to give you enough confidence for it to work every time. This confidence allows you to put forth a lot of effort into the presentation aspect of what it is you are doing. The third point is that the sleights should never outweigh the entertainment value. If you are performing for children, I can get more laughs from a comedy wand then I can from 10 mins of card sleights. Now this is not to say card sleights or sleights of any kind are not valued. They are valued in the right place at the right time. It simply means choosing wisely. Do not utilize sleights to simply "show off" to kids. Most of the time they will simply not enjoy it as much. Sleights are the tools in your toolbox. These tools must be learned, collected and studied and built up over time. Never stop learning. But learn to select your tools in a rational fashion. Make sure what you select makes sense and builds upon the entertainment value of the routine you are creating. If something easier works just as well, why not use it? The end result in the means of audience reaction is really the true test. 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. Please check out my many ebooks and books at my product site at http://www.kpmagicproducts.com -------------------------------------------- 9. Anthony Darkstone Brook in Conversation with Eric Evans - Part 2 -------------------------------------------- Message by Anthony Darkstone Brook - Europe/USA EE: And speaking of the S.A.M convention in New Orleans, I seem to recall that you were a judge at The Close-Up Contest ADB: Yes indeed I was; I was asked by Paul Critteli to judge the Close-Up Contest together with some good pals like Jon Racherbaumer and Scott Wells. We gave joint First Place to Joe Cole of Nebraska and Shawn Farquahar. Dan Garrett and I featured Joe Cole in World Class Magic when we Co-Hosted the series. Regarding Shawn Farquahar from Canada, I wonder what happened to him? EE: Ha! Ha! That's funny. You guys are good pals. Paul certainly ran a great competition, I was really impressed with him and how fair everything was, it was a great experience overall. The judge's feedback in particular was invaluable and unfortunately for me, agreed with everything Dawn had been telling me for some time, ha! ADB: He! He! Just kidding about Shawn ..Yes we are! He has been a guest at my home and last year together with Michael Finney, Jason Andrews and Joe Turner he was a guest on my Live TV Style Talk Show at the British IBM Convention in England. Aha! Before it slips my mind, let me get back to that time in New Orleans and the judging .. There's a good reason for me referring to this . I've been honored to be a judge at a few Contests including the S.A.M and The IBM. I'm mentioning that because my pal Jon Racherbaumer - who has publicly stated that he is not a great fan of most stage Magic - got into a wonderful conversation with myself and Norbert Ferré at a party at Gary Hughes' home and the subject of your performance came up. EE: Really? ADB: Yes and without going into great detail we all agreed that had we been judging The Stage Contest we would have put you in First Place. We were discussing how you brought the compactness of highly visual street Magic into the context of movements on stage, the quality of your moves, how you used the stage and of course your incredible sleights and the sheer elegance and artistry of your misdirection with giant coins. I have to add that till this day, although I was in the wings, I still have no idea where many of those coins came from or went to. EE: Thank you Tony, those are very kind words indeed. I think that Magic, as any other art-form, needs constant practice; that is essential; we must train ourselves thoroughly to perform it effectively. The problem therefore is the same as it has always been - where to find that training? The internet has only obscured that all the more; learning new and varied tricks I don't believe will help any magician get closer to learning about the principles that make magic work as it does. Those principles, for me, are what is important. ADB: I could not agree with you more Eric. Jon Racherbaumer and I have had many conversations on this.. When he was guest on this series ( anyone interested, can go to the Magic New Zealand archives or to www.cbrookmagic.net) and read Jon's sage words on this topic. He and I passionately believe that the manner of presentation of Magic is the most crucial element to a performance. Incidentally, Jon has written some very glowing words on your book, "The Secret Art of Magic'. Regarding the topic of the training to perform, you have been a great advocate and indeed have been immersed in this for many years. EE: Yes Tony, I have been for many years. I grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. When I was about 10 years old, I discovered a wonderful bricks and mortar magic store, which went by the excellent name of, 'Fool's Paradise.' Of course, I also spent lots of time in the school library pouring over Magic books .not just the tricks but I also spent a great deal of time studying the actual history of Magic. I guess this is what helped to set me on the path to becoming a performer and not just a Trickster. The History of any Art is important and unless we Magical performers understand the history of our Art we cannot hope to advance or to seek points and places beyond the normal borders. In a conversation, we once had, you remarked that Magic has no boundaries and so we are always continuous students. End of Part 2 -------------------------------------------- 10. Information On Max Andrews Required -------------------------------------------- Message by Bernard Reid (NZ) I need a favor. I have had an urgent plea from overseas for information on Max Andrews after he emigrated to New Zealand in 1958 and his subsequent departure for and death in Australia. If any readers of your ezine have any information, ephemera, anecdotes etc. It would be really appreciated if they could contact me at thaumaturge2@yahoo.com Sincere thanks and regards, Bernard. ------------------------------------------- 11. Innovention 2012 -------------------------------------------- Message by Paul Stone (US) Last week I promised you more details about Magic's Best Kept Secret, The Innovention, taking place at the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas from September 30 - October 3. The Innovention is the only Magic Convention in the world where you'll find the numbers limited to just 250 and that offers such an incredible line-up of talent. There are plenty of Conventions that you can register for, and if you are excited by the prospect of battling with thousands of others for a seat to every show, or be so far away from the action that you need to use binoculars, or you are happy to pay a lot of money to watch competitions for hours on end in the hope of seeing the occasional outstanding act, then the Innovention is definitely NOT for you. However, if you like being one of only 250 people, who are treated as valued guests, and enjoy having an excellent seat and view of EVERY Show, Workshop and Lecture, and most importantly actually have the chance to mingle with, meet and spend quality time with all the 'Star' performers and Magical VIP's, then you should register NOW for the Innovention. The Innovention is dedicated to Master Magician and world famous Hypnotist Peter Reveen, and many Stars of Magic and Variety are turning out in force to support this incredible Showman who is suffering from poor health. Just a few of the performers already confirmed are Johnny & Pam Thompson, Fielding West, Armando Lucero, Paul Vigil, Michael Goudeau, Michael Holly, Murray, Ben Stone, Bob Kohler, Scott Alexander, Farrell Dillon, Jon Armstrong, and there are several more amazing performers promising to be there, and of course we will also have several Las Vegas 'Legends' popping in too! The Gold Coast is the perfect venue for this high quality, and intimate Convention, and offers terrific value for money. And don't forget, once we reach 250 Registrations, we won't be accepting any more, so if you want to be a part of this very special and unique event, don't delay, go to info@Innovention2012.com for full details and to register. We will undoubtedly sell out fast! The Innovention ... Unlike ANY other Magic Convention! ------------------------------------------- 12. Second Annual Cape Cod Festival Of Magic -------------------------------------------- Message by Markus Steelgrave August 28-30, 2012! We're excited to announce the Second Annual Cape Cod Festival of Magic! Last year's event, held literally "Under the Big Top", went surprisingly well, and has been upgraded this year to the Performing Arts Center at Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School, South Yarmouth, MA. Returning this year: Bruce Kalver Dean George Schindler and Nina Markus & Angelique Steelgrave Michael Trixx Marcus the Magician Richard Archer Joe Cabral Cindi Evans (PolkaDot the Clown) Artie Kidwell, as Master of Ceremonies NEW this year: Luna Shimada David "The Great" Kaplan Becky Blaney BJ Hickman Joseph Young John Henry Mandre (Mike Douglas) John Born "The Balloon Guys" Daniel Herron and Tom Vorjohan Joanie Spina Two different shows each day! And, only for the magic community, free lectures and a dealer's room! This is NOT a convention or conclave, so there is NO registration fee. Simply come to the Cape and experience fantastic magic, while enjoying the beauty of Cape Cod and its wonderful restaurants, shops, beaches, and hotels. Tickets are $10 for afternoon shows, $15 for evening, and all shows are different. Stay for all three days--area hotels will offer special "Magic Festival" discounts! Details at www.CapeCodMagicFest.com (be patient as updates are posted regularly); for general questions, contact Entertainment Coordinator Markus Steelgrave: Markus@SteelgraveMagic.com. There's Magic on Cape Cod! Hope to see you at the Festival! -------------------------------------------- 13. Wedding Announcement -------------------------------------------- Message by Phil Temple (US) I've just rec'd perhaps the most beautiful wedding invitation I've ever seen. Gold ink adorns the parchment envelope holding the three fold invitation which is not only die cut but partially imprinted with gold ink. Absolutely unique! Sent from my friend of many years, P.C. Sorcar, Jr. of India, the invitation announces the wedding of his eldest daughter, Maneka. Sorcar, Jr. has appeared in the United States only twice in the past 20 years (if my memory serves me correctly), and he and I were able to spend considerable time together during his local appearances here in California: once at the University of California Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley, and the last at the Chabot College Auditorium in Hayward, California for a predominantly Indian audience. At the last appearance in Hayward, CA. a few years ago, I was introduced to his daughter who not only acted as one of the many on-stage assistant's, but whom I was told had created much of the show's choreography. It was interesting to note how Western Influences had influenced her work. As many of your younger readers might not know, Sorcar, Jr. is part of a family with a magical history, several members having traveled the world more than any other know performer in the history of Magic. While Sorcar's show is technically behind the times when it comes to the latest illusions, with each effect - and there are many - there is a complete change of costume and scenery. His last performance here in the United States was the best overall magic show I have seen in the past 55 years (complete with his own orchestra!). The wedding took place on May 2, 2012 in Kolkata (Calcutta). Congratulations may be sent to the new bride (Maneka) and Groom (Susmit) at: Indrajal Bhavan, P.C. Sorcar Street, Ballyganj, Kolkata, 700 019, India. ------------------------------------------- 14. The 21st KIDabra Conference -------------------------------------------- Message by Mark Daniel (US) The Conference of KIDshow and Family Performers In the Resort Town of Pigeon Forge, TN August 15th-18th (Optional Events Begin the Evening of the 14th) The Year Of Inspiration! At KIDabra we take KIDshows and Family shows very seriously, while having a fun time doing it! This year's special focus is on the important pieces that make up the show, the routines! You'll find an emphasis on great show routines for your Pre School, Library/Reading, Senior Center, Holiday, and Birthday Parties and Shows. Enjoy and learn from awesome lectures with Dal Sanders, Dave Andrews, Mike Bent, Marcy Klutchka, Jim Kleefeld, Bruce Amato, Barry Hinnant and Jim Austin. Plus, come meet the wildly creative Steve Petra who'll turn your puppet work on it's ear with eye popping ideas and then spend the evening celebrating 30 years of Axtell Expressions with Steve Axtell and friends. Watch as Max Howard helps Gary Shelton take his performance to a higher level. And don't miss Gary on the hardest night he works all year: The 18th Mammouth KIDabra KIDshow Auction. See Barry Mitchell and Terry Evanswood "make it personal." (These guys are electrifying and hilarious when together!) From England, Don't Miss KIDabra Peoples Choice Award Winner Dave Andrews and the inventive and Funny Mike Bent with live KIDshows. Plus the Optional Biz Builders Tuesday and Wednesday filled with strategies for the working performer to meet head on the challenges of today's economy and market place with seminars from Brad Ross, Kevin Heller, Jason Hudy, Dal Sanders, Tom Dowling, and Dave Risley! Plus the incredible KIDabra Dealers Room! These are just some of the folks and Don't Miss Events at KIDabra Conference 2012. See the full schedule at kidabra.org You're invited to join KIDshow and Family Performers from around the world for a week of education and fun in one of the top family destinations in the US- KIDabra Conference in Pigeon Forge. We can't wait to see you! For full info on the conference and association including the schedule, videos, and registration fees go to kidabra.org While you're there sign up for the KIDabra E Newsletter while you're there, and join the KIDabra International Members and Friends Group on Facebook. -------------------------------------------- 15. Magic Auction This Sunday - Last Chance! -------------------------------------------- Message by Potter & Potter Sunday is Auction Day Don't miss out - live bidding starts Sunday morning! Potter & Potter's auction of the collection of John McKinven, including many rare and unsual books, props, and associated ephemera, takes place this Sunday, May 13th, at 10 am CST. This is your chance to pick up an Expanding Die a la Buatier de Kolta, a lovely Morison Pill Box, inscribed books, Houdiniana, striking posters, apparatus with significant historic association, and many other oddities and curiosa. Important! Anyone wishing to place absentee or phone bids, or anyone who would like more information on a specific lot should contact us immediately. We look forward to hearing from you, and to helping you secure that special something in the sale you've been looking for. -------------------------------------------- 16. Antibullying Magician Elgregoe And Sue -------------------------------------------- Message by Greg Britt (NZ) New Zealand's Antibullying Magician Elgregoe and Sue sign Huge deal with Trustpower. Elgregoe (Greg Britt) is in his 16th year of doing Antibullying Magic Shows throughout New Zealand with over 700,000 students having been challenged by his show. This work has gained him a New Zealand order of Merit from the Queen, and endorsements from the Governor General, Prime Minister and the Entertainment industry. Elgregoe and his wife/assistant Sue have just renewed and signed a new deal which will see them busy performing shows to the end of 2015. Through Trustpowers very generous support the show is estimated to be seen by 20% of all New Zealand's junior school students annually, travelling to many areas that might not normally see a show like this. New initiatives see a development of cutting edge resources for schools which includes, DVDs, worksheets, posters, certificates and poetry and poster competitions with $1000 prizes for schools and thousands of You've Got The Power Show giveaways. Elgregoe has also developed a Trustpower magic set that will be used to reward competition winners. Another new initiative is that a number of schools that are Trustpower (Energy) accounts will now be selected annually to see the show totally at Trustpowers cost and Trustpower will be stepping up the marketing of the new show to all New Zealand schools. Success comes from totally reproducing the show each year and adding cutting edge illusions and props. After attending the IBM convention in West Virginia Elgregoe and Sue head down to Florida to see Jo Eddy of Fairchild Magic who's is working on a whole new set of amazing props that will compliment Trustpower and the 2013 show. Elgregoe has been given his brand new van from Trustpower and is excited about the opportunity to do great magic shows, raise the bar on school show performances and make a difference to New Zealand school children at the same time. www.elgregoe.trustpower.co.nz -------------------------------------------- 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) --------------------------------------------- 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 and statements 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 or statements contained 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 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