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* Magic New Zealand®
* Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment
* www.magicnewzealand.com
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Issue Number: #973
Date: Sunday 9th December 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 Magazine Edition 5
3. Tommy Cooper: 'Jus' Like That!'By John Fisher
4. The Linking Ring Magazine - December 2012 Issue
5. Remarkable Magic #58 - Nick Lewin
6. Double Birthday Parties - #282 - Kyle Peron
7. In Conversation with Pat Fallon - #12
8. Broken Ward - Tom Owen
9. The Dai Vernon Foundation, Inc.
10. Six Lectures Announced For 2013 Convention
11. Does Anyone Have Info On The Origin OF This Great Idea?
12. Tributes Paid To Tom Owen
13. Alan Shaxon's 'Confabulation Deluxe'
14. 2013 New Zealand Lectures - Diary Now
15. Magic In The Rockies 2012 Review
16. Henry Dean - Famous To Generations Of Conjuring Historians
17. Magic New Zealand App
18. e-zine Archives
19. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice
--------------------------------------------
1. Editor's Message
--------------------------------------------
This week's issue of Magic New Zealand is being published
very early this week as I am out of town from tomorrow performing
corporate shows.
----------------------
For those who would like to read Magic New Zealand in a HTML
format go to:
http://www.magicnewzealand.com/ezine-archive/2012-Jan-to-Dec-2012/955-Sep16-2012.html
Remember
if you have any magic news drop me a line:
Editor@MagicNewZealand.com
--------------------------------------------
2. Vanish Magazine Edition 5
---------------------------------------
Message by Paul Romhany - Editor of Vanish Magic Magazine
With
over 70,000 readers we now must be the largest read trade
magic magazine in the world. Quite an achievement since we
are only up to edition five. Please keep the comments coming,
and we are always open to suggestions for articles and stories.
We
also have more and more advertisers are coming on board which
is great. Our rates are much more reasonable and we have a
wider circulation than other trade magazines.
Remember
it's a FREE Magic Magazine and can be downloaded from
www.vanishmagazine.com
This
issue, as always offers amazing articles by working pros,
and some great tricks from mentalism to close-up.
Contents:
Becoming
Comfortably Confident by Matthew Fallon
Bamboozlers
by Jim Diamond Tyler
Magician's
Crossword Puzzle
Feature
Story: Michael Giles - Illusionist by Chipper Lowell
Pyramid's
Eye by Banachek
The
Success Series - Marquee Magic Tricks by Cris Johnson
Just
Say Yest To Acting by Joey Pipia
Name
Dropper by Wayne Rogers
Why
Vegas? by Bizzaro
Millenium
Supermentalism by Tony Binarelli
Edinburgh
Love Affair by Ventriloquist Sarah Jones
How
To Get Amazing Testimonials by Leif David
Who
Wants to Stop Performing by Ken Dyne
It's
Child's Play by Tony Chris
Routing
and Illusion Part 2 by Charles Bach
Thinking
and Doing Magic by Eugene Burger
The
Magic Assistant by Gwyn Auger
The
First Time I Advertised My Magic Show by Steve Spill
Nicholas
Night Exclusive Interview by Paul Romhany
Into
The Future by Richard Webster
Double
Prediction by Luca Volpe
Magic
Reviews latest Tricks, DVDs, books and Apps
Nick
Lewin Presents by Nick Lewin
Czech
This Out! by Lee Alex
Be
Cool by Danny Archer
Income
Marketing System for Magicians by Randy Charach
Let's
Make Deal or No Deal by TC Tahoe
From
the Desk of Keith Fields
Wishing
everybody a wonderful Christmas and look forward to an exciting
2013.
--------------------------------------------
3. Tommy Cooper: 'Jus' Like That!'By John Fisher
---------------------------------------
Message by Amelia Harvell (UK)
'Tommy
was amazing. He looked like Mount Rushmore on legs. He never
said anything about real life so he never dates.' Ronnie Barker
'Absolutely
fantastic. No other comic would work with him, he was too
good.' Barry Cryer
Tommy
Cooper:
'Jus' Like That!' A Life in Jokes and Pictures By John Fisher
Published
in hardback by Preface 25th October 2012, £12.99
For
the first time John Fisher, 'Keeper of the Cooper flame',
collects the cream of Tommy Cooper's personal archive bequeathed
to Fisher by Cooper's widow Gwen and manager Miff Ferrie.
For
the first time, Tommy Cooper's biographer, writer and producer,
John Fisher, collects between two covers the cream of the
comedian's personal archives, with photographs, memorabilia
and documents that have never been seen before.
Had
Cooper kept a scrapbook, this is what he would have produced.
Souvenirs from his many stage and television triumphs jostle
side by side with candid shots of him at play with his family,
many revealing a side to the man the public never really saw.
Here is the authentic side of Tommy in the forces, the early
show business struggle, the backstage world of his magic,
the newspaper coverage of the most recognisable man in Britain,
the crazy japes at home with wife Gwen, and so much more.
This
book, with its brilliant colour images and hilarious text,
puts the successive stages of Tommy's life in full context.
And if you don't want to follow his life in biographical detail,
just sit back and relax by laughing at the many jokes that
crowd the pages. They tell their own story!
John
Fisher has enjoyed and long and distinguished career as a
television producer and executive working for both the BBC
and ITV. He worked with Tommy Cooper on several occasions
and includes the bestselling biography Tommy Cooper: Always
Leave Them Laughing amongst his published works. He is the
owner of Tommy's personal joke files.
For
more information please contact Amelia Harvell
aharvell@randomhouse.co.uk or call 020 7840 8623
--------------------------------------------
4. The Linking Ring Magazine - December 2012 Issue
---------------------------------------------
Message by Paul A. Lelekis
December
2012 issue of The Linking Ring magazine,
Vol. 92, No. 12:
Editor:
Samuel Patrick Smith
Reviewed by Paul A. Lelekis
Welcome
to The Happy Holiday edition of The Linking Ring!
The Linking Ring has the largest circulation of any magician's
magazine in the world.
Windy
& Sunny are featured in this month's edition of The Linking
Ring! Read about Russell and Maryellen Douton's remarkable
and magical journey through life in their inside story!
You
won't believe the "Who's Who" of celebrities that
have befriended them and their own success as T.V. stars!
This pair has done it all!
Windy
& Sunny have been performing, full-time for well over
60 years.and are still performing full time! What a remarkable
duo!
This
month's Parade features Windy & Sunny! They generously
share the wonderful magic that has kept this pair very busy
AND, I believe a first, they share some of their secrets of
DOVE magic!
In
addition, they provide information on the care, feeding and
training of doves for those who might want to get started
in Dove magic!
Doves
have been an integral part of their repertoire for close to
60 years and Windy & Sunny Have Something To Say!
Ian
Adair, an amazingly inventive magician, (is there anyone who
doesn't know this remarkable man?!) is given tribute this
month! Ian has been writing Parades for 50 years (this month!)
and writing Parades for the I.B.M.'s largest ring, ring #25,
The British Ring for 36 years!
C.
Dennis Schick shares with readers the benevolence and generosity
of magicians throughout the world! He touts that "magicians
are amongst the most generous people in the world!"
Mike
Power's Card Corner - This month Joe Nalepa has provided a
wonderful routine called, My Collectors, based on the late,
J.C. Wagner's "Omni Twist Collectors"!
Ways
And Means by Joe M. Turner presents a very magical production
of the 4 Aces called PRAces by Jeff Prace. This one is a very
clever, yet easy production!
Peter
Marucci's Showtime gives readers a very cute effect that is
more of a gag and ideal for table-hopping! He calls it Psydney
the Psychic Psalmon - very memorable!
Storytelling
Magic by Ed Solomon presents yet another adventure by DeNomolos.
This one is Christmas oriented and a very nice one that can
be accomplished with an old prop you might have!
There
many wonderful articles, magic items and discussions that
will interest any age group or type of magician!
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!
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. Remarkable Magic #58 - Nick Lewin
--------------------------------------------
Message by Nick Lewin (US)
Let's
do some magic....
One
of my original goals in writing this column was to talk about
the various magicians I have met who have helped and inspired
me throughout my magic career. That's why I called it 'Meetings
With Remarkable Magicians,' which is also a nod of the head
to my spiritual teacher Mr. G.I. Gurdjieff.
One
of the things I really tried to stress was how sometimes a
brief/chance meeting could cause a huge difference in ones
understanding and outlook as a magician. Along our path you
sometimes make contact with an individual who just refreshes
your life, just with their presence and being. David Oliver
is one of those people for me. We haven't met often, but have
a lovely relationship and he is one of those people I wish
I lived closeer to, so a fully-fledged friendship could blossom.
David
has been a full-time magician and full-time asset to magic
for many years and recently has been a frequent performer
at 'Monday Night Magic' in New York and the 'Mystery Lounge'
in Boston. He has been an advisor and mentor to hundreds of
young magicians throughout the years. One of the first things
you take away from meeting David is his generosity towards
magic and magicians.
In
October 2008, David underwent lung surgery after contracting
a potentially fatal lung affliction called hypersensitivity
pneumonitis. This ailment is also known as Bird Fanciers Lung,
and it was caused by working and living with the doves that
he featured in his show for more than 25 years. The August
2011 issue of Genii featured a full account of his ordeal.
It also detailed a complete list of symptoms and how to avoid
the same situation, essential reading and research if you
are a dove worker.
David
has been courageously battling this health condition since
2008 and is
now facing a double lung transplant. There has been a fund
established to
help David, and full details of his condition and magical
achievements can
be reached on the Internet at www.letsdomagic.org If you make
a donation you
will receive a purple wristband with David's tagline on it.
I am proud to
wear mine.
A
Gala event "Let's Do Magic" is to be presented as
a benefit for David Oliver on January 19th 2013. The event
will be held at Clark's University's Daniels Theater, 950
Main Street, Worcester, Massachusetts where there will be
two performances at 2:00pm and 7:30pm. Knowing those New England
magicians I am sure it will be a fabulous event and jam packed
with great magic and magicians.
There
is also a program booklet that will be released in conjunction
with this event, and it will contain advertising space for
greetings and messages. 'Advertising rates' range from $600
for the back cover to $25 for a 'well-wisher' listing and
ALL the proceeds will go Directly To David. It is a wonderful
way to help a truly unique member of our community at a time
when he could use our support and assistance.
For
full details of the event, exact pricing and how to reserve
your space in the program contact Bob Riordan at bobriordan@comcast.net
The closing date for your kindness to be included in the program
is Tuesday, January 8th 2113. Donations can be made by check,
money order or electronically via the web site. You can also
contact via phone at (203) 877 0157. Your contribution is
very much appreciated and is a chance to help save a life.
David Oliver is a true gentleman and the kind of person who
glows like a beacon in our worldwide magic community. It is
with respect and from the heart that I ask you to join the
'Let's Do Magic Team' and take the
opportunity to give something back to someone who has given
a great deal to magic. Thank you.
You
can check out my product line, order items and check out cool
videos on my website. If someone wants to order one of my
limited 'Ultimate Linking Finger Ring' packages from the web
site I will contribute the entire proceeds to the 'Let's do
Magic' fund. You can find my website at www.nicklewin.com
--------------------------------------------
6. Double Birthday Parties - #282 - Kyle Peron
--------------------------------------------
Message by Kyle Peron
magic4u02@aol.com
http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com
http://www.kpmagicproducts.com
It
is a common thing these days for an entertainer to book a
birthday party event and realize it is for 2 children. Many
times it could be twins. However, often times parents have
children with birthday's that are not that far apart. In cases
like these, it makes sense for the parent to host a single
party for both children.
The
challenge is in know how to go about working it so that each
child gets ample time in the spotlight without one overshadowing
the other.
Here
are some things that you can do to make sure that events like
this run smoothly for you:
When
talking with the client in the pre-booking stage, always make
sure to ask questions up front. You will want to know if the
children are related to each other as well as their ages.
The
reason I ask if they are related is that sometimes families
and friends hold joint parties. If this is the case, I want
to be sure that both parents are there and that I know what
parents belongs to what child. This just helps me to be better
prepared during the show and to customize or adjust the experience
as needed.
You
always want to ask the ages as the age really defines what
you may do or may have to do. If the children are around the
same age, it is fairly common to be able to do your standard
show for that age knowing it will play effectively.
The
challenge is when you have 2 Birthday children that are in
different age ranges. For example, performing for a child
who is 4 and the other who is 7 requires a different approach
to how you go about your show.
As
you know, what works for 4 year olds does not always play
for 7 year olds and vice-versa. When in a situation like this,
you will want to adjust your show so that you get all children
involved in the routines and the fun. You want to make sure
that you have enough that appeals to the younger set and also
to the older set without excluding anyone. A proper flow and
structure of the show can help in this.
One
thing you can also do is to utilize both children in a single
routine that you do. By doing so, everyone gets involved.
There are many effects where 2 people can be used. Allow the
younger child to hold the comedy wands and to assist you while
the older child does some of the harder things that may require
memorization etc. The idea is to get both working as a team
for a fun and interactive routine that gets the audience focused
on them both.
If
you end your show by doing a finale piece with a Birthday
child, make sure both are used. You do not want to end the
show by singling out any one child over the other. Make them
both the stars of the show and it will work much better for
you and for the client as well.
If
one of the children is of a younger age, always talk with
the client to make sure that the younger child is not shy
and is willing to participate. Use the parents feedback and
information to make adjustments to what you may have planned.
I say this as some younger siblings may not always want to
assist. Knowing this up front can help you to better plan
your presentations.
If
you use some of these simple tips and techniques, you may
find yourself much better prepared and be able to offer a
customized show experience everyone will remember.
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.
Entertainers,
please visit:
http://www.kpmagicproducts.com
--------------------------------------------
7. In Conversation with Pat Fallon - #12
--------------------------------------------
Message by Anthony Darkstone Brook - Europe/USA
www.patfallonmagic.com
AD:
Strategy, strategy and more strategy, I agree, an 800 year
old tree is an 800 year old tree and will take another 200
years before it is a 1000 year old tree. Tell us a bit about
your Turning Points.
PF:
OK. The five year plan was instigated in the spring of '89
and was an important turning point in my life for a variety
of reasons. For the first year nothing really changed but
the sudden death of my Uncle in January 1990 was in a strange
way the real beginning of progress. He had left me a small
sum of money in his will and with some additional financial
help from my brother I was able to buy a small van. The van
gave me the freedom to do some illusions in the show so I
enlisted the help of a couple of dancers which ensured I always
had a box jumper available when I need one. I was now in a
position to pursue better gigs and bigger fees so things began
to improve.
However
it was not until February 1992 following the swift blow to
my rump by Paul Welch over the five year plan that major changes
began to take place. I had been booked to perform at a fashion
launch for the Pepe clothing company and had posed for some
press photographs with a young dancer Tanya Kelly. For me
it was just another gig and I thought nothing more of it until
we bumped into one another on the set of a Halloween television
show later that year.
In
the interim period I had begun appearing on odd dates with
Ireland's busiest comedian Brendan Grace. His management had
enquired about my availability to tour on a regular basis
with him, but to do that I would need a full time assistant.
From
my point of view Tanya was an obvious choice as she had just
graduated from Dance College with the Dublin City Ballet,
with little or no prospect of work as a dancer on the horizon.
We worked well together as she quickly developed a great interest
in magic and before long, despite a twenty three year age
difference, a romantic relationship also developed.
The
relationship and the work prospered and when we were not touring
the length and breadth of Ireland we were working corporate
events and private parties around the Dublin area. We formed
ABC magic which was primarily an agency to supply magicians
to perform close-up magic at events I was unable to fit in
myself. Most of the current crop of Irish close-up magicians
began their performing careers on one of those events.
On
February the 4th 1994 the five year plan reached its conclusion
when we appeared in the Davenport Theatre in Stockport, just
south of Manchester in England, on what was to be the first
in a series of dates on two lengthy tours of the UK with Brendan
Grace in the spring and autumn of that year. The five year
plan had taken all of five years and despite my skepticism
it had come to pass. We celebrated it and Tanya's twenty first
birthday on that tour.
End
of Part 12
--------------------------------------------
8. Broken Ward - Tom Owen
--------------------------------------------
Message by Derek Lever
President Blackpool Magicians Club
I
am very sorry to inform you that Tom Owen passed away on Sunday
after a short illness which created severe breathing difficulties.
Tom
joined Blackpool Magicians Club in 1954 and was a Past President
and Honorary Life Vice President. He was a Joint Convention
Organiser for many years and received the prestigious "Murray
Award" For Services To Magic.
He
was a Past President of the British Ring of the International
Brotherhood of Magicians and held the degree of "Member
Of The Inner Magic Circle With Gold Star". He will be
greatly missed by the magical fraternity. The funeral arrangements
are not yet known.
--------------------------------------------
9. The Dai Vernon Foundation, Inc.
--------------------------------------------
Message by Magic Joan
Following
the recent, on-air events in the Dominican Republic, The Academy
of Magical Arts, its Board of Directors and its Board of Trustees,
in conjunction with the Dai Vernon Foundation, Inc., have
established a special fund to assist Wayne Houchin. To make
donations, please send your check to:
Dai
Vernon Fund
c/o The Magic Castle
7001 Franklin Avenue
Hollywood, CA 90026
Be
sure to write "Houchin" in the memo section of your
check.
One
hundred percent (100%) of the funds received will go directly
to Wayne Houchin.
Thank
you!
--------------------------------------------
10. Six Lectures Announced For 2013 Convention
--------------------------------------------
Message by George Schindler (US)
Mike
Miller, talent producer of the Society of American Magicians,
announced that he has booked six lectures to date for the
annual convention in Washington DC (Arlington VA) on July
3-4-5-6, 2013. More acts are still being added to this super
event. Here are the lecturers already booked: Levent, Steve
Marshall, Rick Merrill, Shoot Ogawa, Christian and Katalina
Painter and Bob Sheets,
Click
on the Convention page for photos and credentials at www.magicsam.com
--------------------------------------------
11. Does Anyone Have Info On The Origin OF This Great Idea?
--------------------------------------------
Message by George Schindler (US)
If
you had a chance to read the Dean's Diary in the new MUM (December
- 2012 Page 68) I referred to a Comedy Card effect I saw 35
years ago.
Does
anyone out there have info on the origin and who had this
great idea. It' still viable. -E-mail if you can help. Subject
Card Trick; dean@magicsam.com Thanks.
--------------------------------------------
12. Tributes Paid To Tom Owen
--------------------------------------------
Message by Paul Stone (US)
I
was really upset to hear the sad news that Tom Owen died earlier
this week. I'm sure that there will be several tributes paid
to Tom detailing his many achievements in the world of magic.
Tom
was a past President and a long standing Committee member
of the IBM British Ring and for a number of years, together
with Bill Lamb, produced some of the best ever and most memorable
Blackpool Magicians Conventions, and was hugely responsible
for establishing and helping to build it into what it is today.
I
had great admiration for the way Tom took care of his wife
Margaret after her stroke and ongoing illness. After Margaret
died, Tom battled on even though he was not in the best of
health himself for some time.
Tom
always told you what he thought so you knew exactly where
you stood, and
that honesty was for me one of his most endearing features.
Above all, he was a good man and a good friend, and I will
miss him. RIP.
--------------------------------------------
13. Alan Shaxon's 'Confabulation Deluxe'
--------------------------------------------
Message by Paul Stone (US)
We
have just had a small delivery of ( 12 sets ) of Alan Shaxon's
'Confabulation Deluxe'. The props are made in the very highest
quality leather. Confabulation is without doubt one of the
strongest and most powerful 5-8 minute Cabaret and Stand up
effects in magic, and a genuine reputation maker. The Confabulation
DVD features Alan's handling and set up, and also shows him
performing this signature effect on two separate occasions.
As a special offer, we'll include the DVD free of charge!
We
also have a few only of Johnny Thompson's ( The Great Tomsoni
& Co ) brilliant 'Nemo 1500' back in stock, also superbly
made. Another sensational effect from a true legend in magic.
Both would make wonderful gifts for Christmas, or just treat
yourself... you deserve it!
For
details, email info@uniquemagiccollection.com
--------------------------------------------
14. 2013 New Zealand Lectures - Diary Now
--------------------------------------------
Message by Alan Watson (NZ)
Karl
Koppertop with Jeff Kaylor (US) Lectures
Auckland
- Friday 11th January 2013
Wellington - Saturday 19th January
Dunedin - Monday 21st January
Palmerston North - Saturday 2nd February
Both
American magicians have websites and YouTube clips, so Goggle
them for more information. Karl is a versatile stand up, close
up magician and an inventive balloon sculptor. Jeff is a magical
inventor famous for TKO.2 an outstanding control device, and
Any Card to any Wallet.
------------------------------------
Matthew Write (UK) Lectures
Auckland
- Wednesday 6th February 2013
Christchurch - Saturday 9th February
Marvelous
Matthew Write from the UK. Two time FISM award winner. IBM
Magician of the Year. The Magic Circle Magician of the Year.
International Magician of the year. Brilliant Close Up performer.
Director of Magic at the House of Illusions in Spain. Catch
him on YouTube.
------------------------------------
John Kaplan (Canada) Lectures
Wellington
Tuesday 12th March 2013
Auckland Thursday 14th March
An
article in the MAGIC magazine ran on John couple years ago
...
http://www.fundraisingmagic.com/magic_mag_SP09.PDF
John
has a wealth of experience performing close-up, platform and
grande illusion. In this 90-min lecture he shares several
original effects and routines that come directly from his
professional repertoire. Audience-tested "real world"
material that you can and will use.
This
lecture is full of "workers" that John performs
regularly to entertain children and
adults, both in family audience settings as well as adult-only
functions.
As
a bonus, in the 2nd part of the lecture John reveals some
of his promotional secrets and marketing strategies he's used
to be super successful in the realm of creating, selling and
performing fundraising shows for family audiences, a niche
he's developed that has allowed him to "never have a
day job" and carve out a very comfortable living - performing
the type of shows he prefers, to audiences of his choosing
- for the past 3 decades.
--------------------------------------------
15. Magic In The Rockies 2012 Review
--------------------------------------------
Report forwarded by Edward Hurtubis
Magic
in the Rockies 2012 - 19th Annual
September 6, 7, 8, and 9, 2012
IBM Ring 250, The Presto-Digitators
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Magic In The Rockies 2012: The Reunion Convention
A
Review by David Goodsell
The
Monday before the start of this year's Magic in the Rockies
2012 convention I was on the phone with Stan Allen, editor/publisher
of MAGIC Magazine. I told him we would be at the convention
later that week. "I'll see you there!" Stan replied.
"I've never been, but when Charlie Frye and his wife,
Sherry, were on the show a couple of years ago and then went
back the following year as regular registrants, I knew there
must be something special about it.
So
this year I contacted Tim Pendergast and Lew Wymisner and
Stuart and I will perform at the gala public show at the Lincoln
Center on Saturday night." When I hung up the phone I
made a note to visit with Stan after the convention. Flash
forward to Sunday morning. "You were great last night,
Stan. The audience loved the way that little guy (the bunny
puppet) came alive." "What a great venue! What a
great audience!" was Stan's immediate response. And that
was true. The Lincoln Center Performance Hall, which seats
1180, is a lovely setting.
The
stage feels close to every seat, and the light was perfect
for Stan and Stuart, zoning in on the kid (everything is relative
- Stan is a kid to me), his little bunny, and the prop that
delivers the surprising finish to what has become a classic
act. We've seen Stan and Stuart many times, but this just
might have been the most effective performance ever. We don't
particularly like Stan, but that bunny sure knows how to compensate!
"We'll come back," said Stan. I believe him.
That
whole show was terrific, by the way. Pickpocket - watch stealing
expert Gene Turner opened that gala public show getting a
half dozen folks from the audience up on stage. While doing
a sponge ball/sponge rabbit routine he stole watches, switched
them from one person to another, lifted wallets, teased ties
away from an unsuspecting volunteer, and our favorite, took
all the credit cards out of one spectator's wallet. We think
he gave most of them back. It was great to see Gene do the
things he had lectured about earlier in the week.
We
watched him misdirect his audience helpers as he moved through
the act. Gene gave us another performance on the Saturday
night Soirée - more about that later. Gene Turner is
a top pro, and his lecture is based on thousands of hours
of experience. By the way, as we report on our Magic in the
Rockies experience we will touch only on the highlights of
the various performances and lectures. To do otherwise would
take up the whole Ring Events section of The Linking Ring!
Back to the public show.
We'll
mention Eddie Goldstein here, because he did a fine job as
emcee, energizing the crowd, moving the show along, and doing
his own fine juggling bits. Seasoned performer Mysto the Magi
aka Mitch Harwood and his lovely assistant, Erika gave us
an effective neo-classic Origami Illusion moment and 16-year-old
"Mighty Mini," known in the real world as Lauren
Miller, gave us another as she floated a little girl from
the audience. By the way, a helium balloon tied to the little
tyke's wrist provided a great visual. Magic in the Rockies
believes in kids. There is even a rumor that Lew Wymisner,
the wizened, old talent director for the convention, was one
once. We had seen Lauren a few days earlier on the Junior
Showcase Show perform a stage-sized stop-light routine (Strat-O-Spheres)
with a giant cylinder and basketball-sized red, yellow and
green balls. Ah, yes, the future of magic is in good hands.
Living
legend Johnny Thompson charmed the audience with his Malini
egg bag routine that has been honed to perfection by more
years than a good many there have been alive. I know, 'cause
I've been around awhile too and am fast catching up to Johnny!
Watching him do any magic is always a lesson in presentation.
At his Sunday morning lecture Johnny went through the details
of the egg bag routine. The smart magicians in the audience
paid attention to the thinking behind those details because
they can be applied to all magic.
And
then the public show finale. I don't care who you are; Stephen
Bargatze should be one of your heroes! He is a wonderful entertainer
and a highlight of any show he is on. At his lecture the day
before we enjoyed his interaction with two teenagers as he
performed his classic sponge ball routine, which was as skillful
as it was hilarious. But also, we were impressed by the thoughtfulness
of his comments about using other people's materials and by
Stephen's own story of how he came to be a professional magician.
Saturday
night he had the audience of magicians and real people in
tears of laughter as he worked with kids and adults. It was
a powerful way to finish the show. On the way out real people
asked Lew, "When can we see that show again?" "Never,"
was Lew's gruff reply. "Never! This is the only time
we will ever have this perfect mix of talent." But come
back next year, was implied, for we will have another terrific
unique mix of talent!
Oh.
We actually did have a chance to see Stephen Bargatze one
more time because he closed the Saturday night Soirée
with "The Straight Jacket of Death." Dear readers,
if you have never seen Stephen Bargatze and you have a chance
to, even if you have to drive 10 hours to see him, do it.
But try to see him work for real people.
The
Saturday night Soirée, a favorite tradition at Magic
in the Rockies, is a late night show in the hotel showroom
for Magic in the Rockies registrants and townies. Talent is
not booked for this, magicians simply volunteer to perform.
This night we saw a rising young magician, Derek McKee, do
selections from his excellent act, followed by Harvey Berg
performing his famous book test, Ne Plus Ultra.
Harvey
had explained this and a few other things at his lecture on
Thursday, so we were pleased to see how it played for normal
people. Not everyone likes mentalism, but the audience was
tuned in as Harvey described a scene selected from any page
of any of three classic novels and read silently by an audience
member. Very impressive! Christian Engblom once again performed
his card routine in which his pockets vanished (he had performed
this on the close-up show). Gregg Tobo told a Japanese fable
and illustrated it by making several images with a bamboo
mat. This is actually a classic form of Japanese entertainment,
kind of a Japanese Troublewit. Using a simple bamboo mat,
maybe 16 inches by 24 inches in size, and loosely constructed,
which can be manipulated into a six-foot diameter sun, a large
fish, a small box, an undersea cave, and the hanging branches
of a weeping willow, if you know how. It was lovely and different!
Over
the past few years we have watched Paul Draper develop into
an excellent entertainer. He is funny; he is smart; he is
clever; he is unique; he can sing opera (and did - an operatic,
Italian version of "Happy Birthday!") and he makes
mentalism fast, funny, and highly effective. Talent bookers
- don't overlook Paul Draper! The audience loved him at the
Saturday night Soirée.
And,
of course, we closed with Stephen Bargatze. We need to add
that Eric Mead did a great job emceeing the show. Folks, that
little throwaway, volunteer, Saturday night Soirée
show (woe to those who were too tired to attend) could play
any convention!
"So,
Stan," says I. "What did you like about this convention?"
"First of all, Rhonda (Stan's far better half) loves
Fort Collins. The people everywhere are really friendly, and
she loved the downtown 'college town' feel." Yeah, Stan,
fine, fine, but what about the convention! I didn't say this.
I just thought it.
"But
it doesn't feel like a convention. (said Stan, and he's been
to more than a few). it feels. like a reunion!" At that
moment I had my headline. And it fits! For example, Stephen
Bargatze told us, with real emotion, that this was where he
could sit and visit with old friends, even more so than in
his own home town. Stan continued, "And the guys who
run it, Ed Hurtubis, Tim Pendergast, and Lew Wymisner, go
out of their way to make the performers feel at home. They
are probably the most laid back convention organizers I have
ever known." And then he wrapped it up with this classic
line: "If Lew Wymisner were any more laid back they would
have to plant him!"
We
drive to Magic in the Rockies and always arrive on Wednesday
night. The next morning I wandered into the lobby where I
found my old pal, Barrie Richardson. We had not visited more
than ten minutes when we were joined by Harvey Berg, of book
test fame. A few minutes later Tim Zager of Kansas City joined
us, and showed us his latest creation, a wonderful card routine
that will be marketed by Card-Shark. Doc Eason, another standard
fixture at Magic in the Rockies, stopped by to say hello.
We chatted briefly about a visit we had last year. Then Kozmo,
then Armando Lucero. and so it goes at Magic in the Rockies.
Yes,
a few tricks were demonstrated, but there would be lots of
that over the next four days. What was even better were the
stories by both Harvey and Barrie, and later by Doc Eason
and Garrett Thomas, of events in their lives that bring the
human element to magic. and THAT is what makes Magic in the
Rockies such a wonderful experience!
The
next morning I once again joined Barrie in the lobby and settled
in for a chat when Gene Turner wandered by. He first stole
Barrie's watch, and then mine, and we both have stretch bands!
Gene is a fun guy, and friendly with everyone - as are all
the pros at Magic in the Rockies. Barrie Richardson is, indeed,
a legend in magic, although he would deny this. Yes, I have
known him for years and feel comfortable joining him for a
chat. But. and this is what you need to know. if you, any
of you, happen by at that moment and hang around looking the
least bit interested, you will be welcomed to pull up a chair
and join us, and Barrie and the other performers are likely
to ask you directly to do so.
Here
is another example: Jeff Montel, a friend from the Colorado
Springs area, stopped Garrett Thomas - the Garrett Thomas;
the brilliant Garrett Thomas - in the lobby to ask him a question
about something from Garrett's lecture. Garrett was happy
to respond. Jeff noticed that a couple of real people from
North Dakota paused to watch what was happening. Jeff said
to Garrett, "Garrett, you need to show these fellows
something." Those two visitors took twenty minutes of
awe and wonder back to North Dakota with them. And that could
have been R. Paul Wilson, or Paul Vigil, or Armando Lucero,
or Christian Engblom or any of the other celebrities at Magic
in the Rockies. Man! I can hardly wait 'til next year!
I
need to tell you about the powerful Headliner Close-up Show:
Garrett Thomas' stunning coin routine, Christian Engblom's
vanishing pockets (you had to be there), Paul Wilson's Chaos
Nines (my name for his impossible card trick) and a lovely
Ramsey/Vernon cylinder, cork, and silver dollars routine;
Jason England's complete control of a deck of cards - the
spectator cut the deck to the last ace! Armando Lucero's coin
and card routine set to music, which can only be described
as poetry - a ballet with cards. We watched his work from
overhead via video camera. Flawless! We thought that was it,
but no, Johnny Thompson was a surprise finish with his classic
ball and net routine and a prediction (Nemo 1500) that had
us all scratching our heads. It was a great, great, close-up
show, and the large-screen video coverage to the left of the
stage area meant that everyone could see!
Paul
Vigil is a master of magic theater, as evidenced by his hour-long
performance of mentalism. From start to finish Paul captures
the attention of the audience. Magicians will recognize some
of his routines as classic magic (such as his opening chop
cup routine) disguised as psychological and even paranormal
events, but his patter is so well crafted and his confidence
so evident that his work is extremely convincing. He has designed
a perfect showcase for mental magic! The next day Paul explained
a few of his routines in his lecture slot, reinforcing his
reputation as one of today's premier performers. Mentalism?
Mental Magic? Just Magic? His audience will only know that
what they have seen seems impossible!
We'll
wrap this up with a summary of highlights we haven't yet mentioned:
Kozmo's street magic lecture featured his actual street show.
Hannibal's theatrical cylinder and coins routine using a tube
from a push-up ice cream, Morgan silver dollars, and a story
about his grandfather. Christian Engblom's lovely "Oil
over Troubled Waters" oil and water effect. Stan Allen's
late night interview with Johnny Thompson. Garrett Thomas's
Speed Readers marked cards. Doc Eason and the other performers
at the traditional late night Rocky Mountain Bar magic session,
an event so popular that video has to be piped into another
area so everyone can see it; and Doc's son Ryan making his
bar magic debut. Doc sharing a new routine for a lucky few
in a tucked-away corner of the bar after hours. The Magic
in the Rockies Junior Showcase Show, featuring young magicians
eight to eighteen: Lauren Miller, Gerald Robinson, A.J. Perea,
Bennett Shulze, Max Andrews, and our favorite, Chase Hasty,
who performed classic magic in a tuxedo and wowed us all with
his linking rings. Steve Spangler aka "The Science Guy"
as seen on the Ellen DeGeneres show with the help of Eddie
Goldstein presented a lecture on "The Science of Magic."
Armando Lucero's thought-provoking lecture - he is truly one
of magic's finest thinkers, constantly seeking perfection.
Diamond Jim Tyler's quick wit and clever, clever magic - once
again, bookers take note. Wayne Dobson, another regular, with
humor we have come to expect. And. a great dealer's room!
We close with a few words by Garrett Thomas, thoughtful magician,
one who takes his craft very seriously. "Love every trick
you do," he says, "and remember that those who create
magic touch people forever and that by doing magic you are
giving a gift of value."
Magic
in the Rockies is a gift of value. Thank you, Lew, Tim, Ed,
Geoff, Dave, Brian, Andy, and Bob and all your hard working
volunteers at IBM Ring 250 and elsewhere! If you wish, you
may watch the Magic in the Rockies 2012 slide show at http://www.youtube.com/embed/bYoNqSOv_sc?rel=0.
--------------------------------------------
16. Henry Dean - Famous To Generations Of Conjuring Historians
--------------------------------------------
Message by Clay Shevlin
Henry
Dean's name has been famous to generations of conjuring historians
and collectors as the author of the 18th century's best-selling
English magic book, The Whole Art of Legerdemain, or, Hocus
Pocus in Perfection (London, 1722). But even very rudimentary
details of Dean's life have remained elusive in spite of dedicated
inquiries and research spanning the last 150 years. The magic
scholar to most recently address this mystery was Raymond
Toole Stott, who sought to provide fresh insight on Dean in
the annotations to his A Bibliography of English Conjuring
1581-1876 (Derby, 1976). However, despite his intensive investigations,
Toole Stott came away as stymied as his predecessors and even
questioned whether Henry Dean ever existed!
Now,
with the aid of modern research technologies, much new information
has been uncovered on Dean's life and his iconic work, with
some very surprising and intriguing results. Early last month,
renowned historian Dr. Edwin A. Dawes spoke about some of
these fascinating discoveries at the Yankee Gathering held
by the New England Magic Collectors Association, and to commemorate
his talk I have published a 28 page monograph, Henry Dean:
Eighteenth-Century Best-Selling Magic Author/Compiler. It
is well illustrated, with a full color cover, and features
subject matter covered by Eddie as well as additional material
not included in his lecture.
The
edition of this monograph is limited to 150 numbered copies,
only 125 of which were offered for sale. Most copies have
been sold, but those that remain are available for purchase
by U.S. buyers from me or Byron Walker for $25 postpaid, and
by international buyers from Byron for $29 postpaid. Orders
will be filled strictly as they are received, and this monograph
will not be reprinted. You may write to me at chshevlin@sbcglobal.net
or to Byron at byron.walker@comcast.net to inquire about availability.
More
information may also be found here:
http://www.geniimagazine.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=27775
9#Post277759.
Clay
Shevlin
--------------------------------------------
17. Magic New Zealand App
--------------------------------------------
Magic New Zealand now has its very own app that can be launched
on any tablet.
Go
to: www.app.cat/magicnewzealand on your tablet to download
the FREE Magic
New Zealand app.
--------------------------------------------
18. 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)
---------------------------------------------
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Copyright 2012 Alan Watson
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