Magic New Zealand® E-zine

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* Magic New Zealand®
* Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment Ltd (New Zealand)
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Issue Number: #1402
Date: Sunday 24th September 2017
Editor: Alan Watson QSM
www.watson.co.nz
E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com
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Hi here is the latest news
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1. Editor's Message
2. The Magic Circle Awards 2017
3. The Magic Word Podcast - Saratoga Ballanttine: My Father
4. Paul A. Lelekis - Part 4 - Odds and Ends!
5. Pantomime - #462 - Kyle Peron
6. Las Vegas Magic - October 2017
7. Daytona Festival Of Magic 2017
8. Escape Artist Steve Baker, aka Mr. Escape, Has Died
9. Genii Convention 2017
10. MINDvention 2017
11. Nearly A Century Of Magic In The Dimond
12. Masters Of Illusion - September 22, 2017
13. E-zine Archives
14. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice

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1. Editor's Message
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If you would like to read the Magic New Zealand e-zine in a HTML format
go to: http://www.magicnewzealand.com/ezine-archive/2017-Jan-to-Dec-2017/1402-Sep24-2017.html

If you would like to write a regular column for Magic New Zealand or
have some magic news drop me a line:
Editor@MagicNewZealand.com

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2. The Magic Circle Awards 2017
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The David Devant Award for Services to International magic
Silvan MIMC - the top Italian illusionist, writer and television personality

The Maskelyne Award for Services to British magic
Debbie McGee MIMC - Debbie achieved national and international fame through television appearances on the Paul Daniels Magic Show and was one of the first women to join The Magic Circle.

The Carlton Award for outstanding comedy in magic
Pete Firman - best known for his television shows including The Secret World of Magic, Dirty Tricks and his comedy circuit appearances.

The Cecil Lyle Award for Best Trick Published in The Magic Circular
Barry Cooper AIMC

The John Neil Maskelyne Prize for noteworthy contributions to the art or literature of magic:
Ricky Jay - the well-known actor, author, consultant and highly acclaimed sleight of hand artist.

Silver Wands - for Service to The Magic Circle
Margaret MacLean AIMC - long serving regional representative of The Magic Circle

David Weeks MIMC - many roles within The Magic Circle, most recently Membership Examinations Secretary.

The Gold Medal - Given for exemplary service to the Society or exceptional magical ability both. There have only been nine recipients since it was introduced in 1926 and it was last awarded in 2005

Winner of the tenth medal is Professor Edwin Dawes MIMC
Professor Dawes is a highly respected author, researcher, historian and collector and has made an invaluable contribution to the world of magic and is celebrated with the presentation of this award.

His work is highly regarded in the international magic community due to a combination of its trustworthiness, which derives from his unflagging efforts to seek and cite credible primary source material in his research and publications, and his flair for weaving facts and broad historical perspective with engaging, gracious prose. Consequently, many of Professor Dawes' works are considered indispensable components of a complete magic reference library.

His column, A Rich Cabinet of Curiosities began in The Magic Circular in 1972 and still appears every month, making him one of the most prolific magical authors. He was also the founder of The Magic Circle's annual History Day and recipient of many awards from societies around the world.

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About The Magic Circle Awards:
Since its inception in 1905 The Magic Circle has always prided itself on showcasing the best magicians from around the world. For many years The Magic Circle has rewarded these magicians with various honours and prizes, be it through examination or by call of the President.

One year after the society was founded, Membership of The Inner Magic Club was initiated closely followed by Associate of The Inner Magic Circle. Since then numerous other awards have been introduced by The Magic Circle including; The Silver Wand, The Maskelyne, The Devant, The Cecil Lyle Award and The Magic Circle Close-Up Magician of the Year.
In recent years due to its growing popularity, The Magic Circle has introduced The Stage Magician of the Year, which has brought stage, cabaret and platform magic to the forefront of proceedings at The Magic Circle.
http://themagiccircle.co.uk/the-society/our-awards

If you would like more information on The Magic Circle or how to join go to: http://themagiccircle.co.uk

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3. The Magic Word Podcast - Saratoga Ballanttine: My Father
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Message by Scott Wells, M.I.M.M. with Gold Star

Carl Ballantine billed himself as "The World's Best Magician" then proceeded to "mess up" every trick. He was named by MAGIC Magazine as one of the Top Ten Funniest Magicians. He was best known as "Lester Gruber" on the popular TV series, "McHale's Nave" with Ernest Borgnine.

This week on The Magic Word Podcast, we visit with Carl's daughter, Saratoga "Sara" Ballantine, who relates what it was like to grow up in the household with television and movie celebrities coming over to visit her father. Also, she talks about Carl's magic and how he developed his comedy act. Sara serves on the Board for the Academy of Magical Arts so she also talks about the Magic Castle in this chat, too. You can watch a couple videos, read the blog, see some photos, listen online and download the MP3 file at: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/385-sara-ballantine-my-father

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4. Paul A. Lelekis - Part 4 - Odds and Ends!
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Message by Paul Lelekis (US)

Magical Entertainment:
Yet Another Finale!

(Be sure to review Parts 1, 2 & 3 of this series!)

Part 4: Odds and Ends!

The more I write about performance, the more things that spring into my mind that happened to me before. As I mentioned in the first three parts of this series, there are as many reactions and responses that you'll receive, as there are spectators.

Though you'll have a huge variety of conditions as you perform, the "reactions" of your spectators will become, after performing many times, somewhat standard you'll notice a trend, and you'll get many of the same responses, time after time.

Learn to recognize these "standard reactions" of spectators to utilize for your "impromptu-appearing" responses. Also, do not forget to read my final thought, below, about "becoming stale"! It is very important!

I want to provide you with an induced "standard reaction" that i have used countless times, for many, many years that's not only very funny, it also appears completely "off-the-cuff" - or impromptu. This is good!

I used to "set-up" a Siskel & Ebert joke long before Gene Siskel died in 1999 but I continued with it, even after he died…still to this day. It never fails to get great laughs!

Here's what I would say…
I would be performing any of a number of tricks for my spectators and then I would say (as if it just occurred to me!), "Oh! You know what? I performed this very same trick for Siskel & Ebert some time ago - you know the two movie critics?"

And then, I'd shut up and wait…do not say a word! It is very important to keep completely quiet after your patter above.

After the above patter, most of the time, someone at the table (it will usually be a man) will then say, "Did they give you two thumbs up?!"

Everyone there will laugh really hard, to them it's very clever. Here is my response, after the laughter dies down…

"No, I don't think they liked it that much, they actually gave me two fingers up!" If you want to hear real belly laughs try this patter out.

The above "bit" is not only very funny (utilizing a mental scenario), but it will appear very impromptu because you are responding to something that the spectator said!

You have just created an implied scenario…they see the two movie critics shooting the "bird" at you, mentally, and the spectators will laugh very hard! They are imagining what it would look like in their minds.

Your spectators will credit you with being extremely clever as if you had JUST thought of the above joke on the spur of the moment!

Now once in a while, you may not get the "wanted" statement from the spectator as above.

So instead I'll pause a second and then say "Ya' know I thought I'd get two thumbs up from them but I didn't! (Pause and look downward, and look dejected) "Instead I got two fingers up - and that really hurt!" This also receives great laughs!

This will be long remembered, maybe not so much the joke but your ability to "react very cleverly" on the spur of the moment! That is what will be remembered about you…how you made them feel!

They will look at you with very different "eyes" from that point on, and you will get tipped very generously, no matter What kind of magic you did…even if your magic sucks! You know who you are! Lol!

While I'm here, talking about close-up performance, I want to make a statement about BAD performances that I've seen numerous times on videos, magic dealer sites, and on YouTube.

In other words,…the final revelation!

If you watch videos of performance from magic businesses who are trying to sell a product (and there's a new product every day that's "the greatest trick in the history of the Universe!"), you'll note how wildly the spectators appear to respond.

In the above scenario, there are two bad lessons to be learned.

#1 - The most obvious is that you will almost never get the psychotic responses from your spectators that you'll see in those videos, time and time again. Those spectators react that way because they've been told to react that way. You might get such a reaction, once in a Leap Year…but generally…no way!

#2 - Do Not Drag Out The Final Revelation! In the videos, as above, I've seen performers (often young and inexperienced) draw out the final revelation, way too much…longer than they should.

In other words the performer is taking way too long to get to the final revelation and often (unlike the "spectators" in those videos) your spectators WILL start second-guessing you…they will often blurt out what they think the final revelation is going to be. Trust Me On This Point!

Sometimes the spectator's guess will be even more impossible than your actual revelation! Now that's embarrassing - and it's totally unnecessary…

An excellent example of the above "problem" is my favorite effect of all time, Dream Card II, in my e-book, My Favorites (1). This effect is a Monster!

Years ago, when I first started performing Dream Card Ii (in the 1980s and I just performed it the other day), I saw a problem.

I noticed (as per the patter), when I related how "…I found a card on the floor when I woke up...", spectators started second guessing me by saying "…That's the card that's going to be in that wallet!"

Of course this bothered me - but I made a very minor change in the patter - and the above spectator comment has not happened again - not one single time since then and this is my most performed effect!

I have performed this effect for real spectators more than 10,000 times, at least! It will make everyone's jaws drop!

Remember…timing is everything!

My point being, is that sometimes your patter must be refined to "circumvent problems" with your spectators' possible responses.

So, don't drag out the final revelation it will give your spectators the "opportunity" to ruin your effect!

Also if you take too long to get to the final revelation, you'll find that spectators might "harbor ill-feelings" about you, even though they'll still smile at you. Don't be one of these guys!

Learn to know the best time to end your effect, in other words, the best time to reveal your final revelation! This is very important!

It is something you will have to "play" with to find that certain moment - but it will be worth it! Shorten your "outro"…

Keep your patter (just before the final revelation) interesting…you want to keep your spectators' minds on what you're saying so that they're not trying to think of something "clever" that will spoil your final revelation.

In addition, the performer must have an appropriate response for the final revelation! My usual "response" is either I am also "amazed at what the spectator did", or I am frustrated with this "same annoying thing that always seems to happen to me" - or I relate my story through the "eyes" of a third party.

If you are giving patter about something that happened to someone else, you can relate to that "3rd party's" frustration. It takes all of the "heat" off of the performer.

Spectators will respond to the above types of endings, much more readily than if you were to act like…

"Look at me…I'm so wonderful that you have to love me - especially after having amazed you with my incomprehensible powers and skill! I'm SO great that you HAVE to love me!" You get my drift…

Good Lord I hate the above type of "performer" and so do spectators.

Though spectators usually won't show it, they'll resent it and you'll know it if you table-hop…your tips will be less than stellar…Trust Me!

Don't Be A Show-Off! Show-off types are the main reason people will go running for cover every time you pull out a deck of cards!

Becoming Stale!
Years ago, I started noticing that my spectators weren't "reacting" to my tricks the way that they used to!

So I examined what I was doing and realized that I had become as stale as week old bread!

When I examined my own performances, I realized that I started becoming "drone-like" in my presentations. In other words, it sounded as if I was 'reading a script'!

So, I induced myself to start being more enthusiastic with my patter and presentations, thus becoming "believable" once again! It Worked!

At first when my spectators weren't reacting the way I expected, I thought, '…maybe they're just bad spectators' - which does happen occasionally. But it was me!

Be very aware of your enthusiasm and your how you present your patter and scenarios…it makes a huge difference in the reactions from your spectators! Don't be shy…be large and in charge!

I've made many of the above "mistakes" in my time, but I had to learn how to handle them, the hard way - trial and error.

Your spectators want to be amazed and entertained, and the rewards are FAR greater than if are you acting like you're some kind of "magic demagogue".

Trust me…you're not a God - and you don't want to be! Besides, the reactions and admiration you'll receive by being a humble performer, will FAR out-weigh any satisfaction from "Magic God" thing.

Be humble, yet in charge! You will be very happy that you did!

Now go out there and entertain the world!

Check all of Paul's 44 incredible e-books at Lybrary.com at the link below:

http://lybrary.com/paul-a-lelekis-m-163788.html

Email Paul, for any questions at: SpellboundLelekis@yahoo.com

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5. Pantomime - #462 - Kyle Peron
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Message by Kyle Peron (US)
magic4u02@aol.com
http://www.facebook.com/perondesign
http://www.kpmagicproducts.com

The art of pantomime can be a wonderful tool for any magician and I would recommend any student of magic to learn and study it. I never once thought that my years of doing costume character work would ever have any real purpose later on with my magic, but it has been very valuable to me.

The art of pantomime is the ability to tell or express emotion or a story through the actions and body language of the performer. There is no spoken word but only music if that. Red Skelton (amongst others) was a genius of this art form and literally could not only tell wonderful stories without word, but his audiences new every single thing being expressed.

They loved the characters he came up with and they felt sadness and emotional responses just through the body language red was giving to them. Although spoken word was never used, props, expressions of the face and body language were. In many cases these are the exact same things a magician uses and can find him or herself with as well.

There has been a lot I have learned over the years through the study of pantomime. It started when I was doing costume work and I came across it by accident. Basically, I was never allowed to talk while in costume or while in "character". So, I naturally had children wanting to know what I was doing and I wanted to express things to them like hunger, excitement, happy, sad, and laughter.

I had no idea how to do this but started to try different things. I realized that if I could not talk, I must express my intentions through body language and movement. I soon realized just how much could be expressed without saying anything at all.

There was an exercise that I used to do to train myself into creative thinking with pantomime. With any art form we use for our magic, you only get better at it if you study and practice it. This exercise really has helped me to express my intentions while on stage. It may help you.

The basic idea is to write down single words that you think may need to be expressed while on the stage or in your act or show. These words may be such things as: sadness, confusion, happiness etc. Tare literally thousands of words and ideas you may want expressed, but I am sure you get the idea. Now you start to figure out one word at a time. This focuses your mind and keeps you on track. Do not get so overwhelmed by trying to say or tell too much at once. Break it down to its simplest parts.

Take a single word on your list and video tape yourself doing something in your show that expresses that word or idea. I know this sounds weird but trust me here for a second. Perform the idea and section onto video. Then watch it on TV with one very big exception. Turn The Volume Off!

Watch what you are doing and really study your movement. In many cases you will start to realize that the body reacts and moves in certain ways naturally to what you are saying and doing. Study those movements. These movements are the things that the body does in subtle ways to express certain ideas. The idea now is to realize how the body reacts when it is happy, sad, or confused.

The problem then lies in the fact that the body knows that people use many parts to convey an idea or feeling. Voice works along side of sight and body movement to easily convey ideas to people. The problem then lies in what happens when you take some of those "helpers" away.

What you end up realizing is that you can take the subtle movements you studied, by watching yourself on video, and learn that by amplifying those moves they can be expressed even without voice.

For example:
When you are confused, watch what your face and body does. In most cases the head may tilt slightly, the eyes and eyebrows may squint and you may hunch a bit in posture. If you amplify this, then you can exaggerate these common traits and learn to add tell-tale signs to them to send the right singles to the audience.

In this case you would exaggerate the above signs but may add to them. You might bring your hand up to your chin and rub it in the state of pondering. You may switch your stance and do it with the other hand as well. All of this adds up to expressing an idea or emotion without voice.

So how does this apply to magic? Well it can be used to tell the audience your intentions on stage and send those intentions to the person even in the farthest seat in the back.

If you are doing diminishing cards, without word you can take a card and use your index finger and thumb and start off far apart and as you make them get closer, you hunch a bit and you show a bit of expression of force. Just this simple sign can be seen by the audience to say you are going to make them smaller before anything else is even done.

I hope this is of help to some and may get folks talking about other ways in which you can tell your audience what you are doing. If anyone would like me to go over some other methods that I mentioned above, just let me know. It would be my pleasure.

Because I am also partially deaf, I have realized even more the importance of being able to convey my magic to anyone at any time. It has helped my magic a lot and allowed me to share it with many others.

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 kylekellymagic@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you.

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6. Las Vegas Magic - October 2017
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Message by David Neubauer - www.dnmagic.com

Criss Angel - MINDFREAK Live!
7 pm & 9:30 pm (Dark Mon. - Tues.) - Luxor.
Scheduled to end Nov. 1, 2018
www.cirquedusoleil.com/criss-angel-mindfreak#BwSsTgzRH21YxQov.97

David Copperfield - An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion
7 & 9:30 pm nightly, also 4 pm Sat. - MGM Grand.
www.mgmgrand.com/entertainment/david-copperfield.aspx

Gerry McCambridge - The Mentalist
7:30 pm (Dark Wed.) - Planet Hollywood.
www.vtheaterboxoffice.com/Vegas_Show_Tickets.cfm?showID=10005

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 new show each month. $10 cover.
www.vegaswonderground.com watch live: www.McBrideMagic.com

Imaginarium - David Goldrake
7 pm. (Dark Mon.) 4 pm (Sat. Only) - Tropicana Theatre, Tropicana.
www.troplv.com/las-vegas/shows-entertainment/david-goldrake-imaginarium

LaughterNoon - Adam London
4 pm, (Daily) - The D.
thed.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=3
$11.35 Tickets: http://www.vegas4locals.com/coupons/las-vegas-shows/laughternoon/

Mac King Comedy Magic Show
1 & 3 pm, (Dark Sun. & Mon.) - Harrah's.
www.caesars.com/harrahs-las-vegas/shows/mac-king-comedy-magic-show
Free tickets (buy 1 drink) usually available at the concierge desk or handed out by showgirls.

Mat Franco - Magic Reinvented Nightly
7 & 9:30 pm - Linq Showroom - LINQ.
www.caesars.com/linq/events/mat-franco#.VUTdemdFDD8

Mike Hammer Comedy Magic Show
7 pm (Dark Sun. & Mon.) - Four Queens Hotel and Casino.
www.mikehammershow.com

Murray The Magician
With Guest Act: Douglas "Lefty" Leferovich.
4 pm (Dark Wed.) - Sin City Theatre, Planet Hollywood.
www.planethollywoodresort.com/shows/murray-celebrity-magician.html
Half-Price Tickets:
http://www.vegas4locals.com/coupons/las-
vegas-shows/murray-celebrity-magician/

Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show
4 pm - Saxe Theater - Planet Hollywood.
www.nathanburton.com/Tickets.php
$12.50 Tickets: http://www.vegas4locals.com/coupons/las-vegas-shows/nathan-burton-comedy-magic/

Paranormal - Frederic Da Silva
4 pm - Windows Showroom, Bally's.
www.caesars.com/ballys-las-vegas/shows/paranormal#.VTaCb2dFA-w
Half-Price Tickets: www.halfpriceshows.com/Shows/showdatelistt.jsp?i=4&id=
246&City=Las Vegas&State=NV&Name=paranormal

Penn & Teller
9 pm, (Dark Thurs. - Fri.) - Rio.
https://www.caesars.com/rio-las-vegas/shows/penn-and-teller#.WZuOuHGQx6k

Piff the Magic Dragon
8:00 pm, - Bugsy's Cabaret, Flamingo
www.caesars.com/flamingo-las-vegas/shows/piff-the-magic-dragon

Tommy Wind - A Unique Magic and Music Experience
7:00 pm. (Dark Wed.) - The Tommy Wind Theater
(Vegas Blvd between the MGM and Planet Hollywood).
www.tommywindmagic.com/vegas-magic-show-2014/

Unseen Forces - David Shareef
8:00 pm. (Dark Mon. - Thurs.) - Majestik Theatre, 99 Convention Center Dr.
Half Price Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/coupons/las-vegas-shows/unseen-forces/

Xavier Mortimer's Magical Dream
7:00 pm, (Dark Wed.) - Sin City Theatre, Planet Hollywood.
Half Price Tickets: www.halfpriceshows.com/Shows/showdatelistt.jsp?i=4&id=270&City=
Las%20Vegas&State=NV&Name=xavier-mortimers-magical-dream

Magic and More
Circus 1903 - The Golden Age of Circus - David Williamson
7 pm & 10 pm, (Dark Mon.) 3 pm (Wed., Sat., Sun.) - Paris, Las Vegas.
www.caesars.com/paris-las-vegas/shows/circus-1903#.WVGD43GQx6k

Crazy Girls
Tony Douglas - 9:00 pm (Dark Wed.) - Crazy Girls Theater - Planet Hollywood.
www.caesars.com/planet-hollywood/shows/Crazy-Girls#.V7X7GXn6t6k

Dixie Dooley
2 & 4 pm every Saturday & Sunday - Center Stage at the Boulevard Mall.

Haunted Vegas Show and Tour - Jac Hayden, Robert Allen.
9:30 pm, picks up at the Royal Resort.
www.hauntedvegastours.com

Redneck Comedy Magic - James Michael
6:00 pm. (Dark Tues. - Wed.) - LA Comedy Club, Stratosphere
www.redneckcomedymagic.com
Half-Price Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/coupons/las-vegas-shows/
james-michaels-redneck-comedy-magic/

Sapphire Las Vegas Comedy Hour
Comedians, Burlesque, Magicians, Variety Acts - Mondre
8 pm, (Dark Sun.- Fri,) - Sapphire Gentleman's Club, 3025 Industrial Rd.
www.sapphirelasvegas.com/las_vegas_vip_services/sapphire_comedy_hour

Séance - A Journey into the Real of Spirits
8:30 pm Wednesdays only - Majestik Theatre, 99 Convention Center Dr.

The Mystifier - Dixie Dooley
7:30 pm (Dark Tues. - Fri.) - Majestik Theatre, 99 Convention Center Dr.
Attendees get to view Dixie's unique escape exhibit for free.

V - The Ultimate Variety Show - Jason Byrne
7 pm & 8:30 pm, sometimes 4 and 5:30 - The V Theatre, Planet Hollywood.
www.vtheshow.com

Zombie Burlesque
Featuring Steve "Tiny" Daly as "Tiny Bubbles".
8:30 pm, (Dark Sun.) - V Theater, Planet Hollywood
www.vtheaterboxoffice.com/Vegas_Show_Tickets.cfm?showID=10032

Vegas Public Close-Up Magic
Linq: Magic Mike (Michael Moretti) - 7:30-9:30 pm nightly - Chayo Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar.
Mandalay Bay: Magical Mix - Christopher Karpiak 7-10 pm (Dark Sun.. - Mon.) - Skyfall Lounge, Delano Hotel.
Wynn/Encore: Shimshi - Resident Magician.
Las Vegas Strip Street Magic: Grndl, Jungle Josh, James Kelsey.
The Fremont Street Experience: Adam Flowers, Chris Randall, Will Bradshaw.

Las Vegas Magic Organizations
Fantasma I.B.M. Ring 257, 7 pm - 8:45, 1st Monday each month at Top Hat and Wand Magic Shoppe, 5115 Dean Martin Dr. #102. No meeting if the 1st Monday is a major Holiday. ($24 a year to be a member). Current President and contact: John McClenahan, doctormagiclv@embarqmail.com or 702-395-3856. www.ibm257.com

Darwin's Magic Club 8 pm - Midnight. Each Wed. at Tommy Rockers at Dean Martin & Flamingo.

The Las Vegas Magic Luncheon is every Friday at Noon. Magicians and Variety Artists meet for lunch and laughs. All visiting magicians to Las Vegas are welcome to drop in. Great food, great atmosphere - Gordon Biersch, 3987 Paradise Rd

Upcoming Special Events
September, 2017
Sept. 20: Fantasma I.B.M. Ring 257 presents a lecture by Paul Prater. 7 pm. Top Hat and Wand Magic Shoppe, 5115 Dean Martin Dr. #102, Fantasma Ring 257 members free, others: $20. Children free with paid adult.
www.ibm257.com

Sept. 21: Jeff McBride's Wonderground, 7:30 pm to midnight - The Olive (3850 E Sunset Dr.) Non-stop Magic and Variety Performance Art. A new show each month. Local ID: $10 cover, all others $20.
Wonderground September 21st, 2017

7:30pm Allen Scott will do tarot readings in the "art area" before and after the close-up shows by Kent Axell, Will Bradshaw, Tim Shegitz, Jeff McBride, and Ryan Brown

8:00pm Tim Wise is your MC
Jose Herrara - Amazing Illusions
Tim Shegitz - Magic & Comedy
Jeff McBride - Always a Wonder to Remember
Kent Axell - Magic & the Mind
Will Bradshaw - Street Magic Sensations
Krystal Lawrence - Femme Fatal
Ryan Brown - Lord and Master of the Rings!

9:00pm
Krystal Lawrence - Close up
Jeff McBride - The Magical Medicine Show
Steelfyre - Die-namic Dice-ceptions
Kent Axell - Magic and Mind reading

10:00pm Jeff McBride is your MC
Tim Wise - The Host with the Magical Most
Jose Herrara - Exotic Illusion
CG Ryche - Drummagic!
Allen Abbott - Faster than your eye!
Will Bradshaw - Moonlight on The Moulin Rouge
Ryan Brown - Card Manipulation Supreme!

Plus: Photography by Sheryl Garrett, Bar Magic with Zack Pattee, Scott Steelfyre, Corey Rubino, Taylor Lloyd, New World Rhythmatism Belly Dancers, Guest Belly Dance Stars, Psychic Sideshow with Alan Scott, live art with Areeya - and many more surprises and special celebrity guests
www.vegaswonderground.com watch live: www.McBrideMagic.com

October, 2017
Oct. 6-7: Amazing Johnathan Rocks Lounge - Red Rock Resort.

Oct. 14: Fall Training - Classic Themes of Mentalism presented by McBride's Magic & Mystery School. Instructors: Jeff McBride.
www.magicalwisdom.com

Oct. 15: Fall Training - Focus on Storytelling Magic presented by McBride's Magic & Mystery School. Instructors: Jeff McBride.
www.magicalwisdom.com

Oct. 16: Fall Training - Focus on Séance and Bizarre Magic presented by McBride's Magic & Mystery School. Instructors: Jeff McBride.
www.magicalwisdom.com

Oct. 17: Fall Training - Focus on Illusions presented by McBride's Magic & Mystery School. Instructors: Jeff McBride.
www.magicalwisdom.com

Oct. 18-21: Magic and Meaning Conference presented by McBride's Magic & Mystery School will be held at the Tuscany Suites & Casino, located at 255 E. Flamingo Rd. Instructors: Jeff McBride, Guest of Honor: Mat Franco.
www.magicalwisdom.com

Oct. 19: Jeff McBride's Wonderground, 7:30 pm to midnight - The Olive (3850 E Sunset Dr.) Non-stop Magic and Variety Performance Art. A new show each month. Local ID: $10 cover, all others $20.
www.vegaswonderground.com watch live: www.McBrideMagic.com

Oct. 20: Fantasma I.B.M. Ring 257 presents a lecture by Mystic A Minevitz. 7 pm. Top Hat and Wand Magic Shoppe, 5115 Dean Martin Dr. #102, Fantasma Ring 257 members free, others: $20. Children free with paid adult.
www.ibm257.com

Oct. 27: Fantasma I.B.M. Ring 257 presents a lecture by Mark Edwards. 7 pm. Top Hat and Wand Magic Shoppe, 5115 Dean Martin Dr. #102, Fantasma Ring 257 members free, others: $20. Children free with paid adult.
www.ibm257.com

November, 2017
Nov. 2: Fantasma I.B.M. Ring 257 presents a lecture by Billy Debu. 7 pm. Top Hat and Wand Magic Shoppe, 5115 Dean Martin Dr. #102, Fantasma Ring 257 members free, others: $20. Children free with paid adult.
www.ibm257.com

Nov. 4-6: Magic for Speakers and Presenters presented by McBride's Magic & Mystery School. Instructors: Jeff McBride Stephen Shapiro, Tobias Beckwith.
www.magicalwisdom.com

Nov. 8-11: Master Class for Mentalism presented by McBride's Magic & Mystery School. Instructors: Jeff McBride, Lawrence Hass, Ph.D. Special Guest for the Class will be Ross Johnson. Sold Out
www.magicalwisdom.com

Nov. 12-14: The 14th edition of the premiere Mentalism Convention MINDvention - Palace Station.
www.MINDvention.net

Nov. 15-18: Master Class for Mentalism presented by McBride's Magic & Mystery School. Instructors: Jeff McBride, TBA, Lawrence Hass, Ph.D. Special Guest for the Class will be Ross Johnson.
www.magicalwisdom.com

Nov. 16: Jeff McBride's Wonderground, 7:30 pm to midnight - The Olive (3850 E Sunset Dr.) Non-stop Magic and Variety Performance Art. A new show each month. Local ID: $10 cover, all others $20.
www.vegaswonderground.com watch live: www.McBrideMagic.com

December, 2017
Dec. 21: Jeff McBride's Wonderground, 7:30 pm to midnight - The Olive (3850 E Sunset Dr.) Non-stop Magic and Variety Performance Art. A new show each month. Local ID: $10 cover, all others $20.
www.vegaswonderground.com watch live: www.McBrideMagic.com

2018
August, 2018
Aug. 5-8: MAGIC Live! Details to come.
www.magicliveconvention.com

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7. Daytona Festival Of Magic 2017
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Message by Harry Allen (US)

Just added. gets better and better!!!!
From Japan---Steve Marshall---
Message by Harry Allen (US)

Daytona Festival Of Magic
November 3-4-5 2017
www.daytonamagic.com

Just Booked...
FISM Winner --Boris Wild
along with:
David Roth
Mike Michaels
David And Dania
Alexander Great
Niels Duinker
Nick Lewin
Bob Little
Jarol Martin
Fred Moore
Ben Zabin
Harry Allen
Joseph Young
Mike Dikman

Stage Shows- lectures-close up show- contests- First class auction-dealers from around the world....

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8. Escape Artist Steve Baker, AKA Mr. Escape, Has Died
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Article forward by Mel Kientz (US)

By Dean Carnegie

My friend and mentor, Steve Baker has passed away. He died at 11:11pm on Saturday September 16th, 2017 at his home in Illinois. His wife Julie, who was his faithful assistant throughout his career was by his side when he passed. Steve had been ill for quite a long time, but recently suffered several mini strokes which he did not recover from.

In the 1970s and 80s, Steve Baker was all over TV with his fabulous escapes. His career started a few years earlier when he hung upside down in front of the Tribune Tower Building in Oakland CA to recreate Houdini's Upside Down Strait Jacket Escape. Steve freed himself from the jacket in record time and it began his full-time career in 1967.

Steve was known professionally as Mr. Escape. You might wonder where he got the name from? Well, the name had been used briefly by Steranko. According to Steve Baker, he asked Steranko if he could use it. A little-known fact, when Steve Baker did his Tribune Tower Escape he was known as The Great Gerhart, so he was in need of a good stage moniker.

Steve was a favorite of Dick Clark the TV celebrity and producer. In the 70s, Dick Clark invited Steve to present many daring escapes on his various TV shows. His very first was on Dick Clark LIVE Wednesday on NBC. Steve presented a thrilling version of Houdini's Water Torture Cell Escape. He followed that appearance up with his Coffin of Death, and then a return visit had him doing a Double Hanging Strait Jacket Escape. Steve also did a challenge escape from a device created by one of the home viewers.

In the 1980s, Dick Clark had a show in CBS called Dick Clark LIVE, and Steve was again, brought on to do numerous escapes. Among those was his Tug of War Rope Tie, his Water Tank of Death, and a very thrilling original escape he called Death Race.

Despite his ability to free himself from anything, his life was not always so carefree. A freak accident while performing the Coffin of Death for the International Brotherhood of Magicians Convention, left him with severe burns on his hands.

In the mid-1990s, Steve was hit by a car in the parking lot of a grocery store which brought about numerous complications. Imagine that, the guy who had been chained to cars and was able to free himself, was hit by a car when not even chained. Life has an ironic way of playing out sometimes.

Though he tried to restart his career following this, it never really came back. He appeared on one episode of MindFreak and later was escape consultant for Andrew Basso on a TV Special he was doing in Italy. Privately, Steve and I worked on some things we were going to do but his health gradually deteriorated until he was unable to perform anymore.

Steve had a love/hate relationship with the Escape Community. He had bitter rivalries with a number of escape artists. Probably the most prominent feud was with Norman Bigelow. Most people were unaware however that the two were good friends and respected each other greatly. Though the feud was real at one point in their lives, they preferred to keep it going publicly because they were hoping to face each other in an escape contest. All the details were worked out, but Steve's health and frankly his financial situation prevented it from eventually happening. But please know, in the end the two finished their lives as fast friends.

This was not the case with others in the escape world. Steve Baker could hold a grudge, lol. And for now, I won't mention those other people. I think he was more connected to the Magic Community than anywhere else because he began his career as a magician. Most people are unaware that Steve did comedy magic for a long time, and he also had a mentalism act.

Steve Baker remained in the care of his loving wife Julie for the past several years. He lived a very private and secluded life. He no longer had email or internet access, and only a couple people even had his phone number. He preferred to be left alone I believe. When he lived in California, I used to talk to Steve several times per week. Then when he moved back to Illinois, it was a couple times a month, then once a month, and after his stint in a nursing home rehab, it became several times a year. He always seemed to remember me when I called, but his short-term memory had issues. He could remember things from long ago, but remembering things in the short term was a struggle for him.

He was one interesting character. For those who knew him, the regular every day Steve Baker, he was a super nice guy. He was not ego-driven like his on-stage persona. His onstage character had the same bravado as Houdini. In the end, he was just a performer who wanted desperately to get back out there in front of audiences because that is what he enjoyed most, entertaining people. Life and health just got in his way. RIP my old friend, there surely will not be another like you.

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9. Genii Convention 2017
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Message by Richard Kaufman (US)

October 4-8, 2017

What Is The "Genii" Convention?

It's Simply This: Great Magic, And Lots Of It.

Welcome to registration for the third bi-annual Genii Convention. Our first two conventions, in 2012 and 2015, were acclaimed by many as among the best magic experiences they've ever had. The enthusiasm of the attendees makes it a pleasure for me to organize, and all of us at Genii thank you deeply for that. Nothing gives me more motivation than the standing ovations we have at every show, and all thanks to you!

You will not have to choose between events at The Genii Convention: you will be able to see every performance and lecture on 9 x 16 foot hi-definition video screens in our main showroom, with close-up magic performed in intimate venues around the hotel.

I strive to book new magicians and lecturers, many of whom you may have read about in Genii but have never seen perform live before. Our convention in 2017 will be no different, with new performers from the west coast and Europe who don't just do one or two tricks, but are given the time to really show off their best work often in 45 to 60-minute
one-man shows. Welcome to the 2017 Genii Convention ... I promise it will be a great one.

To register go to: https://geniiconvention.com/#register

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10. MINDvention 2017
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Message by Danny Archer (US)

The 2017 edition of MINDvention mentalism convention will take place in Las Vegas from November 12th-14th. This is the fourteenth edition of this convention and it is aimed at anyone interested in the art of mentalism.

This year, the producers are pulling out all the stops and have booked a fantastic line-up of talent including; Bruce Bernstein, Jeff McBride, Larry Hass, Eugene Burger, Ross Johnson, Richard Osterlind, Eric Samuels, Docc Hilford, Rick Maue, Chad Long and Michael Weber and Gregg Tobo.

The day after the convention ends, a full day workshop is being offered by Bernstein and Hilford. Three full days of shows, lectures, panel discussions and more, all on the topic of mentalism. Chad Long is getting ready to release a new lecture of mentalism for Penguin magic and MINDvention will be the first ones to see it. Bruce Bernstein is the go to guy for many of the top workers when they want something new and fresh and his lecture and show are both must see events for any looking for commercial hard-hitting mentalism.

There are too many great acts to list each one separately, but any way you slice it, it still adds up to a great three days in one of the most exciting cities in America.

For details please visit - www.mindvention.net

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11. Nearly A Century Of Magic In The Dimond
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Article forward by Gary Meyer

Magic in all its mystery hung, literally, in the air at a recent meeting of the Oakland Magic Circle (OMC).

Twelve- year- old Azlan Dubin fanned a deck of cards flawlessly telling me, "I've been doing cardistry for a year." Balancing single cards above and below the deck, he continued, "When I first came here 2½ years ago, Kim Silverman gave me my first deck of cards. I have them with me tonight." In a final flourish, Azlan flicked another card that seemed to come from behind his back, twirling it to the top of the deck.

Mustering monthly since 1925 - first in members' homes, then at the Lake Merritt Boathouse until taking charge of Bjornson Hall on MacArthur near Fruitvale Ave. - every first Tuesday for more than 50 years - "the OMC is the oldest, longest running independent magic club west of the Mississippi," according to club president Nathaniel Segal.

Known professionally as Magical Nathaniel, the 23- year- old UC Berkeley graduate and full- time magician brings fresh energy to the venerable club including booking the much sought-after magician and storyteller Silverman.

Some 40 members awaited his arrival as they swirled instant coffee and swapped sleight of hand tricks following the club's business meeting. One member told me that many consider Silverman - Australian by birth with a PhD. from Cambridge whose day job is Principal Research Scientist for Apple Computers - to be the inspiration for the wizard in the Harry Potter Series.

Club secretary Byron Walker, stretching out his long legs in the front row, recalled attending OMC meetings as a teen in 1950. "I guess you could say that I'm both the oldest member and longest running member," he said. Walker still performs occasionally, but mainly writes, publishes and sells rare books, posters and artifacts on the subject. He credits the club's longevity to the venue's full kitchen and stage, seating for up to 125 and, especially, its active club membership. "We host four events a year including our annual spaghetti dinner and inter-club competition which draws contestants from the nine clubs from Sacramento to Monterey," he said.

Slightly after 8 p.m., on cue, Magical Nathaniel announced Silverman's entrance. His flowing silver hair and full beard blending perfectly with a loosely-fitting white garb, Silverman gathered his admirers' attention. Rather than extoll the power of the iPhone as a popular source of gimmickry - a technology which his research on spoken language Apple Computers continues to refine - he urged his fellow magicians to simplify their routines and approach their narratives with intention. He encouraged them to discard the word trick, "with its associations of cheap, nasty, and dirty," as he put it, "a term that denigrates the art."

"Magic is not about tricks," he said jingling a set of brass rings. "Magic is about the experience of mystery," he said as he slid one ring seamlessly into another. "Magic teaches us that things that seem impossible," adding a third ring, "that things that are separated, can be joined and rejoined." As a fourth ring formed a chain which dangled from his side he concluded, "no matter how alone we feel, we're all part of a single chain of human existence. We're all in this together."

For the next two hours, Silverman unveiled a master's repertoire of magic. Modeling the mechanics of stage presence - standing erect with a slightly leaning in posture, direct and warm eye contact, and joyful intonation - he stressed the importance of telling stories which touch people's lives.

As he drew in audience members to assist in his routines, he drew also from moments in their lives. A teen's memory of close camaraderie among friends, for example, became associated with the king of clubs, the same card which Silverman coaxed him to draw from a deck. A man's wedding band served as the ring in a rope effect - the term Silverman used in place of trick - that taught that life's fleeting knots of anxiety are really opportunities to detach and learn how to make them disappear.

"Success in magic," Silverman said, "is not about how many people laugh, but how many people cry. The subtext of magic is that things might not be as they appear, and that means there is hope. And that's an idea worth sharing."

Long after the folding chairs were put away following his talk, someone noodled on the upright piano as Kim Silverman lingered for a spell with young Azlan Dubin, the master magician and his young acolyte, discussing technique and, more importantly, the experience of creating magic.

As it has for nearly a century, the Oakland Magic Circle meets on the first Tuesday of every month at Bjornson Hall, 2258 MacArthur Blvd. Magicians, magic enthusiasts, and the just-curious are always welcome. The September 5 meeting features OMC' s annual spaghetti dinner/ Northern California Inter-Club Competition. Dinner begins at 7 p.m.; show begins at 8 p.m. $25 ($15 youth) for dinner and show. Show only tickets available at door ($15). Tickets available at Brown Paper Tickets: omccontest.bpt.me or call 800-838-3006.

http://oaklandvoices.us/nearly-century-magic-dimond/

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12. Masters Of Illusion - September 22, 2017
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Message by Steve Moyer (US)

Masters of Illusion season four finale to air on the CW Network on Friday, September 22, 2017 at 8/7C

Hosted by Dean Cain, featuring two 30-minute episodes airing back to back

Hollywood, CA - Masters 0f Illusion, produced by Associated Television International and hosted by Dean Cain, will air it's Season Four Finale on Friday, September 22, 2017 with two 30-minute episodes airing back to back at
8:00 p.m./7:00 p.m. Central.

This Week's Episodes Include:
"Masters of Illusion" - (8:00-8:30 p.m. ET)
"Of Mice, Men and Kidd" (Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
Hosted by Dean Cain, "Masters of Illusion" features amazing magic performed by cutting-edge illusionists, escape artists and performers displaying skills ranging from perplexing interactive mind magic to hilarious comedy routines - all in front of a studio audience. Magicians featured in this episode include: Michael Gradinetti (The Mouse Magician), Nathaan Phan (Exploding Soda Can), Billy Kidd (Just A Little Needling), Chris Randall (Fastest Hands in the West), Eric Jones (Coins), Ed Alonzo (The Ultimate Rubik's Challenge) and Jonathan Pendragon (The Metamorphosis). (#413) Original airdate 9/22/2017

"Masters of Illusion" - (8:30-9:00 p.m. ET)
"Old School with a Twist" (Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
Magicians featured in this episode include Michael Grandinetti (Pass Thru Propeller), Chris Korn (The Most Impressive Card Trick Ever), Jeff McBride (Amazing New Old School Close-Up), Barry and Stuart (Razor Sharp Wit), Draven (Floating Glass),
Kyle Marlett (Magic is Art), Bill Cook (Cell Phone Card Trick), Adam Wylie (Merging Rubber Bands) and Greg Gleason (Woman in Glass Dome). (#411) (Encore Presentation)

Dean Cain, host of Masters of Illusion, is an actor, producer and writer. Cain also appears in the hit CW series, "Supergirl," in which he plays the role of Supergirl's adoptive father, Jeremiah Danvers. Other upcoming projects include the films, "Baby Bulldog," "The Incantation," "A Parent's Worst Nightmare" and "Gosnell: America's Biggest Serial Killer." His breakthrough performance as an actor was in the dual roles of Superman/Clark Kent in the television series "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman."

The roster of award-winning magicians from around the world appearing in Season Four of Masters of Illusion is a virtual who's who in the field of magic.
Adam Wylie (Los Angeles, CA)
Barry and Stuart (Barry Jones and Stuart McLeod, Scotland)
Bill Cook (Chicago, IL)
Billy Kidd (London, UK)
Chipper Lowell (Los Angeles, CA)
Chris Korn (Los Angeles, CA)
Chris Randall (Los Angeles, CA)
Draven (Las Vegas, NV)
Ed Alonzo (Los Angeles, CA)
Eric Jones (Baltimore, MD)
Farrell Dillon (Boise, ID)
Greg Gleason (Las Vegas, NV)
Jarrett & Raja (Jarrett Parker and Raja Rahman from Las Vegas, NV)
Jason Bird (Las Vegas, NV)
Jason Bishop (Blandon, PA)
Jeff McBride (Las Vegas, NV)
Jibrizy (Chicago, IL)
Jonathan Pendragon (Vermont)
Joshua Jay (New York, NY)
Kyle Marlett (Las Vegas, NV)
Leon Etienne (Utica, NY)
Les Arnold & Dazzle (Les Arnold and Alex Arnold, Los Angeles, CA)
Matt Marcy (Culver City, CA)
Michael Grandinetti (Los Angeles, CA)
Murray SawChuck (Las Vegas, NV)
Naathan Phan (Los Angeles, CA)
Nathan Burton (Las Vegas, NV)
Neil Croswell (Montreal, Canada)
R.J. Cantu (Las Vegas, NV)
Scott Pepper (San Antonio, TX)
Shawn Farquhar (Vancouver, Canada)
Sos Petrosyan, Jr. (Altrip, Germany)
Tigran Petrosyan (Altrip, Germany)
Tommy Wind (Las Vegas, NV)
Tony Chapek (Atlanta, GA)
Xavier Mortimer (Las Vegas, NV)

Masters of Illusion is produced by Associated Television International with returning Executive Producers David McKenzie ("The 38th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards," "Marie"), Gay Blackstone ("The World Magic Awards" 2007-2009), David Martin ("The World Magic Awards" 2007-2009, "Marie"), and Al Schwartz ("The 38th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards," "The Golden Globe Awards" 2013 and 2014), along with Co-Executive Producers Justin Pierce ("The Rocky Saga: Going The Distance") and Jim Romanovich ("From Rocky To Creed," "The 38th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards").

Associated Television International (ATI) is an Emmy Award-winning company that has been the world's largest producer of magic for both stage and screen for over three decades. ATI's television series, specials and feature films have aired on all U.S. broadcast networks, major cable channels and with television partners all over the world. Current series in production include: "The Hollywood Christmas Parade," "Masters of Illusion," "Robert Earl's Be My Guest," and the Emmy Award-nominated "Laura McKenzie's Traveler." ATI has also been Emmy Award-nominated for its various television specials and series. For more information, please visit www.associatedtelevision.com.

To view performance highlights of the September 22nd episode from 8:00 - 8:30 p.m., please visit: Web Version: https://vimeo.com/230523080
Full Prores Version (downloadable):
https://vimeo.com/user4830612/review/230812689/1a5be179d8

To view performance highlights of the September 22nd episode from 8:30 - 9:00 p.m., please visit: Full Prores Version (downloadable):
https://vimeo.com/user4830612/review/230230534/b0a6ac9f85

To learn more about Masters of Illusion, please visit http://www.cwtv.com/shows/masters-of-illusion/
Network with us at https://www.facebook.com/cwmastersofillusion
https://twitter.com/cw_illusion
https://www.facebook.com/MastersofIllusion
https://twitter.com/Mastersofillus
@cw_illusion
#MastersOfIllusion

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13. E-zine Archives
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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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14. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice
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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 QSM 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 QSM, 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.