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: #1450
Date: Sunday 20th May 2018
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. Kid Magician Issy Simpson Amazing Ellen!
3. S.A.M.'s June M-U-M Marks A Record
4. Two Magic Word Podcasts
5. All Four One - John Carey #2
6. Gathering A Crowd At Festivals - #488 - Kyle Peron
7. Breaking KIDabra Conference News
8. Magic History Gathering @ The Magic Circle
9. New Issue Of Ye Olde Magic Mag - Out Soon!
10. Last Chance! Gambling Memorabilia - Auction This Saturday
11. Annual Memorial Day Magic Auction
12. GeniiCon - Sydney, Australia
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/2018-Jan-to-Dec-2018/1450-May20-2018.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. Kid Magician Issy Simpson Amazing Ellen!
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Article forwarded on by Peter Rogers (UK)

Kid Magician Issy Simpson Shows Off Her Tricks

Nine-year-old Issy Simpson showed off her amazing magic tricks for Ellen!

https://www.ellentube.com/video/kid-magician-issy-simpson-shows-off-her-tricks.html
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3. S.A.M.'s June M-U-M Marks A Record
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Message by Lindsay Smith (US)

The Society of American Magicians' June M-U-M begins Vol. 108, definitely a long time for any publication. Issue No. 1 this month takes a nostalgic look back at "The Magic Land of Allakazam," a TV show many of us grew up with. The feature article is written by Dal Sanders and peppered with pictures from the past. Bev Bergeron (Rebo the Clown) and Mike and Greg Wilson will be speaking at the S.A.M's national convention in July with live streaming of Mark Wilson and Nani Darnell from California. If you can't be in Orlando, you can read about this trend-setting TV show here.

Greg Wilson, son of Mark and Nani, follows with "The Four-Card Assembly," a trick Mark first performed on "The Magic Land of Allakazam," on January 21, 1961. Greg notes that some innovative and subtle differences from the original effect "make this a powerful and practical audience pleaser." See for yourself as Greg guides you through the performance.

In "Preshow," M-U-M Editor Alan Howard relates an amusing story about John Moehring, former M-U-M editor, and how he discovered "The Magic Land of Allakazam".

SAM's national president, Dick Bowman, wraps up his year and his final "From the President's Desk" column with this issue, giving thanks to the many people who have helped him during his tenure. Over the past year, he has looked backward and forward, at progress and potential, missed opportunities and opportunities yet to come. As the saying goes, "What is past is prologue".

SAM's Dean George Schindler relates stories and personalities from the New England Magicians Conference, now known as NEMCON, and one of its founders, Tom Prete. George was one of the first performers at their first conference in 1982. Tom was especially proud of consulting with and teaching magic to an actor . . . no, I won't spoil it. It's all in "The Dean's Diary".

Mike Caveney pens a wonderful tribute to his longtime friend Harry Anderson in this month's "Broken Wands" page. His personal remembrances are special.

Steve Okulewicz reports on the SAM's Parent Assembly No.1 "109th Salute to Magic" in New York City on April 14. Between the write-up and the photos, it looked to be a great talent line-up. Parent Assembly President Bob Braun presented the Magician of the Year award to Bob Little, "The Wiz, the Best There Is".

In their "TV or Not TV" column, Cinde and Dal Sanders discuss working with a live studio audience. In their case that means kids, and you kid show workers know how that can be. Selecting volunteers from the audience can be either rewarding or dangerous, especially so with urchins or, as "Senator" Crandall used to call them, "beady-eyed little moppets". Their tips and tricks will put you on the path to rewarding (while hopefully avoiding dangerous).

David Corsaro offers more real-world marketing advice for the working magician in his "No Smoke, No Mirrors" column. This month it's all about being unique. You can be and should be, even if you're performing standard tricks. David explains how you can make yourself unique. Think outside the box. Examine your style. Read more about what will set you apart.

"What's a good double lift?" "Cheats & Deceptions" columnist Antonio Cabral tackles that question this month. Options? Techniques? Dozens, maybe hundreds of methods. Easy answers? Basically, none. Cabral guides you through many of the options and references to this classic and fundamental sleight, also known as a double turnover. If you want to improve your handling, this column is an excellent starting point.

Those who have studied drama or worked in theatrical performances known the term "blocking." It is vital in the theatre, and magicians should be aware of it as well. "Taking the Stage" columnist Brian Lees knows about blocking and explains its importance when you take the stage. Properly used, it will enhance your performance.

Paul Draper turns his "On Second Thought…" column over to Dr. Joseph Zompetti. He's a teacher and a scholar, but don't let his words, "ethos, pathos, and logos" scare you away from his words of wisdom here. He explains these concepts from Aristotle and how he integrates them into demonstrations of magic and meaning. Want to establish credibility, capture emotion and add clear reasoning? Don't be afraid. Start here.

There's more than one way to make a difference with your magic and David Oliver offers many of them. They come in different forms and David has undoubtedly employed all of them in his career. In his column, "Life is Good," David mentions working at children's hospitals, speaking at a class for troubled teens, overcoming obstacles, supporting a local charity, fundraising, and more. Performing magic just isn't enough for David anymore. Is just performing magic enough for you? David gives you things to think about.

Bruce Kalver, SAM's resident tech wizard, offers three more tech tricks in his appropriately titled "Tech Tricks" column. One of the best is a special QR code that takes you to a hidden SAM webpage that reveals a card. You can do it with a borrowed iPhone. Bruce even offers some bonus QR codes for your use. Generous guy that Bruce is, it's free just for emailing him.

The always well-read "Shop Talk" column reviews two books, one DVD, eight tricks and one video download. Six well-posted reviewers provide opinions on what's good, what might not be for you, and what you might think about before placing your order.

Norman Beck reports on a magical encounter with a young kid in the backwoods of Virginia in his "Thoughts on Thinking" column. No, it wasn't exactly a card trick version of "Dueling Banjos" from the movie, "Deliverance," but Norman has that element going for him this month. Tune in to see how it all works out.

"Deconstruct your act," says Singapore-based Kien Meng Wee, a.k.a. Mr. Bottle, in his "Magic in a Bottle" column. His explains what he means by deconstructing his sponge rabbits routine to find out what makes it such a crowd-pleaser for adults as well as kids. Follow along with your own set of the 3-D Multiplying Rabbits.

In addition, other go-to regular features include the Assembly Reports from around the world; the long-running "Basil the Baffling and Chloe" cartoon strip by Alan Wassilak, New and Reinstated Members and Anniversaries, "Magic WORDoodles," and "Path Puzzles" under "Diversions." And our all-important advertisers can help you with your magical needs and wants. Tell them you saw their ad in M-U-M.

For more information on the Society of American Magicians and M-U-M magazine, please go to www.magicsam.com

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4. Two Magic Word Podcasts
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Message by Scott Wells, M.I.M.C. with Gold Star

A Visit with Michael Vincent and a Chat with Neil McNally on Doug Henning

While attending the recent F.F.F.F. invitational close-up convention, I spoke at length with several magicians which will be released over the next few weeks beginning this week with Michael Vincent. In this week's podcast, Michael talks about his career as a magician who is also a speaker and trainer. Also he talks about how he became deaf overnight and gives us some inspirational stories about overcoming his hearing loss that makes his magic much stronger.

You can see a video of his Magic Castle performance, see some photos, read the blog, listen online and download the MP3 file at: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/424-michael-vincent You can also listen on iTunes, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart Radio and many other platforms.

Due to the recent passing of my wife and her subsequent "Celebration of Life" service this past weekend, I was unable to get out the announcement about last week's podcast. So if you missed it, then please go back and take a look and listen as we talk with Neil McNally about his wonderful "Doug Henning Project". This is a daily blog where he finds and posts the most unique things about Doug Henning. He has just completed one year of this blog and certain is worth your time to check it out at: https://doughenningproject.com/ Neil is also working on a film documentary about Doug. So, if you have any arcane pictures or stories you would like to share with Neil, then visit his website to get his contact information. He would love to hear from you.

But to listen to this past week's podcast as Neil talks about Doug Henning, visit: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/423-neil-mcnally

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5. All Four One - John Carey #2
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Message by John Carey (UK)
https://carey-scene.com/jc-main

The title of this four Ace production stems from the fact that you will be producing all four Aces using one core technique. Have the Aces evenly distributed in the deck and you are good to go.

Ask a spectator if she is quite observant? Roll with her answer and have some fun, then suggest a little game of observation with her. Hold the deck face-up and with the faces slightly raised towards you start spreading the cards until you see the first Ace. We will now essentially do a partial Hofzinser cull, covering the Ace slightly with the card below it (ie, to the immediate right / above it in the face up spread). To do this the pad of the left thumb simply pulls across the indifferent card to the right of the Ace just enough to cover it. The right hand comes away with a spread of cards and calls out the cover card that is at the rear of the spread. Flip this packet face-down and table it.

Repeat the above spread and partial cull sequence twice more, secretly dragging an indifferent card over the Ace below it just enough to cover it and then come away with a small spread and call out the exposed rear 'cover' card each time before flipping each packet face-down and tabling, forming a row of three packets.

Finally spread through your remaining cards and execute a full Hofzinser cull of the remaining Ace, allowing it to ride secretly beneath the spread. Call out the random rear card of the spread and then flip the packet face-down and table it.

To conclude, state you have a terrible memory and ask your helper to name the cards she saw. Have fun with this and state that those four cards would 'never get the money'. Make a magical gesture over the tabled packets and then reveal an Ace on top of each packet, to conclude the multiple transformation.

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6. Gathering A Crowd At Festivals - #488 - Kyle Peron
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Message by Kyle Peron (US)
magic4u02@aol.com
KyleKellyMagic@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/perondesign
http://www.kpmagicproducts.com

The other day I had a nice discussion with several folks on the topic if working festivals and fairs. The question that kept coming up was something like this:

"Most entertainers working a fair do something that draws the crowd in. Since people who are already in motion walking by tend to stay in motion, you have to do something that gets them to stop and take notice. What kinds of things have you tried that have been successful in drawing a crowd? Just as important, what doesn't work?"

It was a great question and one I am sure many of us face not only in the fair and festival markets but also in other various markets as well.

First off, in every festival I am working, I get paid to be an entertainer there. I am not busking so this does make a huge difference for me in my approach and style of how I draw crowds.

As a paid entertainer, one can work with the fair or festival in getting them to market you effectively. Do not ever assume they are going to do it for you. YOU must be proactive and make it easy for them. I do this through an advertising and marketing kit I send out the client when the event is booked. It has posters, web images for their site, bio text written down, press releases they can use, 8.5 by 11 photos that can be reproduced, my logo etc. I also tell them how this information can be used and why it benefits them and their event.

By doing so, I already am drawing interest in my show before I am ever at the event. I also make sure my show is listed in the program, on the website and any signage that may be at the festival event. By taking an active approach and assisting them with the process, you can do this easily and it works wonders for marketing as well as generating interest in your show.

Now I also use a Show Time clock sign. I have this posted on the stage and it clearly will state when the next show start time is as well as it is branded for my show and performance. This gets placed on or near the stage when I get to the event and so folks walking by know exactly what is going on and when.

Now the big key for me is to always make sure the festival gives ample time for set up between acts. In most fairs and festivals, you will NOT have the luxury of having the stage area to yourself. You usually will be sharing with other acts. You want to be sure you have enough time for the act in front to load off and for you to load on. I make sure this is in my contract so there is plenty of time without me being rushed.

Now what this does is that my equipment being out there on stage starts to draw attention. I mean illusions and magic props are just eye candy for people and I get my props out there quickly so it starts to work for me immediately.

I then always have full control over my music (also in my contract). I use an iPod and have play lists set up for preshow music. I start this about 15 minutes prior to the show itself and the music is music that builds each show. Music draws attention and people are curious about it. At a festival, music cues lay people that something is about to happen.

I then also will have the playlist set up with a professional voice over tracks stating "show will start in 5 minutes" and another that gets played at the 2-minute time.

Before these tracks play, I can always interrupt my preshow music by turning the volume down and starting a classic ballyhoo. The ballyhoo is an art form derived from side show folks. It is the patter and banter that gets spoken that gets interest and lets people become curious as to what is taking place and draws them inwards.

If I feel I need to, I will do a ballyhoo on the stage. it is a simple patter script I have done for years but can be changed on the fly based on who is in the audience or whom is walking by. It works great but you have to work at it.

What I also do a lot is I book a pro level package that offers them strolling magic. They end up paying for it, but I make it so easy for them to say yes. I always will stroll before my shows and this works as a wonderful way in which to advertise my stage performances.

I also always remember that 95% of the time, I know how to run a festival and fair better than the folks running it. Nothing against them at all. it is just a fact that most folks trying to run the festival may be volunteers or have not been and worked at as many festivals as I have over the years. I utilize this information to 1) help them out and 2) educate them along in the process to provide solutions that meet their needs and help me in the long run.

The bottom line is that I get a lot figured out, planned and agreed upon ahead of time so that there is no worry and I minimize unpleasant surprises on the day of the event. With these tips, you can generate and draw a huge crowd without having to do so much work.

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 Kyle KellyMagic@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you.

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7. Breaking KIDabra Conference News
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Message by Mark Daniel (US)

August 22-25

It's been years in the making! The Very Popular Tommy James lectures at a conference for the first time on Planet Earth! Tommy has chosen KIDabra to debut his Brand-New Lecture "Twists on Tricks!" Plus, he'll be in the KIDabra Dealer's Room with Tommy Jame's Magic!
The ladies are coming too - The Terrific Carisa Hendrix with the high interest - Performing with Bubbles, and Annie Bananie shares her incredible approach to Storytelling with Balloons!

Steve Axtell joins us for a look at the largest project in the history of Axtell Expressions, The Frazzle Chickens in Pigeon Forge (just down the street from the conference!).

A very rare appearance and new lecture from the incredible genius of Steve Petra! Plus, Gene Cordova joins Steve during the Optional Shows kills for a Super Duo Puppet Workshop!
First Time Appearances by Yasu Ishida, and Tom Hughes!

The 24th Incredible KIDabra KIDshow Auction with Gary Shelton, the Saturday Night Gala produced and directed by Christoper T. Magician.

Plus, More lectures, surprises, and the KIDabra Dealers Room!

This year KIDabra is in in late August, after Library Shows, and with lower hotel rates!

You're invited to spend time with Tommy James, Christopher T Magician, Steve Axtell, Buster Balloon, Steve Petra, Carisa Hendrix, Scott Green, Tom Hughes, Yasu Ishida, Barry Mitchell, Gene Cordova, Annie Banannie, Gary Shelton, Andrew Remnet, Clark Sides and a who's who of the KIDshow World, August 22-25 in the Resort Town of Pigeon Forge.

KIDabra Conference is the go to gathering, and resource center for the KIDshow and Family Entertainment World, who are- you and me! Performers arrive from all over the world to share in this important week of the KIDshow community/industry!

KIDabra happens in one of the World's Top Family Entertainment destinations: Pigeon Forge, home of Dollywood, Terry Evanswood, and Barry Mitchell. You'll find Darren Romeo, Niels Duinker, and Jessica Jane Peterson there too! A popular show/tourist area, Pigeon Forge/Sevierville, Gatlinburg, and The Great Smoky Mountain National Park are a family performers study arena that's "magic" settles on you like a favorite comforter.

The KIDshow Stars will Shine! Make your plans today, and we're never complete until you're there!

Register http://www.kidabra.org/register-kidabra-tn-b
Hotel/Travel http://www.kidabra.org/hoteltravel
Schedule: www.kidabra.org/2018-schedule
Full info www.kidabra.org

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8. Magic History Gathering @ The Magic Circle
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Message by Peter Lane (UK)

On Saturday 9th June the 2018 Magic History Gathering will be held at The Magic Circle. The programme includes a variety of talks. There are talks on the female magicians Talma and Suzy Wandas. The history of card magic is covered by talks on Edward G. Brown and Richard Kaufman talking about Cliff Green. The lives of Jardine Ellis, the Pinchbecks and Servais Le Roy will also be covered.

There will be a sale of collectable books.

The day starts with coffee at 10am and will finish by 6-30pm.

The price of tickets is £40 which includes a substantial buffet lunch, afternoon tea and morning coffee. The event is open to non-members of The Magic Circle.

Tickets can be obtained from The Magic Circle website (www.themagiccircle.co.uk)

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9. New Issue Of Ye Olde Magic Mag - Out Soon!
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Message by Marco Pusterla A.I.M.C. Silver Star

June is almost here and so is the new issue of Ye Olde Magic Mag, again full to the brim with magic history and collectibles!

Volume 4, Issue 3 will be out at the end of the month!

Sixty pages of magic with articles by John Davenport & Anne Goulden, Pietro Micheli, Ian Keable, Kobe Van Herwegen and yours truly to reveal lost secrets of the history of magic and an overview of rare or unique magic collectibles.

If you are not a subscriber and plan to buy the printed version, please let us know!

We only print a small number of copies and almost all of them are already spoken for by our distinguished subscribers!

Don't risk missing out on this (or any other) issue! Also note that the print version will contain an exclusive collectible, not otherwise available!

For more information: https://YeOldeMagicMag.com

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10. Last Chance! Gambling Memorabilia - Auction This Saturday
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Featuring the collection of Bob Rosenberger, the spring Gambling Memorabilia auction includes an array of rare material related to gambling, poker, playing cards, and other games of chance. A strong selection of books and periodicals, cheating devices (holdouts, crooked dice, etc.), vintage gaming tables, and faro equipment will also be offered.

Bid live, online at potterauctions.com

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11. Annual Memorial Day Magic Auction
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Message by Larry McMechan (US)

2 Day Auction - Saturday and Sunday
May 26th and 27th 2018

This auction features items from the heirs of:
Robert (Bob) Escher
Dale Fiester
Betty Booze
Bill Hagen
and
Collection of: Steven Parlette and other collections.

Preview Friday May 25, Noon To 6 pm

Auction begins 10 am both days

Located in the Preble County Auction Gallery, 210 Nation Ave., Eaton, Ohio 45320.

This auction will feature Magic Items: Illusions, Props, Books,
DVD's, Memorabilia, Close Up & Stage Items, Silk Magic,
Tables, Posters, Sound and Lighting Equipment, Curtains.

For pictures and more information please visit:
https://www.auctionzip.com/Listings/3059779.html?kwd=larry%20mcmechan&zip=45320&
category=0

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12. GeniiCon - Sydney, Australia
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Message by Kent Blackmore (Australia)

With only three weeks before GeniiCon starts in Sydney, registrations have been going great guns! There's still time to book but you should be quick. As well as our previously announced guest artists, Greg Britt, Christian 'CardShark' Schenk, Melbourne's Nick Kaye, and Matt Falloon will add to the amazing lectures, performances and business-focus talks.

Lots of dealers, an amazing venue and days packed with magic! www.geniicon18.com

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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 centre 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.

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Magic New Zealand® reserves the right to alter, correct or disregard any articles submitted.

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