Magic New Zealand® E-zine

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand®
* Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment Ltd (New Zealand)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #1559
Date: Sunday 14th February 2020
Editor: Alan Watson QSM
www.watson.co.nz
E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com
================================
Hi here is the latest news
================================

1. Editor's Message
2. FISM-North America Distributing Performance Contracts To Contestants
3. The Magic Word Podcast - Christian Engblom & Chip Romero
4. Britain's Got Talent Under Water Trick 'Goes Wrong
5. MAGIC Live 2020!
6. Monday Night Magic Schedule (March) - New York
7. FREE Lance Burton Teen Seminar & Free Convention Registration
8. Ongoing Adventures Of Romany!
9. We have a Winner! - John Carey #71
10. XVIII Masters Of Magic World Convention 2020
11. Dimmare's Martinis And Magic - Las Vegas
12. Masters Of Illusion - The 2020 Fall U.S.A. And Canada Live Tour
13. The Orchante Saga - Beginnings
14. E-zine Archives
15. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice

--------------------------------------------
1. Editor's Message
--------------------------------------------

If you would like to read the Magic New Zealand e-zine in HTML format
go to: http://www.magicnewzealand.com/ezine-archive/2020-Jan-to-Dec-2020/1559-Feb16-2020.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

-------------------------------------------
2. FISM-North America Distributing Performance Contracts To Contestants
-------------------------------------------
Message by Joan Caesar (US)

Performing contracts totaling several thousand dollars will be given to contestants at FISM-North America. These contracts will be determined by convention organizers and given to competitors at the convention. Contracts will vary in price and be at the discretion of the convention organizer. To date, contracts will be offered (alphabetically) by Abano (Italy), Abbott's Get-Together, Daytona, 4F (invitation and free registration), MAWNY, IBM and SAM. More to come.

The deadline of February 16 for sending a video to compete at FISM North America is quickly approaching. Don't miss out.

-------------------------------------------
3. The Magic Word Podcast - Christian Engblom & Chip Romero
-------------------------------------------
Message by Scott Wells, M.I.M.C. with Gold Star

Join us this week for cigars and martinis into the wee hours of the morning as we chat with Christian Engblom, from Finland. Christian talks about the creation of his "anti-faro" plus performing on "Penn & Teller Fool Us" TV show, his association with Juan Tamariz and how he became good friends with Dani Da Ortiz despite neither at first understanding each other's language! In this late night session, Chip Romero (cruise ship magician and noted Doug Henning memorabilia collector), was seated at the table and partaking in the conversation. He had a lot to offer to move along the conversation as he offered some insight and stories about cruising and Doug Henning.

You can listen to this week's episode wherever you get your podcasts. But if you go to the website, you will find much more information, videos and photos, plus you can sign up for the weekly pod-letter. You can visit the website for this podcast at:

https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/546-christian-engblom

--------------------------------------------
4. Britain's Got Talent Under Water Trick 'Goes Wrong
--------------------------------------------
Message by Peter Phillips (UK)

The Manchester Evening News

Britain's Got Talent under water trick 'goes wrong leaving magician in danger' during Manchester auditions

Simon Cowell is reported to have halted proceedings and called in a medic after an illusionist's safety was 'threatened'. The Britain's Got Talent auditions in Manchester are reported to have been halted on Monday night after a water submersion trick 'went wrong'.

The escapologist performing a complicated illusion is thought to have been in potential danger so a worried Simon Cowell was made to stop proceedings and call in a medic.

The trick saw all four judges, including Simon, David Walliams, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden get involved in the act by taking charge of instruments and keys while the escapologist was submerged in water.

Each key was eliminated one by one during the act, with one key releasing the magician from his chains.

But according to reports David's key - which was the one that would release the performer - was not taken up onto the stage, and instead it was left on the judges' table, dangerously running up the clock on the act.

A source told the Metro that Simon attempted to stop the act and called a medic to make sure that their performer was ok.

They said: "It was horrible. David looked absolutely mortified as Simon started trying to signal producers to stop production and a medic was called in."

They continued: "It looked like it was part of the act to begin with, but it soon dawned on everyone that it wasn't. That this was a real problem that threatened their safety.

"Thankfully they were able to correct themselves but there was a real moment where we thought it could end in disaster and it was clear everyone was beginning to panic."

--------------------------------------------
5. MAGIC Live 2020!
--------------------------------------------
Message by Stan Allen (US)

Registration is now open for MAGIC Live, August 2-5, 2020, The Orleans Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Our new online registration system allows you to sign up for just yourself, or you can create a group of up to 8 people. Your entire group will have the same show schedule, yet each member can make their own payment arrangements.

Registration is $455, with a convenient payment plan available. We've also arranged the amazing room rate of just $50 per night (plus resort fee and room tax). When you combine the cost of registration and hotel, MAGIC Live is one of the best deals of the year.

Each registration includes tickets to all performances, plus access to sessions, workshops, special events, parties, and our dealer room, as well as giveaway items and complimentary notes. And there are no extra-charge events!

To find out more about why MAGIC Live is like no other convention in the world, please visit our website. Or better yet, just ask a friend.

Look forward to seeing you in August. Surprises await!

Stan
MagicConvention.com

-------------------------------------------
6. Monday Night Magic Schedule (March) - New York
-------------------------------------------
Message by Peter Samelson (US)

Monday Night Magic March Schedule (All Performers Subject To Change)

March 2nd: Torkova, Eric Walton, Chris Capehart; MC Ben Nemzer
Close-up: Michael Chaut, Kevin Kapinos

March 9th: Lina Liu, Denny Corby, Michael Chaut; MC Todd Robbins
Close-up: Alexander Boyce, Rachel Wax

March 16th: Mike Patrick, Jeff Moche, Jason Suran; MC David Corsaro
Close-up: Patrick Davis, Harrison Kramer

March 23rd: Alexander Boyce, Carl Mercurio, Eric Dittelman; MC Peter
Samelson
Close-up: Richard Cohn, Kevin Kapinos

March 30th: Will Shaw, Devlin, Ben Nemzer; MC Todd Robbins
Close-up: Peter Samelson, Michael Chaut

--------------------------------------------
7. FREE Lance Burton Teen Seminar & Free Convention Registration
--------------------------------------------
Message by Simone Marron (US)

FREE Lance Burton Teen Seminar & Free Convention Registration for I.B.M.
Youth Members

The Lance Burton Teen Seminar will take place July 6-11, 2020 - before and during the I.B.M. 2020 Convention in Pittsburgh. The seminar is FREE to all youth between the ages of 13-19, and, if you are an I.B.M. Member under the age of 18, you can also attend the I.B.M. Convention for FREE.

Facilitating at this event are Lance Burton, Jeff McBride, and Dr. Lawrence Hass. There will also be several surprise guests.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the premier educators in magic. Meet, and get to know other teens with the same interests as yourself, and you will find that these peers will be your life-long friends.

Start on the same path as magic stars Shin Lim, Bill Cook, Krystyn Lambert, Jessica Jane, Andrew Basso, Matt Schick, Hun Lee, Danny Cole, Hiroki Hara, Chad Juros and many more. What do they all have in common? They all started their careers by attending the Lance Burton Teen Seminar.

The seminar this year will be held on the top floor of the Wyndham Grand in downtown Pittsburgh, in a very exclusive Sky Lounge. The Lance Burton Teen Seminar is very excited about our 2020 program.

If you have questions or need more information, please feel free to contact our program administrator, Simone Marron, at simone@marrons.us.

--------------------------------------------
8. Ongoing Adventures Of Romany!
--------------------------------------------
Message by Romany Romany (UK)

Do you find that, as a magician, you have a lot of 'Dream Come True' moments?

I remember those moments, going to Mystery School to meet McBride, Eugene and Bob Neale for the first time 25 years ago. Visiting Copperfield's museum at midnight with Tamariz, Sylvan, Jonathan Pendragon and Paul Stone. Had to keep pinching myself. Meeting Siegfried and Roy in Vegas. Working with Joanie Spina. I'm not name dropping - well, I am! - but only in the spirit of thinking that meeting our heroes, meeting people who have created something we respect and admire, is so special.

I'm on a plane zooming towards a dream in Fiji. I'm going to meet another of my heroes, the author and speaker Liz Gilbert. I left London at 8am. Now it's 5pm, 36 hours later. I'm tired, my face in the airplane toilet mirror looks pale and my usually curly hair has gone flat and dull, but when I look into my own eyes, I see excited anticipation. I do a little dance in the plane toilet. Another dream is about to come true, so near I can almost touch it.

I'm not only going to meet Liz, she's coming to see my show. That's another dream right there! Then I'm going to deliver a keynote speech to the ladies at the event AND give her my book in front of them. I've never done this speech before, no pressure then delivering it to a few hundred people for the first time!

Terrifying! Or let's call it Exciting! Because that's less terrifying!

Have you have a 'Dream Come True' moment lately? I think they're good for the soul. What would that be for you?

I'd love to hear about it at romany@romanymagic.com

I'll let you know next week how it all goes!!!

With my best,

Romany

If you'd like to catch up on all my adventures, I'd love you to read my book, featuring all your favourite magicians! Eugene read it before he passed and said "Thank you for writing this lovely book." That's my most treasured review. Oh, and David called it "Perfect!"

See what you think!

Spun Into Gold - The Secret Life of a Female Magician available worldwide and on Audible (FREE with their trial right now!)

Audible adbl.co/2qROlu5
Amazon UK amzn.to/2m3XT2J
Amazon USA bit.ly/spunintogold

-------------------------------------------
9. We have a Winner! - John Carey #71
-------------------------------------------
Message by John Carey (UK)
http://www.johncareymagic.co.uk/

In a nutshell this is a very simple equivoque based just chance routine that I put together for a student to help him understand verbal control a little bit better. Happily though it has also now found a place in my wallet as a nice piece of pocket Mentalism/Mental Magic. It's surprisingly strong and the premise is sound.

Take eight of your business cards and with a sharpie marker number them on the printed side 1-8. Take card number three and on the blank side write the word WINNER!. On the blank sides of the remaining seven cards write the word LOSER. Set the cards up printed side up in 1-8 order from the top down. Pop them inside your wallet and you are ready to roll! "Today Jack, we are going to play a simple game of intuition with you." Bring out the business cards and spread them displaying the numbers 1-8 on their backs. "So as you see, we have essentially two groups, odd numbers and even numbers. Which group would you like me to take out?"

Of course the phrase takes out is beautifully ambiguous as we can interpret it as take out to user take out to get rid of or eliminate. If they say take out the even cards, do just that and set them to one side. However if they say take out the odd cards I remove them and set them down as a packet in front of my helper and ask them to mix the packet as I casually set the even cards aside without guilt.

With the odd cards successfully forced I direct my spectator to deal them into two tabled pairs. "Four cards on the table, but we don't need them all. Please pick up either pair." If they pick up the pair containing the number three force card simply pick up the other pair of cards and toss them aside with the earlier discarded cards. If on the other hand they pick up the other pair casually ask them to toss them away with the discarded cards. Attitude and confidence are paramount here. Also rehearse this so there is no hesitation whatsoever in performance. As Mark Elsdon told me once, equivoque is basically multiple outs with words.

To conclude the piece the two remaining cards are moved away slightly from each other on the table. Now for the final piece to the jigsaw. Extend your right hand palm up and ask the spectator to hand you one. "But two cards remain, and we only need one." If they hand you the number
three force card casually ask your helper to discard the remaining card with the others. However if they hand you the other non-force card simply look over to the discards pile and toss it on them.

Then ask your spectator to put their hand on top of the force card. "So Jack you have simply made a few choices using your intuition. These are the cards you didn't want." Pick up the discards and start dealing them and turning each card over revealing the word LOSER on the back of each. "But you see Jack, I never had you down as a loser. Please turn over the card you decided to keep. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a WINNER!!!"

Notes: Another nice option would be to put the business cards in envelopes that are numbered, with the exception of the number three envelope in which you place a lottery scratch card. Nice giveaway!

--------------------------------------------
10. XVIII Masters Of Magic World Convention 2020
--------------------------------------------
Message by Angela Signoretti

The Masters of Magic World Convention will be held in May, from 28 to 31, at the "OGR" Officine Grandi Riparazioni, an extraordinary Congress Center in Turin.

Our dream this year is to reach the largest possible audience to make this 18th edition as an unforgettable and special one.

For more information go to:
https://mastersofmagicconvention.com/en/home-english-2020/

-------------------------------------------
11. Dimmare's Martinis And Magic, Las Vegas
-------------------------------------------
Message by James Dimmare (US)

Dimmare's Martinis and Magic, with a twist of comedy and a Hula girl, is now every Tuesday at the Mint. Next door to the legendary Golden Sterr steak house of Ratpack fame.

2 for 1 ticket available through the website martinisandmagic.com. BTW every few months 30% of the show changes so if you saw it a few months ago there will always be something new.

-------------------------------------------
12. Masters Of Illusion - The 2020 Fall U.S.A. And Canada Live Tour
-------------------------------------------
Message by Steve Moyer (US)

Masters of Illusion, America's largest touring magic show featuring some of the greatest magicians of our time, will once again tour the U.S.A. and Canada, February 11 - March 25, 2020 making stops at theatres in Florida, the east coast, and Canada. For a complete schedule, please visit https://mastersofillusionlive.com/

The tour stars magicians from The CW Network's hit primetime television series, beginning its seventh season this summer, and features Dan Sperry (all tour dates), Erix Logan (March 8 - 25 dates only), Farrell Dillon (all tour dates), Titou (February 11 - March 6 dates only) and Michael Turco (all tour dates). Click here to see some performance highlights of magicians appearing on tour from February 11 - March 6, 2020:
https://vimeo.com/user4830612/review/387840422/b7c92d4143

Click here to see some performance highlights of magicians appearing on tour from March 8 - 25, 2020:
https://vimeo.com/389388939/88f965975a

These cutting-edge illusionists display skills that have taken a lifetime to perfect and include large-scale illusions, sleight-of-hand, perplexing interactive mind magic, comedy and dangerous escapes and audience members will be baffled by their astounding skills. All performances of the show include some audience participation. The magicians will be available for Meet & Greets with audience members in the lobby of each theatre at the conclusion of each performance and will be available for photographs and autographs.

Master of Illusion has been presented across the U.S.A. and around the world including a recent one-year residency at Bally's Las Vegas. It has been seen by over 100 million viewers on The CW Network and in 126 countries. Master of Illusion returns for its second consecutive summer residency at Harrah's Lake Tahoe in its brand-new show for the whole family.

For more information visit:
Official Website: www.mastersofillusionlive.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MastersofIllusion
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mastersofillus

-------------------------------------
13. The Orchante Saga - Beginnings
-------------------------------------
Written by the late Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)

Tex Morton plus The Great Orchante

'Potshots' - but first, a little more history about Tex. Since 1932, he had been a famous folk-singer. In 1936, throughout Australasia his records sold more than ALL THE ARTISTS IN THE WORLD. His sales were in the millions, long before 'gold' records were heard of. His programmes of folk-songs, poetry, and country music had been a feature on A.B.C. (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) and overseas networks, for many years, and he had become known as a combination of Burl Ives and Charles Laughton (the famous actor/poetry reader). Ranging from cowboy folk songs and sea shanties, to readings of Shakespeare, Kipling, Dickens and
the like, one classical critic when reviewing a record of Tex's readings from Kipling, 'Banjo Patterson' etc., wrote; 'he has a voice like a quartet of cellos!'.

My old friend Johnny (the Maori Cowboy) Cooper (now QSM) - aged 71, started his musical career listening country stars like Tex Morton, copying and singing his songs.

Marksmanship - Get set, steady, s-t-e-a-d-y, take aim, FIRE! Tex was regarded as one of the finest snap, standing-shooters in the world. Night after night, I watched Tex's sharp-shooting act - he never missed - Tex never 'got set', or aimed - it was simply, from rifle held at his side, to - up, point, fire - hitting the target, whatever it may have been, with unerring accuracy. He was a holder of many Championship Titles, Cups And Medals, in several parts of the world, and originally developed his sharp-shooting act for presentation for Rodeos and 'Shooting-meets' before the public. He often doubled in difficult shooting scenes, for film stars in Hollywood, where he lived for a time, becoming well known as a fine character actor on Television and Radio, and also on films, plus doing a tour each year to some part of the world.

WHANGAREI - First night, we bowled into town, and Tex, ever the showman, to drum up publicity (which he didn't need, as the Town Hall was sold out) headed for the best, biggest local pub for a drink - with me in tow - to meet 'the boys'. When Tex walked into any pub/bar, the place would be in an immediate uproar. He and his famous hat were instantly recognisable - every man and his dog wanted to shake his hand. Although he was world famous, he was just 'one of the boys' - that's how he came across, and how he was accepted, but with the greatest respect.

Anyhow, this particular pub, that was right across the road from the local police station, sported one of the longest bars I've ever seen, and the place was packed with drinkers. I guess we'd been there around half an hour or so, with me doing Close-up magic at the bar, in between Tex regaling everyone with his stories, when Tex said quietly 'Hey, Tom - go out to the car and get my rifle and stand!' Tex used a .22 rifle for his sharp-shooting act. It broke down into 3 pieces, and fitted into a wooden case. His target was about 2 - 2 !/2 feet in diameter, steel backed, and sat upright on a special stand. I knew what was coming! I just couldn't believe what he was about to do, in a pub that just happened to be opposite the local 'Cop Shop'.

Tex grabs some poor, hapless bloke, who seemed to be reasonably sober, and plants him to the left hand side of the target - gets him to hold a playing card by the bottom corner, his arm outstretched, with the card in front of the target, and edge-on to Tex. Tex, down the other end of
the lengthy bar, slots a .22 bullet into the rifle, warns the chap not to move, and tells everybody to stand still, and then, in a blink of an eye, he lifts the rifle and fires all in the same instant - the playing card, hit by the bullet, split down the middle, as though carefully peeled apart. It was an amazing feat, which I saw, time and again - but this, was after he'd had a few drinks. Astonishing!

One day, we were driving between towns on a dusty road, somewhere up Kaitaia, Kerikeri way, and a pheasant flew across the front of the car and landed on the road behind us. By the time Tex pulled up, we must have been 100 yards or so down the road. Tex jumped out of the car, grabbed the rifle case from the back seat, put the rifle together, and - talk about timing - by the time he got the rifle loaded, the pheasant took off, and Tex, like a skeet-shooter, (except this wasn't a shot-gun) with one shot, downed the bird. Guess what we had for dinner that night!

Conclusion Next Episode!

--------------------------------------------
14. E-zine Archives
---------------------------------------------
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)

--------------------------------------------
15. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice
--------------------------------------------
Our subscriber list is NOT made available to any other companies or individuals. We value every subscriber and respect your privacy.

You can subscribe to or unsubscribe from the Magic New Zealand® E- zine at: www.magicnewzealand.com

Magic New Zealand® E-zine is published each Sunday.

The opinions and statements expressed therein are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Magic New Zealand®. Neither Magic New Zealand® nor Alan Watson 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.