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: #1586
Date: Sunday 6th September 2020
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. Vanish Magic Magazine Edition 74
3. Road Renamed Siegfried And Roy Drive
4. David Blaine's Ascension - Float Nearly 8km Height
5. Oscar Munoz On The Magic Word Podcast
6. The Magic Circle Awards 2020
7. All In A Print! - John Carey #94
8. McBride's Magic & Mystery School
9. Ongoing Adventures Of Romany! #24
10. YMCA Virtual Arts & Magic Spectacular
11. Masters Of Illusion Returns Friday, September 4, 2020
12. The Orchante Saga - Beginnings
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 HTML format
go to: http://www.magicnewzealand.com/ezine-archive/2020-Jan-to-Dec-2020/1586-Sep06-2020.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

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2. Vanish Magic Magazine Edition 74
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Message by Paul Romhany - Editor Vanish Magazine

Free digital magazine from www.vanishmagazine.com and head to the website to purchase your hard copy.

Another incredible edition with a double cover. Featuring Jason Ladanye and his influences and style in magic. We also have a tribute to the late Ger Copper who had a huge influence on many performers.

Women In Magic on continues by Connie Boyd and this edition Connie chats to Joshpine Lee.
Rory Rennick is a card collector and we look at some of his amazing collection in One Magician's Cultural Card Collection.

I Can't Breathe continues with Kevin Bethea and we hear from Victor and Diamond, Chris Capenhart and Ran Shine.

A Squib In The World by Felicity Fields offers a guest contribution by Noah Sonie with an Underground Secret in the World of Magic.

Off The Cuff by Colin Underwood looks at magic you can take anywhere.

Great magic tricks including Linking Finger Rings by Louie Foxx, Gregory Wilsons 411 using a phone, The Thought Force by David Attwood and The Chicago Transpo by Kelvin Ng.

Magic Is Education continues with Jeff Christensen and this issue he looks at creating a custom audio enhanced routine.

Magic Wisdom with The McBride Mystery School continues its series with the focus on Tobias Beckwith.

Product highlights - we look at three outstanding effects this month including Manifest By Danny Weiser, The BM Project by Bakoremagic and XYA by Chris Dugdale.

Product Reviews - a look at the latest downloads, tricks and books.

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3. Road Renamed Siegfried And Roy Drive
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Article forwarded by Peter Phillips (US)

ABC 13 KTNV Las Vegas

Road to the Mirage hotel-casino in Las Vegas renamed Siegfried and Roy Drive

Las Vegas (KTNV) - Their names lit up The Mirage marquee for nearly 14 years. Now their names will lead guests into the resort forever.

As The Mirage reopens its doors to the public today, guests will turn off the Las Vegas Strip onto Siegfried & Roy Drive when they arrive at the property. The street was officially renamed for the Masters of Illusion, who were known the world over for their record-setting performance run at the resort from 1990-2003.

https://www.ktnv.com/positivelylv/road-to-the-mirage-in-las-vegas-renamed-siegfried-and-roy-drive

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4. David Blaine's Ascension - Float Nearly 8km Height
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Message forwarded by John Richardson (NZ)

Stuff

Magician David Blaine's held onto helium balloons to float nearly 8km above Arizona desert, inspired by his daughter.

It was all captured on a livestream Wednesday morning US time - David Blaine floating underneath a bundle of balloons, over Page, Arizona in the US, at nearly 7,620m.
According to a report by USA Today, the 47-year-old magician took part in a feat he called "Ascension".

According to Blaine, it "was inspired by a desire to do something beautiful for his 9-year-old daughter, Dessa."

The report noted that the latex, helium-filled balloons Blaine used Wednesday were not "your party-store variety".

Blaine ejected himself and parachuted to the ground, upon reaching an altitude of nearly 7,620m, the report said.

Although the stream began at 9am local time, the report said that it was about two hours later that Blaine left the ground. Included in the broadcast "were snippets from Blaine's training" - learning how to fly balloons, skydive and deal with cooler temps. the report said.
There were risks.

The risks involved, outlined by Luke Aikins, a skydiving expert, included: "chilly temperatures, hypoxia (defined by the Clevel and Clinic as "low oxygen levels in your tissues"), affixing a parachute packed amid the balloons, and the landing," the report said. Blaine said "he had not performed the feat in its entirety before," the report noted.

The report revealed that originally, "Ascension" was scheduled for Monday, with the endurance artist planning to take off from New Jersey and float across New York City.
In a video shared with Instagram followers August 18, Blaine said in the caption, "This is the most that I have ever prepared for any performance to date."
Some of the requirements for the latest stunt - getting a pro sky diver rating and a hot air balloon pilot certificate, in addition to learning how to read the wind - were shared in the video. The USA Today report named previous stunts Blaine has performed, including a week spent buried underground, standing atop a 100-feet high pillar for 35 hours and fasting for 44 days inside a Plexiglas box.

Was Blaine nervous?

Before his departure, the report said it appeared that nerves were beginning to set in, as Blaine was shown the landing zone.

"This is where it gets real," he said, adding he's "the worst person with directions." the report quoted.

The report noted that Blaine acknowledged this stunt felt "crazy ... Normally, I feel like I have control over everything," he said. "This one, I have no control of anything."

According to the report, after Blaine was walked to the launch site, Dessa added another balloon to her father's assortment and gave him a kiss.

Blaine began his rise just before 11am local time, waving to those below. The report said a wide shot revealed "a dark silhouette beneath colourful balloons."

What did he experience during the "Ascension?"

"Wow," he exclaimed, "It's so beautiful," the report quoted.

The report said Blaine reached an altitude of 1,524m within minutes, and spoke to his daughter telling her, "It feels like I'm floating."

By 2,800m , the report said Blaine was able to successfully put on his parachute, and about 20 minutes in, "started a breathing technique to bring his oxygen level back up." According to the report, at an altitude of 4,267m , Blaine praised his team who made the day possible, and said he felt "great."

Then around 11.30am, he told Dessa, "I'm really, really good and I'll be seeing you pretty soon," the report quoted.

About 10 minutes later, the report said Blaine had ascended to 6,400m , and was using oxygen. He said he could see his landing site, and at an altitude of 7,589m , he released himself from the balloons.

According to the report, Blaine "voiced concerns about reaching the far-off landing area," but was able to find a space to safely end his flight, which occurred just minutes before noon.
The report said Blaine "marvelled at his accomplishment."

"Wow!" he said. "That was awesome!" "That was great!" Dessa agreed. "I love you," he told her. "This is all for you!" the report quoted.

- Patriot News

https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/cutestuff/122649890/magician-david-blaines-held-onto-helium-balloons-to-float-nearly-8km-above-arizona-desert-inspired-by-his-daughter

David Blaine's Most Ambitious Feat Yet

https://youtu.be/u84hYvlxXLE

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5. Oscar Munoz On The Magic Word Podcast
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Message by Scott Wells, M.I.M.C. with Gold Star

Those who work hard will succeed. That doesn't mean they will be rich or famous or reach legendary status. All too often those last two traits are awarded posthumously. Our guest this week is alive and well and continues to work and make a name for himself by just putting one foot in front of the other.

Oscar Munoz is the Past International President of the I.B.M. and one of the elite few who have won the coveted "Gold Cups" for excellence in close-up. Oscar may one day be performing for a conglomerate corporation followed by an appearance at an international magic convention then the next day be performing at "Johnny's" fifth birthday party. Oscar was "born to perform." Like many of us, he loves performing and gets depressed when he isn't on stage.

This week we chat with Oscar who talks a lot about his history and his passion. And he shares some professional performing tips that I know you will find useful. You can listen to this week's episode wherever you get your podcasts. But for more content with videos, blog, photos and more, please visit: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/575-oscar-munoz And while you are on the website, please subscribe to our weekly podletter so you can keep up with who is on from week to week plus be the first to know about our contests.

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6. The Magic Circle Awards 2020
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Message by Charlie Burgess (UK)

The Magic Circle have honoured some of the great names in magic, including the Larsen family in the US and the UK's Simon Drake, at its annual awards ceremony. The format was different this year because of Covid 19 - a special edition of TMC TV, the society's weekly show hosted on its Facebook page, was streamed on September 1 to its 1,800 members around the world.

The David Devant Award for services to international magic, named after The Magic Circle's founding president, was presented by its president Noel Britten to the Larsens, the first family of American magicians.

Noel said: "Over four generations they have been responsible for the creation and continuing success of The Magic Castle in Los Angeles, Genii magazine, pioneering television magic shows and many other projects. They live, breathe and love magic unlike any others; the world of magic owes them a great debt. We hope the Devant Award can go a small way to acknowledge just part of the thanks due from the membership of The Magic Circle."

The Maskelyne Award for services to British magic went to Simon Drake MIMC.

Noel said: "Simon's contributions to British magic are extensive and far reaching. His seminal TV show The Secret Cabaret introduced a whole new generation of magicians through his Grand Guignol presentations. He opened his own venue, Simon Drake's House of Magic in a secret location in London over 20 years ago and ever since then has been amazing and thrilling audiences."

The John Nevil Maskelyne Award for noteworthy contributions to the art or literature of magic was awarded to the American author and published Stephen Minch who has written over 30 books, founded the magic publishers Hermetic Press and edits Gibecière, the specialist magazine.

Noel said: "As a bibliophile, I think 'noteworthy' underplays the hugely significant contribution you have made to our art in your extensive and beautiful work in chronicling and capturing many of the leading magicians of our time. The Magic Circle thanks you for the authorship, and in many cases also the printing of these truly important books."

The Carlton Award for outstanding comedy in magic went to Danny Buckler AIMC.

Noel said: "Mixing comedy and magic has taken Danny around the world with audiences from Disney cruises to hardened soldiers in war zones. His keen eye, quick wit and esoteric turn of phrase has made him a regular performer at all the major comedy clubs in England, and a regularly sought-after compere for many shows."

The Cecil Lyle Award for best trick in The Magic Circular went to Tom Elderfield for "Cheesy But Easy" published in November 2019.

Noel said: "Tom is one of the bright new generation of magical minds whose creativity is seen in many of the leading magic TV shows around the world. With a quirky and highly investigative outlook on life, no object is safe from Tom's fertile mind to create original magical ideas with them. Of course ideas are one thing, but Tom has the ability to bring those magical thoughts to life."

Silver Wands for service to The Magic Circle went to Brian Sibley MIMC, who has just stepped down as chair of the society's governing Council and Rajan MIMC, who ran the At Homes shows.

Here is the list of The Magic Circle Awards 2020

The David Devant Award for services to International Magic: The Larsen Family The Maskelyne Award for Services to British Magic: Simon Drake MIMC The John Nevil Maskelyne Award for noteworthy literature: Stephen Minch The Carlton Award for comedy: Danny Buckler AIMC Silver Wands for service to The Magic Circle: Brian Sibley MIMC and Rajan MIMC Cecil Lyle Award - best trick in The Magic Circular: Tom Elderfield AIMC

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7. All In A Print! - John Carey #94
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Message by John Carey (UK)
http://www.johncareymagic.co.uk/

Dai Vernon's classic fingerprint card trick from The Vernon Chronicles Vol 1 is a true crowd pleaser. The presentation about finding a card via a spectators fingerprint and the magician apparently being in trouble and making a mistake is such a strong and engaging premise. The great Bob White had the really smart idea of taking the Vernon effect away from the deck and making it a small packet piece, which makes the effect even cleaner and clearer for the public. What I offer here is my own little spin, inspired by Bob's approach.

Introduce the premise of fingerprints and have the deck shuffled. Upon return you deal seven cards onto the table in a face down packet and discard the rest of the deck. Spread the packet on the table and invite a spectator to slide a card out and take a peek at it and remember it. Let's say it's the Four of Hearts. "I'd like you to personalize your card by applying your fingerprint to its back. Great. It's like you've done this before?!" Have some fun with this byplay as you pick up the other six cards. Spread them in the hands and have the selection returned to fourth from top and square up. This is easy to do, simply take three cards in a spread in your right hand and have the selection dropped onto the left hands cards.

Drop the right hands spread on top and you're done. "There are many ways to mix cards." As you say this you run off the top two cards into your left hand with an overhand shuffle and then throw the rest on top. Then you run off two more single cards and then shuffle off the remainder. This controls their selection to second from the bottom of the packet. "There's another way called the randomizer shuffle." We will now execute Paul Curry's beautiful A Swindle of Sorts false mix and then have the Spectator do it on themselves.

Deal the top card face down to the table. Then swap the positions of the next two cards and drop them onto the tabled card. Repeat this deal and mix procedure until the packet is exhausted and then hand it to your helper. Have them decide whether to deal a single or mix a pair etc with the packet and then take it back from them. "Finding your card would normally be very difficult, but remember, we have your fingerprint!"

Turn the top card of the packet face up and call it out. Flip it face down, examine its back and table it. Repeat this, turning the next card face up and then face down. Once more look at its back in search of their fingerprint and then table it. "So far, nothing shows." Now execute a block
push off and turn every card except the bottom one face up. This will be their selection. Call it out and then flip the block face down and examine the back. Ask your helper to extend the finger they used to make their 'print' and then discard the top card. This is a beautiful moment and if you act it out with conviction, they will really believe you screwed up. "The light is not the greatest in here today but hopefully I can find your fingerprint." Turn the next card face up and call it out.

Flip it face down and discard it. Repeat this with the next card and discard it too. "I'm certain it's one of these remaining two cards but don't say a word yet!" Take the bottom card of the pair that remains into your right hand. Examine its back, flash its face and then discard it. "Yes this is the one look!" Point to the back of the last card you hold as you state you can see their fingerprint. Ask your helper to extend a palm up hand and then place the face down card onto it. Ask them to name their selection. Pause and look around and then ask them to turn the card they are holding over revealing their selection. The reaction will be very strong. Some will grab the cards on the table to inspect which adds a lot of fun to the proceedings.

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8. McBride's Magic & Mystery School
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Message by Tobias Beckwith (US)

Vegas has its own "Magic Camp," year-round and online for almost 30 years!

August 30, 2020 Las Vegas, NV -- With all the buzz around the new Disney Plus offering Magic Camp, those who have been fans of magic for longer than Disney's new streaming site has been online know about the real-life and highly acclaimed school for magicians that is McBride's Magic & Mystery School.

Founded by master magician Jeff McBride nearly 30 years ago, the school offers instruction for real-life magic enthusiasts, including both those just discovering magic and those who have come back after a long absence. Mat Franco first attended the school at the age of 12. Shin Lim was a student at the yearly "Lance Burton Teen Seminar" co-hosted by the school for nearly 15 years.

"At the school, we don't compete," said founder Jeff McBride. "But we do teach students who have gone on to win almost every competition for magicians around the world- everything from their local magic club competition on up to America's Got Talent. The school tailors its curriculum to each individual student, offering what McBride terms, "The only REAL Master Class in Magic." "There are two elements which make a master class what it is. First, of course, is that it must be taught by real masters of their craft. The second is that it's the kind of class where students perform in front of their peers and receive feedback and direction from those masters."

"We're all fans of Disney here. In fact, one of our former students, now on faculty, is one of just a few magicians ever to perform at Disneyland! That's Paul Draper, now the number one magician on Zoom, who has been attending many of our events for almost 20 years! But don't confuse us with the kind of ego and competition-driven story the current Disney movie tells. We're much more about cooperation and helping one another to succeed and make magic the kind of rich and interesting art form it can be.

Given the challenges of the current pandemic, McBride's school was amongst the first to pivot to mostly online teaching. In fact, the addition of the online classes to their regularly scheduled live classes (which should return in early 2021) has allowed the school to reach a much larger audience.

"We used to host a dozen or so events here in Las Vegas each year," says McBride. Each one served between 12-20 students, except for our Magic & Meaning Conference, where we usually have about 75 students...but it was really only about 200 students each year. Now we often reach more than that just with our Monday Night Mystery School program, which is free and open to all." Our response to the crisis has brought about positive results for the School and our students.

Asked how he feels about "Magic Camp," McBride states, "I hope it's a big success. I used to teach at a place called Tannen's Magic Camp almost every summer, and it was a great experience... both for me and for those attending. Anything that generates more interest in magic is good for everyone involved in magic. But of course, I hope what we offer is a much richer experience than the one depicted in the film."

McBride's Magic & Mystery School: https//magicalwisdom.com
Jeff McBride: https://mcbridemagic.com

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9. Ongoing Adventures Of Romany! #23
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Message by Romany (UK)

Hello from the magic cottage!

Panic!

Someone just phoned to discuss booking gigs!

In October!

I knew I should have used the last six months to make sure my props were ready rather than wafting about and gardening! So there you are, just one phone call has provided the motivation and momentum to get moving again!

The chap was a magician who worked for years on cruise ships. He was head-hunted to be the chief booker of a new upmarket holiday park in the UK last year. This park apparently has 11,000 guests just this week and is the busiest it's ever been even though it's only been open again after lockdown for a few weeks. They have state of the art new theatres with screens and eight technicians per theatre. He told me that normally they seat 2200 but the new social distancing requirements bring that down to 550. Can you imagine performing in a theatre that should be full of a few thousand but now only has a quarter of that?

It's going to be an interesting experience.

We talked shop and mutual showbiz acquaintances for an hour before I asked what they were paying. He said that they have a budget per week and will slot in different entertainers to fit that. We both knew that I, as with nearly all other entertainers, haven't worked for six months and aren't likely to get many bookings in the coming months. Still, I didn't want to lose the rate that I've been working up to charging for the last ten years. So I told him what I was used to getting and said that I could be flexible around that. Let's see what he comes back with.

I suppose my rate is going to influence how many bookings I get but I like to think that if they think my show is worth the higher rate and can afford it, I'll be booked at a price that makes the 14 hour round trip back down to the south of England where I used to live worthwhile.

Meanwhile, before that phone call shock, I was happily getting on with my new adventure that I told you about last week.

I've decided to put the same amount of time and energy into promoting my book Spun Into Gold - The Secret Life of a Female Magician as I did into writing it. My adventure is commit to a daily action in order to share it with a magical million plus readers.

I've committed a daily blog to document my journey to give myself the accountability I need and to encourage other people to take action in the direction of their dreams.

This blog is on my website and you can find Day One here. If you'd like to follow along and find out what magical happenstances happen to stance, you can subscribe and be notified of each new blog.

Imagine that, daily adventures rather than just this weekly summary!

And now, I'd better go see what's become of my stage show!

With love and best wishes,

Romany

You can read more about Romany's magical adventures in her inspiring memoir Spun Into Gold - The Secret Life of a Female Magician, available worldwide and as an audiobook.
Book Depository Free Shipping bit.ly/2ONMFvB
Amazon UK bit.ly/2kqB4G6
Amazon USA amzn.to/2m3XT2J
Audible adbl.co/2qROlu5
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/romanydivaofmagic Please subscribe!

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10. YMCA Virtual Arts & Magic Spectacular
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Message by RG Smith (US)

Thursday September 10 2020, 7pm

We are happy to announce that we will live stream the annual Arts and Magic Spectacular from the Y's newest location, the brand new Y Arts Center at 115 East Church Street in downtown Frederick. Thursday, September 10 at 7 pm.

The Y will live stream a "walk through" of this newly renovated downtown beauty (formerly the Board of Education building) and introduce you to the variety of classes that are being offered right in your backyard. The format will be a series of performances by several of the teachers of their discipline; ballet, watercolor painting, tap dancing, with intermissions of magic and circus performances. The M.C.'s of this 30-minute tour are Frederick's very own Dina Carroll and Dani Gurrie from the Key 103 Morning Show "Welcome to Crazy." You won't want to miss the big finale featuring Captain Pirate Silly Bones! There is something for everyone in the family.

The YMCA of Frederick County has positively impacted the residents of Frederick County since 1859 and remains committed to providing services to Frederick County residents. However, in order to continue providing invaluable support services to the community, the YMCA endeavors to raise funds through unique, family-friendly fundraisers. Text give2ku to 41444

YMCA of Frederick County <marketing@frederickymca.org>

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11. Masters Of Illusion Returns Friday, September 4, 2020
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Message by Steve Moyer (US)

Masters Of Illusion returns for week sixteen of seventh anniversary season on the CW Network hosted by Dean Cain, the series airs Friday nights with two 30-minute episodes airing back to back, starting at 8/7C

8:00 - 8:30 p.m. Encore: "Cell Phone Hack, Water Torture, and Alonzo's Shop of Horrors" Starring Naathan Phan, Anna DeGuzman, Richard Turner, Ed Alonzo, Eric Jones and Titou

And

8:30 - 9:00 p.m. Encore: "The Sound of Magic and the Intrusive Rope" Starring Chris Funk, Shoot Ogawa, Håkan Berg, Chipper Lowell, Nick Dopuch and My Uyên

Hollywood, CA (August 30, 2020) - Masters of Illusion, produced by Associated Television International and hosted by Dean Cain, will return for Week Sixteen of their seventh anniversary season on The CW with two 30-minute encore episodes airing back to back on Friday, September 4, 2020. Masters of Illusion features amazing magic performed by 45 acts, including 46 diverse national and international cutting-edge illusionists, escape artists and performers, 10 of which are women.

This week's episodes will include:
Masters of Illusion
"Cell Phone Hack, Water Torture, and Alonzo's Shop of Horrors" - (8:00-8:30 p.m. ET) (Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)

A lesson in sleight of hand - 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: Naathan Phan (Magic is Hard), Anna DeGuzman (Phone Password), Richard Turner (Dealing Seconds), Ed Alonzo (Man Eating Plant), Eric Jones (Oxyclean) and Titou (Water Tank Escape). (709) (Encore Presentation) (Original Airdate 7/10/20).

To view a performance highlight video of the September 4th Encore episode airing from 8:00 - 8:30 p.m., please visit: (Highlight Clip of Ed Alonzo) https://vimeo.com/425699839/44e5ba8a58

Masters of Illusion

"The Sound of Magic and the Intrusive Rope" - (8:30-9:00 p.m. ET) (Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)

Bag Of Mystery - 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: Chris Funk (Guitar Cord), Shoot Ogawa (Double Card Coin Matrix), Håkan Berg (Singing Rope Trick), Chipper Lowell (Soda Can Penetration), Nick Dopuch (Traveling Cards) and My Uyên (Shadowbox and Quick Change). (#711) (Encore Presentation) (Original Airdate 8/7/20).

To view a performance highlight of the September 4th Encore episode airing from 8:30 - 9:00 p.m., please visit: (Highlight of Chipper Lowell) https://vimeo.com/425998610/489f49176c

Please note, the television show, Masters of Illusion will be preempted on Friday, September 4, 2020 from 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. or 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. in several U.S. cities due to sporting events. As a result, Masters of Illusion will be broadcast instead in Memphis, TN on WLMT on Friday, September 4, 2020 from 10:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. and in Chattanooga, TN on WFLI on Friday, September 4, 2020 from 10:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.

Masters of Illusion is produced by Associated Television International (ATI) with returning Executive Producers David McKenzie, Gay Blackstone, David Martin, and Al Schwartz, along with Co-Executive Producer Jim Romanovich. For more information about ATI, please visit www.associatedtelevision.com

For more information on Masters of Illusion, please visit:
Website: http://www.cwtv.com/shows/masters-of-illusion/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cwmastersofillusion and https://www.facebook.com/MastersofIllusion
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cw_illusion and https://twitter.com/Mastersofillus
.@cw_illusion
#MastersOfIllusion

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

David McKee, 'Noazark' - unexpected visitors

At the end of the last chapter I spoke of heading (from Wellington), back North to Auckland City for local record producer/promoter David McKee, who wanted to us to perform on a hotel circuit he had arranged, together with his band 'Noazark' - featuring, by way of variety, my mime act. On each Rock Show, he would also have a guest - recording artist, various singers who were on his record label ('KonTact' records).

Along with my rather extensive 'vinyl' long-playing record album collection, I also have around 200 original 45s, from the Sixties era, most of which are in mint condition - untouched by human hands and, according to some, when I've finished playing them - there're still untouched, by human hands! Amongst them I found several complimentary records, courtesy of David McKee, of some of the artists on his label, most of whom we worked with.

Now I do understand that none of these 'names' will mean a thing to anybody, other than New Zealanders and possibly Australians, who were still swingin' - n - boppin' (with not a grey hair in sight), in the early Seventies. They include, among others - Maria Dallas, Tom Sharplin, Brent Brodie, Hot Ash, Princess Puti and The Georgia Showband And Angela Ayers. Oh, and not forgetting - 'Noazark'!

Veronica and I became great friends with the band members of Noazark, in particular the drummer, John Drinkwater - who was nicknamed 'Beryl', because he liked to dress and 'make - up' like a woman - not that he was a - 'Queer' or a 'Poof' (yes, I know, it's politically correct to
say 'Gay' these days however, being from the old school, and a red blooded man - the real thing, I do tend to call a spade, a spade!), nothing like that, it was just for fun, adding a touch of 'glam' to the group. We had let it be known that we were looking for a flat/House to live in while we were in Auckland and John said -"hey, I've got a bungalow out at Papakura (a town south of Auckland City, which was where the band came from), it was passed on to me by my dad when he died. You could have that if you like". "Thanks John" we said, "that would suit us fine".

According to John, his father had gone slightly 'Cuckoo' in his later years; John delighted in telling us some amusing stories about his father. For instance, his dad insisted on leaving the front gate open, to - 'Let The Fresh Air In' onto his section or, he would often be seen - oiling the grass, 'because 'it squeaks', whenever he walked on it! One morning he walked up the road to the local Dairy (Milk Bar/corner shop), to buy a bottle of milk, arriving back home a few hours later, with a brand-new car instead! ' How delightful.' If I was to go ' Cuckoo' like that in my latter years (oops, I am), I'd be very happy; totally harmless, unintentionally amusing everyone at the same time.

Quite often John, the band and other friends would turn up at the bungalow with a crate or two of booze for a ' Sunday session'. One weekend, we were in full swing, great music, guitars and plenty of beer. The air was heavy with the familiar - very familiar if you were a youth in the Swinging Sixties - the days of - 'Make Love, Not War', 'Flower Power' and 'Woodstock'; also if you frequented jazz clubs - of the herbal smell of - 'grass/dope'- for the uneducated, cannabis, you know, marijuana!

I had forgotten to get some ice so I'd dumped a heap of beer bottles into the washhouse tub and turned on the cold tap, or so I thought. 20 minutes later the washhouse floor was flooded, with steaming hot water. I'd turned on the wrong tap by mistake! Kiwis and Aussies like their booze cold, very cold. I got some 'stick'! Somebody says -"Another car has turned up"! Looking out of the front window I said -" Bloody hell, it's my mother and father"! Now everybody knew that my
father was policeman - it was - 'Panic Stations'! Spliffs vanished like magic and everybody frantically fanned the air while lighting up 'normal' cigarettes (which are the real killers). As my parents walked in, Dad hesitated for a moment then said -"Sherry smells nice"! John Drinkwater, in a mild state of hysterics and confusion, stood up to offer his seat and said -"goodbye" instead of, hello! My father said, "G'day everyone, how about a drink son? " As he sat down, there was a whooshing sound, as everybody, red faced from holding their breath, relaxed, expelling pent-up up air from their lungs.

They stayed for half an hour or so then took off to visit my sister and her family who lived only few miles away. It was a most interesting afternoon, that left us all feeling rather - 'dopey'!

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13. E-zine Archives
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