********************** MagicNZ e-zine www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html ********************** Issue Number: #11 Date: Sunday 5th March Editor: Alan Watson ---------------------------------- If you'd like to remove yourself from this mailing list, please see the instructions at the end of this e-zine. Our subscriber list is NOT made available to other companies or individuals. We value every subscriber and respect your privacy. ======================================= ---------------------------------- Contents ---------------------------------- 1. Danny Archer - lecture 2. Update on Harvey Berg - lecture 3. Harvey Berg - description of lecture 4. Harvey Berg - credits 5. Fox exposures 6. IBM International President - Jerry Schnepp - lecture 7. Bounced Internet address 8. 27th Australian International Magicians Convention update 9. Australian Convention - time table 10. Richard Webster - for sale items 11. The Magic Castle election results - 2000 12. Danny Archer - description of lecture 13. Danny Archer - credits 14. Registration detail on 21st FISM Congress 15. Paul Romhany - for sale item 16. Wayne McEwan - new dealer 17. News Items 18. Benefit of subscribing to the MagicNZ e-zine 19. Subscription Management 20. Contact Information ---------------------------------- 1. Danny Archer - lecture ---------------------------------- (October) Dates for NZ tour to be advised. Message from Dan Garrett Danny Archer lecture: Danny is a very personable fellow who creates his own line of commercial magic. All his effects are very commercial and easy to do. You will understand if you happen to own any of the several items he has released for sale. The key word here is (obviously) "commercial." (:}D) Danny Archer also arranges lecture tours in the USA. I did a tour on the West Coast of the US, which he arranged, and many, many top-name magic lecturers have used his services. If any lecturers from OZ and Kiwi-Land are looking to lecture in the States, you might have a word with Danny when you see him. Dan Garrett, MIMC, IBM TVP for Georgia, USA, and Past National President of SAM ---------------------------------- 2. Update on Harvey Berg - lecture ---------------------------------- Auckland - Sunday 25th June Wellington - TBA Christchurch - Thursday 29th June ---------------------------------- 3. Harvey Berg - description of lecture ---------------------------------- The lecture consists of all original effects, which I started to put together in 1995. They are mostly with playing cards, and are all mental effects. As such, they only deal with the most rudimentary of sleights, so that anybody will be able to do them. This is very much of a "sharing" kind of magic, with a high degree of audience participation. The effects range from close-up through stage, where members of the audience either come up front, or participate directly from their seats. There are times when I leave the room, and instructions are given via a recording. Since I started lecturing in 1998, they have been very successful, judging from the feedback I receive, and the large amount of lecture notes that are sold. I have recently made arrangements for the notes to be sold through dealers, and initial sales are doing very well. I have five sets of professionally printed notes with more than forty original effects, and a series of false shuffles, cuts, etc that can be done by magicians with "sleightophobia". I have also recently received an invitation to Fechters, through recommendations from Lennert Green and Marc DeSouza. Other people who are familiar with my work include Bob Elliott, Ken Krenzell, Dennis Haney, Ed White, Barrie Richardson, Jarle Leirpol (who arranged a lecture tour for me through Sweden and Norway), and Bill Nagler. Other magicians who I have "baffled" with my work include Eugene Berger, Simon Lovell, Guy Bavli and God knows how many others. ---------------------------------- 4. Harvey Berg - credits ---------------------------------- Kudos to Harvey Berg for an outstanding lecture at the recent Workshop. It was described as unusual and unique. One person drove 200 miles to see it, and says it was well worth the trip. Harvey Berg, busy on the lecture circuit, has just returned from Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Allentown. He says judging from the feedback and sales of his lecture notes; it's been a most successful tour. At the end of May, Harvey begins a lecture tour of Norway and Sweden. His lecture notes are being published and will be available at Tannen's and other dealers. If you haven't caught Harvey's lecture, be sure to pick up his notes. Those who have seen his lecture gave him rave reviews. The next lecture of the New Year was on February 17th by magician/ mentalist Harvey Berg, from New York, a relative newcomer to magic who presented an unusual assortment of original magic and mental effects in which he used stacked and memorised decks, subtle psychology, and linguistics to create absolute miracles, which looked like real mind reading. The lecture had to be experienced to be believed. To quote one attendee, who accurately reflected the sentiment of all who attended: "It just blew me away. This stuff is incredible." Keep and eye out for this unusual performer, as I predict that you will be seeing him at conventions and other magic events in the coming years. Lecture notes are available, while they last, from White Magic. ---------------------------------- 5. Fox exposures ---------------------------------- Message from Clive Court Thanks for your detailed report on the latest Fox exposure show. I know this is very vexing to many performers. I didn't bother to watch it. In fact, the main audience for an exposure show are people who don't like magicians as entertainers. So on that night in North America, most of the people who don't like magicians were watching the Grammys! So about the only people who were watching the exposure show were magicians and wannabe magicians---no major harem done here. But when the show gets to the UK, Australia, and NZ and you don't have a blockbuster like the Grammys to draw the audience away that will be a different matter. So my advice is get together and promote whatever is appearing in opposition to it -- use your promotional skills to eclipse it. Generally speaking, TV networks do a poor job of promoting magic specials because they are really not interested in them, Most of them are baby-boomer former journalists with very little interest in the entertainment industry beyond news, current affairs, movies, recordings, and old TV shows. ---------------------------------- 6. IBM International President - Jerry Schnepp - lecture ---------------------------------- (June) Lecture dates to be advised. Message from Dan Garrett Jerry Schnepp, current IBM International President, is eminently qualified to lecture on preparation and selection of material, etc., to give a performer the best shot when entering a magic contest (at any level). Jerry has, for many years, been in charge of the IBM International Convention competitions (IBM Gold Cups and IBM Gold Medal competitions for close-up and stage, respectively). He knows competition and the criteria upon which contestants judged. I have served as a judge for Jerry Schnepp at a couple of high-level IBM competitions, so I have seen the man in action behind the scenes. And since the lecture has been offered free, this is definitely a case in which you will get much more than you pay for! (:}D) Dan Garrett, MIMC, IBM TVP for Georgia, USA, and Past National President of SAM ---------------------------------- 7. Bounced Internet address ---------------------------------- Does anyone know the following Internet addresses for Neil McIntyre as it bounced? ---------------------------------- 8. 27th Australian International Magicians Convention update ---------------------------------- Message sent by Paul Bowen We have been very lucky to confirm the talents of Rene' Lavand, Tina Lenert, Michael Finney, Raymond Crowe & Phil Cass. All of these guests will be performing and lecturing for us. Interest has been both large and varied, as we have had interest from Canada, USA, Istanbul, as well as many parts of Asia. All after more information on the convention. I know this is early notice but I don't want to be accused of not letting every one know, we only have space for 400 registrants for the weekend. Once that figure is reached there will be no more registrations available. Last Melbourne convention we sold out 3 weeks before the convention and our numbers are already up on this time last convention. Several US dealers have also inquired about dealing at the convention so start saving your $ now. On our homepage we have included a section called "Competition Guidelines" this was designed to outline the rules, times, definitions and judging criteria for all competitions. These guides will go out to all clubs and magic shops. Speaking of Home pages our site was hit over 200 times last month and is constantly being updated. We have put a links page on the site so if you would like to link to us or like us to link to you just go into our links page and follow the instructions. Our site now has a new address, it is http://convention2000.tripod.com you can still access us the old way however this is easier to remember. We have had a few questions as to why the convention price has gone up. So the easiest way to answer that is with some examples of cost: The Venue is costing approx. $30,000 for the four days. Our Banquet, which when we didn't have it 2 conventions ago caused so much fuss costs approx. $40,000 Our overseas guests with airfares and accommodation are approx. $10,000 unless the $ drops again. Tea and Coffee is approx. $8,000. Again if we didn't provide it you would all be up in arms. These are just a few of the cost we encounter running the convention for you. I hope they answer your questions of why we have to charge what we do. Registration at the hotels is also slowly filling, there seems to be a lot happening in the Olympics year. I suppose we should be grateful the convention isn't in Sydney next year the prices would be through the roof. Any queries don't hesitate to contact us on +613 9523 5540, or convention2000@hotmial.com Danny Archer is featured in the Feb. 18 issue of the Wall Street Journal. His career as a "Corporate Conjuror" who performs customized magic, which drives home a message, is examined through some examples. We also find out that his real last name is Silverman. The reason he changed it is, "It keeps me in the A's when things go alphabetically." ---------------------------------- 9. Australian Convention - Timetable ---------------------------------- Message from MOZZIE CONVENTION 2000 AT A GLANCE. Friday June 9th, 2000 2:00 p.m. Rego Desk Opens 3:30 p.m. Children's Entertainment Session 6:00 p.m. Dinner 7:30 p.m. Cocktail Party 10:00 p.m. Ray Crowe Lecture 11:30 p.m. Magic in the Bar Saturday June 10th, 2000 Dealers day 1. 9:30 a.m. Under 18 Stage Competition 11:00 a.m. Coffee Break & Wandering Magic Comp. A.. 11:30 a.m. Stage Magic Competition 1:00 p.m. Flea Market 1:30 p.m. Lunch 2:30 p.m. Rene' Lavand Lecture 4:00 p.m. Coffee Break & Wandering Magic Comp. B.. 4:30 p.m. Ken Littlewood Competition 6:00 p.m. Dinner 8:00 p.m. Public Show 10:00 p.m. Break 10:30 p.m. Michael Finney Lecture 12:00 p.m. Magic in the Bar Sunday June 11th, 2000 Dealers day 2. (final day) 8:00 a.m. Collection of Auction Goods. 9:00 a.m. Auction 11:00 a.m. Coffee Break & Wandering Magic Comp. C.. 11:30 a.m. Phil Cross Competition Intensive 1. Cards 12:15 p.m. Intensive 2. History of magic (to be confirmed) 1:00 p.m. Lunch 2:00 p.m. Restaurant Magic Competition 3:00 p.m. Parlor Magic Competition 4:00 p.m. Coffee Break & Wandering Magic Comp. D.. 4:30 p.m. Under 18 Close Up Competition 5:30 p.m. Close Up Card Magic Competition 6:30 p.m. Break to prepare for Banquet 7:30 p.m. Banquet Drinks 8:00 p.m. Banquet 12:00 p.m. Magic in the Bar Monday June 12th, 2000 9:30 a.m. Phil Cass Lecture 11:00 a.m. Coffee Break 11:30 a.m. Promotion & Stage Craft Lecture 1:00 p.m. Trade Session 1:30 p.m. Lunch 2:30 p.m. Panel Discussion 3:30 p.m. Break 4:00 p.m. Closing Show presented by Adelaide 2001. 5:00 p.m. Official Closing The Ken Littlewood Competition is the $1000 Stage Magic Competition. The Phil Cross competition is the Children's Magic Competition. ---------------------------------- 10. Richard Webster - for sale items - esp@psychic.co.nz ---------------------------------- Thanks once again for the great response. I knew the e-zine had been posted as I received an order from someone within minutes. Here's some more: 2 x Magicians tables. One is in the shape of a rabbit. Both made by Harold Chandler. $50.00 each. This week the other items are books: Anverdi - 50 Years of Magical Creations $30.00 Stuff - a Collection of Original Magic by Eric Mason $30.00 How to Develop Mental Magic by Paul R. Hadley (A book on how to develop a two-person code act) $20.00 Two paperbacks - Houdini's Escapes and Houdini's Magic, both by Walter B. Gibson $5.00 the pair. ---------------------------------- 11. The Magic Castle election results - 2000 ---------------------------------- Arkin and Sneddon & Co counted the ballots twice because of the close count between positions 8, 9, 10, and 11. AND THE WINNERS ARE... Billy McComb Irene Larsen Dale Hindman Mark Wilson Ron Wilson Lew Horwitz Bruce Cervon TC Tahoe Glen Falkenstein ---------------------------------- 12. Danny Archer - description of lecture ---------------------------------- (October) Dates for NZ tour to be advised. Working Alone Tour Danny Archer hails from Denver, CO and is an experienced magician whose material has been gaining tons of acclaim from magicians. His marketed effects (Birthday Banner, Lucky Lotto, Eye Exam, Grandpa's Deck, Balls and Net, to name a few) have become smash hits world wide. His lecture is chock full of solid audience tested magic. Danny will be a featured lecture and performer at the 2000 Blackpool convention in England and will lecture all over the UK and Scotland. The focus is on close-up and stand-up magic and Danny teaches you how to make all your magic play big. All the effects are fully explained and illustrated in his lecture notes (not a "dealer demo") and use simple and engaging props, with devastating results. Some highlights are; Par for the Course a mental routine using golf as a theme (one of the Tricks of the Year in Syzyrgy magazine and featured on their video tape). Balls A sleight of hand effect with rubber balls. They appear, vanish, and change color in a fast paced routine. Lost & Smelled a selected card is shuffled into the deck by the spectator. You sniff out the selection. Triple Threat an incredible no prop version of Mental Epic. Maximum magic, minimum work. Barrel of Fun! is a real world practical marked coin in nest routine, with everything examinable! Quiz Show a signed card appears in the card box. No palm and palm handling taught. Magic Jeopardy is a hilarious stand up comedy routine that can be adapted to any audience. A lock and key trick with ungimmicked props! Archer Shuffle a stand up, full deck false shuffle that you can learn in minutes. Outfoxed a stunner! You reveal five cards that have been MENTALLY selected by the audience. Be sure not to miss Danny's entertaining, exciting and informative lecture. ---------------------------------- 13. Danny Archer - credits ---------------------------------- You'll learn powerful, practical, innovative magic! Let's see what others have said: "Your lecture was well received, particularly by those seeking performable and entertaining magic for laymen in a real world environment. I personally left the lecture with four items which I shall utilize, which is a higher number than normal for me. Often I admire the skill of a lecturer, but find nothing that I can actually use in a performance for laymen. Not so with your lecture". Robert Bluemle Scottsdale, AZ "The lecture was terrific. Nice mix of stuff and nice mix of skill level. Great job!" Mark Strivings, mentalist "This was one of the most fulfilling and practical lectures I ever attended. There was magic for the close-up and stand-up worker; magic for the coin aficionado and card worker; magic for the philosopher and move-monkey; magic for the manipulator and mentalist. In short, there was magic for EVERYONE!" Mike Guisti Fresno, CA ---------------------------------- 14. Registration detail on 21st FISM Congress ---------------------------------- Message from Dan Garrett The BEST way to get FISM info is from their web site: www.fism2000.com email: fism2000@fism2000.com The 21st FISM Congress begins on Monday July 3 at 11:00 am, and the concluding event is Saturday, July 8. The venue is in Libson, Portugal. Registration Office: Registration Office FISM 2000 Viagens Abreu S.A. Congress Dept. Avenida 25 de Abril, 2 2795 Linda-a-velha Portugal Phone +351 1 4156000 Fax +351 1 4156383/4 Email: hcarvalho@abreu.pt Hope to see you there! Dan Garrett ---------------------------------- 15. Paul Romhany - for sale item - comedy@comic.co.nz ---------------------------------- 1) Comedy Flower Pot: Pour water into a flower pot and flower comes upright, as you walk away, flower slowly wilts, do this several times throughout show then pour beer (or whatever) and flower remains upright. This is brand new from Belgium. NZ $80.00 ---------------------------------- 16. Wayne McEwan - new dealer - AAKIWI@xtra.co.nz ---------------------------------- Phone (03) 216 2992 - 18 White Street Invercargill Send a stamped. Self addressed envelope for a full list, or choose from the following. Phone calls after 6pm. Postage extra Linking Rings - Set of three super locking $300.00 Hot dog gun - Great for kids. Very well made in metal/wood. It's a must have item (3 only) $120.00 Windmill Wand - I've had these made by the same guy that made them for Supreme. Kids will go nuts, very short supply $45.00 Brass chop cup - made in England, the best I've seen 1 only $120.00 Special effects drawing board - (Axtell) Hot price $150.00 ---------------------------------- 17. News Items ---------------------------------- If you have any news items that you feel the majority of our subscribers would be interested in please e-mail me so I can include them in the next e-zine. The magician who e-mails me a particular news item FIRST will receive full credit at the top of that item. If the news is of major importance I will send them out immediately as a Newsflash. ---------------------------------- 18. Benefit of subscribing to the MagicNZ e-zine ---------------------------------- You will now be informed well in advance of coming events and kept right up to date with the latest news. ---------------------------------- 19. Subscription Management ---------------------------------- To subscribe or unsubscribe from the MagicNZ e-zine: www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html The opinions expressed in this e-zine are those of the individual contributors. Neither MagicNZ nor Alan Watson can vouch for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, message, statement, or other information reported via MagicNZ e-zine. We reserve the right to correct any errors or omissions as we see fit. >> This publication may be freely redistributed to other magicians if copied in its ENTIRETY << (c) Copyright 2000 Alan Watson ---------------------------------- 20. Contact Information ---------------------------------- Alan Watson Ph. (9) 483-9274 Fax. (09) 483-9274 Mobile 025 95-7070 E-mail alan@watson.co.nz www.magician.co.nz www.magicianz.com