* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #178 Date: Sunday 8th June Editor: Alan Watson www.magicianz.com www.alan-watson.com e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================   1. Editor’s Message   2. IBM Convention Talent   3. Patricks & Melissa Lecture Notes   4. “Middle Earth” … A Picture Perfect Location   5. To Terry Seabrook From Walter Zaney Blaney   6. Bill Seagraves Lectures - Gold Coast Australia   7. Guy And Cynthia Cater’s Adventures In The USA   8. I.B.M. Memorabilia & Houdini Items   9. Billy McComb Added To Roster Of Stars - S.A.M. Convention   10. Super Pictures - FFFF   11. Visiting London Early July   12. Wizard's Of Winter Haven (Florida)   13. Fast Jimmy Appeared On The Y? Show   14. The John McNicholas Magician's Round Table   15. A Question About The Academy Of Magical Arts Awards   16. The Black Hart Productions of Birmingham?   17. The Amazing ‘Orchante’ Saga - Vol. Two - The Australian Years   Magic New Zealand   18. e-zine archives   19. Subscription Management ------------------------------------ 1. Editor's Message ------------------------------------- Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One Michele and I really enjoyed attending the Wanganui mini convention last weekend and we had great pleasure in presenting on behalf of the Magic New Zealand Awards Committee a Lifetime Achievement Award to Ken and Shirley Bates. The special citation reads: “In recognition of a lifetime dedicated to excellence in the magical arts - especially in the field of comedy” Ken and Shirley received a well deserved standing ovation. Another special highlight was watching 8 year old Raoul Solomon performing in both the Silk Routine stage competition and the Close up competition – his passion for magic and theatre shone. Raoul is Ken Bates’ student in magic and after the Lifetime Achievement Award was made to Ken and Shirley, Raoul stood up and said Ken Bates had changed his life. ----------------------------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com ---------------------------------- 2. IBM Convention Talent ---------------------------------- Message from Mindy Burden (US) This is without doubt one the strongest Talent line-ups assembled in years! Register on-line at www.magician.org or contact Mel Kientz, Registration Chairman, at napamagic@aol.com Here's the Line-Up: Wednesday, July 2: Stars of Magic Premiere  Gay Blackstone  Nikolai & Nina  Tom Burgoon  Kenji Minemura  Bob Fitch  Greg Frewin Thursday, July 3: International Stars of Magic  Max Maven  Jade  The Netcheporenkos  Jay Marshall  Mark Kalin & Jinger Friday, July 4: Gold Medal Competition & Show  Rich Bloch  Competition  Pat Davison Saturday, July 5: Stars of Magic Gala  Jonathan Neal  Ardan James  Andre Kole Big Three Close-Up:  Danny Archer  Bob Fitch  Greg Frewin  Simon Lovell  Obie O'Brien  Shoot Ogawa Big Three Lecture:  Barry Mitchell Big Three One Man Show:  Aldo Colombini Lectures:  Jim Cellini: The Art of Street Performing  Greg Frewin: Adding Creativity to Magic  Bob Fitch: Acting Tools for Magicians  Trixie Bond: Children's Birthday Parties  Aldo Colombini: As Always Aldo  Danny Archer: On Target  Andre Kole: Magical Creativity  Simon Lovell: The Simon Lovell lecture  Shoot Ogawa: Straight Shooting  Ardan James: Body Mechanics and Illusion  Tom Burgoon: Tricks, Gags, and Trash  The Spencers: The Healing of Magic  Max Maven: The Max Maven lecture  Gay Blackstone: From the Inside Out ------------------------------------ 3. Patrick’s & Melissa Lecture Notes ------------------------------------- Message from Patrick (Nigel) and Melissa McCullagh (Aust) Hi Everyone Flying in to Wanganui on the plane last Friday night we met a local couple they called the town WangaVegas and we were in for a treat and we were …Thanks for a fantastic weekend we had a great time and not one Aussie joke or sheep joke was exchanged ….It was a pleasure to meet our New Zealand friends the ones we already knew and the new ones we made. What a relaxed and enjoyable convention enjoyed Wayne Rogers lecture which was inspiring loved the puppet and sponge ball routine and seeing all the different Spades and poles in work a brilliant inventor and a very entertaining. Work shops were a hoot and competitions very slick and met a couple new budding magicians Roaul who is 8 competed against the adults…”Watch out Ken think he might beat you next time round” and Phillip it was lovely to meet you both. Thanks to Geoff, Norm & Co for all the work they did…. Any one who wants to buy anything off us and didn’t get a chance we have some Videos, Notes, wands still left… Melissa has some stilettos for sale if any of the guys want to do a straight jacket escape… EMAIL melissa@pat-trick.com.au Pat & I are running a Comedy Club starting Wednesday July 9th and it will run every Wednesday Night from then on Top Line up so any one from New Zealand, UK US in Melbourne give us a call and if you do stand-up comedy or (It can be comedy/magic) let us know we could give you a spot or just come along for a fun night. Comedy Knockout Comedy Club Elephant and Wheelbarrow 169 Fitzroy Street St Kilda Ph0419 571 704 Web site up shortly. Thanks again Patrick and Melissa ---------------------------------- 4. “Middle Earth” … A Picture Perfect Location ---------------------------------- Message from Alfred Hayes (Aust) “Middle Earth” … a Magic Carpet excursion to fantasy, imagination and dreams. “Middle Earth” … a picture perfect location for the New Zealand “Mini Magic Convention” held over their Queen’s Birthday long holiday week-end. Venue was Wanganui (North Island). The enchantment of the unexplained, explained (to some!) … the convivial company … the fabulous fare … made this particular coven a triumphant. Highlight: there were two in both my eyes – Pat-Trick and Melissa (Lecture, Workshop and Evening Show), and Raoul Solomon (a sparking eight year old from platform 17½). Competitions were two: “Silk Magic” (winner Paul Bates), and “Close-up Magic (winner Ken Bates). If you have never attended a New Zealand Magic Convention, give yourself a conjuring reward … plan to prestigitate at the next. From across the Tasman – Alfred Hayes ---------------------------------- 5. To Terry Seabrook From Walter Zaney Blaney ---------------------------------- Message from Walter Zaney Blaney, President Emeritus of WAM To Terry Seabrook Dear Terry: I think quite a few magicians will be surprised at your complaints against our World Alliance of Magicians (WAM), and your calling us a "gang", with "no ethics". It seems so out of character from your usual lovable self, especially since you are a "Magic Ambassador of Good Will". I'll never figure out why you chose to turn on your friends in WAM. We incorporated in 1998, five years ago. No one on our side of the pond ever heard of a Watford Assn. of Magicians until you complained three years later (I repeat...THREE YEARS LATER). After your complaints began, you slipped up in one of your MUM columns and spoke of your Watford Magician's Club. You have spoken to me on three different occasions about how awful WAM was, and how we are hurting the world magic community in seeking to help stop flagrant exposure on national TV, and seeking to confront the magic builders and dealers who pirate the illusions of the magic inventors, thereby helping to take away the incentive to continue their creativty. Try talking sometime to the host of inventors in our magic community. I think you will be shocked. You have told me how terrible it was that all WAM did was scream and holler, picket, boycott TV sponsors, waste our treasury on lawsuits, the money all going down a rat hole. After listening to your monologue on three different occasions, I tried to then tell you each time how you were totally, 100% wrong on all counts. You chose to end the conversation each time and not listen to one thing I wanted to say. Terry, regards the work WAM has done, I was there, you were not. Try re-reading the WAM 5th Birthday Letter I wrote which appeared in the  Magic New Zealand  e-zine last week. I wrote the real story the best I knew how. Look at the well known names in magic who were at our founding meeting when we named our new federation the "World Alliance of Magicians" (WAM). When you complain about our WAM work you will be complaining to some pretty accomplished and well known names in magic. Now why don't you go write a story about all that your Watford Magic Club has done for the world magic community these past few years, and lay off complaining about the work our WAM is continuing to try to accomplish. I think it would be a more positive approach for everyone. Sincerely, Walter Walter Zaney Blaney, President Emeritus of WAM zblaney@aol.com ---------------------------------- 6. Bill Seagraves Lectures - Gold Coast Australia ---------------------------------- Message from Marlene & Bill Seagraves Bill Seagraves will be in the Gold Coast area on business from 13th July until 26th July and has some free time. This could be your Club's opportunity to book his lecture or meet up with him. Before moving from Aberdeen, Scotland to settle in Taupo, New Zealand Bill performed every week for 28 years at the prestigious Marriot Hotel. His unique routines with the emphasis on Entertainment is now sought after in New Zealand's top venues, entertaining their Conference clients. Bill can be contacted by Email: magic@reap.org.nz ---------------------------------- 7. Guy And Cynthia Cater’s Adventures In The USA ---------------------------------- Message from Guy and Cynthia Cater (NZ) Bakersfield Monday 2nd June Hi Gang ON THE ROAD AGAIN! First two shows were great … we drove up from San Diego to Sacramento (nearly went too far as last year the show was at the actual school but this year they moved it into Sacramento … capital city of the State of California). 300 kids in a theme park. They had all been bussed in from Shingle Springs…Graduates of Ponderosa High. Showtime was 3:30 till 5am. Next day we drove to El Dorado County and the Union Mine High School. Magnificent school with a full theatre set up. I think Cynthia enjoyed working in a professional sound and lighting booth. Had a top show with heaps of volunteers and loads of laughter!! This show was at 3am so we are still not quite used to the driving and weird sleeping pattern. Today we drove down here to Bakersfield … have a day off tomorrow then on Wednesday we have two shows during the day … one at 9am and the other at 1pm. . . . then it is straight into the car and a drive back to Sacramento, grab a few hours sleep then up for another show at 2am!!!!!!!! Will probably sleep all day Thursday!!!! We are finding the heat is a bit depressing … it is incredibly hot here, thank god for air conditioning in the car! We purchased a cell phone today and will give you the number but please …. Only use in emergencies as it will cost both you and us a fortune as they charge for both incoming and outgoing calls at the same time over here. The number is 001-916-662-0913. We also got the laptop fixed up today so we can receive emails wherever we are now. Cynthia is really enjoying being back in the States with all the fast food outlets and heaps of TV channels … we have a choice of 75 in this motel (and that is only because it is a budget motel otherwise there would be many many more). When we work they put us in beautiful hotels but on our days off we have to pay for our own accommodation so we slum it!! After the Bakersfield and Sacramento shows on Wednesday and early Thursday morning show, we have another two days off before a couple of shows in the San Francisco Bay area then drive back down to Los Angeles. Hoping to catch up with Kevin who flys in about then before we do six shows in three days … that’s going to be a buggar! ---------------------------------- 8. I.B.M. Memorabilia & Houdini Items ---------------------------------- Message from Mindy Burden (US) While at the I.B.M. Convention, be sure to stop by to see the fantastic Museum featuring I.B.M. memorabilia, Houdini items, and a superb Thayer collection along with a few surprises. If you have some old magic items, you may bring them to the "Antique Magic Road Show" for a free appraisal on Friday, July 4 from 10am and 12noon. A professional Sotheby's appraiser will help tell you what your item is and what it is worth. The Collectors' Meeting on Wednesday, July 3 will feature a panel discussion plus 'tricks seldom seen'. ---------------------------------- 9. Billy McComb Added To Roster Of Stars - S.A.M. Convention ---------------------------------- Message from George Schindler (US) Producer RG Smith announced today that famed comedy magician Bill McComb will appear on the opening afternoon gala show July 7at the S.A.M. Convention at the Riviera hotel in Las Vegas. McComb is no stranger to Las Vegas, having often been the opening act for the Amazing Jonathan. Other acts on the bill are Joseph Gabriel, Nathan Burton and Sarah, and Hikari Furiyama, The emcee is Terry Seabrooke. The evening show will feature six youngsters on the Stars of Tomorrow Show. See the S.A.M. website for details on how to register for the convention www.magicsam.com or phone 618-451-9749 ---------------------------------- 10. Super Pictures - FFFF ---------------------------------- Message from Obie Obrien (US) Hi 4Fers: Just a quick note to all of you from the Head Forker. Mike powers and Tony Gerard have sites set up for some SUPER PICTURES of attendees at 4F 2003. Please check them out. Mikes site is: www.mallofmagic.com/ffff2003/ffff03_1.htm Tony’s is: www.gerardenterprises.com ---------------------------------- 11. Visiting London Early July ---------------------------------- Message from Bob Chua (Singapore) I will be in London early July and would like to meet up with magicians there. Any contacts would be appreciated. Please email to: bob@conjurer.net Bob Chua Singapore Mobile: +65 9111.0808 www.conjurer.net ---------------------------------- 12. Wizard's Of Winter Haven (Florida) ---------------------------------- Message from Don Drake (US) The Wizard's Of Winter Haven (Florida) WOW, did some real magic with their convention this year. As an invited performer and lecturer, it gives me great pleasure to say that I have never worked for a finer group of true Wizards. Originally the convention was to have been held in Cypress Gardens, the first convention held in a theme park. At the last minute, Cypress Gardens (one of the oldest and most loved theme parks in Florida) closed, and declared bankruptcy! As you can understand, this left the Wizards in a pretty pickle!. Well, not only did they jump on the band-wagon, but they excelled in finding another theater, and accommodations, and they were superb! The convention ran smoothly, and everyone enjoyed it immensely. As a performer, I will leave it up to others to write reviews about the actual acts, but suffice it to say every day was packed with thrills, magic and fun. The dealer's room was crowded almost all the time between lectures and shows, and I kept hearing comments like, "What a great convention!" and "Wow, they really excelled this year." While I've been to some very good conventions over the last 40 years or so, this one "took the cake" so to speak. I would like to thank the convention committee, Rick DelVechio, James Songster (and son), Joe Vecciarelli, JayWethington, Anesa Veciarelli, Art Thomas, Maria Ibanez, Mike Pterson, Tommy Jackson, Mark Fitzgerald, Ken Spanola, Bob Klase, Marty and Carl Bristow, Linda Hopke, Bob Cafazzo, John, Crosby, Kelly Forkner, Harvey Brownlow, Teresa Songster, Joshua Songster (my best assistant ever), Elmo Bennett, and Harold Greenbaum. I would also like to thank the theater production people, Sue Jacobeger, Andrea Firedman, Anesa Veciarelli, Jay Wethington, Joshua Songster, Rex Todd Alexander, Art Thomas James Songster and Joe Vecciarelli. Hey, if I mentioned their names twice it just means that they were working two jobs, in two places at once. A noteworthy effect of Wizards! I would personally like to thank the above people for giving me one of the best convention experiences I've ever had, and it was a pleasure to see true professionalism! Thanks folks, and I hope you all get gigs! ---------------------------------- 13. Fast Jimmy Appeared On The Y? Show ---------------------------------- Message from Fast Jimmy (Aust) Australian magician Fast Jimmy appeared on the Y? show - channel nine around Australia on the 5th of June 2003 performing a silk blendo routine and the water in the newspaper trick. ---------------------------------- 13. "Merlin Award" - Ken Klosterman ---------------------------------- Message from Ken Klosterman Loveland resident Ken Klosterman, Chairman of the Board of Klosterman Baking Company, recently returned from Las Vegas where the International Magicians Society honored him with the coveted "Merlin Award" in the category of "Magic Historian and Preserver". The award recognizes Ken's lifelong dedication to researching, restoring and preserving magic-related books, posters and antique apparatus. Ken's private collection, known as the "Salon de Magie," has been featured in Smithsonian magazine and portions of the collection have been exhibited in leading museums throughout the United States. The I.M.S. is the world's largest magic organization, and in the past has also honored David Copperfield, Penn & Teller and Siegfried & Roy. ---------------------------------- 14. The John McNicholas Magician's Round Table ---------------------------------- Message from Eric Appel (US) The John McNicholas Magician's Round Table in Linden New Jersey, USA is celebrating it's 50th year of providing the very best lecturers available to the New York / New Jersey area magic community. Starting in 1954 in the back room of John's Tavern, this group has grown and prospered over the past 50 years, seeing the likes of past greats such as Vernon, Slydini and others to today's greats such as Johnny Thompson, Pat Page & Michael Ammar to name but a few. Although through the years there have been a few involved in running the group, behind the scenes there were always two individuals who kept things going, Al Hillman and Carl Bajor. Last year, we lost Al when he passed on to join the other magi who have gone before. Carl has kept things moving, and now has turned control over to Eric Appel and Raymond Nieves. Though still around to play meet and greet, Carl deserves to sit back and enjoy. It's up to Eric & Ray to keep the group together and growing through the next 50 years. At this point, we are halfway through the year, and have had some very big names in to lecture, but there are still many big names yet to come this year. If you find yourself in the area, or would just like some more information on the group, go to our web site at www.magiciansroundtable.com Or reach out to Eric at ega53@comcast.com ---------------------------------- 15. A Question About The Academy Of Magical Arts Awards ---------------------------------- Message from Jean Graf - jgraf@geneva-link.ch For approximatively six years, I am working on a "Dictionnaire de la Magie et des Magiciens" (Dictionary of Magic and Magicians) in French language, with a friend of mine. He is virtually finished. In one of the "annexes" we have the Academy of Magical Arts Awards. In spite of my researches I have'nt found the AMA winners for 2001 and 2002. Perhaps you can say to me were I can found the winner's list for these 2 years? ---------------------------------- 16. The Black Hart Productions of Birmingham? ---------------------------------- Message from Steven S. Jodzio Have you or know of any one that have dealt with The Black Hart Productions of Birmingham? They deal in Tarot cards, Runes, and magical supplies from Black Artifacts. Seem very interesting to me, you see I was a performing Magician, Clown, Exotic Bird Shows, and DJ here in the USA, New Jersey. I had a stroke in 2000, I can no longer perform as before because of the stroke, I've been on the computer, just trying to put together something to be able to go to my local hospitals and Nursing homes. I miss performing so very much, I'm using a wheel chair cause I can't walk long distances or stand long. I also use a cane for stairs. I can no longer shuffle cards, except for an over hand shuffle and can only do a classic palm. I've always enjoyed watching Mentalism, Tarot, and things of that nature, maybe now I'll try my hand at it. ---------------------------------- 17. The Amazing ‘Orchante’ Saga - Vol. Two - The Australian Years Magic New Zealand ---------------------------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Page 10 The Amazing ‘ORCHANTÉ’ Saga - Volume II - The Australian Years - ‘THE MIKE WALSH SHOW’ Following our four day stint in Grafton for the Ex Services Club and the Jacaranda Festival, and having revelled in the glorious beauty of the Jacaranda trees, we headed back to Sydney on the Friday (5th of Nov. 1976), caught up with some sleep then worked Saturday night at the Paddington north Town Hall; on the Sunday we had two shows at the Balmain RSA. What do they say – ‘No rest for the wicked’! We weren’t complaining, especially when on the following Thursday, the 11th, we had a repeat booking at the Channel 10 TV Studios for ‘The Mike Walsh Show’. Two appearances in just over a month - we must have been doing something right, and it caused quite a bit of chatter among the other Sight/Visual acts in ‘Club Land’, as it was unheard of for Speciality artists to appear on television twice, in such a short time. Singer’s certainly, but Variety artistes? NO WAY! Delving into the depths of my bottomless aluminium trunk the other day, I found a pile of magazines; they were the ‘ENCORE’ - THE MAGAZINE FOR ENTERTAINERS, MUSICIANS AND, CLUBS AND AGENTS. The magazine, founded by Sydney comedian - Dave Burke, had contributors from Sydney, West Australia, Queensland, Victoria, Las Vegas and London. On the cover of one, dated March 1978, are three photographs, one of the man himself - Mike Walsh, the conductor/musical director - Geoff Harvey and, talent/production co-coordinator, Mike Williams, more commonly known as - ‘Shirley’! Inside the magazine, a four-page article complete with photographs of - The Mike Walsh Show. Just the other day when I was Channel jumping on my Sky Digital Satellite System (which isn't easy when you have something like 800 or more channels to choose from), I came across some sort of ‘Home Improvement’ programme from Sydney and there, much to my surprise, was Mike - ‘Shirley’ - Williams sawing up timber, hammering nails and wielding a paintbrush etc. My, my, work must be really tough in good old Sydney Town these days. What a comedown! From second ‘Top Banana’ on Australia's No.1 rated daytime TV show in the 70s, to becoming a carpenter! Mind you, I have to admit that he seemed to be doing a damn good job and, lets face it, he was still working in television. Getting back to the article about the Mike Walsh Show, it was a most interesting read from a ‘Inside’ point of view, and perhaps will be of interest to the many Australian, and any New Zealand entertainers, of my vintage, who may also have appeared on his show. At the point in time of writing this, Wednesday 4th June, 2003, time 12:30 pm, to be pedantic, may I remind you that I’m talking about 1976, and that the ‘Mike Walsh Show’, has long-gone from Australian television screens. THE ARTICLE In terms of National exposure and recognition, there is nothing like an appearance - or better still, several – on the Mike Walsh Show. Entertainers - who otherwise have little or no access to mass media at all, gain kudos and some fame in a profession where fame is vital for ultimate success? The show has just entered its sixth year. As it settles into its daily pace until the next recess in December, there is no sign of it's success fading - if anything, 1978 looks like a major year for the show, and the people who make it work. Andrew L. Urban (the Editor of the Encore), in an exclusive interview, visited ‘The Cottage’, which is the heart and brain of the show. Sue Farrelly is God. She arrives early, and within minutes the humble rooms at ‘The Cottage’ are like the command centre of a major tactical operation. As Unit Manager, Sue has to co-ordinate appointments and control details in a head-spinning atmosphere, while staying cool, and efficient. It's 9.20am. Mike Williams leaves the cottage to go over to the studio where the artists are about to arrive for rehearsals. Geoff Harvey is talking to the orchestra; it’ s a casual atmosphere. CONTINUES ------------------------------------- 18. Magic New Zealand e-zine archives ------------------------------------- Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html Both the User Name and Password MUST be entered in lower case to gain access. User Name: magic Password: kiwi When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order and are coded. Eg 001 Nov06 1999.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue number, then the date (Nov06) and the last figures the year (1999) Both the User Name and Password MUST be entered in lower case to gain access. ------------------------------------- 19. Subscription Management ------------------------------------- Our subscriber list is NOT made available to other companies or individuals. We value every subscriber and respect your privacy. To subscribe or unsubscribe from the Magic New Zealand e-zine: www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html Magic New Zealand e-zine is published weekly, on Sunday. The opinions expressed in this e-zine are those of the individual contributors and not those of Magic New Zealand. Neither Magic New Zealand or Alan Watson can 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 that they will not hold Magic New Zealand and/or Alan Watson liable or responsible in any way for the opinions expressed herein. We reserve the right to edit, correct or, in our discretion, choose not to publish any submissions provided to Magic New Zealand for potential publication. Magic New Zealand welcomes readers to submit timely articles or news items which appear to be of interest to our readers. Those submitting to this e-zine agree that we have permission to publish their submissions and that they have the full copyright to the material submitted. All works published by Magic New Zealand are fully protected by international copyright as provided by law, and articles cannot be published for profit by anyone other than the individual author without the written permission of Magic New Zealand. >>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.<< © Copyright 2003 Alan Watson