* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #524 Date: Sunday 26th August 2007 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. Americas Got Talent Winner 3. Konni Rooklyn Is In Hospital 4. NBC's Phenomenon Open Call Info 5. Las Vegas Magic - September, 2007 6. Remarkable Magic #19 - Nick Lewin 7. "RPM" - What is your Reactions Per Minute - by Kyle Peron 8. New Zealand "World Festival Of Magic" Tour 2007 9. Christmas David Ginn In California 10. youtube.com/WalterBlaney 11. Save The Date!: Harry Anderson Show 12. Writer Of James Bond Dies -- The Magician 13. British Ring Convention News 14. TAOM 2007, Corpus Christi, Aug. 31 to Sept. 3 Update 15. Christof!! And Sam Angelico 16. My 142nd Trip To The Magic Castle 17. Danny Archer Leaving The Magicians Lecture Network 18. Solyl Kundu Speaks On His Return From A US Meet 19. Hey Alan - Correction! 20. Tony Griffith A New Book Reflections 21. The Amazing Orchante Saga 22. e-zine Archives 23. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- The Marc Oberon (UK) and Gregory Wilson (USA) lectures are confirmed and full details will be e-mailed to New Zealand magicians over the next week. Marc Oberon Auckland Lecture Only Date: Wednesday 12th September Time: 7.30pm Contact e-mail: Ross Harlick - rossco@quicksilver.net.nz --------------------------- Gregory Wilson Lectures Auckland Date: Tuesday 18th September Time: 7.30pm Contact e-mail: Ross Harlick - rossco@quicksilver.net.nz Palmerston North Lecture Date: Wednesday 19th September Time: 7.30pm Contact e-mail: Peter Thomson - pbthomson@xtra.co.nz ----------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com ----------------- 2. Americas Got Talent Winner ----------------- Message from Paul Romhany I just finished watching the finale of Americas Got Talent and what a thrill to see ventriloquist Terry Fator take away first prize of $1 million dollars! I think one of the judges summed it all up when Terry finished with his routine and the puppet sang Dean Martin and Tony Bennett by saying: "not only are your puppets better singers than anybody in the show, but your Tony Bennet impression sounds better than Tony Bennet ... to cap it all off you do this WITHOUT moving your lips!' It is great to see a variety act finally win a prize like this and somebody so talented as Kevin Fator, who must now rank as one of the best ventriloquists in the world and certainly the most famous after this TV show deserves all the success that will come his way. For those that aren't in North America and have not seen the show, be sure to go on to Youtube and type in Kevin Fator. You will be blown away not only by the technical brilliance of Kevin but the impersonations are mind blowing. Congratulations to the most amazing ventriloquist I have ever seen! -------------------------------------------- 3. Konni Rooklyn Is In Hospital -------------------------------------------- Message from Joel Howlett (Aust) Konni Rooklyn (wife of late/great Maurice Rooklyn) is in hospital at the moment and is very ill. Any cards or letters from her magic friends would definitely give her a boost. Please send to: 13 Tarook Avenue, Marylands. NSW. 2287. (Australia) -------------------------------------------- 4. NBC's Phenomenon Open Call Info -------------------------------------------- Message from Alicia Good Senior Casting Producer alitexas@mac.com Just wanted to send you the details about our open casting call in case you meet/know of anyone who is great for the show! Our open casting call will be held in room - "Egyptian A" at the Luxor on Sunday, August 26th from 10 AM to 4 PM. Could you please advise anyone who is auditioning to download the application from the NBC website, and have it filled out before they arrive. Also bring any performance footage they might have. We prefer DVD or DV tapes. They should also be prepared to demonstrate their three top tricks! http://www.nbc.com/Casting/#phenomenon ----------------- 5. Las Vegas Magic - September, 2007 ----------------- Compiled by David Neubauer www.dnmagic.com Production Shows: Amazing Johnathan 10 pm, (Dark Thurs.), Sahara. Reported to be the Final Year http://www.saharavegas.com/shows/amazingjohnathon.html America 's Headliners Jeff Hobson (emcee) Opens September 12, 7 pm. KRAVE Theatre. Beacher's Madhouse Christopher Karpiak, Chuck Lane, Tyas Frantz 9 pm pre-show. Last Sat. each month. Hard Rock. Bite (Vampire Strip Revue) Antonio Restivo - 10:30 pm (dark Thurs.) Stratosphere. http:// www.bitelasvegas.com Crazy Horse Paris Stephan Vanel 8 & 10:30 pm, (Dark Tues.), MGM Grand. http://www.mgmgrand.com/entertainment/crazy-horse-show.aspx Criss Angel - Cirque du Soleil Luxor Hotel and Casino. (Scheduled to open February, 2008) David Copperfield Through Sept. 19, Oct. 4 - 17, Nov. 15 - 28. 7:30 & 10 pm, 4:30 Sat. & some Sun. MGM Grand. http://mgm.admission.com/cgi/guide.cgi?l=EN Dixie Dooley, Master Mystifier 7:30 & 9:30 pm (Dark Sun. - Tues.), Weston Casuarina. http://www.houdiniexperience.com Gerry McCambridge - The Mentalist Mon. - Tues. 8:00 pm, Sat. - Sun. 6:00 pm - Hooters Casino Hotel. http://shop.vegas.com/shows/showtimes2.jsp?show=1056&lang=en Hans Klok - The Beauty of Magic Hans Klok (with Pamela Anderson) - Aladdin Theater, Planet Hollywood Resort. 7 pm & 10 pm, (Dark Sun. - Wed.) 2 for 1 Tickets: Enter code " FAM241" http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/81953?brand=planethollywoodlv Haunted Vegas Tour & Show Robert Allen, Jac Hayden & Zamora - Greek Isle. 9:00 pm tour and show (Dark Fri.) $10 off coupon: http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponhauntedvegas.html Jason Bird Miracle Mile Shops - Planet Hollywood Resort. Main stage, near the "V" Theater, Thursday - Monday Various times from 1:15 pm. to 8:15 pm. - Free. Lance Burton, Master Magician 7 pm Tues - Sat & 10 pm Tues. & Sat. Monte Carlo. http://www.montecarlo.com/entertainment/lance.aspx Mac King Comedy Magic Show 1 & 3 pm, (Dark Sun. & Mon.) Clint Holmes Theater - Harrah's. http://www.mackingshow.com Free tickets (buy 1 drink) are usually available at the concierge desk or handed out occasionally by showgirls. Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show 2 pm every day, 6 pm Fridays V Theater at the Miracle Mile Shops - Planet Hollywood Resort. 2-for-1: http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponnathanburtoncomedymagic.html Penn & Teller 9 pm, (Dark Tues.), Rio. http://www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/rlv/entertainment/entertainment_detail_00.html Steve Wyrick 7 & 9 pm. Miracle Mile Shops, Planet Hollywood Resort. The Ultimate Variety Showcase Christopher Karpiak and "S". Roxy's Live - Sam's Town 8 pm - Midnight every Tuesday. Free. http://www.samstownlv.com/entertainment/event.cfm?EventID=332 V, The Ultimate Variety Show Jason Byrne (most Tues. - Sat.) or Nathan Burton (most Sun. - Mon.) 7:30 & 9 pm, Planet Hollywood Resort - www.vtheshow.com 2 for 1 coupon: http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponvshow.html World's Greatest Magic Show Joseph Gabriel, Katalin, Kozak, Roy Shank, Losander. 6 pm Sat. - Thurs., 8:15 Fri., Greek Isle. http://www.greatestmagicshow.com Xtreme Magic Starring Dirk Arthur Tiffany Theatre , Tropicana 2 and 4 pm. (Dark Fri.) $10 off coupon: http://www.vegas4locals.com/Coupontropicana_dirk.html Other Vegas Magic Restaurants: Eric Allan, Outback Steakhouse (Green Valley), Fri. & Sat. Jayden LaCross, TGI Fridays, Wed. & Sun. Jamie Porter's Radio Side Show Sat @ 5 am, KLAV FM 1230. Las Vegas Magic Organizations I.B.M. #257: 7 pm 1st Monday. http://www.ring257.com Las Vegas Children's and Family Entertainers Association, 7 pm every 3rd Monday Both meet at Amazing Clowns, 3525 E. Flamingo. Darwin 's Magic Club meets every Wednesday. Boomers, 3200 Sirius Ave. YMS (Young Magicians Society) 7 pm every 2nd Monday, IHOP Boulevard Mall on Maryland Pkwy. News: A recent review of World's Greatest Magic Show : http://www.lvrj.com/neon/8757437.html (however, Kevin James has left the show - August 24). August, 2007 August 19-22: MAGIC Live! - The Orleans. http://www.magicmagazine.com September, 2007 September 14-16: Master Class. McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger. http://www.magicalwisdom.com October, 2007 October 2-5: The Ultimate Stage Hypnosis Seminar - Palace Station. Jerry Valley, Tommy Vee, Alex Mitt. October 7-9: MINDvention - Palace Station. Scheduled: Patrick Redford (George Tait), Sean Taylor, John Archer, Joseph Atmore, Guy Bavli, Eugene Burger, Rick Maue, Jon Stetson. http://www.mindvention.com/ October 10-12: Master Class for Mentalists. McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride and Eugene Burger. http://www.magicalwisdom.com October 23-26: Magic & Meaning Conference; Magic And The Art Of Storytelling, McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, George Parker, Special Guest: Robert Neale. http://www.magicalwisdom.com November, 2007 November 1-4: Magic for Medical Professionals, McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride and Eugene Burger. December, 2007 I.B.M. #257 presents a tribute for their Magician of the Year; John Calvert. -------------------------------------------- 6. Remarkable Magic #19 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) Remarkable Magic. Mal Cross: the man who could control his water! While there were many weird and strange characters who made the Magic Castle their home in the '70s and '80s I think it fair to say that Mal Cross was way up there on the list! In fact Mal could have held his own in a Barnum and Bailey reunion. One thing Mal definitely had was the ability to handle life with a certain crazed style and finesse. Some people have the natural appearance of being born way outside of their time zone and Mr. Cross was one of them. He looked like a bohemian pirate and dressed accordingly. He was usually seen wearing a colorful scarf on his head, covered with the sort of swashbuckler's hat that made him look somewhere between an eccentric millionaire and a seafaring hobo. There is much talk of Johnny Depp modeling his character in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies on Keith Richards but I feel sure it was my buddy Mal he really took notes from. In Hollywood the truly astounding thing about Mal was that he looked quite normal and very at home. Mal had journeyed to Los Angeles like many others to find fame and fortune on a television show. He was, for a while, the darling of Mitzi Shore at the Comedy Store and she paid him the unusual honor of allowing him to perform magic in her hallowed establishment. This was a very rare event indeed. Unlike the majority of comics arriving in L.A. Mal had left behind a very good living in New York. He was one of the stars of street performing in the theater district of Manhattan. He entertained the assembled ticket holders as they lined up to enter the various theaters along the Great White Way. This was the prize gig in all of street performing and Mal had it sewn up tighter than a defective Toppit. He had his own circuit with his own specific timetable. Best of all he made a ton of money! Arriving in Hollywood his nights at the Comedy Store and occasional week at the Castle were 'peanuts' to him on a financial level. I only ever saw Mal perform three tricks however like most street performers he never found a need for a large repertoire. He did a rather nifty color change silk routine and a truly classic cigarette in jacket. Mal had no time for the new fangled thumb tips and performed it with an old fashioned metal digital accessory. One night in the Palace of Mystery he waited rather too long before extinguishing the cigarette and quite literally melted a section of the borrowed jacket. Most performers would be just a little abashed at destroying a spectator's jacket-not Mal Cross. He merely looked at it, sniffed, and said: "Well what can you expect if you wear polyester!" This guy had more style than Lord Buckley on a bender. The third trick he performed was my favorite though and he used it to open his act. He swept onstage holding a Burger King soft drink container and an empty Coca Cola bottle and in silence poured water from one container to another in a highly dramatic manner. He did this for just long enough to start to alarm the audience. He then performed a superb hydrostatic bottle routine. The first words he spoke were: "Stop." and then "Begin..." The water pouring from the bottle followed his commands. He then embraced the audience with his gaze and confided in them in a deeply satisfied voice; "I can control my water!" They just don't make 'em like Mal anymore! As always send any bricks or bouquets to nicklewin@earthlink.net and check out my website at http://www.NickLewin.com -------------------------------------------- 7. "RPM" - What is your Reactions Per Minute - by Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message from Kyle Peron (US) Magic4u02@aol.com Have you ever wondered or questioned about how well your routines are structured. Have you ever spent time really thinking about the reactions your routines are generating? These were the questioned I found myself pondering a few years ago and it intrigued me to find out more. As I researched, I found out that in comedy they refer to what is known as "laughs per minute". The more I read, the more interesting this concept became to me. Here is a way that you could judge and create a statistic for how well a comedy routine was playing. How fascinating it was to me to be able to see a tool like this. I started to wonder could this concept be adapted for magicians. Was there something in this laughs per minute idea that could be changed to create a workable system for magicians to judge how well a routine plays? This is how my idea of RPM came about. I wanted to devise a way or system in which I could use to help me figure out how well my routines worked without the guess work. RPM stands for "Reactions Per Minute". The first step in adapting and creating this system was to realize that in magic we are not always seeking or looking for laughs only. In magic we are often seeking more than that. As I started working this out I realized that what we can gauge in magic is reactions from our audiences. It is the reactions from the audience that is important to me as a magical entertainer. If my routine is based on some laughter with also a nice surprise "wow" finish, then I find that my routine is suppose to generate different reactions at different times. So how does this RPM system work and how can you apply it and benefit from it? The first thing to realize is that every magician has different goals they are after for any given routine. One routine may be devised for emotional impact and play more serious. Another routine may really be focused much more on comedy and laughter reactions. So the very first step for using the RPM system is to ask yourself what reactions am I after for this routine? How do I want my audience to react at certain times throughout? Defining this ahead of time will allow you to really understand if the RPM is working later on. Once you have determined what really is the reactions you are seeking from a routine, you can really start to implement the RPM system more effectively. What I do is take a video camera with me to any show where I am performing a new routine. If I do not have a camera with me or if I feel that a camera set up would not be appropriate, I can have a friend sit in the audience and record my RPMs for me. It is up to you to figure out which recording process works best for you. If you are using a video camera, make sure it is pointed and aimed at the audience as a whole and not so much yourself. It is the audience's reactions you are really after. If you are on a stage, you can easily place it in a side wing to capture the audience's reactions more easily. You can use a tape recorder if you need to or feel it is more appropriate for your situation. However, keep in mind that an audio recorder may not give you as accurate a picture. The reason is that some reactions you will get are not always verbal. When you get home, take out the video tape or notes your friend wrote and really study them. The idea is to count the number of reactions you are getting from the audience per every minute of time. I usually start with a few categories. These are categories you were seeking from the routine as you created it. Some of these categories might be laughter, surprise, applause etc. Mark down and keep track of every type of reaction per minute of time in the routine. When you go over your list, you will realize just how powerful a tool this RPM system really is. You will start to see trends forming or be able to address situations that you feel may need to be changed. For example you may realize that in the beginning of your routine you are getting 5 reactions per minute and in categories where you want them. But maybe towards the middle of the routine your RPM is dropping. This could indicate a period in your routine that you may need to address. Being able to physically see the reactions you get in a statistical format on paper really gives me a wealth of information. It helps me to 1) know if I am generating the right reactions I want and 2) make sure that my routine as a whole does not have any weak or slow points. Give my RPM system a try for yourself. It does take a little bit of work but I feel my audiences are worth it. If I want my routines to go over well, then I will put forth the effort to record my RPMs over several shows and see if what happens. As magicians we often assume are routines are working the way we want them to. RPM gives you a tool to utilize to really find out for sure. As always, I encourage you the readers to let me know your thoughts. So if you have any thoughts on my articles or suggestions or comments, please feel free to e-mail me directly at magic4u02@aol.com. I would love to hear from you. Kyle Peron Magician and Illusionist Graphic Designer and Illustrator (Specializing in Logo creation) www.kyleandkellymagic.com Chair Suspension Ebook Author http://www.magicenhancer.com/ChairSuspension.html -------------------------------------------- 8. New Zealand "World Festival Of Magic" Tour 2007 -------------------------------------------- Message from Gene McCarthy (NZ) Monday 19 November - Taupo - 4:30pm & 7:30pm Great Lake Centre Tuesday 20 November - Tauranga - 1:00pm - 4:00pm & 7:00pm Bay Court Theatre Lions Club of Tauranga Inc. Wednesday 21 November - Gisborne - 5:00pm & 7:30pm War Memorial Theatre Thursday 22 November - Napier - 5:00pm & 7:30pm Napier Municipal Theatre Friday 23 November - Off Saturday 24 November - Hamilton - 5:00pm & 7:30pm Founders Theatre Sunday 25 November - Off Monday 26 November - Whangarei - 1:00pm & 5:00pm & 7:30pm Forum North Tuesday 27 November - Travel Wednesday 28 November - New Plymouth - 5:00pm & 7:30pm TSB Show Place Thursday 29 November - Wanganui - 4:30pm & 7:00pm Wanganui Collegiate High School Friday 30 November - Day Off Saturday 1 December Wellington - 1:30pm - 4:30pm Queens Wharf Events Centre Sunday 2 December - Palmerston Nth - 1:30pm - 4:00pm & 7:00pm College of Education Monday 3 December - Travel Tuesday 4 December - Rotorua - 5:00pm & 7:30pm Civic Theatre Wednesday 5 December - Ferry/Travel Thursday 6 December - Christchurch - 12:30pm & 6:30pm Friday 7 December - Christchurch - 12:30pm & 6:30pm Theatre Royal Saturday 8 December - Off Sunday 9 December - Timaru - 5:30pm Theatre Royal Monday 10 December            - Dunedin - 2:30pm & 7:00pm Regent Theatre Tuesday 11 December            - Travel Wednesday 12 December - Invercargill - 5:00pm & 7:30pm Civic Theatre Thursday 13 December - Travel Friday 14 December - Off Saturday 15 December - Auckland - 11:00pm - 2:00pm & 5:00pm Sunday 16 December - Auckland - 11:00pm - 2:00pm & 5:00pm Logan Campbell Centre -------------------------------------------- 9. Christmas David Ginn In California -------------------------------------------- Message from David Ginn (US) 5 California Workshops September 2008 This fall 2007 I am presenting nine Christmas Magic workshops on the West Coast USA. If you live in driving range of one of these, please plan to attend and register right away! Details for the five California workshops are below. One week from now I will send you the details of the other four: Oct. 20 Salt Lake City UT, Oct. 21 Denver CO, Nov. 3 Portland OR, and Nov. 4 Seattle/Tacoma WA. However, if you don't live on the west coast - PLEASE do me the favor of forwarding this information to any magic or clown friends who do live there! Yes, let your west coast friends know I'm coming and that this is a onetime event, never to be repeated in their areas! I have just returned from Australia & New Zealand where I presented a one-man 2 1/2 hour version of Christmas magic. These fall workshops are the full day - 4 lectures - six hour version with my Canadian friend Steve Harmer, former school principal and now fulltime magic pro. He will do a complete Christmas Party Show and explain it during the day. I actually do three lectures, from commercial Christmas magic to the do-it-yourself type and a session on how to work shows at Christmas parties. Again - one time only!!! Please pass the word to individuals and club members, newsletters, any way you can! I promise this will be fun and educational and frankly, a blessing to all who attend! Your help in getting out the word will be deeply appreciated. Sincerely, David Ginn / at home West Coast USA Fall 2007 - One Time Only! - Here It Comes! Christmas Magic Workshop Starring Author/Magician David Ginn With Special Guest Steve Harmer September 14 Friday: 9 am - 4 pm Arlington Un. Methodist Church . 9395 Magnolia Ave . Riverside CA 92503 Contact: Joyce at 951-781-4379 September 15 Saturday: 9 am - 4 pm Parkcrest Christian Church . 6236 Woodruff Ave . Lakewood CA 90713 Southwest of 91 & 605 Freeways, near LAX & Cerritos Mall Contact: Gene Oswald 714 488-6010 September 16 Sunday: 2 - 8 pm Jack's Magic Place . 4275 University Ave . San Diego, CA 92105 Contact: Jack White 619 299-9037 September 21 Friday: 9 am - 4 pm Ramada Silicon Valley . 1217 Wildwood Ave . Sunnyvale CA 94089 I-101 at Lawrence Expressway . Contact: Cheryl 510 468-0931 September 22 Saturday: 9 am - 4 pm Will Chandler Home . 1476 Belleville Way . Sunnyvale CA 94087 Contact Will at 408 733-3101 $35 advance / $45 at the door. Spouse free with paid performer. Junior Magicians/Clowns $35 with one parent free. Ten children ages 6-12 will be allowed FREE with paid parents, if they are well-behaved and willing to assist on stage. Advance registration can be with local sponsor or send checks directly to: David Ginn, 370 Bay Grove Road, Loganville GA 30052. Email registrations with credit card: ginnorders@comcast.net Credit Card phone registrations: 770-466-8421 Line #1 Free Book! Free look at link below! Each registrant gets a free copy of David Ginn's Christmas Magic Workbook, filled with 50 pages of routines, ideas & ways to work Christmas Parties. This book is not for sale! Christmas magic props, books & DVDs will be on sale at special prices. Checks, cash, credit cards accepted. Check It Out: http://www.gulfcoastmagicians.com/davidginnchristmasworkshop.htm -------------------------------------------- 10. youtube.com/WalterBlaney -------------------------------------------- Message from Walter Blaney (US) For any friends who may wish to view videos of my various TV appearances, they can now be seen at youtube.com/WalterBlaney The first window shows a selection of nine. Click on "see all 14 videos" to view others. Included is my 1973 appearance on the TV show of the late Merv Griffin who died last week. There is also my Instant Texas act which has not been seen by magicians for a number of years. -------------------------------------------- 11. Save The Date!: Harry Anderson Show -------------------------------------------- Message from Glenn Strange As many of you already know Harry Anderson will be performing his one man show at the Furman Theatre in September. (See attached poster). Won't you please consider coming and help fill the seats for each and every performance of this world premiere show!! :) Performance Dates are as follows: September 21-22 (Friday and Saturday 8pm) September 28-29 (Friday and Saturday 8pm) Location: Greenville, SC, USA The Furman Theatre Presents a Special Event Harry Anderson is best remembered as the eccentric magician/con man who starred in NBC's long running Night Court and CBS' Dave's World (Furman Theatre graduate Don Todd was the Head Writer and Executive Producer of that series.) At the time of Hurricane Katrina, Harry was living in New Orleans and running "Oswald's Speakeasy," a French Quarter nightclub where he performed his act. After Katrina, Harry and his wife Elizabeth used the nightclub as a center for the New Orleans recovery, hosting "Town Hall meetings" and attempting to generate some political actions from the locals. Drowned and Quartered is a hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking compendium of Harry's memories of this remarkable time. Furman Theatre patrons have a unique opportunity to participate in this premiere by one of America's celebrated stars. Appropriate for Mature Audiences. The Box Office ( 294-2125) opens for reservations on Monday, Sept 17. Call early to assure yourself a seat. The show will play for four performances only. Bring your friends - all of you will be glad you came! -------------------------------------------- 12. Writer Of James Bond Dies -- The Magician -------------------------------------------- Message from Bev Bergeron (US) John Gardner (80), a prolific British thriller writer who penned more novels about James Bond than Ian Fleming did died Aug. 3rd in Basingstoke, England. He was a semi-professional magician. -------------------------------------------- 13. British Ring Convention News -------------------------------------------- Message from Bob Hayden PRO to the British Ring Calling all Junior Magicians. For the past few years, a workshop just for Junior Magicians has been included in the Convention programme. It is included again and will be held on the Saturday afternoon in the Arts Centre Board Room in Lord Street. So that you won't miss the performance of the Street Magicians at 2.30pm outside the Centre, the workshop won't start until they have finished. Mandy Davis, Chairman of the Young Magicians Club (YMC) is, as always, arranging the workshop and this year she has approached David Williamson, Boris Wild and Joanie Spina to come along to give a private session. She hopes that other top magicians will also be available. If you are over ten years old and under eighteen - this is a great opportunity for you to learn from some of the greats in the world of magic away from intimidating adults! And don't forget to bring a deck of cards! If it is not possible for you to attend the whole convention, why not plan to spend the weekend of 15th and 16th September in Southport? In addition to the workshop you will be able to enjoy the International Close-up Gala, the International Gala Festival of Magic and a star lecture by Gaetan Bloom; if you make it through to midnight you can see that incredible card magician Lennart Green too! The mammoth Dealers Exhibition will be open all day (on Saturday only) with an opportunity for you to buy a wide range of props and gimmicks, books and DVDs. Then Sunday morning will bring you a lecture by top American magician Robert Baxt and 'The Stars of the Future" where you will be able to support other young people performing their own show. Mandy Davis is looking forward to seeing you at Southport - as is the President of the British Ring, John Styles MBE. Remember reduced registration rates for all junior magicians of 18 years and under are available for the whole Convention or for a day registration. Go to the Online Payment page of this website for details or contact the Registration Officer Neville Johnson on 01202 8733234 or by e.mail Nevillejohnson25@aol.com Here is a rundown of who will be appearing in each of the daily stage shows, all to be performed in the Southport Theatre. The Opening Show on Wednesday at noon will have Kevin King as MC and will include award winning Paul Dabek, the new act of the funny and original Gaetan Bloom and the superb Canadian Illusionists Murray Hatfield and Teresa. The 'Thursday Nite Show' will be a deliberately different style of show with lots of original entertainers and several new faces to an IBM Convention including John Fealey, Rob Torres, Tim Gabielson, legendary ventriloquist Ray Alan with Lord Charles and a surprise Act to close the show. Only Executive Producer Paul Stone knows who it is and he's not saying. To find out who it is, you'll have to be there! Friday night's 'Late, Late Gala' will be emceed by The Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year, the effervescent and glamorous Romany (we are anxiously awaiting to see what she will be wearing) and she will be introducing the hilarious Bob Sheets, Tennis juggler Daniel Hochsteiner and a very unique performer Dan Dunn. The International Stars of Magic Gala on Saturday evening crowns a day that has been full of spectacular magic. It will be hosted by Robert Baxt and will star from Las Vegas The Great Tomsoni and Co, Vik and Fabrini direct from the Crazy Horse in Paris, where they have had a record breaking 17 year run, UK's top TV magician Paul Zenon, the fantastic and hilarious Les Bubb, football juggler Erik Borgman, 'Stringfever' the sensational electric string quartet and Canada's Premier Illusionists Murray Hatfield and Teresa. Music is from the Ian Mac Band. And don't forget the two shows that have already been detailed, Eddie Dawes 'Melange of Mystery' on Friday afternoon and Children's Showtime Saturday afternoon. Before the Convention closes on Sunday morning there will be 'The Stars of Tomorrow' Show. In addition there are another three events you will be extremely foolish to miss. One is The David Williamson Experience on Thursday morning, a 90-minute whirlwind session, Johnny Thompson assisted (?) by his vivacious wife Pam delivering the Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecture on Friday morning and of course the top class International Close-up Gala on Saturday morning For those with stamina there are the Late Night Sessions in the Arts Centre Theatre Wednesday to Friday and a chance to see Lennart Green entertaining in the headquarters hotel The Scarisbrick at midnight on Saturday. This is all in addition to the star lectures to be given during the Convention by Bill Malone, Rocco, Bob Sheets, Magic Al, Boris Wild, Paul Kieve, Joanie Spina, Michael Vincent, Lennart Green and Robert Baxt plus a Balloon Workshop. With the Stage Competition for The British Ring Shield and the Close-up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy, a seminar on The History of Mystery and a new innovation Celebrity "Ask the Experts" with Johnny Thompson, Paul Kieve, Joanie Spina and Tim Gabrielson and not forgetting the Giant Dealers Exhibition, the British Ring Convention of 2007 is not only high in quality, it is also complete in content. Why not contact Neville Johnson now on 01202 -873234, by e mail at nevillejohnson25@aol.com or down load a Registration form from this website and pay by Paypal. It's just too good to miss! And there's still time to book. -------------------------------------------- 14. TAOM 2007, Corpus Christi, Aug. 31 to Sept. 3 Update -------------------------------------------- Message from Joe Douglas TAOM 2007 Entertainment Chair The Texas Assn. of Magicians will hold their 2007 magic convention at the Omni Bayfront Hotel in Corpus Christi, Texas, August 31 to September 3, 2007. See www.taom2007.org for the latest details. Late fees have been waived by the TAOM President, so a person can still register for $135. There will be registrations for ONE DAY only if you cannot attend the entire convention. Please accept a Texas invitation to come own down to Corpus Christi for a great magical experience. Don't be the one hearing about our great convention...be the one telling everyone else what they missed. It's not too late to register and experience the magic. Dale Salwak, J. C. Wagner, Robert Baxt, Aldo Colombini, Lou Leventhal, Chris Walden, Daniel Reyes, Dave Mitchell, Bill and Ruth Pitts, Stoil & Ekaterina, Marcus Eddie, S. Brent Morris, Jaramy and Sissy, Hir, Granell, Eddy Au, Spider the Great, Paul Osborn, Cy Albertson, and even Crazy Paul will miss seeing you if you are not attending TAOM 2007 in Corpus Christi, Texas this Labor Day Weekend. Come just for the fun of it! -------------------------------------------- 15. Christof!! And Sam Angelico -------------------------------------------- Message from Chris Gregory (Aust) A truly magical evening. Christof!! and Sam Angelico are both appearing "La Soirée", a magic - gourmet-circus-burlesque night in a gorgeous, antique-mirrored Spiegeltent. Melbourne's newest (but 100 year old) venue: the Melba Spiegeltent, situated in Northcote, by the Town Hall, is owned and operated by show business legend, Frank Gasser of Circus Royale fame. The Melba is a breathtaking piece of European craftsmanship in warm, carved timber and sparkling cut glass mirrors. It is home to "La Soirée", an evening of food, love and laughter in the tradition of Germany's "Pomp Duck and Circumstance", and Seattle's "Teatro Zinzanni". It's like having dinner in the ring of a romantic, mad, saucy circus. Director, Doug Tremlett, himself an icon of Australian magic, entertainment and style, left no stone unturned, and no turn un-auditioned to find a supreme cast of passionate gypsy souls to bring this astonishing, evocative venue to life. The result is a heritage ranging from OZ/NZ comedy hit, The Four Noels to Cirque du Soleil, from Circus Oz to the Streets of Paris. You can visit themelbaspiegeltent.com.au to check out the star studded cast. Come along before the Melbourne Fringe starts. ----------------- 16. My 142nd Trip To The Magic Castle ----------------- Message from Terry Seabrooke (UK) The summer is nearly gone and now getting ready for my 142nd trip to the Magic Castle. I leave UK October 12th and open at the Castle on Monday 15th where I am in the Palace of Mystery with England's finest lady magician export to America, Mystina. I shall be lecturing once again at the Castle with something new. Something old and even something even older! Day after I arrive there is the Swap Meet at the Castle so will take and empty suitcase! Diana Zimmerman has great new non magic product on the market soon so watch out for it. It is very exciting. ----------------- 17. Danny Archer Leaving The Magicians Lecture Network ----------------- Message from Danny Archer (US) I started the Magicians Lecture Network back in 1995. The basic idea was a way to help connect magic groups looking for lectures with the very best lecturers in the magic community. The idea proved to be a welcome addition to both sides, and for the past twelve years the Magicians Lecture Network has booked thousands of lectures and convention appearances all over N. America. I have also been fortunate, to be a lecturer myself, and I have enjoyed traveling and sharing my own instructional performances with many clubs and conventions in the US and abroad. Starting in 2001, the very talented lecturer and performer, John Luka from Detroit, came aboard and worked with me to handle and book the lecture tours. John has been a very welcome addition to the staff and a pleasure to work with. As of September 1st, 2007, I will be stepping down as the Magicians Lecture Network president and John will be taking over as the man in charge. John can be contacted at JohnLukaMagic@aol.com, or by phone at 313-291-4041. I feel sad to be leaving a company I started, but pleased with the work I have accomplished. The reasons for my leaving are positive. An increased performance and travel schedule, along with running two annual conventions, in addition to being a husband and father, will not allow me to continue doing the work as it needs to be done. I am not leaving the magic scene and will be appearing at conventions and lecturing in 2008. I would like to thank all the magic clubs, groups and magic shops around the world, as well as the performers themselves, for working with me to spread and share the Magic throughout the conjuring community. Watching a lecture can be entertaining, educational as well as inspirational and I encourage everyone interested in magic, to attend magic lectures and work on becoming a better performer. I hope everyone will join with me in helping John carry on the very valuable service of arranging quality magic lectures. Your friend in Magic, Danny Archer Peace, Danny Archer ----------------- 18. Solyl Kundu Speaks On His Return From A US Meet ----------------- Message from (Solyl Kundu, Kolkata, India) The Telegraph Salt Lake Anniversary Special Magic, here & there Solyl Kundu speaks on his return from a US meet. It's a matter of perception," says Solyl Kundu. The Karunamoyee-based magician was talking about the difference between magic in India and elsewhere on his return from the 79th Annual Convention of the International Brotherhood of Magicians at Nevada, US. Whereas countries like the US or Canada treat it merely as a form of entertainment, Indians, Kundu says, are still obsessed with the truth behind the tricks. Even now, Kundu has to counter superstition-driven questions relating to black and white magic or the adverse effects of hypnosis. Satellite TV has also led to the decline of magic, he stresses. "Magic no longer provides occasion for a family outing. Shows have now been relegated to performances at birthday parties or school fetes." The five-day convention had brought together 1,800 magicians from across the world, from countries like Japan, China, India, Bangladesh, New Zealand, the UK and mainly the host country, the US. "We had five days of magic shows, contests and lecture demonstrations," he recalls. Amongst the three chief genres of magic, Kundu observes that illusions are a dying form today all over the world. This is due to increasing costs of production stemming from unwieldy stage props, lavish costumes and sets. Even in the US, illusions feature only occasionally on TV. Live shows mainly involve close-up magic due to its use of simple props like cards, coins clips or matches. Stage magic has also become rare due to reasons like the death of the vaudeville tradition, leading to the dearth of sizeable stages necessary for this genre. Bars and restaurants however still provide some scope for what is popularly called strolling magic. Occasional lavish affairs may be witnessed at Las Vegas, though. Indian magic, Kundu points out, traces its origins to street sorcery, now almost obsolete. The P.C. Sorcar school of magic, he claims was initially derived from western sources and embraced transformation much later, when it became identified with princely costumes and local colouring. It still tends to emphasise the mystery factor and retains a deliberately dramatic dimension, unlike other member countries of the International Brotherhood, where showmanship and presentation account for appeal. Kundu was one of the judges at a contest for junior amateur magicians. "We were struck by their powerful imagination. Though a 16-year-old Californian was crowned, the decision was close," he recalls. The brotherhood, he says, collaborates with the medical community to help the physically challenged by harnessing the therapeutic potential of magic. Kundu, the territorial vice-president of the north India chapter, is eager to emulate this practice if local NGOs extend help. Kundu adds that places like Mumbai, Chennai and particularly Kerala are still enamoured of this entertainment option. One can still make a living out of magic there, he says. The illusion here, though, has broken. Gargi Mandal ----------------- 19. Hey Alan - Correction! ----------------- Message from Mandy Davis Diva of Deception Chairman YMC/Editor - Secrets Magazine http://www.mandydavis.co.uk Hey Alan - Correction! Secrets magazine is NOT new! It's in a new full colour format but it's been around for quite a while now - the original editor was Anthony Owen and he was followed by the late great Peter McCahon who brought it to its first, glossy look. Now we've gone full colour.... that's what is new. ----------------- 20. Tony Griffith A New Book Reflections ----------------- Message from Tony Griffith (UK) Tony Griffith has just published a new book Reflections, being the routines and thoughts of a working magician's repertoire. Reflections is the first of a trio of books detailing some of Tony's routines and thoughts from a life time of magic. Future publications will be Further Reflections and Final Reflections. These two volumes are due to be published later this year and in early 2008 The foreword to Reflections is written by Steve Beam author of The Trapdoor Magazine and the very popular card book series Semi Automatic Card Tricks (Vols 1 - 7) Reflections contains some 12 items from Tony's commercial working repertoire. In addition there are three very good items for the children's entertainer, together with an indepth article on How Children Differ. This article is based on his many years experience as a teacher in a primary school. During the last 20 years Tony has been visiting schools with his Magic Of Science show. Included in the book is an account on how the show was conceived and developed, together with some 10 items from Tony's science show. Many of these items can easily fit into a children's show. The book concludes with a 22 page section on The Magic Answer Game and poses questions about situations magicians might encounter in Restaurants, Hospitality situations, Corporate Dinners, After Dinner Shows and Trade Shows. In this section Marketing, Personal Organisation and You and Your Future are also considered. Plenty here to get the grey brain cells working. Reviews of the book have been excellent. The book is comb bound, 104 pages on high quality paper, some 70 illustrations, coloured glossy back and front covers, plus two colour inserts. Price is £15 plus £9 p&p (air mail) outside the UK. Order direct from Tony Griffith, 33 Davids Road, Whitchurch, Bristol. BS14 9JH, England (Tel +44 1275 837017) ----------------- 21. The Amazing Orchante Saga ----------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) 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 9 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 let's 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 its 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. -------------------------------------------- 22. Magic New Zealand e-zine Archives -------------------------------------------- Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/fezine.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) -------------------------------------------- 23. 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.watson.co.nz/fezine.html. Magic New Zealand® E-zine is published each Sunday. The opinions expressed therein are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Magic New Zealand®. Neither Magic New Zealand® nor Alan Watson vouch for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, message, statement, or other information reported via Magic New Zealand® E-zine. 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