* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #594 Date: Sunday 13th July 2008 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. Siegfried & Roy Events In London 3. First SYM "WOW" Convention A Success! 4. 4F Website For Info On The 2008 Convention 5. FISM New Venue And Hotels 6. Why We Go On Those Television "Talent Shows" 7. Remarkable Magic #60 - Nick Lewin 8. Evolution Of The Act - Kyle Peron 9. Entertaining On The Ocean #33 - Paul Romhany 10. Paul Gertner Early Bird Close-Up Show 11. Jay Marshall Auction Update 12. British Ring Convention News 13. The Magic Capital Of The World! 14. Fantasma Digital Downloads 15. New Magic Auction Site 16. Check Out International Magic Auction 17. Broken Wand - Larry Harmon aka Bozo 18. Gold Coast & Brisbane Magic Shop Is Open! 19. Magic In The Rockies 2008 20. The Fantastic Places Jeff McBride Mentioned 21. Nick Lewin's Accolades For Glenn Falkenstein 22. 29th New Zealand International Magicians Convention 2008 23. e-zine Archives 24. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- This is the LAST ISSUE of Magic New Zealand until we return from the States 19th August. Next issue will be published on Sunday 24th August. Michele and I are really looking forward to catching up with all our magical friend at the joint IBM/SAM Convention in Louisville very soon. Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. Siegfried & Roy Events In London -------------------------------------------- Message from Paul Stone As promised here are the details of the two forthcoming Siegfried & Roy events in London. The first is on Sunday 28th September and is a 'Tribute to Siegfried & Roy at the London Palladium'. I am attaching the two sided promotional flyer for this event for you. The event will also launch MAGICARESTM The Magic Charity. Full details about the Charity and its Mission Statement and future plans, and the performers appearing in this unique show are detailed on the MAGICARESTM website which is www.magicares.com This will not only be an outstanding Magic Show with an International line-up of talent rarely, if ever, seen in London, but the show will also tell the story of the incredible careers of Siegfried & Roy with video and film clips and Testimonials from several major Stars from the world of Entertainment. Siegfried & Roy will be at the show, and we are planning to 'produce' them on stage at the London Palladium in the Finale. As they never actually played the Palladium, which is widely acknowledged as being the most famous Variety Theatre in the world, it promises to be a special and moving moment for everyone in the Theatre. The second event I am producing is a Gala Charity Fundraising Dinner, Cabaret & Auction on Wednesday 1st October, also to honour Siegfried & Roy, at the 5 star Landmark Hotel in London. This will be an exclusive event for just 200 people, and the Guest of Honour is HRH Princess Michael of Kent. A limited number of tickets for this event are still available. Details can also be found on the MAGICARESTM website www.magicares.com Profits from both of these events will be shared between MAGICARESTM The Magic Charity and Siegfried & Roy's SARMOTI FOUNDATION. Alan, I hope this is the information you needed. I greatly appreciate your help with this, and hope that you will kindly spread the word amongst the worldwide Magic Community for us. These will be two very unique and high class events. Please confirm receipt of this email. Many thanks If I am in Las Vegas when you are in town in August, it would be great to meet up with you. You are in good hands with Nick Lewin. Best regards Paul (Stone) Showstealers -------------------------------------------- 3. First SYM "WOW" Convention A Success! -------------------------------------------- Message from George Schindler S A M Public Relations Fifty two happy young magicians attended the first ever SYM "Weekend Of Wonder" July 4 and 5, 2008. The event was a highly successful magic convention for children between the ages of 7 to 17. They learned and participated in lectures and demonstrations and watched two evening magic shows performed by some of the youngsters and augmented by professional magicians from all parts of the country.  The mentors traveled to Warwick Rhode Island and all donated their time and expertise. Five concentrated "hands -on" work shops were interspersed lunch and a pasta buffet for the attendees and their parents. Breaks for donuts and impromptu magic by the youngsters added to the fun. A special Parents Meeting was included led by "honoree" Bill Andrews. More than a dozen mentors helped director Jann Goodsell and her able staff led by Bruce Kalver, David Oliver and Mike Miller. The children also received valuable magic gifts donated by well known magic dealers. S.A.M National Council Officers were in attendance. Watch for a gallery of photos on site. Participating mentors were - John Apperson, Dick Blowers, Trixie Bond, Marlene Clark, Andy Dallas, Lyn Dillies, Rachel Dunn, Vinnie Grosso, Ice McDonald, Mike Miller, David Oliver, Jimmy Ray, George Schindler, Ed Thomas and Mark Weidhaas. -------------------------------------------- 4. 4F Website For Info On The 2008 Convention -------------------------------------------- Message from Obie Obrien (US) Just a quick note to tell you to go to the 4F website for info on the 2008 convention. go to www.ffffmagic.com under convention reviews 2008 click on 2008. Then for some super pictures click on Tony Gerard's Photo Galleries for 4F 2008. I hope you enjoy the Dawes write up and Tony's pictures to see what you missed or to refresh your memory of a super time. The Head Forker - Obie -------------------------------------------- 5. FISM New Venue And Hotels -------------------------------------------- Message from Hank Moorehouse International Consultant To FISM WCM 2009 Beijing, China Hi, I just returned from a quick three day visit to Beijing. While there I had the great pleasure to be taken on a tour of the China National Convention Center, the connected hotels and few other nearby hotels that will be used during FISM. The Convention Center and two hotels are inside the Olympic Park. When you watch the Olympics and see the National Stadium or Bird's Nest it's only a short walk to the convention site as is The National Aquatics Center or Water Cube. The Convention Center is a long glass enclosed building that rises on each end. During the Olympics it will have a number of uses, but for our convention the first floor will be used for the two banquets. The third floor will house the dealers and the fourth floor will contain a large and smaller theater. Underneath the building will be a common area for subway travel and shops. A short walk across the street on one end is the CNCC Grand Hotel. A 4 star hotel with 443 rooms. At the other end of the building is a 5 star Inter Continental Hotel. Both are set to receive guests at the start of the Olympics. They contain the usual restaurants, bars, coffee and gift shops. The rooms were large and well appointed in both hotels. Everything is air conditioned. I stayed at the 5 star Crowne Plaza a short 10 minute taxi ride. This hotel is the high end of the Holiday Inn Chain. So you can use your Priority Club card and rewards. This included 3 restaurants, a lobby bar and coffee shop, next to it was a 3 star hotel that will also be used during FISM. What's more, this newly decorated 3 star hotel has attached kitchens and a low price. There are a few more nearby hotels that will also be used. They will all have free shuttle rides to the convention center. But if you want to take a taxi, which I did, just to check the price, it was $1.40 each way or 10 Yuan. All the hotels are modern with a wide variety of foods. In fact the Crowne Plaza had a South American steak house restaurant. It's my understanding that a short time after the Olympics they will start taking reservation for FISM. SEE YOU THERE -------------------------------------------- 6. Why We Go On Those Television "Talent Shows" -------------------------------------------- Message from Dan Stapleton (US) In an upcoming issue of MAGIC magazine many questions will be answered why "we" go on those television talent shows. In fairness to MAGIC, I will not reveal all here but with a short answer. None of us participate with the hopes of not doing well. It is simply a showcase in which to display our talents. Yes, it's too bad that the producers and editors will lump us all together showing us in the worst light. Becky Blaney is very funny, but with the few seconds that AGT showed of her performing, made it appear as though she was screwing up. In reality, Becky is America's leading female comedy magician. During my turn, they only showed the part of my dove act removing (and thankfully, restoring) the head of the bird. The reaction that that "bit" received is priceless (thank you Jerry Springer) and I will use it for many years. There were no screw-ups during my act but what fun is showing that to the television viewers? And we did not all get "XXX'd" as they made it appear. I am hoping to make another appearance on the show next year. Last year, my friend Bruce Block was XXX'd after his second appearance and he is back this year and doing quite well so far. Kevin James has proven that one does not have to go "all the way" to receive a nice gig after only three appearances. He received a very nice pay check from Universal Studios after they saw his (second) appearance on America's Got Talent. The Pendragons understand that they have a slick act and national exposure on the highest rated television show will not hurt them, even IF they get voted off. I was called (invited) to be part of the show with three days notice. Not many smart magicians would honestly pass the opportunity up. Those who know us personally know we are better than what the shows producers show. Most who don't know us will never remember us from that show. Personally I am having a lot of fun from my (three) quick appearances. I already received one nice gig from it and watch for the (hopefully) nice article in MAGIC. Last year it was a ventriloquist who won the million dollars! He also signed a 100 million dollar contract in Las Vegas. ($100,000,000!!!) Why can't a magician win this year? Dan Stapleton -------------------------------------------- 7. Remarkable Magic #60 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) A little bit of this and that. I am going to break my usual format this week and play a little catch up and cover a topic or two that it would be nice to mention. Then we have a short break in the publication of Magic New Zealand while Alan and Michele Watson take a well-deserved vacation in the United States. They will be spending the week after the big IBM/SAM convention in Kentucky, with Susan and I at our home in Las Vegas. I am really looking forward to continuing our Skype conversations in person! When Alan and I get together we start talking and before you know it the night has vanished like a cigarette in a thumb tip. We are planning to host a party for Alan in Vegas on Sunday the 3rd of August and are looking forward to a fun afternoon/evening. Let me take this opportunity to let all Alan's Vegas friends know about the event. Some of you may know Alan personally while others will just know him from his labor of selfless love 'Magic New Zealand.' Well come by and say "Hi." Drop us an email at nicklewin1@mac.com for the details. Yes, you have been invited! Alan works endless hours putting together MNZ and it would be nice to gather his friends together for a special event. We will both be sending some emails out but feel free to let us know if you are able to be in Vegas with us. We will look forward to seeing everyone. On a somewhat related note I will be performing in Vegas on July 22nd--26th filling in for Mac King at Harrah's in his day show. I always enjoy the big magic conventions because I get a whole rush of work due to the absence of so many magicians. Hey, I am just celebrating my youngest daughter's graduation from Stanford University and her older sister graduated last year from Boston University; we need the money. I kept telling our daughters that they should consider a career as Keno runners in a Vegas casino; it is a great job with plenty of available outlets. All you need is a short skirt and a round tray and you're set for life, BUT NO.... they had to go the higher education route! If you noticed that my wry humor seems to hide an element of pride you are very right! Eventually I will have to break it to them that I make my living as a magician. On a similar note I regret that I have had to cancel (I hope just delay) my appearance at the British Ring convention in Eastbourne due to a schedule change on the part of a major corporate client. Paul Stone has booked some great acts though and I am sure I won't be missed too much. I'm just sad that I won't be there to meet some of my fellow Brits that the years have separated me from. Another year I hope. I mentioned in last week's column that I was working with a mind reader, Marc Paul, who I suspected was going to be very good. He was even better than very good. I will be writing about him when MNZ returns. We also recorded a fascinating interview about the history and performance of mindreading and a segment of that will be available as a free download. Check out his web site at http://www.marcpaul.com Marc introduced me to the amazing teaching possibilities that e-books now present in their ability to mix text, photographs, video and audio. I have been planning to release a limited product line for some time and this is the way to do it right. There are too many tricks on the market and far too few good commercial routines. I suspect I will be able to cut the learning curve by ten years by releasing the exact routines I have developed over the last thirty years. Drop me an email if you want to be advised about the upcoming releases. As always send any bricks or bouquets to nicklewin1@mac.com and check out my website at http://www.NickLewin.com -------------------------------------------- 8. Evolution Of The Act - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message from Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com I got into an interesting discussion the other day about the notion of "When is an act or routine finally finished?". When can you say to yourself, "I have gotten it to where it needs to be. It's done."? The more I started thinking about this, The more I realized my answer was different then most (which is not uncommon considering the way I think). My answer was simple. I feel that an act is never done and never should be "final". Allow me to explain a bit. I have always felt that as a visual artist by trade, I was always told by professors that an artist of any type is never finished any work of art. They simply learn, adapt and evolve. That has always struck a cord with me and I carry that belief over into the magic that I perform. I feel if a magician tells him or herself that it is "finished" then there is no evolution taking place. There is no learning going on beyond that point. The act or routine becomes stagnant. To me, any magic that we perform should be a growing and breathing thing. With that in mind it needs to change and evolve over time as you yourself do the same thing. Can you honestly say you are the same performer now as you were 5 years ago? Simply stated, we each evolve as performers because we are constantly learning new things and developing our style more our characters and how we perform our magic. New skill sets allow us to handle things differently and perform in more unique ways. New styles and cultural influences impact new routines and effects we work on. Life changes and as it does, so should the magic that we do. We may need to look back at an act we created and revise it simply because what played well 3 years ago may not play the same way today. An act or routine should evolve, grow and change over time. You may realize you have to add things in and take things out based on testing and learning what is playing and what is not. I do know that a lot of my routines now have evolved over the years simply from something that happened in a routine once unexpectedly. This is a perfect case of what I call "happy accidents". Too many magicians forget about situations like this. Instead of forgetting about it, remember it, recall it, save it and USE it. It could have been something someone said or did that just went over really well. If an unexpected incident happens during an act and it gets a great reaction, those are the things that need to go into the act. Those are the things we can change. I try and remember those moments and write them down before I head home from the event. This way I try and find a way in which to add that element into the routine to be able to get that laugh or reaction every time. By doing this, the act is ever changing and the routine is evolving over time in a positive way. Do not allow your routines and acts to become stale over time. Learn and grow in the art of magic and as you grow.. make sure your routines grow along side with you. 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. PRODUCTS: - I am very proud to release my newest E-Book "Encore! Creativity in the Art of Magic!". It is a 21 page E-book based off my full lecture by the same title. This E-Book is about learning how to be creative, think creatively and how to apply direct exercises and techniques to allow your own creativity to grow with the magic that you perform. Every single person possesses the ability to be creative. These notes teach you direct techniques and exercises that you can use to unlock the doors to your own creativity. I discuss the reasoning behind why creativity is so important, why people have a hard time being creative and how to break down those barriers. I then go on to show you a few brainstorming techniques (derived from also being an artist) and walk you through how these techniques can be used as creativity tools. A wealth of information is shared that anyone can freely apply immediately to the magic that you do. You can order directly by going to the "Encore!" page at: http://www.magicenhancer.com/Encore.html - I am also still excited to be offering my first E-Book, "Tips and Techniques on the Chair Suspension". This has been doing very well and remains one of the only books that really covers off on so much information, tips, techniques and safety tips on the presentation of this fine illusion. You can order this e-book directly by going to: http://www.magicenhancer.com/ChairSuspension.html Kyle Peron Magician / Illusionist Graphic Designer / Illustrator http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com -------------------------------------------- 9. Entertaining On The Ocean #33 - Paul Romhany -------------------------------------------- Message from Paul Romhany (NZ) Life on the High Seas Well my friends, I am very pleased to tell you that Natalie and I are now on holiday. That's right, we are taking time in our wonderful town of Shediac in New Brunswick and enjoying everything about summer. We are playing golf, cycling, going to the beach and I even won the local Lobster Eating competition. If you really want to have a good laugh then you must visit this link on YouTube to see me causing havoc and taking away first prize in the Shediac Lobster Eating Competition. Life in our little town will never be the same:) Not only is it nice to be away from the ships but it gives me time to work on some new magic products. Some of the new products coming out in a week or two include my HAPPY FACES. This is a routine that I've been doing for years for both my after dining speaking, humor seminars and also for Childrens shows. Here is what some of the pros are saying about my new effect: "My brain just went on over load when I saw this trick, I could use this in my school show. It can be open up to so much possibilities from birthday parties to corporate shows. I'll take TWO." - Oscar Munozm - USA "Just caught your new "Happy Faces" routine ... great! Good strong magic and really nice positive message, should be in every kid- worker's repertoire. This is a winner!!! "- John Kaplan - Canada "Your Happy /Sad face trick is ideal for my Antibullying schoolshow. No one wants to be unhappy at school, I can see how it can be adapted to many message type shows that want to turn bad into good. This is a fun trick I can use to teach a serious message and also use at birthdays. Well done keep creating" Greg Britt - Elgregoe - National Presenter Kool Kids Care Shows- New Zealand "I would call it A TRIPLE THREAT, because you can Open with it, put it in the Middle or Close with it!" Lee Derlano - USA "Hey, I love the Happy Face routine. I'm still grinning over it and wish I could have had it for my school holiday shows this week." Wayne Rogers - New Zealand As you can see, everybody is really loving this new effect. It plays for adults AND children. I am working on a very special price because I have been keeping up with what magicians all around the world are saying. Times are getting a bit tough with the price of gas and the cost of living. This is, without a doubt, one of the best items I have put on the market and hope it becomes a classic in all working magicians repertoires because it has everything from audience involvement to a great story and a kicker of a trick. For more information and to find out the amazing price I am offering this at please be sure to visit www. hocus-pocus.com this week because it will be up on their website. Click on my name on the main page and you'll find a list of over forty of the magic effects that I have created and they sell on my behalf. Also, be sure to check out my BLOG to find out any specials and news and reviews. I just passed the fourteen thousand readers mark this week and still growing. Here is the BLOG - http://romhanyreport.blogspot.com This week I want to introduce to you one of the MOST AMAZING magicians who has ever traveled on the high seas. His name is Robin Boltman and he has just finished writing the most amazing book of his adventures on at sea. Robin Boltman is the magician who survived the shipwreck of both the Oceanos and the Achille Lauro. He received a medal for bravery from the South African Magic Council for his role in the rescue of passengers from the Oceanos. He also received a letter of commendation from Nedbank for his role in apprehending a bank robber. Hero, playboy, adventurer, entertainer, and world traveler, Robin is an exceptional man. He was nominated by the American ABC TV Network for the Personality of the Week; was one of the first South African magicians to appear on SABC TV' and was the first South African magician to appear in a Sun City Extravaganza. In his autobiography, which has just been published, he reveals his life as a magician and an international entertainer traveling the world on ocean liners. I have just finished reading it and could not put it down it was so exciting and fun. This is a fantastic read that every magician will want to get. You can order your book from Robin direct. His email is robinmagic@telkomsa.net Do yourselves a favour and BUY this book ... you will be glad you did ... and your family will want to read it as well! The book is called "Do These Stairs go up or down", published by Captain and Kings Publishing House in South Africa. Last ezine I talked about getting 'picked' up from a port agent and had a few emails from magicians asking what this meant. When you are a guest entertainer on cruise ships, in most cases the ship will send a 'port agent' to pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel or to the ship. After talking to guest entertainers pretty much everybody has a horror story about not being picked up and having to find their own way to a ship. The worst was from a good friend of mine who arrived in Brazil with no port agent to pick him up. He made his own way to a hotel, remember that the port agent is the one who also knows the hotel you are staying in ... not YOU. He got out of the taxi and was trying to find a hotel that looked safe and was badly mugged!! He was out of action for months. The lesson is to make sure you ask your agent prior to leaving for the port agents phone number and emergency number. I remember once I was given the number, arrived with no port agent to pick me up. I got to a phone and used the number the cruise line supplied to my agent. The number was for another agent who had not worked with that line for at least five years!! You just can't win but you can try and be as prepared as possible. Always find out the hotel and the phone number of hotel. Worst comes to worst at least you can make your way there. Until next time HAPPY CRUISING. Paul Romhany paul@chaplinmagic.com www.paulromhany.com www.chaplinmagic.com BLOG - http://romhanyreport.blogspot.com -------------------------------------------- 10. Paul Gertner Early Bird Close-Up Show -------------------------------------------- Message from Paul Gertner (US) I will be doing an Early Bird Close-Up Show for those arriving early at the IBM/SAM Convention in Louisville on Sunday July 20, 2008. I'll do shows at 2:00, 3:00, 4:00 and 5:00. During the show I will demonstrate how a trade show magician gets a message across by doing a pitch all about the activities going on at the convention. I'll also feature my two latest tricks, Heartbreaker and Bite Me. Your readers can see these two new close-up tricks on my new YouTube Channel: http://youtube.com/paulgertnermagic These new tricks will be available released at the convention in Louisville. I hope to see many of you there! Paul Gertner -------------------------------------------- 11. Jay Marshall Auction Update -------------------------------------------- Message from Gabe Fajuri An auction of magicana from the collection of Jay Marshall will be held on July 27th, 2008. Hours for previewing lots in the auction, as well as a full catalog, have been posted at www.potterauctions.com. Check this website for further details and information. The auction of ephemera, apparatus and memorabilia from Marshall's collection will take place in Louisville, Kentucky, on Sunday, July 27, 2008 at 9:00 am - the morning following the conclusion of the Combined IBM/SAM 2008 Combined Convention. The auction will be held at the Galt House Hotel, in Louisville. The auction will contain rare Houdiniana, including autographs, books and photographs related to the great escape artist; lithographs and broadsides advertising famous magicians of yesteryear including Thurston, Dante and Professor Anderson; choice apparatus; unique and extensive collections of ephemera relating to many famous 20th century magicians; as well as hundreds of antiquarian and collectible books, many of them signed and inscribed to Jay Marshall. Of specific note are the following items: -Houdini's Paper Magic, signed and inscribed to T. Nelson Downs -Early Houdini poster for an early appearance in Germany -Scarce T. Nelson Downs one-sheet lithograph -Two Rare Professor Anderson broadsides -Dell O'Dell's personal scrapbooks and patter files -A Grand Expose of the Science of Gambling (1860), one of 20 known copies -An ornate Bran Vase used by Alexander Herrmann The sale will be conducted by Potter & Potter Auctions, Inc. and previews will be held throughout the SAM/IBM Convention. Further information, registration forms, and a complete catalog (for preview as a free download, or for purchase) are available at www.potterauctions.com. -------------------------------------------- 12. British Ring Convention News -------------------------------------------- Message from Bob Hayden PRO to the British Ring Mark Kalin & Jinger are an award-winning American magic couple known for large-scale stage shows and for appearances in network television specials. Currently they are appearing at the Magic Underground Theatre in Reno Nevada. The show opened in 2004 and was regarded as a bold experiment in the art - one of only several venues in the world devoted to magic and illusion. The Magic Underground Theatre was carefully designed to show many astonishing examples of magic - including sleight of hand that can be appreciated by audience sitting close to the action. Since opening, the Magic Underground Theatre has established itself in Reno as a unique evening of theatre and a special collection of wonders. Sadly it is not possible to bring the whole show to the stage of the Congress Theatre in Eastbourne. But be assured the act they will be performing will include a selection of their scintillating illusions. As a boy, Mark wanted to be a puppeteer until he found a book on magic. He tried to do a few tricks and found it was something he could master. In particular he was hooked on a sleight-of-hand trick with a billiard ball that endlessly fascinated him. It still does. At twelve Mark was performing at birthday parties. Ten years later he was recognized as a top magician with his innovative routines. It was then he met a performer Jinger Leigh. Jigger started dancing aged four and at fifteen she was working as a professional dancer touring with artistes like The Beach Boys, Tony Bennett and Cab Callaway. At a resort in Guam she met Mark and was instantly impressed by his magic and his rapport with the audience. As they began working together, Jinger became an integral part of the show. "I saw learning magic as a real challenge" Jinger recalls. "Magicians think about things differently than dancers - it's just a completely different focus. But I also knew that magic and dance could be combined to make the right blend for me. Working with Mark made a dramatic difference, and changed both our lives, on and offstage". "From the start, I realised that those standard 'magician and assistant' roles did not fit in" Mark explains. "We had to find a special combination that made the most of our performances and created our own sort of magic." Working together rapidly drew attention to Mark's skilful magic and his personal approach and Jinger's elegance and theatricality. They became known for their fast dramatic performance and quickly their magic was in demand around the world. In 1998 the prestigious Academy of Magic Arts - Hollywood's Magic Castle, voted as Magicians of the Year, Kalin & Jinger. Writing on their performance given at the Magic Castle's Palace of Mystery, a difficult room for any Illusionist to work, Quinlan's Inside Magic Review for the Magic News Network awarded them Five out of Five - their highest! In his report he wrote "Kalin & Jinger performed the finest show he had ever seen. Their dedication, enthusiasm, choice of magical effects and unique charisma were just some of the reasons for making such an unequivocal statement". And his advice? "Do not miss Kalin & Jinger - in fact affirmatively seek out their next live performance. Life is so uncertain and there is no sense putting off such a wonderful experience". You don't have to seek out Kalin & Jinger's next U.K. appearance. It will be at the British Ring Convention in Eastbourne in September. Take Quinlan's advice and be there to see them! At last year's Royal Variety Show Raymond Crowe made a highly successful appearance as he did in February in the David Letterman Show at Caesars Palace Las Vegas. This year he makes his debut at a British Ring Convention. He is described as one of Australia's leading contemporary magicians and Australia's only Unusualist. His innovative fresh approach delights audiences both intimate and grand. With his warm sense of humour, modern approach and highly skilled traditional techniques Raymond invites his audience to impart on a journey that transcends belief. Raymond's self-inflicted magic is sprinkled with witty, charming comedy, fun audience interaction-participation and sleight-of-hand manoeuvres that have to be seen not to be believed. The act is a collage of his most sought after sketches that have amazed audiences throughout the world. His incomparable brand of entertainment includes a fine understanding of the art of ventriloquism, which when tempered with Ray's gentle good nature let the 'volunteers' become the stars of the show. Norman Pace of Hale & Pace says of Raymond "You are a fantastic performer bound for stardom. Gareth and I have worked with many acts over the years in the UK and Australia. You are one of the most innovative, creative and professional of all of them". There is no doubt Raymond Crowe will be bringing an entirely fresh form of entertainment to this year's Convention. Michael Finney is rated by his peers as one of the Funniest Magic Acts in the business. Many of you will know him after seeing him perform in N.B.C.'s TV Spectaculars "World's Greatest Magic" and "World's Wildest Magic". When interviewed by Steve Allen for Magic Magazine Michael was asked if he considered himself a magician doing comedy or a comic doing magic. Michael's reply was emphatic. He was a magician doing comedy magic at the same time agreeing he was lucky enough to have written stand-up comedy to go with it. He insisted he wanted to be a magician but even more so he wanted to be an entertainer. Comedy magic was his tool to entertain. He went on to reveal he didn't start doing magic until he was 24 years old and had no prior knowledge of the art. In his early development he wasn't influenced by anyone but he had a great admiration of Larry Wilson and Ricky Jay because they were able to entertain while doing magic on talk shows. His magical career started as a magic bartender at Phoenix's Golden Eagle Restaurant followed by three years as 'house magician' at the Legend City Amusement Park. When the park closed it became his mission to get into the comedy clubs doing comedy magic. So he went to Los Angeles and sought out every club. It was the right move and it paid off. When further asked what criteria he used to evaluate what tricks would work for him Michael considered that to get laughs it is not right to be mean a good trick. Magic is magic and that's what the audience has come to see. His advice to anyone who aspires to be a comedy magician is to view their act like film - it takes time to develop. Everybody is funny or can be funny once in a while. It takes practice to be funny all the time. Don't be afraid. Fear is excitement when entertaining. Michael Finney will not only be appearing on stage but will be giving a lecture. So if your forte is doing comedy magic or if you are aspiring to do so you will learn a lot from a grand master of this form of entertainment. These are just three of the stars of magic who are coming to Eastbourne. Let us remind you of the others who will be joining them: Norm Nielsen, Geoffrey Durham, Jeff Hobson, Jason Byrne, Juan Tamariz Nicholas Einhorn, Derek DelGaudio, Tony Chapek, Guy Hollingworth, Michael Close, Gene Anderson, Richard McDougall, Bob Kohler, Denny Haney, Mel Mellers, Levant, Mark Mitton, Terry Herbert, Safire, Jason England, Mark Raffles, Oscar Munoz, Bill Herz, Mike Bent, Jon Armstrong, Glenn Farrington, Claudius Specht, John Archer and Michael Weber. Have YOU yet to make that registration that will enable you to see this galaxy of the greats of magic at a single Convention? E.mail our Registration Officer with Neville Johnson at nevillejohnson25@aol.com or register on line by going to the Payments Page on this website and use PayPal. If you would like a brochure and application form e.mail our PRO Bob Hayden at bobring25@aol.com and he will send you one. -------------------------------------------- 13. The Magic Capital Of The World! -------------------------------------------- Good morning and greetings from The Magic Capital Of The World! There are many positive events happening here in Colon THE Magic Capital Of The World1 August 6-9th is magic week here in Colon and our 5th anniversary Magi Celebration is celebrating with three free lectures by Dick Stoner, Barry Mitchell and Mexcio's legendary Chen-Kai! Along with 3 FREE lectures is a FREE close up show, FREE admission to our Mad, Mad, Mad Auction on Friday night, FREE admission to four (count 'em) four shows in our magic theater plus so much more! Our shop will be open til midnite each and every nite! The Saturday evening show, Magic- A - Dazzle will feature Chen-Kai, Barry Mitchell, Dick Stoner, James Kesler & Company, Alan Smola, Rick Fisher & Riley Rabbit. The show will be presented in the beautiful Sturges-Young auditorium in Sturgis Michigan (about 15 minutes from Colon) - plush seats and air-conditioned! Tickets are only $9.00 adults and $5.00 children (12 and under) and we expect a sell out! It seats 966 so it is important that you reserve your tickets NOW! There will also be a 'magic' dinner available at the auditorium's cafetorium. Check out the details on our website www.fabmagic.com - this is the ONLY FREE magic event on the planet! Watch this small town double in size! And now.....the Colon Community Park with a magic theme is in the works! Ground has been broken and the community is behind this project! Giant linking rings will adorn the park along with a complete amphitheater and pavillion plus much, much more! Watch our site for details and progress reports. We have released a book/CD/magic trick combo that gives you a history of Colon, Michigan..how it got its name and prominence in the world of magic! You receive a CD that takes you through time showing old never before seen pics of Colon and tour of our famous cemetery where over 24 magicians have decided to call this their final resting place. It is a deal for only $6.95 and $1.00 goes back into the community center fund. It is available in our store or on our website www.fabmagic.com We are so very excited to have Colon re-establish itself as the capital of magic - keep an eye on our site for new information! Hey, let's see you in Colon! -------------------------------------------- 14. Fantasma Digital Downloads -------------------------------------------- Message from Jim The Fantasma Digital Download Cyber Sessions are finally here! Check out Fantasmamagic.com right now to see the latest video downloads from some of the best magicians in the business! See David Roth, Simon Lovell, Shoot Ogawa, Johnny Thompson and many others perform some of their favorite effects right now on your own computer screen. It's easy and fun to do. Go to Fantasma Magic's homepage and then follow the links to our Fantasma Digital Downloads (FDD's). See the free demonstrations and then click the download button to purchase the secret for one or all of these amazing videos! Learning magic was never this convenient or easy to do! With these high quality video downloads you will be adding great new magic to your repertoire faster than you ever thought possible. As a special offer to all our friends we are offering for a limited time only a discount coupon valued at $2.99 off the listed price for these incredible magical Cyber Sessions. You can use the coupon over and over and get as many downloads as you like until July 31, 2008. Here are the easy to follow steps to start you on your way: To Use The Coupon Code: 1. Click on the Fantasma Magic's Digital Download (FDD's) button. 2. Pick any video to view. You can search by artist or trick. 3. When you are ready to learn the secret, click on the Buy download button. 4. Make sure that only (1) is in the qty box and then click on checkout. 5. Fill out the new customer form. Once you download any video, you will be a registered customer. For any future visits just log in! 6. After you have successfully logged in, click to continue. 7. You will now put the coupon code in the Enter Redeem Code box. DO NOT FILL OUT ANY CREDIT CARD INFO AT THIS TIME. The coupon code is:VIP07 Then click redeem. 8. You will now see a page that looks similar to the last, but it will now have the discount tabulated into the total amount. Review your purchase carefully! 9. You will now need to fill out all of your credit card information...BUT DO NOT REFILL THE COUPON BOX-LEAVE IT BLANK and then click Continue. 10.Click Confirm order. 11.The process will take several seconds and then you will be given a result page with the link for the video explanation. Click on it and it will open your Windows Media Player. A link is available to download the player for free, if you need it. 12. After you play it, you can see it over and over anytime by going to your View Your FDD Account! 13. For a better value use the coupon to purchase each video download separately. You will then get $2.99 off of each video! We think you will agree that our Cyber Sessions are a cut above the norm. We have been working for months with these exceptional artists on effects that have never been shown before or classic effects with a new twist on presentation. Many of these effects such as Levent's presentation of Charlie Miller's 3 Rope trick (Professor's Nightmare) will probably surprise you. It might seem like old hat to some professionals out there, but unless you know Charlie's special handling as Levent was privileged to learn, or Levent's own special ending than you will almost certainly be surprised and impressed! We believe you will find surfing our download page a breeze. You can search our download database by magician or by skill level. A four ace difficulty rating means you've really got your work cut out for! But don't worry, we will have magical downloads for every skill level and performing style. Whether you are a close-up magician, street performer, kid's performer or the next David Blaine or Criss Angel, you will always learn something worthwhile from watching one our FDD Cyber Sessions. Watch the very best and learn from the very best! -------------------------------------------- 15. New Magic Auction Site -------------------------------------------- Message from Mike D Yeah, I know that you have to wonder why another one. But this one is being run by one of the most prestigious magic organizations in the world, the Academy of Magical Arts, The Magic Castle. If you are a memorabilia collector, you might want to take a look though. Founder Milt Larsen has begun to auction off some great items. For example, Irma's first bird cage is one of those items. There are a lot more being added all the time. Stop by and check it out. You can find it here: www.magiccastleauctions.com -------------------------------------------- 16. Check Out International Magic Auction -------------------------------------------- Ken Klosterman (US) Ron asked me if I had anything to put on his auction. I thought I might do it for fun. I am putting a few Himber props on his Auction 1960 vintage. I thought you might be interested. They are pretty nice and I believe they might be one of the few he made. All are in excellent shape. Almost like new. Even if you do not buy you will enjoy seeing something I think you have never seen before. They will only be there for 5 days. Go to: http://www.internationalmagicauction.com/index.php -------------------------------------------- 17. Broken Wand - Larry Harmon aka Bozo -------------------------------------------- Message from Bob Durante Larry Harmon aka Bozo the Clown has passed away. Born in Toledo, Ohio Jan 2nd 1925. Died at home in Los Angeles with his wife at his side. He started the Bozo show in 1959 and trained over 200 clowns to fill his shoes over the years. The idea of Bozo the Clown was from Pinto Colvig who started Bozo as a series of Children's records through Walt Disney. Pinto was the voice of "Goofy". Larry created the living Bozo we all grew to love. His main man was Wizzo the Wizard of TV Magic Cards Fame our own Marshal Brodien. -------------------------------------------- 18. Gold Coast & Brisbane Magic Shop Is Open! -------------------------------------------- I would like to advise your subscribers that yes Brisbane & the Gold Coast does have a magic shop, but not only a magic shop but a full magic centre and it is OPEN NOW! After over 10 months in the planning and test marketing Simon Heart opened Queensland's only bricks & mortar magic shop & centre. It is called Magic Vault and our web site is www.magicvault.com.au, we are independent and the business is owned and under the expert guidance of International Magician Simon Heart a local Queenslander and Gold Coast Resident, (& a renowned Australian magician who has asked to remain anonymous for the time being). Our address is Unit 5A 25 Lawrence Drive Nerang Qld 4211 Ph: 07 5502 0008 e-mail: info@magicvault.com.au Opening hours are - Mon/Tues/Wed & Friday 10am to 5.30pm Thursdays 10am till 9pm & Saturday 10am till 1pm We have access to thousands of items as well as our own range of Magic Vault products & services. We endeavour to stock the best possible items and quality at affordable prices with an emphasis on service. So next time you are in Brisbane or on the Gold Coast do pop in and say hello enjoy a complementary tea or coffee. Watch out for us on TV soon where the centre has been covered by Channel 9 for a national program. (More on this to follow). -------------------------------------------- 19. Magic In The Rockies 2008 -------------------------------------------- Message from Edward W. Hurtubis IBM Ring 250, Presto-Digitators, Fort Collins, Colorado is pleased to announce the 15th Magic in the Rockies to be held at the Fort Collins Marriott on September 4-7, 2008. Details are available at http://www.prestodigitators.com, by clicking on the "Magic in the Rockies" button. Registrations received/postmarked after July 15, 2008 increase $10. -------------------------------------------- 20. The Fantastic Places Jeff McBride Mentioned -------------------------------------------- Message from Jack Yardley Several years ago I spent about two weeks in Cusco and visited the fantastic places Jeff McBride mentioned. While there I met a magician who was also a jeweler with a shop opening onto the Plaza Mayor. We traded ideas, and he came to a show I performed in one of the hotels. Although the performance was in English, he understood only Spanish, and afterward I explained the illusions in which he was particularly interested. He was intrigued by my version of Fantasio's starting a radio by drawing an electric wall plug on a piece of paper. I also gave him some blossom balloons which he had never seen before although he knew how to form a "blossom" from at a 260. -------------------------------------------- 21. Nick Lewin's Accolades For Glenn Falkenstein -------------------------------------------- Message from Walter Blaney (US) I really enjoyed Nick Lewin's accolades for Glenn Falkenstein's mind reading expertise. Many years ago Milt Larsen put together a three act magic review for the Los Angeles Playboy Club. Marvyn Roy and Carol were a spectacular opening, I middled, and Glenn closed with his blindfold act. That gave Marvyn and me a chance to watch Glenn from the dressing room next to the stage. We watched Glenn every night all week long, trying to figure just how he was doing his act. And we never did. He is just doing the best blindfold act ever in the business. I am still happy not to have figured out his great secrets. It was like seeing pure magic. Walter Zaney Blaney walter@walterblaney.com -------------------------------------------- 22. 29th New Zealand International Magicians Convention 2008 -------------------------------------------- The 29th New Zealand International Magicians Convention will be held in Auckland, New Zealand from the night of December 27th 2008 to January 1st 2009, 1.00am. The venue will be the Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre in Mount Wellington where we last ran a successful Convention in 2001-2002. Bookings can be made for convention accommodation by contacting: Waipuna Hotel & Conference Centre, 58 Waipuna Road, Mt.Wellington, PO Box 14 164, Panmure, Auckland, New Zealand. Phone: +64 9 526 3000 Fax: +64 9 527 1937 Toll Free Reservations (NZ): 0800 924 786. http://www.waipunahotel.co.nz/ We have been able to secure a very attractive room rate of $NZ110 per night (Incl GST) for single or double rooms with registrants being able to book direct with the hotel. *************************** PLEASE NOTE that 85% of the ALLOCATED rooms have already been booked by conventioneers. If you are planning to attend best to book NOW! This convention will be a SELL OUT! *************************** Six Confirmed Headliners John Shryock (USA), Marty and Brenda Hahne (USA), Ross Skiffington (Aust), George Schindler (USA) and Steve Walker (Aust). The official registration form for the convention can be downloaded from: http://www.ibmring160.com/ If you don't have internet web access contact Ross Harlick, Secretary, 91 Panapa Drive, Meadowbank, Auckland 1072, New Zealand Or by: Phone: +64 (09) 521 3327 Fax: +64 (09) 521 3327 -------------------------------------------- 23. 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) -------------------------------------------- 24. 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. Subscribers to this publication and authors who contribute to it by doing so agree they will not hold Magic New Zealand® or Alan Watson, jointly or individually liable or responsible in any way for the opinions expressed therein. Magic New Zealand® reserves the right to alter, correct or disregard any articles submitted. Readers are encouraged to submit timely articles or news items which may be of interest to subscribers. By submitting articles to this e-zine, the authors grant Magic New Zealand® the right to publish such articles and such authors confirm their copyright of the material submitted. All works published by Magic New Zealand® are protected by international copyright legislation and articles must not be published for profit by anyone other than the individual authors without the written permission of Magic New Zealand®. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this publication may be freely redistributed, but not sold, to other magicians if copied in its entirety, including the copyright notice below and the above disclaimer. © Copyright 2008 Alan Watson