* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.Alan-Watson.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #620 Date: Sunday 23rd November 2008 Editor: Alan Watson www.magicianz.com e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. FISM Registration Package For Partners And Family 3. Robert Harbin Centenary Celebration 4. Bigfoot Phone Home - Philip Morris 5. Broken Wand - Sam Schwartz 6. Creativity and "Growing Up" - #95 - Kyle Peron 7. Update From Paul Romhany #45 - Paul Romhany 8. Las Vegas Magic - November, 2008 9. Japan Close-up Magicians' Association - 8th Japan Cup 10. Intimate Illusions - Starring Steve Dacri 11. 70th Anniversary The Magic Circle Of Victoria Inc. 12. Eric De Camps At The Metropolitan Room 13. Broken Wand - Fred Knipe 14. Dear Kiwi Magicians - Help Needed 15. Guy Bavli Lecture - Sydney 16. Magical Mystery Tour To Beijing - Tim Ellis 17. The Late Mike Brittenden 18. 29th New Zealand International Magicians Convention 2008 19. e-zine Archives 20. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- Thanks to Jay Scott Berry and his very creative skills as a web designer, Magic New Zealand now has a very flash opening page. Go to www.alan-watson.com If you do have a links page on your website please include a link to Magic New Zealand. Criss Angel's new show is not the only magic show to be canned by the critics. Sydney magician James Karp Las Vegas Confidential is now taking a canning! Industry Review Las Vegas (Confidential) The Musical may have been created with passion, energy and enthusiasm, but the best of intentions cannot save what is an utter theatrical disaster at the State Theatre in Sydney.For the full review go to: http://www.aussietheatre.com/revlasvegas.htm Audience comments: http://sydney.citysearch.com.au/arts/1137605808341/Las+Vegas+the+Musical Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. FISM Registration Package For Partners And Family -------------------------------------------- Message from Jian Lin Executive President of FISM WCM2009 Beijing Registration for the banquets and magic shows: The FISM 2009 convention will specially provide an individual registration package for the partners, friends and family members who don't register as participants for the convention. Thus they can have the chance to join the two banquets and four magic shows. There are two banquets in the Grand Banquet Hall of CNCC on July 26th and 30th, 2009. The seating for each registrant is guaranteed. You will not only enjoy the delicious food but also watch the wonderful variety shows of Chinese acrobatic, music and dancing acts featured with a Chinese flavour. There are four nights of magic shows from 21:30 to 24:00 on July 27th, 28th, 29th and 31st in the Resting Hall on the third floor of CNCC. The worlds top close-up magic masters such as David Williamson, Juan Tamariz and Lennart Green have been already booked as our performing guests to entertain the participants. The total fee for the 2 banquets and 4 nights of magic shows is 800 Yuan. You are now welcome to register! -------------------------------------------- 3. Robert Harbin Centenary Celebration -------------------------------------------- Celebrate the life of one of Britain's greatest magicians The Robert Harbin Centenary Celebration This special and unique event will be held at The Centre for the Magic Arts on Sunday 15th February 2009, followed on Monday 16th February 2009 by the unveiling of the Harbin 'blue plaque' and a superb silver service luncheon in The Devant Room The programme for Sunday 15th February: Jim Steinmeyer MIMC Robert Harbin and the Polemics of Illusion A discussion on Harbin's influence on illusions, his insights and inspirations for modern performers Mike Caveney MIMC The American Zig-Zag Scandal The complete story that became the catalyst that prompted Bob to write the highly regarded Magic of Robert Harbin John Gaughan MIMC The Blades of Opah John will discuss the history of one of Bob's early inventions Steve Biddle AIMC and Megumi Harbin: A Pioneer of Origami Steve and Megumi will talk about Bob's outstanding contribution to the world of Origami John Fisher MIMC The Television Wizard A celebration on film and video of Harbin the performer including previously unseen footage of Harbin spanning fifty years. With special guest Geoffrey Durham MIMC There will be an exhibition of Harbin related items, some never seen before, and a surprise appearance of long-time Harbin friend Rolf Harris CBE is planned Registration fee for Sunday 15th February, to include morning coffee, hot buffet lunch with wine, afternoon tea and a programme, is just £60.00. Monday 16th February including the plaque unveiling and special luncheon with wine is £55.00. You can register for one or both days, but hurry as tickets are strictly limited. Call the Box Office on 020 7387 2222 (with credit card details) or write to Box Office, CMA, 12 Stephenbson Way, London NW1 2HD. Enquiries to: cma@themagiccircle.co.uk -------------------------------------------- 4. Bigfoot Phone Home - Philip Morris -------------------------------------------- Message from Philip Morris (US) Early in my show business career as a stage magician, and show producer, it became very apparent that there was a need for professional quality costumes. By 1960 my wife Amy and I, were producing four different weekly television programs, and two touring stage shows playing theatres throughout the United States and Canada. We were also staging elaborate production numbers for several large circuses. Out of necessity we opened another company, "Morris Costumes" in the basement of our home. Now some 50 years later, that venture has grown into one of the largest costume companies in the world. Our first emphasis was on making gorilla costumes, as we found a lucrative market for reasonably priced, high quality, monkey suits. Ready buyers included amusement parks, circuses, and even major motion picture companies. Our products were used in many films such as James Bond's "Diamonds are forever", etc. In addition, over the years, there was a great interest from some of the top touring magicians, including Harry Blackstone, Vince Carmen, and David Copperfield, to name just a few. In the 60's there were 30 to 40 magicians, playing state and county fairs all over North America, performing a "Girl to Gorilla" illusion show. In that show, an attractive lady dressed in a skimpy costume, and in full view of the crowd, would slowly turn into a gorilla. The gorilla would then jump off the stage, and start chasing the audience from the theatre or tent. So our costume business was off to a good start. Once, while visiting a fair in the deep south, I came upon a sideshow attraction that I still remember, even to this day. A large colorful banner on the front of the sideshow was advertising that on stage, "a giant 285 pound man eating chicken". Strange and unusual --- $1,000.00 Reward --- If not alive right before your eyes. Well I just had to see it! So, I bought a ticket, walked inside, and sure enough, there it was. As big as life, a rather large man, seated at a table covered in a red and white checked tablecloth, with a bucket of Colonel Sanders Chicken. It was a real "man, eating chicken." Not only did I get a good laugh, but I was amazed that my fellow audience members were also laughing at the humor of having a hoax played on them. They could only be upset with themselves, as common knowledge should have told them that there was nothing like a "real 285 pound man eating chicken" anywhere on the face of this Earth. In 1967, Morris Costumes made and sold a gorilla suit to Roger Patterson and his partner, Bob Gimlin, which they used to film the great "Big Foot" hoax, of a creature walking through the Bluff Creek National Park in northern California. Then in 2005, National Geographic contracted with us to not only make another costume for them, but also to act as a technical advisor for their "Is It Real" TV program on Bigfoot. Now the TV-Land Network has just produced a new series called "TV's Myths and Legends". Included, is a one hour documentary that tells in detail, the complete story of how Patterson and Gimlin created the myth that became a legend, and fooled millions the world over. Be watching for the premiere showing on Wednesday, November 19th at 10:00PM Eastern and Pacific time. If you miss the program, don't worry, the show will repeat again that week and next year. Appearing on the program is Bob Heironimus, who wore the suit in the original Patterson film some 40 years ago. Bob not only tells about his experience, but takes a lie detector test on the air. He demonstrates that strange "Bigfoot" walk, and recounts how Patterson offered him $1,000.00 to wear the suit in the film, but never paid him. Author, Gregg Long's book, "The Making of Bigfoot" exposed the Patterson fraud to the world. Long is now recognized as the world's leading authority on the hoax. He spent over two years in research that involved interviewing everyone he could find that even remotely knew Patterson. As maker of the notorious costume, I will be there to show you one of the original suits and explain how it was possible to create the illusion of a real creature with extremely long arms. In 1972, five years after the Bigfoot filming, Roger Patterson passed away, survived by his wife Pat and his business partner Bob Gimlin. The two each owned part of the copyrights on the Patterson film, which continues to generate a large volume of revenue, mostly from royalties. Every time the film is shown on TV, a royalty must be paid. For example, it has been said that some of the TV programs have paid as high as $50,000.00 for the "one-time" rights. Back in 1968, Roger Patterson, booked a tour of movie theatres, playing to packed houses showing his film as a wildlife exhibit and lecture. Not only did he make money from the high admission price, but he also sold his souvenir booklet, "Do Abominable Snowmen of America Really Exist?" It is estimated that over the years, the Patterson film has produced literally millions of dollars. According to "The Making of Bigfoot" book, the concept of making a Bigfoot film did not originate from Patterson, but that honor goes to a construction company owner Ray Wallace in 1958. Ray carved several very large feet out of wood, and then as a prank, he and his brother created foot prints around a construction area. The newspaper in Eureka, Washington "Humboldt Times Standard" thinking the story was real, ran it on the front page with the photos of the huge foot prints and the newspaper coined the term "Bigfoot". Roger Patterson knew Ray Wallace, and it is believed that Ray gave him a set of the bogus feet. Being an excellent woodcarver, later Patterson made his own set of "large wooden feet". Ray's wife had made a "Gorilla Bigfoot" suit, and they had planned to make their own film. The whole Wallace family knew about their father's hoax, but they never let the secret out, rather they just sat back and enjoyed the fun. On November 26, 2002, Ray Wallace died and unlike the Patterson's, the Wallace family quickly announced that it had simply been a "fun hoax". It is interesting to note that neither Bob Gimlin nor Mrs. Patterson, to my knowledge, has ever stated that the "Bigfoot" in the Patterson film was a real creature, or denied that Morris Costumes had made and sold the costume to Roger Patterson. However, Bob Gimlin has allegedly stated that now he is not sure if the "Bigfoot" in the film is real. That statement is difficult to understand seeing that he helped Bob Heironimus put the costume on, at the 1967 filming, and also helped Roger Patterson make the fake footprints in the sand. There is now talk of a possible feature length movie and this story would fit well in that venue. Think about it, it was a perfect con game that brought in a continual flow of revenue for over 40 years. A true confidence scam that even to this day, millions and millions the world over were fooled into believing it was real, plus the name "Bigfoot" is now known by more people than King Kong. Today, if Patterson were still alive, there are people that would walk up to him and say "Thank you for your scientific contribution to mankind, let me shake your hand!" Although there are no fossil records showing that natural primates have now or ever existed in North America, it's the child in all of us that would like to believe in giant apes roaming our forests. Like the image of the "giant man eating chicken" on the sideshow advertising banner that made us believe we might see that creature on the inside of the tent. It is the image on the Patterson film that has sustained our belief in Bigfoot's existence. However, now you know that there is proof that the film is a hoax, so this is the end of the road. For more information, please contact: Philip Morris 6900 Morris Estate Drive Charlotte, NC 28262 PH: 704-332-3304 -------------------------------------------- 5. Broken Wand - Sam Schwartz -------------------------------------------- Message from Tom Klem forwarded on by George Schindler - Dean - The Society of American Magicians We are very sad to report that Our beloved Dean of the Parent Assembly Sam Schwartz passed away yesterday at the age of 97. The funeral was held on Tuesday Nov. 17: Ballard-Durand Funeral Home 2 Maple Avenue White Plains, NY 10601 Phone: 914-949-0566 Cards can be sent to his daughter: Terry Ruderman 18 Ridgedale Road Scarsdale, NY 10583 -------------------------------------------- 6. Creativity and "Growing Up" - #95 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message from Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com As I embark on another performance of my lecture and workshop on creativity in magic, I cannot help but to think of the many things that hinder someone from being as creative as he or she really can be. What is it inside of us that prevents us from striving to be a more creative thinker in magic? Is there something within each of us that starts to fear this thing called "creativity"? There are many reasons I have come up with over the years as to why I personally feel magicians are not as creative as they can become. Certainly one is fear and the feeling of laziness also comes to mind. But there is also an interesting idea that I think many do not think about. Let me explain if I may. First off, I feel every single person has the ability to be creative. I know many may cringe at reading that, but I know it to be true. As an artist, I have heard many times from many folks, "I do not have a creative bone in my body and can't draw a straight line with a ruler." Well my answer is that yes you do and yes you can. You just need to learn how to do it and be shown how it all is. Every person can be creative. But people do not understand that like anything, if you want to be better at it, you have to go through the process of taking action to make it happen. Think of it this way. If you wanted to be more physically fit, then what you would obviously need to do is exercise more. The same can be said of creativity. In order to become better at it, you must learn to exercise the mind. With this said, and then what is it that hinders us from being creative in the first place. What I am about to share with you may surprise you but continue to read as I hope it will make more sense to you. I feel that every person is born with this amazing ability of creativity. I feel we are born into this world with a limitless amount of creativity that flows forth from us. Let me show you why I feel this to be the case. If you have children, watched children or were ever a child yourself), you know that children have this amazing creative ability. If you do not believe me, just spend some time watching children at play. It is an amazing thing to study. Children can take a common object like a stick and spend hours with this object using only their imaginations and what comes into their mind. Suddenly this stick is no longer a stick. It can be a walking cane for an old man, a gun in the old west, a light saber in Star Wars or even a sword for a pirate. If you could squeeze a child, creativity would ooze out. So what is it then that happens to us that stops this born ability to grow and prosper? Well there are two phrases I think every child hears that seems to be at the heart of the problem. You often hear at some point as a child the phrases, "Grow Up" and "Act Your Age". When this is stated, what happens is that open vault in our minds that holds our imagination slams shut. The door closes and we fail to access it. Sure being a 20 year old and taking a stick and pretending it is a light saber may not be the smartest move to make in public. However, we are entertainers. We have this golden opportunity where it is OK to do this. When we are on stage performing, there are no rules except to entertain our audiences to the best of our ability. Suddenly we CAN open up that vault in our minds and to start to be creative and imaginative as we once were as a child. Creativity and imagination does not have to stop as you become older. If we know we have this ability inside of our heads, then we must learn to tap into it. Practice being creative every day for 30 days and I guarantee that creativity will become more of an open habit for you much like it was as a child. Open your mind to what can be done not what has already been done before. 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. - "Encore! Creativity in the Art of Magic" Ebook. Order online now at: http://www.magicenhancer.com/Encore.html - "Tips and Techniques on the Chair Suspension" Ebook. Order online now at: http://www.magicenhancer.com/ChairSuspension.html -------------------------------------------- 7. Update From Paul Romhany #45 - Paul Romhany -------------------------------------------- Message from Paul Romhany (NZ) Another interesting week with a few emails from magicians regarding the rip off from my products. I got two emails from two different magic companies and neither was the one involved. Russ Stevens emailed me as he thought I was talking about his company. I actually didn't know he was producing a similar product to mine, and I was not referring to his company. As I said to Russ, I have no problem with others using my original concept as long as they do a good job. As many of you know, Russ runs a fantastic video production company, and I was able to look at his products this week and they look great. Both of our products are priced the same and he acknowledged seeing one of mine on a ship years ago. Russ is a very professional and ethical business man and I have no problem with him or his products. What bothers me is the company that I was told about produced a very bad quality rip off from my product and I had magicians emailing me complaining and asking if I could step in. I emailed the people involved but they did not respond so I put it up on Magic New Zealand. I did not want to mention names because I wanted them to do the right thing. It's amazing who reads Magic New Zealand as the company involved sent me an apology and has since taken their site down from the Internet. I feel they finally did the right thing by taking their product off the market. Please let's not forget about ethics in this business. It really is small world and these things do not go unnoticed. -------------------------------------------- 8. Las Vegas Magic - November, 2008 -------------------------------------------- Compiled by David Neubauer - www.dnmagic.com Magic Production Shows: Amazing Johnathan 9 pm (Dark Wed. & Thur.), Harmon Theater - Planet Hollywood. Criss Angel - Believe 7 & 10:00 pm (Dark Wed. - Thurs.) - Luxor http://cirquedusoleil.com/crissangel David Copperfield Nov. 20 - Jan. 12, 2009 7:30 & 10 pm (and 4:30 Sat.) MGM Grand. www.mgm.admission.com/cgi/guide.cgi?l=EN Dixie Dooley - Master Mystifier 7:00 pm (Dark Sun. - Tue.), Royal Resort and Hotel. www.houdiniexperience.com 2 for 1 Tickets: http://www.vegas4locals.com/coupon_dixie_dooley.html Jeff McBride - Magic at the Edge 7:30 pm (Dark Tues.) - Ends this weekend (11/22) Sound Trax Showroom - Palace Station. www.palacestation.com/entertainment/trax $10 off tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/couponjeffmcbridemagic.html Jeff McBride's "Wonderground" 10 pm - 2 am Fri. & Sat. - Ends this weekend (11/22) Sound Trax Showroom - Palace Station. www.vegaswonderground.com Gerry McCambridge - The Mentalist 7:00 pm (Dark Fri.), Hooters Casino Hotel. December: 7 & 9 pm every night except Christmas Day & New Years Eve. Special Comp tickets: http://comps.mentalist.com Intimate Illusions - Steve Dacri Dec. 26 through Mar. 28 6:00 pm (Dark Sun. - Thurs.) Charlie Palmer Steak at the 4 Seasons/Mandalay Bay Lance Burton, Master Magician 7 pm Tues - Sat & 10 pm Tues. & Sat. Monte Carlo. www.montecarlo.com/entertainment/lance.aspx Mac King Comedy Magic Show 1 & 3 pm, (Dark Sun. & Mon.) - The Showroom, Harrah's. 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 4 pm. (Dark Oct: Mon. & Sat.; Nov: Mon. & Thurs.) Main Showroom - Flamingo. www.nathanburton.com $10 off: http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponnathanburtoncomedymagic.html Special: Buy Flamingo Buffet from Box Office for $19.95, get free ticket to show. Penn & Teller 9 pm, (Dark Tues.), Rio. www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/rlv/entertainment/entertainment_detail_00.html Scarlett: Princess of Magic 2:30 pm Fri. - Mon. 4 pm Tues. - Wed. (Dark Thurs.) V Theater - Planet Hollywood Resort. http://www.varietytheater.com/scarlett.htm Stars of Magic Showcase of Prestidigitation Dixie Dooley produces and hosts. 7:00 pm Sundays The Dymonds, David Darkstone, MC Bill Robinson, Royal Resort & Hotel. www.houdiniexperience.com Steve Wyrick 7 & 9 pm. (Dark Fri.) Steve Wyrick Theater - Miracle Mile, Planet Hollywood. Now thru Dec 19 - 7pm & 9pm, dark Friday Dec 20-30 - 4pm, 7pm & 9pm Open Christmas Day and Friday, Dec 26 Dec 31 - 8:30 - Show & Dinner NYE Party package available Jan 1-4, 2009 - 7pm & 9pm Jan 5-16 - Show is dark www.stevewyricktheatre.com Xtreme Magic Starring Dirk Arthur Tiffany Theatre, Tropicana 2 and 4 pm. (Dark Fri.) Magic In Production Shows: Bite (Vampire Strip Revue) Antonio Restivo - 10:30 pm (dark Thurs.) Stratosphere. www.bitelasvegas.com Crazy Girls Tony Douglas - 9:30 pm (Dark Tues.), Riviera. www.rivierahotel.com/entertainment_crazygirls.asp Crazy Horse Paris Stephan Vanel 8 & 10:30 pm, (Dark Tues.), MGM Grand. www.mgmgrand.com/entertainment/crazy-horse-show.aspx Haunted Vegas Show and Tour Jac Hayden, Robert Allen, Adam Flowers 9:30 pm (Dark Fri.), picks up from the Greek Isles & Royal Resort. www.hauntedvegastours.com The Ultimate Variety Showcase Christopher Karpiak and "S". Roxy's Live - Sam's Town 6 pm - Midnight every Tuesday. Free. www.samstownlv.com/entertainment/event.cfm?EventID=332 V, The Ultimate Variety Show Jason Byrne (most Tues. - Sat.) & various others. 6 & 7:30, Planet Hollywood Resort - www.vtheshow.com Viva Las Vegas Max Clever and Dan Sperry - Plaza. 2 & 4 pm (Dark Sun.) www.plazahotelcasino.com/entertainment/special-events.php Other Vegas Magic: Craig Keith performs behind the bar at various times - Dick's Last Resort, Excalibur. Paul Draper strolls at various times - Grand Canal Shoppes, Venetian. Jamie Porter's Radio Side Show Sat @ 5 am, KLAV FM 1230. Las Vegas Magic Organizations Fantasma I.B.M. Ring #257, 7 pm 1st Monday each month. www.ibm257.com Amazing Clowns, 3525 E. Flamingo. Darwin's Magic Club, meets 10 pm Wednesdays. Boomers, 3200 Sirius Ave. KIDabra Las Vegas, 7 pm every 3rd Monday. Amazing Clowns, 3525 E. Flamingo. www.kidabralasvegas.com Magic Lunch Club meets every Thursday at 11:30 am - Sizzler, 307 S Decatur. Hosted jointly by IBM 257 and KIDabra Las Vegas. YMS (Young Magicians Society) 7 pm every 2nd Monday each month, IHOP Boulevard Mall on Maryland Pkwy. October, 2008 October 22-24: McBride's Magic & Mystery School's Magic and Meaning Conference. www.magicalwisdom.com. November, 2008 November 6-9: Magic and Medicine, McBride's Magic & Mystery School - with Eugene Burger. A special seminar for medical practitioners of all sorts: physicians, nurses, therapists, holistic practitioners, and other professionals who wish to understand how to apply the powerful skills of performance magic to enhance the healing relationship. www.magicalwisdom.com. November 9-11: MINDvention with Docc Hilford, Marc Spelman, Luke Jermay, Rick Maue, Paul Draper plus more - Palace Station. www.mindvention.net November 12-14: Mentalism Master Class, McBride's Magic & Mystery School. Presenting their third annual Master Class aimed exclusively at mentalists, with special guest, Ross Johnson. Jeff McBride's Master Class is the premier program in contemporary magic where YOU and your performance take center stage in a safe and supportive setting. At this Special Master Class all of the performances and all of the talks and breakout sessions will be on the subject of MENTALISM. Eugene and Jeff will share their thoughts on Mentalism for Magicians. www.magicalwisdom.com. December, 2008 December 1: IBM 257 hosts its annual Magician of the Year Gala at the Orleans Hotel and Casino. Magician of the Year - 2008 to be awarded to Mr. Electric & Carol, Marvyn and Carol Roy. December 12-14: SHOWSTEALERS presents World Stars of Magic at the Suncoast Hotel. The show features The Great Tomsoni & Co, Kevin James, Tony Chapek & John Archer. The show is produced and emceed by Paul Stone. February, 2009 Seigfried and Roy are set to perform for one show only at the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute's "Keep Memory Alive" Fundraiser at the Bellagio. This might turn into a television special. Details to follow. February 27-March 1: The Lance Burton Teen Weekend. Jeff McBride, Lance Burton, Eugene Burger. http://theworldmagicseminar.com February 28: Noted magic authority Roberto Giobbi will present a special 3 hour seminar/workshop entitled "Homage to Dai Vernon". Each session of this special presentation will be limited to 30 attendees. Once the first session is sold out, they will take admissions to the second session which will also be limited to 30 people. Everyone admitted to the Homage to Dai Vernon will receive a special 80-page set of lecture notes signed by Mr. Giobbi. In addition, each attendee will receive a pass giving them admission to a special one hour Card College workshop to be presented by Roberto during the World Magic Seminar. The Card College workshops will not be open to anyone except those attending the Homage to Vernon sessions. Admission must be made in advance. You may register for the Homage sessions and find addition details on the content at http://www.theworldmagicseminar.com. Click on Special Events. March, 2009 March 1-4: World Magic Seminar - Orleans Hotel. Jeff McBride, Lance Burton, Eugene Burger, Bill Palmer, Jason Latimer, Rafael Benatar, Rannie Raymundo and more. www.theworldmagicseminar.com April, 2009 April 27-30: Steve Kissell presents the Performance Skills for the Family Entertainer, a four-day working seminar which includes "America's Funniest Magician" Competition. Trixie Bond, Steve Kissell, Marcella Murad, Dave Risley, Dave Hill, Glen Bailey, Ralph Metzler, B-Rad, Ron Conley, Tom King and Will Roya. Special interview with Stan Allen. Orleans Hotel. www.familyentertainersworkshop.com -------------------------------------------- 9. Japan Close-up Magicians' Association - 8th Japan Cup -------------------------------------------- Message from Tashiro Shigeru International Deputy of S.A.M. The President of JCMA (Japan Close-up Magicians' Association) JCMA (Japan Close-up Magicians' Association), are going to have the 8th Japan Cup, one of the best close-up magic conventions, in Tokyo, Japan, next March 13-15 2009. We'll have guest shows, lectures, and parties as well as contest. We'll invite Dr. Paul Critelli form S.A.M. as a guest of honor. The other guests performers are: Marc Oberon (U.K.), Kiko (Spain), Martin Camiña (Spain) , Satoru (Japan), SHIMPEI (Japan), and Nezer(Spain). I promise to show you not only fantastic our Japanese magic scene but also the wonderful Japanese culture. Further information is available in English on the following site. http://www.jcma.biz/ If you have any question, please feel free to ask me by e-mail at magic@kk.iij4u.or.jp . -------------------------------------------- 10. Intimate Illusions - Starring Steve Dacri -------------------------------------------- Message from Steve Dacri (US) Intimate Illusions The Ultimate Close-up Magic Dinner Show Starring Steve Dacri 2008 Close-up Magician of the Year "Right before your eyes, it's unexplainable, and not to be missed!" - Robin leach "Don't Blink" - What's On Magazine "The King of Close-up Magic" - Boston Globe "I was fooled over and over" - Regis Philbin "Mesmerizing..." - Mike Weatherford, Las Vegas Review-Journal Fridays & Saturdays Dec. 26 through March 28 - 6:00 p.m. Tickets now on sale Dinner-Show Performances limited to 30 seats. Reserve your tickets now - $300. Includes dinner (choose from 6 appetizers, 6 main courses and 4 deserts) and show. (Children ages 8 to 12 are welcome, $60, includes special children's menu) ALSO: New Year's Eve Show (7 pm) & Special Menu $300 - on sale now Charlie Palmer Steak Four Seasons Hotel /Mandalay Bay Hotel - Las Vegas Strip tickets.......... www.stevedacri.com www.vegasinsidetips.com And also www.vegas.com Telephone 702-376-4727 -------------------------------------------- 11. 70th Anniversary The Magic Circle Of Victoria Inc. -------------------------------------------- Message from Jason Clarke (AUST) 70 Years On And Growing The Magic Circle of Victoria Inc. celebrates its 70th Anniversary on Tuesday, 2nd December with a Magic Show and social 'get together'. All past and present members of the Club are invited to attend; to enjoy the Show and catch up with friends (old & new). The Show features our special Guest from Brisbane, Dave Lord, together with Laurie Kelly from Adelaide and well known Melbourne identity, Ron Gallagher. The evening is being held at the new 'Home' of The Magic Circle of Victoria, which is the Kelvin Club in Melbourne Place in the City. In a former life this building was the home of the 3AW Radio Station and the acoustics of the building are brilliant for the presentation of Magic and Magical Performances. Starting at around 7.30 pm with a 'chatty' Cocktail Party, the Show will start at 8.30 pm. After the Show, the Bar will be open for all our members, guests and friends to catch up with the latest news & views. We are pleased to invite all magicians and lovers of the Craft of Magic to join us. Your presence will add to the evening and ensure a wonderful celebration for our 70 years of catering to the interests of Magicians from all over Victoria. Full information & details of the evening are available on our website: www.MagicCircle.org.au and bookings (via PayPal) can be made on line. Prices have been kept as low as possible, in the hope that many of Melbourne's magicians will choose to join us on this happy occasion. -------------------------------------------- 12. Eric De Camps At The Metropolitan Room -------------------------------------------- Review by - George Schindler The title "PURE MAGIC" is the perfect description of the newest offering Eric DeCamps is bringing to New York City in this one man show. This is the third incarnation of the show and well worth seeing. Blending his close-up magical skills with humor, drama and masterful stage presence, Eric presents a menu of well done magic. After his startling "Burning Glass" opening effect, the audience is entranced and captivated by his magnificent coin work in the first third of this three act program. His charm and talented manipulations draw gasps as silver dollars appear and reappear virtually without effort at his fingertips and disintegrate into a shower of sparkling glitter. This is followed by a reintroduction and streamlined "Transmigration" based on an old John Ramsey modernized for our time. His interactive use of the people sitting in the audience makes this contemporary "torn and restored tissue" twice as effective as the original. The night club atmosphere is enhanced by the raised platform and excellent lighting and music. His well written patter is quite dramatic and yet he delivers it in a relaxed conversational manner. A new "Against the Odds" effect combines precognition and impossible "chance" happenings. This is followed by the best "Ambitious Card" sequence I have ever seen. entitled, "Houdini's Challenge", the audience is challenged as well. This routine could be a show in itself. Eric involves every member of the audience and his card skills go from good to great to "pure magic". His rendition of the Rene Levand "Bread Crumbs" is one of the most amazing pieces of drama, theatrics an impossible magic which breathes life in to the classic poem which he recites during the effect. The last third of the show features Eric's two signature pieces.. The "Pocket Mystery' takes Malini's Egg Bag to a new level of startling magic with a surprise ending. As with all of his effects, Decamps explains the "why" of each one as he concludes with the , "Spirit Box" made from some of the wood salvaged from the famed Davenport cabinet. The shows at the Metropolitan Room will run every Sunday at 4 pm until the end of December,. If you are in New York, this is a "must see" magical event. Check- 212 206-0440 -------------------------------------------- 13. Broken Wand - Fred Knipe -------------------------------------------- Message from Theo De Leeuw (NZ) Just to inform you that Fred Knipe passed away at 6 pm last night. Fred was 94 years of age. Going through the records, Fred joined the then Waikato Society of Magicians round about 1953. When Fred and Molly lived in Lake Road he had built a stage that dropped down from the wall and draw curtains for when we had Club nights. He was also the custodian of all our club gear until such time he sold the house and went to another street in Melville. His wife Molly passed away about three years ago. I visited Fred regularly at the Assisi rest home here in Matangi just out of town. Geographically he was my back door neighbor. I saw him last on Friday a week ago. -------------------------------------------- 14. Dear Kiwi Magicians - Help Needed -------------------------------------------- Message from Paul Romhany (NZ) I have undertaken a rather large project, but one I think is well overdue and will benefit all those involved. I have set forth in a project that I would like to ask fellow New Zealand magicians to help me with. It is a book of Kiwi Magic - featuring of course, Kiwi magicians. Those magicians who are ex-pats and those who live in New Zealand. The aim of this book is to offer the international magic fraternity a book featuring NZ magicians with original routines, effects and presentations of standard effects. I would like to call upon all those in NZ magic to contribute an article along with a short biography and 300 dpi photo. I really want this book to show the diversity of New Zealand magicians so any type of routine would suffice, from kid's magic, to close-up to stand-up or stage. If you have anything to contribute please send them to: promhany@hotmail.com The deadline for this project is end of January 2009. I look forward to hearing from all my Kiwi friends in Magic. -------------------------------------------- 15. Guy Bavli Lecture - Sydney -------------------------------------------- Message from Sean Taylor (Aust) Monday 24th November 7.30pm Guy Bavli Lecture $25 - Right here at Taylor's Guy is probably best known for emulating his hero Uri Geller as one of the world's leading metal benders but his work goes much further than that. Guy has built a reputation as one of the world's top corporate performers with his unique abilities. Guy has performed literally thousands of shows from Caesars Palace to Carnegie Hall and in more than 50 countries. He has appeared on numerous television-shows worldwide and recently starred in the NBC prime time series PHENOMENON. Guy Bavli has been featured on national ad-campaigns and performed for Microsoft, Volvo, IBM, Delta Airlines, Jaguar and Coca Cola just to name a few. To learn some unbelievable mentalism you should attend Guy's special Australian lecture. You can find out more about Guy at www.masterofthemind.com For details on the Melbourne lecture 25th Nov contact Graham Etherington. mrtricks@ozemail.com.au ----------------------------------------- Monday 1st December - 7.30pm - Just $15 A Christmas Evening with Neville Wiltshire A very special Christmas Night - (Replacing the December MagiClinic) Come along and enjoy some Christmas food, good company and a great night of magic with one or Ireland's top professionals. I'm sure like me you have grown up with Neville's writings in Abra, The Magigram and many great magic magazines. He has written over 70 articles for Abra magazine alone. Neville will present a lecture on magic which will include stand-up, close-up and kid's effects. Literally something for everyone. He lives in Dublin, Ireland where being a GP of magic is the order of the day. Much like Sydney, you need to be versatile to survive in Dublin, a city about the size of Brisbane. Neville has been at the very top of his game for over 30 years and has performed all kinds of magic professionally including a long stint as Ireland's Ronald McDonald. Come along and enjoy some Christmas cheer, a mince pie or 2 and some great magic from a true pro. Sean Taylor Tel 02 9411 6233 www.taylorsmagicshop.com.au www.seantaylor.com.au -------------------------------------------- 16. Magical Mystery Tour To Beijing - Tim Ellis -------------------------------------------- Message from Tim Ellis (Aust) Tim Ellis & Sue-Anne Webster are escorting a group of Wizards from Australia to Beijing in 2009 to attend The 24th FISM World Championships Of Magic. This is a six-day magic convention filled with lectures, workshops, gala shows, banquets, special events and, of course, 150 of the worlds best magicians competing in several categories to determine who is the 2009 World Champion of Magic. We'll be flying with Airline of The Year 2007, Singapore Airlines. Tour Schedule Friday July 24th you'll depart from your own capital city (Auckland 1.10am, Sydney 8.05am, Brisbane 10.05am, Melbourne 10.15am) and meet up in Singapore and take the 4.55pm flight to Beijing, arriving in Beijing on July Saturday July 25th is free for sightseeing and shopping. (We may offer some tours you can prebook from Australia if interest is there, otherwise you can book trips to places like The Great Wall, The Forbidden City etc, directly at the hotel reception). 24th at 11pm. After Customs we are escorted to our FISM Hotel by an official FISM tour guide and receiving our FISM registration packs as we check in to the hotel. Sunday July 26th FISM begins in the morning with an Opening Ceremony and Show highlighting Chinese Artists and a Grand Welcome Banquet featuring Chinese music, dance and acrobatics. Monday July 27th is a day filled with competitions, lectures, and a Stage Gala Show. Tuesday July 28th is more competitions, lectures and a Close Up Gala Show. Wednesday July 29th and there are more lectures (ten all up), competitions and a second Stage Gala Show. Thursday July 30th is the last of the competition (100 stage acts and 50 close-up acts) followed by a seated Banquet in the evening with even more entertainment. Friday July 31st is the final day and features the Stage and Close Up finalists, a Stage Gala Show and the Awarding of the Prizes. Saturday August 1 is a day set aside for shopping and sightseeing. Sunday August 2 is your last chance to shop before we take a 4pm flight out of Beijing. Monday August 3 we arrive back in Australia around 8 in the morning. -------------------------------------------- 17. The Late Mike Brittenden -------------------------------------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchanté - retired) Belated message to all those New Zealand Magicians/Entertainers who were working during the swinging sixties - particular the Soundshell's during the Xmas New Year period, especially the one in Gisborne, run for years by (The Late) Mike Brittenden. I have only just received the following message... Brittenden, Michael Cedric (Mike). -- On 5th November 2008 peacefully at Gisborne. Cherished father and father-in-law of Simone and Noz Robinson (Christchurch), and Deanna (Gis) and treasured Grandfather of Claudia, Duncan, Xanthe and Seth and good friend of Helen. Aged 69 years. The funeral service will be held in Evans Chapel, Ormond Road at 11am on Friday, 7th November followed by private cremation. All messages to 130 Balance Street, Gisborne 4010. -- Evans Funeral Services Ltd FDANZ www.funeral-link.co.nz -------------------------------------------- 18. 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. Seven Confirmed Headliners John Shryock (USA), Marty and Brenda Hahne (USA), Ross Skiffington (Aust), George Schindler (USA) Steve Walker (Aust) and Charles Gauci (Aust) 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 95% 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! *************************** 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 -------------------------------------------- 19. Magic New Zealand e-zine Archives -------------------------------------------- Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to: www.Alan-Watson.com 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) -------------------------------------------- 20. 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.Alan-Watson.com 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