* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.Alan-Watson.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #637 Date: Sunday 1st February 2009 Editor: Alan Watson www.magicianz.com e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. 2008 The Academy Of Magical Arts, Inc. Award Nominees 3. David & Dania Added To The 2009 IBM Line-Up 4. IBM Convention Registration Price Is Increasing Feb 1 5. Remarkable Magic #80 - Nick Lewin 6. Weather and Performing Outdoors #104 - Kyle Peron 7. Cruising With Paul Romhany #54 8. The Amazing Alexander 9. Daniel Cross Finally Getting Recognition 10. Supernatural Chicago 11. Paul Daniels Master Class 12. MINDvention Mentalism Convention 2009 13. Daytona Festival Of Magic 14. 5th Joker Magic Day 2009 - Budapest, Hungary 15. The Passing Of Marconick 16. Forthcoming Conventions And Lectures 17. Lecture By Bill Seagraves 18. Cath Jamison In "The Horseman From Snowy River" 19. e-zine Archives 20. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- Congratulation Nick Lewin on his fortieth anniversary as a full-time professional magician. Hope you come back again to New Zealand Nick so we can celebrate this mile stone. ---------------- Could someone please e-mail an obituary for Marconick for publication in Magic New Zealand? Such a great magician passing should not go unnoticed. From the Whaley's Who's Who In Magic - Marconick (The Hague, Holland: 30 Mar 1930-    ) Stage name of Heinz Nikolas "Nick" Stolk, taken from his Dutch Air Force service as a "Marconist" (radio operator). Practiced magic since 1945. Gave over 400 shows in the military 1950-56. Many awards since 1952, including 1955 FISM 1st prize in manip & 1961 FISM 1st prize for general magic. Pro stage & close-up since 1956, touring Europe. Prolific inventor of over 100 marketed tricks in period 1945-67, including Silken Bombshell (by 1959). Wrote A Man and a 1000 Scarfs (n.d.). See Lewis Ganson & Hugh Miller, Marconick's Silk Magic (1964). Wrote Marconick Original Magic (7 vols, 1967-1982), etc. See also Richard Vollmer (compiler-translator), Marconick's New Original Magic (3 vols, 1979, in French) & Vollmer's Marconick's Super Magic (1982, in French). Tricks in Magic Info. -------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. 2008 The Academy Of Magical Arts, Inc. Award Nominees -------------------------------------------- Message by Mark Nelson Chairman AMA Trustees The Academy of Magical Arts, Inc. is pleased to announce the nominees for the Magician of the Year Awards in the showrooms of the Magic Castle, as voted on by its Magician Members. Close-Up Magician of the Year Alfonso Jon Armstrong Doc Eason Andrew Goldenhersh Latimer David Regal Parlour Magician of the Year Andrew Goldenhersh Paul Green Handsome Jack (John Lovick) Shoot Ogawa David Williamson Rob Zabrecky Stage Magician of the Year Rich Bloch Mike Caveney Dana Daniels Whit Haydn Kevin James Tina Lenert Mystina Lecturer of the Year Tony Clark Jeff McBride Shoot Ogawa David Regal Sylvester the Jester These Awards, together with the 2008 Fellowship Awards and the 2008 Magician of the Year Award, will be presented at the 41st Annual Academy of Magical Arts Awards on Sunday, March 8 at the Avalon Hollywood. Tickets prices range from $50 to $250 and are available through the Magic Castle at (232) 851-3313 Ext. 336. For more information, check the Magic Castle website at www.magiccastle.com. -------------------------------------------- 3. David & Dania Added To The 2009 IBM Line-Up -------------------------------------------- Message by Dale Salwak (US) Dale Salwak has announced that David and Dania have been added to the list of top international talent featured at the 2009 IBM Convention in Nashville, Tennessee June 30-July 4. As part of the attraction they will also offer a special, extra-ticket event - to be announced next month. For full information on the convention including registration forms and accommodations as well as the latest news, please visit www.magician.org or call the international office at 314/845-9200. Here is the tentative schedule: Wednesday - July 1 Banquet Charlie Frye (magic) - Las Vegas Thursday - July 2 Gala Jorge Blass (as emcee/performer and under whose artistic direction the show will be produced) - Spain David & Dania - Russia (with their award-winning quick change act) An Ha-Lim - South Korea (winner IBM/SAM Competition, stage) Yuji Yamamoto - Japan Kyle Eschen - Hollywood (brilliant 15-year-old comedy magician) Jason Latimer - Los Angeles (cutting edge illusions) Friday - July 3 Competition Night Rich Bloch as emcee - Washington, D.C. Charlie Frye (juggling) - Las Vegas The six finalists for the stage competition (over $20,000 in cash, prizes, and trophies including the Gold Medal) Saturday - July 4 Gala Shimada - Japan (doves) Juliana Chen - China (world champion magician with a surprise act) Timo Marc - Germany (finalist, IBM/SAM Competition, stage) Scott Land - Los Angeles (brilliant marionette parody of Carl Ballantine) Oscar Munoz - Texas Dania (with her high energy hula hoop act) Shimada (parasols, dragons) July 2, 3, 4 Close-Up Ed Ellis - Ohio Hayashi - Japan Marc Oberon - England (winner IBM/SAM Competition, close-up) Shoot Ogawa - Japan J.C. Wagner - Arizona Lectures Rich Bloch Juliana Chen Charlie Frye Hayashi Oscar Munoz Shoot Ogawa J.C. Wagner Big-3 Lecture B. J. Hickman - New Hampshire (kid show magic) All daily events will take place at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville. Evening shows will be held at historic old Ryman Theater and at the Grand Ole Opry Theater Those interested in competing in either stage or close-up categories may apply online at http:///.magician.org/portal/en/node/423 or by calling IBM Contest Chairman, Don Greenberg, at 330-457-2345. -------------------------------------------- 4. IBM Convention Registration Price Is Increasing Feb 1 -------------------------------------------- Message by Terry Richison I.B.M. Convention Chairman Hey, I just in case you have not already registered, I just wanted to remind you that time is running out for the early registration price for the IBM Annual Magic Convention in Nashville, TN June 30 - July 4th. This is the one event that you don't want to miss! All prices will be going up on Feb 1, 2009! Right now it is only $210 for adult members and $75 for our Youth Members. Also there is special pricing for parents and siblings for your youth members. We just announced that we have added David and Dania to the list of Stars that will be appearing and disappearing at the convention. They will be offering as a Special Extra Event a once in a lifetime workshop where they will tell all. More details will be coming soon! Keep your eye on the IBM Web Site, www.magician.org for more exciting news as it is announced. For more information call 703-490-1222. Register Now and save money! www.magician.org/portal/en/node/6. -------------------------------------------- 5. Remarkable Magic #80 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message by Nick Lewin Hobson the LPM man. If you are wondering what a LPM man is, then wonder no more. The LPM stands for Laughs Per Minute and it is a very high compliment for me to bestow. What makes Jeff, the winner of this particular honor? Why not sit in his audience when he performs and count the laughs during a Hobson performance. You'll see why. It is astounding how densely the laughs keep on coming during his show. That's because almost all his laughs are based on the unique persona he has developed and perfected. In fact, Hobson can unleash a wave of comedic uproar with just the arch of an eyebrow or the pursing of his lips. That is how strong his performing persona is. The moment Hobson walks onstage in one of his outrageous outfits, you know pretty much the direction in which you are heading. With his first leer at the audience you are left in no doubt as to the way the journey is going to be handled. All this is achieved even before he says a word. The character is established and the laughs begin almost instantly. Way to go. As strong as his comedy is in Jeff's act it rests squarely on the framework of some very strong magic maybe nobody gets more laughs out of their onstage 'volunteer' than Hobson does. They all seem to enjoy the process thoroughly. Brave souls. Jeff and I were both veterans of the comedy club circuit when we first met each other. I had heard about Jeff from various friends and was delighted to hear that we would be appearing together on Showtime's 'Comedy Club Network' television series. The show was taped at 'Catch a Rising Star' in Bally's Las Vegas, which was one of our favorite live venues. I would love to say I saw Hobson's act that night we taped for Showtime. However taping a live set doesn't always mesh with the chance to watch your fellow acts. It was about a year later that I saw Jeff performing live and discovered what a unique performer he was. Every comedy performer should watch Hobson create his magic onstage and for comedy magicians multiple viewings should be obligatory. Every magician who emerged from the 'comedy club circuit' at the top of their game did so with a very firmly established persona. This character was usually an extension and expansion of their day-to-day personality. Hobson created a larger than life character conceptually and then stepped into it effectively and completely. The joy of this is that he can also take off his persona just as easily. Every dealing I have ever had with Jeff has been as friendly and helpful as you could ever imagine, he is truly a pro both onstage and off. I was excited to hear that Hobson is now reunited with Mark Kalin and Jinger and they are performing a version of their wonderful production show again. The great synergy they create is enough to bring any showroom to life. As always I wish them great success. This column marks the third year that I have been writing my weekly column for Magic New Zealand. It also coincides with my fortieth anniversary as a full-time performing magician. I have developed some exciting plans to usher in the next phase of my magical career and will look forward to sharing them in upcoming weeks. I am now planning to share some of the actual secrets I have acquired during the last four decades as well as the stories and reminisces that have been featured in the Magic New Zealand e-zine and my 'Linking Ring' column. The time is now right to 'spill the beans.' I have had many emails from readers of my columns but have no real knowledge of exactly who 'I am,' I have very carefully tried to make these writings as 'Me Free' as I could under the circumstances. In the next two columns I will write my very own 'Meet Nick Lewin' columns. Contact me at nicklewin1@me.com if you have any comments. Check out the new stuff on my website http://www.nicklewin.com as some exciting developments are taking place that you may want to follow them closely. -------------------------------------------- 6. The Weather Survival Kit - #104 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message by Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com We talked in a previous article about being aware of the weather, how it effects your show and what you can do to adapt to conditions that you are faced with. Within that article I mentioned something that my wife and I created which we simply call our "Weather Survival Kit". I wanted to expand on that in this article by telling you what it is how to create one, what can go in it and the benefits of creating one for yourself. The first point I would like to bring up is that weather effects us all regardless whether we do outdoor shows or not. Unless you are performing in your own home, you are facing weather when you load in and out and when you drive to and from an event. So it is important to understand that you need to be prepared for it even if you do indoor shows only. So why have a weather kit any ways? Well part of being a professional means to always be prepared for any situation that comes up. It also means being ready to deliver the best show possible at all times regardless of conditions I may find myself in. If I am a professional, and want to be seen as one, then I simply must not allow weather to effect myself and my performance. I also never want to find myself in a situation where my props or any part of my show can be ruined or damaged by weather conditions. If you are like me, you invest a lot of time and money into your show and you want to make sure everything is in top condition at all times. A weather kit is simply a case or cases that you create yourself that has in it items that you personally know you may need in the event of any weather condition or situation  you may find yourself in. It goes with you to every show you do and is always ready with easy access at all times. If you are trying to find a case to use for your kit, the best practice is to find something that is waterproof and that can lock shut for easy carrying. I personally use some Rubbermaid plastic locking storage containers. They are also clear so I can see what is in each one of them. They lock tight and are obviously waterproof. They have a handle on the  top making for easy carrying when I need them. So what to place in your weather kit? Keep in mind that I will list only ideas and options open to you. This is not intended to be a master list nor do you have to use everything listed here. This is simply food for thought to get you thinking yourself. You must determine what goes into your kit based on your needs. You may find you need to add in more or may want to take things out. Use this as a guide to get you started and thinking. Weather Kit Ideas: - Rain Ponchos - Towels - Small umbrella - Plastic tarps - Small bungee cords - great for holding down tarps in wind and rain - Water - a MUST when working or traveling on hot days - Sour Candy - This seems odd but it can help you stay hydrated on hot days and can also prevent dry mouth when you speak - Sunscreen - Hand Sanitizer - will not only clean your hands but will also give a little bit of tack to them as well - Bug spray - A Hat - Can wear with performance outfit to keep sun and sweat out of your eyes - Gloves - Always keep your hands warm in colder months. Even if you are just loading in and out, this can help you a lot. Cold hands simply do not move well until they are warmed up. - Extra pair of Boots or Sneakers - In the event of rain or snow, this comes in handy. - Elastic bands - You can get this at any fabric store. I use black elastic bands a lot for placing on my table to prevent silks or lighter objects from blowing. Simply attach one end to one side of the table and attach to the other. Then you can easily place anything under the band and remove it with ease. - Ice scraper and brush - This should be in every vehicle you drive any ways, but I always carry an extra one in the weather kit so I have it ready. - Flashlight - Batteries - Band-Aids or first aid kit - Plastic garbage bags - These work great for covering props, cases and even speakers in the event of damp or rainy weather. - Plastic Sleeves - These are the clear sleeves you can use to place paper in for a presentation. I use these to place in my contract for the event as well as using them for a show order or tech. guidelines. It keeps it clean and dry. These are ideas only and are intended to get you thinking and give you thoughts of what can go in your own weather kits. Only you can determine what will benefit you the most based on where you live and perform as well as the types of shows you do. However, having and developing a weather kit is a great way to always be prepared for any weather situation you find yourself in. By keeping it handy in the vehicle you use for your shows, means that you can rest easier knowing it is always there when you need it. 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. Cruising With Paul Romhany #54 -------------------------------------------- Message by Paul Romhany Since the release of my book, Entertaining on a Cruise Ship - The Ultimate Guide, I've had several emails from magicians who love close-up magic and asked why I never included a chapter on getting work on a ship as a close-up magician. I do talk about doing close-up on ships, but only as a secondary act and in a way to help sell your DVDs or products. It's not worth devoting a full chapter, simply because it's a mute point. While I have read articles on various chat groups by magicians who say they were on a ship and did close-up magic - I somehow doubt, after years of being in the business and asking other professional magicians who have been in the business for over 40 years, nobody has ever heard of a major cruise line hiring just a close-up magician for a long term contract. Maybe years ago but certainly with the industry the way it is today it's just not happening. Let me explain reasons why: Now there have been times, and I've been hired myself by a cruise line for a ONE OFF walk around gig or close-up gig. For me, it was the launch of a new cruise ship and they wanted a lot of acts entertaining. This came through my agent and the line asked for me specifically. So in this case they did hire walk-around acts - but it was a one off, just like most corporate gigs on land. Not a regular gig. I do know that RCCL had put together a group of entertainers to do pre-show warm up work AND walk about, but that lasted 6 months because they quickly realised it wasn't working and ended up costing them a lot of money for entertainment that wasn't necessary. Other lines have tried and also realised it's not a worthwhile expense. Now, Carnival, including Princess cruises are now looking for headline acts who will also do walk around in the atrium (main area of the cruise ship). I heard from a good friend who works for Princess that they now want him to do his full illusion show, PLUS a parlor type act PLUS walk about - they even wanted him to do a kiddies show!!! However, all this work did not reflect in any increase in his fee. Again, it depends on your situation and if you want to offer all this to the cruise line. My friend has a great contract and is booked a year ahead. He lives on the ship and its home so he can offer these extra services and he's happy to do them. He does an amazing illusion show, as well as being a fantastic comedy and close-up guy. The line is extremely lucky to have him! This isn't the norm though as many acts are fly on and fly off acts. When I travel I fly on and off ships and have ONE bag which contains enough material for my two evening shows. I always carry close-up in my back pack and enough material for my commando act should my luggage get lost. If you have a close-up show only, then I would suggest looking at river boat cruises or harbor cruises. I used to do these many years ago when I was living in Auckland and even in Vancouver. These are a lot of fun and a great way to get your sea legs (almost). To really get your sea legs get a little row boat, take it down to the ocean and stand up in it doing your act - without falling out! Now that's getting your sea legs. Sometimes it can be that tough working on stage that is rocking from side to side. I always laugh when I read magician's biographies and they say they worked a cruise ship doing close-up magic, yet when you read further down they worked a harbour cruise. What they really meant was they did a close-up gig or walk about on a small harbour cruise, not a cruise ship. This is NOT the same as doing a full evening 50 minute headline show in a 1500 seat theater on a high end ship. Another common thing amateur magicians do is enter a talent show on a ship, or do close-up at the dinner table for guests and they feel they have the right to advertise they have WORKED on a cruise ship. This often comes back to bite them in the bum when they feel they want to work professionally on a ship because agents WILL ASK what ship you worked on. At this stage you can't lie about it, they will know. My advice is always to be careful and BE HONEST. You are only doing yourself and those who have worked very hard to become headline status on a ship an injustice. If you advertise you have performed on a ship - this should mean that you have an agent, or deal direct with a cruise line who have paid you the standard fee (can range from $1500 to $4000 a week depending on how good your agent is, and what cruise line you are working for) and you do this FULL TIME - in other words it's your job! One more point, and I'm sure many will add to this, is that on almost every ship I've worked on in the past several years, there is a huge increase of waiters and bar staff performing magic. Even on the last ship my cabin steward performed magic for extra tips!! There seems to be a lot of FREE close-up magic on ships it's not really worth trying to advertise being a close-up magician alone. I remember when every bar staff on Princess Cruises could make a paper rose - I think I started that close to ten years ago when I first started selling my green and white paper roses. I taught some staff on one ship how to do them, and before you knew it everybody on ships was doing a paper rose. I see somebody has started selling color napkins these under their own name a few years back - but that's another story for another time. So  close-up magicians - what to do? My suggestion is not to give up hope. Things DO change, you never know, maybe one day cruise lines will be looking for close-up workers. Right now, it's not the best time to try and get on just doing close-up magic. If your really are desperate to work on ships then work on your main stage show. It doesn't HAVE to be an illusion show. You just have to make sure it's an international act that can be seen in the largest theater. Billy McComb was the leader in pack small play big. I saw him work a huge theater with very minimal props. My saying is: Minimal props, maximum entertainment. Most high end ships today are equipped with state of the art video gear and screens and many stage magicians add a little close-up to their full evening show, and by using screens can be seen in the back of the theater. This doesn't mean you can do a whole show like this - because it needs to be something 'special' in your show. It has way more impact. When Copperfield does it he draws people in to the screen. He doesn't do his full show using the screen and close-up effects. Know the venue you are going to work, find out about it and if your show is right for that venue and audience. On many ships, the clientele is an international audience, not everybody speaks English. Remember, use your close-up show to HELP you get on a ship. It's something you can offer the line that is a bonus and they always love bonus shows. On top, as I've mentioned before, use it to sell your magic DVDs afterwards. I sell mine for $25 and can easily make a few extra hundred dollars a week just with sales alone. I love close-up magic and often will do a 30 minute show as a bonus, especially in the afternoon on a sea day. Those are my thoughts - I just don't want the people who took the trouble to buy my book and email me to rush in to trying to get on a ship. I do highlight in the book to make sure you are ready before even approaching the lines - about ANY type of show you might offer. I'm just talking about my own experience in this industry and would rather somebody go on knowing what to expect and do a good job which will result in a good career for them in the Cruise Industry. Don't waste your time or money if you don't feel you are ready. An agent will most probably only look at your promo once, after that they have formed an image in their mind of you and won't bother again. Happy sailing Paul Romhany http://www.thecruisemagician.com -------------------------------------------- 8. The Amazing Alexander -------------------------------------------- Message by Paul Romhany I just came across this book at Hocus-Pocus and wanted to share it with you all in my BLOG. It's been a long time since a book has really captured my heart and what I believe is the real essence of magic. I still think that books are one of the best gifts you can give a person - and this book would be the best gift you could give any young person. Books in general have a magic quality about them because it lets us use our imaginations. This is not just a picture book for kids, it's a fantastic way for young people to learn the ethics of magic and let their imaginations run wild. I couldn't think of any better book to get somebody who wants a great read and learning experience for a gift than this book by Justin Meitz. There is something very special about this book that captures what magic needs, a way to get younger people caught up in what got most of us started in magic. The illustrations in here are first class and will certainly help capture a youngsters enjoyment. This book brought out the inner child in me and I can see why it is getting rave reviews. Not only will this entertain youngsters, but it will educate them and inform them, in a great way, about ethics of magic and even give them a few tricks to learn. I can't wait to see what else the series will offer. Message from Justin S. Meitz, Author, Magician and Teacher Magic House Publishing www.TheAmazingAlexander.com I want to market the book to family and birthday magicians. Many of my local magician friends have picked up copies of my book and have given them out to the birthday kid and sold them to parents. The book retails for $17.95, but I would like to sell them for only $5 a piece (with a minimum order or 20.) That way they can resell them or just give them out as freebees. Many magicians have gotten multiple gigs just from giving out books to the birthday kid. Plus it teaches the ethics and love for magic, which many kids are missing getting into magic. Paul thinks this is a great idea, we are just not sure the best way to get it out there. -------------------------------------------- 9. Daniel Cross Finally Getting Recognition -------------------------------------------- Message by Fredric Broder I was delighted to read that Daniel Cross is finally getting the magical recognition he deserves! Back in August, 1976, while vacationing in Las Vegas, I spent several evenings sitting in his bar (and at his home after work) talking magic with him, between customers. Since I was then editing (and writing about 90% of the issues) the International Association of Magicians' quarterly magazine Wizard's Words, I published my interviews with Daniel and with Jimmy Grippo in the September, 1976, issue of "my" magazine (Vol. 2, No. 3). This was Daniel's first published interview, though Grippo had already been published in other magazines. I found Daniel to be a charming person, who served up magic for his bar patrons between pouring out drinks. On his magic, I quoted him as saying, "I must also perform the duty of mixing drinks. So, I do not actually seek publicity. I am well enough known here that, often  important people from other casinos and hotels bring their friends and clients over here to watch me perform. Thus, if I need a favor, I can call upon them; that is how Las Vegas works." I witnessed a man ask Daniel to show the two beautiful young ladies he was escorting some magic. He immediately pulled out his magnificent floating (genuine) Seahorse and had it float and dance over their hands. When the threesome moved on, Daniel showed me the hundred-dollar bill he had just been handed! No wonder he didn't appreciate the magicians sitting on barstools, expecting free drinks and detaining him from his business. Naturally, I paid for my own drinks as we talked in the bar. Daniel Cross also allowed me to publish his first trick, tearing a playing card into a rough butterfly shape, and floating it about. He even gave me his method of making the invisible thread that made the trick so impressive! Of all the people I interviewed for that short-lived magazine, Daniel's was the most gracious and charming interview I ever conducted! I have always regarded Daniel as one of the finest performers I have ever watched. Congratulations on publishing his name on Line! Sincerely yours, Fredric Broder (PRESTO the Digitator) since 1970 -------------------------------------------- 10. Supernatural Chicago -------------------------------------------- Message by Neil Tobin Devilish Fun On Friday The 13th At "Supernatural Chicago" Show Friday the 13th marks more than a day of superstitious observance: when it falls in February of 2009, it's also a birthday that marks the start of Year Six for Supernatural Chicago, the longest running theatrical magic presentation in Chicago history. And for audience members attending this specific performance, special treats are planned. In every performance of Supernatural Chicago, Neil Tobin, Necromancer's acclaimed one-man show, guests are invited to experience Chicago's paranormal past through a unique and entertaining blend of compelling stories, incredible psychic magic, and audience-engaging interactive fun-all in a landmark nightspot that's been called one of the city's most haunted locations! The show has always been a surprising entertainment value, as each ticket purchased also includes two beverages and cover charge to the nightclub for the rest of the evening. But on Friday the 13th, guests will enjoy an extra perk: delicious cupcakes for the whole audience ... devil's food, of course. For those who are looking for an experience that goes beyond the usual, only Supernatural Chicago delivers a show that is: * Refreshingly intimate -- only 50 guests per performance. * Truly involving -- this is fully immersive interactive theater, from the moment guests enter the imposing granite structure to the audience interplay throughout the show. *Absolutely unique -- there's simply nothing like this show's combination of history, magic, interaction, environmental theater, laughs, and deep mystery -- in this city or anywhere else in the world. * Acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, and ranked among the Top Three Attractions in Chicago by Tripadvisor.com: http://chicago-hotels.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g35805-d549872-Reviews-Supernatural_Chicago-Chicago_Illinois.html "Best Bet" -- Metromix "Is it real? Or isn't it?" -- Chicago Tribune "Great experience for out-of-towners" -- Chicago Reader "Tobin's act is riveting as he segues from legend to legend" --  Wednesday Journal "He'll teach you about Chicago's paranormal history and get you involved in psychic experiments that put Jedi mind tricks to shame." -- Red Eye Chicago "A perennial hot ticket" -- Newsday Supernatural Chicago is hosted by Neil Tobin, Necromancer at the landmark Excalibur nightclub, 632 N. Dearborn (at Ontario). Guests under 21 will be admitted, but should be at least of high-school age. Seating is limited to 50 guests per show, so advance purchase is encouraged. For details, call Excalibur at 312.266.1944 or visit http://SupernaturalChicago.com -------------------------------------------- 11. Paul Daniels Master Class -------------------------------------------- Message by Les Williams (UK) 12th March 2009 - Little Haven Hotel,  South Shields The fee for the full day's Master Class is £250 and includes all lectures, buffet lunch, tea and coffee all day. Discounted Rooms rates are *available if you require overnight accommodation. £70.75 B&B For more information or to book your place on this Master Class click on the Book Now button or Contact Les Williams for further details Email: les@pauldaniels.co.uk Call: 07851384042 -------------------------------------------- 12. MINDvention Mentalism Convention 2009 -------------------------------------------- Message by Danny Archer MINDvention mentalism convention announces their dates for 2009. November 8-10th once again at the Palace Station Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. The 6th annual gathering of mentalists from around the world will feature Andy Nyman and Max Maven with more performers still to be announced. You can check the website mindvention.com for more information. Peace, Danny Archer The 9th gathering dedicated to sleight of hand... the LVMI Close-up Convention two days before MAGIC Live! Featuring; Paul Green, Andrew Goldenhersh, Paul Vigil and many more top stars. August 14th-15th, 2009 in Las Vegas, NV 1139 S. Brentwood Street Lakewood, CO 80232 303-321-6267 www.dannyarcher.com -------------------------------------------- 13. Daytona Festival Of Magic -------------------------------------------- Message by Harry Allen (Us) Florida State Combined Daytona Festival Of Magic November 6-7-8 2009 13 Lectures Close-up show 2 Stage shows Teach-ins 5 Contests Dinner on Friday Auction Talent So Far... Helder Guimaraes (FISM Winner) Kostya Kimlat Pavel David Merry Harry Allen Norm Barnhart David Garrard Scott Humpston Barry Mitchell Tentative.... Harry Anderson -------------------------------------------- 14. 5th Joker Magic Day 2009 - Budapest, Hungary -------------------------------------------- Message by Gyula Czili Name of Convention: 5th Joker Magic Day 2009, Golden Magic Wand Contest Convention Dates: 18-19th of April 2009 Annual number (5th, 6th): 5th Convention Location (city, state): Budapest, Hungary Convention Hotel: Hotel Ében www.gerandhotels.hu Events: International Dealer Fair, special prices Golden Magic Wand Contest (Close-Up, Stage magic) Lectures Party Raffle with lots of valuable prizes Announcement of winners, Golden Wand Ceremony International Stage Gala Show Registration price(s): Full two days: EURO 50.00 ($70.00) Full two days spouse: EURO 20.00 ($30.00) Only Gala-Show EURO 15.00 ($20.00) Competition fee: EURO 20.00 ($30.00) (deadline: 15th of March 2009) Contact name: Gyula Czili, Joker Magic Contact address (street address, city, state, zip, country): 1155 Budapest, Obsitos u. 17. HUNGARY Contact phone: (+361) 306-9046 Contact email: mail@jokermagic.com Convention website: www.jokermagic.com Contact fax: (+361) 306-9678 Any additional information: Spend a magical weekend in the beautiful Budapest, the capital of Hungary! Magically, Gyula Czili Joker Magic 1155 Budapest, Obsitos u. 17. HUNGARY phone: (+361) 306-9046 fax: (+361) 306-9678 www.jokermagic.com mail@jokermagic.com -------------------------------------------- 15. The Passing Of Marconick -------------------------------------------- Message by Eddy Taytelbaum (Holland) How come you have not heard of the death of Marconick? I thought you would be one of the first to hear about this.  He died almost a month ago. No doubt you know him.  He was very capable and one on the finest guys you could meet. Overall life did not treat him too well and the last few years he almost isolated himself from magic and magicians. The last two years he spent in an Old peoples home. According to what I heard he fell and broke his hip and died shortly after the operation. -------------------------------------------- 16. Forthcoming Conventions And Lectures -------------------------------------------- Message by Professor Spellbinder One of the FREE resources located on the Web site of The Magic Nook is a pair of Calendars to alert magicians to forthcoming Conventions and Lectures all around the world. Conventions coming in February 2009 include: 02/01/09 Nottingham Guild of Magicians Day of Magic, Bonington Theatre, Arnold, Nottingham, UK 02/02 - 02/05/09 Performance Skills for the Family Entertainer, Las Vegas, NV 02/04- 02/08/09 - IX CONGRESO LATINOAMERICANO DE MAGIA "FLASOMA 2009", Lima, Perú 02/05-02/09/09 Twist & Shout 2009, Sheraton Cerritos, Cerritos, CA 02/05 -02/07/09 Columbus Magi-Fest, Columbus, OH 02/06- 02/08/09 31st Annual Groundhog Day Jugglers Festival, Yaarab Shrine Center, Atlanta, GA 02/15- 02/16/09 The Robert Harbin Centenary Celebration, The Centre for the Magic Arts, London, UK 02/20 - 02/22/09 57th Blackpool Magicians Convention, Blackpool, UK 02/20 - 02/22/09 Circus Magic Convention, George Washington Inn, Williamsburg, VA 02/21 - 02/22/09 Magic Weekend, ABC Magicshop, Clinton Township, MI 02/27 - 03/01/09 Lance Burton Teen Weekend, Orleans Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, NV Worldwide Lectures to look forward to during the month of February: 02/01/09 Paul Draper Lecture, The Magic Castle, Hollywood, CA 02/01/09 Chris Wardle and Alan Maskell Lecture, Southend Sorcerers Society, The Bell, Prince Avenue, Southend on Sea, Essex, UK 02/01/09 John Calvert Lecture, Crystal's Pizza - Plantation Room, Irving, TX 02/01/09 Kevin Burke, Danny Hunt Lectures, Nottingham Guild of Magicians Day of Magic, Bonington Theatre, Arnold, Nottingham, UK 02/02/09 Ian Keeble Lecture, Shropshire Magic Society, Lord Hill Hotel, Shrewsbury, UK 02/03/09 John Clayton Lecture, Medway Magical Society, Gordon House Hotel, Rochester, Kent, UK 02/03/09 Tom Craven Lecture, Fort Myers Magicians Association, Fort Myers, FL 02/03/09 Nathan Kranzo Lecture, Ring #129, U.S. Toy Company, Kansas City, MO 02/03/09 John Calvert and Tammy Lecture, Bayou Manor, Houston, TX 02/03/09 Michael Ammar Lecture, Ring # 193, The Swinyer Residence, Salt Lake City, UT 02/03/09 Don Driver Lecture, The Middle Tennessee Magic Club, Ring 252, Murfreesboro Center for the Arts, Murfreesboro, TN 02/03/09 Simon Lovell Lecture, The Magic Warehouse, Owings Mills, MD 02/04/09 John Carey Lecture, Zodiac Magical Society, Ealing, London, UK 02/04/09 Kozmo Lecture, Ring # 211, Brann's Steakhouse & Grill, Grand Rapids, MI 02/05/09 Iain Moran Lecture, Liverpool Magic Circle, The Alder Sports Club, Liverpool, UK 02/05/09 Marc Spelmann Lecture, Merlin Magical Society, Little Heath Parish Hall, Thornton Road, Potters Bar, Herts, UK 02/05/09 Lee Alex Lecture, Nottingham Magician's Guild, Pond Hills Lane Arts Centre, Nottingham, UK 02/05/09 Tom Burgoon - Comedy Magic, Tyler Wilson - Close-up, Andrew Goldenhersh - Stand up, Thom Peterson - Close-up/Comedy Lectures, Columbus Magi-Fest, Columbus, OH 02/06/09 Lee Alex Lecture, Bradford Magic Circle, Bradford, UK 02/06/09 Aaron Fisher - Close-up, Tom Burgoon - Comedy, Scott Francis - MacGyver Magic, Mark Mason - Stand Up, Bill Gladwell - Professional Hypnotism Lectures, Columbus Magi-Fest, Columbus, OH 02/07/09 Ice McDonald - Stage Magic, Aaron Fisher - Close-up, Tom Burgoon Comedy, Shawn Farquar - Stand-up Lectures, Columbus Magi-Fest, Columbus, OH 02/09/09 Docc Hilford Lecture, Ring #22, The Royal Oak Senior Center, Royal Oak, MI 02/10/09 George McBride Lecture, Aberdeen Magical Society, Aberdeen, UK 02/11/09 John Archer Lecture, The Four Alls, Malton Road, York, UK 02/11/09 Mark Shortland Lecture, Devon Magic Circle, The Parish Rooms, Collaton St. Mary Church, Blagdon Road, Paignton, Devon, UK 02/11/09 Matthew Johnson Lecture, Newcastle Magic Circle, Copthorne Hotel, Newcastle upon Tyne 02/12/09 Poz Lecture, The Sussex Magic Circle, The Hassocks Hotel, Hassocks, West Sussex, UK 02/12/09 Tom Craven Lecture, Ring #9, Mt Vernon Presbyterian Church, Mt. Vernon, GA 02/12/09 Arthur Trace Lecture, The Magic Apple, Studio City, CA 02/15/09 Tom Craven Lecture, Ring #258, NY Cafe (Back Room), Leesburg, FL 02/16/09 Geoffrey Durham Lecture, The House of Magic, Stourbridge, UK 02/17/09 Paul Gordon Lecture, Northampton, UK 02/17/09 Don Driver Lecture, SAM #1, Mt. Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY 02/18/09 Kozmo Lecture, SAM 23, National Press Club, Washington, DC 02/19/09 Jay Sankey Lecture, Tampa Bay Magic Club, Sheriff's Youth Ranch, Safety Harbor, FL 02/19/09 Tom Craven Lecture, Ring # 130, Golden Corral, Jacksonville, FL 02/19/09 John Luka Lecture, Gulf Coast Magicians Guild, The Bay View Senior Center, Pensacola , FL 02/19/09 Allen Tipton Workshop, Nottingham Magician's Guild, Pond Hills Lane Arts Centre, Nottingham, UK 02/20 - 02/22/09 Lecture Specifics Unknown, 57th Blackpool Magicians Convention, Blackpool, UK 02/21/09 Thomas Medina, Aaron Fisher Lectures, Magic Weekend, ABC Magicshop, Clinton Township, MI 02/22/09 Nathan Kranzo Lecture, Magic Weekend, ABC Magicshop, Clinton Township, MI 02/23/09 John Calvert Lecture, Ring 194, Huntsville, AL 02/24/09 Dennis Forel Lecture, Ring # 313, Irvine Ranch Water District, Irvine, CA 02/25/09 Graham Lee Lecture, Bolton Magicians, Doffcocker Inn on Chorley Old Road, Bolton, UK 02/25/09 Docc Hilford Lecture, Ring #71,House of Cards, Norwood, OH 02/28/09 Roberto Giobbi's Homage to Dai Vernon, Orleans Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, NV For more information about a specific lecture or convention, you will find Internet Links to each located on my Calendars of Magic Lectures and Events at: http://www.magicnook.com/calendar/calendar.htm Professor Spellbinder Proprietor of the Magic Nook - http://www.magicnook.com -------------------------------------------- 17. Lecture By Bill Seagraves -------------------------------------------- Message by Robin Lucas (NZ) On March 10th at our club meeting of the Palmerston North Magic Circle we will be having a lecture by Bill Seagraves of Taupo with a special guest appearance of Fred Casto from San Francisco, USA. Bill Seagraves Member of the Magic Circle, London (MIMC) with Gold Star and a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Also Member of the British Ring No. 25. Honorary life President of the Aberdeen Magical Society, Scotland.  Past President of the Scottish Association of Magical Societies. Over the years Bill has won many awards in magic, culminating in being honored by the lord provost of his home town of Aberdeen, Scotland at a civic reception in recognition of his contribution to fundraising for various charities. Entertained at the same venue, the Marriott hotel Aberdeen, Scotland every week for 28 years. Over a period of ten years Bill regularly performed at the Portland Thistle hotel, Manchester, England. As a result of this engagement, he was employed by Sharp Electronics to front their microwave magic road show, which toured exhibition centers throughout the UK Bill learned his theatrical trade from his father, an amateur magician who worked backstage in variety theatre. From the age of twelve he was performing throughout the north of Scotland, billed as " the boy magician". He trained as an engineer and worked as a semi-professional before taking the plunge and becoming a full time entertainer with the same theatrical agent for nearly 40 years. Bill worked at top venues throughout Scotland, and when Aberdeen became the oil capital of Europe his style of magic was in demand by all the leading oil companies. Fred Casto Fred Casto is the American magician who is coming down with Bill Seagraves in March. They are old friends and Bill and Marlene stayed with Fred and Manya in America recently on their trip to the USA. Fred is a fine magician and was International President of the IBM in 2006-7. He was a lawyer and real estate agent (now retired I believe) but has been a major contributor to the IBM for over 50 years. He was Treasurer and Legal Advisor to the IBM as well as Vice President and President. He has a trick published in the Christmas 2008 Linking Ring in Parade involving past Presidents that he organised.   Fred will offer some tricks and explanations in a lecture of his own alongside Bill Seagraves. At least I think that this is the plan. He is certainly a very distinguished American IBM magician. The meeting will be at 7.30pm at our club rooms in the Community Hall, Newbury Street. (off the southern end of Fergusson Street.) If you have any problems drop me a line or telephone me on 0276554001 Robin Lucas - Sec P.N.M.C. -------------------------------------------- 18. Cath Jamison In "The Horseman From Snowy River" -------------------------------------------- Message by Cath Jamison (Aust) I will be the MC and the touch of Magic for the Equestrian Tent Show," The Horseman from Snowy River" for 3 weeks (23rd Jan - 8th Feb). It's a fabulous show with a true Aussie outback theme. Jump aboard for the ride of your life when the true Australian outback comes to Burney Oval for an unforgettable night on selected dates until March 1, 2009. Featuring some of the most beautiful horses in the world, alongside a menagerie of other four-footed pals, international horse master Rene Gasser's new show, The Horseman From Snowy River, will delight every generation of city folk. Thrill to the sights and sounds of six horses and Drizabone-clad riders thundering into the arena to recreate a spectacular Olympics opening routine. And that just sets the tone for what follows - see the giants of the horse world, the majestic Clydesdales, performing funny routines with miniature ponies. There's also an 'airs above the ground' segment, featuring four horses performing spectacular movements, followed by performances from wild Arabian horses who have been tamed by Rene Gasser, our horseman from Snowy River. Staying with the horsy theme, two horses will show off their skills in a long reining act. But the other quadrupeds haven't been neglected - the kids will love the comedy act with a dog, followed by the dog joining with the sheep to show some real outback skills. Every true outback show features trick riding, and The Horseman From Snowy River is no exception. Finding a classy show that will keep adults and kids enthralled for the duration is a tough challenge, but it's all here for you in The Horseman From Snowy River at the Burnley Oval, Swan Street, Burnley. There is a range of seating prices to suit every pocket, and there's an optional stable tour for the die hard horse lovers. If you only choose one special event to go to each year, The Horseman From Snowy River is the one that will live on in your memory forever as a great night out. The Horseman From Snowy River Burnley Oval, Swan Street, Burnley Opens January 9, 2009 for limited season Performances each Friday & Saturday night & Sunday matinee Bookings: 1300 365 700 or Ticketmaster - 136 100 or www.ticketmaster.com.au Address: Burnley Oval Burnley 3121 Telephone: 1300 365 700 or 136 100 http://www.onlymelbourne.com.au -------------------------------------------- 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 2009 Alan Watson