* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.Alan-Watson.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #639 Date: Sunday 8th 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. Update On Ali Bongo In French Hospital 3. Magic! Shows Of The 2009 Spring Season 4. Enjoy The Novelty Of The Ross Sisters 5. Remarkable Magic #81 - Nick Lewin 6. Strolling Magic For Family Events - #105 - Kyle Peron 7. Cruising With Paul Romhany #55 8. Superday Weekend Of Magic - Sydney Australia 9. Steve Varro In Hospital 10. Australian And New Zealand Trip To FISM 11. A Very Special MagiClinic 12. Sam Angelico's Parlor Show at Palazzo Versace 13. Vintage Magic Clips 14. Ring 45/SAM 280 To Host Mini Convention 15. Abbott Magic Co. 30th Annual Close Up Convention 16 e-zine Archives 17. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- Have received a large number of e-mails asking for an update on Ali Bongo and where they can send messages of support. Talking to Jack Delvin Vice President of The Magic Circle he said they can be sent to: d.krellenstein@free.fr Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. Update On Ali Bongo In French Hospital -------------------------------------------- Message by Jack Delvin Vice President and PRO of The Magic Circle You will no doubt be aware that as the result of a stroke Ali Bongo, President of The Magic Circle, is recovering in a hospital in France. He is in a stable condition and if this is sustained may be repatriated to a London hospital in a few days. I will keep you informed of his progress. -------------------------------------------- 3. Magic! Shows Of The 2009 Spring Season -------------------------------------------- Message by Milt Larsen (US) The first It's Magic! shows of the 2009 Spring Season will be held in March. The first show will be March 15th at the Civic Arts Plaza - Thousand Oaks, California (about 30 miles north of Los Angeles) The all-star acts are Jeff Civillico, Rudy Coby, Danny Cole, Chase Curtis & Ciomany, Ardan James and Amos Levkovitch. The show will also play March 24 at the Norris Theatre for the performing Arts, Rolling Hills Estates and the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert March 29th. Dates are being confirmed for the Fall Season playing several theaters on the West Coast. For more information: www.itsmagic.org -------------------------------------------- 4. Enjoy The Novelty Of The Ross Sisters -------------------------------------------- Message by Walter Blaney (US) Is this a great act, or what? The Ross Sisters were in their heyday in 1941, around Pearl Harbor time. I was in high school and never got to see them perform. But just a few years later I was entertaining in the banquet and corporate field. I got to work with many, many wonderful novelty and variety acts like this. It was like a big family of friends nationwide. Our paths crossed constantly around the country over the next thirty or so years, usually four to five acts on the bill, almost always with a ten to fifteen piece band on stage behind us playing our show. It was modern vaudeville reborn. But instead of traveling by train and playing a week in a theater, we were all flying to one-nighters in a hotel ballroom. Thanks to magician David Seebach for sending me this great video clip.... okay film clip, since TV wasn't born yet in 1941. I hope you enjoy the novelty of the Ross Sisters. Best, Walter http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mVpGmoES3w -------------------------------------------- 5. Remarkable Magic #81 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message by Nick Lewin The guy who links finger rings. As I said in last week's column I am going to tell you a little bit about myself. Of course, I have been writing about myself for three years now in Magic New Zealand but only in a rather indirect way as I have been trying to pass on some highly personalized stories about the many Remarkable Magicians I have met since I started performing. I have tried to have a subliminal 'message or lesson' in each column about what I learned from these various encounters with magicians. Most of these meetings have been fairly brief and some just fleeting but it didn't stop me from learning. I have not spent a great deal of time with other magicians throughout the years, however, sometimes just observing someone performing can change the way you think. My very first mentor Ken Brooke, taught me the act that I used to begin my career, always used to say to me; "Never spend much time with other magicians, it will mess up your show." I think there was great wisdom in these words. Billy McComb (if I may be so bold as to use his name; I certainly do not intend any copyright or registered trade mark infringement) was never happier than when surrounded by magicians, it was just one of their many differences. Well, different strokes for different folks and I suspect this difference had a lot to do with the fact that their philosophy of teaching/learning magic was so different. Ken believed that if you didn't pay for something you didn't fully 'own' it, even in an intellectual way. Billy was always uneasy about receiving money from magicians and he believed in sharing his knowledge freely. I learned a huge amount from both men and really appreciate their friendship and kindness. I enjoyed my early days at the Magic Castle immensely during the 70s and early 80s, but made the decision to stop performing there just before my eldest daughter was born. That is 24 years ago. I have to honestly say it was the best decision I ever made as far as my career was concerned. Ken used to say that if you want to be a professional magician then you have to get on with working for regular people not magicians. I moved into the comedy market, where I mastered a new craft that was a million miles from Robert Orben. I ultimately made a lot more money because of doing so. My first gigs were performing at kids parties back home in England. I started working these shows at 12 and I immediately realized that performing was what I wanted to do. I left school as soon as I could and began to do shows-- lots of shows. I read many articles about how to become a better magician/performer but they usually miss the key ingredient; DO MORE SHOWS. It is nice to be cerebral about magic and intellectualize it during lengthy discussions with other magicians however the only way to truly improve your performance is by performing: end of story. As a youngster in the 60s I worked the tail end of the London nightclub circuit. It was hard, brutal work that gave you an education in the toughest way imaginable. I worked my way through one of London's top drama schools by doubling the 'Blue Angel' and 'Celebrity' nightclubs. I did 6 shows a night walking back and forth between the two clubs. My first show was at 11:00pm and my last was sometime after 3:30 in the morning. I have never worked harder. It was a strange lifestyle, sleazy nightclubs by night and Shakespeare by day: I learned a lot about performing and rather less about acting. I read scholarly dissertations about the need for theatrical and acting skills to maximize your performing skills. My honest belief is that it is much more beneficial to learn how to make audiences like you. If you can make an audience like you then you are on your way to a career. Really and truly only a magician cares much about the tricks you use in your show, paying audiences are much more interested in whether they like you. Which is not to say that you shouldn't be performing the very strongest magic you can because that is the very least you owe your audience. That and being on time. Check out the new stuff on my website http://www.nicklewin.com If you like my writing become my friend on Face book, use my email address to find me nicklewin1@me.com -------------------------------------------- 6. Strolling Magic For Family Events - #105 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message by Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com As a children's and family entertainer, I realize that I probably spend most of my time performing my stage show for family style functions. But it dawned on me that although I talk a lot about these types of gigs, I do not always discuss another area of family performing that I do and really enjoy. This is strolling magic at family events. For some of you, the notion of strolling or walk-a-round magic for a family event may seem a bit strange or foreign. That is OK as it often is not thought of as much. When you think of a strolling entertainer, the first impression that comes to mind is a corporate event or possibly table hopping at a restaurant. But there are other avenues that a family performer can travel if they also enjoy strolling magic. I often will do strolling magic at Blue and Gold banquets as well as a lot of festival and fair events each year. I thought it would be beneficial to go over some of the things you need to be aware of as a strolling entertainer. These tips and ideas are mentioned in hopes that they may get you thinking and applying some of these in what you may do. - If you are hired to stroll at a family event, the most important thing I can tell you is that you must be able to appeal to all ages. You are there to perform and entertain everyone. Every person from 4 to 104 should be able to be entertained by you. - If you are performing for younger children, be aware that they can be intimidated by you. You are seen as a scary adult and they have to warm up to you. For this reason you will want to: 1) Approach slowly and cautiously. Do not just run on over. Approach with a smile and slowly look at both child and parent. You can then gauge whether it is safe to get closer. 2) I am always conscious of performing for children alone. I simply do not do it. In this day and age, I always make sure a parent is with the child before I approach and entertain. 3) I will always get down on the kid's level. By standing tall near them, they can be intimidated. By simply getting on their level they can feel less afraid, build trust in you, see you better and engage with you much easier. - Stay in character at all times. When you are strolling, the entire event area is your stage. If this is the case, you need to remain in character even as you are walking from one location to the next. You should not have to "turn it on and off". - If you are performing for the children, realize that the same rules you use in your kid show can be used in this environment as well. Simply stated, it means that kids still will love "see, don't see" or "magician in trouble" style effects. They still love to laugh and you can still take them on a fun journey leading up to the magical surprise. Do not find yourself abandoning good routines just to show a "trick" only.  - You can use some of your classic children's effects in a strolling environment. It simply means adapting them. For example, jumbo card style effects can be done by scaling down the cards to a standard packet card size format. Large Chinese Sticks can be performed using smaller versions. Other effects from your show can be carried over as is. For example a Professor's Nightmare or Cut and Restored Rope routine can still play very well in a strolling environment. - Keep the shows short and sweet and be ready to perform something for a small family of 4 or even a larger set of say 15 mins. The decision on what to do at what time can be based on your location and area you perform in. - You will want to make sure what you present and carry with you is easy to reset. A lot of what I perform in my family strolling events are effects that reset themselves after the routine is over. - When you are strolling at family events you need to be mobile and have the ability to move at ease. Bringing large tables or prop cases is not ideal in this environment. It slows you down and causes potential traffic flow problems for your client. - Most clients want you to be able to mix and mingle with a lot of guests. Because of this, you do not want to find yourself locked into any one spot for any length of time. The idea is to perform for a group and move on. Now a client may want you to concentrate on certain areas (like the children's area). However, this is something that should always be decided upon in advance between you and the client. - Do not be afraid to cut your show short if you feel you are causing a problem with traffic flow etc. You need to learn to be adaptive. You want to always be a solutions provider and not a problem creator. If you find yourself in a situation where you are blocking traffic flow, finish your routine, thank the audience and then move on to a new location. - You always want to be careful of vendors when you select areas to perform at festival style events. You never want to block a vendor or cause traffic problems at the event. Vendors are paying for their spots and they can get very upset if they feel you are blocking people from getting to their booth. If you are going to mention vendors, mention all of them and encourage the children and audience to visit the vendors after your performance. The vendors will appreciate you doing so. - This is a Golden Solution for you if you utilize it. I want to share it with you because it allows your clients to really see your added value to their family event. Offer yourself to be a roving Master of Ceremonies. This simply means that you tell your client that as you stroll and entertain, you can also make announcements of events and happenings they may want their patrons to know about. They can usually give you a program to take with you and your perceived value climbs high in their mind because you are offering a solution to a need. I hope some of these simple ideas get you thinking and can be used as you venture into performing your own strolling magic at family events. These have helped me a great deal in the past and you will learn so much more through the act of doing. 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 #55 -------------------------------------------- Message by Paul Romhany I had a very interesting flight down with a funny story. I flew from our home in Moncton to Toronto and then had a ten-hour flight to Brazil, and then a nine-hour wait at the airport to catch another flight to where I was to pick up the ship in Fortuleza, Brazil. I always take my Chaplin cane with me, as I don't want it to break in my luggage. So when I get to Toronto airport I make it just in time to the check in to see a huge line up of people getting ready to board the plane. One of the advantages of flying, and something I fully recommend to everybody, is to get all of the airline cards you can. These are cards you use to build up air points and develop status on a plane. When you get to Gold status, as I am, you are allowed extra baggage allowance, your luggage always come off first and quite often you can get upgrades if you are lucky. Another good thing about these cards is that you don't have to wait in lines; you can board with the first class and elite passengers. So up I go, with can in hand and my gold travel card. The person looks at me with my cane and takes my ticket away handing me another saying, "I think you'll find this seat more comfortable." It wasn't until I got on the flight that I realized they upgraded me to first class. What a difference that makes on a very long flight. By the time I landed in Brazil I was well rested and didn't mind having to wait nine hours until my next flight. If you are going to get in to the cruise industry you will be traveling a lot, so I do suggest joining the airline award club. It doesn't cost anything and most airlines have them, and many share. For example, I have a Star Alliance card, which includes Air Canada, United, Air New Zealand and so on. I have a One World card, which includes AA, Qantas, and British Airways etc. You also build up points to travel for free. In May, my wife and I are flying to New Zealand for a month's holiday and we were able to do it using our point's card. This ship is incredible; it's actually my favorite ship to work on. Not only is the service and food on here the best in the cruise industry, but also the theater is fantastic and just the perfect size for my show. I am excited to bring my show back to this line. I was here in December and it went over very well. What makes my show different from many others? I didn't want to present just another magic show - and actually do not bill it as such. I wanted mine to be an experience from start to finish. With most acts, the cruise director comes on stage, introduces the act and they start. At the end the cruise director comes on and takes the act off. In my case, the show starts as the people enter the room. It's the small things that make a difference and make people feel like they have seen a real 'show', rather than a cabaret act. There are several ways I try to do this. The first is to have my own pre-show music. You just never know what they are going to play for pre-show music as people enter the theater. I started using my own, which ties in with my Chaplin show and gets the audience in to a mood that I want. I actually find this very important. Then, the theater goes dark and a very short animation video starts that I had made which is extremely different. Again, it really ties in with my entire show and without knowing it, the audiences are drawn in and the experience has started. At this stage nobody knows what to expect from the show or what it is about, so as well as laughing at the film on the screen, I am playing with their emotions by not giving anything away yet. Finally, after the video finishes, there is an offstage announcement introducing me and out I come. My show is divided in to two sections. The first, I call the opening where I come out and do a little comedy and one magic trick to establish myself and get the audience to know me. The patter has taken years to develop so I have it where they can laugh - but still not know what's about to happen. I like to keep them wanting more and wondering where the show will go. Then we come to what I call the main part of my show, my Chaplin act. A single spot lights hits me and in front of the audience I apply my makeup and become Charlie Chaplin. I stand and introduce myself as Chaplin followed by a very short montage on screen. There is now a costume change offstage while the film is playing and I re-enter, completely dressed as Chaplin and do my entire show as Charlie. The finale is my own version of "Snow in China" type routine that again, uses video but is all tied in to Chaplin - there is nothing ordinary about my version and it's a great way to finish as I turn around and walk in to the movie screen. It has taken over twenty years to put the one-man show together and I am very proud of it. I learned from my theatrical experience that it has to be more than just a 'show' - it has to be theater. I try to evoke as many emotions as I can, ranging from pathos to laughter. This is, after all what Chaplin was about - not just kicking people up the bottom. By combining original magic routines I am able to hopefully get across what I want with my audience and take them to a different level. The reason why I am telling you how I put my show together, is that I have had quite a few emails from magicians asking about cruise ships and how they can stand out. You must remember, as I've said before, that on ships, people have seen it all. You can't come out and do standard magic - you have to present it in a way that makes you different and unique. You don't want people to walk out of the theater saying, that magician did the trick with the sword and the snow and the banana that I saw on the last ship. It's way more than the tricks and way more than the magic. To me, the real magic is the theater and the experience people have when they walk out. Perhaps you evoke them with a story, or it's in a song - something that triggers something inside them so they will remember YOU - not the tricks. This can certainly apply to a comedy magician as well as an illusionist. I remember seeing Nick Lewin do a wonderful tribute on a cruise ship to Billy McComb the day Billy passed away. Nick did his Gypsy thread routine but talked about Billy and it was incredibly touching. That was something I saw was extremely poetic and really heart felt - that also came across to the audience. When you see magicians all do the same old story about the first time they saw snow etc. and it has no meaning to them, then it comes across as false and the audience don't care. Their impression is simply, this guy made paper confetti come from his hands! Try and find whom you are and make your magic mean something. This can also apply to close-up magic and almost all other forms of magic. Try and bring people in to your performance. I guarantee that if you do this, you'll find people start to care more about you and your performance and will relate to more bookings. If you are just like every other magician in your town then you won't stand out. You want them to actually want to book YOU, not because of your tricks. They can probably get a dozen local magicians who do the same tricks, but it's YOU they must want to book and pay the higher fee to. Enough rambling, but I thought I'd share my views this week on the BLOG as I had many emails from magicians asking how I put together my show and what they can do to help them stand out from other acts when trying to look for cruise work. I must say, I am very pleased to report that two people so far who have purchased my book have emailed me to say they read my book, took my ideas and advice and sent off their promotional packages to agents and cruise lines. BOTH have had very successful results, which will mean they can finally fulfill their dreams of performing on a ship. This is without a doubt, the best review that I could ever get for my cruise book. The fact that I played some part in helping these two magicians get closer to their dream goals makes me feel the entire project was worth it. It's funny when I read reviews of my projects and books. I only imagine many of the people who review it sit at home and dream about working on a ships. However, that's all they do. They don't actually get off that chair and do something about it. That is their life - and they probably become very bitter and jealous. When I get emails from you magicians who actually do something about it and get the work, it proves that the book is successful and the advice does work. I had a great week when I got those two emails from these young guys. Congratulations to them both and I have told them to keep me informed of their cruises. Who knows, in fifteen years they will probably write a book about the industry. Well, must dash, as I'm about to get ready for my show tonight. Showtime is at 9.45pm and while it's only 6.15pm I have to make sure all the props are set and ready to go. We just had another huge order for my cruise book, Entertaining on a Cruise Ship - The Ultimate Guide. You can purchase it direct from Hocus-Pocus or from Amazon or visit: www.thecruisemagician.com Also, please feel free to comment on anything I write, or any of the reviews. I would love to hear from you with any suggestions or anything you'd like me to try and find out. Happy Sailing Paul Romhany www.paulromhany.com www.chaplinmagic.com www.thecruisemagician.com -------------------------------------------- 8. Superday Weekend Of Magic - Sydney Australia -------------------------------------------- Message by Sean Taylor (Aust) The coloured brochures are at the printers now. The stars are champing at the bit. People have already booked. Time to get onto your booking for the year's biggest magic event. It's on the website now. http://www.taylorsmagicshop.com.au/webcontent15.htm -------------------------------------------- 9. Steve Varro In Hospital -------------------------------------------- Message by Steve Varro On January 15th Steve Varro, Past President of the Fellowship of Christian Magicians underwent Open Heart Surgery to replace a defective aortic heart valve. The surgery required me to be put on a heart /lung machine while they stop my heart to work on it. The operation took five hours. There were several positives concerning the situation. 1. They found the defect in time that replacement surgery should be effective 2. They found it before I had a heart attack 3. There is no blockage, which means no bypass is needed The surgery went well and I was out of the Hospital in just 5 days. Unfortunately, on February 2nd I was rushed to the emergency room as I had a blood clot break loose and lodge in my lower right lung. The pain was like a heart attack, only in the lung. I'll be in the hospital for maybe a week. Then have to be on blood thinners for 6 months. His Pain level is high, and my energy level is low..... Steve Varro P.O. Box 915 Hermitage, TN 37076 USA stevevarro@gospelmagic.com -------------------------------------------- 10. Australian And New Zealand Trip To FISM -------------------------------------------- Message by Tim Ellis (Aust)  Just a reminder to those Aussies and New Zealanders who are heading to FISM, you have until the end of March if you'd like to join our tour group. We'll be flying with 'Airline of the Year' Singapore Airlines from several different capital cities and meeting up in Singapore where we'll all board the same flight and land in Beijing as a group. From there we will be escorted to our hotels and registered for FISM. You can get the full details here: http://www.australianmagician.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=429&Itemid=8 but you'll need to contact me asap if you'd like to travel with us. Also, we are organising an escorted day trip to the Great Wall, Tian'amen Square, The Forbidden City and other sites on the day after FISM. Cost is $50 and anyone is welcome to join us - but spaces are limited so contact me quickly. More information can be found here: http://www.australianmagician.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=429&Itemid=8 FISM registrations have already topped the 1,000 mark and many of the best hotel's allocations are almost full so if you've been considering heading to China for FISM 2009 in July, act quickly! -------------------------------------------- 11. A Very Special MagiClinic -------------------------------------------- Message by Sean Taylor (Aust) Monday 2nd Feb 2009 - 7.30pm - all Welcome - $15 - No need to book. Video filming of new presentations. Meet a Magician featuring Richard Paddon. Some mentalism, close-up magic, supper and a fun time for all. MagiClinic is our monthly get-together to discuss, perform, teach and enjoy magic in all its forms. This Monday marks the first meeting for 2009 and it promises to be a fascinating evening for all concerned. Richard Paddon has been close friend of mine for over 10 years and although you may have seen him performing at our events I'm sure you will enjoy finding out more about Richard's magic past. Although not a full time magician, Richard has performed close-up magic on a semi professional basis for over 20 years. His stint at Anchor's, one of Newcastle's most popular suburban restaurants is legendary in that he has held this residency on and off for many years. Richard's tricks and articles have graced the pages of some mainstream and not so well known close-up magazines and his underground publications continue to sell on line. In recent times, Richard has turned his attention to Mentalism and his measured and methodical approach to performance have allowed him to make an excellent job of some of mentalisms classic performance pieces. I will interview Richard and you should take some time to prepare your questions too. Richard, Dave and I are working on a couple of manufacturing projects and we will present and film some performances of those items on Monday night so prepare to be our very own L and L style audience (without the silicone and miniskirts please). Feel free to tell your friends that they can enjoy some performances if they attend. We may take time to discuss some of these items with you too. For those looking for cups and balls - we will bump this to another night whilst this great opportunity presents itself. See you on Monday. Sean Taylor 02 9411 6233 -------------------------------------------- 12. Sam Angelico's Parlor Show at Palazzo Versace -------------------------------------------- Message by Sam Angelico (Aust) On March 7th I shall be presenting my Parlor Show at Palazzo Versace here on the Gold Coast. Two shows only 7 pm and 9pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are $55. Please note that I am only selling 50 tickets per show. Those interested may email me on angelicomagic@hotmail.com to arrange tickets........regards...Sam Angelico -------------------------------------------- 13. Vintage Magic Clips -------------------------------------------- Message by Lee Asher (US) Every day, I post a new vintage magic video, a small biography, and a link for further information about the artist. Have you been watching them? Don't worry, nobody will be mad if you missed a few. Lately, rare clips have appeared like: Horace Goldin : the creator of sawing a woman in half. Joseph Dunniger : one of the world's most powerful radio mentalists. Greg Frewin : 1994 FISM winner and Canada's hometown magic hero. Robert Harbin : the creator of the Zig Zag illusion. If you've never heard of these magicians or their accomplishments, do yourself a favor and learn about them. You have my word it will make you a better magician, and swiftly assist you in achieving results that you've always been striving for. Watching professionals only increase the chances of you improving your own magic. Even if you're already familiar with these guys, they are still worth revisiting. Spend a moment to catch up with some vintage magic clips: http://www.leeasher.com/cgi-bin/arp3/arp3-t.pl?l=35&c=2246 (cut and paste if not clickable) Remember this is a free resource for you to study, use, and benefit from. Watch with notebook in hand because the clips will impact your life in a positive way. -------------------------------------------- 14. Ring 45/SAM 280 To Host Mini Convention -------------------------------------------- Message by Ricky Dee John Calvert, Levent, Aldo & Rachel Colombini, Alexander Blade and Ron Olmsted will lecture and perform on Sunday, March 1, 2009 from 9am-10pm, at the Elks Lodge 6304 SW 78 Street, Coral Gables, Florida 33143. Registration is $50.00 for the Full Day and includes lectures by John Calvert, Levent, and Rachel & Aldo Colombini. Cocktail Party with a Close-up Show Presented by Ron Olmsted. Flea Market/Dealers Room and evening Stage Show featuring Aldo Colombini, Alexander Blade, Levent & John Calvert. The registration also includes Lunch & Buffet dinner! Flea Market tables are just $10.00 each. (Plus Full Day registration) The Dinner Show ONLY is just $30.00. Reservations a must! Contact Maria Ibanez at Merlina17@aol.com or call her at: 305.258.3414 -------------------------------------------- 15. Abbott Magic Co. 30th Annual Close Up Convention -------------------------------------------- Message by Hank Moorehouse (US) On Friday, March 13 and Saturday March 14 the Abbott Magic Co. will hold their 30th Annual Close Up convention. Starting Friday night with a workshop directed by Gordon Miller and Mike Powers. The subjects are. What is your opening trick and why? And How do you present your business card with a trick. Also the People's Choice one trick contest and show with $300. in merchandise prizes. Saturday will include lecturers by Paul Gertner and Tom Craven, coffee and donuts all day, mini auction, banquet and Saturday night Close Up Gala. This convention always sell out at 75 magicians. Advance registration $75. if available at the door $100. Abbott Magic Co. phone 269 432 3235. e-mail greg@abbottmagic.com or check the web at www.abbottmagic.com -------------------------------------------- 17. 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) -------------------------------------------- 18. 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®. 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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