* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.Alan-Watson.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #642 Date: Sunday 1st March 2009 Editor: Alan Watson www.magicianz.com e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. Cellini has just recently suffered a stroke 3. Vince Carman Selling His Collection of Memorabilia 4. Kornhauser with Terry Fator 5. When They Got To Go - #108 - Kyle Peron 6. Cruising With Paul Romhany #58 7. Las Vegas Magic - March, 2009 8. The 57th Blackpool Magicians Convention 9. "Mystique" Playing At Crown Casino in Melbourne 10. Legends 0f Magic Tribute - Orlando 11. Price and Seating to Sam Convention 12. 22nd Annual Comedy & Magic Spectacular Tour 13. Fantasma Ring 257 Will Hold Its Annual Auction 14. 2009 Long Island Magic Arts Convention 15. e-zine Archives 16. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- Update on Ali Bongo from Rob and Mandy Davis (UK) who have been visiting Ali in hospital he had his first real meal yesterday. Keep sending those cards.  Ali has significantly improved over the last few weeks and been having speech therapy.  His IV which was put in his "good" hand he pulled out so it was put in his "bad" hand and he managed to pull it out with his legs so his determination and will power very much in evidence! Messages and cards can be sent to: Ali Bongo - 6 Poynders Court, Poynders Road, London SW4 8NL, England. Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. Cellini Has Just Recently Suffered A Stroke -------------------------------------------- Message by Gazzo forwarded on by Harold Twaddell (US) Sad news: Cellini has just recently suffered a stroke. He is in the hospital. So unfortunately Jim won't be coming to the school of busking in Cardiff. I know this is my first post here for a long time. But what I intend to do is set up somewhat of a charity fund or a hat pass for Jim. Please send donations to this address: So here is Jim's snail mail address. Please send all mail, cards and donations to Richard Sullivan Im Roggebode 5 5400 Baden Switzerland I'm sure Jim would love to hear from you all. Marianne told me that Jim is in pretty bad shape. I could imagine he is in bad shape financially. So anybody out there would like to send some form of donation this would be really appreciated. I'm sure Jim and Marianne would be over the moon with it. Thanks Gazzo --------------------- Folks, Pass the hat for Cellini. His contributions to magic are legendary - and now is the time for magicians to join together to help a brother in need. Even if it is just a get well card saying hello, I am sure Jim would love every word. If you are not familiar with who Cellini is, he is probably the most respected and skilled street performer of all time. Take some time to learn about him and his magic - you won't regret it. Thanks. Mark Reed MagicVault -------------------------------------------- 3. Vince Carman Selling His Collection of Memorabilia -------------------------------------------- Message by Vince Carman (US) I am selling my entire collection of memorabilia...first I would like to get a one person bid on the entire collection...if that doesn't work, then I'll consider selling piece by piece. Besides over 50 posters...my Houdini material is superb...also Thurston, Kellar, and 1 very rare DeKolta signed photo. MagicVC@aol.com -------------------------------------------- 4. Kornhauser with Terry Fator -------------------------------------------- Message by Mark Kornhauser (US) New Demo from Kornhauser The demo tape is taken from the performance at Morongo Casino Resort and Spa near Palm Springs on January 31, 2009. Kornhauser has been the opening act for Terry Fator on numerous occasions. This was Terry's last performance before beginning a five year run at the MGM Mirage. Hope you get a moment to check it out: http://web.me.com/mkornhauser/MarkKornhauser/you_tube_demo.html -------------------------------------------- 5. When They Got To Go - #108 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message by Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com If you are a children's performer this situation is bound to come up at some point. You are in the middle of your routine and you see your helper doing some funky dance step that must be new to you. You think for a second that maybe this is some new dance taught on Barney when you realize the poor child simply has to go to the bathroom. It is an awkward situation to be in as a performer but there are ways in order to handle it properly and keep the flow of the show going. I feel you first must address it but do so in a professional manner and excuse them without drawing attention or causing embarrassment. The first step is realizing you need to remain calm and be respectful so that others around you will do the same. If you feel awkward or uneasy, then the children in the audience can really pick up on this as well. I think the first step is learning to tell the various signs that the child has to go in the first place. Most are very obvious, but learning the different ways they may inform you, helps you to create an "out" for each situation. In some cases they may: 1) Tell you verbally and in a clear voice that they have to go 2) Be nervous and may whisper to you that they have to go 3) They will do a dance trying not to have to say anything at all Each of these is a sure tell sign that there is a situation and as an entertainer, it is up to you to handle and address it properly and professionally. One way to do this is simply to suggest to the client to remind the kids to take a bathroom break prior to the show start time. This can be done verbally on the phone or even part of a "things to do" list you send to the client. This list can be helpful tips to make your party a great success. I think another key is to simply not make a big deal about it. It is something that everyone does and by acting natural, you make everyone feel more at ease. So I try not to whisper or bring the child aside. By doing so only draws attention that something might be wrong. I simply talk to the child if I sense something is up. By talking to the child in a nice, casual and calm manner, makes them feel more at ease and makes the parent and adult see you as the professional you should be. A simple, "Need to take a little break? No problem at all. Take your time and we will be here when you get back (smile)" works very well. You do not want to shout or talk loud or draw a lot of attention to it. Just do it casually in your normal voice. Notice I am not screaming or shouting out the words bathroom or potty etc. I am just simply remaining calm. I never want to make a big deal about it, or make fun of the situation. Doing so embarrasses both the child and the parent and may start a chain reaction in the kids wanting to also have to go etc. I find the casual approach (mentioned above) works very nicely. Usually by doing so, the parent also sees this, and comes and assists the child for me. Now when the child is gone, the show must still go on. If you are a professional, you should always be prepared for any situation. I always set up 1 or 2 effects in my table that I can go to at any time for any reason. These are my "out" tricks. I usually will do something like. "Sally had to take care of something but will be back in a little bit. So now is the perfect time to go to a commercial break." Then I do a trick like "What's Next" and do it as if it were a commercial for my magic show. It is filled with fun, laughter and comedy. The best part is that it can be as short as 30 seconds or as long as I need it to be. The key to having a trick or routine for these situations is that you need to be able to stop it at any point and still have the routine complete. I have several effects like this and they are set up behind my table always ready to go. This way when the child comes back, I can end the routine and get the child back to helping me again. If done correctly, everything flows very nicely and no one knows anything happened at all. The only time they know something is up, is if you tell them something is up by focusing too much on it. If you keep a level head and plan ahead of time, there is no reason why these situations can't go over just fine and not cause any issues for you. As always, I encourage you the readers to let me know your thoughts. So if you have any thoughts on my articles or suggestions or comments, please feel free to e-mail me directly at magic4u02@aol.com. I would love to hear from you. - "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 Kyle Peron Magician / Illusionist Graphic Designer / Illustrator http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com -------------------------------------------- 6. Cruising With Paul Romhany #58 -------------------------------------------- Message by Paul Romhany (NZ) I find myself home this week --- finally --- preparing myself for the upcoming South Tyneside Magic Convention from 13th - 15th March. I will be lecturing, performing and holding a workshop. I was asked to fly to Brazil for a week's work, but to be honest, having just returned from 24 hours travel, my body just couldn't cope with another heck of a long flight. I remember once flying from Vancouver to New Zealand every three or four days for two months. I would fly down, get on a ship and perform (remember, we are talking about traveling for about 24 hours via LA. On the last flight for that contract, I fell asleep on the plane and didn't have any liquids. I arrived in Auckland, went to the ship and found out I was working that night. I was completely exhausted but the show must go on. I did my show and actually collapsed near the end of the performance. It turned out that I was dehydrated. I stayed a few extra days in New Zealand to recover, then flew back to Vancouver. I was supposed to fly to South Africa for a show, but had to cancel and take a month off travel as my body just could not cope. When you fly almost every week, everywhere in the world, as I do, you must take care of your body and listen to what it is telling you. Since then I have learned to say no to some contracts as I know that it isn't good for me. This is why some magicians prefer to do longer contracts, and I don't blame them. It's a catch 22 - do you want to stay on a ship for a long period or do you want to just do short contracts. My own personal preference is to do shorter contracts as I would go nuts if I stayed on a ship for too long. I had a very interesting conversation with a young magician who approached an agency about working on a cruise ship. He turned it down because the pay wasn't too good. I asked him what wasn't good about it, and he said the agency offered him $500 US a week. I almost fell out of my chair. I told him the average wage is $2500 US per week. He told me the agency name, and I had never heard of them. I told him to be very careful with an agency like that because they would probably take $2000 and only pay him $500. You have to be extremely careful when looking at agents for cruise ships. This could have been quite a horror story for this young guy had he not known what the standard wage is. This is why, in my cruise ship book, Entertaining on a Cruise Ship - the Ultimate Guide, I talk about agents and which ones to deal with. As with any agency, you have to be careful going with ones that are not established or fly by nighters. I was glad I was able to help this guy out before he got a gig where he wasn't happy. Lecture in Australia Finally able to release some dates for my lectures in Australia. Melbourne - Friday 10th April Adelaide - Tuesday 14th April Perth - 18th April Brisbane - 24th April I am doing my world lecture tour and looking forward to meeting my Australian friends, and making new ones. I will also bring my new Lecture Note books plus a few other goodies to sell. If there is anything in particular you would like to purchase, let me know in advance and I can save you money by not charging postage. My personal email is paul@chaplinmagic.com That's all for now. Don't forget to visit my weekly BLOG where I review the latest magic tricks from www.hocus-pocus.com at: http://romhanyreport.blogspot.com/ -------------------------------------------- 7. Las Vegas Magic - March, 2009 -------------------------------------------- Compiled by David Neubauer - www.dnmagic.com Magic Production Shows: Amazing Johnathan 9 pm (Dark Sun. & Mon.), Harmon Theater, Krave - Planet Hollywood. Criss Angel - Believe 7 & 10:00 pm (Dark Sun. - Mon.) - Luxor www.cirquedusoleil.com/crissangel David Copperfield March 5-18, April 2-22, May 21-July 1, July 16-19 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: www.vegas4locals.com/coupon_dixie_dooley.html Gerry McCambridge - The Mentalist 7:00 pm (Dark Fri.), Hooters Casino Hotel. Special Comp tickets: www.web.me.com/gerrymccambridge/Mentalist/Las_Vegas.html Ignite - Opening March 13. Antonio Restivo. 11:00 pm (Dark Mon.), Greek Isles. www.ignite13.com Intimate Illusions - Steve Dacri 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. Magic's a Drag Steve Weston (aka Cashetta) 1 & 3 pm, (Dark Sun.) - Harmon Theater, Krave - Planet Hollywood www.magicsadrag.com Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show 4 pm - Main Showroom - Flamingo. www.nathanburton.com $10 off: 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 Thurs. - Fri.), 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. www.varietytheater.com/scarlett.htm Stars of Magic Showcase of Prestidigitation Dixie Dooley produces and hosts. 7:00 pm (Dark Wed. - Sat.) The Dymonds, David Darkstone, MC Bill Robinson, Royal Resort & Hotel. www.thestarsofmagic.com 2 for 1 Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/couponstarsofmagic.html Superstars of Magic 7:30 & 9:30 (Dark Tues.) Steven Best and Cassandra, Vegas Club Showroom. 2 for 1 Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/couponsuperstarsofmagic.html Steve Wyrick 7 pm. (Dark Fri.) Sat. 7 & 9 pm. Also 4 pm. shows on Mar. 29-31, Apr. 1-12, May 25, July 2 & 5, & 15-August 22. Steve Wyrick Theater - Miracle Mile, Planet Hollywood. www.stevewyricktheatre.com Xtreme Magic Starring Dirk Arthur Tiffany Theatre, Tropicana. 2 and 4 pm. (Dark Fri.) Magical Mix Ben Seidman and Christopher Karpiak 10 pm - Midnight (Dark Sun. - Wed.) Mix at Mandalay Bay. www.mandalaybay.com/dining/mixlounge.aspx Magic In Production Shows: Crazy Girls Tony Douglas - 9:30 pm (Dark Tues.), Riviera. www.rivierahotel.com/entertainment_crazygirls.asp 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 10 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. 7 & 8:30, Planet Hollywood Resort - www.vtheshow.com 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 YMS (Young Magicians Society) 7 pm every 2nd Monday each month, IHOP Boulevard Mall on Maryland Pkwy. February, 2009 February 27-March 1: The Lance Burton Teen Weekend. Jeff McBride, Lance Burton, Eugene Burger. www.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 www.theworldmagicseminar.com. Click on Special Events. February 28: Siegfried and Roy - The Return and Final Performance. Siegfried & Roy's first performance since Oct. 3, 2003. Power of Love Gala to benefit the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute - Bellagio. Their performance will be taped for a March 6th broadcast on ABC Television's 20/20 news program. March, 2009 March 1-4: World Magic Seminar - Orleans Hotel. Jeff McBride, Lance Burton, Johnny Thompson "as Dai Vernon", Eugene Burger, Jason Latimer, the return of Rudy Coby, Bill Palmer, Pete Biro, Rafael Benatar, Charles Gauci, Luis Manuel, Rannie Raymundo, David Kaplan, Rick Marcelli, Hun Lee, Yo Kato, Eric Jones, Han Seol-Hui, Antonio Ramero and more. www.theworldmagicseminar.com March 4: Fantasma Ring 257 Annual Auction and Flea Market at Boomers, 3200 Sirius Ave. www.ibm257.com March 16-22: Michael Finney at the Comedy Stop - Tropicana. www.comedystop.com/las-vegas-boxoffice.cfm April, 2009 April 9-15: Magic & Mystery School - Extended Master Class. Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com/school 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 June, 2009 June 25-30: Magic & Mystery School - Extended Master Class. Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com/school August, 2009 August 12-13: Magic & Mystery School - Focus on Quick Change Costumes. Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith with Lee Alex. www.magicalwisdom.com/school August 19-25: Magic & Mystery School - Extended Master Class. Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com/school September, 2009 September 7-8: Magic & Mystery School - Sisters of Mystery, a Magical Conference for Women. Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com/school September 22-24: Magic & Mystery School - Magic and Martial Arts. Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com/school September 25-27: Magic & Mystery School - Master Class. Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com/school October, 2009 October 9-11: Magic & Mystery School - Focus on Street Magic. Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com/school October 21-24: The Magic and Meaning Conference - A distinctive, annual small-group conference that focuses on creating meaningful magic routines, effective scripts, and new venues for performance. Featuring keynote addresses by Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Robert E. Neale, Lawrence Hass, George Parker, David Goodsell, and a number of short talks by experts on subjects relating to the themes of the conference. www.magicalwisdom.com/school November, 2009 November 6-8: Magic & Mystery School -Magic and Medicine. Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com/school November 11-13: Magic & Mystery School - Master Class for Mentalists. Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com/school Please email any Las Vegas magic updates/news to David through his website: www.dnmagic.com. -------------------------------------------- 8. The 57th Blackpool Magicians Convention -------------------------------------------- Report by Peter Eldin (UK) 20th to 21st February 2009 Blackpool always has an impressive lineup of lecturers and this year was no exception with star lectures on the Friday from Latko, Marc Oberon, Ian Keable, Bruce Kalver, Dan and Dave Buck, and Dirk Losander. On the Saturday conventioneers were treated to offerings from Rick Merrill, Jeff McBride, Joshua Jay, Daryl, Daniel Garcia, and David Penn. Continuing the star line up on Sunday were Etienne Pradier, Rudy Coby, Michael Ammar, Arthur Trace, and Eugene Burger. In addition there were four "Kidz 'R  Uz" lectures from John Kimmons and Andy Clockwise on Saturday and Peter Greenwood and Mike Stokes on Sunday. Enough magic there to start your head spinning! A new event this year was the Junior British Magical Close-Up Championships on Friday which could prove the starting point for some of the magic stars of tomorrow. Just five young lads took part and their performances, on what must have been a nerve racking occasion, were extremely creditable. In the event Douglas Tilston was voted the Junior British Magical Close-Up Champion, with Jack Gleadow second, and Stephen Williams third. Later the same evening came the European Magical Close-Up Championships, the winner of which was Dai Hewga (Japan), with Giacomo De Carlo (Italy) second and Jean Emma Nuel Franzis (France) third. There was certainly plenty to please the close-up fans over the weekend, in fact the convention is billed as the 'Close-Up Colossus', not least being the International Close-Up events on Saturday and Sunday. The performers on Saturday were Rudy Coby, Arthur Trace, Marc Oberon, Michael Ammar, Latko, Obie O'Brien, Ian Keable and Eugene Burger and on Sunday the delegates were treated to performances from Rick Merrill, Joshua Jay, Daryl, Etienne Pradier, Dan and Dave Buck, Bruce Kalver, Daniel Garcia and Dirk Losander. Phew! On Saturday I missed the 'Children's Entertainer International Championships' for it's absolutely impossible to take in everything at Blackpool as there is so much going on. Later I discovered that Michael J. Fitch won the £1000 prize and the title Children's Entertainer International Champion 2009, and that Peter Greenwood was second, with Quentin Reynolds in third place. A major competition was the $10000 Intercontinental Stage Magic Championships which took place on Saturday evening. I wanted the Japanese performer Yumi to win as she has such a captivating smile but she did come second, the winner being Han Seol-Hee and third was Marc Oberon with his UV Wizard act. The originality award went to Han Seol-Lee with fast and furious manipulations of CDs which left the stage covered with discs, some of which were picked up by fans as we left the theatre. On the Friday we were invited to a 'Melange of Mentalists'. This will never work, I thought, but I was wrong. It was an outstanding success with the room packed to bursting all eager to see Wayne Dobson, Quentin Reynolds, Roy Zaltsman (who also compeered), Ian Rowland and James Randi. A nice touch for the Gala Show this year was amazing violin virtuoso Salene, an attractive young lady, playing the electric violin as the audience came in, and during the interval. Compeer was wild and wacky Derek Scott from Canada. He was not to everybody's liking but I found that I warmed to him as the evening progressed. The first act was Ervan Bodiou from France with a superb bird act. He was followed by Rudy Coby with his signature 'cutting off his extra legs' act which was very well received. Next was Jerome Murat with his living statue act which I first saw at Blackpool about three years ago. Another act seen previously at Blackpool was the amazing interactive television magic of Tony Chapek. To close the first half we were treated to the impeccable showmanship of Jeff McBride with his masks, card manipulations and a most unusual, but beautifully presented, rain catching routine. To me the highlight of his act was the lovely misers' dream accompanied by a boy from the audience. I first saw this is 2005, it thrilled me then and it thrilled me again at Blackpool. Salene came on again during the interval, I liked this idea very much and I hope that Blackpool keeps something similar going in future years. After the interval came the presentation of the Murray Award which this year went to Duncan Trillo for his work on the ever popular e-magazine Magic Week (www.magicweek.co.uk) and to Eric Eswin, International President of FISM. The irrepressible Ken Dodd, Honorary Life President of The Blackpool Magicians Club, then said a few words before awarding the Ken Dodd Comedy Trophy to local performer Russell Brown. An Ha-Lim from Korea then came on with slow, deliberate and artistic card productions followed by a change of pace culminating in a terrific crescendo of cards being produced at top notch speed. Speed and skill were also the attributes of French juggler, Tony Frebourg, with unbelievable feats with multiple Diabolos. The final act saw the illusions of Oscar, Renzo & Maria from Holland with loud music, flashing lights, energetic dance routines and pyrotechnics accompanying a floating box, A-frame, an intriguing eight-part dismemberment of Maria and a snappy metamorphosis routine using a clear glass box and ending with a surprise finish. The highlights of the convention for me, apart from the Gala show, were the two 'audience with' sessions. In the first, on Saturday, my old friend Terry Seabrooke interviewed James Randi who talked about Uri Geller, fake psychic healers, and even his views on the After Life, prompted by one of the many questions from the floor. It proved to be both interesting and entertaining. Equally interesting was Hank Moorehouse interviewing Jeff McBride and Eugene Burger on the Sunday. They discussed how they met, their involvement with their teaching sessions and revealed the deep insight that both have into the art of magic and performance. Although the length of this report has to be limited I must include mention of the 'Ladies' event which was attended by more men than women! There were no magicians and no tricks in the show but magic of another kind, the magic of the music hall in which the audience were treated to short films of some of the great variety acts from the past presented by theatrical impresario Duggie Chapman. I would have liked more and so would have many of the people I spoke with afterwards. Unfortunately I missed 'Beat the Wand!', in which each act had to perform for up to five minutes before being voted off when the act failed to please the judges, and I also missed the After Gala Party, in spite of the attractions of Lancashire Hot Pot, apple pie and a cabaret starring some entertainers I know well, as I had to be up early the following morning. Neither did I see Dr Sawa's Close-Up Show, something that was high up on my list of 'must sees', and also I did not see much of the dealers (which probably saved me a lot of money). I did pop down to the dealers' hall occasionally and had brief chats with some 125 dealers from around the world with plenty of eager punters searching for the 'latest' or a new addition to their repertoire. Blackpool was brilliant this year. It always is, thanks to Convention Organizer, Derek Lever, and his team. Registrations are already pouring in for next year's convention which runs from 19th to 21st February 2010. It's the biggest and the best so if you want to be there I suggest that you log on to www.blackpoolmagic.com for more information as soon as possible. Peter Eldin -------------------------------------------- 9. "Mystique" Playing At Crown Casino In Melbourne -------------------------------------------- Message by Michael Boyd (Aust) We have our Illusion show "Mystique" Playing at Crown Casino in Melbourne April 17th and 18th, Tickets go on sale - 9.00am 3rd of March - we have some great seats at only $29.90 - get in early. Mystique - Illusion and Dance Spectacular Experience the Art of Illusion with "Mystique" The show combines Death - defying Illusions, comedy acts and mystifying close up magic. A major stage production with brilliantly choreographed dance routines, spectacular costumes and incredible lighting and special effects that makes a spellbinding show for the whole family. Witness the world's greatest magic and illusions, levitations, transformations and mind boggling disappearances will keep you guessing - Escape reality with Mystique. Tickets from just $29.90. Family Pass from $99.90 (4 x B Reserve) When: April 17th and 18th - 2.00pm and 7.00pm Where: Crown Casino - Palms Showroom Book at: ticketek.com or 1300 795 012 30 second TVC - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rdkSU4cYDs&feature=channel_page -------------------------------------------- 10. Legends 0f Magic Tribute - Orlando -------------------------------------------- Message by Dan Stapleton (US) Mark your calendar for Monday, March 16 and come to Orlando, Florida for a two-hour Legends of Magic Tribute when we honor Jack Kodell and Celeste Evans. Jack was the first magician to perform in Las Vegas (as a regular act) and is the originator of the "bird act". Celeste Evans was a premier female night club act in the 50's & 60's and toured the world. Films of them performing on the Ed Sullivan Show and Barbara Walthers' "For Women Only" will be shown and it will be a fun evening of stories and memories. After the tribute Kodell & Evans will be in the lobby signing autographs. The event takes place at 7:30pm in the beautifully restored, historic Garden Theatre in Winter Garden in the South West area of Orlando. For more info call Dan Stapleton at (407) 491-3287. -------------------------------------------- 11. Price and Seating to Sam Convention -------------------------------------------- Message by George Schindler - Dean the Society of American Magicians $50 Deposit to Lock in Price and Seating to Sam Convention Are you gazing into your crystal ball and seeing an uncertain future? Concerned that the economy is down and tax day is approaching? Want great seats for the Buffalo convention, but are strapped for cash right now? The Society of American Magicians has taken a lesson from the Great Harry Houdini and will break the economic chains that bind you! Note: Registration Fees Will Increase March 1. Place Your Deposit Today To Lock In The Lower Rate. Place a $50 deposit now and: · Be assured of the best seats possible to the four (4) ticketed shows. · Keep the interest accrued on the rest of your registration money until your final installment is due on or before July 1. · Have the flexibility to cancel your registration if other events prevent you from attending.* · Enjoy a magic-filled convention at a marvelous family vacation destination. · Make Harry Houdini proud that you are supporting his magic Society. SAM Buffalo Convention - July 15, 16, 17, and 18, 2009 Register online with credit card or Paypal - www.magicsam.com Or contact Anne and Mark Weidhaas, (508) 586-1960; samregistrar@yahoo.com See the SAM website for specific registration fees. · Send your deposit before March 1 and lock in the lower registration rate. *A cancellation fee of $20 will be charged for each registration cancelled. There will be no refunds after July 1, 2009. -------------------------------------------- 12. 22nd Annual Comedy & Magic Spectacular Tour -------------------------------------------- Message by R.S. Smith (US) 2009 line up Howard Mincone Chris McDaniel Wild West Show Arthur Tracte Gulamerian Illusions RG Smith, MC & producer Show locations & times: March 7 Asplundh Auditorium, West Chester Univ., West Chester, PA 7PM March 14 Maryland Theater, Hagerstown, MD 7 PM March 28 Capitol Theatre, Chambersburg, PA 2:30 & 7 PM April 3 Eichelberger Center, Hanover, PA 7PM April 4 Lampeter- Strasburg Arts Center, Lancaster, PA 7:30PM -------------------------------------------- 13. Fantasma Ring 257 Will Hold Its Annual Auction -------------------------------------------- Message by John McClenaham (US) Attention All Magicians Fantasma Ring 257 will hold its annual auction/flea market on March 4, 2009, at Boomers, 3200 Sirius Ave, Las Vegas, NV starting at 7:00 PM. Viewing of items and flea market will begin at 6 PM. This is a great opportunity to get rid of some of those magic tricks, books, DVD's, CD's, posters, and magazines taking up space in your house, provide you with a bit of extra money or to pick up something at a great price. Everyone is welcome to sell or purchase items. No charge for admittance. Complete procedures for the auction can be found on our web page, IBM 257.com or contacting John McClenahan, at doctormagiclv@embarqmail.com or 702-395-3856. -------------------------------------------- 14. 2009 Long Island Magic Arts Convention -------------------------------------------- Message by Craig Dickson (US) Saturday - April 4, 2009 Long Island Magic Arts Convention, Hempstead, NY. The Long Island Magic Arts Convention takes place at Hofstra University in Hempstead, Long Island, New York on April 4th. Performers include Eugene Burger, Jay Sankey, David Oliver, Skippy, Balloon Buster and more. There will be workshops and seminars held with the performers on Sunday as well. Events include lectures by Eugene Burger, Jay Sankey, and Don Caldwell; 10 magic dealers; a close-up magic show and Junior Close-Up Magic Competition plus A Night of Magic evening show at 7:15 p.m. For registration information and/or show tickets visit magicartsconvention.com. -------------------------------------------- 15. 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) -------------------------------------------- 16. 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