* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.Alan-Watson.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #659 Date: Sunday 10th May 2009 Editor: Alan Watson www.magicianz.com e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. John Calvert In Hospital 3. Latest News For FISM 4. Remarkable Magic #94 - Nick Lewin 5. Technology And The Magician - #117 - Kyle Peron 6. Cruising With Paul Romhany #67 7. British Ring Convention Southport 2009 8. Michael And Hannah Ammar - Special Performance 9. The Magic Of Tony Clark 10. The Magic Circle Heritage Auction 2009 11. KIDabra Conference August 12-15 2009 12. It's Time To Think Summer And Get Ready 13. Le Grand David Posters Wanted 14. The Auction Of Master Craftsman & Collector Leslie C. Smith 15. 2009 Midwest Magic Jubilee In St. Louis, MO 16. The Magic Circle Show 17. IBM Started Conventions In Lima Area 18. e-zine Archives 19. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- The magical highlights for Michele and I this week seeing 18 year old Jarred Fell's gore and comedy with his assistant Lindsay in Mayhem of Magic at the NZ International Comedy Festival 2009 in Auckland. Jarred performed 6 shows altogether to some sold out nights and it was mentioned in the NZ Herald that his show was attracting a larger attendance than some of the overseas acts. We also enjoyed seeing Paul Romhany's fast paced lecture which was well attended by  65+ magicians. He opened his presentation by performing snippets of his Charlie Chaplin cruiseship act and from there his two hour lecture that was also well received from a very appreciative audience.  It's gratifying to see a local kiwi guy go on and achieve his dreams of being a cruiseship entertainer. Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. John Calvert In Hospital -------------------------------------------- Message by Vince Carmen (US) John Calvert is having medical difficulties at age 97. John fell down in Boston, is in the Hospital. He'll be there for a week then go into therapy. -------------------------------------------- 3. Latest News For FISM -------------------------------------------- Message by Lu Dinggang-Ryan (China) There are over 1800 people who have registered the FISM WCM2009, Beijing. -------------------------------------------- 4. Remarkable Magic #94 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message by Nick Lewin (US) This and that. First and foremost let me say how much the magic world has dimmed with the loss of Carol Roy. She was a very special person and it just won't be the same without her. I think this has been the reaction across the globe. You will be missed. As I mentioned a few weeks ago there is a wonderful book published by Mike Caveney called 'Mr. Electric Unplugged' that should be read by every lover of magic. Marvyn & Carol were a force of nature when you met them and this book is a similar blast of pure energy when you read it. Talking about books, I was finally able to get my hands on Martin Breese's book 'The Magic of Fred Robinson' and it is superb. The material is top-notch and the writing, printing and publishing is awesome. In this day and age of e-books, articles and discs it makes it an even greater thrill to hold a real book in your hands as you study. I will be honest and admit that I was only familiar with Fred's name in a very general manner before reading this book. I had never had the opportunity to meet him and what a shame that was. However, even before the book gives you an inside tour of Fred's magical mind, it takes the time to introduce you to the person who's thinking the thoughts inside that mind. A very nice idea. I especially recommend this book to everyone like myself who don't quite understand why Mr. Robinson has such a special place in the magic world. I am guessing that those folk lucky enough to have known Fred, probably already have a copy of this book on their shelves or are planning to do so in the near future. I am also excitedly awaiting the already posted (so he says) Ken Brooke DVD that Martin is releasing. I would say I was patiently awaiting it but that would be far from the truth. I am actually checking the mailbox like an eleven year old expecting his first 'real' trick to arrive from the magic dealer. The bulk of this material consists of the short black & white films that Ken recorded while he worked with Harry Stanley. These films reveal the fine technical magician who lived side by side with the comedy genius inside the heart of this legendary and iconic magical performer. A new soundtrack has been added to the footage featuring the voice/thoughts of master magician Patrick Page. I am looking forward to hearing Pat discuss the magical treats we will be watching. There are only a handful of people capable of putting Ken into a realistic perspective and Pat is the perfect man for the job. Experience talking about experience. For those amongst us who can't relate to a silent Ken Brooke there is also some later footage of Ken included performing such classic material as Chop Cup and Chase the Ace. This was the Ken that I knew best.... Sorry, I've gotta' go I just heard a sound at the door and it might be the postman! To order items from Martin's gloriously quirky and highly enjoyable collection check out his website at www.martinbreese.com Drop me an email at nicklewin1@me.com or check out my website at www.nicklewin.com -------------------------------------------- 5. Technology And The Magician - #117 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message by Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com It is fascinating to look back and just realize how much technology has changed over the years. It is funny to me to see how phones have evolved from rotary to cell phones. It is amazing to see how far computers have come from the Commodore Vic 20 to systems now that handle streaming video like it's nothing. Technology sure has changed and as it changes so does how we utilize it. I wanted to talk on how exactly technology impacts the magician and how we can specifically learn to accept technology and use it to our advantage. I want to dive into how it can make what we do easier and more efficient. One area that I find has had the most impact on technology changes is how I book shows and the booking process. There used to be a time where almost everything was done via the phone. A prospect would receive a business card or hear about you and pick up the phone and call. You then would do your sales pitch over the phone and write your information on a booking sheet. With the advent of computer systems and the internet, this has changed dramatically for me over the years. With the ability to create a professional website for your business, technology has allowed me to create a website that I can direct prospects to. Not only can they go there, but you can develop a simple contact form on the site so that the customer can request information or pricing. This idea of a form works wonderfully. A prospect can now contact me at any time 24/7 and not just when I am awake. I can then set the form to send all their information directly to my email account. This I can then check anytime I want, even from my cell phone. I can then create an auto responder to have the site automatically send the client a simple email of anything I decide to create. This becomes an automated system that utilizes technology to your advantage. Setting one up is not that hard and you could even find the information online or simply ask your web designer or web host company to show you how to hook one up. Another form of technology advancing the way we do things is Google Maps. I simply love using it and it is entirely 100% free. Now many of you may already use Google Maps but I bet many do not utilize it as much as it is capable of doing for you. Google Maps can be found by going to Google.com and clicking on the maps button at the top. This takes you to an area that allows you to place in a single location and see the detailed surroundings and roads in that area. You can zoom in and out and can also use it to print driving directions from one destination to another. In a lot of ways it is similar to MapQuest but I feel it gives you a lot more control. So why use this if you already use a GPS system? Allow me to explain how I utilize this technology in conjunction with my GPS system. My GPS system works wonderful and I would be literally lost without it. However, it has its own limitations as does anything. A GPS system can only get you to where you want to go. However, it cannot really show you accurately what the area looks like, what the building looks like, surrounding parking areas etc. This is where the power of Google Maps comes into play. I always like to do my homework prior to going out to any gig. The more information I am armed with, the better off I will be to solve problems before they become one. I will always start by entering in the destination address. I can then click on the satellite button on the map. By doing so I bring up a satellite image of the exact area of where my gig is taking place. I can then zoom in as much as I want and search around that area as well. The power of being able to do this is quite simple. It allows any magician to get to know the area prior to leaving the house. I can determine surrounding areas and get a feel for the place. As I drive I can recognize features I saw on the satellite to ensure I am in the right general area. I can also determine if this is a house or a condo or apt. I can even check out what the parking looks like in the area before I leave home. I may determine that parking may be an issue and this allows me to address it in advance. It also may show me a solution to parking that I can bring up with my client. Another part of Google Maps that is becoming even more powerful is the usage of what they call "Street View". It is not live for every location yet. It tends to be mainly focused around city and suburban areas. If you have Street View, it will show up as a button option on your map. By simply clicking on this button you now are looking at street level in a 3D world of the exact area you select. This is extremely powerful. I have used this many times to place in a festival address or an address for a school. I can then look at the building directly and take a look at parking and loading areas. It gives me instant access to powerful information that can really assist me before heading out to do a show. Another thing I do is to utilize the internet to my advantage. If I have a gig at a restaurant or a banquet hall, I will go online and go to the site of that establishment. What I look for are the names of the owners or people I may run into. It is amazing how professional you look when you enter and call the person by their name. I also look for information that I can utilize. Maybe they have a banquet manager. I can locate their name and realize I may need to ask for them when I get there. I also like to look at the photos or gallery areas. Many times sites like these will show you pictures of the place. This can be a HUGE help in determining how you need to set up the room with the client to ensure a proper performance. So as you can see, technology changes and as it does, we can choose to escape from it or embrace it and use it to our advantage. I always try to understand these changes as much as I can. I feel any way that I can gain information or create automated systems that help me, allows me to make sure that I am giving a powerful solution to my client. If anyone has any questions on any of these technology items I mentioned, please email me directly at magic4u02@aol.com. I would be happy to go over them with you and teach you more about them. My pleasure. 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. - I would like to let everyone know that I just released a NEW book and E-Book to the magic Community. "Blue and Gold! The Complete Guide to Working The Scout Market!" is now available as a soft cover printed book as well as an eBook download. This 60 page book is jam-packed with the most relevant information on the subject of Cub Scout Blue and Gold Dinners. Learn the real work behind various scouting programs and the golden secrets to landing gigs all year round. Blue and Gold! is one of the only books of its kind-solely devoted to giving YOU the information needed to work a market that can generate income all throughout the year. Find out more information or order at: http://www.magicenhancer.com/Blue/Gold.html - "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 -------------------------------------------- 6. Cruising With Paul Romhany #67 -------------------------------------------- Message from Paul Romhany (NZ) The Magic Of Magic I was very saddened this week to hear the news that Carol Roy passed away. I honestly believe that Marvyn and Carol Roy were the greatest double act the world have ever seen. Sometimes people come in to your life for only a very short time, perhaps even a chance meeting, yet your life changes forever. Such is the case with Marvyn and Carol Roy for me. When I was in my late teens, promoter Gene McCarthy brought Chuck and Jan Jones, along with Marvyn and Carol Roy to New Zealand for a magic tour. It was my first time really seeing what top international magic acts were like, and they blew my mind. Every move, every piece of music, every look and glance was so well timed. It was obvious they were in a class all of their own, and we here in New Zealand benefited greatly from having the chance to see them work. The style and class of their act only comes about from performing an act thousands and thousands of times. Even today I can close my eyes and see them in my mind and get that same feeling of awe and inspiration I had way back then. The next year, they came back with their Jewellery act, and again I was amazed. Not only did they perform, but Marvyn also gave his lecture called The Magic of Magic. Without a doubt, the BEST lecture I have ever attended - even if I was the only one in the room who actually took what he said and put it in to practice. It was at that point that Marvyn and Carol changed my life. You see, Marvyn didn't show us or teach us one trick, but he shared his views on how to be a success in magic and how to put together an original act. Since I was eight years old I had a fascination with Charlie Chaplin and it took Marvyn, without him knowing, to link that love for Charlie with my passion for magic, and put together an act that set me on the road to leading the life I am today. Let me give you the run down of Marvyn's lecture in a nutshell. What is the real secret of a successful life in magic? The ACT - this is the cornerstone of your business. In my own case, my ACT was Charlie Chaplin. How can anyone create original magic for their act? 1) From knowledge plus your own imagination 2) Updating tricks and routines from classic magic books 3) Updating and re-routining the true classic tricks of magic 4) The department-store system of listing all the specialty counters, and by adding the five classifications of magic, thereby automatically creating an act! Inspiration for my act not only comes from magic but also from other forms of theater, music and film. What are the elements which anyone can incorporate that constitute a top and commercial act? The answer is 'the hook'. Being different eliminates competition. In my case, Charlie Chaplin is my hook and that is the act I am known for around the world. After almost twenty years of working on my 'act' I now have a market all to myself as I have developed original magic that is specific to me and my show. I always laugh when magicians email me asking about where they can buy a Chaplin cane or hat or shoes. Sadly, what they don't understand is that it's taken me twenty years to get where I am and they would achieve much more success if they found their own character or style rather than trying to copy somebody else's act. These type of magicians will never be a success or achieve what others have done before them. You only have to look at all the successful magicians and the one reason they are at the top of their game is because they are original. Nobody has ever succeeded by copying another person's act. These are just a few of the important points Marvyn talks about in his notes. I urge EVERYBODY to go out and purchase his book TODAY. You will find a lifetime of advice that is worth more to us all, than any magic trick we could purchase. If you want life changing advice from two of the most professional and heartwarming people in show business then get the book. For years, in the Genii magazine, I would read and be inspired by Carol Roy's articles "It Ain't All Glamour". Carol would write amazing articles about their travels and as a young magician growing up I would read these and be enthralled. Little did I know that years later I would be writing my own articles for blogs, magazines and e-zines about my own travels. When you start performing and traveling, you will find you have your own collection of stories, enough to fill a book - like I did. I urge everybody to write down any of these stories and file them away, because who knows, one day you too might want to put a book out of your own. I enjoy reading about other performers and what they have to go through as a professional international performer. Quite often, most people, as I did, think it's all glitz and glamour, when in fact, it is far from it. Again, you only have to read Marvyn and Carol's book or my own cruise book to find out it's not all first class travel and sipping champagne. Although, to be honest, sometimes it is. For those interested Marvyn's book is called Mr Electric Unplugged by Marvyn Roy Regards Paul Romhany www.paulromhany.com -------------------------------------------- 7. British Ring Convention Southport 2009 -------------------------------------------- Message by Bob Hayden PRO to the British Ring Here is an updated list of those who will be participating in the British Ring Convention in Southport 23rd to 27th September 2009. David & Dania, Netchperenko, Hayashi, Timo Marc, Soma, Peki, Ed Ellis, Sean Taylor, Thom Peterson, Henry Mayol, Terry Herbert, Pavel, John Styles, Angus McAnnaly, Tyler Wilson, Brando & Silvana, Guy Barrett, Richard Cadell & Sooty, John van der Put, Sean Heyden, Jonathon Shotton, Mark Shortland, John Kimmons, Tony Parx, Paul Ray, Tony Stevens. More names are yet to be added. You can register for this outstanding convention by going to the updated British Ring Website at www.britishring.org.uk and clicking on the Register Here Button. -------------------------------------------- 8. Michael And Hannah Ammar - Special Performance -------------------------------------------- Message by Henry Pettit Hello Everyone. Welcome to Magic and Theatre. Great News! Announcing the performance of The Willard Spirit Cabinet by Michael and Hannah Ammar. Hannah, the Daughter of Frances Willard and the Granddaughter of James Francis Willard - "Willard The Wizard" will perform the Willard Spirit Cabinet with her husband, Michael Ammar, on the Historic Abbeville Opera House Stage as part of Michael's show. The Abbeville Opera House, the Official State Theatre of South Carolina, shares a heritage with magic that dates to its opening in 1908. During that period, the touring Vaudeville shows often featured a magician. One in particular was Willard The Wizard, one of the greats of that era who appeared here and whose family continues to be an important part of the magic fabric. Now we come full circle with one of the modern greats, Michael Ammar and his wife Hannah. Please pass this along to anyone who might have an interest in seeing a very special magician performing his classic magic in a restored turn of the century legitimate theatre. 1908 ambiance combines with 2009 technology to provide the perfect setting for Michael Ammar to perform his special one man show and for Michael and Hannah to bring us the Willard Spirit Cabinet. Make it a long weekend: Stay over and enjoy all of the great things about the Abbeville South Carolina area. You do not want to miss this very special evening of magical entertainment in a classic theatre setting so telephone and make your reservations today. If you have any questions, please feel free to telephone me at 803-787-4027 or drop me an email at henryapettit@att.net. Henry Pettit Treasurer, Ring 105 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Treasurer, South Carolina Association of Magicians, Technical Director - Abbeville Opera House. We look forward to seeing you in June at the Abbeville Opera House. Reservation information is listed below. Abbeville Opera House Summer Season 2009 Our 30th Summer Theatre Season presents Memories Of A Lifetime Starring Michael Ammar June 5, 6, 12 and 13, 2009 Friday and Saturday evenings at 8pm Saturday matinees June 6 and 13 at 3pm An incredibly Magical evening of theatre starring world famous Magician Michael Ammar Michael is one of the magic world's living legends. He has performed at the Magic Castle in Hollywood and was only the second American to win the Gold Medal in Close-up Magic at the World Congress of Magic (FISM) in Lausanne, Switzerland. The Academy of Magical Arts in Hollywood Awarded him its Oscar equivalent in all six separate categories. He appeared on the "Its Magic" show and was featured by Johnny Carson (himself a magician) on "The Tonight Show" twice and performed magic on the "Merv Griffin Show" more than ten times. He has been seen regularly on television throughout the world and was live at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Magic Magazine named Michael one of the "100 Most Influential Magicians of the Century". Now, for the first time, Michael Ammar will appear on stage at the historic Abbeville Opera House performing his very special show. Tickets are $17 for Adults and $16 for children under 12 and senior citizens (over 65). Reservations may be made by calling the Abbeville Opera House Box Office at 864-399-2157 Monday through Friday from 10 am to 2 pm. Note To Magicians Bring your I.B.M or S.A.M. Membership Cards to the Box Office and receive a $2 discount on your tickets. For I.B.M. and S.A.M. Members, Adult tickets will be $15 instead of $17 and Senior citizens tickets (over 65) will be $14 instead of $16. Make your plans now...you don't want to miss this incredible show! The Abbeville Opera House Celebrating 100 Years Of Live Theatre 100 Court Square, P.O. Box 247 Abbeville, South Carolina 29620 theabbevilleoperahouse.com -------------------------------------------- 9. The Magic Of Tony Clark -------------------------------------------- Message from Tony Clark (US) Just wanted to let everyone know that Tony Clark will be performing his new one man show "The Magic of Tony Clark" in his intimate 45 seat Studio of Magic Theater. This family friendly show is a perfect blend of Magic, Comedy and Sleight of hand illusions. For more info go to: www.tonyclarkmagic.com/studio The Magic of Tony Clark will run every Sunday in May (except Mother's Day May 10th) Showtime: 3pm Tickets are only $15 To buy tickets: Call The Magic Apple 818-508-9921 *Only 4 shows so tickets will sell out fast. Don't miss this rare opportunity to see world renowned magician Tony Clark live on stage. Have a magical day! -------------------------------------------- 10. The Magic Circle Heritage Auction 2009 -------------------------------------------- Message from Tim Reed (UK) On Sunday May 31st 2009 The Magic Circle will hold a Heritage Auction at its headquarters, 12 Stephenson Way, London. Approximately 175 quality lots will be offered, with prices to suit all: *Chung Ling Soo 'Mystic Cauldron' poster *David Devant 'Shadows' poster *Servais LeRoy 'Magic Shop' poster *Linga Singh very rare 3-sheet poster *Arthur Setterington's coin collection *Printing blocks and plates from the Jimmy Findlay estate *Robert Harbin designs for magic tables *An almost complete file of 'Abracadabra' *A Channing Pollock poster, and others for Lyle, Charlton, Sorcar, Raymond.. *Plus: book by Goldston; Hertz; Findlay, Toole-Stott; Hoffmann; Maskelyne... *Large groups of publicity photos; memorabilia, catalogues and autographed material *The Great Lafayette; Goldin; Lyle; Levante; Dante; Servais LeRoy; Chung Ling Soo; John Ramsay rare ephemera *Rare props made by Burtini, Davenport, Jack Hughes, as well as several custom and association pieces. ..........and much more. NOT TO BE MISSED! Illustrated Catalogue £10, available from: Heritage Auction The Magic Circle 12 Stephenson Way London. NW1 2HD England. Tel: (020) 7387 2222. Bids via email can be sent direct to auctioneer. No buyer's premium. Credit Card facilities available. Auction Manager: Tim Reed AIMC; Auctioneer: Henry Lewis MIMC. -------------------------------------------- 11. KIDabra Conference August 12-15 2009 -------------------------------------------- Message from Mark Daniel (US) During The Year of The Performer at this year's KIDabra Conference we are featuring more live performance than ever before! This unprecedented opportunity to see so many top family and KIDshow entertainers presenting their complete shows is pure gold! So Who are you going to call for your kid's birthday party? Why "Magic AL" of course! If you live in New York City and you're famous or wealthy, there are 3 guys you try to get. You call (in no particular order) Arnie Kolodner, David Kaye, and Magic Al. We're fortunate to have all 3 as active KIDabra International members. This year, the call went to Magic Al as he presents his Birthday Party Show "Live" for a lucky child and their friends (including everyone at KIDabra Conference). It's going to be a lot of fun watching the kids giggle and play with one of the best in the business. After the performance and the kids have gone off to celebrate a bit more, Al will talk about the show and maybe share a cool story or 2 about the adventures of entertaining the kids of folks like Jerry Seinfeld, or perhaps what it's like appearing on Late Night with David Letterman. By the way "Magic Al" Garber is one of the nicest guys on the planet. He was featured on the cover of the 2007 April/May issue of The KIDabra Journal. Folks fell in love with Al at his 2007 lecture for KIDabra Conference and at the IBM British Ring Convention in Southport with the story of his Off Broadway Show journey. Prepare to fall in love all over again with Al's first ever "Live" Birthday Party performance at KIDabra Conference. A Birthday Party with Magic Al is a Don't Miss KIDabra Exclusive Event! For full info on KIDabra Conference (the schedule, the hotel, to register) and KIDabra International Association go to kidabra.org -------------------------------------------- 12. It's Time To Think Summer And Get Ready -------------------------------------------- Message from Mona S. Morrison Advertising Manager M-U-M Society of American Magicians Magazine 645 Darien Court Hoffman Estates, IL 60169 847-519-9201 Buds are on the trees and thoughts are towards the summer magic conventions, but good magicians are making plans for their Halloween Shows. Now is the time to start advertising your products for Halloween and even Christmas. Good locations for your ads are available for the July issue of M-U-M. Just contact me ASAP and I'll reserve the space for you. Deadline is for space reservation is May 15th. I'll work with you, but you have to let me know your plans. Any questions, please contact me. Attached is the current rate card to help you with your decision. Regards Mona -------------------------------------------- 13. Le Grand David Posters Wanted -------------------------------------------- Message from Bill Walsh (Aust) My name is Bill Walsh from Sydney Australia and I am looking for four Le Grand David Posters to complete my collection, The Posters I am looking for are No 1 , 3, 5 .and 15 in the first Le Grand David Book " Carteles de Magia ". Over the years I have purchased a lot of Le Grand David posters and now I have at least two and up to four of every other poster besides my missing one No 1,3,5. and 15, so I would be willing to trade or purchase the posters I am after. If you are able to help me please e-mail me direct at: billw@is-1.net.au  -------------------------------------------- 14. The Auction Of Master Craftsman & Collector Leslie C. Smith -------------------------------------------- Message from David A. Goodman Leslie C. Smith (1915-2008), of Owen Magic Supreme, was the consummate collector of books, catalogs, periodicals and fine apparatus relating to conjuring and the allied arts. His fine collection will be offered at auction and will include books, catalogs, and periodicals such as: 1st edition Hero of Alexandria 1575 . 1st Edition Erdnase . Goldston's Locked Books . Magic of Robert Harbin. Wonderful selection of Houdini Books . Thayer, Owen, Martinka, & Hamley Catalogs . Complete Files of Magician Monthly, Houdini's Conjurers' Monthly Magazine, The Sphinx, The Wizard, plus much, much more! The apparatus will include treasurers such as: Hero's Horse . P&L's Shooting Through A Women . Unique pieces from Marvyn & Carol Roy's Show . P&L Rose Bush . Wonderful hand turned Thayer, Owen, Smith, & Zagorsky pieces . Uncirculated P&L Apparatus . Beautiful Thayer, Owen, and Merv Taylor Apparatus!! The sale will be held on Sunday, June 28, 2009 at Owen Magic Supreme, 734 North McKeever Ave., Azusa, CA 91702. It will start at 9:00 a.m. P.S.T. The preview will be Saturday, June 27th from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Online bidding will be available from www.liveauctioneers.com. Absentee and telephone bids will also be accepted directly. The auction is being conducted by The Magic AuctioneerT - David Goodman of Auction Results, Chicago, IL. Beautiful full color, special limited edition of 500 signed and numbered catalogs are available for purchase for $25 pp US or $35 pp International and can be ordered at www.owenmagic.com. Bidder Registration Form, Absente Bid Form, and links to convenient hotels are available on the website as well. With my thanks and kindest regards, David A. Goodman -------------------------------------------- 15. 2009 Midwest Magic Jubilee In St. Louis, MO -------------------------------------------- Message by Terry Richison We just wanted to let you know about the SPECIAL OFFER for the 2009 Midwest Magic Jubilee in St. Louis, MO. This year the Jubilee will be Aug 13 - 15 at the St. Louis Airport Hilton Hotel. We have a great line up of performers and celebrity registrants. I guess that is why they call it the "Convention Where the Stars Meet!" There will be 11 great lectures, 3 fantastic evening shows, 2 outstanding close up shows, a stage contest, close-up contest, 15 unbelievable dealers and more fun than should be legal. It is one of the best conventions of the year. OK what is the special deal, I mentioned. Well there are actually two of them. For a limited time, the registration rate is only $145. In addition to that low rate, with your paid registration you will receive a FREE REGISTRATION for your spouse! We had such a great response to our pre-registration offer that included the free spouse registration, we decided to extend it until April 30, 2009. Youth registrants are only $75 until April 30, 2009. So there isn't much time left before the prices increase. Check out our website at www.MMJubilee.com for all the information on Talent, Contests, Lectures and online Registration! Please note that the room rate at the St Louis Airport Hilton of $79 is for a limited quantity. Hope to see you there. -------------------------------------------- 16. The Magic Circle Show -------------------------------------------- Message from Henry Lewis (UK) It was the privilege of Henry Lewis MIMC Hon, Vice President and Curator Emeritus of The Magic Circle to produce on the stage of The Magic Circle Monday evening on the 20th April 2009 a 'Star' Show. It is doubted very much that ever again a cast such as this will appear in one complete show. The following are all his friends who did take part without hesitation and he felt that the show was a tribute to him.  In alphabetical order :- Larry Barnes MIMC, Geoffrey Durham MIMC, Nick Einhorn MIMC. John Fisher MIMC, John MacGregor (Lord) MIMC. Partrick Page MIMC. Max Somerset MIMC and Chris Woodward MIMC. - Bobby Bernard MIMC was Compeer. Every seat in the main theatre and balcony was taken up. A DVD of the complete performance was made by Bob Hamilton MIMC. Each performer received resounding applause for a stage performance of high quality which without doubt will never again be seen in its entirety. -------------------------------------------- 17. IBM Started Conventions In Lima Area -------------------------------------------- Message from Mel Kientz (US) International Brotherhood of Magicians Started Conventions in Lima Area by Adrienne McGee LIMA - From the times of Vaudeville and snake oil men, another special interest group arose: magicians. Seeking fellowship among magicians and the promotion of the entertaining aspects of the art, the International Brotherhood of Magicians was formed. And in the mid 1920s, the group spent a lot of time in the Lima area. The first convention of the group was held in Kenton in 1926, drawn by group member W.W. Durbin, who lived there. Durbin, heavily involved in Democratic politics, was a magician and was elected president of the group that year. Durbin had built a theater in his backyard and named it Egyptian Hall. The theater was opulently decorated featuring portraits of fellow magicians and was used as a performance space. The convention made use of Egyptian Hall, according to news accounts and "Linking Rings: William W. Durbin and the Magic and Mystery of America," by James D. Robenalt. Durbin was Robenalt's great-grandfather, and his book explores the family history of politics and magic. The newspapers reported there were more than 150 magicians in attendance at that first convention. Even the great Harry Blackstone was in attendance, and he demonstrated an illusion called "The Man Who Walks Away from His Shadow." "In this latest illusion, Blackstone permits his shadow to be thrown on an ordinary window shade behind which is located a lamp. The shadow is clearly seen and as Blackstone steps out of the range of light, the stage is darkened and the silhouette continues to stand clearly on the shade," a June 11, 1926, account reported. The convention held various luncheons and performances by the members. The group had 700 magicians as members at that time. "Its chief purpose is to preserve the arts of magic from those who would destroy it by exposing the art," according to a story published June 11, 1926. The convention was held in Kenton again the following year, but Lima was its base in 1928. Attendance at the convention had grown exponentially since its inception. An advertisement prior to the event offers a glimpse at the atmosphere: "The carnival spirit will reign supreme. The producing of rabbits and birds from the pockets of staid and dignified men will be common. Yard after yard of silk and tissue may be pulled from the hat of an unsuspecting youth. The spirit of fun always enters into the conventions of this International Brotherhood of Magicians. Streets will be decorated in gala attire and the blare of music of brass bands will be heard. ... Such an organization as the International Brotherhood of Magicians does much to promote fraternity among all and to preserve magic in its purity - free from all charlatanism and influences that tend to corrupt and degrade it as an art." Lima embraced the convention, involving itself at every turn. A stage was set up at the Public Square. Jones Hardware challenged any member of the group to attempt to escape from a bolted and riveted iron box it had constructed, and a Pittsburgh magician accepted the challenge - only if he could chained or handcuffed, too. (He succeeded.) Another "magi," as the papers termed them, said he would find a pin hidden somewhere in the city by Mayor Ellis E. Jones. (He used his mind-reading powers to find it pinned on a citizen's lapel.) Another magician would drive a car blindfolded, driving through normal traffic in the square, executing several intersections and the requisite turns needed. He was successful but stressed. "At the Public Square platform, the young magician fainted from nervous exhaustion but quickly recovered," the papers reported. A two-mile parade kicked off the three-day convention. The parade route, unheard of today, was as follows: It formed at Elizabeth and North streets, traveled north to Wayne Street, east to Main Street, south to Circular Street, west to Elizabeth Street, north to Spring Street, east to Main Street, around the square, west on Market Street and disbanding at Metcalf Street. It appears most every local business entered a float. Jack and Yoshi's Cafeteria, a local restaurant, won for its "fanciful replica of a Japanese garden." Plenty of groups from out of town were in the parade, too. There were even two floats from Chicago and a J.C. Penney float from Fort Wayne, Ind. (There was a good deal of lobbying going on for the following year's convention.) The convention also featured shows at Schine's Ohio Theatre - with seats ranging from 75 cents to $1.65 - where "women shall be made to disappear." The ad also read: "Husbands, bring your wives." The magi took a side trip to Kenton, in automobiles arranged by the local AAA club, to visit Durbin's Egyptian Hall. They entertained at St. Rita's Hospital as well. There was even a special matinee performance for children at the Ohio Theatre, organized by magician Howard Thurston. "Thurston's love for children was evidenced in every feature of his act and their reverence for this master of magic provided one of the heartening scenes of the day," a story reported on June 10, 1928. The magicians in attendance voted, and Lima was awarded the 1929 convention. Conventions continued, and still continue. The International Brotherhood of Magicians today is based in St. Louis. The love for magic has not changed since the following was published in 1928 in the Lima papers: "Magic! What an alluring sound the word possesses. Immediately, one conjures a picture of India and its famous fakirs or an Egyptian temple, dim, mysterious and awe inspiring, where priests commune with the gods amid clouds of incense and where the occult sciences and the working of spirits are practiced. Magic! Long may it live." -------------------------------------------- 18. 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. 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