* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.Alan-Watson.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #673 Date: Sunday 5th July 2009 Editor: Alan Watson www.magicianz.com e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. Dale Salwak On Voice Of America 3. Broken Wand - Roy Huston 4. Remarkable Magic #101 - Nick Lewin 5. Happy Accidents - #125 - Kyle Peron 6. Cruising With Paul Romhany #75 7. www.Twitter.com/magicconvention 8. British Ring Convention News 9. Broken Wand - Kenneth Husted 10. Report Of 2009 Magic Unknowns 11. Ryan Joyce's Tour Schedule 12. Meet A Magical Phenomenon 13. Chandannagar Jadukar Chakra 14. Thank you from Eric DeCamps 15. IBM National Day 1 -- Tuesday, June 30th 16. IBM National Day 2 -- Wednesday, July 1st 17. IBM National Day 3 -- Thursday, July 2nd 18. IBM National Day 4 -- Friday, July 3rd 19. e-zine Archives 20. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- As of today Magic New Zealand has 14,537 subscribers from 78 different countries. Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. Dale Salwak On Voice Of America -------------------------------------------- Message by Dale Salwak (US) A radio interview with Dale Salwak on Voice of America will be aired Tuesday, June 30. He discusses his recent experiences in North Korea and the magic scene there. Voice of America is broadcast to 167 nations and translated into 45 languages -------------------------------------------- 3. Broken Wand - Roy Huston -------------------------------------------- Message by Yuka Huston Sad to report just received phone call from Yuka Huston...Roy Huston passed away in his sleep this morning. A good friend and one hell of a performer. He will be missed. Details to follow. -------------------------------------------- 4. Remarkable Magic #101 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) Lance Burton and Las Vegas Magic. By this time it has been firmly established that Lance Burton is continuing his long term run at the Monte Carlo Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas. Congratulations to Lance and also to the Monte Carlo for an excellent decision. While there is some of the best magic to be seen in Las Vegas there is plenty of really bad magic too. Sometimes you just have to stop and wonder why some of the shows were ever given the green light in the first place. The very nature of the shows and the performers involved make you wonder how a personal ego can have achieved the solo spotlight in which they stand. Lance is a perfect example of a fine performer who delivers an excellent show and has delivered the goods night after night with a show that is perfect for the Las Vegas market. Mac King does the same every afternoon at Harrah's. Amazing Jonathan and Penn & Teller offer their slightly more cynical/twisted view of the magical arts in their respected showrooms. Here is the Yin and Yang of nice guy/bad boy audience appeal neatly outlined. In a glorious and singular commercial world of his own is David Copperfield, the current King of magical crop. He slips into town when he wants to and makes the big bucks that everyone craves. David certainly performs in Vegas a great deal but has never become a 'Vegas Act.' Coincidence? There is little sophistication these days amongst the average Las Vegas audience. However there is a tremendous amount of desire for shows that will appeal to a very wide range of ages and nationalities. Particularly in the current financial market the name of the game is filling seats. The failure of 'Believe' and the absence of any true Siegfried & Roy replacement have ended an era in Vegas. What is next? Maybe the most unexpected success in recent Vegas history has been the success of Gerry McCambridge's high-energy mind reading show. I'm not sure quite how to reckon that into the equation though, I suspect Gerry is the ultimate 'King of Hustle,' and I mean that 100% as a compliment. Now that the big and 'artsy' shows are strictly the domain of 'Cirque du Soleil' (that is meant as far from being a 100% compliment) maybe there is a place for the smaller quirkier shows that are currently struggling in the overcrowded marketplace. After all we do offer 'Topless Magic,' 'Geek Magic,' 'Drag Magic,' 'Houdini Regurgitations' and other options that might achieve a niche audience. I did say that Vegas audiences aren't that sophisticated! I certainly hope that this is the case. There are enough impressionists and hypnotists waiting out there in the wings hoping to lay claim to the fame Las Vegas has always had for being the heart of magic. As an after-note I would like to beg forgiveness from the more discerning amongst you who spotted that I added an extra 'P' last week to the name of magical legend Fred Kaps, writing a column without access to Google is a bitch! Email me at nicklewin1@me.com and check out my website at www.nicklewin.com -------------------------------------------- 5. The Line Up - #125 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message by Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com The summer is a great time for not only magic shows and festival gigs, but also for the American tradition of baseball. I enjoy watching a good game and relaxing. This week it was a baseball game that got me thinking of this article I am writing now. I started seeing a relationship between what I was seeing what I have always done with my magic shows. I started focusing on the concept of the batting line up. It was fascinating to me that this made for a great analogy for what I do in every show I put together. In any baseball game, changing the lineup is often done to adapt to situations that come up and to improve the chances of success. The same can be applied to performing magic for children. In many cases, the lineup is your show order. It is the order of the effects and routines you plan on doing and when they will be performed. Like baseball, you really need to have a logical reason for having the line up structured the way it is. If you just placed ball players in any line up order, you are not likely to succeed. In magic, you cannot throw the routines in any old fashion and expect an entertaining experience. Thought must be taken to really organize and structure your show line up so that is works in your best interest. In baseball, you will want a lead-off batter with a good on base percentage and someone who is fast and can steal. This is done to give the best chance of success. In magic, there are also certain spots that just make sense for certain types of routines. I am a children's and family entertainer. When I start to work on my line up, I do so with certain rules that I try and abide by. These rules are learned through reading books but also a lot through simple trial and error over the years. You start to realize what works and what does not. Let me give you some simple ideas of what I try and place into my line ups and why I choose to do so. Please keep in mind that every magician will have different needs these needs mean that your line up may differ from my own. That is fine. The first step anyone needs to do is to define your show needs. By defining these needs, you can then work a lineup that helps solve these needs. - I always start my line up with a warm up. Since I am performing for children most of the time, a warm up serves the purpose of getting the children to feel comfortable with me, learn my personality better and teaches them it is OK to react and how they can react. It is done in a fun and entertaining way. If this is first in my line up, it helps establish the pace of the show and what is to come. - I then usually will have my musical number or intro next in my line up. This is done to show the kids that I am a magician and I have skill and that what they will see will be fun, colorful and amazing. - I then add in my line up my rules for the show verbal intro. It is an intro that introduces myself and my wife to the children and sets the grounds rules for the show on how I select helpers. This also is done in a friendly and fun manner that is entertaining to the kids but serves a purpose for me. I set the ground rules early but I am not doing it first in my line up. If I came out and started the ground rules first in the lineup, it may scare the kids and the reactions would not be there they may also fear me. By moving it down in the lineup, they already know who I am and have had fun and trust me more. - I then will go into an audience participation bit. The key here for this part in the lineup is I want to 1) have a routine that I can do in my sleep and 2) that is visual and fun and 3) that gets the kids laughing. The reason I want it to be an easy effect for me is that I need to warm up as well. By doing an effect that is simple to do, allows me to get into my character and spend most of my efforts making the routine fun. I do this at this point in my line up so I can also show the kids that it is fun to assist and help on stage. - I then will do a routine that the kids help me from their seats. No one has to come up to help but they all get involved from where they are seated. I use principles of "see don't see" or "magician in trouble" to maximize reactions. The idea here is to be able to 1) change the pace of the show a bit and 2) get all the kids involved in the fun and laughter being created. - At this point in my line up, I can get the birthday child up to assist in a special routine just for them. The reason I have this at this point in my lineup is that I want the birthday child to have fun, trust me and interact in the best way possible. If I have his routine too soon in my line up, his reactions set the tone for others. Simply stated it means that if I do this bit too early and the b-day child is scared or nervous, his or her friends will often mimic that response going forward. - The next part is you can do another helper effect and then another interactive piece from their seats. - I then will end my line up by always doing a very special trick or illusion with the birthday child. I usually will perform my chair suspension illusion routine. It is a signature for my shows. Whatever you choose to do here, the idea is to make the b-day child the star of the show. Make them feel important and empower them. It makes for a great ending for your show. Now this is just a general line up I try and use for my kid shows and birthday party style shows. The lineup will vary based on show needs and different markets you work. But you can start to see that the lineup is done to solve needs and to be solutions for me. They are not just placed in randomly. You also need to be aware that like in baseball, your line up can and will change. My show is never 100% done. I feel a good performer always evaluates the show and changes the line up as the needs and situations change. You can also evaluate the line up when you feel a show simply is not working the way you want it to. Perhaps you are not getting the reactions you wanted or perhaps you are not getting enough good helpers. Instead of always thinking it was the audience or a bad choice in choosing a helper, maybe the real reason is that your line up is out of order. Maybe by changing your line up around, you can get and generate a better result next time. So go out there and create your line up with these fundamentals in place. I think you will see an amazing difference and just how powerful this concept can be. 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. - "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 #75 -------------------------------------------- Message from Paul Romhany (NZ) It's been such a hectic week as I prepare for the release of three new DVDs this week. These will be available from all major magic shops around the world and are being wholesaled by a major magic company in the USA. The first DVD is called Romhany On Stage and features several of my professional routines, complete with live performances and explanations. It also features some of performance only work on the DVD including my Linking Coat hanger routine. While on my world lecture tour this year, I had so many requests for people to do my routine with the coat hangers. I reminded magicians that these were Mike Caveney hangers but with my own routine. The routine is not for sale, but the coat hangers you can still purchase from Mike. This is the first DVD in a series of effects for the working magician who performs cabaret, stage or parlor magic. The second DVD is called Lunch Date and features seven of my favorite routines from my book Lunch Is Served. The routines are not all business card tricks. There is something for everybody from mentalism to stage and even using the principle for a bill to orange. This is the way I get a spectators bill in an envelope and can then load it anywhere I like. I've kept this method secret for many years and it's finally on this DVD. There is also a great routine for producing an 8 ball from a business card ala Kevin James Bowling ball. The final DVD this month will be my Multiplying Bottle Routine DVD. This also includes an audio CD with the audio track needed to perform my routine. In the DVD I share some handling secrets that I incorporate as well as my color change bottles for the final three bottles. This routine is a feature of my professional act both for comedy and Chaplin. To order any of the DVDs simply check out your local magic shop - they can order them for you as I will not be selling product direct due to my performance schedule. We are traveling around too much for me to be home to stock or send off magic. You can visit the links on YouTube to see some of the DVDs. 1) Lunch Date - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5K7CuYK4XU 2) Romhany On Stage - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_6JNJePAMo 3) Multiplying Bottles DVD and CD - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ck_ykHAPbfQ -------------------------------------------- 7. www.Twitter.com/magicconvention -------------------------------------------- Message by Andrew Webb I thought I would let you know about a site I have been running for a while; www.magicconventionguide.com We list upcoming conventions, report convention news, provide maps, guides and reviews of conventions throughout the world. We often "live blog" conventions reporting the reviews as they happen, and also often feature artist podcast interviews and chats. If you know of any conventions we don't have listed please let us know, if you want to submit a review, just email us at info@magicconventionguide.com You can also follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/magicconvention where we not only list our posts and convention listings but can also answer any convention questions, ideas, reports or rumors. Take a look and let us know what you think: http://www.magicconventionguide.com -------------------------------------------- 8. British Ring Convention News -------------------------------------------- Message by Bob Hayden PRO to the British Ring From Bob Hayden The Ali Bongo Micro Magic Marathon. At the Eastbourne 2008 Convention Ali Bongo introduced the idea of a Micro Magic Marathon into the programme. The event proved to be an enormous success. The event will take place again at Southport and will carry the name 'The Ali Bongo Micro Magic Marathon' in his honour. It is to take place on Thursday September 24th between 7.30pm and 8.30pm. The number that can compete will be limited to between 15 and 20 depending on the size of the room where it will be held. If you are interested in performing in this great fun event contact the co-ordinator Viv Davies (Mysteeny) either by post at 37, Orchard Park, St Mellons, Cardiff CF3 0AQ, by telephone 029 2079 2789 or by E-mail mysteeny@btinternet.com with your details. The unanimous view of last year's competitors was that it was just as enjoyable for them as it was for their audiences. So to all of you table hoppers who will be at Southport why not contact Viv straight away.  Over the past two decades Mark Shortland has regularly attended British Ring Convention and his name will always be associated with the scooping of the Tom Harris Cup for Comedy (he did it four times) in the British Shield competition and in 2001 winning the Shield itself. This was also the year he was rewarded with The Ken Dodd Award for the Best New Comedy Act. Mark's successes in competitions are not confined to his stage appearances. In 2002 he won top prize in the Rings Close-up competition, the Zina Bennett Cup. He will be at Southport in September not as a contestant but with an act that will have all the Shortland mix of prestidigitation, visual gags and audience participation. What makes Mark so successful? Without doubt it comes from his greatest asset of having a warm infectious personality that immediately engages him with an audience. This when coupled with his ability to produce an individual style of magic and a unique brand of original comedy keeps an audience literally on the edge of their seats. How did it all start for this comedy magician who grew up in Northampton? As a schoolboy he always had a passion for magic but it was firmly ignited when he saw The Amazing Jonathon perform on British TV in 1992. Although he left college in St Albans with a design degree it was as a canoe instructor that he found employment. But he did not abandon his love of magic and continued to increase and perfect his magical skills by performing for the captive audience where he worked. Eventually this led him to entertain at local schools and parties and by 2001 he convinced himself it was time to ditch his occupation as an instructor and pursue a full time career in entertainment. Mark now performs locally, nationally and internationally from The Orleans Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas to The World Economic Forum Davos; the Magic Castle in Hollywood to the Grand Opera House in Blackpool. He also works for some of the top cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, P & O and The Yachts of Seabourn. Mark has perfected his magical repertoire to meet any requirement. He performs 'wonders' in spectator's hands during reception drinks, unbelievable prestidigitation at the dinner table and hilarious magic after the meal as a stand-up cabaret. When Jonathon Shotton takes to the stage at Southport he does so as the current holder of the British Ring Shield. Not only did his act win the Shield he was also awarded the Conventioneer's Trophy for originality. The genesis of the act originated in Jonathon's mind as it might be performed by Willy Wonka but substituting clocks of varying shapes and sizes for sweets. The idea benefited in its development when Jonathon won a prestigious scholarship to the Jeff McBride Magic and Mystery School in Las Vegas for it was there that both his technical and presentation skills were improved, polished and perfected. Jonathon's success in the world of magic in such a short period has been nothing less than phenomenal. Magic became a fascination for him when as a 12 year old he watched a performance by his uncle which inspired him to find his way to Davenport's where after one visit he became immediately hooked. Even the earliest of his routines showed he had a superb aptitude for performing magic that not only had style but sophistication. As soon as he began performing his 'signature act' with doves being effortlessly produced, fire manipulated and objects being floated in thin air he was recognized by his peers as a star of the future. So high was the opinion of his work by experienced magicians throughout the country that he was soon being booked to perform at their local functions. More importantly he came to the attention of the organisers of the annual national Convention of the Society of American Magicians. He was requested to travel over to the United States and perform which he did to receive great notices. In 2005 he was one of the five international artistes to appear in The Centenary Magic Circle Christmas Show and was afterwards elected an Associate of the Inner Magic Circle with Silver Star, the youngest magician ever, at that moment in time, to achieve this. It is Jonathon's warm and friendly approach and his likeable personality that has helped him to become known and remembered. But what he is dedicated to and what he strives for most of all is perfection in every aspect of his act both of these qualities being abundantly clear to see in any of his performances. If a list is prepared of all current British young magicians to show that Britain has Innovative Magic Talent, the name of Jonathon Shotton would head the list. Watching Jonathon perform should be an inspiration to all fledgling magicians to take their performances to a higher level. These are just two of the star acts you can see at the British Ring Convention in Southport September 23rd to 27th where you can enjoy four full days of magic with something for everyone whatever your particular taste happens to be. -------------------------------------------- 9. Broken Wand - Kenneth Husted -------------------------------------------- Message by Bev Bergeron (US) Here is a quit obit on a very close friend whom I've known in 1957. A real professional magician who loved magic too much. Roy Huston (real name Kenneth Husted), Illusionist, who had traveled with Dr. Bill Neff and had taken his own spook show out in the 1960s died of heart failure - June 28, in Gibsonton, Florida where he had made his home for the past 35 years. Those that have an old Abbott's Magic Catalog from the 1960s on can see a picture of Roy and his mother performing the Drum That Cannot Be Beat in the illusion section. Roy was just a teenager when he started performing illusions and worked all over the U.S.A. with his illusion show plus Japan, Canada and Mexico. His large collection of illusions fill a warehouse on his grounds and his collection of posters fill his personal museum. His wife Yuka is still in shock and will make arrangements later. -------------------------------------------- 10. Report Of 2009 Magic Unknowns -------------------------------------------- Message by Charles Zuis Below is a report of the June 6, 2009 Parlour Foray for the Chazoo and Willie the Clowns' Hall of Fame of Famous Unknown Magicians and Clowns, in Schuyler Lake NY, right next to the Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame. Thanks and keep up the great work of keeping us all up to date. Charlie (Chazoo) Zuis (Most Famous Unknown). Bruce Kalver President of the Society of American Magicians and other SAM Dignitaries were honored guests and the main attraction at the 20th annual Magic Hall of Fame of Famous Unknown Magicians and Clowns Magic Parlour Foray held on June 6th 2009 in Schuyler Lake NY. Kalver with Andy Dallas 2007 President and Vinnie Grosso, Vice President and many other magicians coming from as far away as Buffalo, Washington D.C. and Maine presented an all day program of Lectures, parlour, Close-up and Stage magic. Founded by Charles Zuis, also known as Chazoo, who converted an old farmhouse and barn into a magic theatre, museum and Hall of Fame hosted the event with other members and officers of the Hall of Fame. The House was originally owned by the Herkimer Family and built in the late 1700's. It is designated as the historic home of Hendrick Herkimer, brother of General Herkimer of Revolutionary fame. The Hall of Fame of Famous Unknowns, named after Chazoo and his boyhood pal Willie "The Clown" Purdell, is dedicated to promoting and preserving the heritage of the many magicians and clowns who performed shows for their friends and neighbors and for non-profit clubs and community organizations for modest fees or for the fun of it. They did it for the love of Magic and the fun and mystery they brought into the hearts and faces of their audiences and not necessarily for fame and fortune. Many of them have long been forgotten but Zuis emphasizes that today's magicians should do what they can in their own communities and clubs to remember their mentors and compeers of the past. Assisting Zuis were members of the Hall of Fame who helped repair, paint and otherwise prepare the buildings for the Foray. A new close-up magic room was created under the direction of Alan Drew and was named the Karl Norman room in recognition of his outstanding participation in the annual event and for his 91 years of magical entertainment. (We determined that he came out of the womb with a deck of cards in his hand). Drew also hosted the main show. Phil Messina better known as "P.T", Mc'd the afternoon parlour show and helped to prepare the museum and the theatre for the weekend. Ray, Lee and Max Eyler from Annapolis Maryland (Father, son and Grandson) helped with reception, stage and other details. Others who also performed in the afternoon and evening shows were as follows: Wes Booth, Maine; Glen Brooks, Syracuse, NY; Ray Cerio & Jordan Cerio, Syracuse, NY; Carroll Chapman, Maine; Matt Episcopo, Morrisville, NY; Ray Eyler, Annapolis MD; Mike Hilburger, Williamsville, NY; Shane Hillman, Binghamton, NY; Bruce Purdy, Syracuse, NY; Karl Norman, Buffalo, NY; Andy Wallace, Utica, NY; Ryan Wallace, Utica, NY; John Wolfson, Utica, NY; Dan Murphy, Bagpipe presentation; Cooks: Joe Schreck, Frankfort and Gregg Llewellyn, Herkimer. Many contributions have been made by members of the hall of fame as follows: Wes Booth who painted and donated two murals depicting old time magicians performing parlour magic; Alan Drew donated most of the award plaques, posters, illusions, a large number of clowns, and other magic items and also created the Karl Norman Close up room; Ray and Lee Eyler donated Larry West artifacts, magical illusions and the stage light and sound systems; Willie "The Clown" Purdell Magic estate and other magical items; Andy Dallas, signed Magic posters, signed gold ball from his famous Zombie illusion; Bill Smith, magic posters; Ray Cerio a number of magical gifts raffled off for the benefit of the Hall of Famous Unknowns and assorted magical artifacts; Phil Messina, artifacts of the Binghamton Magic Club plus electrical and other repair work to ceilings walls and magical artifacts; George Becker items from his TV shows; Obie O'Brien, 4 F's posters; Ron Zinserling, a Zig Zag illusion; Ron Zollweg, Sound System; Bill Gilman, Circus items; Les Levines, Magic top-hat; Ms. Helen Shaw sister of Walter Cummings, desk, close-up table, pictures and magical artifacts; Ted Raub, bottle production etc; Mark Alford, box illusion; Jim /Don Attle & Jeff Sterling-magic table; Mike Hilburger for his Hot Dogs and special mustard and finally last but not least hats off to: Carroll Chapman for setting up the Web Page. http://www.unknownmagiciansandclowns.com Chazoo and Alan Drew presented outstanding award plaques to the honored guests, Bruce Kalver, Vinny Grosso and Andy Dallas, which read in part "For Contributions to the "Hall of Fame" Museum of Famous Unknown Magicians and Clowns". Special and "super-duper" certificates were presented to members present who donated an item to the Foray or to the Hall of Fame. They are: Mike Hilburger, Karl Norman, Carroll Chapman, Wes Booth, Phil Messina and Bill Smith. Next year's Parlour "Fun" Foray will be held on Saturday, June 5th 2010, "same time-same place". The Honored Guest performer and lecturer and will be Mike Miller, 2009-10 President of the Society of American Magicians plus other surprises. Don't forget the night before event. For information Call the officers at Charles Zuis at 315.858.2576 : Alan Drew 207.244.0538: Ray Eyler 410.798.1677 or Phil Messina 607.427.7241. Additional Comments and ideas are always Welcome at Chazoo: ctzgig@aol.com or call any of the above officers. -------------------------------------------- 11. Ryan Joyce's Tour Schedule -------------------------------------------- Message by Ryan Joyce ryan@ryanjoyce.com (Canada) Just wanted to share with you the tour schedule for my upcoming 9th Annual Canadian Tour. Again this year we are presenting over 70 shows in 40 cities nationwide. The show titled "WONDER: Magic, Illusion & Imagination" is presented in support of my charity of choice, The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada. By September we anticipate bringing our total contribution to well over two hundred thousand dollars. More information is always available on my blog: www.ryanjoyce.com/blog And the full tour schedule is available on my website: www.ryanjoyce.com and the official tour site: www.wondernillusions.com The tour video trailer is available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StaAaGTucfo Western Canada & Manitoba Tour Schedule Winnipeg - Sun July 05. - The Burton Cummings Theatre - 7:30pm Portage La Prairie - Mon July 06. - Canada Inns - 8:00pm Brandon - Tue July 07. - Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium - 7:30pm Regina - Thurs July 09. - Regina Performing Arts Centre - 5:30pm & 8:00pm Saskatoon - Thurs July 11. - Remai Arts Centre - 1:00pm & 4:00pm & 7:00pm Red Deer - Wed July 15. - Capri Hotel & Convention Centre - 7:30pm Sherwood Park/Edmonton - Thurs July 16. - Festival Place, Sherwood Park - 5:30pm & 8:00pm Fort McMurray - Sat July 18. - Thickwood Arena - 6:00pm Grande Prairie - Mon July 20. - Douglas Cardinal Performing Arts Centre - 5:30pm & 8:00pm Fairview - Tues July 21. - TBA - 6:30pm Calgary - Fri July 24. - Orpheus Theatre, S.A.I.T. - 2:00pm & 5:30pm & 8:00pm Lethbridge - Sat July 25. - Fritz Sick Memorial Centre - 4:00pm & 7:00pm Brooks - Sun July 26. - Griffin Park Theatre - 8:00pm Kamloops - Tue July 28. - Kamloops Convention Center - 5:30pm & 8:00pm Vernon - Thurs July 30. - Vernon Recreation Complex, Curling Ring - 5:30pm & 8:00pm Pentiction - Sat Aug 01. - Cleland Theatre - 1:00pm & 4:00pm Vancouver/New Westminster - Sun Aug 02. - Massey Theatre - 1:00pm & 4:00pm Campbell River - Tue Aug 04. - Tidemark Theatre - 5:30pm & 8:00pm Courtenay Comox - Wed Aug 05. - Florence Filburg Centre - 5:30pm & 8:00pm Port Alberni - Thurs Aug 06. - ADDS Theatre, Alberni District Sec. School - 7:30pm Ontario, Canada Tour Schedule Georgetown - Sat Aug 15 - John Elliot Theatre - 3:30pm & 6:30pm Cobourg - Sun Aug 16 - Cobourg DCI West - 3:30pm Owen Sound - Thu Aug 20 - Owen Sound Collegiate Vocation Institute - 6:30pm Toronto - Fri Aug 21 - Ryerson Theatre - 5:30pm & 8:00pm Hamilton - Sun Aug 23 - Mohawk College Theatre - 1:00pm & 4:00pm Sudbury - Fri Sept 11 - Caruso Club - 7:00pm North Bay - Sat Sept 12. - St. Joseph High School, Scollard Hall - 1:00pm & 4:00pm Barrie - Sun Sept 13. - Barrie Central Collegiate WA Fisher Theatre - 1:00pm & 4:00pm Newmarket - Mon - Sept 14. - Newmarket Theatre - 5:30pm & 8:00pm Peterborough - Tue Sept 15. - Thomas A Stewart Secondary School - 7:00pm Belleville - Wed Sept 16. - Centennial Secondary School - 7:00pm London - Thurs Sept 17. - Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School - 5:30pm & 8:00pm Brampton - Fri Sept 18. - Chinguacousy School - 5:30pm & 8:00pm North York - Sat Sept 19. - Northview Hights Secondary School - 1:00pm & 4:00pm Kingston - Sun Sept 20. - Duncan Mcarthur Auditorium, Queen's University - 1:00pm & 4:00pm Midland - Sat Sept 26. - Midland Secondary School - 6:30pm Sutton - Sun Sept 27. - Sutton District Secondary School - 3:30pm Dates, times and locations subject to change without notice. Ryan Theatrix International Inc.  Entertainment that eXceeds. Toll Free (USA and Canada) : 1-800-318-2865 International: +1.519.843.5001 Fax: +1.519.843.8328 Mobile: +1.519.829.8333 Website: www.ryanjoyce.com -------------------------------------------- 12. Meet A Magical Phenomenon -------------------------------------------- Message by Blackpool Magicians' Club Israeli mentalist Roy Zaltsman achieved a massive impact when he appeared in the 'Melange of Mentalists' show at the Blackpool Magicians' Convention in February. He is returning to Blackpool on 21 July as part of British tour with his thought provoking lecture. The Blackpool lecture will be held in the Blackpool Magicians' Club headquarters in Sherbourne Road at 8pm (doors open at 7pm) As always there is a fully licensed bar and cafe serving hot food and drink and the library and magic shop will also be open.In his lecture Roy, who is extremely popular in his native land with considerable experience in both private and corporate events both in Israel and other countries, will be explaining some of his own mental effects as well as some close-up ideas. Roy believes strongly in knowledge sharing and presents his techniques and ideas openly for the benefit of all. Lectures in Blackpool are free to all members and associates of the Blackpool Magicians' Club so if you are not a member or an associate you should consider joining. Details of membership and associate membership (which is only £25 a year) can be obtained from the club website Blackpooolmagic.com. -------------------------------------------- 13. Chandannagar Jadukar Chakra -------------------------------------------- Message by G.Sreenivas 46th Magic Festival Chandannagar Jadukar Chakra organized 46th Magic festival at Netaji Bhavan, Bhadreswar, India on 7th June'09. Magician Arun Bonerjee invited me to give a lecture in the festival. I caught my train on 6th at 10 am along with magicians Chinta Syam Kumar and K.Vijaya kumar. We reached Calcutta on 7th at 4 am. Arun Bonerjee picked us at 11 am and we traveled 56 km on a car and reached the venue. The proceedings started with dealers demonstration after the registration and distribution of festival kit. Then Magician Ashish Mukherjee performed some wonderful rope magic and a spelling trick with alphabet cards and produced the name SREENIVAS who is the next lecturer. Then Magician G.Sreenivas gave a lecture-cum-demonstration on a topic "the simple  conjuring". His recent creation Devil's Folder & a prisoner card trick performed with jumbo cards are the best of his lecture. Then there was a stage magic competition before the tea break and Magician Mullik won 1st prize and Magician Rupantar won the 2nd. The evening session started with a brief meeting and prize distribution. The organizers felicitated the veteran magician Dr. Paul and G.Sreenivas. After this, the grand gala show opened for public. Magician Arun Bonerjee, his wife Bonani Bonerjee and his daughter-in- law Baishakhi performed colorful magic and audience loved their performance. Then there was a shadow play by Monika Dutta . Magician K.Vijaya kumar of Vizag Steel plant, Andhra Pradesh, enthralled the audience by performing one of the Indian ancient magic tricks He produced a mango plant with mangoes in a clay pot which was shown empty. He allowed audience to examine the mangoes. Then Magician Chinta Syam Kumar mystified the packed house with his blind fold act. Then there was a performance of Dr.S Madoak which entertained the audience. -------------------------------------------- 14. Thank you from Eric DeCamps -------------------------------------------- Message by Eric DeCamps I want to thank everyone for the support of my show, Eric DeCamps - PURE MAGIC. I have been fortunate to have a growing support of the show with guests from the tri-state area, around the country and abroad. It has really been great seeing old friends and making new ones. For those of you who missed the show, you can check out pix here: www.ericdecamps.com/gallery.php Thank you all again and I wish you all a wonderful summer! -------------------------------------------- 15. IBM National Day 1 -- Tuesday, June 30th -------------------------------------------- Message by Maria Ibanez (US) If the first day at IBM National is any indication of what the rest of the week is going to be like, we are in for quite a week. Registration ran very smoothly, the attention to details and the countless hours devoted by the organizing committee is very evident. The hotel has to be the largest I have ever been to in my life! This place is a city within a city. UNBELIEVABLE! There are maps to get from place to place within the hotel which has a river running through it, numerous waterfalls and indoor atriums and gardens, shopping galore, restaurants of any type you can imagine, 24 hour a day room service, it is incredible. The dealer's room is huge and well distributed. This is one year when one isn't elbow to elbow trying to get to any dealer's table to see their latest and greatest. There are some very innovative items to purchase, some quite pricey. There is a dealer with a sound system which effortlessly allows you to produce any sound you wish from a bullet shot to lightning to thunder and more; he says it is something Disney uses in their shows --- too rich for my need but it is absolutely fantastic. Losander's new floating box is absolutely terrific and certainly will be a complete sellout before the end of the week. Fantasio's new electronic flickering candle is beautiful and should also be sold out before week's end, it is a limited hand-made edition so I'm sure that there won't be any left. Fantasma once again is giving away a gift per registrant if they bring their card to the booth (the card is included in your registration packet), this year there's a choice of one of three gifts. Me? I chose the token. BJW is here with their jewelry and Gay Blackstone, Robbie Willmarth and Harriet Jacobson are manning that booth which is always a favorite one not just for the ladies . . . some absolutely beautiful new pieces this year. There's a great deal more going on but I don't want to give it all away, plus, it's time for Losander's lecture....more on the convention tomorrow... -------------------------------------------- 16. IBM National Day 2 -- Wednesday, July 1st -------------------------------------------- Message by Maria Ibanez (US) Greetings friends; day 2 is rapidly becoming a sweet memory and we are approaching day 3 of what is, thus far, a great convention. An early morning with stage contests starting at 7:30 a.m. culminating with an evening at 12:30 makes for a VERY tired, if pleased, Maria. Before giving you the report for today, let me tell you about last night and a mishap I had and the honesty of those here at the convention. On our way up to the room, just leaving the dealers room and going up the stairs, my wallet fell out of my pants pocket, without my noticing. By the time we were half way to the other end of town (yes, this hotel is that big), I realized what had happened and went back to the dealers room to search for it since that is the last place I had been. Daniel Herron made an announcement over the microphone and surprise of all surprises, the security guard at the door had it as a young lady had found it and turned it in, money and all. It was only this evening that I discovered that it had been Rick Banman's daughter -- for those who may not recognize the name, H.Rick Banman is the photographer for the I.B.M. I'd like to publicly thank that young lady and congratulate her father and mother on having raised such an honest daughter. THANK YOU for our honesty and thank you for finding my wallet. The day has been like living in a revolving door and trying to figure out just when to step out, so much to do, all of top quality, that it has been difficult to make choices. The dealers show, organized by dealer chair Daniel Herron, was well received by an audience which packed in every chair in the large area at the foot of the dealers room stage. Lectures today by Juliana Chen, J.C. Wagner, Mark Horowitz and Shoot Ogawa to round out the evening made for a very magic packed day and one which those who were unable to come really will regret having missed. Today was also the day of the banquet where the gavel and regalia was passed on to the new International President of the International Brotherhood of Magicians during a very lovely ceremony. Jack White looked, as he always does, very debonair up on stage as he received the gavel and accepted the chain which he will now wear for a year as he represents the Brotherhood and its many members and rings around the world. He and his wife were indeed very Presidential looking on that stage. Congratulations to them both and a magical year ahead as they deserve. I have crossed paths with now Past International President Joan Caesar, but she has been so busy, I haven't had an opportunity to congratulate her on her year. Entertainment at the banquet consisted of that great Magicomical and fantastic entertainer "Tiny Bubbles" a/k/a Steve Daly with the one of a kind MC job that only Steve can do, Dania and her unbelievable hoola hoops routine and a closing by the Charlie Fry and Co show, always a favorite. The youth members were treated (lucky them!) to an event by Oscar Munoz who served as host of the MYI X-Treme party held for them....one of the times I wish I could turn back the hands of time just to attend that one event. Some of you have asked about the dealers room and I can tell you that there are 30 dealers in that room and each one is someone you just can't pass up without stopping to pick up something. BJW Jewelers is here with the three ladies of jewelry, Gay, Robbie and Harriet and the latest in jewelry...trust me you would be buying something from them. Phil Willmarth and Trevor Lewis are here and are autographing their new book at the booth, don't miss out and pick one up here while they are together to sign it. Daytona Magic with an unbelievable display a great percentage of which is made up of new items. Bob Little has it and you can't live without it -- always a booth to spend a great deal of time at with all his one of a kind and some not available anywhere else items. A dealer I've spent a long time at since arriving is Losander, he has a new magic box which is enchanted or "haunted" depending on how you look at it, ingenious levitation and location of a card, an effect I am sure to be taking one home of. Joe Morgar with his knives and now with a great many silks including a new one with a no smoking theme --  bought some for my own show, they are great! -------------------------------------------- 17. IBM National Day 3 -- Thursday, July 2nd -------------------------------------------- Message by Maria Ibanez (US) Greetings, well, here we are one more day down and still two to go. Today was even more terrific than yesterday, if you can believe that. Preliminary close-up contest took place today in a rotation of four rooms. The contestants were all high caliber and well versed in the art of magic. Oscar Munoz's lecture this morning was presented to a standing room only Presidential D ballroom. As is usual and customary for him, he wowed the audience and had everyone eating out of his hand by the time he was through. His wife and children were present and manning the table at the side of the stage; a situation which made for very special interaction between them and the audience. Not only is he a very fine performer and lecturer; he also has a lovely family and the love between them is clearly very special. Also lecturing today was Rich  Bloch and Charlie Frye; the names alone will tell you that this too would prove to be full rooms. Both excellent performers and better than average lecturers, something you didn't want to miss. In the rotation for the badges, the red badges today were treated to the close-up show which consisted of performances by none other than Ed Ellis, Hayashi, Marc Oberon, Shoot Ogawa and J.C. Wagner....could we possibly pick a favorite from that list? Just not possible! The blue badges took advantage of B.J. Hickman and his presentation of "Best Routines, Bits & Marketing", a presentation which needs to be seen more than once for the information he so willingly shares. Green badges? Those, which included Jay and myself, were treated to the Special Extravaganza Stage Show which was performances by dealers. Not a dealer show but rather performances by them, and the event was admirably MC'd by Oscar Munoz. We thoroughly enjoyed the show. The early hour of 4:00 PM brought the annual business meeting and the actual presentation of all the Order of Merlin awards, a very special moment as I well remember, having received mine in 2007. The Board looked impressive up on stage at the dais and the room was full of members from many Rings from many places from around the world. It was wonderful to see the first ever lady President of the IBM, June Horowitz, whom we had the pleasure of meeting back when she was in office. She is a lady in every sense of the word and still the ever kind and gentle soul. Then came the moment we were all awaiting, the gala show at the Acuff Theatre. What a show!! A well deserved lengthy standing ovation for a FANTASTIC "International Stars of Magic" evening show. MCd by Jorge Blass, the evening had the audience enthralled and mesmerized with the magic of David and Dania, Yuji Yamamoto, Kyle Eschen, Jason Latimer and ending with An Ha-Lim....but, I am getting ahead of myself... We stepped into a theater where a live group was playing country music to welcome us, toe tapping, foot stomping great music that warmed up the audience but didn't quite prepare us for the feats of miraculous looking magic that we would be soon to witness. After the special recognition of the Officers of the I.B.M., who were introduced by Don Greenberg and a few words from Joan Caesar, now the Past International President, she presented, as her last act as President, a Presidential Citation to Shimada, in recognition and appreciation for his 50 years in magic. The curtains then opened to shadowed out figures who were standing perfectly still on the stage as a slide show display was projected on the gigantic screen which made up the back wall of the stage. This slide show had photos of the greats of magic including, among many others, Harry Blackstone, Doug Henning, Fu Manchu, and so many others of the legends. Jorge Blass introduced himself as he performed the first of what would be several excellent effects between the acts before introducing David and Dania, who were supersonic with their changes, even sitting up close and near the stage it still looked like a true miracle; they were followed by Yuji Yamamoto with a very intricate and colorful silk act complete with numerous silk fans, fountains, silk productions, a shower of miniature silks and bottle productions which seemed to come from nowhere, amazing. Kyle Eschen was next up and he literally had everyone in the audience laughing uncontrollably while also sighing and saying, ahhhh....what a pleasant, talented and absolutely delightful young man. Jason Latimer delighted us with his FISM award winning act in addition to a bit of comedy magic followed by a laser presentation, words do not begin to describe him or his act and if you've ever had the fortune of seeing him perform you know how incredible he is. So you say, what an evening, but, not yet....there was one more act to come, the stage winning act of last year's combined IBM/SAM Convention...An Ha-Lim with his one of a kind cards manipulation act, which, just as it did in Louisville last year and each time he performs it, received a standing ovation by the audience. The evening's performances had come to a conclusion an hour and a half after we had walked into the theater and Jorge Blass brought everyone out one more time to take a final bow. A roaring round of applause, accompanied by a lengthy standing ovation showed them the appreciation of those of us who had just spent a truly magical evening thanks to their talent. Back to the hotel to attend the previously mentioned lecture by Charlie Frye, to visit the dealers room one more time or to go to our own rooms and attempt to get a little rest in preparation for tomorrow and the wonders that it will bring. Who can sleep with so much to look forward to? It's like a child awaiting Christmas morning and looking under that tree....at least that's how this writer feels. -------------------------------------------- 18. IBM National Day 4 -- Friday, July 3rd -------------------------------------------- Message by Maria Ibanez (US) Greetings, the countdown to the end of the convention has started; now there is only tomorrow left and the opportunity to sign up for the next one which will take place in none other than magical San Diego....get in on the ground floor now and register early so that next year you won't have to keep up via the updates. Today was a little longer for some than for others. It started at 7:30 with a continental breakfast for the TVPs. Even though the first lecture of the day was the at early hour of 8:30 a.m., Marc Oberon presented his "Mark Oberon Lecture" to a full house of very satisfied conventioneers. As I've told you before, Jay and I are green badges so we had the opportunity today to attend B.J. Hickman's Best Magic Routines, Bits and Marketing Strategies presentation. He held nothing back either from his show or from his marketing techniques and the reason for those, truly very worthwhile attending. Steve Bargatze and some of his friends presented they MYI X-treme event this afternoon from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. The lucky youth members of the IBM have been attending their own special events by some of the leading names in the industry. With Rich Bloch as MC, the evening show consisted of the six Gold Medal Finalists. If there is one thing I am thankful for, it is being fortunate not to have served as judge because it would have been a very difficult choice. Don Greenberg, Contest Chair, read the names of the winners and for the first time ever the Karrell Fox Comedy Award was presented this year. Ed Ellis and "The highly visual....low process" lecture began at 11 this evening opposite the additional charge David and Dania workshop. Tough choices all day on what to attend, where to go and what to give up on in order to cover something else. Tomorrow....Shimada, the man and his magic live an in full color will be performing and we can hardly wait. But, that will be in the evening and we still have to get through a day full of magical happenings which for us begin at 8:00 a.m. with the Order of Merlin breakfast. -------------------------------------------- 19. Magic New Zealand e-zine Archives -------------------------------------------- Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html Both the User Name and Password MUST be entered in lower case to gain access. User Name: magic Password: kiwi When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order and are coded. Eg 001 Nov06 1999.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue number, then the date (Nov06) and the last figures the year (1999) -------------------------------------------- 20. 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