* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.Alan-Watson.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #775 Date: Sunday 25th July 2010 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 For President 3. 2010 IBM Convention Contest Winners 4. There Was No Magician Named Robert Houdin 5. "World's Biggest Magic / Book Collection"? 6. More Remarkable Magic - Nick Lewin #49 7. Gone Or Forgotten - #173 - Kyle Peron 8. Tony Brook In Conversation With Doc Haliday (Part 2) 9. Vegas Magic - August, 2010 10. Jeff McBride: NYC Super Session 11. The Innovention 2010 12. PM Magic Has Started New Company 13. Convention - Altoona, Iowa, USA 14. A Note From Walter Blaney 15. British Ring Convention News 16. David Ginn's August Workshops 17. Triple Magic Lecture At The Montreal Magic Jam 18. "Magicana" No. 344 Will Be In The Mail This Week 19. e-zine Archives 20. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- Magic New Zealand will NOT be published next weekend as I will be overseas. The next issue will be published Sunday 8th August. ----------------------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. John Calvert For President -------------------------------------------- Message by John Apperson (US) John Calvert, the famous magician and adventurer has officially announced his candidacy for President of the United States! ;-) After securing the support of his wife, Tammy, and a bunch of other relatives, the 98 years-old John, who has more experience than all past presidents combined, will use magic and humor to guide him through the campaign to a sure win! Watch the first official campaign video at: http://www.johncalvertmagic.com/forpres.html Thank you The team at www.JohnCalvertMagic.com -------------------------------------------- 3. 2010 IBM Convention Contest Winners -------------------------------------------- Message by Mike D (US) **** Gold Cups Close-Up **** Place - Stage Name - City/State/Country - Cat ------- 2Y - David Israel, II - Chula Vista CA USA - Y 1Y - John Accardo - Chatsworth CA USA - Y F 1A - Ben Jackson - Spring TX USA - A F 2A - PC Johan Ståhl - UPPSALA Sweden - A F - Jeremy Pei - Singapore - A F - Shin Lim - Acton MA USA - A F - Jeremy Ducharme - Vacaville CA USA - A F - Nathan Gibson - Moreno Valley CA USA - A **** Gold Medal Stage **** Place - Stage Name - City/State/Country - Cat ------- F 2A - Jeremy Pei - Singapore - A F 1A - PC Jason Andrews - Las Vegas NV USA - A 2Y - Hanna - Fukuoka-shi Fukuoka Japan - Y F 1Y - Yang Yang - Sevierville TN USA(China) - Y F - Andost - Alhambra CA USA - A F - Akua Shin - Ibarakishi Osaka Japan - A F - MJ - Nonsan-si Chungcheongnam-do South Korea - A F = Top 6 Finalist 1 = "1st Place Winner" 2 = "2nd Place Award of Merit" A = Adult Category Y = Youth Category PC = People's Choice -------------------------------------------- 4. There Was No Magician Named Robert Houdin -------------------------------------------- Message by Bill Palmer, M.I.M.C. There was no magician named Robert Houdin. There was a magician named Robert-Houdin. His birth name was Jean Eugene Robert, and he married Mlle. Houdin, the daughter of a Frenchman named Houdin. He was allowed to take the old hyphenated form with his name which became Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin. It is NEVER correct to refer to Robert-Houdin as Robert Houdin. -------------------------------------------- 5. "World's Biggest Magic / Book Collection"? ------------------------------------------- Message by Phil Temple (US) I had to chuckle when reading your caption for the Swedish collectors book auction. I think your readers have been misinformed on this subject by the caption. Byron Walker, of San Leandro, CA., is the 5th owner of what is internationally known as the largest collection of magic and gambling books in the World - and has been for years. To the best of my knowledge, even Copperfield's collection does not come near the number of books or extent of Walker's collection. Just thought your readers might like to know the facts. Check it out. -------------------------------------------- 6. More Remarkable Magic - Nick Lewin #49 -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) Milt Larsen 36 years of friendship and counting... When I first arrived in Los Angeles it was 1974. I had exactly $50 to my name and a bunch more energy and drive than I have now! For various reasons my wife Susan and I spent our first night staying in one of her friends houses in Santa Monica. I was anxious to see my new homeland and while my wife went to sleep I took a long walk around Santa Monica. I just couldn't wait to explore. Much to my amazement one of the first things I saw was a building that looked like a beautifully recreated Old English Music Hall. The marquee proclaiming that my powers of observation were smack on and read, 'The Mayfair Music Hall.' I was very excited and the next morning told Susan that I had already found a place where I could work. I just knew it. I visited the 'Mayfair' later that week and met its creator, a highly pleasant and friendly chap called Milt Larsen. He took the time to have a couple of drinks with me and I discovered that this was the same person who had created the 'Magic Castle.' well I certainly knew all about the Castle by reputation and definitely wanted to visit and to work there as soon as I could. However, I got my first job at the 'Mayfair,' I was very excited, an actual wage! It wasn't much, but coupled with a very short career selling men's clothing in the Northridge Mall it allowed me to join the Castle! My work continued with various weeks at the 'Mayfair' and then branched out also into weeks at the Castle. It was the foundation of my career in America and the greatest training ground a young performer could wish for. Over the next few years I met Milt often and he was always friendly, courteous and best of all encouraging. He always bought me a drink, I remember with a pang of horror the night I asked him what he was drinking and he replied, "Aquavit." I said, "I'll try one too." They just don't make hangovers like that anymore. The more I got to know Milt, the more I discovered that he had truly created my two hubs of work. I mean actually created, with a hammer in one hand, a glass of wine in the other and most important of all a vision in his mind that could create something unique and tangible from abstract ideas. I developed an enormous respect for this slightly crazed creator, carpenter and T.V. writer and it is a respect that has only grown through the years. Suddenly, there was talk of a new venture 'a society for the preservation of the variety arts,' it was very vague initially but I paid fifty dollars to become a member of a club, that existed mostly in one man's head and didn't even have a clubhouse where members could meet. That didn't worry me, and I was right not to worry, because that germ of an idea turned into a four-story building with a full sized theatre, a nightclub, a restaurant and the look and feel of an old fashioned and larger than life venue, it was just another of Milt's 'Castles in the air' that arrived firmly on the ground. The 'Magic Castle,' however was always Milt's masterpiece and a glorious tribute to the ideas of his father William Larsen Sr. It has employed more magicians and encouraged, nurtured and given them a perfect 'Jewel Box' to showcase what was a quickly declining form of entertainment. In fact, I think it is fair to say that in the '70s the Magic Castle, along with Siegfried & Roy and Doug Henning gave magic a re-birth. The Art of Close-Up Magic would certainly never have developed as it has without the Castle. One interesting thing was the way the Castle never quite remained physically the same, not only subtle changes but some very major expansions too, Milt couldn't resist his instincts to improve what most people would have considered a fully completed masterpiece. The one constant was that magic always remained as the heart, soul and core of his creation. Milt never seemed that concerned with the day to day running of the Castle, while obviously having an extremely shrewd business sense, he stepped back to let his brother Bill take care of the day to day affairs. Milt may have had the mind of a good businessman but his soul remained that of a highly creative artist. A pretty smart call! Times change, not always for the better, and at a certain point the offhand casualness and eccentricities of the Castle were seen as some kind of weakness instead of one the keys to its continued success. Well, at a certain point the desire to create a slick and commercial vehicle out of what was always a work of love by both creators and performers suddenly arrived on the scene. It usually does. Has recent change improved the Magic Castle for its membership, I suspect any long-term member (my membership number is in the mid 2000s, so I'm not a part of the true pioneers, but pretty close to the source!) would give you the same answer? Do I need to tell you what it would be? I won't do so because any off my readers who know me understand I always run a mile from speaking my mind or being controversial. LOL. Let me just say that Milt has earned my respect and admiration for 36 years now. He's not an easy man to get to know but I feel we have become real friends over the years, friends in the quiet and understated way we both prefer. The Magic Castle without Milt is as inconceivable as Disneyland without Walt. I guess you could turn Disneyland into a Six Flags operation but what would be lost in the process would be incalculable. I make these comments in a personal and non-political way; I'm not one to keep up with gossip or Internet forums so my timing is quite random. I just want to thank Milt for creating three unique venues and being a friend for 36 years and counting............... Send any bricks or roses to nicklewin1@me.com -------------------------------------------- 7. Gone Or Forgotten - #173 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message by Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com poofersgrl@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com As we travel down the road of being a magician, it is quite amazing the people we meet, the places we see and the experiences we all go through. It is quite a journey of discovery, adventure and enlightenment. We sometimes fail, but most often we learn from these experiences and we move forward. We strive to do better and become better in what we do. We seek to better ourselves and our magic along the way. But as we travel further down the path of the magical arts, do we also become blind? Do we fail to see things around us? Do we become too determined to reach some place that we fail to remember where we came from and the folks that got us there? Is it so easy to put blinders on as we walk the path of our magical career. Each of us may travel a different path, but we must not always look ahead. We must also look behind us as well. We must not forget the important things that make us who we are. I think too many magicians seem so focused on themselves that they fail to see others around them. They fail to see that there are folks that they can learn from. They fail to understand that there is good in empowering someone else who may be at a lesser skill level then they are Magic should be about brotherhood and friendship. However, too often this gets lost in the strive to become the best. We tend to hang out with people our own age and level but we exclude those who are beginners or even those who are older than we are. So many times an older magician is excluded because we think they have nothing of value to share. This cannot be further from the truth. Do not forget these folks. Many have been in magic for years and have seen and know more than we would ever hope of knowing. The information they can share with you is priceless. The stories they can express, you can learn from. Allow them to mentor through their experiences and grow from it. Likewise, the beginners also can not be forgotten or ignored. YOU have an obligation to better the art by giving a bit of yourself to someone else. If we want the magical arts to thrive and get better, we must not forget those who are just starting out along the journey. There is so much that you can share and give back to them that they will learn from. You can empower them and teach them the right ways of not only performing an effect, but why doing so entertains an audience a certain way. Your failures you have worked through, you can share in hopes that they may not make them as well. Do not forget those magicians who has passed on and whose broken wand remain dormant. It is these folks that have blazed the path that we travel on. It is THEIR stories, commitment, devotion and work that have allowed us to get where we are. We must honor them and their legacy and pass on this information to the newcomers in the art. Do not be in such a hurry that you fail to truly see what is around you. The magical arts need folks who remember and who see clearly. We need folks who do not forget where they came from as they head for where they want to be. Share your gift and share what you know with those who seek an interest. Take the time to teach and to reach out to others. If we take just a moment to see the magical world around us, we may start to realize the true value we each can give to keeping the magical arts alive and well. 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. Kyle Peron Magician and Illusionist www.kyleandkellymagic.com Blog: http://kylemagic.blogspot.com -------------------------------------------- 8. Tony Brook In Conversation With Doc Haliday (Part 2) ------------------------------------------ Message by Anthony Darkstone Brook - Europe/USA DH: Well, Tony like I said. The look is important when performing. Along the lines of costuming, I adopted bright jackets, sequined vests, and even bowler hats to match, to do my magic. I always felt I should look sharp and different from my audience. Of course, I've done shows in a tux but even then it's with a sequined vest and matching bow tie. This is for magic and caricaturing. I deplore the thought of an artist or magician showing up to an event and being too casually attired. TB: I absolutely agree with that. I really cannot see the point in performing in street clothes. This is my favorite soap-box topic so let me not get started. You spent some time in the military way before you were Doc Haliday... DH: Yes I did. I'm honored to say, I am a retired Master Sergeant, having served 22 1/2 years in the U.S. Air Force. And of course, what I do today is so totally different from my years in uniform, that I am constantly amazed. I'm even amazed that I do anything in front of people at all, for most of my early life I was so introverted that I had a hard time talking to more than three people at one time. I would literally get sick to my stomach at the thought. Thank God those days are long behind me. TB: I recall hearing somewhere that although you have been performing for a while , you didn't get into Magic until quite late in Life. DH: That's right Tony. I was born in the 40's during WWII in a very small town in Louisiana, just north of the Cajun country. I was born 6 months after my father was shipped overseas and he didn't see me until I was almost three years old. My earliest memory of seeing a magician was a school program early in my high school years. While I don't remember the magician or the magic, I do remember his running gag: he was bald and in between tricks would comb his scalp with an outsized comb. He must have made some sort of impression if I can still recall that after 50 years. I am different from most of the magicians I know who all seem to have an interest in magic since childhood when they were given their first magic kit. I did not develop an interest until I was in my early 50's. TB: What triggered that? DH. I was working a party as a caricature artist. They had also hired a strolling magician. Several times during the evening this magician (and I wish I can remember who he was) came over to "work" my line of people who were waiting to be drawn. I was working with my back to him so I couldn't see what he was doing but I heard the reaction of the people. I took note of the fact that they continued to talk about his magic for ten or fifteen minutes after he had walked away. That impacted me greatly. Having people talk about you well after you had finished. Very impressive. I thought to myself, "What a great way to interact with people, what a great way to influence them." That inspired me to take a magic course being offered in the local area. I learned a few tricks there and began to haunt the local magic shops in Dallas and Fort Worth. Within a year, I was out working small venues. I became a little more sophisticated as time went along, began to hone my skills and gain confidence. I joined the Fort Worth IBM Ring and SAM Assembly, eventually held several offices in the Fort Worth Magicians Club. I was honored to be named Magician of the Year for 2007-2008. TB: Congratulations Doc. Richly deserved. As you know, I know many of the boys (and gals) out your way and they are all pretty good. A few of them have been, or soon will be, featured in my series. Dal Sanders, Chuck Lehr, to name but a few .So getting that accolade was real special. You've worked a lot of different venues and kept busy for the past 18 years. What is your preferred type of gig? End of Part 2 - (Hidden in this article are deliberate grammatical & spelling mistakes. My proofreader & I have included these to please those who enjoy finding them.) Send comments & corrections to:- tbrook47@gmail.com -------------------------------------------- 9. Vegas Magic - August, 2010 ------------------------------------------ Message by David Neubauer - www.dnmagic.com Magic Production Shows: Afternoon Magic Show starring Spike & Hammer 4 pm (Dark Mon. & Tue.) - Four Queens. www.spikeandhammer.com/afternoon.html Amazing Johnathan 9 pm (Dark Sun. & Mon.) - Planet Hollywood. Ariann Black's SECRETS 7 pm (Dark Wed.) - Westin. www.secretslv.com Criss Angel - Believe 7 & 10:00 pm (Dark Sun. - Mon.) - Luxor. www.cirquedusoleil.com/crissangel David Copperfield - An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion Through Nov. 3 - 7:30 & 10 pm (also 4:30 Sat.) MGM Grand. www.mgm.admission.com/cgi/guide.cgi?l=EN Dixie Dooley - Master Mystifier 7:00 pm (Dark Sun. - Tue.) - Dixie Dooley's Theater of Magic, Royal Resort. www.houdiniexperience.com 2 for 1 Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/coupon_dixie_dooley.html Gerry McCambridge - The Mentalist 7:30 pm (Dark Wed.) - Planet Hollywood. www.mentalist.com Comp. Tickets: www.mentalist.com/_images/Ticket.pdf Jeff McBride's Wonderground 3rd Thurs. each month - The Olive Mediterranean (3850 E Sunset Rd). Hosted by Jeff McBride and featuring Guest Stars from around the World. www.vegaswonderground.com Streaming LIVE: www.streetofcards.tv Lance Burton, Master Magician 7 pm (Dark Sun. - Mon.) - Monte Carlo. CLOSING SEPTEMBER 4, 2010 www.montecarlo.com/entertainment/lance.aspx Special Discount: Mention you want "The Special" at the box office to receive a 25% Discount. Mac King Comedy Magic Show 1 & 3 pm, (Dark Sun. & Mon.) - Harrah's. www.mackingshow.com Free tickets (buy 1 drink) are usually available at the concierge desk or handed out occasionally by showgirls. Magical Mix Christopher Karpiak 7-10 pm (Dark Tues. - Sat.) - Mix Lounge at Mandalay Bay. www.mandalaybay.com/dining/mixlounge.aspx Free to locals until 9 pm. Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show 4 pm - Flamingo. www.nathanburton.com Special: Purchase show ticket and a Flamingo Paradise Garden Buffet meal for $29.95? from the Box Office. www.vegas4locals.com/couponnathanburtoncomedymagic.html Open Sesame Losander, Luna Shimada & Christian Diamond. 6:30 pm (Dark Wed. - Sat.) - Dixie Dooley's Theater of Magic, Royal Resort. www.OpenSesameTheShow.com 2 for 1 Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/couponopensesame.html Paul Vigil 7-10 pm (Dark Sun. - Thurs.) King Ink - Mirage. Currently Close-up and Parlour, with no cover. There will be a cover when Paul's formal show is added. www.kinginklasvegas.com/events.html Penn & Teller 9 pm, (Dark Thurs. - Fri.) - Rio. www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/rlv/entertainment/entertainment_detail_00.html Steve Dacri - In Your Face "The Up Close Magic Experience" 7:00 pm (Dark Tues. - Sat.) - Shimmer Showroom, Hilton. www.lvhilton.com/Play/Calendar/Ongoing-Entertainment/Steve-Dacri Super Duper Show B-Rad & Bill Robinson. 4:00 pm., Sat. & Sun. - Dixie Dooley's Theater of Magic, Royal Resort. www.superdupershowlv.com Kids attend free: www.vegas4locals.com/couponsuperduperkidsshow.html Superstars of Magic 8:30 (Dark Tues.) Steven Best and Cassandra, Vegas Club. www.vegasclubcasino.net/entertainment/superstars_of_magic.php 2 for 1 Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/couponsuperstarsofmagic.html The Magic and Tigers of Rick Thomas 7 pm. (Dark Tues.) & 4 pm. Sun. & Mon. - Sahara. www.saharavegas.com/shows/magic-of-rick-thomas The Todd Paul Show 7 pm. (Dark Fri.) - Hooters. www.hooterscasinohotel.com/entertainment/the-todd-paul-show/ Zen Magic - Ai & YuKi vs. TENGU Opens June 30 4 pm - Saxe Theater, Planet Hollywood. www.saxetheater.com/saxe-thaeter-zen-magic.htm Kids free with paid adult. Magic In Production Shows: Crazy Girls Tony Douglas - 9:30 pm (Dark Tues.) - Riviera. www.rivierahotel.com/entertainment_crazygirls.asp 2 for 1 Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/couponcrazygirls.html Haunted Vegas Show and Tour Jac Hayden, Robert Allen. 9:30 pm, picks up at the Royal Resort. www.hauntedvegastours.com $10 off Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/couponhauntedvegas.html Matsuri TamBa provides magic between acts. 4:00 pm (Dark Tues.) & 8:00 pm Fri. - Imperial Palace. The Las Vegas Seance Robert Allen, Jac Hayden, Arian Black, Samina, Victora Wayne. 10:00 pm, picks up at the Royal Resort. www.LasVegasSeance.com V, The Ultimate Variety Show Jason Byrne (most Tues. - Sat.) & various others. 7 & 8:30, Planet Hollywood - www.vtheshow.com Variety Showcase Christopher Karpiak & S. Frank Stringham. Tuesdays, 9 pm - FREE - Sam's Town. Other Vegas Magic: Craig Keith performs bar magic at various times - Dick's Last Resort, Excalibur. 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. Clark County Library, 1401 E Flamingo Rd (1 block E of Maryland Parkway). Children's Classes at 5:45 www.ibm257.com 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 August, 2010 Aug. 23-29: Magic & Mystery School - Extended Master Class Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com September, 2010 Sept. 14-15: Magic & Mystery School - Focus on Stage Magic & Manipulation Jeff McBride. www.magicalwisdom.com Sept. 18-19: Magic & Mystery School - Focus on Magic and the Martial Arts Jeff McBride, Bryce Kuhlman. www.magicalwisdom.com Sept. 24-26: Magic & Mystery School - Sisters of Magic & Mystery - Abigail Aft McBride, Jeff McBride. www.magicalwisdom.com October, 2010 Oct. 4-7: The Innovention promises to offer a high quality event presented at a superb and intimate venue with world class performers, shows and workshops, and unrivalled access to all the performers and presenters. Johnny Thompson/The Great Tomsoni & Company, Kevin James, Joseph Gabriel, Gaetan Bloom, Lennart Green, Andy Nyman, Paul Stone, Jeff Hobson, Richard McDougall, Kris Kremo, Joanie Spina, Graham P. Jolley, Shep Hyken, Seth Kramer, Michael Close, Bob Kohler, Al Garber (Magic Al), Mel Mellors, a special 'Red Ball' lecture by Teller and a "Special Session" with Criss Angel. Limited to 375 attendees - Suncoast Hotel & Casino. www.innovention2010.com Oct. 9-10: Magic & Mystery School - Focus on Street Magic - Jeff McBride. www.magicalwisdom.com Oct. 12-14: Magic & Mystery School - Master Class for Mentalists - Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger and Ross Johnson. www.magicalwisdom.com Oct. 17-19: Danny Archer and Robert Allen present: Mindvention 2010. Banachek, Bob Cassidy, Docc Hilford. Colin McLeod, Paul Stockman, Luke Jeremy & others www.Mindvention.net Oct. 20-23: Magic & Mystery School - The Magic and Meaning Conference - A distinctive 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, and a number of short talks by experts on subjects relating to the themes of the conference. www.magicalwisdom.com November, 2010 Aug. 4-7: Magic & Mystery School - Magic & Medicine Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com February, 2011 Feb. 8-9: Magic & Mystery School - Focus on Quick Change Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com Magic & Medicien on Nov. 4 - 7 and Focus on Quick Change Feb. 8 & 9 - but there are several conventions I know of (MindVention, World Magic Seminar, etc) that occur in between there. May, 2011 May 23-25: IMX 2011 - 3 days of non-stop magic - Orleans Headliners include: Wayne Houchin - USA, Banachek - USA, Ellis & Webster - Australia, Boris Wild - France, Morgan Strebler - USA, Luke Jermay - England, Richard Sanders - Canada, Pit Hartling - Germany, Oz Pearlman - USA, Shoot Ogawa - Japan, Michael Ammar - USA, Juliana Chen - China, Ponta the Smith - Japan (making his US debut) plus more... www.imx2011.com -------------------------------------------- 10. Jeff McBride: NYC Super Session ------------------------------------------ Message by Roger Dreyer CEO Fantasma Hello Magic Fans! Just a quick reminder that Jeff McBride is coming this Sunday - all the details are below... - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Jeff McBride: NYC SUPER SESSION Sunday July 25th @ 2PM to 6PM | Tickets: $125.00 4 hour Workshop | Limited to 25 People | Only 6 Seats Left!! All New ~ All New ~ All New ~ All New ~ All New The Jeff McBride Super Session is a unique teaching format that allows all students of magic, regardless of age or skill level, to improve their abilities, develop their character, and learn the inside secrets of the business of magic. One Day Only! This Unique Event Will Never Be Repeated! THE JEFF MCBRIDE SUPER SESSION will explore many of the following topics: Presentation * Character Development * Originality * Theater Arts * Marketing * Confidence * Showmanship * Encouragement * Music * Costuming * Personal Attention * Improvisation * Movement * Routining * Scriptwriting * Lighting Design * Creativity * Mentoring * Acting * Career Development * Motivation * Business * Artistry * Insight * Brainstorming * Advertising * Resources * Coaching * History * Close-Up Magic Vision * Evaluation * Street Magic * Publicity * Support * Innovation * Parlor Magic * Psychology * Mastery * Stage Magic * Transformation * Empowerment * Consulting * Philosophy * Performing Arts * Diction * Prop Construction * Card Magic * Networking * Comedy * Technique * Trade Shows * Audience Participation * Wisdom * Mentalism * Hands-On Learning * Coin Magic * Corporate Shows * Dramatic Arts * Storytelling * Manipulation * Stagecraft * Pantomime * Family Shows * Promotion * Public Relations * Inspiration Students come to my magic classes with a single common vision: to take their magic to the next level of excellence. This goal is always achieved. All Ages And Skill Levels Welcome! To purchase a ticket please go to this link... http://www.fantasmamagic.com/shopping/proddetail.php?prod=1811&cat=68 -------------------------------------------- 11. The Innovention 2010 ------------------------------------------ Message by Paul Stone The Innovention which is happening at the Suncoast Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas from October 4-7 features some of the very best magical talent from around the world, and no matter what area of magic you specialise in, we've got it covered! If you are a Stage or Cabaret performer you won't find better working pro's than Kevin James, Jeff Hobson, Joseph Gabriel, The Great Tomsoni & Co, and Gaetan Bloom. If you're a Close-up fan Lennart Green, Bob Kohler and Mark Mason are about as commercial and entertaining performers as you can find. Then there's Seth Kramer, one of the busiest and best Tradeshow workers over the last 20 years who rarely lectures on this lucrative branch of the magic business, and Shep Hyken, undoubtedly magic's most successful Speaker. Shep utilises magic in his Customer Service presentations and has recently been inducted into the National Speakers Association's Hall of Fame. Shep will also talk about how to market yourself effectively. Joanie Spina is quite simply the best Artistic Director and Performance Coach you'll ever work with, and Richard McDougall is an expert on Presentation Skills for magicians ( see this month's article about Richard in Magic Magazine ). Mel Mellers has been performing magic for many years on Cruise Ships and is a terrific entertainer, Magic Al is New York's highest paid and busiest Children's Entertainer, Graham P. Jolley has a completely original and entertaining, yes entertaining, approach to Mentalism! And then there's two Superstars of Magic, Teller just back from a sellout tour of the UK with Penn, presenting his unique and rarely seen 'Magic Ball' Lecture, and Criss Angel talking about Headlining in 'Believe' at the Luxor Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas 'Strip' and his 'MINDFREAK' TV Show which has been shown in 90 countries around the world. And if all that's not enough to convince you to be there, the Suncoast Hotel is the perfect venue for this high quality Convention. It boasts a superb and intimate Showroom, where every seat is good one, and has dedicated Close-up rooms to watch Close-up the way it should be seen! And there will be specific areas for showing each other the latest miracles and hanging out with the performers and lecturers. And you can eat well and drink late into the night! Not surprisingly there aren't too many spaces left and we are deliberately limiting the number of attendees, so if you'd like to be at this unique and one-time only event, go to www.innovention2010.com/specialoffer NOW to register. For full details of the performers and lecturers check out www.innovention2010.com -------------------------------------------- 12. PM Magic Has Started New Company ------------------------------------------- Message by Petrick Gold (US) This is Petrick from PM Magic I have started a new company http://www.myintertv.com/ I'll give you free instant access to some of my Magic Videos! Please go here and Sign Up to get a FREE Magic lesson from me. http://www.myintertv.com and check out a special offer for my new Coin Workshop. I have invented over 2000 magic tricks (and still inventing more) during my lectures and performances I was able to show only 400 to 500 magic tricks so get ready for some great magic videos and Web - Lectures! You'll get the info only by signing up at http://www.myintertv.com don't miss out! Just do it now! -------------------------------------------- 13. Convention - Altoona, Iowa, USA -------------------------------------------- Message by Bob Buczkowski It is shaping up to be a quite an event all its own! It is limited in size to only 175 registrations - I need to get the word out to as many friends who would like to come as I can. I have received calls and e-mails from other magicians and clowns on the East and West Coasts who are planning on flying in for this convention. I certainly don't want to sell out the convention and not have room for YOU and your friends! (Or anyone you might think would enjoy this convention.) I have kept the cost down for registration - it is about $75 a day for shows, lectures, dealers, food, drinks, prizes, gifts, surprises, contests, and SO MUCH MORE!!!! Please check out the Website then send it out to as many of YOUR friends as you feel comfortable forwarding this information to. I want everyone to know about this before the registrations sell out! Hope to see you there! ITS GONNA BE FUN! Check out the website at: www.Abracorndabra.com -------------------------------------------- 14. A Note From Walter Blaney -------------------------------------------- Message by Walter Blaney (US) I am sending this letter to a few close magic friends, either magic collectors I know, or friends who are more knowledgeable than I am of the other major magic collectors around the world. If you are a member of the Magic Collectors Association, chances are you have seen in the latest May issue of Magicol my cover story of "The History of the Zaney Blaney Ladder Levitation". Or if you were in Chicago in May at the MCA Weekend, you saw my last appearance with my levitation when I floated in the air MCA Executive Director Julie Eng. I announced then that I was retiring from performing, and that I am putting my original levitation prop and my original Miracle Levitation Hoop on the market for sale to the highest bidder. Assuming that you are not personally in the market for collecting an illusion like mine, if you have any thoughts as to who among the collectors around the world might want to know of my offer, I would really appreciate any names that come to your mind. I would like to write them and just make sure they know it is for sale so they can bid on it if they have an interest. If you care to, I'd also appreciate any thoughts on about what you think this original illusion would bring from an avid collector of an historic illusion. My thanks for your consideration and any help you care to give me. Best regards from Texas, Walter Walter Blaney walter@walterblaney.com 3603 Spring Arbor Way, Kingwood, TX 77345 Phone: 281 360 8014 Fax: 281 360 0472 Banquet Show Website: http://www.walterblaney.com Illusion Website: http://www.walterblaney.com/illusions -------------------------------------------- 15. British Ring Convention News -------------------------------------------- Message by Bob Hayden (UK) Attention all Balloon Modellers! Can you make a wrist flower, a balloon model suitable for little girls or a model of a monkey on a stick something which delights the little boys? You can't? You will be able to do so after attending the Balloon Modelling Workshop being conducted by Mike Stokes of Playtime Balloons on Friday afternoon. This is the latest in a series of Balloon Workshops that have given by Mike over the years at our Convention and which have proved to be most popular among you Modellers. Mike's instructions on how to achieve any model are always clearly and precisely explained and with an ample supply of balloons generously supplied by Qualatex balloons for hands on use, these models should easily be within your grasp. As always Mike will be assisted by his wife Marjorie and Gerry Luff as mentors. With bookers continuing to ask for a session of balloon modelling to be included in your programme you cannot afford to miss this opportunity to increase your repertoire of models. The arrangements and production of this year's Children's Showtime on Saturday morning have once again been entrusted to Clive Moore. And what a varied and star studded show he has put together with Sooty and Richard Cadell, Jimbo, Amethyst, Stuart Brown and Philip Partridge with those half crazy clowns Clivo and Jeani making the introductions. With the IBM Clowns on hand there is going to be a riot of fun in and around the Devonshire Park Theatre. Sooty will of course be accompanied by Sweep and Soo and no doubt will be giving Richard a hard time with his mischievous tricks. Amethyst (Danny Hunt and Annette Claire) will not be doing their escapology in this show but will be performing some of their breath-taking illusions combined with smaller magical effects. The audience and especially the children cannot but be completely dazzled by the spectacle they will be seeing. Jimbo (Jimmy Carlo) will be performing some of the items from his show that earned him the title of KIDabra International Family Entertainer of the Year, the first time it had been awarded. It is an opportunity to see that Jimmy practices what he preached in his lecture. All of these three have been profiled in previous Convention News so here are character sketches on Stuart Brown and Philip Partridge. Stuart Brown's prowess as a manipulator cannot be disputed. On many occasions he has been the winner of the Derby Magic Society's, his local magic club, stage competition as he has of the Northern Magic Circle's annual stage competition. At the pinnacle of his magical awards must be crowned Champion of Manipulation at the 2007 Blackpool Convention. Stuart is an unassuming magician but one who constantly looks to improve his performance. He always welcomes and carefully listens to any constructive criticism that may be offered on any show he gives. In this way he has built up an act which not only shows off his considerable technical skills but is graceful in its construction. Stuart has a great asset, his enquiring mind. He is not just content to own an object such as a video recorder; he wants to know how it works. He finds this out by dismantling and successfully reassembling it. This appetite for wanting to know how everything works equally applies to the effects he performs. By doing so he is able to make improvements to the presentation to many of the manipulators favourite effects. One in particular is his routine of the Dancing Handkerchief which has become one of the highlights of his act. Having obtained a degree in Pharmacy from Manchester University, Philip Partridge's career did not start in magic but in dispensing pills and potions. However magic had been a part of Philip's life since the age of 8, when, you've guessed it he was given a magic set for Christmas. It was at University that his interest became more than just a hobby and in 1992 he was co-founder of the Merseyside Junior Magic Club. He had joined Liverpool's Mahatma Magic Circle the year previous and within six years he was to become its President. He went on to gain a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy and took up a position at the Royal Liverpool Hospital where he remained until 1997. But the lure to perform magic full time overtook his pharmaceutical interests and in December of that year he started his magical business. Philip is a 'general practitioner' of magic his work covering Close-up, Cabaret and Children's entertainment and always strives to personalise his show to his client's wants. He moved to East Didsbury Manchester in 2000 and almost immediately Magic Philip was in demand to entertain children with hilarious comedy, magic tricks, juggling, crazy puppets balloon animals, fun loving jokes and gags. This is Magic Philip's debut at a British Ring Convention and he is looking forward to bringing his own particular brand of magic for children to Eastbourne. Children's Showtime is primarily staged for the children and their parents of the town hosting our Convention, a seat for the show not being included in the Convention registration. Many conventioneers like to go to the show and they can do so by purchasing a ticket from the Devonshire Theatre Box Office. They are however asked to occupy the seats in the circle leaving the stalls available for the children. -------------------------------------------- 16. David Ginn's August Workshops -------------------------------------------- Message by David Ginn (US) David Ginn will present 3 Kidbiz Live Workshops in Texas & Northern California soon---3 1/2 hours of comedy, magic & fun for kidshow / family entertainers. Here are the locations & contact details: Saturday, July 31 . 2 - 6 pm . San Antonio TX JCR Magic Shop * 4957 NW Loop 410 * San Antonio TX 78229 Contact Julio Ramirez at 210-767-1599 Sunday, August 1 . 2 - 6 pm . Austin TX IHOP Restaurant * 1101 South Mopac Expwy * Austin TX Contact: Robert Castillo 689-2449 - theamazingrobert@hotmail.com http://www.ibmring60.org to pay in advance fee of $35.00; Door Fee: is $45.00 * contact Robert Castillo - Cell: 512-689-2449 Saturday, August 7 . 10 am - 3 pm . Grass Valley CA Crossroads Church * 10050 Wolf Road * Grass Valley CA 95949 Sponsor: Nevada Co. Magicians Guild. Contact: Bruce Gauthier at bruce@gauthier.us - or - 530-272-8258 Workshops include Cane Wrap Magic, Flip Flop Spots, Sponge Ball Surprises, Disbanded on Stage, Pulling a Rabbit out of a Hat, Laughter Legacy, Blendo Magic, ExSalted, Magic Belt Hook, Magical Dog Puppet, Amazing Snake-Go, Spotted Shoelace FREE, Caterpiller/Butterfly on Stage, 5 Balloon Animals with One Balloon, Jumbo McDeck, David's Library Magic Kit (and why it sells), What is KIDBIZ All About, AND much, much more! Registration: $35 advance or $45 at the door. Only one person registers per family. Spouses & children FREE. Each registrant receives a FREE book, three FREE tricks, and a FREE David Ginn Magic Kit plus 3 hours of magical show & tell. Register with local sponsor or David Ginn 770-466-8421 or Email: Ginnshow@comcast.net. Give name, phone #, location you wish to attend, number attending, and your credit card number with expiration date. This new workshop will never be repeated in your area. Make plans to attend to have fun and learn plenty! PLEASE COPY and TELL OTHERS! Email your magic & clown friends, teachers & youth workers too! He's Coming Your Way Only Once This Year! -------------------------------------------- 17. Triple Magic Lecture At The Montreal Magic Jam -------------------------------------------- Message by James Alan (Canada) Three amazing lectures in one day: Rafael Benatar, Gaëtan Bloom & Cheng Lin Saturday, August 14, 2010 beginning at 10am. Tickets are available now for $60 at www.montrealmagicjam.com Prices go up August 1st, so sign up now! The charming Rafael Benatar His lecture will include commercial and practical items from his working repertoire including material for stand-up and close-up, card magic and his latest version of the cups and balls - widely regarded as the most elegant in the world. He will also offer terrific advice to raise the level of all the magic you do through better construction, timing, misdirection and practice. The furiously funny Gaëtan Bloom In France, he is a top stand-up, close-up and television performer. His magic is diabolically clever and highly entertaining. You will be fooled very, very badly and love every minute of it. Cheng Lin's first magic lecture David Blaine calls him "an inspiration" and Paul Harris simply calls him "the man" and we have convinced Cheng Lin to give his first magic lecture. He has a touch with cards and coins that has to be seen to be believed and the visual nature of his magic has won him acclaim from some of the biggest names in magic. Grab your tickets now at www.montrealmagicjam.com Tickets are also available for Rafael Benatar's hands on workshop Sunday August 15 - $75 (very limited seating) Special thanks to Magicana - www.magicana.com Presented by Montreal Magic Jam - www.montrealmagicjam.com For additional information contact Grant McSorley - gmcsorley@gmail.com -------------------------------------------- 18. "Magicana" No. 344 Will Be In The Mail This Week -------------------------------------------- Message by Michael Woolf - Editor Magicana Magazine "Magicana" No. 344 will be in the mail to subscribers this week, for delivery by the end of July. Contents include extended coverage with many photographs from the recent New Zealand Convention including details of all lectures, workshops, public shows and competitions. Also we feature the second part of the Kohl & Co. story written exclusively for "Magicana" by Dick Kohlhafer. In addition our regular columns by Bernard Reid, David Ginn, Ken Ring, Wayne Rogers, Richard Webster, Terry Seabrooke and Roderick Mulgan. Remember "Magicana" has been published each two months since 1953 making it one of the world's longest-running magic magazines. "Magicana" is now printed in full colour on glossy paper. Annual subscription only $50 (NZ) $50 Aust.) $40 (USA) $40 (Can.), £20 (Stg.) from Editor/Publisher Michael Woolf (mail@michaelw.co.nz) Check the "Magicana" website www.magicana.co.nz" -------------------------------------------- 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. 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 2010 Alan Watson