* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand
* Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment
* www.magicnewzealand.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #807
Date: Sunday 2nd January 2011
Editor: Alan Watson
www.watson.co.nz
e-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com
================================
Hi here is the latest news
================================
 
1. Editor's Message
2. Pendragon Items To Be Auctioned
3. East Coast Memorial For Bob Elliott
4. Troublewits Back On Sale
5. The Stars Of Tomorrow Show
6. Thoughts on Success - #194 - Kyle Peron
7. Tony Brook In Conversation With Ariann Black - (Part 1)
8. Wanted: Items Of Rameses The Egyptian Wonderworker
9. Dallas 2011 I.B.M. Convention
10. Las Vegas Magic - January, 2011
11. Magic Bar In Stockholm, Sweden Celebrates One Year
12. Magic in the Rockies 2010 - 17th Annual
13. e-zine Archives
14. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice
 
--------------------------------------------
1. Editor's Message
--------------------------------------------
Our regular columnist Nick Lewin has been laid up over the 
Christmas period with pneumonia. If you get a chance drop him a 
message as I am sure he would love to hear from you. 
Nicklewin1@me.com
 
Last call:
The next New Zealand International Magicians Convention will be 
held in Christchurch at Labour weekend (from 19/10/2012 to 
22/10/2012).
 
We are currently looking for professional magicians to headline 
our convention and one of the criteria is that we would like to 
book an act that has not lectured or performed in Australia or 
New Zealand.
 
If you feel you fit this criteria please e-mail me your CV and I 
will forward it onto the convention committee for consideration.
 
Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line:
AW@Alan-Watson.com
 
--------------------------------------------
2. Pendragon Items To Be Auctioned
--------------------------------------------
Message by Peter Davis
 
Magician's Items to be Auctioned
 
Arroyo Grande - From the outside, it may look like any other 
storage locker.
 
On the inside, it's filled with metal trunks with the name 
Pendragon written all over them.

The storage unit belongs to Charlotte Yarbrough, the wife of 
Claude Yarbrough, also known as Magician Jonathon Pendragon.
 
Balance of article go to: 
http://www.kcoy.com/Global/story.asp?S=13737857
 
--------------------------------------------
3. East Coast Memorial For Bob Elliott
--------------------------------------------
Message by Eric DeCamps (US)
 
Time: Thursday, January 13, 2011 . 7:00pm - 10:00pm
 
Location: Parker Institute
271-11 76th Avenue
New Hyde Park, New York 11040-1433
Tel: 718-289-2100 / 516-247-6500
 
More info
Bob Elliott or as he was better known as, "Elliott the Great", 
left an enduring impression on the magic world. Not just only 
through his lifetime commitment toward the craft, but more 
importantly through his devotion towards the countless number of 
people that he nurtured and cultivated into becoming some of the 
finest magicians of our time.
 
Bob and his wife, Happy, were the heart of the New York magic 
scene for decades and their hospitality was legendary. Bob was a 
friend, confidant and collaborator to many of the most 
influential names in the world of magic. Names such as: Derek 
Dingle, Harry Lorayne, Herb Zarrow, Juan Tamariz, Arturo de 
Ascanio, Frank Garcia, David Roth, David Blaine and David 
Copperfield.
 
Bob served many years as an outstanding member of both the 
International Brotherhood of Magician's Rings #26 and #244 and 
eventually working up the chairs and becoming the president of 
both of these respected organizations. In 2003 the International 
Brotherhood of Magician's Ring #252, in Central Pennsylvania, 
named their Ring in his honor and it is now known as the Bob 
Elliott Ring.
 
Of all of Bob's accomplishments in the world of magic, his 
proudest achievement was helping to lead Tannen's Magic Camp. Bob 
served as director of the camp for young and upcoming magicians 
for over two decades. At the same time Bob was also the executive 
director for close up magic at the renowned Tannen's Magic 
Jubilees.
 
Bob's responsibilities were to organize and acquire the best 
sleight of hand artists from all over the globe to exhibit their 
talents at this world class event. In 1999 the Tannen's 
organization, in recognition for his lifetime achievement and 
dedication to the art of magic, presented Bob with the 
prestigious "Louie" Award.
 
When anyone brings up the name of Bob Elliott in conversation the 
comments are always the same; generous, considerate, giving, 
thoughtful, inspiring and most important of all ... dear friend.
 
Bob Elliott is survived by his wife of 38 years Happy, his 
daughter Jennifer and his son John.
 
--------------------------------------------
4. Troublewits Back On Sale
--------------------------------------------
Message by William (Bill) R. Ragsdale
 
I used to get all my Troublewits from Jim Reilly of New Zealand 
through dealers here in the U.S. Now this is no longer possible. 
Finally, I have learned how to make them (fold them that is, and 
this is a big secret).
 
By Jan. 2011 you can see me performing on YouTube with one I hand 
folded which is smaller in size than Jim made. Just type in Bill 
Ragsdale on YouTube. Mine are made from 26 x 40 inch paper called 
"Classic Linen Cover, 80 lb." See for yourself they work quite as 
well as the little bit larger size of Jim Reilly. Alas, paper is 
no longer cut in the larger size because presses are smaller. 
Mine are $35 postpaid in U.S.A., send check or money order and 
wait for it to clear. Credit cards and Pay Pal are not available.
 
Magically, Bill
 
William (Bill) R. Ragsdale
514 Heilig Avenue
Salisbury,NC 28144
704-630-0130
wragsdale@carolina.rr.com
www.magician.org/member/billragsdale
 
--------------------------------------------
5. The Stars Of Tomorrow Show
--------------------------------------------
Message from George Schindler (US)
 
The Stars of Tomorrow Show is among the most anticipated events 
at the S.A.M. Annual conventions. This year will be no exception. 
Performing in it allows young magicians to showcase their talent, 
experience the magic of a convention, and achieve international 
exposure and earn a fee.
 
The Society of American Magicians is seeking young performers for 
the "Stars of Tomorrow Show", a professional stage show that 
features magicians ages 7 through 17. The show is part of the 
annual S.A.M. National Convention that will be held July 13-16 in 
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. All the details are available at 
ttp://www.magicsym.com/sot.asp or contact Marlene Clark at 
860-349-8149 or afuntime@comcast.net - The deadline for 
applications is April 20 2011
 
Details on the other great convention shows are found on our 
website- www.magicsam.com
 
--------------------------------------------
6. Thoughts on Success - #194 - Kyle Peron
--------------------------------------------
Message by Kyle Peron (US)
magic4u02@aol.com
http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com
 
Ever since the day the magic bug bit me so many years ago, I have 
had a love for magic and a passion to succeed in what I do. 
Seeing a magician for the first time just mesmerized me and 
captivated my senses. Like a rock star, I looked upon this person 
as an idol and someone to respect and hold to a higher regard.
 
Like many entertainers, we all still hold certain magicians as 
our favorites. These are the folks we admire, respect and learn 
from. They are the ones who still get us excited and drive our 
passion for the art. Like many, we feel these folks can do no 
wrong as they have paved the way for us to follow.
 
Their success often times amazes us and in many ways fuels our 
own fire to succeed. But can we fall into a false assumption that 
these folks can do know wrong? Can we look upon these folks as 
being successful because they are "perfect" in all they do?
 
I would like to think that thinking this way can be a dangerous 
path to follow. The simple truth is that what makes these folks 
so successful is that 1) they are just like you and I and 2) they 
also have failed and will continue to fail. Now do not be alarmed 
with what I just said. It is not meant to be derogatory towards 
any successful magician. It is a mere fact is all.
 
A successful magician is successful first because they have 
traveled a path we have all been on before. No one wakes up and 
instantly is a success without going through trials and 
tribulations. We all have had bad shows including the magicians 
we see as being so successful. Like ourselves, these folks can 
share the same horror stories we have all had.
 
So what is the difference here? What makes them continue to be a 
success? I think the main difference is in how a successful 
minded person handles situations. Failure is not failure to these 
folks. The key is that failure is a stepping stone to success. If 
you learn even one thing from any "failure" then it is not 
failure at all. Thomas Edison failed over 900 times to find a 
filament that worked. The point is he learned each time and never 
gave up.
 
That brings me to another point. Successful entertainers are that 
way because when they fall down, they get back up. They are not 
satisfied with staying down. Drive and determination is what 
inspires them to push forward, learn from past mistakes and 
develop a sense of constant learning through doing.
 
Anyone can be a success. Any one of us can choose to be at that 
higher level we seem to admire so much of others. The difference 
is the ability to take direct action for your own success. Being 
lazy is not going to get you very far. You must have a desire and 
passion for wanting the success. You must be willing to fail and 
learn along the way.
 
If you want success then hang around other success-minded 
thinkers. These are the people you want to associate with and to 
tap into their way of thinking and doing. But while you stand 
near them and admire them, do not think they got there because it 
was handed to them. Instead realize they got there through hard 
work, determination and a passion for doing it right.
 
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.
 
--------------------------------------------
7. Tony Brook In Conversation With Ariann Black - (Part 1)
--------------------------------------------
Message by Anthony Darkstone Brook - Europe/USA
 
I am very proud to call Ariann a special and valued friend. It is 
a feeling that is shared by all those who know her well. She is a 
warm and generous person, deeply caring and totally passionate 
about The Art of Magic. Johnny & Pam Thompson, Penny Wiggins, The 
Amazing Jonathan, are just a few of the Las Vegas stars who 
consider her an exceptional talent.
 
Last year, she opened in her own show entitled," Ariann Black - 
Secrets at The Westin Hotel & Casino. She is a stunningly 
attractive lady with all the glamour, style, class and 
sophistication of a Monroe or Loren. She has a wonderful sense of 
humor and many other exceptional qualities that make her a true 
Superstar in the real sense of the word. She exudes a 
professionalism that has kept her in the forefront of 
International Magical stardom for well over a decade.
 
Crowned "Female Magician of the Year" no less than three times by 
the IMS, she has Starred in and Produced her own shows in Las 
Vegas. I am always in awe of her performances and must publicly 
state I am a huge fan. I was delighted, once again, to spend 
quality time with her when I was recently in Vegas.
 
She has appeared on the stages of major venues, TV shows and in 
films. A quick perusal of You Tube, Google or any other Internet 
Search will bring up myriad references that testify to her skill 
and talent. Any further words of mine at this juncture will be 
superfluous.
 
www.arainnblack.com
 
TB: Hello Ariann. Your schedule is hectic and, as always, you 
have a ton of things to do. So thanks for taking time to stop and 
converse awhile.
 
AB: Hi Tony. My pleasure . Always good to spend time with good 
friends. You are right my schedules are hectic but good hectic, 
you know what I mean. I enjoy being busy and performing.
 
TB: "Can't sing, can't act, can dance a little" - those absurd 
words were once used by someone who didn't know any better to 
describe Fred Astaire after an audition; you had a similar 
experience after you enrolled at the Grant MacEwan Musical 
Theater in Edmonton ..
 
AB: Yes! About the Grant MacEwan Theater. Looking back, I always 
laugh out loud about that after I finished High School, I was 
accepted there and in order to attend the school I needed to 
sing, dance, and perform a monologue, but after one year they 
told me that I wasn't dedicated to the theater, at least their 
type of theater, and was asked to leave the school. In their 
minds, there was no room for magic in the theater.
 
TB: Obviously, they were not much good at spotting potential 
talent. I can see why you laugh out loud. I would too and am at 
the absurdity of their remarks! I brought that up because it is a 
great inspiration story to any young performer who experiences 
negativity and setbacks. Apart from your talent and skills as a 
performer, there is a dedication within you that spurred you to 
success.
 
AB: I have always known that magic was meant to be a part of my 
life; you have to have determination to survive in this business. 
I have a dedicated myself and the people who work for me, to keep 
focused on my goals. As a result of that tenacity and sheer hard 
work I have made it to where I am today.
 
TB: Absolutely. Great talent is not enough. As most of us know, 
we have to not only pursue the dream but dedicate ourselves to 
achieving it. Let us converse about Female Magicians. I know this 
a topic that interests you for both personal and professional 
reasons. You and I have many mutual friends who are World Class 
Lady Magicians. We have in the past, talked about this topic of 
Lady Magicians at some length .. one in particular, our mutual 
friend Celeste Evans who truly blazed a trail there are several 
other noteworthy names we could also mention but, one of my 
favorites is a good friend of yours and mine, in fact, it was she 
who introduced us many years ago.
 
That remarkable lady is Cherie Kay from Houston, Texas. Cherie is 
another leading figure in the forefront of World Class Magicians. 
Cherie is a family friend and my wife, my son and I are huge fans 
of her work. I'm bringing up this topic of Lady Magicians because 
even in 2010, there is a still a hint of reluctance on the part 
of audiences and indeed many male performers to grant full 
acceptance. Share some of your views on this ...
End of Part 1
 
(Hidden in this article are deliberate grammatical & spelling 
mistakes. After much hard work, my proofreader & I have included 
these to please those who enjoy finding them.)
 
Send comments & corrections to:- tbrook47@gmail.com
 
--------------------------------------------
8. Wanted: Items Of Rameses The Egyptian Wonderworker
--------------------------------------------
Message by Chris Woodward (UK)
 
Wanted: Does anyone out there have a photograph/postcard/theatre 
programme, poster or brochure relating to Rameses the Egyptian 
Wonderworker? (1876-1930) His name was really Albert Marchinski 
and I would love to have an image of him if anyone can help!
 
Many thanks and Happy New Year! Chris Woodward 
c.woodward@tesco.net
 
--------------------------------------------
9. Dallas 2011 I.B.M. Convention
--------------------------------------------
Whatever your plans for the celebration... make sure that by the 
time you go out, you've registered for the Dallas 2011 I.B.M. 
Convention. With so many changes in store, it's the magic 
convention to attend in 2011.
 
New talent, new events, new format, new venues... you'll have to 
experience it to believe it!
 
By registering before December 31, you will save up to $145 per 
person, as the pricing jumps to the next pricing tier after the 
first of the year. So, if you haven't taken advantage of this 
discount registration yet, do it now!
 
Click Here to register now! 
https://www.magician.org/portal/ibmconvention_signup
 
So what is new you ask? Up until now we've been fairly tight 
lipped about many of the plans. But we want you to know what's in 
store for you, so you'll get your registration in today and take 
advantage of the great savings.
 
Top Ten Reasons To Be At Dallas 2011
 
10. Revamped Youth Events. We're including activities and events 
for our young magicians, as well as the most exciting way to 
showcase their talents for all of our members.
 
9. More Cabaret Shows. There's a lot to be said about seeing a 
great performer in an intimate theatre. You'll see a variety of 
cabaret shows - more than we've ever produced before - and with 
some unique twists.
 
8. New and Improved Dealers Room. The Dealers Room showcase is 
getting a makeover too... It will be an exciting hub and 
gathering place for registrants with new fun things to experience 
and see Some terrific dealers are already on board, with more on 
the way. You'll want to see what they have to offer!
 
7. Themed Events and Parties. From our opening night event to 
closing night party we're spending more money and effort on 
creating a fun environment with food and decor!
 
6. Prestigious Contests. Many contestants have agreed that the 
I.B.M. Gold Cups Contest and I.B.M. Gold Medal Contest are the 
best run contests in magic. It just got better!
 
5. Dinner and 4th Show Included. For the first time, for one 
price, EVERYONE gets dinner and a show! A specially-developed 
stage show experience in a uniquely-themed environment make for 
an unforgettable evening of great food, incredible magic and 
memories.
 
4. Better Close-up Conditions. The Close-up rooms for Contests 
and for the booked talent are better than ever. More intimate. 
Better set-up. The best close-up rooms ever!
 
3. Special Interest Group Sessions. You can choose your specific 
area of interest and attend a variety of informative lectures and 
workshops based on what YOU want to learn. And that's in addition 
to all of the General Sessions and Lectures!
 
2. Talent Line-up. We're still holding this close to the 
chest...but we guarantee you'll see a fantastic line-up of some 
amazing magic stars and some of the most exciting acts you've 
never seen at a magic convention before. Plus, each of the stage 
shows will be packaged in an exciting new way....More on that 
later.
 
1. Dallas Sheraton is Ideal. The room rate of $99 is the lowest 
it has been in years. All of the convention activities are 
centrally located and just an elevator ride from your room. And 
the beautiful historic Majestic Theatre is just a short walk 
through the park (literally) from the hotel.
 
To hear all about everything first make sure you friend us on 
Facebook at
www.facebook.com/ibmconvention for all the latest details!
 
--------------------------------------------
10. Las Vegas Magic - January, 2011
--------------------------------------------
Message by David Neubauer - www.dnmagic.com
 
Magic Production Shows:
Aaron Radatz - Magical Entertainer
2:30 pm (Dark Tues. & Wed.) - Clarion.
www.aaronradatz.tix.com/Schedule.asp?OrganizationNumber=3326
 
Amazing Johnathan
9 pm (Dark Sun. & Mon.) - Planet Hollywood.
 
Criss Angel - Believe
7 (except Wed. & Thurs.) & 9:30 pm (Dark Sun. - Mon.) - Luxor.
www.cirquedusoleil.com/crissangel
 
David Copperfield - An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion
7:30 & 10 pm (also 4:30 Sat.) - MGM Grand.
www.mgm.admission.com/cgi/guide.cgi?l=EN
 
Dirk Arthur - Wild Magic
7:00 & 9:00 pm Mon. - Thurs. 9:00 pm Fri. - Sat. (Dark Sun.) - O'Sheas.
Dark Dec. 25, additional show Dec. 26 at 7 p.m.
www.harrahs.com/osheas/dirkarthur.html
Buy 2 tickets and receive a complementary plush tiger.
 
Gerry McCambridge - The Mentalist
7:30 pm (Dark Wed.) - Planet Hollywood.
Comp Tickets and info: www.mentalist.com
 
Jeff McBride's Wonderground
3rd Thurs. each month - The Olive (3850 E Sunset Dr.)
Non-stop Magic & Variety Performance Art 7:30 to midnight.
A whole new show each month. Free with 2 drink minimum.
www.vegaswonderground.com Streaming LIVE: www.streetofcards.tv
 
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.
 
Mike Hammer Comedy Magic Show
5 pm (Dark Sun. & Mon.) - Four Queens.
www.tickets.fourqueens.com
 
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
 
Paul Vigil - Mentalist Extraordinaire
Close-up & Parlour 7-10 pm (Dark Sun. - Thurs.) No Cover.
Formal show 7-9 pm (Wed. only) Cover/RSVP - King Ink, Mirage.
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.
Opens February 8th.
6 & 8 pm (Dark Sun. - Tues.) - Crown Room, Hilton.
Seating limited to 50 people per performance.
www.vegasinsidetips.com/HILTONshow.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. Dark Dec. 12-Jan 1.
www.hooterscasinohotel.com/entertainment/the-todd-paul-show/
 
Zen Magic - Ai & YuKi vs. Tengu
4 pm - Saxe Theater, Planet Hollywood.
www.saxetheater.com/saxe-thaeter-zen-magic.htm
Kids free with paid adult.
 
Magic In Production Shows:
Bram Charles
2 sets between 10 pm - 2 am (Dark Mon. - Thurs.)
The Can Can Room on Industrial.
 
Circus Sundays
Seth Grabel - Sundays, 9:00 pm to Midnight
Rhumbar at The Mirage.
 
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.
 
Triumph - It Runs on Steam
Larry Fischer and LaRaf - Hilton.
4 pm (Dark Fri. - Sat., 2 pm Wed.)
7 pm & 9:30 pm Sun.
www.lvhilton.com/Play/Entertainment/Hilton-Theater-Calendar/Triumph
 
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.
 
Vegas! The Show
Joseph Gabriel.
7 & 9 (Dark Thur.) - Planet Hollywood.
www.vegastheshow.com/index.html
 
Other Vegas Magic:
Shimshi - Resident Magician - Wynn/Encore.
Seth Grabel - Fri. & Sat. 9-11 pm - Foundation Room, Mandalay 
Bay.
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
 
January, 2011
Jan. 24-26: Magic & Mystery School - Master Class for Balloon 
Twisters - Jeff McBride, Tobias Beckwith, Todd Neufeld, Don 
Caldwell.
www.magicalwisdom.com
 
Jan. 28-30: Magic & Mystery School - Master Class - Jeff McBride, 
Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith.
www.magicalwisdom.com
 
February, 2011
Feb. 27 - Mar. 2: The World Magic Seminar - Juan Tamariz, Ayala & 
Tanya, James Dimmare, Jon Armstrong, Nathan Burton, Sophie Evans, 
Jonathan Pendragon, Ginny and Simon Aronson, Peter Samelson, 
Skilldini, Stan Allen, Henry Vargas.
www.theworldmagicseminar.com
 
March 2011
Mar. 6-12: Magic & Mystery School - Extended Master Class: 
Alternate Spring Break - Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias 
Beckwith and Lawrence Hass.
www.magicalwisdom.com
 
Mar. 15-16: Magic & Mystery School - Focus on Quick Change Jeff 
McBride, Lee Alex.
www.magicalwisdom.com
 
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
 
June, 2011
Jun. 20-26: Magic & Mystery School - Advanced Master Class - Jeff 
McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith.
www.magicalwisdom.com
 
July, 2011
Jul. 18-24: Magic & Mystery School - Extended Master Class - Jeff 
McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith and Lawrence Hass.
www.magicalwisdom.com
 
August, 2011
Aug. 14-17: MAGIC Live! celebrating 20 years of MAGIC Magazine - 
Orleans.
www.magicmagazine.com/live
 
Aug. 19-25: Magic & Mystery School - Extended Master Class - Jeff 
McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith and Lawrence Hass.
www.magicalwisdom.com
 
October, 2011
Oct. 7-9: Magic & Mystery School - Focus on Street Magic - Jeff 
McBride.
www.magicalwisdom.com
 
Oct. 19-22: Magic & Mystery School - Magic and Meaning 2011 - 
Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Robert E. Neale and Lawrence Hass.
www.magicalwisdom.com
 
November, 2011
Nov. 10-13: Magic & Mystery School - Magic and Medicine - Jeff 
McBride, Eugene Burger.
www.magicalwisdom.com
 
--------------------------------------------
11. Magic Bar In Stockholm, Sweden Celebrates One Year
--------------------------------------------
Message by Christina Nyman (Luxembourg)
 
The one and only Magic Bar - restaurant with a magic theme - in 
northern Europe has recently celebrated its first year in 
business. The restaurant with a very classy magic inspired 
interior is situated in central Stockholm, the capital of Sweden.
 
Tablehopping and stand up magic is on the menu every week. Some 
of Sweden's most prominent magicians are regular performers. You 
can delight in the showmanship of Tom Stone, Johan Ståhl and 
Micke Askernäs to name a few. The Swedish comedy genius Johnny 
Lonn even celebrated his 40 year anniversary as a magician by 
performing his one-man show at Magic Bar in November.
 
See you at the Magic Bar,
http://www.magicbar.se/
 
Christina Nyman
christina.magic@yahoo.com
 
--------------------------------------------
12. Magic in the Rockies 2010 - 17th Annual
--------------------------------------------
Message by Edward Hurtubis
 
IBM Ring 250, The Presto-Digitators
Fort Collins, CO
A Review by David Goodsell
 
When I reviewed this convention a year ago, I wrote that Magic in 
the Rockies had become a favorite convention for many of the best 
names in magic. I find myself thinking that again as I start this 
review, and struggle with the improbability that everything I say 
can be true. This really was a delightful gathering!
 
In the first official event of the convention, a lecture by 
Christopher Taylor, he began with this story: It seems that back 
before he became heavily involved in magic, Christopher was a 
tournament-winning marshal arts competitor. He and a new friend 
went to a country-western restaurant/bar for dinner. It was 
crowded, loud, and fun. There was a small dance floor and several 
couples were dancing. Like in some movie, the front doors flew 
open and several large, rough-looking bikers stomped in, taking 
over by their mere presence. Big, imposing, and loud, they added 
chairs around tables to accommodate their numbers, encroaching on 
the dance floor.
 
Words were exchanged between bikers and rednecks. Disaster seemed 
imminent. Christopher's new friend, slight of build, perhaps too 
young to be in the bar, stood up, looked over the bikers, and 
walked up to the loudest table. Without a word, and to the dismay 
of everyone, he snatched a lit cigarette from a biker chick. He 
took a puff and blew a perfect smoke ring. Then he placed the 
cigarette into his clenched fist. When his hand opened, the 
cigarette was gone. Deathly silence.. Then, the biggest, 
meanest-looking, loudest of the bikers said rapturously, "Magic! 
I love magic! Do some more."
 
"I'd be happy to," said Christopher's friend. "Let's move 
some of these chairs and tables back from the dance area so I 
will have room to work. " This was done, he did 30 minutes, and 
the war was averted.
 
Such is the power of magic!

What a great story! And what a great way to start a 
convention!

Twelve lectures!

Christopher's lecture was on mental magic, much of it using 
special gimmicks, including electronic props, for which he is 
known. He emphasized that they should be used only for "distinct 
theatrical advantage." For his opening and perhaps strongest 
effect, Christopher showed three silver coins and one copper 
coin. These were tossed into an old-fashioned snap-frame purse. 
With his back to four audience helpers, he discerned which person 
took the copper coin. Powerful!
 
When Craig Dickson takes an interest in something, he masters it. 
His lecture was all about PK effects and ideas. With magnets on 
his knees and wrists he gave a very relaxed, almost informal, 
lecture on the use of magnets to create miracles. He didn't do 
tricks; he just did climaxes. Electronic candles mysteriously 
lit, flipper coins penetrated glass tumblers, coins balanced and 
vanished, telekinetic pencils and feathers moved just a little, 
just enough. I would apply Christopher Taylor's dictum to 
magnets - use only for "distinct theatrical value."
 
With just three effects Docc Hilford gave us a master's 
course in the presentation of mentalism. Actually, Docc shared 
with us his standard cabaret act, the one he has used for years 
to great acclaim in Florida and, more recently, in a European 
tour. Imagine discerning which three automobiles, including all 
their pertinent information, were apparently randomly selected 
from among the hundreds listed in one of those auto trader 
magazines, the ones that have pages and pages each with dozens of 
photographs and information about cards for sale. Wow! The method 
was great, of course, but his handling of the people, the thought 
behind what he said and how he said it, were so theatrically 
sound that it was a delight to watch. The other two effects were 
equally entertaining and instructive.
 
Bob Solari's favorite mantra is: "Yes, I can do that!" And 
everything he taught us in his lecture met that criterion. He 
duplicated small figures drawn on business cards (spotting the 
figure with diabolical misdirection), predicted the number of 
matches left in a paper match folder, performed Brain Wave two 
different ways without using a Brain Wave Deck, bent iron nails, 
sliced a knife through a $100 bill without harming it, and more, 
all in less than an hour. I read the minds of those around me: 
"Yes, I can do that!"
 
Barrie Richardson's mini-lectures opened for both Jeff McBride 
and Wayne Dobson. Barrie is one of our national magical treasures 
and a man who reminds us that to be highly effective magic does 
not need to be loud or brash. He recited Robert Frost's classic 
"Birches" and performed the ancient hydrostatic glass effect from 
our youth to emphasize the conclusion. As Barrie pointed out, his 
opening material is very different from Jeff McBride's opening 
material - a powerful example of the basic concept: "Do the stuff 
that's you." Later he produced a tall glass of water as he 
removed his coat, one of his signature pieces.
 
Jeff McBride asked us, "How do you want your audience to think of 
you after you have finished?" Have you ever thought of it? Jeff 
has, and the answer is important. Jeff enjoys equal fame as a 
performer and as a teacher, and we received the benefit of both 
in his lecture. While explaining how tricks, routines, acts and 
shows all share a reliance on a strong, effective beginning, a 
lyrical middle and a powerful ending, Jeff taught us the handling 
of the Japanese butterfly effect, in which the performer keeps 
two butterflies hovering in the air using a hand fan. His 
brilliant follow up to this was a snowstorm using a hundred 
colorful, tissue butterflies. Among other things, he also 
explained some of the simple handlings fundamental to his concept 
of card manipulations without tears, including card productions, 
fan productions and jumbo fan productions. No matter how many 
times one sees Jeff McBride, it is impossible not to me motivated 
by his remarkable energy.
 
Most magicians know that England's Wayne Dobson was a magic 
superstar in his home country before contracting multiple 
sclerosis. Some would say that Wayne is disabled. While it is 
true that he has limited physical abilities, his mind is more 
creative than ever, and his humor just as sharp. He has devised 
presentations for some of his most popular effects in which the 
audience members do all the card handling, for example his Tossed 
Out Deck routine and Echo, a delightful routine in which an 
audience assistant (in this case Docc Hilford, which added to the 
fun immeasurably) repeats the directions Wayne gives while 
performing those directions. He concluded his lecture with 
several strong effects using marked cards.
 
People lined up early for the joint lecture by French magicians 
Sebastien Clergue and Mathieu Bich. The closest of friends, they 
are very different in their approach. Sebastien suggested that we 
should seriously ask ourselves why we do a trick, explaining the 
importance of establishing an emotional hook for any routine we 
do. He performed a type of brain wave effect where all the cards 
were scorched but one, or alternately, only one card in a pack 
was scorched, even though the card case was scorched. The theme 
was a house fire with only a deck of cards left. Sebastien also 
performed and explained his excellent "bad news" newspaper fold, 
a variation on the hundred-dollar bill switch in which the bad 
news headlines change to good news headlines, along with a 
delightful change of a photo of a crying baby to a happy one. 
Mathieu discovered a remarkable way to use decal pips to create 
an effect in which the pips on a selected and signed card 
disappeared, leaving the signature on a blank card. There was 
much more, of course, but those were some of the highlights. We 
hope to see these two young magicians from France back in the 
States soon!
 
Larry Wilson says he has never had a real job in his life. He 
does not equate what he does with work. Sharing his philosophy 
with us, his focus was on what we needed to do to lift our 
performance up among the winners: Abandon our comfort zones; 
consider who we are performing for; identify our biggest 
obstacles and devise a way to seriously attack them. He didn't 
teach one trick. I bought his notes.
 
Yes some of us made it to Danny Archer's early morning lecture, 
which was filled with good, solid magic and great tips, like 
making a dye tube out of a thumb tip with lead tape to give it 
heft, and removing Sharpie markings with a dry erase marker. I'm 
glad I made it there. Others went to the Merritt Sammons youth 
lecture, another annual attraction that helps make this a great 
convention. The focus was on coin magic this year, and the kids 
learned some great, practical material.
 
The highlight of Levent's lecture was his billiard ball work as 
he presented the great Roy Benson's act. Levent is the expert on 
the late Roy Benson, and can perform Benson's act the way that 
Benson himself did it. Those who were able to stay until mid-day 
on Sunday were well rewarded, not only by Levent, but also by 
Sandy Marshall, who closed the convention by sharing many 
memories from the Life and Times of his late father, Jay 
Marshall.
 
Twelve lectures. Wow!

Three Special Events:
What magician doesn't want to do a séance? In a late-night 
session Rick Maue and Docc Hilford presented a theatrical séance 
for us. With four representatives from the audience seated at the 
table on stage, solids passed through solids, pendulums swung, 
and Docc (the medium) performed his excellent slate writing 
routine. The most effective spirit manifestation for me was the 
simple ringing of a crystal goblet tied by a thread to a stick. 
Lovely, lovely, lovely. Great fun was a fine bit of acting at the 
end by Docc as his spirit contact became furious with us all for 
a reason we will always ponder.
 
Doc Eason made bar magic synonymous with Colorado over the past 
20 years hosting the Tower Magic Bar in Aspen, Colorado. Magic in 
the Rockies picked up on that early, and a highlight of every 
Rockies' convention is the Rocky Mountain Magic Bar, held late 
Friday night in the Marriott with closed circuit coverage into 
the lecture room. We had a chance to see Doc perform his classic 
magic to a delighted crowd as well as another master bar 
magician, Bob Sheets, and others. Probably the highlight of the 
evening was Bob performing the classic Bra Trick, politically 
incorrect in just about any other setting. With just this one 
effect Bob gave us 15 minutes of great fun.
 
The Saturday Night Soirée is another annual special event, hosted 
by Eric Mead, Doc Eason and friends. This is geared to adults and 
can get a little spicy at times, but tonight it was reasonably 
tame and a lot of fun. Levent picked up where he had left off in 
the Headliner Show (see below) and gave us another 20 minutes of 
great comedy magic; however, he also did a marvelous Linking Ring 
routine using what seemed like two sets of rings. At one point he 
had four people in the audience holding rings in various forms of 
linkage. 

Levent burns a ton of energy in his performance, racing 
back and forth from stage to audience, among the audience members 
and back, and the flash and clang of large steel rings as they 
linked and unlinked was wonderful to behold. Danny Archer 
followed with his baby chicken marionette that found a selected 
card. The change of pace from Levent played very well. Bob 
Sheets, always funny, and Eric Jones, one of magic new young 
stars with cards and coins, was also excellent. I crashed about 
this time, but I understand the fun went on for some time.
 
Three Shows:
A regular feature of the Rockies convention is the Kids 
Performing For Kids afternoon show. A couple hundred kids in the 
audience, guests from several local senior citizen facilities, 
and the rest of us, of course, enjoyed watching young magicians 
float silver balls and a wooden table, manipulate billiard balls 
and cards, perform classic kid show effects like the ABC Blocks 
and topsy turvy soda bottles, produce a giant straw from a paper 
bag, cause a white knot to jump to a red rope, find a selected 
card, produce a silk bouquet, cause a handkerchief to dance and 
find a date for the prom in an empty crate. One routine worthy of 
special note was by Blake Nielsen, who performed some nice 
billiard ball work surrounding his piece de résistance. Blake 
began with a pencil drawing of a bud vase on a large art pad. A 
pencil drawing of a rose appeared in the drawing of the vase. 
This drawing became a colored drawing of the red rose with green 
leaves and stem, and then became a real rose. Well done, Blake!
 
The show included three adult performances: Eddie Goldstein did a 
good job as emcee. Leland Faulkner delighted everyone with his 
chapeau act, and Peter Samuelson shared a precious memory of his 
father's snowstorm paperweight by producing his own snowstorm to 
close the show.
 
I.B.M. and S.A.M. contest winner Pattrick Przysiecki opened the 
Headliner Close-Up Show with a routine themed around travel. He 
produced a world globe from under his close-up mat, followed by a 
Chinese coin and cord routine. He vanished a signed bill, which 
appeared inside a small world globe. This was followed by a three 
shell game, which ended with multiple productions of large dice 
and a large nut, among other things. It is this surprise addition 
of a double, or even a triple, climax that marks many of Pattrick's 
routines.
 
Two young French magicians, Sebastien Clergue and Mathieu Bich, 
followed Pattrick. Their creativity and presentations were 
fantastic. Using a deck of cards on which are represented 
phobias - fear of flying, fear of heights, fear of clowns, etc. - 
Sebastien had two selected and shuffled back into the deck. 
Placed on the table, the deck cut itself twice, to the selected 
cards. The Haunted Deck, you say. But, each time the selected 
card was somehow kicked out of the deck onto the tabletop - a 
startling revelation! Another of Sebastien's routines was about a 
magician (himself) who has a short-term memory problem and used a 
deck of cards filled with written notes to help him remember. 
This was very amusing and ended with three facedown cards 
revealing a date just thought of by an audience helper.
 
Mathieu performed a lovely routine in which four card quarters, 
shown to be an Ace of Diamonds, were slowly restored in Mathieu's 
hands only to become a King of Spades, the spectator's chosen 
card. To quiet musical background, Mathieu had a spectator spread 
cards face down on the table and slowly lower a glass bottle onto 
just one card. The rest were removed. A rolled piece of paper was 
removed from the neck of the bottle. On it was the name of the 
card selected. He concluded his set by using a deck of blank 
face/blank back cards to reveal a selected card. Large black 
letters spelling the card mysteriously appearing as the deck was 
spread.
 
The Saturday Night Public Show was equally outstanding. Colorado 
TV personality Steve Spangler did a fine job as Master of 
Ceremonies, performing emcee bits between acts. Steve is noted as 
the "science guy," and his air drum business with a delightful 
little girl from the audience scored big. Any size bucket with a 
hole in the bottom and a plastic cover over the other end will 
send an airwave several yards when the plastic cover is struck. 
If the bucket is filled with smoke, it will shoot smoke rings 
across a room. The airwave is powerful enough to knock Styrofoam 
cups off of heads - and that's what Steve did.
 
Levent opened the show and stole the show. He was WONDERFUL! What 
a creative, fun act. We know Levent for his magnificent 
sleight-of-hand videos and his equally great Roy Benson book. We 
know he is a successful cruise show magician. What we did not 
know was that he is so, so funny! His many bits with a 
ratty-looking stuffed bunny brought down the house again and 
again. We have never laughed more. He does weave his excellent 
billiard ball work into his comedy routines, so the audience does 
know that Levent is a true magician.
 
Docc Hilford has a commanding personality but is also able to 
weave his own brand of humor into his performances. Mentalism 
must be kept moving, and Docc can do that. His Las Vegas Craps 
routine left the audience bewildered and amused. Good job!
Paul Draper from Las Vegas surprised everyone with his very 
special vocal rendition plus his favorite Linking Rings.
 
How long has it been since you saw the eggbeater thought 
projector? Probably half of you have no idea what we are talking 
about. This 60 year-old routine was hilarious in the hands of pro 
Larry Wilson. A boy on stage selects a card and puts it in his 
pocket. He is handed an old fashioned, hand turned, egg beater 
and is told to place the handle on his forehead, think of his 
card, and turn the handle. Meanwhile Larry flashes a jumbo 
version of the kid's card. At the count of three every member of 
the audience shouts out the name of the card in the kid's pocket. 
Great! Wilson also did the tossed out deck. The magicians in the 
know enjoyed his technique; the non-magicians were amazed!
 
The closer was Mr. Energy himself, Jeff McBride. What a showman! 
The flash and color, the large light sticks in motion like a 
man-made laser light show, and a dozen or so other special 
effects filled his opening. This was followed by his lovely water 
bowls routine and the poignant sorcerer's apprentice miser's 
dream routine which ends with his giving the wand to his young 
assistant. He closed with his signature card manipulation and 
card scaling that always lifts the audience to even higher energy 
levels. This was a great way to end a great show! Yes, we have 
seen some of the routines before, but Jeff always seems to add 
something here or there to improve what is already near 
perfection.
 
Epilogue:
I asked Craig Dickson why he felt that Magic in the Rockies is 
such a popular convention. He replied that he felt it is 
reminiscent of old-time conventions, where magic stars rubbed 
shoulders with the average magician, where you could see them 
sessioning together late after the last official activity of the 
night. Barrie Richardson said the pros come here to "fill up on 
magic," which greatly benefits the average magician. Ed, Lew, Tim 
and their helpers take pains to make everyone feel at home and 
welcome. Craig reminded me that this is a convention where stars 
who are not booked are still likely to show up as registrants, 
just to be a part of the fun, often offering to participate 
without expectation of special privileges. It's family, and once 
you attend, you will always be a part of it.
 
Selah!
 
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