* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.magicnewzealand.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #818 Date: Sunday 27th February 2011 Editor: Alan Watson www.watson.co.nz E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================   1. Editor's Message 2. The College of Magic - Worldwide Coverage This Week On CNN 3. Tribute To Steve Dacri - The Ultimate Showman 4. Coming Up In The March 2011 M-U-M 5. March Issue Of Genii Magazine 6. Meetings With Remarkable Magicians # 21 7. Client vs Magician Relationship - #198 - Kyle Peron 8. Tony Brook In Conversation With Vinny Grosso (Part 1) 9. Las Vegas Magic - March, 2011 10. "GeniiCon" - Sydney, Australia 11. Carney's Wonder Cabaret - Kirkland Performance Center 12. Phil 'Trust Me' Cass - In The USA 13. David Ginn Cancels Blackpool 14. The 37 Annual Winter Carnival Of Magic 15. Any Card At Any Number 16. Stage Magic And Illusion Presentations 17. An Evening With A True Legend Of Magic 18. Update FISM Oceania 19. Bristol Day of Magic 2011 20. "A Lifetime of Magic" - Charles Gauci 21. Blackpool Magic Convention review 22. e-zine Archives 23. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice   -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- We are sending out the Magic New Zealand e-zine earlier as we have been overwhelmed with the messages of concern from our readers about the New Zealand earthquake in Christchurch which is in the South Island.   Rescue workers from 17 different countries are now trying to locate survivors buried under the collapsed buildings after the devastating 6.3 magnitude earthquake on Tuesday. Sad to report as of tonight they have found 98 who have died and 200+ are still missing and the death toll is expected to rise dramatically over the next few days. This is New Zealand's greatest catastrophe.   With regards to magicians, Greg Britt and his wife Sue who live in Christchurch are safe as they are on tour in the North Island. Tony and Mary Wilson who are holidaying in the South Island are also safe.   Pleased to report Richard Webster, Wayne Rogers, Michael Woolf, Michele and I are also safe and well as we live in the North Island. On checking with the local magicians in the earthquake area all have come though unscathed.   On behalf of the magicians in New Zealand I would like to thank the many hundreds of magicians who have written to me from all over the world for their messages of concern and support - we are OK.   Alan Watson   --------------------------------------------- We wish Charles Gauci (Australia) a quick recovery from his triple heart bypass surgery this coming Wednesday 2nd March 2011. (See his article # 20 in this issue)   ---------------------------------------------- Are entertainers a dying breed?   Careers Headed for the Trash Pile according to an article Forbes magazine.   10 Top Dead Or Dying Career Paths Computer Operators **Stage performers**   "In some cases, market and technology changes simply speed up an occupation's decline once it goes out of fashion, Shatkin says. Stage performers-a category that includes magicians, jugglers, clowns and dancers-suffered a steep five-year decline of 61%. Increased interest in movies and home entertainment technologies, including video games, he says, has decreased the demand for live performances."   Postal Service Mail Sorters Holistic Healers Office and Administrative Support Workers Telemarketers and Door-To-Door Salespeople Photo Processors Seamstresses Radio Operators Carpenters   Economists believe that many of the jobs lost in the "great recession" will be coming back. Construction and high finance positions that were temporarily slashed, for example, are expected to steadily return. Regardless of the economic dip, however, several career paths have been declining for years due to larger structural changes in the economy. These dying occupations are headed for the trash pile.   Balance of the story go to:   http://www.forbes.com/2011/01/18/jobs-outlook-decline-forbes-woman-leadership-careers_slide.html     Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com   -------------------------------------------- 2. The College of Magic - Worldwide Coverage This Week On CNN -------------------------------------------- Message by Craig   The College of Magic received worldwide coverage this week on CNN International!   Check out the video clip:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjC4pG1fxz0   If you'd like to help make a difference in a young child's life through the power of magic - then visit http://www.sponsorastudent.co.za   -------------------------------------------- 3. Tribute To Steve Dacri - The Ultimate Showman -------------------------------------------- Message by Anthony Darkstone Brook   The Martians Weep   The Martians stand in solemn silence and weep. For those who saw him perform you will know what I mean. For those who don't know, that is how he referred to the Sponge Balls .. .. he called them Martians. The Sponge bunnies are not hopping anymore but they are in a warm place. He always, with superb timing told how the bunnies went to a warm place before Multiplying.   A handful of bunnies appearing in a spectators hand was just pure Magic and the skill behind it pure genius. You had to see it to appreciate it. He was the Master of all the Sponge routines. For over 30 years, he was the only Magician to use the Classic Force without fail on lay-people and magicians alike. Many great Cardcians acknowledge his skill. He was truly one the great Magical Entertainers. He truly knew how to charm an audience. My past articles on him testify to his talent. Much of his story is contained within those articles.   We had known each other for many years. He and Jan are close family friends. He was very kind and gave my son Charles his first break in his show at The Orleans in Las Vegas eight years ago. We worked together on many projects and spent many great times together at his home in Vegas. He made great Martinis!   One time, he was so gracious and allowed my brother (a non-magician) back-stage at The Sahara to watch him set-up. He later gave my brother a private close-up show at his home in Vegas. This was the pre-view of the show at The Hilton. He was a wonderful and generous friend.   I am the Director of International Operations on The Magic Web Channel which he founded http://www.magicwebchannel.com/index_HOME_noFlash.htm   We also worked together since 2009 on Vegas Inside Tips. After my "Tony Brook In Conversation With ." articles appeared in parts on Magic New Zealand he featured them in full on Vegas Inside Tips. http://www.vegasinsidetips.com/TONYBROOK.html   I am saddened and will miss him greatly.   Shalom RIP. Respectfully Tony Brook   -------------------------------------------- 4. Coming Up In The March 2011 M-U-M -------------------------------------------- Message by George Schindler (US)   Coming Up in the March 2011 M-U-M   By Michael Close, Editor   Our March cover subject is Eric Jones, one of the rising stars in close-up magic. Eric has maintained a high profile lately, with performances and lectures around the world and the release of a three-DVD set titled An Extension of Me. As you'll find out in the article by Bruce Kalver, Eric's life has had some ups and downs, which have forced him to be both resourceful and creative. Immediately following the cover story, you'll find one of Eric's favorite routines, Impossible Coins Across, from his lecture notes Fingertips Part 1.   Also in the March M-U-M:   In his column A Magician Prepares, Dennis Loomis discusses how he incorporates balloon modeling into his kid's show act. Dennis offers some very practical advice that will be of value to anyone who wants to "up-sell" his or her show.   Part two of Chris Wasshuber's series on making your own gaffed cards covers design elements, offering some useful online templates that will make your job easier.   Ian Kendall's Basic Training provides an introduction to stacked decks, covering the venerable Eight Kings and Si Stebbins arrangements. Ian also includes some clever tricks that will fool even knowledgeable magicians.   In Illusions of Grandeur, David Seebach talks about the Owens Magic Supreme illusion, Tea for an Oriental Potentate. It's an illusion that is almost never performed, and you'll find out why.   Many magic clubs offer fund-raising shows, but few members know the ins and outs of effectively promoting a show. Veteran San Francisco performer Rick Allen shares his years of PR experience in 7 Steps to a Successful Publicity Campaign.   Roger Blakiston's Unlimited Possibilities column is back this month. Roger offers magicians of all interests some sound advice on the secrets to personal growth.   Christian Painter tips one of his favorite routines: a practical and unusual handling of Matsuda's WOW trick. With this routine Christian has accomplished three important things: he has figured out a natural way to introduce the prop; he has devised a way to switch out the gaff; and he has turned a magic trick into a demonstration of psychological control.   Tom Ewing writes about The Great Raymond (with a beautiful accompanying poster) in the Nielsen Gallery.   Bill Duncan and the staff of Informed Opinion give you the lowdown (nine pages worth) on the recent products released to the magic marketplace. Bruce Kalver keeps you up to date on the technical side of things with his Tech Tricks column.   Plus more great columns from Nathan Kranzo, George Schindler, Larry Hass, Aldo Colombini, Joshua Jay, and Rod Danilewicz.   All this and more is available to members of The Society of American Magicians in the March 2011 M-U-M. Membership information is available at www.magicsam.com.   -------------------------------------------- 5. March Issue Of Genii Magazine -------------------------------------------- Message by Richard Kaufman - Genii Editor (US)   The digital edition of the March issue of Genii is now live online and FREE for all subscribers. The paper magazine has been mailed and is on its way to you. While you wait for it to arrive, login and enjoy our cover story with one of my favorite people, Dr. Edwin Dawes. No one calls him that, of course-he is simply Eddie to all of us who've been lucky enough to be the beneficiaries of both his friendship and knowledge over the years. Columns this month include:   * Tom Stone is always interested in the outré-the outermost fringes in which his interests can plunge into newly-found rivulets of information and turn them into magic. Conditional Blindness fascinates him, and has started to make its way into his magic. In this month's "Lodestones" he takes us on a trip to Stonehenge, makes some of it vanish and reappear, then makes a deck change color without actually changing its color. I like that. The iGenii edition of this month's issue also includes a video Tom has created to demonstrate the strange phenomena at Stonehenge.   * Roberto Giobbi delights us with a second helping of his recollections from one of Pat Page's last lectures in "The Genii Session," and describes some of the material Pat performed as well as giving us his own thoughts.   * "Fast, Loose, and Nim." "Nim"-what the hell is "Nim," anyway? I really don't know what Harry Anderson is writing about this month, but I like the wager with playing cards he tosses off in a few paragraphs early in his column.   * De'vo vom Schattenreich delivers part three of his "XCM" series which explains a unique merging of magical and flourish techniques, and again the iGenii edition contains a video to accompany the column, this time with a performance that will make you groan with delight.   * Who better to talk about showmanship than the inimitable David Berglas, whom Eugene Burger questions closely in the penultimate installment of "The Showmanship Interviews."   * I've always wanted to produce a big fat metal teakettle from under a handkerchief-not an easy thing, mind you. In this month's "Chamber of Secrets" John Gaughan displays one of the prizes in his collection . a most amazing kettle which can do exactly that.   * This month Jon Racherbaumer muses on the overwhelming mass of electronic media, text, and subtext in that order.   * Jamy Ian Swiss reviews books, including the hot Del Ray tome which is already into its second printing; Dustin Stinett reviews videos including the latest from one of our favorite Brits, John Archer; and David Oliver reviews tricks, including Bob Farmer's notorious "Alice's Revenge."   The digital edition of the March issue of Genii contains more audio and video than last month:   * A 26-minute video tour of the dealer room at the Ohio Magi-Fest with performances from many of the great dealers.   * A 20-Minute video tour of the Rory Feldman collection of Howard Thurston memorabilia.   * Jim Steinmeyer video interview where he talks about his new biography of Howard Thurston, including rare film footage of Thurston performing.   * Max Maven's online audio column, "Speaking of Max."   * Jon Racherbaumer's audio supplement to "On the Slant"   * Harry Anderson's "Storyville," an online-exclusive audio performance.   * Video supplement to De'vo's XCM column with a demonstration of this month's bit of extreme card magic.   * Video Demonstrations embedded in several dealer ads.   * "More Genii Speaks," a video supplement to the editor's monthly column.   All subscribers to Genii now receive not just 12 issues for their $56, but:   * The current issue online, free to all subscribers, with audio and video extras.   * Access to every single back issue Genii has published from 1936 through December 2008. That's almost 1000 issues! Tens of thousands of columns, tricks, illusions, and articles. And it's all absolutely free to every Genii subscriber. Of course you will have to be on the internet for access, which will be through the Conjuring Arts Research Center. The issues are simple PDF documents which can be read on most electronic devices including newer Kindles, Sony eReaders, Nook, iPhone, iPad and of course any desktop or laptop computer. (So far, unfortunately, tablets running Android cannot read pdf files embedded in a website--we're hoping a patch will be created soon.) Every subscriber will have access to an electronic version of every issue for the duration of his or her subscription.   Digital-only subscriptions are available for $56 to residents outside the United States.   If you are a subscriber and haven't sent us your e-mail address yet, please do so as soon as possible (to: genii@geniimagazine.com) so there's no delay in getting you access when we launch this new feature in a few months. If you want to access to all of this astounding material and you are not a subscriber, please join us as we make available to you untold magical riches at www.geniimagazine.com. Starting in the near future, subscribers will also be able to read the current issue online even before it arrives in their mailbox! All digital content is free when you subscribe to Genii.   And we've got a great offer for anyone who wants to subscribe or renew: the three-DVD set "Houdini The Movie Star" from Kino is now available from us for a limited time for 50% off the retail price of $40. YOU pay only $20, postpaid anywhere in the US. (Add $5 postage for Canada and $11 postage anywhere else in the world.) This 3 DVD set includes most of the surviving films and footage of Houdini and is only marked down to $36 on amazon.com, so our price is a whopping $15 less. We don't sell it separately: subscribe today or renew your existing subscription for one year and you can receive this extraordinary value.   Remember that the price of Genii drops from the $6 cover price to only $4.50 per issue when you subscribe for one year AND new subscribers get a free copy of the Harry Anderson/Jon Racherbaumer 32-page Jinx). Please visit the Genii website and subscribe today at www.geniimagazine.com.   Visit The Genii Forum, the "smart" online discussion group: www.geniimagazine.com/forum   Visit MagicPedia, the most complete online encyclopedia of magical information with almost 5,000 entries. It's a living encyclopedia to which you are welcome to contribute! www.magicpedia.net   "The Berglas Effects," the ultimate book on the card magic of David Berglas, almost 400 pages and also containing 3 DVDs, can be preordered now at www.kaufman.geniimagazine.com   -------------------------------------------- 6. Meetings With Remarkable Magicians # 21 -------------------------------------------- Message by Nick Lewin (US)   Goodbye to a good friend.   It was a sad day last Sunday in Las Vegas for magicians and magic lovers. As many of you will know Steve Dacri recently lost his battle with cancer and left this earthly domain. On Sunday a very tasteful and meaningful memorial was held in his honor.   I have known Steve for over 35 years and it is hard to believe that he won't suddenly turn up and greet me with his trademark bear hug. The rush of enthusiasm that Steve brought to anything and everything he did was as contagious and delightful as anything in magic.   The memorial was superbly orchestrated and planned by Steve's widow Jan. Jan created a display of photos and props from Dacri's career that was even more eloquent than the speakers who paid tribute to Steve. The display was a delight to observe and gave a wonderful overview of a remarkable career.   The tributes got started with a heartfelt speech by Steve's good friend Robin Leach and included a wide assortment of Speakers who all helped paint a mosaic of this very multi-dimensional man of magic, teacher, performer and writer/journalist. Dacri was a very complex person whose never failing love of all things magical made him a hugely personal and loved entity.   A fine group of magicians, journalists and writers were in attendance and the ceremony was punctuated by Beatles music. For those who didn't know it, Steve was probably the world's greatest Beatle fan and this added yet another dimension to the event. The magic world was well represented by Stan Allen, Norm & Lupe Nielsen, Jason Andrews, Mark Kornhauser, Rory Johnson, Scott Hitchcock and many others.   There was, I am happy to say NO broken wand ceremony, and Jan was allowed to keep the beautiful hand crafted magic wand that Steve used so often in his cups and balls routine. Maybe it is just me, but I find these 'Broken Wand' ceremonies a rather overdramatic and usually meaningless business.   When I die, I want it fully understood that I am a person and NOT a broken wand. To reduce a performer to a prop he may, or maybe didn't use is not a form of symbolism I ever wish to indulge in. Steve's energy and enthusiasm were what made him magic and are what made him so influential to so many of his contemporaries. Goodbye Steve, you were much loved.   On a far happier note, my dear friend Martin Breese tied the knot today with love of his life Pang in Brighton, England and I take this opportunity to wish both of them love, light and happiness in their future. They are a wonderful couple.   It would also be remiss of me not to comment on the latest earthquake to take lives and create havoc in New Zealand. Earthquakes may be an act of God (For Heaven's sake don't tell Penn Jillette I said that!) but Kiwis are an amazing bunch of folk and more than capable of handling anything that is thrown at them.   I don't know what it is that has given me such an admiration for New Zealand and its inhabitants. However it is a very special bond and one I relish. In fact beginning shortly I will be writing a regular column for New Zealand's wildly under discovered magic magazine 'Magicana'.  The column will be called 'All and Everything: with Nick Lewin'.  It will be quite different in content and style from my weekly column in Magic New Zealand.  I will even be able to include a picture or two.   If you haven't yet discovered 'Magicana', then waste no time in checking it out on the web at http://www.charitygazette.co.nz/magicana/   With regular columns by performers/writers such as Richard Webster this is not a magazine to miss. Subscribe now!   Feel free to drop me a digital 'Hi' at http://www.nicklewin.com   -------------------------------------------- 7. Client vs Magician Relationship - #198 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message by Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com   There are many magicians out there with the notion in their heads that the client could care less about us or the ideas we may have to help them achieve a successful outcome. It is their belief that is it not their place to sort out their client's problems for them.   They feel that no matter how experienced they are, the client will always see them as "the clown". The perception is that any advice they can give will be met with deaths ear, as they know best. They feel that trying to help the client is a no win battle and that is just life.   I absolutely believe the number one job of any PAID entertainer is to be a solutions provider to the client. They are paying you to solve and meet a need they have. It is your job to do what you can (within reason) to accommodate the client and work with them for a successful outcome.   Do clients see us as all the same? Yes they do. They see us as magician A, B and C. This is based on their false perception of what they THINK magicians are. A lot of this is because they think we are all people who dress funny and pull quarters out of ears and embarrass others. Now you and I both know that this perception is so wrong and not even close to the actual truth.   Now whose job is it to change this perception? YOURS! It really is as simple as that. If any prospect ever has this perception of me, then I have not done my job. It is MY responsibility to change that perception instantly through my website, marketing materials and everything that persons sees and hears from me or about me. I instantly get them seeing me in a different light and a different way.   By the time I get off the phone with someone or get done sending an email out to a prospect, they know immediately that I am not to be referred to as a magician. They refer to me by my first name. They know we are Kyle and Kelly and with that comes a certain level of customer service that they simply cannot get anywhere else. Simply stated "they "never" see me as just another "clown". If they do, then it is my fault and not theirs.   I also strongly believe if you are not getting respect, it may be because you are not showing respect back. This is not meant to be mean at all. Often times we go into an event with this attitude like the client owes us everything and we just go there and do our thing. How is a client to show us respect or listen to us if we go in with that kind of attitude?   I always strive to get to know the client and I spend more time listening to them than simply selling to them.  It is amazing what you can do and learn by simply choosing to listen. My job is to solve problems for them. I cannot solve any problems unless I start to understand what the problem is that they are seeking a solution for. I guarantee you that once you latch on to their problem/s and offer up solutions, they will be more than willing to listen to you. You are showing respect and concern towards making their event the best it can be.   You absolutely CAN change perceptions clients have and you absolutely can get them to listen to you and respect you for your thoughts and ideas. I have had festivals and fairs actually change their entire layout simply because they realized I am a professional and have worked hundreds of them over the years. They learned to respect me and understood that it was my goal to help them to help me. it is a win-win situation for us both. They realized that what I was saying was not for my own benefit, but for theirs. Afterwards, they could not thank me enough for going the extra mile to make their event ten times better and more effective.   You really can make a difference but that difference has to start with you and your approach you take. Do not settle for an event that anyone may classify as a "joke" of a situation. Change the situation. You really have the power to do it.   Parents make mistakes at birthday parties simply because they are not in the "know". How many of them have ever hired an entertainer or even know what a magician needs? Not many at all. It is up to us to guide them through the process and build that relationship with them.   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.   -------------------------------------------- 8. Tony Brook In Conversation With Vinny Grosso (Part 1) -------------------------------------------- Message by Anthony Darkstone Brook - Europe/USA   One of the great things about The Society of American Magicians' Conventions are the Close-Up & Stage contests. For well over a decade they have been superbly run by Paul Critelli. I know this from first-hand experience. Together with Jon Racherbaumer, Scott Wells, Ron Jefferies and Bruce Trigg, I was a Close-Up Judge in New Orleans back in 2001.   Commitments kept me from attending another S.A.M convention until 2007 in Dallas, Texas. Apart from Hosting & Producing two session shows, I was together with "Ice" McDonald, Rod Chow and a few other notables on the panel of Stage Contest judges. Ably assisting Paul was an extremely professional, well-organized and highly efficient magician in his early thirties. That magician's name was Vinny Grosso. In July 2011, he will be the next President of The Society of American Magicians.   Vinny and I kept in touch and I was delighted to spend time with him and several other good friends at the S.A.M National Council meeting in Colorado Springs, Colorado in November 2010.   The S.A.M Presidents seem to have a cool way of achieving their objectives. In my recent article on M.I. Mark Weidhaas, I wrote that he seemed to bend time and thus create 30 hour days. Vinny seems to be able to bend space and be in several places at once. No sooner has he finished something in New York, he pops up in Italy and then what seems like mere seconds in Japan. He likely to set a world record if he is home for more than 7 days at a time.   A charming personality. An agile brain. A rising entrepreneur. A cool Magician. To use the vernacular - He rocks!!   TB: Hello Vinny, thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to chat.   VG: My pleasure Tony. Always nice to chill out for a while and chat about Magic.   TB: That's for sure. Vinny, you have a degree in Mechanical Engineering, you are an entrepreneur, you act as Tour Manager to various Variety Acts, a Videographer and a Speaker to name but a few of the myriad of things you are involved in. Share some of the details on these with us .   VG: Well, Tony I was told that if you do something you love you'll never work a day in your life. Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, I love a lot of things. When I was younger I really thought I was going to be the next Lance Burton. I realized in college that was not going to happen. I also realized a few things I wasn't comfortable with if I pursued a career as a full time magician. The first being if I wasn't working I wasn't making any money.   The second is that you may have to take a show you really don't enjoy doing because you need to pay the bills. Magic is my true passion and I never want it to seem like a job. I am in a fortunate position because I perform quite a bit but have the ability to pick and choose the shows I do. I took a job as an engineer after college, quickly moved into marketing and then started my own business five years ago. Having my own business gives me the flexibility to travel, be involved with the magic community and continue performing.   With today's technology it is possible to keep a business rolling while jet setting. It also helps to have a supportive business partner. The tour managing happened by chance. A good friend of mine is a very successful producer and promoter. He handles a variety of shows and was in a pinch one time for a tour manager. He was talking to me about it and I told him I could do it. I really enjoyed it and now fill in gaps for him regularly. I'll almost always combine activities on these trips.   Like this January while tour managing for improv artists Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood I was able to meet with past S.A.M. President Michael Douglass, Contest Chair Paul Critelli and discuss different projects as well as catch a day of MagiFest.   End of Part 1   -------------------------------------------- 9. Las Vegas Magic - March, 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 Children Free w/paid adult: www.vegas4locals.com/couponaaronradatz.html   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 pm Mon. - Sat. (Dark Sun.) - O'Sheas. www.harrahs.com/osheas/dirkarthur.html   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. Nick Lewin subbing for Mac: Feb. 22-26 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. - Wed.) - Mix Lounge at Mandalay Bay. www.mandalaybay.com/dining/mixlounge.aspx Free to locals until 10 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 Comp. Tickets:http://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   The Magic and Tigers of Rick Thomas 7 pm. (Dark Tues.) & 4 pm. Sun. & Mon. - Sahara. DARK THROUGH MARCH 15. www.saharavegas.com/shows/magic-of-rick-thomas   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   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. Chris Randall - Tues. to Sun. 6-9 pm - Carluccios Italian Gardens.   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   February, 2011 Feb. 22-26: Nick Lewin subs at the Mac King Comedy Magic Show 1 & 3 pm - Harrah's.   Feb. 27 - Mar. 2: The World Magic Seminar - Juan Tamariz, Ayala & Tanya, Jeff McBride, Fielding West, Nathan Burton, Jonathan Pendragon, Stan Allen, James Dimmare, Jon Armstrong, Sophie Evans, Ginny and Simon Aronson, Peter Samelson, Skilldini, Henry Vargas, Ty Tojo. www.theworldmagicseminar.com   March 2011 Mar. 2: I.B.M. Fantasma Ring 257 - Annual Auction - 5 pm set-up, 7 pm Auction. ZelZah Shrine Temple, 2222 W. Mesquite. No charge for admission, Ring retains 20% of auction sale price. www.ibm257.com   Mar. 6-12: Magic & Mystery School - Extended Master Class: Alternate Spring Break - Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith and Lawrence Hass. www.magicalwisdom.com   May, 2011 May 23-25: IMX 2011 - 3 days of non-stop magic - Orleans Wayne Houchin - USA, Banachek - USA, Ellis & Webster - Australia, Rudy Coby - USA, An Halim - Korea, 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 Banachek, Chris Capehart, David Acer, Daniel Garcia, Helder Guimarães, Jason Bishop, Hayashi, Simon Coronel, Paul Vigil 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   Aug. 26-28: Magic & Mystery School - Sisters of Magic & Mystery - Abigail McBride, Special Guests: Jeff McBride and possibly a Special Surprise Guest (details to come). www.magicalwisdom.com   October, 2011 Oct. 7-9: Magic & Mystery School - Focus on Street Magic - Jeff McBride. www.magicalwisdom.com   Oct. 16-18: The 9th Annual MINDvention - Palace Station http://www.mindvention.net   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   -------------------------------------------- 10. "GeniiCon" - Sydney, Australia -------------------------------------------- Message by Kent Blackmore (Aust) With the upcoming "GeniiCon" weekend, April 15-17, getting closer, registrations are coming in at a rate which makes it clear that we're in for a great event. If you haven't yet registered, there is still room but we recommend that you book sooner rather than later.   Stage shows, lectures, close-up events and performing stars never before seen in Australia - you can't go wrong. Go to http://sydneymagic.net and click on the GeniiCon link for news and registration details.   See you in April!   -------------------------------------------- 11. Carney's Wonder Cabaret - Kirkland Performance Center -------------------------------------------- Message by John Carney (US)   I wanted everyone in the Seattle area to know about my upcoming show at the Kirkland Performance Center.   Also, the next day, I will be holding a Seminar at the KPC.   I would certainly appreciate your helping me spread the word. Hope to see you there!   All the best, John Carney   Carney's Wonder Cabaret Saturday, March 12 at 7pm Kirkland Performance Center Info here: http://www.kpcenter.org/performances/carneys-wonder-cabaret   Carney Seminar/Lecture Sunday, March 13 at 2:00 PM. Kirkland Performance Center $25 for SAM or IBM Members $30 for all others No Advance Tickets for Lecture. At the door only Info here: http://www.kpcenter.org/content/adult-education-master-classes   -------------------------------------------- 12. Phil 'Trust Me' Cass - In The USA -------------------------------------------- Message by Philippa Nunn (Australia)   Before celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans again this year, Phil and I will be in Texas with his lecture - Expert Trouble Maker, for two lectures only   San Antonio - Sunday 28th February 2011   Houston - Monday 1st March 2011   -------------------------------------------- 13. David Ginn Cancels Blackpool -------------------------------------------- Message by David Ginn (US)   Dear Friends: Last night, regarding my health, Lynne and I had a long discussion about my England trip Tuesday. Since I felt no better this morning, we have made the decision to cancel my Blackpool appearance. I called the convention chairman Derek Lever several hours ago and explained my situation, which I feel that he understood. Below is a summary of the situation. Please keep me in your prayers for God to resolve this health issue. Best wishes to you all, David Ginn   Two weeks ago I started experiencing lower back and leg pain. Between shows that week I saw two doctors, had a back X-ray, a leg ultrasound to rule out blood clots (none), and an MRI. With these tests the Orthopedic Doctor determined that I had a disk out of place between my #4 and #5 vertebrae in the lower back. The disk was pitching the nerve and causing me excruciating leg pain that made it difficult for me to walk.   Last Tuesday I had a spinal epidural injection of steroids to relieve the pain. Now here I am at day 5 since the injection, and the pain has not lessened, but instead gotten worse! Right now I cannot stand for even five minutes or walk unassisted across the room.   Thus far I've had to postpone two weeks of school shows. I have an appointment Monday with the Orthopedic Doctor, but I see no way I can travel to Blackpool and work the dealership or stand to deliver my lecture.   A week ago the doctor led me to believe that the injection would alleviate the leg pain, allowing me to make the trip; otherwise, I would have let you know sooner what was happening.   For two months I have looked forward to participating at the convention. To supplement my appearance, I have written a 3000-word essay on "Educating Children with Magic." I have meticulously planned the lecture and my dealer stand, shipped 5 boxes ahead, bought two $800 plane tickets for Autumn and me, and booked my hotel. Now I am extremely disappointed that I cannot deliver what I've promised.   I sincerely hope you will understand that this situation is beyond my control, and that it gives me a great deal more pain to bow out of the Blackpool Magic Convention.   -------------------------------------------- 14. The 37 Annual Winter Carnival Of Magic -------------------------------------------- Message by Mike Stratman (US)   But Wait, There's More at this year's Winter Carnival of Magic.   As one of the premier regional conventions, The 37 annual Winter Carnival of Magic has more to offer.   We have just added Losander to join our other 12 Dealers, giving us a total of 13 Dealers. Kozmo will now be doing a Sunday workshop offering his special style of magic.   Sandy Marshall will be paying a nostalgic tribute to his Dad, the Great Jay Marshall, with vintage video clips of Jay. You will also be able to purchase an autograph copy of Sandy's new book, "Beating A Dead Horse", the life and times of Jay Marshall.   More performers: Michael Finney, Doc Eason, Rick Merrill, Banachek, Tom Craven, Bryson Lange, Dennis Alm, Troy Hooser, David Acer, Carroll Baker, Scott Wells, Ricky Boone, Lance Johnson, The Rhythm of Magic, Aldo and Rachel Colombini and Kyle Jarrard will be providing the entertainment.   More lectures: Our first lecture will start at 2:00 PM on Thursday this year so we can offer a full slate of 13 different lectures throughout the convention.   Scott Wells will be presenting "Now You See It" a unique and informative interview with many of our performers.   More prize money: Our adult stage and close-up contest winners will be awarded $100 cash along with the newly designed personalized trophy.   All of this, plus a 37th annual WCM souvenir goodie bag with some very special gifts will be given to the first 200 magicians arriving at our registration desk. Did I mention the free Saturday night pizza party for all of our registrants?   But Wait, "there's more for less", with lodging less than $50 per night, registration only $135 for magicians, $70 for non magicians and youth (age 10-17).   It's not too late to register, go to www.wintercarnivalofmagic.com and register now.   -------------------------------------------- 15. Any Card At Any Number -------------------------------------------- Message by Ian Baxter (Australia)   In a first for Australia, Melbourne card man Ian Baxter has released a manuscript on the popular Any Card At Any Number theme. Five approaches are described in detail; all are impromptu or nearly so, requiring just basic or intermediate skills.   Said manuscript is called Simple ACAAN and it is, literally, for beginner or expert. The very straightforward handlings have all been fully audience tested, with absolutely no need for special decks, stacks or memory work. And at a mere $10 plus postage, it certainly won't put any strain on the bank account either.   Simple ACAAN is available on eBay, or you can contact Ian at ibaxter1946@hotmail.com to purchase direct or for further information.    -------------------------------------------- 16. Stage Magic And Illusion Presentations -------------------------------------------- Message by Dennis Michael Dowhy   Hope you can pass this around to your membership and let those know who about the up-coming Illusion Seminar/Conference on March 27, in Cherry Hill, NJ See http://www.IllusionShows.org for loads of information.   It is a don't miss kind of one-day Convention with lots of Illusions for sale at low prices. Add in many hours of great lectures from the masters of Illusion Shows, John Bundy, Morgan and Duane Laflin.   Reply back to this email if you are interested so I can get an idea of the number of attendees that will come to this rare event.   See the website for great deals for those who come with partners or in groups.   Dennis Michael Dowhy March 27th 2011   Illusion Seminar/Conference Holiday Inn 2175 Marlton Pike, Route 70 Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 9AM-10PM http://www.IllusionShows.org mailto:DennisMichael@Dowhy.com 856-768-2281   -------------------------------------------- 17. An Evening With A True Legend Of Magic -------------------------------------------- David Berglas is a performer who needs no introduction. He is a legendary man of mystery whose exploits are unmatched in the history of modern magic. David joins us as our special guest via live video conference at IMX 2011 for an unforgettable evening that will pull back the curtain on this truly remarkable man.   Derren Brown says it all: "One of our greatest living magical performers ..." David defined magic on British television as one of the very first magicians with his own television series ... Winston Churchill, Aristotle Onassis, Paul Getty, the Rolling Stones, Elton John, Michael Jackson, the Sultan of Brunei and most of the British Royal Family have all experienced firsthand his incredible miracles of the mind.   From stage to screen - he has acted as creative consultant on numerous major films and the list of Honours accorded to the man is incredible. While many know of his extensive career on stage - few know of his incredible work behind the scenes through his Foundation for Promoting the Art of Magic. His philanthropic endeavors have benefited the magical fraternity the world over and given hope and joy to thousands of young people from some of the most destitute conditions imaginable.   His story in magic is without a doubt larger than life.   Known for his numerous publicity stunts including going down the notorious Cresta Run blindfolded, manipulating and even smoking cigarettes underwater(!), performing Russian roulette, and touring the world, lecturing on and demonstrating memory feats - David's performance remains unmatched. While his signature pieces include the levitation of a heavy table and a dangerous pulse stopping routine - the most beautiful of all comes in the form of a card effect  the "Holy Grail" of Card Magic known simply as "The Berglas Effect" to see it performed - is to believe in true magic.   Experience the joy all over again at IMX as we celebrate the man, the magic & the mystery that is David Berglas.   IMX 2011 - 23 to 25 May, Las Vegas Limited registrations remain from just $149 www.imx2011.com   IMX 2011 brings together 20+ of the world's greatest performers in 3 days of non-stop magic - incredible performances, unrivalled training and mind-blowing skill.   Rudy Coby, An Halim, Helder Guimares, Jason Bishop, Michael Ammar, Juliana Chen, David Acer, Daniel Garcia, Wayne Houchin, Ivan Pecel, Ellis & Webster, Banachek, Chris Capehart, Boris Wild, Morgan Strebler, Luke Jermay, Richard Sanders, Pit Hartling, Ponta the Smith, Oz Pearlman, Shoot Ogawa, Paul Vigil plus many more ...   -------------------------------------------- 18. Update FISM Oceania -------------------------------------------- Message by Tim Ellis (Australia)   Entries are coming in for the first ever FISM Oceania Championships - July 5-9, Melbourne.   The Stage Competition is already half full, but we still have plenty of room for entrants in the Close-Up Competition.   Entry forms are on line here: http://fismoceania.com/oceania-championships/how-to-enter/   There is also a short documentary being made by an independent production studio and they are following the journey of several Oceania contestants. If you'd like to be involved in this documentary, make sure you are entered in the competition and let me know as soon as possible as they are about to start shooting.   -------------------------------------------- 19. Bristol Day Of Magic 2011 -------------------------------------------- Message by Amanda   Sunday May 8th 2011 at the Winter Gardens Weston Super Mare and evening Gala show at The Playhouse Theatre. U.K   Starring David Williamson, Jay Scott Berry, Mel Mellers, Ed Hilsum, Jason Steele and Joanne, Rafael Benetar, El Loco, Tom Saeys and Noel Britten.   Find us on Facebook.... Bristol Day of Magic Bookings www.bristolsocietyofmagic.co.uk or Andy Mac 0117 9422449 07976 719350 andy@andymac.com   -------------------------------------------- 20. "A Lifetime of Magic" - Charles Gauci -------------------------------------------- Message by Charles Gauci (US)   Just a quick note to let you know that my long awaited book "A Lifetime of Magic" is at the printers being published by Stevens publishing.   For more information go to: http://www.stevensmagic.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=112611   -------------------------------------------- 21. Blackpool Magic Convention review -------------------------------------------- Article forwarded on by Mel Kientz (US)   The Gazette - blackpoolgazette.co.uk   Blackpool Magic Convention Winter Gardens Jonathan Hawley   The world's largest magic convention conjured up more than 3,500 magicians plus their families and friends - and made one comedian vanish. Whilst the Winter Gardens hosted sales, showcases, lectures and auctions for magicians and magic followers from around the world, the Opera House was packed for six rounds of the first ever FISM European Championships of magic followed by the Federation Internationale des Societies Magiques' All Winners Show on Saturday night and the 59th International Gala Show on Sunday.   FISM's event meant some the annual convention's usual events being put on ice for a year but saw around 70 competitors from all over Europe battle it out in a variety of magic categories. Among the highlights was France's Yann Frisch who scooped the Micro Magic title as well being voted the most innovative performer and also claim the Ken Dodd Comedy Award on the Sunday for a delightfully zany mime-based act.   Suspended video screens helped the audience follow the card magic of Finland's Miika Pelkomen and Italy's Vittoriio Belloni. France's Cubic Act also impressed with their spin on levitation and the UK High Jinx showed promise with their energetic routine.   Unfortunately comedy compere George King failed to find the same kind of success with a terribly dated set seemingly aimed at upsetting as many people as possible. Slow hand claps and heckles saw him vanish faster than a magician's assistant on skates.   No such problems on Sunday for the Fylde coast's Clive Webb and Danny Adams whose Circus Hilarious interludes proved just what the international audience wanted.   High spots of that night were the big scale illusions of the UK's Jonathan Hawley & Co, American Michael Finney's droll hour and "mentalist" card skills, the novelty role switching of Ukraine's Ray Gardner and James, Jimmy Tamley's ventriloquism act and the introduction of powerful vocals from Victor Michael plus a colourful all singing, all dancing finale.   Blackpool's nonegarian magician Mark Raffles received the Neville King Award for a Speciality Act with Arthur Casson and Roy Johnson receiving the Murray Awards for their services to magic.   Story Source: http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/lifestyle/entertainment/duke-s-diary/conjuring_up_another_winner_1_3104047   -------------------------------------------- 22. e-zine Archives -------------------------------------------- Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html   When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order and are Coded, e.g. 001 Nov06 1999.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue number, then the date (Nov06) and the last figures the year (1999)   -------------------------------------------- 23. 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.magicnewzealand.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 2011 Alan Watson