* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.magicnewzealand.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #882 Date: Sunday 27th November 2011 Editor: Alan Watson www.watson.co.nz E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. Magic On The Side Pod Cast 3. Magic Castle Fundraiser 4. Remarkable Magic. #11 - Nick Lewin 5. When Does The Show Start? - #235 - Kyle Peron 6. Tony Brook In Conversation With Ray Parker #3 7. Masters Of Illusion Museum Catalog 8. Millennium Magic XII - Theatre West in Los Angeles 9. Siegfried & Roy: Unique In All The World - Alert! 10. Artist Of The Year - German Show Business Magazine 11. S.A.M. 2012 Convention Update 12. Magic Center Opens In Parker Colorado 13. This Blog Is The BEST Description Of A Magic Performance 14. Magic Show Scam 15. 31st New Zealand International Magicians Convention 2012 16. e-zine Archives 17. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- Magic New Zealand's membership has stabilized around 16,500 subscribers spread over 78 different counties. Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: Editor@MagicNewZealand.com -------------------------------------------- 2. Magic On The Side Pod Cast --------------------------------------------- Message by Mike Miller (US) Here's a link to a new Magic Pod Cast called "Magic On The Side". http://www.magicontheside.com It's two guys from the Philadelphia Area, Eric Johnson and Seuss Metivier who talk about all aspects of magic and beer, from how to get kids involved in magic and the magic clubs as well as interviews with some of the top magicians out there. They also give out great prizes and talk about the latest magic tricks on the market. I just listened to #17 which had Marc Desouza talking about the pass. If you're on the computer and have time, give it a try. You can even call in and leave your thoughts. ------------------------------------------- 3. Magic Castle Fundraiser -------------------------------------------- Article forwarded on by Mel Kientz (US) HollywoodPatch Magician to Hold Fundraiser for Magic Castle Repairs David Minkin to donate proceeds from a performance to help repair damage at Magic Castle caused by what authorities are calling 'careless use of a torch by contractors on site'. By Karen Jordan Fundraiser planned to benefit the Magic Castle This photo shows a plastic sheet covering a section of the roof at Magic Castle on November 1st following a fire that broke out on Halloween in the attic and third-floor administrative offices. It has been nearly a month since a fire broke out in the attic at the Magic Castle, and magician David Minkin wants to do his part to help the establishment he loves. Minkin plans to host a fundraiser on Sunday to benefit the Hollywood landmark. "The Magic Castle is so dear to my heart because, literally, it made me the performer I am today," Minkin said. "We're just lucky here in Southern California to have that place." The private club serves as a regular home to magicians and magic enthusiasts. Since the fire, the Magic Castle, at 7001 Franklin Ave., has been closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. "It's taking a bit of a hit in terms of business," Minkin said. The fire was accidental and caused by "careless use of a torch by contractors on site" said Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey. Darren Ross, who manages the Magic Castle property, said it is too early to know any damage estimates. Minkin plans to donate 100 percent of the proceeds from Sunday night's fundraiser to the Magic Castle. Dubbed "David Minkin's Evening of Enchantment," the fundraiser will take place at the Beau Rivage, at 26025 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, and will include wine tastings and a performance by Minkin in a candle-lit wine cellar. The tickets are $85. The show is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. Erin Chick, the Magic Castle's group sales and event manager, said Magic Castle's management is grateful to Minkin and anything any Magic Castle members are doing to help. "He always tends to get a full house," Chick said. "It's a very popular show." Tickets are available online or by calling 866-737-3436. To donate directly to Magic Castle's "Inferno Fund," visit magiccastle.com. -------------------------------------------- 4. Remarkable Magic. #11 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message by Nick Lewin (US) A story about your editor you didn't know! I had a really nice reaction to my column last week about my near misadventure in performing in the wrong show room! You can really never tell quite what people will enjoy or not when writing a column such as this one. However, I got some great responses with some really funny stories that I will be writing up for publication in the future. I did want to share this story about Alan Watson that kinda' got me thinking about writing up some disaster stories. I don't think this story is that much of a disaster-but a pretty amazing moment! As my regular readers know, I am no great fan of the 'Baffling Bra' trick. Just a personal thing and not based on the fact that it usually gets a big laugh---so does whacking your thumb with a hammer-but I exclude that for reasons of personal comfort! However... Alan was performing the 'Bra Trick' at an adult event recently and had a once in a lifetime (unless the comedy Gods are kind!) event take place. At the end of the regular routine, as the girl is starting to leave the stage, after the trick he has added a little 'kicker' line and says, "Wait till next time she goes to the restroom!" and pulls a pair of ladies underwear out of his pocket and shows them to the audience. The result of 'kicker' is usually a big laugh, but on this particular occasion it nearly brought the house down. After he did it, the female assistant immediately pulled her skirt up above waist level and it was very apparent that she wasn't wearing ANY underwear, she then screamed and left the stage! Now that takes the trick to another level... If you could guarantee this kind of a moment every time you did the trick, I would have to reconsider my opinion of the trick. Nothing gets laughs like a good dose of the old shock factor! Then again, we might have to have someone re-invent the old chains of Burlesque theaters just to house the magic acts. If you have any good 'disaster' or 'once in a blue moon' stories send me an email and maybe we can make this a monthly feature. We all need a good laugh over what we do in magic. I have always felt that a Magician who takes what he does to seriously may just be the World's deadliest creature! email me at nicklewin1@mac.com -------------------------------------------- 5. When Does The Show Start? - #235 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message by Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com I was talking to a friend recently about the concept of having a great show but simply feeling awkward on how to start. Now the main issue was this strange feeling of what to do when the kids start coming into the room for the show and what you should or should not do. There is a fear that the kids are in control from the start and how do I gain that control back before the show starts. Many even say the client or adult should be handling getting the kids in and sitting down and acting appropriate. This is a huge issue for folks so if you have issues with it, you are not alone. My feeling is that since it is MY show, I am in control of my show at all times. That means I should be responsible for where the kids sit, how close they sit and everything from the moment they come in to the start of the show and beyond. What I often will do is stand in front of my table area at the exact spot where I want the first row to begin. As kids come in I welcome them and smile and tell them the first row starts right where I am. I state that we need the birthday child to be front and center to get a great seat and I ask them to find a seat and sit criss cross applesauce. They all know what that means as it is a common term heard today in schools. I continue to stand there until all kids are in and all seated. I have much better control that way and I am seen as a professional by the client because I am controlling the situation right from the start. This makes it not only easier for me during the show but my value goes up in the mind of the client. Only when all children are seated and looking up at me, do I begin with the warm up. This is perfect because I am already out front with them and in a perfect situation to get the audience warmed up, liking me and feeling more at ease prior to the actual intro routine starting. Establishing a character or who you are is very important. However, I do this through the course of my warm up, opener, verbal intro and then my first routine. By then I have well established who I am to the children. I find that if I just open cold by going RIGHT into the musical intro, then it makes the children a bit taken off guard. This is more true for the younger groups then the older ones. So make it a policy to always be in charge even if the client is doing a good job. They can always assist you. However, it is your show and you need to be the professional who takes control as opposed to the children being in this free-for-all state. You are setting ground rules and expectations right from the start. The kids should NEVER rule. They may think so, but it is YOU that needs to make sure that you show them that you are in charge and you are going to have a great and fun time with them. This does not mean you disrespect. It simply means being a professional and taking control. Never wait for them to give you control. You will be waiting a long time. Kids to not give control over to you. They expect the adult figure to tell them what they need to do next and how to act. 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. -------------------------------------------- 6. Tony Brook In Conversation With Ray Parker #3 -------------------------------------------- Message by Anthony Darkstone Brook - Europe/USA ADB: The Mad Hatter has drawn some compliments from Royalty .. RP: Yes indeed Tony. I am very proud of that. It was in that year I began to work Fairs and Exhibitions and for many years summer and fall I toured Canada. When working the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto in 1991, I was standing in a reception line for Sarah, Duchess of York (Fergie) and as she reached me she pointed and said "Nice Hat" a comment I often hear but not one I expected from a duchess. ADB: Speaking of Royalty .you have performed for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. RP: Yes Tony. I am also very proud of that. Honestly who wouldn't be? That was as my Town Crier character. ADB: Another of your characters that I love .. RP: Thank you Tony. I have appeared as Town Crier at numerous events, including greeting Queen Elizabeth the Second on her Jubilee Year visit to Victoria. I am proud to say I am an Official Town Crier and member of the Pacific Northwest Company of Town Criers. ADB: That character is also in great demand . RP: Yes Tony, I am glad to say that it is in great demand, and I have competed in world championships, appeared in TV programs, and the character is rated as one of the top town criers around the world. In my second year as a member of Victoria Magic Circle, the then President Tony Eng, appointed me the official Town crier of Victoria Magic Circle and I have made declarations of magic events since then in The USA, Australia, The UK and Canada. In October 2011, I performed this duty in Anacortes, Washington announcing the tri-city magic convention. ADB: Let me take you back briefly to the early years. You told us a bit about your beginnings as an infant & toddler ... share some other childhood memories please. RP: I'd be happy too Tony. When I was eleven I moved to Church of England Senior Mixed School and was soon invited to join the choir. The following December I was asked by my teacher Miss Jessie Simmonds to participate in a Christmas concert and volunteered to put on a Punch and Judy puppet show. I created the puppets, built the Punch and Judy booth and wrote the script. At rehearsals for the show I showed the latest puppet creations and demonstrated the voices I would use. Often offering advice to other performers on ways to improve their performances, using knowledge I had gained from my attendances at variety shows. Miss Simmonds finally asked me where I had got all these ideas from and I explained about the theater and movies. The show was such a success she recruited me to help put on a monthly series of shows at the local Institute to raise funds for the Armed Forces Comfort Fund, which provided parcels for the troops fighting in World War 2. I wrote scripts, decided to perform on the shows as a comedian, persuading my pal Lew Worrall to become my partner. Copying a number of acts I had watched professional comedians perform, I wrote scripts based on a comedy interruption theme, where Lew would begin to perform a serious poem and I would stop him to ask funny questions. After the punch-line, he would always angrily remark, "I don't wish to know that." End of Part 4 -------------------------------------------- 7. Masters Of Illusion Museum Catalog -------------------------------------------- Message by Mike Caveney (US) The Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles has extended the run of their exhibit called Masters of Illusion - Jewish Magicians of the Golden Age until January 7, 2012. The recent Los Angeles Conference on Magic History included a visit by all 220 registrants to the Skirball Center and the Masters of Illusion exhibit received rave reviews. The exhibit includes 163 items representing a number of collections including those of John Gaughan, Ricky Jay and Mike Caveney. To coincide with the Magic History Conference Mike Caveney's Magic Words published a full-color, 60-page catalog that details every item on display. If you have already visited the Masters of Illusion exhibit then this catalog is a perfect souvenir and if you haven't, this booklet is like touring through this once-in-a-lifetime assemblage of rare broadsides, automata, apparatus, books and posters. Copies can be purchased for $20 plus $3 postage at mcmagicwords.com. -------------------------------------------- 8. Millennium Magic XII - Theatre West in Los Angeles -------------------------------------------- Message by Jeanine Anderson (US) I am producing Millennium Magic XII at Theatre West in Los Angeles on Dec. 2, 3 & 4. There is an incredible line up of Magicians. For more info click on http://theatrewest.org/magic12.html ------------------------------------------- 9. Siegfried & Roy: Unique In All The World - Alert! -------------------------------------------- Message by Diana Zimmerman (US) Many collectors have asked to be notified when the Siegfried & Roy book, with its stunning packaging and incredible artifact collection, is close to selling out. Just 56 copies remain available at this time-and word must have gotten out because orders have started flooding in. It's the perfect Holiday gift for you or that special someone. This may be one of your last chances to purchase this strictly limited and numbered edition of only 500 books at the retail price of only $699.00. Since Book #1 sold at auction for $3,000.00, certain knowledgeable collectors have started purchasing multiple copies in anticipation of the secondary market. Don't miss out. Acclaimed as "A spellbinding experience;" "The finest magic book ever produced," and "Spectacular and riveting," this 268 page tour-de-force collection arrives in a linen and gold embossed clamshell case, with white gloves, and secret compartments that contain rare treasures-actual memorabilia from S&R's personal archives, exact reproductions of never before seen documents, and hand-drawn sketches of their magic illusions, an original poster, and an actual piece from the S&R marquee that graced the Las Vegas Strip in front of the Mirage. The content is as unique as the performers themselves with interviews and insights from magic's biggest superstars, including David Copperfield, Criss Angel, Lance Burton, Penn Jillette, plus Steve Wynn, Kenneth Feld, Kenny Ortega, and so many others-in and out of magic. We've received hundreds of great comments, but here's what S&R and just a few of the critics and fans are saying: "You not only captured our story, but our souls." - Siegfried & Roy "The most amazing magic book ever." - Criss Angel "Holy Toledo!" - Richard Kauffman "I have just received the Siegfried & Roy book . . . WOW! It took my breath away. The thought occurred to me, when this book is sold out, had I not acquired it, I would have kicked myself. Any serious person in magic - and every collector - should realize what a great value this masterpiece is. It's an magnificent piece of magic history." - Norm Nielson "The beautiful and spectacular Siegfried & Roy book is undoubtedly the most elaborate printed volume I have ever seen in my entire life. (It's not just a book; it's actually a collection!) So, if you have any spare cash, it will not only be exciting to possess, but will, unquestionably, become a profitable investment." - Mark Wilson To get your copy go to: www.noesispublishing.com or call Linna at 310.645.5604 -------------------------------------------- 10. Artist Of The Year - German Show Business Magazine -------------------------------------------- Message by John Wade (UK) Magic Circle member Andino has been named 'Artist of the Year' by the German show business magazine 'Kunstlermagazin'. Andino's combination of philosophy and magic earned him the award in a special category. Previous award winners from the magazine have been David Copperfield, Siegfried and Roy and Moretti. At the huge four hour long gala award show in Stuttgart Andino showed the rope routine from his new show REALLUSION to great applause. Andino MIMC is the Magic Circle representative for German speaking countries and lives in Koblenz. ------------------------------------------- 11. S.A.M. 2012 Convention Update -------------------------------------------- Message by George Schindler (US) The two biggest names in Las Vegas, David Copperfield and Mac King are both the hottest shows on the Las Vegas Strip - and they will be part of the 2012 S A M convention - You will see both shows along with all the other exciting acts lectures and dealers at the Golden Nugget July 23-26 - Tickets and transportation are part of every convention package. If you register before January 31 you can save money. Rates go up in February, See http://www.magicsam.com/SAM2012/register.asp -------------------------------------------- 12. Magic Center Opens In Parker Colorado -------------------------------------------- Message by Phil Milstead (US) Taylor Martin asked if the Signature Donors would get to see their signatures on the wall of the S.A.M. Magic Center. The intent is for the signatures to be on a plaque that will hang on the wall. We still have the signatures (although a few people did donate without giving us their signatures) and currently have that plaque as a priority item to produce. We held off for years to give us flexibility with the money and because hanging onto the paperwork was easier than hanging on to a plaque. My signature is waiting to go on that plaque, too! Should any of you be visiting the Denver area, be sure to give PNP Dan Rodriguez a call to arrange a visit to the S.A.M. Magic Center. As a helpful hint, he sleeps with the National Administrator. You'll be excited with what you see already in place and with what our future in the facility will be like. Without traveling, you can go to the SAMMCF web site (www.sammagiccenter.com) and enjoy the video that was made before we moved in. Show it to your Assembly so all the members can enjoy it! -------------------------------------------- 13. This Blog Is The BEST Description Of A Magic Performance -------------------------------------------- Message by Paul Daniels (UK) Now a young man, this blog writer was in the show last night. This blog is the BEST description of a magic performance by a beginner that I have ever read. Your readers may well empathise with him... http://jimfixeditforme.blogspot.com/ -------------------------------------------- 14. Magic Show Scam -------------------------------------------- Message from by Ben Robinson (US) I am writing to alert your readers to a scam I have just been, unfortunately, presented with. Earlier this month I received an email that was addressed to "Dear Performer". It asked for my availability to travel, what my fees were etc. It was obviously a blanket email, but I answered it. I then received an email saying my bid won and that I was needed in Norwich NY, for a man who called himself Simon McCarthy, who indicated he was a polio doctor fighting the disease in Afghanistan. He wrote me asking to find out travel fees to fly to Norwrich, NY, near Binghamton. The price I quoted him for a 45 minute children show was one I'd charge if I were in Manhattan, but since this was for kids with polio, I dug deep down and thought to do it. It would have been an 18-hour day to do one 45 minute show with 4 flights involved. I researched flights with my travel agent, took up his time at the busy time of season, and gave the doctor an itinerary, telling him that the fee was only reserved at a 21-day advance purchase and I needed all fees up front before that period expired. No money was received. Until today. Today I received a check in excess of my fee quoted my $3000! It was drawn on a Wells Fargo Bank, in San Jose CA, and I immediately contacted the good doctor telling him the money was received. I called my travel agent. I told him to hold the flights, I'd check on the funds and get back to him. I called Wells Fargo and they told me to go to a local branch to confirm the funds were there to support the exorbitant check. Nothing doing. The check was not good. Why someone would Fed Ex me a check for more than I quoted, and then send bad check is beyond me, except Wells Fargo told me many frauds are committed by sending big checks in Fed Ex envelopes. The old adage applies: if something appears to be too good, it probably is. Beware of people who send big checks and don't sign emails. Best, Ben Robinson Illusiongenius.com -------------------------------------------- 15. 31st New Zealand International Magicians Convention 2012 -------------------------------------------- Labour Weekend 2012 (19 October to 22 October 2012) in Christchurch, New Zealand We have four headliners confirmed Nick Lewin, Mark Mason, Ken Scott and the Gillam family. Convention registration is now open and you can download it from http://www.ibmring160.com/media/7578/registration%20form.pdf Competition forms can be downloaded from http://www.ibmring160.com/media/7515/competitions%20.pdf For full information go to: http://www.ibmring160.com/media/7626/christchurch%20nz%20labour%20weekend.pdf -------------------------------------------- 16. e-zine Archives -------------------------------------------- Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to: www.magicnewzealand.com click on the red button center right "Archives" When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order in folders for each year 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) -------------------------------------------- 17. 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 www.magicnewzealand.com www.facebook.com/magicnewzealandnewsflash http://twitter.com/#!/magicnewzealand www.watson.co.nz www.corporatemagic.co.nz www.magician.co.nz www.magicianz.com www.balloon-twister.co.nz