* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.magicnewzealand.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #891 Date: Sunday 15th January 2012 Editor: Alan Watson www.watson.co.nz E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. Paul Daniels Rushed To Hospital after Accident 3. Mark Nelson Had The Greatest Smile In The World 4. Convention For Young Magicians Announced 5. "Stars Of Tomorrow" Show Seeks Young Performers 6. Remarkable Magic. #16 - Nick Lewin 7. Magic's Bad Perception - #240 - Kyle Peron 8. Tony Brook in Conversation with Ray Parker #3 9. Magicians Academy Hyderabad, India 10. Provisional Programme For Blackpool 11. Vegas Magic Theatre Shows 12. Innovention 2012 13. French National Convention 14. Darwin Ortiz - Scams & Fantasies with Cards 15. Scarce Books and Ephemera Pertaining To Ventriloquism 16. David Ginn's Appearances 2012 17. 31st New Zealand International Magicians Convention 2012 18. e-zine Archives 19. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- 31st New Zealand International Magicians' Convention is in Christchurch, New Zealand Labour Weekend (19th to 22nd October 2012). Are you planning to attend? Have you booked you accommodation yet? If you are planning to attend the convention and want to stay at the convention hotel it is best to reserve your room NOW! Christchurch Free phone: 0800 808 999 (within New Zealand) Toll International 0064 3 348 8999 No deposit is required but they need a credit card number, valid at date of stay, i.e. October 2012 For more information on the convention go to item 17 Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: Editor@MagicNewZealand.com -------------------------------------------- 2. Paul Daniels Rushed To Hospital after Accident --------------------------------------------- Published from Paul Daniels blog with his permission. January 1st morning Debbie went off to Radio Berkshire and I tidied up my big shed. I decided to make a 'sled' for my table saw to make it safer. Remember that! Safer! I already had most of the pieces cut and started to cut a 'fiddly bit'. If you remember the sun was shining and streaming through the shed windows. VERY quickly and without any warning the piece of timber seemed to leap and pulled my left hand fingers into the teeth of the circular saw. Without any conscious thought on my part my right hand hit the stop button and I rammed my left hand into the chest of my coat and somehow ran to the car, started it and set off for Henley. I must have looked a weird site doubled over with my face all screwed up from the pain and, I admit it, the pain. In Henley I jumped out of the car and scared the hell out of the young woman driving the car in front asking her to move over at the lights. I can remember that I saw the lights go to green and I dived back into my car, mounted the pavement and went round her on the left to get on the road to Townlands Hospital where I dumped my car in the entrance and staggered into the front door. They were brilliant 'cos I had no idea what had been damaged or lost or where I was or anything. My head was full of the pain and the possible end of the magic. After reducing the pain they got me into an ambulance and we went off at high speed for a hospital near Slough. Again a great staff and I were able to let Debbie know where I was. She came. I should work harder at not upsetting her. I could hear phrases and words around me... 'bone is shattered' 'ground up' 'nail gone' 'might be able to save the finger'. OMG... MIGHT... A 'long-timer' went off on a phone around to try to get a hand specialist ... difficult on New Year's Day. One was in Switzerland ... could get back for Thursday... he found one that would come over from Bristol and open the Hand Clinic especially. Two nursing staff turned out as well. According to other doctors I got lucky getting him. They say he is the best. I went for the operation and gave permission for him to do whatever was necessary. Despite the warning I was not expecting the pain I got from my raised arm being injected in the left armpit and apparently I questioned his parents' marital status. This numbed my fingers completely and they went to work. I concentrated on talking to the nurse to my right and tried to ignore my brain worrying about whether he was going to remove my finger, my hand, and my arm. That's not as daft as it sounds 'cos I once had a poisoned knuckle on that hand and was told that if they had operated later I ran a risk of the poison spreading and losing the arm. I kept up some banter and tried not listen to their techie talk about bones and stuff. It seemed to take forever until he asked if I would like to see what he had done. I'm a chicken when it comes to that sort of thing so I said no but couldn't stop myself glancing to the left. MY ARM WASN'T THERE!!! It was to my left, on the table, still attached but when they numb the nerve your brain remembers the last position ... in my case up in the air. Not the best moment in my life. All bandaged up I was soon on my way home and I have had one checkup since. Bad moments recur, the worst being full shock state one night which turned me into a gibbering wreck as I relived the moment it happened. This has given me a fuller understanding of shock. It's not nice. As I am a touch typist (I hate touch screens) getting any form of communication out there has not been easy and doing this blog has taken ages. Tuesday will tell me more about what I will be able to do. I hope it will be the majority of what I did before, fingers crossed (oops ... bad phrase) Big Lesson... don't take short cuts with power tools.... you will finish up with bigger cuts. -------------------------------------------- 3. Mark Nelson Had The Greatest Smile In The World --------------------------------------------- Message by Joan Lawton In lieu of flowers or other donations, Mark's family has requested that any memorial donations be made to the Dai Vernon Fund. Checks should be made payable to the Academy of Magical Arts, 7001 Franklin Avenue, Hollywood, California 90028, USA. Please write "Vernon Fund - Mark Nelson" in the memo section of the check. There will be a memorial tribute to Mark at the Magic Castle at the family's convenience, probably in a couple of months. Here's what I posted on the Castle Members Facebook page: As many of you have already heard, we received word on January 5 of the passing of Mark Nelson, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Here are the details about which many have asked. Jean Boyle, long-time close friend of Mark's, became concerned when he didn't return her phone calls. At almost the same time, Dave Clement called Jean to say that Mark had not called in to do the Castle phone recordings for a couple of days. Jean was even more concerned and drove out to Mark's home. A few days' worth of newspapers greeted her so she knew something was terribly wrong. Jean called Mark's parents and his sister, Vicki, who then called 9-1-1 from San Francisco. The police came and, somehow, looked through a window. Their visual confirmed that Mark had already passed. They then broke in the door and determined that Mark had been dead for "a couple of days." They did not permit Jean to see Mark. (Mark actually died on January 3.) Jean called Vicki who had already made arrangements to get down to LA as soon as possible. The mortuary was called. I wanted to go to Mark's to wait with Jean but she asked me to go to the Castle in case anyone had questions. I went but I didn't stay long as I was too upset. When I spoke to Jean again around 8:15pm, a couple of her friends were with her, including one who was able to fix the door so that they could lock it after the mortuary took Mark away. So, those are the facts. Mark was also a long-time friend of mine (as he was everyone's friend) and he stayed in my guest room for quite a while several years ago. Mark Nelson had the greatest smile in the world. The voice of the Magic Castle has, sadly, been silenced. -------------------------------------------- 4. Convention For Young Magicians Announced --------------------------------------------- Message by George Schindler (US) The Society of Young Magicians will present the "Weekend of Wonder" (WOW) on August 10, 11, 12, 2012 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Warwick Rhode Island. This highly successful total immersion weekend event, presented in 2008 and 2010 is being repeated, and will bring young magicians from around the country, under one roof, for a weekend of magic studies. In addition to the training, friendships are made and social activities, gifts and special attention are offered by experts in all fields of magic. For details see the brochure at http://www.magicsym.com/wow.asp ------------------------------------------- 5. "Stars Of Tomorrow" Show Seeks Young Performers -------------------------------------------- Message by George Schindler (US) Show Producer Marlene Clark is seeking to hire 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 take place July 23 through July 26, 2012, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Applicants should submit an application; a video, DVD or YouTube link of the 5-to-10 minute stage act that they would like to perform in the show; a biography; and a photo for the convention program. Young magicians interested in emceeing the show also should include samples of introductions, jokes, and emcee bits in their videos. The deadline for receiving applications is April 20, 2012. Each performer will receive a cash payment; two free convention registrations - one for the performer, the other for a parent or guardian; plus one year membership in the Society of Young Magicians. Information and applications are available from Marlene Clark, 203-689-5730 or afuntime@comcast.net. or at www.magicsym.com and clicking the "Stars of Tomorrow" graphic. For full details on the convention please see www.magicsam.com -------------------------------------------- 6. Remarkable Magic. #16 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message by Nick Lewin (US) The Las Vegas Magic Theatre. Last night we attended the press night for 'The Las Vegas Magic Theatre' at the Gold Coast Hotel. It was a nicely organized event that showcased producer Paul Stone's idea for a new multi-night revolving cast magic show. Given the current state of business in Vegas it is a very bold endeavor to attempt this kind of show in a local's casino and I wish him really well with his future goals. The showroom began its life at the Gold Coast as a slightly too large Cowboy Dancehall and has been adjusted for various events since, most notably that perennially great little gem 'Forever Plaid.' The room is now split in two by a large curtain, which allows for close-up magic to be performed from 6.00-7.00pm before the audience enter the 'showroom' section and sit to watch the show. The format is old fashioned in its plan and execution, but that isn't always a bad thing with magic. The feeling is very much that of an evening in the Magic Castle without the decor and ambiance that the Castle provides. We didn't get to watch much of the pre-show close up magic, hey---this was a press event with excellent free food and drink! However, I caught all the main show. Paul's son Ben Stone who had the charm and energy to really keep the show together very nicely hosted it. He also displayed a fine singing voice that added some nice texture to the proceedings. He performed a great duet with the lovely Jasmine Trias from the 'The Society of Seven.' This segment should have been highlighted a little more rather than the manner in which it was interjected into headliner Murray's show. Ben also performed some good-natured comedy magic during a set in the show. The set was a little too long and could have used some tightening and shortening to increase the effectiveness of the evening. Less is so often more with an MC and Ben's singing talents were quite enough to establish his credentials and ability to anchor the show. Opening the bill was comedy magician Adam Flowers and dove act Michael Douglas. They were both fairly standard and would have made good performers for a Castle brunch show, however they didn't really cover any new ground or re-explore/redefine old territory to add to the proceedings. There were a couple too many opening acts! Stealing the show (as almost always happens in an all magic bill!) was the non-magician, in this case the comedy and juggling of Michael Goudeau. Michael was a riot and smoothly took his show from one big laugh to another. Michael was the featured act in Lance Burton's show at the Monte Carlo and his smooth performance re-establishes how smart Lance was in his choice. Assisting Goudeau was the very funny Tommie Laing, who was also very familiar to those of us who had seen Lance's show. Goodeau really kicked the show into high gear and up a couple of notches! We were sitting with old friend Mike Weatherford the variety reviewer for the Las Vegas Revue Journal. Mike's immediate response to Goudeau was to wonder how long it had been since Lance (who was in the audience) had actually seen Michael perform his show! Later discussion with Lance indicated it had been about 20 years! Mike and I also just looked at each other when Ben Stone produced two sponge balls and simultaneously said, "I wonder how Jan is doing?" a spontaneous reference to the widow of long term Vegas magician Steve Dacri. We miss you Steve. The headliner of the show was Murray (Sawchuck) who performed a very strong set. Murray has charm, style and a quirky 'daffy' personality that is the launching pad for an act that combines low key and funny comedy bits with a very strong and slick set of illusions. He is an excellent performer with an instant appeal to any audience. I thoroughly enjoyed his very accomplished performance and could have used a little longer watching him work. The evening was a very pleasant experience but the real test is as to whether this format will work in a local casino. The real magic (as in every Vegas showroom) is going to be to fill those seats on a weekly/nightly basis. The basic idea and execution of the evening are very reminiscent of a mainstream version of Jeff McBride's 'Wonderground.' You might even refer to it as 'Overground,' but part of the flare that sets 'Wonderground' apart is that it is a monthly event which really establishes it as an 'event' on the scene. A multi-night weekly format is a lot tougher to remain a viable contender. However if there is a producer with the drive to make this work (and also the key ability to coax to vital 'guest' performances from local magicians) then Paul Stone is the chap to do it. Good luck, go get 'em Paul. Email me at nicklewin1@mac.com -------------------------------------------- 7. Magic's Bad Perception - #240 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message by Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com I was talking to a friend the other day and he told me the following "The other day my daughter's teacher ask what your father does for a living my girl answered "He is a magician" to which the teacher replied "He must be kinda lame then". I do find what the teacher said to be in poor taste when answering a question from her own student. However I am not surprised in the least. The fact of the matter is that lay people find magicians and magic to be "lame." They have this perception that we are simply "people who dress funny, never want to grow up, embarrass others while pulling quarters out of ears." As silly as this sounds, most of you know that this statement is really closer to the truth than you may think. Anyone with a deck of cards can say they are a magician and try and get paid for it. As sad as that is, it is the simple truth. In the hierarchy of "the arts", magicians are lucky if we are just slightly above the level of mimes. Simply put, people do not see what we do as anything special. They do not see the performance art that we create to be anything up there with plays, music, opera etc. We are not even in the ballpark. Now why is this the case? Well a lot of it simply is the fact that there are many magicians out there who treat the art like a joke and they act the part well. They do not spend the time needed to devote to making what they do special. It is too much of an attitude that magic is about me freaking people out while embarrassing them for laughs. We have all seen it and know this to be the case too often. If you have ever done strolling magic you know that when approaching a group, have the tip they will never make eye contact with you and they cringe the moment you get there. They may act polite because they think they have to. However, inside they are screaming "oh god, just get away please." As alarming as this is, we have all experienced it. It becomes an uphill battle just to win them over. We start off in a ditch trying to climb out. We start having to prove something to them every time. So how do we change this perception? Well first we must realize that this perception is very real. Secondly, we must realize that in many ways, WE might be the ones causing this perception. If we are, we must do our best to change it. So what can we do: - Remember that being a professional does not start when the curtains open and it doesn't end when the curtains close. Be a professional at all times. - You are not there to embarrass people time and again. If you use someone to get a laugh, make darn sure they know you appreciate their help. - Always make sure every helper is treated like a guest in your own home. It is the right way to behave. - Do NOT buy a trick one day and put it in your show the next. Take pride in honing your craft and making darn sure you have it down and a good routine before ever showing it to anyone - Realize that magic is way more than "wowing" people. You can do so much more than that. - Understand that what we do is the art of entertainment. If you are not entertaining and your entire approach is to inflate your own ego, then you need to put down the cards and walk away. - If you want others to have fun, YOU must be having fun first. People read us all the time and they can tell when we are going through the motions or just simply there to make them look foolish. Enjoy what you do. - Treat magic as an art form. If you want people to treat it better, it first starts with YOU! Show respect for what you do and take pride in it. - Get away from performing what I call "routines in a box." Just because the trick you bought came with patter, comedy lines and a DVD showing exactly what to do and how to do it, does not mean you can't throw the directions away and develop a routine that fits who you are and what you are all about. No wonder people think we are all the same. We tend to show the same tricks done the same way time and again. Be unique. This list could go on and on but I will leave it at this as food for thought. The point is that how lay people think about us is not incorrect. There is a reason they feel this way. It is up to YOU to change that perception and to get folks to realize that magic is far more than what they thought it was. 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 Ray Parker #3 -------------------------------------------- Message by Anthony Darkstone Brook - Europe/USA ADB: That impressed your agent too I hear . RP: Absolutely! I am happy to tell you that when I presented my new act to my agent, he began to book me on banquets, theater shows and conventions, magic was now becoming my main source of income. ADB: But it didn't just coast smoothly on from there did it? RP: That's right Tony. Not only did it take off and the bookings came flooding in..in 1981 came the next major transformation. My agent called me and asked "Could you do a magic show as The Mad Hatter?" I gave him my standard answer, "No problem." The show was a month away it was called A Spring Affair, the audience a group of Convention Planners. With the help of Nora, my wife, who makes all of my costumes, I set about creating the character, then the contract arrived. Ray Parker to perform strolling, sleight of hand!!! Just one small problem . ADB: ..and what was that? RP: I had never done close up. I took a crash course, invented a routine combining a Svengali deck and an electric deck, a metal TT which I used to disappear cigarettes, a borrowed finger chopper and a bag of balloons. I finished making the first Mad Hatters hat the day of the booking and performed that night in my new role. ADB: How did the show go? RP: The show was an immense success, the agent used the photos of the event to print new promo and booked me to repeat the same show for what he entitled A Naval Affair, and for that I created another character Captain Cookie. ADB: I love characters in Magic. Share with us a little about Captain Cookie. RP: Captain Cookie was once again a character created at very short notice, wearing a borrowed admiral's bicorn (or cocked hat) and a naval uniform created out of a blue blazer on which Nora added epaulettes and various gold braid decorations, plus dress pants and cummerbund from my tux outfit and white frilly shirt. I performed a similar act to the one created for the Mad Hatter except I used navy references and jokes, every time I performed as this character it involved a naval theme or was on board ship. Much later , as the character developed we created a white outfit including a white bicorn which Nora and I made; BTW, I also have made all of my Mad Hatter hats, which Nora then covered with velvet. ADB: I have a special fondness for your Mad Hatter character . you use that one a great deal . RP: Yes Tony, The Mad Hatter seems to have a real appeal to audiences and I'm happy to say he pays most of the bills. However, both characters remain in my repertoire but The Mad Hatter became my main source bookings. It was also the act that secured me three performances on CBCTV in The Jimmy Ferguson show. The magic effect they chose to use was Professor Cheer. The two other performances were cross talk, with Ferguson playing opposite me in skits which I wrote. End of Part 3 -------------------------------------------- 9. Magicians Academy Hyderabad, India -------------------------------------------- Message by Samala Venu (India) International Magicians Convention from 12/12/2012 to 14/12/2012 At Hyderabad, India. An exclusive opportunity for all the magicians worldwide to meet at one platform. Interested magicians send your acceptance for further details to magicvenu@gmail.com. The convention is organized by the Magicians Academy, Hyderabad, India. -------------------------------------------- 10. Provisional Programme For Blackpool -------------------------------------------- Message by Peter Eldin (UK) Blackpool Magicians' Club have just released a provisional programme for their 2012 Convention: Thursday 16th February 2012 9.00 am Dealer Get In for Empress Ballroom, Empress Balcony and Arena Friday 17th February 2012 8.30 am Registration Desk Opens 11.00 am Dealer's Super Showcase Opens in the Empress Ballroom, Empress Ballroom Balcony and the Arena 11.00 am Dealer Demonstration in the Pavilion Theatre 1.00 pm Star Lecture in the Pavilion Theatre 2.30 pm Star Lecture in the Pavilion Theatre 4.00 pm International Close-Up Magic in the Pavilion Theatre 7.00 pm to 10.00 pm Gala Show - Magic of the Orient in the Opera House starring eight Korean artistes and compered by Steve Walls. Yuji Yasuda, Yoo Hyun Min, Do Ki Moon, Kim Tae Won, Park Eung Kyoung, Lee Hun, Ha Won Geon, Yu Ho Jin 8.00 pm Dealer's Super Showcase closes 10.00 pm to 11.00 pm Star Lecture in the Pavilion Theatre 10.00 pm Registration Desk Closes. Saturday 18th February, 2012 8.30 am to 5.00 pm Registration Desk open 9.00 am to 5.30 pm Dealers Super Showcase in the Empress Ballroom, Empress Ballroom Balcony and The Arena 9.15 am to 10.15 am Star Lecture in the Pavilion Theatre 10.15 am to 11.45 am The UK Children's Entertainers National Championships in the Opera House. Compere Terry Herbert 10.45 am to 11.45am Star Lecture in the Pavilion Theatre 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm Star Lecture in the Pavilion Theatre 2.00 pm to 3.00pm The Wayne Dobson and Friends Show in the Pavilion Theatre 2.00 pm to 3.00 pm Star Lecture in the Spanish Hall 3.30 pm to 4.30 pm International Close-Up Magic in the Pavilion Theatre 4.00 pm to 5.00 pm Star Lecture in the Spanish Hall 7.00 pm to 10 pm Gala Show in the Opera House - The Magic of USA & Canada. In memory of the late Hank Moorehouse. Starring: Danny Cole, Charlie Frye & Co., Dirk Losander, Andost, Chris Hart, Richard Forget and TV Star Jason Latimer. Compere: Jimmy Tamley 11.00 pm to 12.15 pm Star Lecture in the Spanish Hall 11.00 pm to 12.30 am Andrew James and Magic Sam present the "Beat The Wand" competition in the Theatre Bar of the Winter Gardens. The competition is open to approved registrants. Blackpool Magicians Convention House Rules Blackpool Magicians Club do Not Allow Videoing either with cameras or mobile phones in any part of the Winter Gardens. Badges MUST be worn in all parts of the Winter Gardens. The Security Staff have strict instructions to stop anyone who is not wearing a badge and ask them to produce one. Blackpool Magicians Club do NOT allow the unauthorised distribution of leaflets or advertising material at this Convention. Blackpool Magicians Club do NOT allow fly pitching (the selling of goods by unauthorised persons) anywhere in the Winter Gardens Complex. Please report breaches of these regulations to any officer or Security Staff. ? Sunday 19th February, 2012 8.30 am to 5.00 pm Registration Desk Open 9.00 am to 5.30 pm Dealers Super Showcase Open in the Empress Ballroom, Empress Ballroom Balcony and The Arena 10.00 am to 12.00 am British Magical Close-Up Championships in the Pavilion Theatre 10.45 am to 12.45 pm Two Kidz R Uz Lectures in the Ice Room starring David Ginn with Educational Magic For Children 11.00 am to 12.00 am Star Lecture in the Spanish Hall 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm Star Lecture in the Spanish Hall 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm International Close-Up Magic in the Pavilion Theatre 3.30 pm to 4.30 pm Star Lecture in the Spanish Hall 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm Star Lecture in the Pavilion 5.00 pm Registration Desk Closes 5.30 pm Dealers Super Showcase Closes 7.00 pm to 10.30 pm International Gala Show - the Magic of Europe in the Opera House Starring: Jean Garin - France, Aaron Crow - Belgium, Compagnie Poc - France, Sebastian Nicolas - Germany, Amethyst - UK, Ken Dodd - UK, Les Chapeaux Blancs - France, Marc Metral - France, Lumina The Laser Violinist - UK, Christian Farla - Netherlands. Compere John Martin 10.45 pm After Gala Show Party in the Spanish Hall (No food is included in the registration fee. No ticket required. Food can be purchased in the Spanish Hall.) This Programme Is Subject To Alteration Artistes Booked So Far Pete Hartley - UK, Yoo Hyun Min - Korea, Park Eung Kyoung - Korea, Yu Ho Jin - Korea, Charlie Frye & Co - USA, Chris Hart - USA, John Martin - UK, Compagnie Poc - France, Ken Dodd - UK, Wayne Dobson - UK, Christian Farla - Netherlands, David Ginn - USA, Garrett Thomas - USA, Dave Windle - UK, Do Ki Moon - Korea, Lee Hun - Korea, Jimmy Tamley - UK, Dirk Losander - USA, Richard Forget - Canada, Jean Garin - France, Sebastian Nicolas - Germany, Les Chapeaux Blancs - France, Lumina - UK, Michael Weber - USA, Ponta The Smith - Japan, Yuji Jasuda - Korea, Kim Tae Won - Korea, Ha Won Geon - Korea, Danny Cole - USA, Andost - USA, Jason Latimer - USA, Aaron Crow - Belgium, Amethyst - UK, Marc Metral - France, Terry Herbert - UK, Axel Hecklau - Germany, David Roth - USA. More artistes being booked every day! ------------------------------------------- 11. Vegas Magic Theatre Shows -------------------------------------------- Message by Paul Stone (US) The official Media / Press Launch for the Vegas Magic Theatre Shows at the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas took place last week and it was a star-studded and successful night! The Show featured Vegas's premier street magician Adam Flowers, the excellent bird Act of Mike Douglas, the hilarious juggler Michael Goudeau ( Lance Burton's special Guest Star for 20 years ), assisted by Tommee Lang, and America's Got Talent Semi Finalist, Murray. The Show was hosted by Ben Stone who sang and performed a magic spot. He also sang a duet with surprise Guest Star Jasmine Trias from American Idol. Celebrities present included Siegfried Fishbacher, Lance Burton, and Robin Leach and other well-known faces at the event were Norm & Lupe Nielsen, Nick Lewin and Tihany. Vegas Magic Theatre is different from any other Magic Show in Las Vegas because every week is a brand new show featuring magicians, and variety acts from around the world. The exciting line-up of talent in the next couple of months includes Dana Daniels, Christopher Hart, Graham P. Jolley, Keith Fields, Scott Alexander, Paul Zenon, Joel Ward, John Park, Scott Land, Arron Sparks and Murray Hatfield & Teresa. The comfortable Magic Lounge at the front of the Showroom opens its doors one hour before Showtime and features pre-show Close-up Magic. We are always interested in hearing from any magicians who are planning to be in Las Vegas and who would like to come down and perform Close-up before the VEGAS MAGIC THEATRE Show. Contact producer@vegasmagictheatre.com for more details. Vegas Magic Theatre Shows are on Thursday, Friday & Sunday at 7pm, and Saturday at 5pm & 7.30pm. Tickets are just $14.95 plus Tax which makes it great value for money! ------------------------------------------- 12. Innovention 2012 -------------------------------------------- Message by Paul Stone (US) Innovention 2012 which is taking place from September 30 - October 3, 2012, will be completely different from any other Magic Convention. We deliberately limit the number of attendees to a maximum of 275 so that everyone has great seats for every session and can get to meet and spend quality time with all the performers and lecturers. Once all the tickets are sold, there will be no more. We already have over 100 people registered because they know that Innovention 2012 will be a special few days. The venue is the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino located just off the Strip and next door to the Rio and across from the Palms. This locals Casino has excellent facilities for the Lectures, Workshops and Shows, and a really intimate Showroom, currently home for the Vegas Magic Theatre Shows. The Gold Coast offers a terric choice of restaurants including the Award Winning 'Ping pang Pong' Chinese Restaurant, and TGI Friday's is open 24 hours a day! And at just $40 for a Premium Room, the accommodation is unbeatable! And you won't find the same old names at Innovention 2012! In fact many of the performers you will most likely never have heard of, because they are always working! We have scoured the magic and entertainment world to find our amazing line-up of talent. We will shortly start releasing a few names and believe us you'll want to be there! But don't take our word for it ...ask anyone who attended Innovention 2010! We will also be honoring a few magic legends at Innovention 2012. We have extended our special discount registration offer of $295 until the end of January (regular registration is $345). If you'd like further details or want to register, contact info@innovention2012 . -------------------------------------------- 13. French National Convention -------------------------------------------- Message by Peter Din (France) President of the FFAP The next French National Convention will be held from October 11 to 14, 2012 in Aix-en Provence, beautiful city in the south of France. Welcome in the former capital of the counts of Provence for the 46th congress. Being dominated by Mont Sainte-Victoire, Aix-en-Provence symbolizes the art of living in Provence. The land of water, fountains and art, Paul Cézanne's country, Aix-en-Provence revives its exceptional gentle way of life every day, to the rhythm of its fountains music and in the shade of plane trees of its famous 'cours Mirabeau' in the heart of dazzling architecture legacy. For all information, you can download the flyer in English at: http://www.congresffap.com/convention2012.pdf. ------------------------------------------- 14. Darwin Ortiz - Scams & Fantasies With Cards -------------------------------------------- Message by Eddy Lester, Personal Manager Darwin Ortiz Darwin Ortiz, Worlds Greatest Card Shark will present, Scams & Fantasies With Cards At The Sugden Theater Naples Monday Feb 6 & 7 Tuesday Feb 13 & 14 $30 - Performances 6:00pm and 8:00pm For Tickets Call Box Office 239 263 7990 Lester Productions & Tin City Magic Producers This is a one person show presented by Darwin Ortiz a world class sleight-of-hand entertainer. The show is visually enhanced, full of laughs and it will amaze the audience at the Tobye Studio in the Sugden Theater in Naples, FL. He is an author, casino consultant and media personality. His is a rare combination of technician, creator, thinker, and performer. Darwin's sleight-of-hand skills, combined with knowledge of gambling scams, have led to his consulting for gambling casinos in 14 countries. As a performer, Darwin has worked for many Fortune 500 companies, colleges and universities throughout the country. In addition he has performed twice for the Bush and again for the Obama inaugural celebrations. He has also appeared on television shows that have been broadcast internationally. Among them "HBO A Dick Cavett Special," "Americas' Most Wanted" and "The Paul Daniels Variety Show" in England. His gaming newspaper columns appeared in the Philadelphia Daily News. He was a consultant for "Playboys Illustrated Treasury of Gambling." (Crown) He is the author "Gambling Scams" and "Darwin Ortiz On Casino Gambling." (Dodd-Mead) Among his many reviews and endorsements are: "Your performance was simply fantastic and perfect for this historic event" Cynthia Grubb, Presidential Inaugural Committee. "One of the greatest card handlers of all time ... A Genius extraordinaire with cards", Dick Cavett Host, CNBC-TV "Not only is he a master card handler, he's a brilliant entertainer, too." Successful Meetings Magazine Naples resident Eddy Lester has been Darwin Ortiz's personal representative for over 30 years. ------------------------------------------- 15. Scarce Books And Ephemera Pertaining To Ventriloquism -------------------------------------------- Message by Tom Ladshaw (USA) Professional ventriloquist and noted ventriloquial historian Tom Ladshaw announces the launch of his new website, "GottleOGeer.com". Often referred to as the #1 source for "ventriloquiana" (scarce books and ephemera pertaining to ventriloquism, vintage vent-related toys and games, the occasional used vent figure, etc.) Tom now offers his "niche interest" ventriloquial wares on-line. Tom Ladshaw has been a regular vendor at the annual Vent Haven ConVENTion for years (as well as at previous Las Vegas Ventriloquist Festivals). Unfortunately, if you were not an attendee of these functions, you didn't have the opportunity to look over the vast amount of "ventriloquiana" offered by Tom's "Gottle O' Geer Collectibles" business. Now you can see at least a small portion of the offerings of this unique business! If you have any interest whatsoever in ventriloquism (a fantastic adjunct to a magic show), you owe it to yourself to take a look at www.GottleOGeer.com. You'll find a vast array of new materials of immense aid to the modern ventriloquial entertainer, as well as a large selection of vintage items for the collector. We are experts at international shipping, too. No matter where you live, we can get your order to you quickly and economically! Please note - Tom Ladshaw is always interested in *acquiring* ventriloquial materials, too. Whether it's one piece or an entire collection, please contact Tom if you have vent-related material you'd like to sell or trade. ------------------------------------------- 16. David Ginn's Appearances 2012 -------------------------------------------- Message by David Ginn (US) Here are the confirmed and possible/tentative (*) dates we know so far: January 21: Pensacola FL 10 am - 3 pm Kidbiz New Stuff workshop February 3-4: JOEY to the World Conference, Houston Texas February 17-19: Blackpool Magic Convention, England to present the Educating Children with Magic lecture postponed from last year March 3: * North Orlando FL area Kidbiz Live 10-3 pm??? March 4: Tampa FL 2-6 pm, Kidbiz Live at Magic Emporium Shop April Canada Lecture Tour: April 10* London Ontario??? April 11 Winnipeg MAN April 12 Vancouver BC April 13 Edmonton AB April 14 Calgary AB April 26-28 Branson Magic Bonanza, Missouri May 18* Salt Lake City 7-10 pm Kidbiz New Stuff??? May 19: Boise Idaho Kidbiz Live 2-6 pm June 2/3* Workshop in State 49??? June 16/17* Workshops in NYC area??? July 30 - Aug. 3 FCM Convention, Marion Indiana -------------------------------------------- 17. 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 and Ken Scott. 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 -------------------------------------------- 18. 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) -------------------------------------------- 19. 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 and statements 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 or statements contained therein. 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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 2012 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