Magic New Zealand® E-zine - Special Edition

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* Magic New Zealand®
* Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment
* www.magicnewzealand.com
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Issue Number: #1023
Date: Sunday 26th May 2013
Editor: Alan Watson
www.watson.co.nz
E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com
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Hi here is the latest news
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1. Editor's Message
2. Disaster Relief Available To Tornado Victims
3. Looking For Professional And Strong Semi-Professional Acts
4. Trying To Find Out More About Ken Brooke
5. Remarkable Magic #302 - Nick Lewin
6. Audience Control - #299 - Kyle Peron
7. Magic - Art, Craft or Neither - Part 12
8. Las Vegas Magic Line-Up - June 2013
9. Is Bigger Really Better?
10. Broken Wand - Ernest (Ernie) Ray Earick
11. Broken Wand - Bob Ostin (Robert Arkley)
12. The Malaysia Tour 2013
13. 19th Annual Magic Auction
14. Magician Is Being Honored By Boston Hospital For Cancer Work
15. Illusion Dream Team Set To Thrill Auckland, New Zealand
16. Magic New Zealand App
17. e-zine Archives
18. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice

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1. Editor's Message
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Michele and I had a fantastic night being entertained at the The Illusionists show starring international illusionists, the best in their niche, Kevin James, Mark Kalin and Ginger, Jeff Hobson, Dan Sperry all direct from Las Vegas, Philip Escoffey from Italy and Philip Escoffey from the UK. It's a huge magic production the biggest New Zealand has ever seen we can't wait to go again on Saturday! The show is booked to go onto Brazil then later to Europe.

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For those who would like to read Magic New Zealand in a HTML format go to:
http://www.magicnewzealand.com/ezine-archive/2013-Jan-to-Dec-2013/1023-Ma26-2013.html

Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line:
Editor@MagicNewZealand.com

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2. Disaster Relief Available To Tornado Victims
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Message by George Schindler (US)

Disaster Relief funds are available to all magicians and allied artists who are victims of the current tornado disasters in the Midwest. If you know of anyone who has suffered losses please contact the Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment Funds.

For losses contact Bradley Jacobs at samambassador@comcast.net,

For injuries or health related assistance contact George Schindler - dean@magicsam.com

Alternately you may contact Regional Vice Presidents. Jeff Lanes (Oklahoma) at jeffie@texasfilm.net or Shaun Rivera (Kansas) Shaun.rivera@gmail.com

See www.magicsamcom. You do not have to be member of the Society to be eligible for aid.

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3. Looking For Professional And Strong Semi-Professional Acts
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Message by Eddy Lester (US)

I need to build up my files for professional and strong semi-professional acts in the following States: MO, OK, AR, TX, LA, TN, and MS. I will need variety acts of all kind including music acts. I am the Entertainment Director of a Dinner Theater currently booking acts once a month. Starting in the late fall, work will be weekly in a 275 seat theater with food service. Please only acts with good credits.

Email Video, Credits, Press Kit to: eddylester@gmail.com

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4. Trying To Find Out More About Ken Brooke
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Message by Zoe Brooke forwarded on by Peter Scarlett MIMC

Hello!

I am Ken Brooke's granddaughter and am writing to you in the hope of finding out more about him. The release of a new DVD has reignited our search for Granddad's work, particularly his props. Sadly he drifted out of contact with us, my dad is Ken's eldest son Michael. I have only vague memories of Granddad whilst my (younger) brother only remembers attending his memorial service in Covent Garden.

Unfortunately, we have very few of Granddad's things. My dad has bought a number of the books and had forgotten how many illustrations that he had done for various things. Despite my dad helping out quite a bit (including participating in some of his routines), Granddad did not want my dad to follow him into the business as he regarded it as a rather precarious way to make a living.

Whilst purchasing the new Ken Brooke DVD, my dad has been in email contact with both Russell J.Hall & John Hinchliffe who have been very helpful.
Sadly neither of them had come across the footage of my dad's dancing cane routine so I fear that it may have been lost forever!

Russell shed light on where the films in the DVD had come from (some originally put out by Harry Stanley and used by arrangement with Harry's son, Billy) with additional footage by Pat Page and his partner in Trick-a-Tape productions). He thought that Billy may have some more film, although thought that Billy had passed on everything he had. Both Martin Breese and Pat Page died a little while ago.

Russell also spoke to Steve Cooke to see if he had any further information, but he didn't. Russell is very kindly sending my dad a copy of the DVD so that we can see Granddad in action.

John now works for the chap who took over Martin Breese's business and has been selling off Martin's old collection of magic. According to John, Martin had quite a lot of Granddad's stuff but unfortunately most of these things have been sold. John has very kindly agreed to keep an eye out for any more of Granddad's things as he sorts Martin's collection.

I'd really appreciate any help or advice that you could offer as we try to find out more about Ken's work.

Yours faithfully,

Zoe Brooke
On behalf of Ken's sons Michael and Drew and his grandson, my brother, Xavier Brooke

Received from zoe.madeleine.brooke@homecall.co.uk

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5. Remarkable Magic #302 - Nick Lewin
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Message by Nick Lewin (US)

Reveen Remembered.

It is quite an amazing phenomena the impact that Peter Reveen created in people's lives. He touched a great many people in a great many ways. The Celebration of Life-Memorial Service that was held for Peter on May 18th brought together a large group of people whose lives had been changed and improved by their contact with this master showman. Reveen had the capacity, and heart, to make everyone feel special - it was always personal with Peter.

The celebration was lovingly organized by Bill Smith and took place at the Desert Willow Golf Course/Sun City in Henderson, Nevada. Bill began his long friendship and association with Peter, when he traveled to Sacramento with fellow Long Beach Mystics Les Arnold and Stan Allen in 1974 to watch him perform. Bill went on to build many of Peter's classic illusions, including creating a giant hockey puck for Reveen to levitate during a Canadian tour. It must have brought the house down!

Tyrone Reveen acted as MC for the event and introduced the stream of people who were there to pay tribute and homage to his father. The Reveen heritage has landed in safe hands, after memorizing the nearly three hour hypnosis show that his dad made a legend around the world, Tyrone and his beautiful daughter Morea are now bringing it to a whole new generation. How proud it must make Coral to know that the 'Superconscious Experience' is still continuing in the hands of the Reveen family.

The ceremony began with a short prayer by Pastor Terry, then after a video overview of Reveen through the ages were a series of heartfelt speeches. The speakers paying tribute to Peter included Bill Smith, Tommy Lang, Dante Larsen, Ralph Craig, Anthony Cools, Bob Brown, Charlie Frye, Amazing Johnathan, Diana Zimmerman, Bob Curtola and Jeff McBride. Each had a story to tell about the friendship and inspiration that Peter had extended to them. Several were very open in expressing their belief that Peter had quite literally saved their lives. The tribute began with Geary Rindels reading a message from television legend Chris Bearde and also included video messages from Jeff Hobson and Fielding West.

There were two songs rendered to great reaction by cantor Phil Goldstein, 'Wind Beneath My Wings' and 'Lord Raise Me Up.' Cantor Goldstein assured us that his real name was Max Maven! The occasion was also used for John McClenahan from the IBM Fantasma Ring 257 to perform a simple and moving Broken Wand ceremony. Always supportive of magic, Peter was a member of the IBM, SAM, Magic Circle and Magic Castle. Also, he was an avid Mason, Shriner and member of Variety Club.

The Las Vegas magic scene was represented by some of the finest talent in the industry including; Lance Burton, Siegfried Fischbacher, Stan and Rhonda Allen, Norm and Lupe Nielsen, Johnny and Pam Thompson, Mr. Tihany, Bob Rossi, Luna Shimada, Mike Douglas, Mac King, Sonny Fontana, James Dimmare, Jason Byrne, Juliana Chen, Ariann Black, Jason Andrews, Winston O'Rourke, Paul Stone, Gabrielle Lyster, Tyler and Mistie Knight and a host of others.
Bob Brown and Jay Alexander flew in from Sacramento and San Francisco respectively for the celebration.

The long and warm relationship between Reveen and the Magic Castle was very apparent with Irene, Erika, Dante and Lily Larsen all present for the occasion. There were many entertaining stories about the tight bond between Peter and Castle founder William Larsen Jr. Many of us first met Peter through the Magic Castle.

Approximately 300 people attended the celebration and were seated at tables of ten. Wine, beer and a delicious buffet were served to all present and the event closed with a series of long streamers being fired over the audience. The streamers were a nice touch that would have delighted the master showman himself. Attending the event, were Peter's wife and partner of 54 years Coral and their four sons Wayne, Tyrone, Calvin and Peter Jr. and daughter in laws Lisa Marie and Cathy. Reveen's six grandchildren; Alexander, Morea, Carson, Candace, Cody and Taj were in attendance. Morea and Taj each gave heartfelt speeches expressing their love and devotion to their grandfather.

Peter James Reveen, October 8th 1935, to April 8th 2013.

A master magician, hypnotist, showman, family man, humanitarian and friend to all, whose life was one of the most fascinating stories in show business history. Reveen will be sorely missed by his friends all around the world, from Lance Burton whose career he so skillfully managed, to the magic hobbyist he befriended into at a magic convention.

Goodbye old friend!

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6. Autographs- #299 - Kyle Peron
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Message by Kyle Peron (US)
magic4u02@aol.com
http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com
http://www.kpmagicproducts.com
https://www.facebook.com/perondesign

I am a firm believer in getting to thank my audiences and giving them a chance to meet me after my shows. It is a great way of letting them know I appreciate them and a means in which to have kids meet an entertainer in person. It can really make an impact on them.

Whenever I bring this topic up, folks ask me if I sell my autograph. In other words am I making money off of it? I never sell my autograph at all. My feeling is that if not for the audience, I would be out of work. My audiences are everything to me.

Greeting my audiences and allowing them to get free autographs also does other important things for me. For starters, it allows the client/s to see crowds of people engaging me afterwards. It just simply looks good in their eyes.

Also, if I have a BOR table selling my products, this is a great way and method of getting them over to it. I have one part of the table where I am standing to meet the audience and sign autographs for the kids who want them. This leads folks over in droves to my BOR table and creates an atmosphere where they are much more willing to spend money while they are over there.

Now one method to get folks over to want an autograph is by offering them something totally for free in which you can sign for them. There are many options here. One of the easiest is to make a Magicians Assistant Certificate and give them out to any and every child.

They get the certificate from you after the show and you sign it for them right there. Not only does it give them something they want, but you get them to your BOR table and they go home with something special that also brands you and has your contact information on it. This can easily add up to more shows for you later on.

Other things you can give out for free and sign could be postcards, your own trading cards or even free photos of you. The idea is to give something to them of value and do so freely.

We also must realize that in many cases we may be the first magician a person has ever seen. We are the ones that can make that person love magic or hate it. It is in our control. I think by taking the time to greet an audience and to sign autographs freely helps to really bond with people. It is also a great means in which to engage folks and find out first-hand what they thought of the show.

If you ever want great feedback, signing autographs really allows this to happen. You can build relationships with the audience and really get a chance to hear first-hand what they enjoyed about what you did.

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.

Entertainers, please visit:
http://www.kpmagicproducts.com

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7. Magic - Art, Craft or Neither - Part 12
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Message by Anthony Darkstone - USA/Europe

At the beginning of this series, I mentioned that I would be including thoughts and musings from various guests who have kindly shared their perspectives. To date, we have had Jason Andrews, Paul Draper, Yvonne Montijo and Ray Parker. This week, I am delighted to welcome Victoria Skye.

In September 2011, I Produced & Hosted a Talk Show in England for The British Ring convention and my guests were Jason Andrews, Shawn Farquhar, Michael Finney and Joe. M. Turner. Part of an event I created around The Talk Show was a fund-raiser for Operation Smile, a charity foundation run by Michael Finney.

Part of fund-raising were prize items contributed by the above named guests and good friends Jon Racherbaumer, George Schindler and Derek Bond. Without any hesitation, when asked, Victoria also contributed several of her amazing Arrows thru Coins. Incidentally, she has recently created an equally amazing and intriguing arrow thru a deck as well. Very worthwhile checking out the photos of these creations on her FB page and site.

When she is not creating and designing these Impossible Objects and Optical Illusions, she is a family and children's performer based in Atlanta, GA., USA. She performs in sign language, and to the best of my knowledge, is the only current Magical performer to do so. She also teaches magic to children of every age and ability throughout the State. She happily admits to being inspired by the children when she sees - "the light in their eyes, the smiles on their faces and the excitement in their voices when they learn a new skill or magic trick."

Worth mentioning again is the fact that Victoria is also a creator of optical illusion art and impossible objects. Her optical illusion art was published in the Scientific American Mind Magazine and her impossible objects are owned by magicians all over the world. I am honored to have been gifted by her with some of The Impossible Objects and had a special optical illusion playing card designed with my name as the card value!!! She even managed to use my features to create a wine chalice!!

You can see some of the testimonials from Clients about her magic and view some of her optical illusions and impossible objects on her website.

www.victoriaskye.com

Victoria Skye
Family and Children's' Entertainer
Optical and Impossible illusion artist

Magic - Art, Craft or Neither

Any art, be it painting, drawing, sculpture, or performing arts, is chosen by the artist because they find they have a talent for it, or because it makes a great outlet for them and in the process, it is something that can be shared to inspire or convey the emotions or feelings of the artist.

Magic is no different. A magician can use varying types of magic in his performances such as cards, coins, ropes, rings, escapes, mentalism, stage illusions, etc. Some are meant for pure entertainment while others are woven with stories that are meant to draw you in and capture your emotions and imagination.

Some magic will leave you with an incredibly inspiring message; others will leave you with the ultimate feeling of wonder and amazement. Others will leave you with a feeling of having experienced a wonderful time and escapism from the troubles of the day for a short time. No matter what is experienced by the individual, it is all magical.

Magician sometimes create or craft their own props and sometimes chooses to use some crafted by others. The end result is the same. They use them to bring the beauty of magic to others and to convey a message whatever that may be.

If art is creating something beautiful and sharing it with others, then magic is truly an art.

Victoria Skye

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8. Las Vegas Magic Line-Up - June 2013
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Message by David Neubauer - www.dnmagic.com

Centerfolds of Magic
11 pm (Dark Thur.) - Plaza.
www.centerfoldsofmagic.com

Criss Angel - Believe
7 pm (except Wed. & Thurs.) & 9:30 pm (Dark Sun. - Mon.) - Luxor.
www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/believe/default.aspx

David Copperfield - An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion
7 & 9:30 pm & also 4 pm Sat. - MGM Grand.
www.mgmgrand.com/entertainment/hollywood-theater.aspx

Gerry McCambridge - The Mentalist
7:30 pm (Dark Wed.) - Planet Hollywood.
www.vtheaterboxoffice.com/Vegas_Show_Tickets.cfm?showID=10005

Illusions - Jan Rouven
7 pm (Dark Wed.) - Riviera.
www.illusionsvegas.com

Jeff McBride's Wonderground
3rd Thurs. each month 7:30 to midnight - The Olive (3850 E Sunset Dr.) Non-stop Magic & Variety Performance Art. A whole new show each month. $10 cover.
www.vegasWonderground.com watch live: www.McBrideMagic.com

LaughterNoon - Adam London
4 pm (Daily) - The D.
tickets.thed.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=7

Mac King Comedy Magic Show
1 & 3 pm, (Dark Sun. & Mon.) - Harrah's.
www.harrahslasvegas.com/casinos/harrahs-las-vegas/casino-entertainment/mac-king-detail.html
Free tickets (buy 1 drink) usually available at the concierge desk or handed out by showgirls.

Magical Mix - Christopher Karpiak
7-10 pm (Dark Tues. - Wed.) - Mix Lounge, Mandalay Bay.
www.mandalaybay.com/dining/mixlounge.aspx
Free to locals until 10 pm.

Mike Hammer Comedy Magic Show
7 pm (Dark Sun. & Mon.) - Four Queens.
www.tickets.fourqueens.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=35
$14.95 discounted tix + free drink: www.vegas4locals.com/couponmikehammercomedymagic.html

Murray - Celebrity Magician with Douglas "Lefty" Leferovich.
4 pm - Laugh Factory at the Tropicana.
www.troplv.com/entertainment/events/murray-sawchuck
Two for One Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/couponmurray.html

Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show
4 pm, (Dark Mon.) - Saxe Theater - Planet Hollywood.
Current Guest Stars: Jeff Civillico and Russ Merlin
Armando Vera's Up-Close "VIP Experience" is performed pre-show @ 3:00 pm
www.nathanburton.com/tickets.htm
$10 Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/couponnathanburtoncomedymagic.html

Penn & Teller
9 pm, (Dark Thurs. - Fri.) - Rio.
www.riolasvegas.com/casinos/rio/casino-entertainment/penn--teller-detail.html

Seth Grabel - Variety Magic
6 pm, (Dark Sun. - Wed.) - Clarion.
www.visitlasvegas.com/event/seth-grabel---variety-magic/20776/

Tommy Wind - A Unique Magic and Music Experience
6:30 pm. (Dark Tues.) - The Boulevard Theatre
(Vegas Blvd between the MGM and Planet Hollywood).
www.Tommywindmagic.com
50% Off Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/coupontommywind.html

Magic In Production Shows
Bram Charles
2 sets between 10 pm - 2 am (Dark Mon. - Thurs.)
The Can Can Room on Industrial.

Crazy Girls
Tony Douglas - 9:30 pm (Dark Tues.) - Riviera.
www.rivierahotel.com/las-vegas-entertainment/crazy-girls/

Haunted Vegas Show and Tour - Jac Hayden, Robert Allen.
9:30 pm, picks up at the Royal Resort.
www.hauntedvegastours.com

V The Ultimate Variety Show
Featuring Melinda - First Lady of Magic
7 & 8:30, V Theater, Planet Hollywood
www.vtheshow.com/home.htm

Vegas Close-Up Magic
Shimshi - Resident Magician - Wynn/Encore.
Seth Grabel - Fri. & Sat. 9-11 pm - Foundation Room, Mandalay Bay.
Ben Seidman - Resident Magician - Mandalay Bay.
Cameron Shadow - Resident Magician - Pure Nightclub, Caesars Palace.
Chris Randall - Close-Up magic, 7 pm - 12 am - The Sugar Factory, Paris Resort.
Craig Keith performs bar magic, various times - Dick's Last Resort, Excalibur.
JungleJosh - House Magician - Señor Frogs at Treasure Island (Dark Mon.), 5 pm to 1 am. Table-hopping and Comedy Magic on the stages. No Cover, No Min.
Smoothini - Wed. to Sun. 8 pm-10:30 at Hard Rock Café (2nd Floor Bar); 11 pm to 2 am at Zingers, 3743 Las Vegas Blvd. and after 2 am at New York New York's Pour 24.

Jamie Porter's Radio Side Show Sat @ 5 am, KLAV FM 1230.

Las Vegas Magic Organizations
Fantasma I.B.M. Ring 257, 7 pm - 8:45, 1st Monday each month at Denny & Lee's Magic Shop, 5115 Dean Martin Dr. #102. Free Children's Classes at 5:45. No meeting if the 1st Monday is a major Holiday. ($24 a year to be a member). Current President and contact: John McClenahan,
doctormagiclv@embarqmail.com or 702-395-3856. www.ibm257.com

Darwin's Magic Club 9 pm each Wed. at Boomers, 3200 Sirius Ave.

Upcoming Special Events
June, 2013
June 3: Fantasma I.B.M. Ring 257 presents a Adam Flowers lecture. 7 pm. Denny and Lee Magic Studio, 5115 Dean Martin Dr. #102, Non Fantasma Ring members $20.

June 20: Jeff McBride's Wonderground 7:30 pm to midnight - The Olive (3850 E Sunset Dr.) Non-stop Magic & Variety Performance Art. A new show each month. $10 cover.
www.vegasWonderground.com watch live: www.McBrideMagic.com

June 29 & 30: The Magic of Rick Thomas 7:30 pm - Suncoast.
www.suncoastcasino.com/entertain/suncoast-showroom

July, 2013
July 14-20: McBride's Magic & Mystery School Extended Master Class Teachers: Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Larry Hass, Bryce Kuhlman & Tobias Beckwith.
www.magicalwisdom.com

July 18: Jeff McBride's Wonderground 7:30 pm to midnight - The Olive (3850 E Sunset Dr.) Non-stop Magic & Variety Performance Art. A new show each month. $10 cover.
www.vegasWonderground.com watch live: www.McBrideMagic.com

AUGUST, 2013
Aug. 15: Jeff McBride's Wonderground 7:30 pm to midnight - The Olive (3850 E Sunset Dr.) Non-stop Magic & Variety Performance Art. A new show each month. $10 cover.
www.vegasWonderground.com watch live: www.McBrideMagic.com

Aug 16-22: McBride's Magic & Mystery School Extended Master Class Teachers: Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Larry Hass, Bryce Kuhlman & Tobias Beckwith.
www.magicalwisdom.com

Aug. 11-14 MAGIC Live! - The "Unconventional Convention" - Orleans.
www.MAGICmagazine.com or 702.738.0099 ext. 110

September, 2013
Sept. 19: Jeff McBride's Wonderground 7:30 pm to midnight - The Olive (3850 E Sunset Dr.) Non-stop Magic & Variety Performance Art. A new show each month. $10 cover.
www.vegasWonderground.com watch live: www.McBrideMagic.com

October, 2013
Oct. 16-19: Magic & Meaning Conference, presented by McBride's Magic & Mystery School. Teachers: Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Lawrence Hass, Bryce Kuhlman & Tobias Beckwith and special guests Robert E. Neale, Max Howard and Max Maven. - Residence Inn, Henderson.
www.magicalwisdom.com

Oct. 17: Jeff McBride's Wonderground 7:30 pm to midnight - The Olive (3850 E Sunset Dr.) Non-stop Magic & Variety Performance Art. A new show each month. $10 cover.
www.vegasWonderground.com watch live: www.McBrideMagic.com

November, 2013
Nov. 6-7: Focus on Manipulation presented by McBride's Magic & Mystery School. Two days with Jeff McBride in workshop teaching stage manipulation.
www.magicalwisdom.com

Nov. 13-15: Master Class for Mentalism presented by McBride's Magic & Mystery School. Teachers: Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Lawrence Hass and special guests Ross Johnson.
www.magicalwisdom.com

Nov. 21: Jeff McBride's Wonderground 7:30 pm to midnight - The Olive (3850 E Sunset Dr.) Non-stop Magic & Variety Performance Art. A new show each month. $10 cover.
www.vegasWonderground.com watch live: www.McBrideMagic.com

December, 2013
Dec. 3-4: Focus on Mask, Mime & Magic presented by McBride's Magic & Mystery School. Teacher: Jeff McBride.
www.magicalwisdom.com

Dec. 19: Jeff McBride's Wonderground 7:30 pm to midnight - The Olive (3850 E Sunset Dr.) Non-stop Magic & Variety Performance Art. A new show each month. $10 cover.
www.vegasWonderground.com watch live: www.McBrideMagic.com

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9. Is Bigger Really Better?
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Message by Dan Stapleton (US)

As I started thinking about this subject, my MAGIC magazine arrived in the mail and, wouldn't you know it, Editor Stan Allen already used this "Is Bigger Better?" title (OK his was titled Bigger-Better?) to his editorial. Oh well. It still fits my subject, so forgive me.

Magic is either evolving or digressing back to the days, perhaps two century's in fact, to when "parlour" magic was vogue. I read about more and more parlour magic shows happening around the country. We here, in Orlando, have three on-going "small" shows and I'm sure there are many shows of this type, across this vast land of ours that don't see print, for the weekly or monthly shows that exist.

My friend, Ben Mason, said last year that he believes that more and more Parlour or Close-up "shows" will be popping up across the nation. And that is what is happening, whether the shows are in hotels, restaurants, time shares etc. Eric DeCamps and Paul Gertner, not to mention Ricky Jay all have had their shows to much success without "the big stuff". Sometimes smaller is better.

When I began performing aboard cruise ships in 1982, I did not perform illusions as my first two ships, the Stella Solaris and the Stella Oceanis, showrooms were too small to warrant any illusions. The ceiling on the Oceanis was six inches above my head and one night, as the ship was rocking and rolling, the female singer, to steady herself, held one hand up to the ceiling to steady herself and held her microphone in the other hand. My next ship was quite a bit larger with a larger showroom so naturally I took a few illusions with me, and continued to swap out illusions for many years aboard various ships depending on the size of the showroom. But I found that the smaller effects got just as much audience reaction as the illusions. In fact, many of my smaller effects, Snowstorm, Pic Pocket act, Zombie, Doves, got more reaction most of the time. I found myself using illusions as "fillers" with my stage or parlour tricks as the main ingredient to my shows. And that is quite opposite to what the grand illusionists did in their full evening show back in the "golden age" of magic with the big touring shows.

I remember calling home to my wife, while the ship was in port, and I was perplexed (and frustrated) in explaining how the audience far more enjoyed my Banana/Bandana routine, than my Butterfly Blammo Box illusion routine that I worked so hard in developing. Hmph!

While hosting a dinner table the following night I would ask my guests what tricks they liked best and invariably it was one of the smaller tricks, not the illusions. So I began cutting back on carrying all this furniture aboard ships and, I must admit, it was a godsend not having to travel in and out of countries with so many cases and trunks.

A few years ago I presented my own full evening show in a theatre in Winter Garden, Florida. With comedian-magician-juggler-banjoist Todd Charles as my opening act, and intermission, the first night show ran a whopping three hours! Backstage on a chalk board, it was only the illusions that I quickly crossed off the list in making the next evening of magic shorter. Of course, it only made the show stronger although I must admit it hurt that I had to cut a third of the show and especially cutting, "the big stuff".

My comedy-magician friend, Jeff Alan, posted on FaceBook this statement expressing his frustration: "This is ONE of the hardest decisions I've had to make relating to my shows. I felt like I had to share ALL of my ideas in ONE show with an audience when, realistically it's a bad decision. It's taking too much time for the set up and breakdown, my body is wearing down carrying 5 LARGE pieces of equipment and I don't have to share my entire life's ideas in 90 minutes."

Of course, the length of the show might not always be the problem as I am often hired to perform 90 minute shows. And I must admit, I do believe in giving the client more than what they might expect and often after my shows I do get the comment/compliment, "Wow that was more than we expected." But it's not always the big stuff that people remember. Think Harry Blackstone and his Floating Light bulb or Vanishing Birdcage.

In 1979 he came to town with his huge full evening show and it was an amazing show. Two years later he came back to another theatre and I was telling everyone how grand it was. But this time, he left out most of the illusions. But it was still a great show because he made it great, mostly because it was "Harry" and not necessarily "the props".

On the other hand, we must be careful of too much "fluff" as well. At a recent Kreskin show, after three hours, The Amazing One only presented six (out of the briefcase) effects. Of course, that is what Kreskin is all about, lots (lots) of talk, but I doubt I'll sit through it again. After performing at Abbott's a couple of years ago one magician approached me and said, "You really know how to utilize the stage." And I do. At any show I "use the room". I invented a play-huge card trick I call "The Human Deck of Cards" which uses 52 audience members. The whole trick takes five minutes but I can perform it in the largest of auditoriums.

A few years ago we had the national SAM mid-year meeting and banquet in Orlando. The show was held at the Radisson Hotel ballroom. I was performing my Sands of the Desert routine but, setting it for the stage takes three people. So I asked the hotel for a separate riser and placed the Sands equipment on the riser, giving it its own staging to the side of the big stage. I received a couple of comments from the magicians afterward how cool they thought that staging was. In reality, I just didn't want the props near anyone or anything during the rest of the show that might make the bowl of water or glasses of sand fall. But it did make for an intriguing theatrical experience.

A few years ago I went to see illusionist David DaVinci and while it was a very nice show, I could hardly believe my ears when it was the Magic Coloring Book that received the biggest response. I thought, OK, perhaps that audience reaction was a fluke. But the next day I received a phone call from my magic friend, Chuck Smith, who said that he too saw the show but at the earlier performance and he stated that it was the Coloring Book that his audience connected with as well.

I think it was David Copperfield who said, when asked why he does illusions, "It pays more". And he is right, but not always and not for everyone, when you think about the many legends of magic who were superstars in their own right, who didn't perform illusions. But sometimes you might not have a choice, if you want the work. A few years ago the Entertainment Director of Carnival Cruise Lines told me, "We only hire magicians who perform "mega" illusions. We don't want "Sub Trunks!" Of course, he was saying this because of the large stages cruise ships have become. I couldn't resist, so I asked him, "So tell me, how large do your comedians or singers have to be?" Oddly, soon after that I produced a magic-cruise aboard one of the Carnival ships and the company show magician, who had been aboard that ship a year, only performed two illusions in his act, one being, the Sub Trunk! ARG!

Yes, in my show I will continue to perform an illusion or two at the request of the client, or if the show warrants a large prop. After all, laypeople still want to see girls levitated, or sawed in half. And that's fine if they want to pay the nickel to see it. But it's my daughters who are concerned also. I am 60 years old. One of my daughters recently asked me, after doing the Sub Trunk, "Dad, how long do you think you'll be able to do that trick?" HMPH!

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10. Broken Wand - Ernest (Ernie) Ray Earick
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Message by Bill Fienning, Ring 90 Secretary, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

Ernest (Ernie) Ray Earick, 53, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, died on April 27 from cardiac arterial disease. His driving passion for card magic led him to write his innovative book on the subject, By Forces Unseen. His work is known mostly among the cognoscenti of the card magic world as he was genuinely modest about his accomplished mastery. His routines were amazing, and they happened seemingly without effort, using very unusual sleights he developed. His approach to technique was to conceal it. Ernie was the business services manager at the University of New Mexico Press, where he had worked since 1986.

He is survived by his wife, Teresa Neudecker, and their children, Sam and Grace.

Jon Racherbaumer stated, "Ernest was a committed swain of the pasteboards."

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11. Broken Wand - Bob Ostin (Robert Arkley)
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Message by Paul Stone (US)

Broken Wand - Bob Ostin (Robert Arkley)

I was extremely sad to hear the news that Bob Ostin had died. Bob was an outstanding magician and a prolific inventor of magic. Bob was what I would call an 'old school' magician, he made most of his ingenious effects himself and was always excited to show his latest miracle.

Bob wrote an excellent book called 'Fingertip Fantasies' which was published by Goodliffe. He invented several outstanding Close-up and Children's effects which were successfully marketed by Ken Brooke. Bob was also a terrific lecturer and presented his lecture to every magic club in UK and around Europe.

Bob was a lifelong and highly respected member of the Liverpool Mahatma Magic Circle, and we were fortunate to have such an enthusiastic and talented member in our ranks.

Although Bob concentrated mostly on performing Close-up and a few Children's Shows where he was a real 'magic man' for children, he started out his performing career working the 'Northern Clubs' and he had a very accomplished Cabaret Act.

Bob was also a well-known member of the 'Good Turns Society'.

In the mid 1980's I was the European Advisor for the 'Desert Magic Seminar' in Las Vegas, and I was responsible for booking all the European talent. I was able to bring Bob, together with his close friend Peter Kane, over to Las Vegas to lecture and perform, and he did a great job. I know that the trip was one of the highlights of his career.

Bob had a wicked sense of humour, and we had many laughs over the years. My favourite and lasting memory of Bob was when I brought him to USA and after the Las Vegas Convention, my wife Lin & I took him to Disneyland. We went on the 'Thunder Mountain Railroad' with Bob sandwiched between us. As the ride got faster and the carriage we were in started moving from side to side, Bob's false teeth started slipping in and out of his mouth accompanied by short bursts of Oh,Oh,Oh, getting ever louder! We still laugh about it to this day.

The world of magic has lost another wonderful magician and a lovely man. I know that I speak for everyone in the Liverpool Mahatma Magic Circle when I say that he will be greatly missed by us all. Our condolences go to his family.

Goodbye Bob, and thanks for your special magic.

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12. The Malaysia Tour 2013
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Message by Barry Khoo (Malaysia)

Jeremy Pei
On-stage, Off-stage, Backstage
Lecture
The Malaysia Tour 2013

Jeremy's accolade of awards includes the youngest magician in Singapore to win an International Magic Competition in Perth, Western Australia, when he was only 14 years old and the only 3 times "Magician of The Year" Award Winner of Singapore Association of Magicians. 1st Place at the 2005 IF Magic International Close-Up Magic Competition, JCMA Award from the Japanese Close Up magicians Association and many more.

On-Stage: Live Performance
Jeremy will be presenting a special 25 minutes parlor magic ShowTime designed specially for this lecture.

Backstage: Magic lecture
Jeremy share routines and professional tips to:
add a professional & commercial routine directly into your existing show.
apply new handling techniques to classic magic apparatus.
increase your performance fee through simple customization of your effects.

Jeremy also shares other ideas for Stage Magic, Manipulation, Fire Magic, Professional Advice and many more.

Off-stage: Dealer Show
A variety of magic products available for sale as featured in the magic lecture plus many great magic apparatus from around the world!

Date: 8th June, 2013, Saturday
Time: 2pm to 6pm
Ticket: Early Bird: RM80/- before 31st May, 2013
RM100/- after 31st May and at the door
Venue: Berjaya Georgetown City Hotel, Penang
1-Stop Midlands Park Centre, Jalan Burma
10350 Penang Malaysia

For more details and tickets, kindly contact:
Barry Khoo
Barrini Magical Productions
Penang, Malaysia
Handphone: 012-4833-420
Email: barrini.magic@gmail.com

Also happened in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Date: 9th June, 2013, Sunday
Time: 7pm
Ticket: Early Bird: RM80/- before 24th May, 2013
RM100/- after 24th May and at the door
Venue: Little Art Box
25-3, Plaza Danau 2, Jln 2/109F, Tmn Danau Desa
58100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

For Ticket Booking:
Please Contact:
Sam Chia - Handphone: 016-2131760
Icelone Goh - Handphone: 016-7372369
Magic-i Magic shop:
Sunway Pyramid - Tel: 03 5633 6303
Sungei Wang - Tel: 03 2141 1221

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13. 19th Annual Magic Auction
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Message by Larry McMechan

2 Day auction - Sat & Sun May 25th and May 26th
Auction begins 10:00am Both Days
Preview: Friday May 24 2:00pm - 8:00pm
Located in the Preble County Auction Gallery
210 Nation Ave., Eaton, Ohio 45320

This auction will feature Magic items: illusions, props, books, tricks, close up items, memorabilia!

This auction also features the contents of Harold Puff's magic, Larry Southward's magic and TJ Hotsetter's magic 1946 Oil on canvas painting by Neil Foster of Mardi Gras, Framed original Alexander poster, Framed original Carter the Great poster, Framed original "signed" it's magic poster , Framed Fak Hong "Tokio" poster, Abbotts "thin saw" in case w/ instructions, Abbotts "spinning spider" card wheel trick, Mutilated "Our lady parasol, Jumbo Find the ladies, Wood handkerchief frame, Framed Doug Henning Poster, Framed Legrand David poster, Abbotts "ball in glass" trick, Ireland Jumbo Card frame, Vintage role thru glass wood frame, Jumbo dice box.

Auctioneers
Larry McMechan, Lysle McMechan, Amy Bridge
Apprentice Auctioneers: Jessica Reed, Chris Overbeck
937-456-7136

Terms cash or check w/proper ID
Food & beverage available
Sales tax applicable unless tax exempt # provided
Out of state checks will not be accepted unless pre-approved

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14. Magician Is Being Honored By Boston Hospital For Cancer Work
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Article forwarded on Peter Philips

The Current
Written by Laura Stetser

Egg Harbor Township - Egg Harbor Township resident Chad Juros was diagnosed with leukemia in 1991 at age 3. Four years later, he relapsed and spent 17 months in the cancer ward, during which time his father, Dr. Donald Juros, kept his spirits up by teaching him magic tricks.

Sadly, soon after he was released from the hospital, his beloved father was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor and passed away in 2000. In January 2003, Chad was once again confronted with grave illness, and when he recovered, he decided it was time to make his father's dying wish his own living wish.

He founded the nonprofit Spread the Magic Foundation to fulfill his father's hope that he would "continue to spread the magic around the world." Today, Juros is an accomplished magician and inspirational speaker whose performances raise money for pediatric cancer care.

For the balance of article go to:
http://www.shorenewstoday.com/snt/news/index.php/eht-people/38951-egg-harbor-township-magician-chad-juros-massachusetts-general-caner-center-100-honor.html

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15. Illusion Dream Team Set To Thrill Auckland, New Zealand
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We hear magicians from all over New Zealand are planning to come to Auckland to see one of the biggest selling magic shows on earth today The Illusionists.

22th May - 2nd June | The Civic, Auckland
Tickets: www.buytickets.co.nz
Or 0800 Buytickets
Performance Times
Wed to Sat 7.30pm, Saturdays 2pm, Sundays, 11am & 3pm. Tues 28 May, 6.30pm

The Illusionists:
* The Anti-Conjurer aka Dan Sperry - Shock illusions
* The Enchantress aka Jinger Leigh - Skills of grace and gravity defiance
* The Escapologist aka Andrew Basso - Death defying escapes
* The Gentleman aka Mark Kalin - Classic magic reimagined
* The Inventor aka Kevin James - Magic inventions and ground breaking illusions
* The Mentalist aka Philip Escoffey - Master of the unexplained
* The Trickster aka Jeff Hobson - Comedy magic. The biggest selling magic show on earth will appear on The Civic stage in May for a two week season featuring seven world grand master magicians in The Illusionists: Witness the Impossible.

The Illusionists: Witness the Impossible launched in January 2012 with a sell-out season at Sydney Opera House reaching an audience of 31,000 in nine days, followed by a Mexico City eight-day season with an audience of 42,000.

More recently the show packed out Adelaide Festival Centre and Queensland
Performing Arts Centre, and will visit Auckland before a launching world tour from London's West End.

The hand-picked cast of internationally renowned illusionists together create a blockbuster stage show featuring a stunning mix of their most outrageous and unbelievable optical illusions including nail-biting Russian roulette, jaw-dropping acts of levitation, mind-reading, disappearance and escapes.

This show sees the magicians take their cue from the showmanship of the great illusionists of the past - such as Houdini - and combine it with contemporary sets, costume design, technology and live band Z, best known as touring band for Hip Hop legend NaS, to create a spell-binding family-friendly blockbuster. Creative Producer Simon Painter says the show is a world first, with each of the seven international illusionists the best in their niche and together creating a 21st century stage spectacular that will leave audiences spellbound.

"From Dan Sperry's shock illusions to comedy magician Jeff Hobson to Escapologist Andrew Basso who performs the Houdini inspired underwater escape live on stage, there is no other group of magicians who can deliver the mind-blowing entertainment that The Illusionists do at every show.

"Kevin James, The Inventor, is the man who created most of the famous illusions and tricks that you'll see performed anywhere in the world by top magicians, and we have him bringing his favourite illusions to life as part of the show." Robbie Macrae, Director of THE EDGE Performing Arts Centre says that The Illusionists is a magic show like never before seen in New Zealand and another major stage show for Auckland and the rest of New Zealand to enjoy.

"We're incredibly excited to have secured The Illusionists for a season at The Civic. We haven't had a blockbuster magic show of this kind in Auckland before and we know that the theatricality and artistry of the show will completely astonish our audiences."

To book or for more information go to:
http://www.the-edge.co.nz/illusionists.aspx

YouTube clip - The Illusionists - Witness the
Impossible http://youtu.be/nAqq_OCC-3Y

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16. Magic New Zealand App
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Magic New Zealand now has its very own app that can be launched on any tablet.

Go to: www.app.cat/magicnewzealand on your tablet to download the FREE Magic
New Zealand app.

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17. e-zine Archives
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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)

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18. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice
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