* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand®
* Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment Ltd (New
Zealand)
* www.magicnewzealand.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #1224
Date: Sunday 2nd August 2015
Editor: Alan Watson QSM
www.watson.co.nz
E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com
================================
Hi here is the latest news
================================
1.
Editor's Message
2. Broken Wand - Lee Grabel
3. MAGIC Live Is Sold Out!
4. Widow Of Famed Magician & Houdini Biographer Scammed
5. The Magic Word Podcast - Tea Time with Paul Daniels
6. Phyllis Wong And The Waking Of The Wizard
7. Haversat & Ewing Magic Auction
8. Jeff McBride's Virtual Magic & Mystery School
9. Midwest Magic Jubilee
10. Review Gypsy Yarn By Nick Lewin
11. Updates So Far This Week on VanishLive.com
12. Daytona Beach Festival Of Magic
13. PCAM 2015
14. Monday Night Magic - New York
15. Final Curtain Call - Lee Grabel
16. Innovention Liverpool 2015! - Part 2
17. 32nd New Zealand International Magicians Convention
2015
18. e-zine Archives
19. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice
--------------------------------------------
1. Editor's Message
--------------------------------------------
As of this mailing Magic New Zealand is being sent to 17,792
subscribers around the world.
For
all those who would like to read the Magic New Zealand e-zine
in a HTML format go to: http://www.magicnewzealand.com/ezine-archive/2015-Jan-to-Dec-2015/1224-Aug02-2015.html
Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line:
Editor@MagicNewZealand.com
--------------------------------------------
2. Broken Wand - Lee Grabel
--------------------------------------------
Message by Lance Burton (US)
Sad
news. Lee Grabel passed away yesterday, peacefully in his
home. He was 96 and had an amazing life according to his
daughter Katy. Lee Grabel passed the Mantle of Magic (Royal
Dynasty of Magic) to me in 1994. He was a great Magician
and a great Friend. RIP
For
information on Lee go to item: 15
--------------------------------------------
3. MAGIC Live Is Sold Out!
--------------------------------------------
Message by Stan Allen (US)
It's
official. As of Tuesday, July 28th, MAGIC Live 2015 is sold
out!
Thanks
to our 1,600 registrants, and thanks to everyone who told
a friend or two about our "unconventional convention."
Without a doubt, you are our best sales force.
Unfortunately,
we will not be able to offer registrations at the door.
We
have, however, created a wait list for anyone still hoping
to attend: Register | MAGIC Live: http://www.magicmagazine.com/live/register/
Thanks,
again, for your support.
MAGIC
Live!
August 9-12, 2015
Las Vegas, Nevada
--------------------------------------------
4. Widow Of Famed Magician & Houdini Biographer Scammed
--------------------------------------------
Article sent by William Bowers (US)
DNAinfo
- New York
Widow
of Famed Magician & Houdini Biographer Scammed Out of
$1M: Court Docs
A
father-and-daughter scam team cast a spell over the frail
and elderly widow of a renowned 20th century magician and
looted her out of $1 million, court papers charge.
The
family of Maurine Christopher says Santos and Jessica Molina
posed as her caretakers but were really just controlling
her bank accounts to write checks to themselves, to use
her credit cards to purchase items at Victoria's Secret
and Juicy Couture and to get her to auction off hundreds
of thousands of dollars of magic memorabilia.
The
Molinas are accused of siphoning away Christopher's money
over the course of several years - despite the city's Adult
Protective Services twice opening investigations into allegations
of financial elder abuse.
Christopher
died at 92 in 2013, her family claims in court papers filed
July 16 in Manhattan Surrogate's Court that the scheme hasn't
stopped. They accuse Santos of continuing to live illegally
in her apartment in the Turin, a luxury apartment on Central
Park West.
"This
is the most egregious example of financial elder abuse I've
ever seen," said William Russo, a lawyer for Christopher's
brother and niece, who want a judge to remove Santos as
the preliminary executor of her estate and force him to
account for the money that went poof.
Balance
of the article go to: http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20150727/upper-west-side/widow-of-famed-magician-houdini-biographer-scammed-out-of-1m-court-docs
--------------------------------------------
5. The Magic Word Podcast - Tea Time with Paul Daniels
--------------------------------------------
Message by Scott Wells, M.I.M.C. with Gold Star
243:
Tea Time with Paul Daniels hosted by Luis de Matos
While
at FISM in Rimini, I spoke with Paul Daniels on the first
day about his expectations for the next few days. He was
excited and animated…but then again, Paul is always
upbeat and charismatic. Paul has that "it" factor
that most of us lack. One of the many responsibilities Paul
had during the congress was to spend an hour being interviewed
by Luis de Matos for an afternoon session called, "Tea
Time with Paul Daniels". Essentially, it was a forum
for Paul to be Paul and wax extemporaneously about his life,
career, and more. Luis only had to ask a couple of questions
and Paul took off telling such interesting stories.
I
featured Paul on a two part podcast earlier this year and
they were two of the most downloaded podcasts of the year
to date. When I asked Paul before the "Tea Time"
began if I could record and broadcast his stories, he doubted
that anyone would be interested in hearing more from him.
But he said if I wanted to do so, then I could. I did, so
I did, and it is posted this week on The Magic Word at:
http://themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/tea-time-with-paul-daniels
If
you are an magician or magic dealer who would like to reach
thousands of magicians worldwide each week to sell your
products, then contact Scott Wells for advertising rates
at Scott@TheMagicWordPodcast.com
--------------------------------------------
6. Phyllis Wong And The Waking Of The Wizard
--------------------------------------------
Message by Sue-Anne Webster (Aust)
For
all the young and young at heart, take a look at this little
teaser book trailer for the third magical story of young
magician, Phyllis Wong ... in:
"Phyllis
Wong and the Waking of the Wizard" by Geoffrey McSkimming
This
highly original and marvelous story, by the best-selling
author of the Cairo Jim chronicles, is available on Amazon
or in all good bookstores in Australia and New Zealand or
on-line through Allen & Unwin book publishers Australia.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWBkdWbYlQs
--------------------------------------------
7. Haversat & Ewing Magic Auction
--------------------------------------------
Message by Haversat & Ewing Galleries, LLC
Mark
your Calendars!
Haversat & Ewing Galleries
Magic Catalog Auction
October 16-17, 2015
An outstanding selection of rare and hard-to-find conjuring
memorabilia.
Featuring
additional items from the
Ed Hill Collection and choice lots from the nation's leading
collectors.
Photographs, rare posters, books, postcards, personal correspondence,
equipment, and much more!
http://www.haversatewing.com/
--------------------------------------------
8. Jeff McBride's Virtual Magic & Mystery School
--------------------------------------------
Message by Jeff McBride (US)
New
things are happening with our online Magic School. I sincerely
do hope you will consider becoming a member of our All-New
online. Please look at the video at our "Virtual Magic
& Mystery School.
Not
only will you receive special benefits at each level of
membership, but you are also helping the School fulfill
its mission of improving the art of magic one magician at
a time! Learn more right here:
http://www.magicalwisdom.com
--------------------------------------------
9. Midwest Magic Jubilee
--------------------------------------------
Message by Dan Todd (US)
Visit
http://MMJubilee.com and see who will be performing, lecturing,
etc. at the 59th Midwest Magic Jubilee August 13, 14, &15th
2015! Professional marketing photographer will be on hand
again this year. Click on Special Stuff. But most importantly,
click on Registration!
Remember,
it's not just whose performing or lecturing, it's who attends
and can be found in between the scheduled events performing
and mentoring. You might even catch a glimpse of Harry Monti,
whom as you know, has performed at the Magic Castle more
years than anyone else, EVER!
Everyone
says that they get the most personal memories while meeting
other magicians, famous or not, in the lobby, dealers room,
or just about everywhere at the Jubilee. Some of those magicians
come all the way from New Zealand each year!
Meet
Me in St. Louis,
Dan (the Great) Todd, 2015 Registration Chairman
--------------------------------------------
10. Review Gypsy Yarn By Nick Lewin
--------------------------------------------
Message by Paul Romhany (NZ)
The
Gypsy Thread has long been one of my favorite routines for
both close-up and stage. Over the years I have tried my
hand at performing this but the two main reasons I stopped
was because I could not find the right thread and kept cutting
my hand. The other reason was that the standard method using
a figure 8 to wind up the thread was not 100% workable.
One of the reasons I love The Gypsy Thread is that it packs
small and plays BIG. Nick has added elements that really
make this shine and this is the FULL package.
Very
rarely these days do you get the full package from video,
all the props (made up ready to go), and even a complete
performance script and CD with sound cues. This is one of
those rare products in magic these days that gives way more
than anything else. You could take this package and spend
a little time and have a solid routine that will remain
in your act forever.
I
received Nick Lewin's Gypsy Yarn last week and it has given
me hope that I can now put this in my show.
What
you receive: Nothing is left out as you get an in-depth
video tutorial filmed in high def with professional audio
and camera work. This includes a live performance, bonus
material and a special performance. Nick takes you step-by-step
through the handling.
Thread - this for me is one of the things that stopped me
doing this for the longest time. Nick supplies and tells
you what to use. Finally you can break the thread without
fear of cutting your hand. The thread supplied is by far
the best I've seen. It is perfect for stage because of the
off-white so it doesn't glare in the spot light. The work
that has gone behind finding the right thread has taken
Nick years and obviously something he never gave up on unlike
myself.
The
real secret is the amazing gimmick that makes life so much
easier when performing. Nick supplies a special plastic
holder for the thread that has been made just for his handling.
Each unit is set up ready to go so you don't have to make
anything up. You are also supplied with a spare so you can
make another up which is handy when you have several gigs
in a row. The gimmick will last a very long time and even
comes with a carry case to protect it while travelling and
during the show. Once set up it's all about performance.
The
handling itself obviously comes from years of work. Every
detail is explained and well thought out. You are supplied
with a tool that helps make the winding of the thread and
unravelling work 100%. For me this was the GOLD in this
routine. No more nervous moments wondering if the thread
will unwind during the final moment. With Nick's handling
that moment of fear is now gone.
I
would recommend this routine to anybody from the beginner
to the professional. You also get a CD with sound cues that
Nick uses plus his complete script. While the script doesn't
suit me it is a great learning tool to see how to get the
most out of this routine.
This
is THE COMPLETE package and I don't believe anybody has
ever put anything like this together before in regard to
The Gypsy Thread. Nick Lewin has done ALL of the work and
given the magic fraternity the ultimate in this genre of
magic.
--------------------------------------------
11. Updates So Far This Week on VanishLive.com
--------------------------------------------
Message by - Mick Peck (New Zealand)
Online Content Editor
www.VanishLive.com
Latest
updates on VanishLive.com include:
Magic
news, articles from around the world and product reviews
from working professional magicians.
Visit
us today at:
-
Jade Wins Over Fans In Male-Dominated Industry
- Broken Wand : Lee Grabel
- CLIP By Taiwan Ben
- Lance Burton's Billy Topit Premiere
- Wunderground Magic Still Making Magic
- Gone by Daniel Bryan
- Truth Behind Magicians Photobombing Live TV
- UK Hypnotist To Appeal 'Fake Sheikh' Conviction
- Ten Questions With Piff
Video
of the Week : The must-see stop motion short, "Cards
in Motion".
Magic
news, articles from around the world and product reviews
from working professional magicians.
Visit
us today at:
http://www.VanishLive.com
-
Mick Peck
Online Content Editor
www.VanishLive.com
--------------------------------------------
12. Daytona Beach Festival Of Magic
--------------------------------------------
Message by Harry Allen (US)
If
you were not at last year's Daytona Beach Festival of Magic
you missed a GREAT one!
Look
who is booked so far for 2015. (Detail: www.daytona magic.com
Click
on "convention".) November 6-7-8 2015 Phone 386-252-6767
Michael
Finney
Murray (Las Vegas)
Tom Burgoon
Shin Lim
T.C. Tahoe
Scott Pepper (Illusionist)
The Reed Sisters
Doc Swan
Jim Vines
Tom Yurasits
Erik Olson
Scott Humston
Harry Allen
More
to come.................
--------------------------------------------
13. PCAM 2015
--------------------------------------------
Message by Mike Norden
The
83rd Annual PCAM (Pacific Coast Association of Magicians)
Convention will be held in beautiful Chilliwack, BC Canada
on Nov 19-22nnd, 2015. It will be a joint convention along
with the '3 of Clubs Convention', a smaller regional event
that rotates between Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle.
Normally
held in the summer, a few factors have led to the change
to hold it in November - the main ones being, time, location
and talent. We are happy to report that we have secured
the Coast Hotel in Chilliwack to hold the event, and that
the esteemed past IBM President, Shawn Farquhar, will star
along with 8 other talent that are being booked as we speak.
We
will announce a new talent each week - but don't wait until
we are done that before you book! Why? Because this unique
PCAM will be limited to just 75 spots! Yes, that is correct.
Just 75 spots!
Oh
- and as we write this there are only 42 spots left! And
we have not even launched to the public yet. So do not delay
- register today at www.PCAM2015.ca
--------------------------------------------
14. Monday Night Magic - New York
--------------------------------------------
Message by Peter Samelson (US)
Featuring:
R.J. Lewis, Torkova, David Oliver; MC: Harrison Greenbaum:
Close Up: Joe Maxwell & Noah Levine
08-10-15
Featuring: Dave Chandler, Throwdini, Harrison Greenbaum:
MC; David Corsaro: CU; Jeffrey Kellogg & Mike Patrick
08-17-15
Featuring: David Schwartz, Michael DuBois, Jeff Moche: MC:
Harrison Greenbaum: Close Up: Matias Letelier & Noah
Levine
08-24-15
Featuring: Torkova, David Oliver, Michael Chaut: MC: David
Corsaro: Close Up: David Schwartz & Richard Cohn
08-31-15
Featuring: David Corsaro, Ben Nemzer, Jon Stetson: MC; Harrison
Greenbaum: Close Up; Noah Levine & Jason Suran
--------------------------------------------
15. Final Curtain Call - Lee Grabel
--------------------------------------------
Article sent by Mel Kientz (US)
He
was a magician and illusionist of worldwide reputation.
He stood as a living legend in magic and was recognized
by many as the last of the grand masters in the tradition
of Herrmann, Kellar, Thurston and Dante. He was the man
upon whom Dante, just prior to his death, bestowed the title
to continue his magnificent show.
Lee
Grabel was born in Portland Oregon, March 12, 1919. The
spark of magic was kindled in his heart when early when
as a boy he witnessed a performance of a remarkable old
conjuror, Professor Turtle. Lee always remembered the magical
fantasies Turtle created.
Among
his mysteries, Turtle took an oriental fan and fanning his
empty hand a snowstorm of white confetti was created. Suddenly
amongst the confetti a snow-white dove made its appearance.
The white dove circled the stage and returned to Turtle's
forefinger. He then placed it in a cage. More paper snow
fluttered in the air, grabbing a handful the professor squeezed
it into a paper ball, which when bounced on an oriental
fan transformed into an egg. The egg was broken in a glass;
it was a real egg.
Turtle
then took a sheet of newspaper, folded it in half and poured
the broken egg into the newspaper. Looking out at the audience
with a smile, the folded paper opened out flat. The egg
shells, yoke and all had vanished.
Turtle
was an artistic performer and the aura of fantasy he created
was an enchantment that started Grabel on his way to become
a master of magic.
These
early years in the life of a budding magician were the Great
Depression years, and the need for money was keen in the
mind of everyone. Young Grabel was no exception and he honestly
states that making money motivated him towards making magic.
During those years, Lee worked five shows a week for $5.00
a show. It was good money for those times as his father
worked ten hours a day, six days a week for only $18.00.
For a fifteen year old to make $25.00 a week in the 30's
was mighty good. The money he earned made a deep impression
on a young man that magic was the road to riches.
In
1931 Lee presented his first one-hour program which was
sponsored by The Boy Scouts of America. In 1936 Lee advanced
to win the coveted award for sleight-of-hand presented by
the Pacific Coast Association of Magicians at the convention
in Seattle. His reputation quickly grew as an accomplished
magician.
Success
followed success and in 1940 Grabel was engaged as a performer-lecturer
by the University of California. He demonstrated to the
students aspects of the psychology of deception. His appearances
on the Berkeley campus lead to an initial tour with his
show to other Western Colleges. During this period he also
engaged as a featured attraction at the San Francisco World's
Fair on Treasure Island.
World War II came and Grabel was inducted into the army
in 1942. His talents as a magician proved a boon to Military
Special Services and he was sent to many bases to entertain.
It was while playing at an army base in Southern California
that he met a beautiful librarian. A swift courtship followed
and in 1944 Lee married the lovely lady. She became an indispensable
part of Lee's show, and became known as Helene.
In
1944 Lee was sent to General Headquarters in the South Pacific
to organize soldier shows in that area. While in New Guinea
he ran into Arnold Furst, who likewise was in the war theater
in those battling years of the 40's. Arnold was touring
for U.S.O. The two magicians began a long friendship that
has culminated in the publishing of this book, The Magic
and Illusions of Lee Grabel.
Arnold
Furst tells of the time he was riding in a jeep with the
famous motion picture producer, Elia Kazan who was in the
south Pacific working on a program to enhance soldier shows.
Kazan told Arnold of how fortunate he had been in discovering
one of the greatest magicians he had ever seen and had enlisted
his aid to join in military show production. The magician
Kazan mentioned turned out to be Lee Grabel.
Following
the war years, in 1946, Grabel started in earnest building
his show into the theatrical institution it eventually became.
In
the 1950's, after Blackstone Sr.'s retirement, he became
recognized as America's No. 1 Magician. With his great show
he toured coast to coast across America with both artistic
and financial success. Variety Magazine described him as
one of the theaters outstanding personalities and a master
illusionist.
In
1954, Grabel was chosen by the Great Dante as his successor.
In 1958, his magician peers commemorating his recognition
as America's #1 magician presented Grabel with a gold medallion.
Quotes
from many great names in magic have acclaimed Grabel's mastery
of magic and illusions.
In
1959, at the height of his popularity, Grabel suddenly announced
his retirement from professional magic and left the stage
for a quiet life on his ranch in California. As he puts
it, he wanted to unwind from the grinding life on the road
to give Helene, along with their young daughter, Cindy,
an opportunity to live a normal life. A second daughter,
Kate, was born to Lee and Helene in 1963. Kate was one of
the troupe during the '77 tour. There were also investments
derived from the success of the big show that required attention.
Lee's "quiet life" soon expanded to include a
variety of business endeavors centered on the east side
of San Francisco Bay.
The
"second career" was the management of the investments
he had made from the success of his shows. He was still
active in such work, but the call of magic has always been
great. Thus, the illusions that had made the name of Lee
Grabel synonymous with the best in show business were dusted
off, and what Lee called "Selections From the Big Show"
(his last tour) took a twenty-week run of the cities in
the western United States in 1977.
But,
as for a "Farewell Tour," that will never be,
for the Master Magician, like magic itself, never really
quits. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word
and mentor to many of us in the San Francisco Bay Area.
--------------------------------------------
16. Innovention Liverpool 2015! - Part 2
--------------------------------------------
Message by Mandy Davis (UK)
That
all changed in the evening when John Fealey gave his interpretation
on comedy performance!
Before
that, however, we were able to enjoy a great twenty minute
performance from one of the world's greatest close up magicians,
Armando Lucero, who gave a great demonstration of cards
and coins with some fascinating and beautiful Matrix work.
For
John Fealey, magic was great but he found that the comedy
had taken over in his performances these days. He has worked
with David Williamson and Eddie Izzard who speaks very highly
of him.
In
the 1980s John also did street performances. He maintained
that fear holds people back from many things: getting married,
having children, street performing....
As
a beginner you learn magic and fool someone - great. However
as you perform more you realise that it is never about the
tricks, it's about the rapport with the audience. One day
John realised that the magic was getting in the way of the
comedy which is all about connecting with the audience.
If you ask a restaurant audience to pick their table magician
out of a line up they would not be able to do so. They will,
however, remember which tricks they saw, showing that the
magician actually didn't register at all, had no connection.
John
maintains, as do others who we heard from that week, that
we don't learn from success but we learn from failure. You
have to get past failure to succeed. If you fail you can
still get past it as an audience doesn't know something
has gone wrong. John's comedy is not scripted, unlike Michael
Goudeau, and he has to fail at least twice in order to get
it right. Ego is an enemy and makes people scared of vulnerability.
Most magicians, said John, don't have a sense of the absurd.
John used a quote from Dr Daly, published in Jinx magazine:
"Magicians are the worst sort of egocentric exhibitionists
who despise those better than them, tolerate those who are
the same and love those worse than them."
People
can be embarrassed to say if they see how the tricks are
done so the magicians think that they got away with it.
John
works all over the world but has no Facebook, Twitter or
website! One gig leads to another for him, a great testimony
to his success. John is particularly proud of performing
Palazzo shows, in speigeltents - temporary venues where
people pay high amounts to have dinner and a show. You have
to work 360 degrees and be sure to include all of the audience.
He plays a chef, to give him a reason to be there - we were
shown some great slides of his show.
John
informed us that ad libbing is about talking but improv
is about listening. You should listen to yourself too to
check you are talking sense, this is very important. We
were given an example when using a thumb tip 'I make a hole
in my fist - to put in the silk' - the hole in your fist
is already there, you don't actually make it!
'Fail
well!' advised John, 'It's important!' and 'The audience
comes and you give back - it's not about you, it's about
them.'
John's
final words were a list of attributes which will get you
through:
Taste
Talent
Timing
Tenacity
So
ended a very valuable lecture.
On
the second day Jeff Hobson gave us some hints and tips on
the tricks that he uses in his act. He started with Sympathetic
Silks and showed how he ties them in a different method.
For music Jeff highly recommends Sonic Fire Pro - they supply
royalty free music and you just tell them how long you need,
then they arrange it for you.
He
showed us a 'jap' box which he uses when he performs card
manipulations, so that the cards that have appeared from
nowhere vanish at the end of the routine. He also demonstrated
a salt pour using a sixth finger rather than a thumb tip.
Jeff spent a lot of time discussing his methods for watch
stealing and illustrated this with an anecdote. When he
was very young, and performing at tables, he took eight
watches from one table of women who thought he was marvelous.
It was only much later, as they waved goodbye as they left
the restaurant, that Jeff remembered he still had the watches
in his pockets and he had to chase after them in the car
park!
Jeff
showed us his 'Knife through Jacket' which doesn't use paper
to cover the action and he explained his bottle production
which uses no harness. Jeff ended with a tribute to the
late Peter Reveen.
We
were fascinated by a short talk from comedian Freddie 'Parrot
Face' Davies who was a very successful star of 1960s and
1970s TV. He was attending the convention as a very enthusiastic
amateur magician. He showed us a photo montage of his life,
from old fashioned comedy to good parts in movies. He also
spoke of his comparatively recent movie, Funny Bones. His
career has spanned many years and he is still working hard
and still an expert in comedy 'falling upstairs'.
In
the afternoon Paul Stone took the stage and talked about
the Palladium Show he had produced in 2011 as a tribute
to Siegfried and Roy. John Fealey and Armando continued
talking to us about performance. Armando was pushed into
an audition he didn't want to do - and got the gig! John
talked of David Williamson and how people remember his antics
but forget how he is an amazing magician too. He also said
that people should be reacting to you and not the magic.
You need to charm people when you perform, you need that
connection so you are remembered.
During
the evening I attended the gala show which was primarily
for the public and was repeated the next night for the conventioneers
as well as the general audience. Meanwhile the magicians
had an 'open mic' session for two hours which gave everyone
a chance to stand up and talk about their experiences or
to perform something from their repertoire.
Thursday
took place all day and evening in the Epstein Theatre. Here
we got advice on stage work. Jeff Hobson explained that
one should walk on stage with the foot furtherest from the
audience as this made your body 'open' in greeting. He also
advised that we should get used to the stand so that you
can remove the mic and replace it smoothly and silently.
When asked about makeup he advocated eyeliner around eyes
and darkened eyebrows but no shine.
Freddie
Davies then taught Jeff how to do his 'fall upstairs' banging
a foot on the top step and leaning forward - so very convincing!
We were also told that our performances begin in the wings
and not on the stage so that you come on in character from
the beginning. We then learned about taking 'a call'. When
the compere calls you back to take applause Freddie said
we should come halfway and then stand still. Afterwards
don't turn your back on the audience when you leave.
A
question of costuming made us think about classic acts and
their clothing - Jeff has his rhinestone jackets and shoes,
Freddie has his hat. We were told to find our own look so
people retain that as yours.
When
choosing assistants from the audience you need to pick those
who are engaged with you, enjoying your act. Paul Zerdin
and Graham Jolley also came to the stage. Paul has to use
couples and tries to find people who are up for it but not
too extrovert. Graham acts confidently when he asked them
to join him, he moves quickly and tells them they 'would
be ideal' which he finds works well for him. Jeff looks
at the person fully from head to toe, after having picked
someone once with only one arm.
We
then had an hour with Wayne Dobson who showed up just for
this session. We saw a short film about his life and performances
at the Royal Variety performance and his Water Torture illusion
from his TV series. Wayne performed Tossed Out Deck for
us which he has always used as his opener. We had his subtleties
explained by Mike Sullivan who also helped a volunteer to
take part in a trick, called Echo, which ended when the
spectator was found to be sitting on a chosen card. Jeff
ended this session with a short interview of Wayne, with
accompanying photos.
In
the afternoon Jeff and Michael Goudeau talked about character
and how one should take one's own character and add something
different. People expect magicians to be in control but
David Williamson is not. Veronin plays what he looks like
and that is his strength although the comedy makes a mockery
of that look. Michael plays himself with the volume turned
up. He is a juggler who is clumsy but thinks he is good.
He was in a group of teens who all developed in different
ways. Watch what you do every few months - you will find
you have changed for the better.
Paul
Zerdin was told to do ventriloquism more than magic in order
to get work. He is enjoying the differing humour he finds
working with differently aged puppets.
Jeff
spoke about lighting and said he always wants it as simple
as possible or a special - one dedicated light. Michael
Goudeau reminded us that our shows are usually only one
or two nights in any place so simplicity is the key. The
final advice was to use CueMusicCommand which gives you
all the music controls on your phone.
The
final night was the show. It opened with Mike Chau and his
award-winning manipulations using green cards, balls and
combs. Anje Pode then gave us her act as known - foot juggling
with suitcases, a handbag and balls which revolved and were
balanced with great dexterity.
Graham
Jolley, comedy mentalist, worked fast and furiously. His
lines had the audience in stitches as he performed a number
prediction, a named card in an envelope in his pocket, a
combination of dictionary test and a Magic Square, a version
of the Princess card trick and the revelation of numbers
on a die.
Paul
Zerdin closed the first half with his amazing ventriloquism,
using his signature puppet Sam and some fun voice throwing
stories without a doll at all. He ended by making two audience
members into human puppets - with a unique twist!
The
second half opened with Armando Lucero who performed a very
slick short act using ball in mouth vanishes and appearances
followed by Paper Balls over the Head with a volunteer.
Michael
Goudeau was very good with his comedy juggling act, using
large knives and a very tall unicycle.
Jeff
Hobson closed the show. He did some comedy fire eating,
Card in Mouth, a routine with a child and a balloon animal
in a bag and his signature Egg Bag.
Thus
closed the Innovention Convention in Liverpool - thanks
to all who took part and made it such fun.
-------------------------------------------
17. 32nd New Zealand International Magicians Convention
2015
--------------------------------------------
Message by Nopera Whitley (NZ)
Join
the Wellington Magic Club on Labour Weekend 2015 for three
days of magic is heading towards a SELL OUT.
When:
24th - 26th of October, 2015
Where: James Cook Hotel, Wellington City, New Zealand
Registration
is Open
Register
online at www.wellingtonmagic.co.nz or to download the registration
form go to: http://www.wellingtonmagic.co.nz/register.pdf
Venue
and Accommodation
The convention will be held at the Wellington James Cook
Hotel Grand Chancellor.
Headliners
already confirmed include:
- Phil Cass and his partner Philippa
- Charlie Frye and his partner Sherry
- Nick Nickolas
- Paul Romhany
- David Merry
- Mike Bent
- Reg Blackmore
- Lukas
New
confirmed headliner - Lukas
"Poetic. Artistic. Lukas elevates the art of magic
with every card he produces." - Jeff McBride
In
2011, Lukas Lee took the world by storm winning the FISM
Asia Stage Magic Championship and then placing second in
Manipulation at FISM 2012 Blackpool.
His expert sleight-of-hand is a marvel to witness and he
is fast becoming one of the most sought-after magic acts
around the globe.
Lukas
is a Professor of Magic at the Dong-Ah Injae College and
has been a Magic Director in South Korea for over 10 years.
In
his live lecture he revisits stage techniques of the past
and brings them into the modern age. He will give tips on
practising magic, structuring magic acts and much more.
He will also be performing his award winning stage act at
our public gala show.
"Lukas
is one of those rare souls who elevates the art of magic
to the level of fine art. Prepare to be inspired!"
- Charlie Frye
For
more information, or to get in touch, visit us at
www.wellingtonmagic.co.nz
--------------------------------------------
18. E-zine Archives
--------------------------------------------
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"Archives"
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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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