5/2004

Hi Everyone,

 

Well…now that we have successfully navigated our way out of the April Fool

Fiasco…we can settle in for a en entire season of street magic and outdoor

children’s parties! Well…for the Northern hemisphere at least…

 

I would like to ask everyone who reads this e-zine to please forward a copy

of it to at least one other magician. There are approximately 4000

subscribers on my e-list and I would like to double that number this year.

The more magicians that subscribe, the more magic events and information can

be accessed and shared. Please forward the following link to at least one of

your magician friends: http://www.topica.com/lists/smokeandmirrors

 

Most Sincerely,

 

Angelo Stagnaro, editor

SMOKE & MIRRORS

StagnaroAngelo@hotmail.com

 

 

*** * *** *** * *** *** * *** *** * *** *** * *** *** * *** *** * *** *** *

****** * *** *** * ***

SMOKE & MIRRORS…Around the World

 

Fumo e Specchi (ITALIAN) - Rauch und Spiegel (GERMAN) - Fumée et Miroirs

(FRENCH) - Humo y Espejos (SPANISH) - Kemuri to Kagami (JAPANESE) - Dim &

Ogledala (BULGARIAN) - Usok at Salamin (TAGALOG) - Røg og Spejle (DANISH) –

Rök och Speglar (SWEDISH) - Dim i Zerkala (RUSSIAN) - Rook en Spiegels

(DUTCH) - Ashan oo-marot (HEBREW) - Savua ja Peilejä (FINNISH) - Røyk og

Speiler (NORWEGIAN) - Fumaça & Espelhos (PORTUGUESE) - Asap dan

Cêrmin-cêrmin (INDONESIAN/MALAY) - Rook en Spieëls (AFRIKAANS) - Dumai ir

Veidrodziai (LITHUANIAN) - Deatach agus Scathain (IRISH) - Mwg a Ddrychiau

(WELSH) - Dukhaan wa Mir-at (ARABIC) Damp an Spigelen (LUXEMBOURGEOISIE) -

Yen Gen Chingci (MANDARIN) - Kapnos ke Kathreftes (GREEK) - Fumo kaj Spegulo

(ESPERANTO) - Smuk an Murs (ULSTER SCOTS GAELIC) - Dhuan Aur Shishe (HINDI)

- Duan Aar Aayena (BENGALI) - Pugayum Kannadical (MALAYALAM) - Pugayum

Kannadical (TAMIL) - Dhuan ate Shishe (PUNJABI) - Duman ve Aynalar (TURKISH)

- Füst és Tükrök (HUNGARIAN) - Vapor et Speculi (LATIN) - Duhhan u Mirja

(MALTESE) - Omukka n'endabirwamu (LAGUNDA) - Fum i Miralls (CATALAN) Ayneh

va Sigar (FARSI) - Dhuvaowa thang Melong (TIBETAN) - S'eik ka Toonax

Kaateenx' (TLINGIT) Thuv hai Glinda (ROMANY) - Pujoq angakkuaatillu

(GREENLANDIC) - Tfum si Oglinzi (ROMANIAN) - Fume e Espellos (GALLICIAN) -

Auahi me te Ataata (MAORI)

 

These represent the native languages of most subscribers of SMOKE & MIRRORS.

 

**************************************************************************

Kismet Illusions' © Smoke & Mirrors © (Copyright 2004 by Angelo Stagnaro,

all rights reserved)

http://www.KismetMagic.com - StagnaroAngelo@hotmail.com

**************************************************************************

 

***------ OUR PUBLISHING SCHEDULE ------***

 

SMOKE & MIRRORS e-zine is published on or about the first day of every

month. In every edition, you'll find articles original magic effects, news,

updates, magic trivia and new links to magic sites. Weekly magic

announcements will be sent on an as needed basis. SMOKE & MIRRORS will also

periodically publish an e-catalogue of magic effects and supplies created,

sold and furnished by our subscribers.

 

*** DEALER'S INQUIRIES ARE WELCOME ***

 

*******************************************************************

Kismet Illusions' © Smoke & Mirrors © - Vol. 6 No. 5 – April, 2004

*******************************************************************

http://www.KismetMagic.com - StagnaroAngelo@hotmail.com

*******************************************************************

"T'is true; there's magic in the web of it." - William Shakespeare: Othello

(III.iv.69)

 

EDITORIAL STAFF - Angelo Stagnaro, Editor-in-Chief -

StagnaroAngelo@hotmail.com

 

Contributing Editors: Mike Bornstein (USA) Scott Guinn (USA) - Jim "Kep"

Keplinger (USA) - Bob Lusthaus (USA) - Peter Marucci (Canada) - Daniel

Shutters (USA) - Aaron Smith (USA) - Ed Solomon (USA) - Larry White (USA) -

Dennis Loomis (USA) - Tony L. Lewis (USA) - Jon Raiker (USA) - Editor

Emeritus - Eugene Poinc (USA) (deceased)

 

******* Kismet Illusions' © Smoke & Mirrors © http://www.KismetMagic.com

*******

 

SMOKE & MIRRORS' 3700+ subscribers come from the following 66 countries:

 

Argentina - Australia - Austria - Bangladesh - Belgium - Bermuda - Bulgaria

- Brazil - Canada - Chile - China - Columbia - Costa Rica - Croatia - Cyprus

- Czech Republic - Denmark - Dominican Republic - Finland - France - Germany

- Greece - Guam - Hungary - Iceland - India - Indonesia - Ireland - Israel -

Italy - Jamaica - Japan - Kuwait - Lebanon - Lithuania - Luxembourg -

Malaysia - Malta - Mauritius - Mexico - Mozambique - Netherlands - New

Zealand - Norway - Pakistan - Palestine - Peru - Philippines - Portugal -

Romania - Russia - Saudi Arabia - Singapore - South Africa - Spain - Sweden

- Switzerland - Taiwan - Thailand - Tunisia - Turkey - United Arab Emirates

- United Kingdom - United States of America - Uruguay - Venezuela

 

American subscribers hail from the following 47 states and territories:

 

Alaska - Alabama - Arizona - Arkansas - California - Colorado - Connecticut

- Delaware - District of Columbia - Florida - Georgia - Hawaii - Idaho -

Illinois - Indiana - Iowa - Kansas - Kentucky - Louisiana - Maine - Maryland

- Massachusetts - Michigan - Minnesota - Missouri - Nebraska - Nevada - New

Hampshire - New Jersey - New York - North Carolina - Ohio - Oklahoma -

Oregon - Pennsylvania - Puerto Rico - Rhode Island - South Carolina - South

Dakota - Tennessee - Texas - Utah -Virginia - Vermont - Washington -

Wisconsin - Wyoming

 

Canadian subscribers hail from the following 9 provinces:

 

Alberta - British Columbia - Manitoba - New Brunswick - Northwest

Territories - Nova Scotia - Ontario - Saskatchewan - Quebec

 

(If I've missed anyone, just e-mail me!)

 

***-------- KISMET ILLUSIONS' SMOKE & MIRRORS --------***

***------------- http://www.KismetMagic.com ***-------------

 

Got magic news? Let us know and we'll post it for you free. Our subscribers

are from 66 countries and from all parts of North America. We can make your

convention, lecture, auction or performance better attended. We are also

accepting magic trick submissions, articles, book, video and trick reviews

and magic history notes. Please e-mail me at StagnaroAngelo@hotmail.com.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ***********************

From: Alan Lance Andersen

E-mail: davilance@mcleodusa.net

 

I am working on developing a children's magic, storytelling and game event

called "Cocoa Annie and the Chocolate Scarecrow." I have come up with a

couple ideas for chocolate magic effects, but if any Smoke & Mirrors readers

have suggestions, I would appreciate hearing them. Please send any ideas for

chocolate magic to 2004@interdrama.com -- thanks.

 

Alan Lance Andersen

PALLADIAN MAGIC EMPORIUM, INC.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: The Magic Circle to Receive Unique Honour

From David Beckley (UK), Press Officer, The Magic Circle.

Tel: 01276-857935

Fax: 01276-855037

E-mail: davidbmagic@aol.com

 

The Royal Mail to Issue Commemorative Stamps to mark The Magic Circle's

Centenary. The Magic Circle today announced that The Royal Mail would be

issuing a special set of commemorative stamps to mark its Centenary. This is

the first time that a Magic Club has been honoured in this way and it is an

acknowledgement of The Magic Circle's unique standing in the world of magic.

The special stamps are due to be released on February 5th 2005 and will

certainly be a popular addition to the collections of both philatelists and

magicians around world.

 

The designs, which have to receive the approval of Her Majesty The Queen,

are being kept a closely guarded secret until nearer the release date. John

Fisher, The Magic Circle's Executive Curator, who first approached The Royal

Mail, today said, " I am absolutely delighted that the society will be

honoured in this way and I am very grateful that The Royal Mail have agreed

to mark this important landmark in our history.”

 

Alan Shaxon, President of The Magic Circle said, " Since our foundation in

1905 we have strived to both elevate and promote the art of magic in all its

forms. This prestigious honour is a reflection of our achievements during

the first one hundred years of our existence.”

 

For further information contact: David Beckley, Press Officer, The Magic

Circle.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: SUMMER CIRCUS ARTS POSITIONS- teaching with the LONG LAKE FLYING CIRCUS

From: Geoff Burnett

E-mail: geoff@longlakecamp.com

Dates: June 22 –August 30th

Venue: Adirondack Mountains of New York State 50-miles northwest of Lake

George, NY. In Long Lake NY, 12847.

Geoff Burnett, 199 Washington Avenue, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522

Tel: (800) 767-7111

Tel: (914) 693-7111 (outside the USA)

Fax: (914) 693-7684

 

 

My name is Marc Katz and I am the producer of A Three Ring Circus for

Children ages 10-16 now in its 22nd season. We are a beautiful Performing

Arts Summer Camp in New York concentrating in Circus, Drama, Dance, Music

and Film founded in 1969. We are in need of Circus Coaches, Teachers and

Professionals who can teach a few of the following acts:

 

FLYING TRAPEZE

SPANISH WEB

MEX CLOUD SWING

TRIPLE TRAP

SWINGING TRAP

LOW CASTING

PERCH POLE

HANGING PERCH

HAND BALANCING

ROLLER SKATING

LOW WIRE TAUGHT

TUMBLING

JUGGLING

BICYCLE BUILT FOR FIVE

CLOWNING

 

We need people who can be creative, safe and who might be able to bring new

acts to our show.

 

2004 POSITIONS STILL AVAILABLE:

 

“Circus Teacher/coaches”

Seven People of various skills and knowledge who can teach and coach some or

all of the acts we produce. Bring new acts and new ideas to the show.

 

All positions at Long Lake include salary, room & board. Join over 130

fellow artists in residence who share their talents in theater, dance,

music, film and fine arts. Our campus is located on the shore of Long Lake,

a clean beautiful lakeside setting with the Adirondack Mountains all around

us. You will have plenty of time to enjoy yourself, each other and the

outstanding facilities.

 

We produce three shows each summer and rehearse over a (slightly less than)

three-week session each. There are about 80 children in each show. All of

these positions offer salary commensurate with your experience, room, board

and a beautiful summer with 130 other artists in residence who come together

to share their talents with terrific kids eager to learn from you. I would

be very interested in talking to you right away about your capabilities and

desires for this summer.

 

I have included a few links below to our web-site for your review. You can

start on our home page the first link below and go through our site or skip

to some of the circus related links I have created for you. I hope that you

will consider joining Long Lake. It is a wonderful creative summer where you

will meet very nice people and enjoy yourself and the camp very much. You

can call me toll free in the USA and Canada 800-767-7111, outside the USA

(914) 693-7111 or fax to me at (914) 693-7684

 

I am available between 10am and 5 PM NY TIME. Or in the evenings at

914-261-3401. It is a pleasure to know of your desire for circus and for

sharing your love and enthusiasm for it. If you know of anyone interested in

our program I hope you pass this on to them. I hope to hear form you as soon

as possible.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

THE FISM-Forum Is Now On-Line

 

"Today we launch our all new on-line forum. Here you can discuss everything

related to the FISM world championships of magic Please take your time to

give us your input about what you would like to see and experience at the

convention. The more input you give us, the better the convention will be.

You can find the forum by following the links from www.fism.com

 

Direct link to the forum: www.SvenskMagiskCirkel.se/forum"

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Subject: Doc Dougherty Estate Auction

From: Eric Henning

E-mail: eric@henning.com

URL: http://www.IBMRing50.org

 

On May 5, 2004, at 8:00 PM, IBM Ring 50 will host the auction of select

items from the estate of Harold "Doc" Dougherty. The auction will take place

at Ring 50's usual meeting place, the Channel Inn Hotel at the Washington,

DC waterfront. For more info on the meeting location, please visit:

http://www.IBMRing50.org

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ***********************

From: Steve Axtell

E-mail: steve@axtell.com

 

AXTELL EXPRESSIONS! AMAZING Over 20,000 entertainers are using the "Axtell

Magic Drawing Board" in their act! Magic and Puppets. Check it out

http://www.axtell.com/mdb.html

 

NEW! REMOTE-CONTROL MAGIC DRAWING BOARD IS HERE!

 

Imagine drawing a cartoon face on the board and setting it on an easel or

standing it on a table or your show case. Then you walk away from it. As you

talk to your audience it actually starts to look around and talk - the eyes

and mouth are completely controlled by you! Have it look left at the bald

man in your audience and make a joke, look at the lady on the right and

comment about her dress and YOU AREN'T TOUCHING the board.

 

REMOTE CONTROL MAGIC DRAWING BOARD INFORMATION HERE

http://www.axtell.com/rmdb.html

 

All over the world magicians and other entertainers are turning on to a new

company....something different... AXTELL! Who? Axtell....You've heard but

never looked into it?...check us out! http://www.axtell.com

 

MAGIC AND PUPPETS

 

For the first time all over the world many magicians are thinking of using

puppets in their shows. Puppets? Yep! Unbelievable puppets. Puppets that are

so different, they demand instant respect from your audience. Not the

run-of-the-mill Muppet stuff either.... A seal that does tricks....balances

a ball ...a "WildThing.."…a "Wild Boar...”..a "Magic Bullfrog..”…an amazing

"Rodney Rabbit...”..a circus "Elephant" that squirts water! Tons more.

Getting the idea? We are different! It's time you took a look at

Axtell.....a good look!

 

We are here for you. We THINK like YOU think....for example: The now famous

"Bird Arm Illusion" which makes a bird puppet look amazingly alive on you

arm! An illusion with a puppet? Wow take a look!

http://www.axtell.com/bai.html

 

MAGICIAN'S ASSISTANT

 

Talk about a magicians assistant! There are tons of ideas on our website for

each puppet, just click on the photos. Come and check us out now. Ever

wonder if you could do Ventriloquism? Can you imagine what your show would

be like if you could pull out one of our puppets during your show with some

knock out comedy? Well you can! You can check out all the vent courses we

have on video or if you want to start using them right away...try the the

AxTrax CD routines! You can play our routines which include the sound

effects, music and the character's voice on the CD. You talk with the puppet

in the blank spots. The AxTrax routines are complete with CD tracks and

printed routine. In fact we are so convinced that you (like thousands of

others) will come to fall in love with our concepts and characters.....we've

put up the ENTIRE AxTrax routines for you to read and enjoy!

http://www.axtell.com/axtrax.html

 

We are here for YOU! Check us out today!! You can see every one of our

puppets and illusions on our website or you can get a free print

catalog....or even a VIDEO CATALOG full of ideas, demonstrations and

customer interviews. Discover Axtell Expressions.....We are more than

puppets....we are pure MAGIC!

 

Steve Axtell / Axtell Expressions, Inc.

***************************************

Creating Amazing Characters and Concepts for over 20 years.

Journey through our Award Winning Web Site http://www.axtell.com

Get your free Puppet & Magic Catalog http://www.axtell.com/catmail.html

Join the FREE International Performer's Directory

http://www.axtell.com/ipd.html

The original content of this email or attachments is © 2004 Axtell

Expressions, Inc.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

PSYCHIC JOHN EDWARDS CHALLENGED BY MAGICIAN DOWN UNDER

Australian magician Mark Mayer Lodges Formal Complaint with Consumer

Affairs Victoria. $2 million box office under threat.

 

Melbourne-based 'mind illusionist' Mark Mayer has lodged a formal complaint

with Consumer Affairs Victoria against high-profile TV psychic John Edward.

Edward starts his sold out national tour in Perth this Saturday and will

travel to Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney.

 

Mayer's complaint challenges Edward to "substantiate his claim" under

section 106A of the Victorian Fair Trading Act. This could mean Edward has

to prove his claim that he talks to dead people--a legal first. Mayer will

be lodging similar complaints throughout the country.

 

Mayer has launched a website www.mindillusionist.com.au that lists some

tough questions for Edward and his promoters.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: General FISM Question

 

Dear Fellow Magicians, I am writing to those of you who have competed or

planning to compete in F.I.S.M. Like many others, as a young magician I

strive to be the best in what I do. The bar has been set very high to get to

FISM level. My best inspiration is a deadline. My question is: what does one

have to do to compete in FISM?

 

Freddie

blackseaguy57@yahoo.com

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

From: David Boyd

E-mail: boyddp2@hotmail.com>

Re: The Horus E-Zine

 

Dave Boyd the editor of "The Horus E-Zine" Wishes to apologies that there

has not been any new editions for some time. The reason being lack of time.

Producing any monthly E-Zine takes up a lot of time, this is given willingly

as a way to return to magic just some of the things it has done for me over

the years as a full time magician.

 

The paying work has something I have to do, if I want to eat that is. On the

other hand producing "The Eye of Horus" is something I want to do. My wife

being a stickler for paying the mortgage and eating insist I do the paying

work before the fun work. As I have been booked solid for over a month

before Christmas, with school, pre-school and works break up Christmas

parties, then I started at Magic Mountain on Boxing Day for six weeks of

seven days a week, plus evening shows at other tourist venues around the

area, it left no time for The Eye of Horus. I hope to get back to regular

publishing's in the near future. All those that have requested to be

notified when the next issue will be out, will be emailed when each edition

is published.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

From: Mona Morrison

E-mail: monayomo@hotmail.com

 

Just a short note to let you know that photos from the John Carney lecture

are not posted on http:www.yomographs. These photos were take an Midwest

Magic in Franklin Park, Il on Saturday March 27th.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

From: Jim Canaday

E-mail: fps@gis.net

 

I would like to submit the site I set up for consideration. It's a simple

service (non-commercial, no pop-ups) to provide links to all things magical

to its visitors: www.gis.net/~canaday

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ***********************

Magic Camp Scholarships Announced for This Summer

 

Magic Camp is a wonderful place for youngsters to learn new magic skills and

improve their performance. The Society of American Magicians Scholarships

are available to attend the Tannen's Magic Camp located in Long Island, New

York and the Sorcerer's Summer Safari located near Toronto, Canada. The

scholarships, which include full tuition and travel expenses, are made

possible by a grant from the Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment

Fund, which has provided scholarships to youngsters for the past 16 years.

 

Applicants should be between the ages of 10 to 18 years. Many magic campers

have gone on to become full-time performers. All have been a credit to the

magical arts.

 

Applications may be obtained by either writing to the: S.AM Magic Endowment

Fund, 15 Warren Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601

 

Or by email by sending your mailing address to: KapsMagic@earthlink.net

See our website for print out application form. www.magicsam.com.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ***********************

Re: The Eye of Horus Mentalist E-zine

From: David P Boyd

E-mail: boyddp@hotmail.com

 

The latest edition of "The Eye of Horus" has now been published. If anyone

has mentalism-related articles, reviews or effects, please feel free to send

them along. Adverts for new or second hand magic are also accepted,

free-of-charge. The only proviso, it must fit into the mentalism,

paranormal, psychic or Bizarre magic theme. The site can be found at

http://horusmindmagic.homestead.com

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: Young Magicians Wanted

 

The Stars of Tomorrow Show is a paid performance opportunity for young

magicians, ages 7-16, at the S.A.M. Convention, which will be held in St.

Louis, USA, July 7-10. Young magicians who would like to be considered for

the Stars of Tomorrow Show should send a video or DVD of the stage act that

they would like to perform (about five to ten minutes) to Hope Anderson,

2617 Lawrence Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46227, USA.

 

They should also send a brief bio, a photo suitable for printing in the

convention program and their contact information including email address.

The deadline for receiving applications is April 20. Questions? Contact Hope

at Hopemagic@aol.com or (317) 787-8530.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ***********************

Re: Press Release for Application to Summer Camp

From: Warren Kaps

E-mail: kapsmagic@earthlink.net

 

Enclosed is a copy of Press Release announcing that the Society of American

Magicians Magic Endowment Fund is accepting applications for youngsters

between the ages of 10 to 18 years for summer camp scholarships awarding

full tuition and travel expenses to Tannen's Magic Camp located in Long

Island, New York and to Sorcerer's Summer Safari located near Toronto,

Canada.

 

It would be appreciated if you would include this announcement in your

publication.

 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Warren J. Kaps, 15 Warren Street,

Hackensack, NJ 07601 - Tel. (201) 489-5277

 

Magic Camp Scholarships

 

Magic Camp is a wonderful place for youngsters to learn new magic skills and

improve their performance. Scholarships are available to attend the Tannen's

Magic Camp located in Long Island, New York and the Sorcerer's Summer Safari

located near Toronto, Canada. The scholarships, which include full tuition

and travel expenses, are made possible by a grant from the Society of

American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund, which has provided scholarships to

youngsters for the past 16 years. Applicants should be between the ages of

10 to 18 years. Many magic campers have gone on to become full-time

performers. All have been a credit to the magical arts.

 

Applications may be obtained by either writing to the S.AM Magic Endowment

Fund, 15 Warren Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, by e-mail, stating your

mailing address, to KapsMagic@earthlink.net or by logging on to MagicSAM.com

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ***********************

From: Dale A. Hildebrandt

E-mail: mirrorname@yahoo.com

URL: http://mirrorname.crosswinds.net/magic.html

 

Dale A. Hildebrandt's book "Hypnohole & Other Absurdities" has just been

released. It is 185 pages of surreal magic. You can read more about some of

the feature items in the book and purchase your copy at the above URL

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ***********************

Re: New Magicians' Newsletter

Tel: (603) 742-4010

E-mail: BJ@BJHickman.com

URL: www.BJHickman.com

 

Magicians, other performing artists and speakers: Subscribe to my new, free

e-newsletter targeted to your interests and needs. Enjoy monthly news,

advice and guest articles about performing and promoting your business.

Subscribe privately on my "magicians only" page at

http://www.bjhickman.com/lectures.htm or email me a note at

BJ@BJHickman.com. Subscribe by emailing me and I'll email you back last

month's article, "Give Your Slowest Month Vitality."

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH **********************

Re: Magic Radio Live

 

A new Internet Radio Broadcast Live with magic talk & some great music,

every Saturday Afternoon from

12:00 - 4:00PM. This is brought to you FREE from the Magic Supply Co. Just

go to their web site: http://www.magicsupply.com and click on the Radio Live

Button. It's Great! They even have special discounts on Magic Stuff during

their broadcast! Check it out at: http://www.magicsupply.com

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH **********************

Re: Free International's Performer's Directory

 

Axtell Expressions (maker of professional puppets and magic) has a free

INTERNATIONAL PERFORMERS DIRECTORY that performers can list their show on at

http://www.axtell.com/ipd.html

Axtell Expressions makes the Magic Drawing Board and other notable products.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH **********************

URL: http://client.lycos.com/r.asp?CB&hA4CdifXRs9/k979580363

 

This link will allow you to download magic-related skins, desktop themes and

trivia games. Search for the following in particular:

 

1) Harry Houdini Trivia game (search for "Houdini" )

2) Magic-themed desktop theme (i.e., icons and cursors)

 

These links will bring you to e-tricks:

http://www.abcgreetings.com/mind.shtml?25114 and

http://omagic.com/mind_reader.htm

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH **********************

If you enjoy reading SMOKE & MIRRORS, feel free to forward the following

link to your magician friends: http://www.topica.com/lists/smokeandmirrors

 

I am particularly interested in locating magicians from the following US

states and Canadian provinces:

USA: Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia

CANADA: Alberta, Prince Edward Island, Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan,

Yukon Territories

 

 

***************************************************

GENERAL MAGIC NEWS – BY GEOGRAPHICAL REGION

***************************************************

********************************************************************

**************************** OCEANIA ******************************

********************************************************************

Re: West Australian Society of Magicians

From: Ray Haddad, Editor, "The Western Wand"

E-mail: rhaddad@iexpress.net.au

 

The West Australian Society of Magicians (WASM,) home based in Perth,

Australia, is celebrating its 80th year in 2002. We have been active all

eighty of those years with membership ranging from just a few to a current

level of 48 active members. Our members currently range in age from 16-to-92

years. Wynsome Downes is our youngest member and Fred deCampe is our oldest.

As editor and publisher of our club newsletter, The Western Wand, I am

requesting anecdotal stories of WASM members or of the club itself from any

of you who have somehow touched one or more of our members.

 

Please, send your items by e-mail to rhaddad@iexpress.net.au. I will send

you a PDF copy of our newsletter after the anniversary issue is completed.

ASCII text or Word 6.0 document formats appreciated.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: The David Groves Lecture - Sydney

Date: Monday May 10th commencing at 8-00PM

Venue: Holroyd Community Centre, Lane St, Wentworthville .NSW

 

The Geniis Magical Society and IBM Ring 102 Sydney is proud to present The

David Groves Lecture. Free to financial members of the Geniis and IBM Ring

102. All others $15 payable at the door

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: The 27th New Zealand International Magicians Convention

Date: Queen's Birthday Weekend - 4, 5, 6, 7th June 2004,

Venue: Takapuna, Auckland, NZ

 

The Shore City Magicians Club is proud to be hosting the 27th New Zealand

International Magicians Convention. The club was formed in 1974 and is

celebrating their 30th Anniversary this year. The original plan was to hold

a small one day mini-convention to celebrate, but as the planning got

underway and we received so much encouragement from magicians around NZ who

expressed an interest for a national convention this year it was decided to

upgrade to a multi-day international event.

 

With a lineup including DeLarno, Ellis and Webster, Michael Finney, Charles

Gauci, David Ginn and the world's foremost teacher of magic, world champion

magician Michael Ammar as our headliner, we're not about to disappoint.

 

Here's the news:

 

- The "Shore is Magic!" Family Comedy Magic Show: Saturday June 5th, 8:00PM,

War Memorial Hall (next to the library), The Strand, Takapuna.

 

Presented by the Shore City Magicians Club Incorporated as part of the 27th

New Zealand International Magicians Convention.

 

Join us for a fantastic night of comedy and magic! We're proud to be

bringing you a world-class lineup of talent featuring stars of New Zealand

magic as well as internationally recognized performers from around the

world. You'll see unbelievable acts of magic from our master magicians - and

be prepared to laugh because we're also bringing you one of the USA's top

comedy magicians! This will be a night of real Middle-Earth magic that

you'll never forget.

 

Convention Registrants each receive a ticket to the show as part of

registration. Additional tickets are now available. We have a maximum of

only 200 seats for this event, tickets can be purchased for $15 each and

these will sell out. Special family concession - four tickets for $50.

Tickets can be purchased now by sending payment along with your details to:

"Shore is Magic!" Show.

 

Shore City Magicians Club, PO Box 23, Takanini, South Auckland, New Zealand.

 

And as we have limited seats available for this event and must request that

full and total payment for the required number of seats be received with

your order.

 

- Important note about our overseas guests:

 

There has been some speculation here in NZ that some of our headliners would

also be appearing at the upcoming Melbourne Convention during their time in

this part of the world - this is not the case.

 

So just to clarify and save anyone who believed otherwise any disappointment

- our very special US guests Michael Ammar, David Ginn and Michael Finney

will NOT be appearing at this years Melbourne Magic Convention in any

capacity, sorry people.

 

As many of you now know we have arranged a very special rate at the Spencer

on Byron - the North Shore's premier hotel. Rooms are still available at the

special convention rate, more information can be found at the convention

website listed below.

 

Convention registrants receive free breakfast worth $24 each morning, plus

are already saving $60 each night for the Superior Studio Room or $80 each

night for the Superior One Bedroom Suite (which has two beds and a bed

settee and can sleep three.) If you still need to register your room call

the Spencer on 0800 773 623, quote "Corpspec" and mention the magicians

convention to get your discount.

 

We're continually being surprised by people contacting us who are only

hearing about the convention now! Publicity has been running through

Magicana and Magic New Zealand for months now to keep everyone informed, but

it seems that there are people out there who still haven't heard about the

biggest thing in New Zealand magic in 2004. They'll be kicking themselves

later.

 

If you have friends in magic - encourage them to join you! We're putting on

a world class event - the more the merrier.

 

This convention is shaping up to be the best this country has ever seen. We

are bringing you WORLD LEADERS in mentalism, close-up magic, children's

magic and comedy magic. Whatever your interest in the magical arts, we've

got it covered - along with plenty of surprises along the way.

 

More details, our updated schedule, competition info, registration forms

etc., etc., etc., all at the convention website -

www.aucklandmagician.com/convention

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: IBM Website Competition

E-mail: miked@email.msn.com

 

The International Brotherhood of Magicians in conjunction with The I.B.M.

Endowment & Development Foundation is pleased to announce the first annual

I.B.M. Ring Website Competition

 

The official announcement as well as all the details and registration form

are on the I.B.M. web site, www.magician.org. Hurry on over there and check

it out. This is really exciting news and I hope to see a lot of you getting

involved in this great chance for the Rings to “strut their Internet stuff”

for us all to enjoy.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: 29th Australian Convention of Magicians Update

 

Apologies for the Convention website being down over the long weekend, I'm

updating the entire MagicUnlimited website and it's taking a little longer

than I'd expected.

 

The Convention pages are back up, with a little added luster, as is the

Melbourne Magic Nights page. Hopefully the Magic Unlimited site will return

by Wednesday or Thursday at the latest! (If you get a chance to look at it,

have a pad and paper in hand and report back to me on any broken links,

missing pictures or faulty pages.. I'm

sure there'll be quite a few! It's my first try with Microsoft's

'FrontPage')

 

Anyway, the latest Convention news:

 

1 - Charles Gauci has just been announced on the line up for the SAM

Convention's Cala Close-up show. This will be held in St Louis, USA July

7-10 BUT you can see him in action as he lectures at the

Melbourne Convention in June!

 

2 - For those thinking of booking accommodation for the convention we

recommend you do it ASAP! We have the ENTIRE Jika International Hotel (50

rooms, that's enough space for about 150 people) but 25 rooms have already

been booked! The Alphingtown Townhouses across the street are also filling

up quickly!

 

3 - Check the convention page

http://www4.tpgi.com.au/users/katzkin/ConventionMain.htm for the latest news

on bonus events being added in the lead up to THE BIG ONE! The countdown has

begun and we have added a special film event from Felicity Rogers (creator

of the convention's Handbird logo,) the hit of the Edinburgh Festival and

star of 'Sucker' and 'Sceptic' Lawrence Leung will be performing, Glenn

Keeley has just signed on as a dealer and we have a special book signing AND

a MagicSports special event in the works too! How will we fit all of this

(and more!!!) into one weekend??? You'll just have to be there to find out!

 

TIM ELLIS, Convention Co-ordinator

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ***********************

Re: WANTED - Lectures to Come to New Zealand

Courtesy of Magic New Zealand e-zine www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html

 

IBM Ring 160 has decided to run a weekend seminar/workshop of magic in 2004

with room for approximately 25 people including juniors. It is envisaged

that the weekend will be led and conducted by one or two overseas magicians

and include a mixture of "hands on" and small group work to improve

individual skills and techniques of those attending.

 

Expressions of interest by those suitable to conduct this type of workshop

are now being solicited and all expenses would be paid to those offered the

leadership task(s) a fee could also be offered depending on the cost of

return airfares. All accommodation and expenses for the relevant weekend

would be covered and there would be an opportunity to lecture before or

after the weekend workshop throughout New Zealand.

 

Please forward a C.V., publicity material and a covering letter stating what

skills, experience and recommended content areas would be covered for a

total number of 25 registrants (including juniors.) All enquiries to the

Secretary/Treasurer Tony Wilson - e-mail: twilson@xtra.co.nz or Postal: Tony

Wilson, 14 Roadley Avenue, Pakuranga, Auckland New Zealand, Phone +64 9 5769

581 Mobile 025 771 240 Fax +64 9 572 0504

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ***********************

Re: The 29th Australian Convention of Magicians

Date: June 11-14, 2004

Venue: The Centre Ivanhoe, 275 Upper Heidelberg Rd, Ivanhoe – URL:

www.TheCentreIvanhoe.com.au

 

We are currently negotiating with FOUR International guests, performers who

are World Champions and fantastic lecturers. We are working to ensure an

incredible mix of magic, from creative and rarely seen young performers, to

some of the biggest names in Australian magic. You'll see performances

you've never seen before and learn from those who have made magic their

life's work.

 

THE COMPETITIONS: There will be no losers at this convention, because the

entire convention is one big competition. On Monday afternoon every

registrant will be able to vote on awards like: BEST TRICK - BEST ACT -

FUNNIEST LINE - MOST ORIGINAL ACT

 

It doesn't matter whether you perform it on a show, at the bar, in the

dealers room… if people see it, like it and vote for it… you could be a

winner!

 

THE PROGRAMME: As usual, every registrant will receive a beautiful souvenir

programme of the event. When you register, you'll have the opportunity to

take a space in this historic record to promote your services, products or

just to wish your fellow magicians a great convention.

 

OUR OFFICIAL HOTEL: Jika International, 551 Heidelberg Rd, Fairfield 3078.

(03) 9481 2822 www.Jika.com.au

 

WHAT TO DO NOW???

Registration forms will be available from your favourite magic shop or club

in mid-November. If they don't have any, you can get one by calling Magic

Unlimited on (03) 94864445. HOWEVER, you can reserve your space in advance

simply by calling or emailing with your name and address and we'll send you

an invoice.

 

THIS CONVENTION IS STRICTLY LIMITED TO THE FIRST 300 REGISTRANTS.

 

Registration costs are:

* $250 - Full registration (including two dinners, coffee and tea, ALL

shows, lectures and workshops)

* $220 - Spouse registration (must be accompanying a fully paid registrant)

* $190 - Under 18 registration (must be under 18 years old on June 14, 2004)

 

CONTACT DETAILS: The 29th Australian Convention of Magicians, Convention

Chairman Tim Ellis, c/o Magic Unlimited!, 3/114 Bent Shouldn't, Northcote,

VIC 3070, Australia

Tel: (03) 9486 4445 - Fax: (03) 9486 4040 - Email: katzkin@tpg.com.au - URL:

www.MagicUnlimited.com

 

 

*************************************************************

******************* NEW YORK CITY (USA) *******************

*************************************************************

Re: Long TYack Sam- Film

 

On Wednesday May 26 at 6:30PM the Asia Society and the Society of American

Magicians presents the screening of a film, "The Magical Life of Long Tack

Sam." The film done by his great- granddaughter Ann Marie Fleming will be

shown at the Asia Society at 725 Park Avenue (at 70th St) in New York City.

 

S.A.M. members and their friends can purchase tickets to the screening at a

reduced rate of $7.00. (Phone 212- 517-ASIA) There will be discussion after

the film with Ms. Anne Marie Fleming. S.A.M; Regional Vice President Bruce

Lish will also be in attendance along with historian Tom Klem.

 

Details on the website: www.magicsam.com

For other information try www.longtacksam/com

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: Parent Assembly's Salute to Magic

 

I am member of Parent Assembly #1 and attended the Salute to Magic on

Saturday night. It was a terrific stage show that was 3 hours long in the

Theater of the Tribeca Performing Arts Center in downtown Manhattan in New

York City. Some of the stage acts were the amazing stage illusions of Joe

Devlin, master Illusionist Chris Hart, drop dead comedy magic by Kohl &

Company, Vent and Singer Danny Allen, Bird productions for everywhere Peter

Michaels and the humor and magic of Rich Bloch as the MC. It opened in the

lobby at 7:00 pm with Jeff Moche. Richard Bossong and Rachel Hennelly.

 

On April 15, 1909, the "First Magic Vaudeville Presentation" before the

public was staged by the society at the Berkley Theatre on 44th Street near

Fifth Avenue. The next three shows were held at Carnegie Hall with names

like Dunninger, Houdini and Herrmann. This show, now called "The Salute to

Magic" has for the last 95 years showcased the best magic has to offer.

Saturday night this new crop of magicians joined this fraternity of

performers who gathered in friendship to further this society and the Art of

Magic.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ***********************

Re: Tannen’s 42nd Annual Tannen¹s Magic Jubilee

Date: Friday, September 10th thru Sunday, September 12th 2004

URL: www.tannens.com.

E-mail: jubilee@tannens.com

 

Staring: AYALA & TANYA

 

Joining us will be the country¹s leading vendors selling top-of-the-line

magic items along with top performers in Stage, Parlor and Close-Up Magic

performing all weekend long for our spectacular. 42nd Magic Jubilee honoring

Criss Angel as he receives the "Louie" Award. Our legendary stage shows on

Friday and Saturday nights have showcased the country's leading magic

performers and this year is no exception. Performing on stage will be: Ayala

& Tanya, Robert Baxt, Guy Bavli, Tony Chapek, Matthew David Stanley and

others...

 

We will again have a spectacular line-up for the Saturday Morning Close-Up

Magic Show including: Lee Asher, Kenny Brown, Doug Edwards, Aaron Fisher

Nathan Kranzo, David Stone, Boris Wild and R. Paul Wilson.

 

Our Sunday Morning Children's Show will feature David Kaye as "Silly Billy."

This year we are proud to be holding our Jubilee at the prestigious Kutshers

Country Club in beautiful upstate New York the weekend of September 10th

-12th. - Registration fee is $115

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: Johnny Fox's Freakatorium, 57 Clinton Street, New York, NY 10002

Tel: (212) 375-0475

URL: www.freakatorium.com

 

The Freakatorium, El Museo Loco, is dedicated to the history and

preservation of the dime museum, one of America's oldest and most

distinctive forms of entertainment. With a rotating collection of over 1,000

artifacts and curiosities, the Freakatorium offers contemporary visitors a

unique educational experience in an environment of wonder. Come visit our

museum and PREPARE TO BE AMAZED!

 

We are located on New York City's Lower East Side. Visiting hours are 1:00

to 7:00PM, Wednesday through Sunday or by appointment. Admission is $5.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ***********************

Re: Magic Matinee at Jekyll & Hyde's in Greenwich Village

Date: Every Saturday & Sunday at 1PM

Venue: The Jekyll & Hyde Pub at 91 7th Ave South

URL: http://www.jekyllpub.com/index1.html

Cost: $20.00

 

This magic show for the whole family is recommended for kids between the

ages of 5-12 - and parents are welcome too! The Pub is located betw. Barrow

& Grove Strs (South of Christopher and north of Bleecker St.)

 

For ticket reservations and / or show information, call Johnna Narciso at:

(212) 541-9505 x. 203

To order tickets from home: http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/869/

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ***********************

Re: Monday Night Magic May Schedule

Venue: The SoHo Playhouse, 15 Vandam Street, Greenwich Village, New York

City (1 block north of Spring Street, just west of Sixth Avenue)

 

For driving or subway directions, dinner discount info, discounted parking

and more visit the MNM website at: http://www.mondaynightmagic.com

 

May 10th

* Danny Alan (Classic Doves & Silent Manipulation)

* Master Lee (Kung Fu Magic & Comedy)

* "Prof" Bobby Baxter (A True Grand Master of Magic!)

 

May 17th

* Asi Wind (Outrageous Magic & Music From One of Israel’s Best!)

* Chris McDaniel (Western Arts at Its Best!!)

* Jamy Ian Swiss (James Bond with a Deck of Cards!)

 

May 24th

* David Oliver (Classic Doves, Exquisite Silent Manipulation)

* The Great Throwdini (World Champion Knife Thrower)

* Jon Stetson (Magic of the Mind -- He Knows What Your Thinking!)

 

May 31st

* Torkova (Classical Award Winning Magic at Its Best!)

* Michael Chaut (Magic with a Comic Touch)

* Rocco (Magic Master & Sleight-of-Hand Champion) & Renee

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH **********************

Re: The New York University Magic Club's invitation to young magicians in

the New York City area

 

The NYU Magic Club invites young magicians 21 and under in the New York City

area to join them on Thursday nights between 6:30 - 8:00PM. Their meetings

are held on the NYU campus at the Bronifman Center, 3rd floor, 7 East 10th

Street, New York, NY 10014 (during the school year.) For more information,

contact: Yuji Horimoto - mok200@is9.nyu.edu

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH **********************

Re: International Brotherhood for Magicians - New York City Ring 26

E-mail: SKonze@newsweek.com

URL: http://www.ibmring26.com

Venue: General Meeting/Performance & Magic Labs: Soldiers,' Sailors,'

Marines' & Airmen's Club, Lexington Avenue (between 36th & 37th Streets)

NYC.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH **********************

Re: New York Magic Table

Venue: Maui's Tacos Restaurant, 330 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10001

Tel: (212) 868-9720

 

New York Magic Table takes place every weekday between 12:00 - 2:00PM at the

Cafe Edison located in the Hotel Edison on 47th Street (off Broadway) in New

York City. This is the traditional gathering place for New Yorkers and

visiting magicians.

 

A more informal gathering of New York City magicians and visiting magicians

can be found at Maui's Tacos Restaurant located at 330 5th Avenue (near 32nd

Street.) They meet for lunch every Saturday.

 

Map of magicians' meeting place:

http://maps.yahoo.com/py/maps.py?addr=330+Fifth+Avenue&csz=New+York+NY+10001

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH **********************

Re: SAM - Parent Assembly #1 (USA)

E-mail: drmolarmagic@compuserve.com

SAM URL: http://www.magicsam.com

 

The Parent Assembly Number 1 is the oldest assembly of the SAM. Based in New

York City and meets the first Friday of each month (September-June.) It

boasts about 200 members including such magical personages as: David

Copperfield, Eric DeCamps, Meir Yedid, Mike Bornstien and Ken Krenzel.

 

The SAM invites interested magicians to join our society. For more

information, contact Bruce Lish at: drmolarmagic@compuserve.com. For more

information about the SAM: http://www.magicsam.com

 

 

********************************************************

******************* CALIFORNIA (USA) ******************

********************************************************

Re: Hollywood Ring 21 has new website!

From: Tim Mannix, President, Ring 21 "The Caryl Fleming Ring" International

Brotherhood of Magicians

E-mail: TMannix@roll.com

Tel: (323) 848-8922

URL: http://www.ibmring21.org/

 

Hollywood Ring 21 meets monthly at Monlux School, 6051 Bellaire Avenue,

North Hollywood, California. All regular meetings are the FIRST THURSDAY of

each month. Visitors are always welcome.

 

Upcoming events include:

May - Talent Exchange with Ring 280 (The Mark Wilson Ring)

June - Dunninger Presentation by Joe Atmore (Historical perspective)

July - Annual Picnic & Show

 

Check our NEW website for details: http://www.ibmring21.org/

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ***********************

Re: Devil in the Deck

Date: Thurs, Fri, Sat 8PM

Venue: Climate is located at 285 9th St. at Folsom in San Francisco

 

Titillation Theater's "Let's Pretend I'm Not Your Mother" plays Thurs, Fri,

Sat. at 9:30

Tickets and info on line at: Www.climatetheater.com or call: (415) 364-1411

For theater rentals or group sales call Paul Nathan: (415) 407-9223

 

For information on Gennaro check out: waxtrio.com

For info on Paul go to: Firemagic.com

For info on Climate theater go to: Climatetheater.com

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ***********************

Re: Ring 96 Meetings

 

Ring 96 meets in Seal Beach, CA, at the Farmer's and Merchant Bank, 12535

Seal Beach Blvd. The meeting begins at 7:00. For more information, visit our

website at www.angelfire.com/ca5/Ring96

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH **********************

Re: Magic Performances - New performers every few weeks

Venue: Magicopolis, Santa Monica, California

Date: Tuesday through Sunday

Tel: (310) 451-2241

URL: www.magicopolis.com

 

 

********************************************************

******************* COLORADO (USA) *******************

********************************************************

From: Doc Eason

E-mail: doc@doceason.com

URL: http://www.doceason.com

 

Doc Eason, of Rocky Mountain Magic, Inc, known around the world as the Bar

Magic guy produces a monthly newsletter that keeps his many fans abreast of

his activities and the new items he has taken on his list. Often these items

are listed on his newsletter first and then moved on to his web page. So if

you are

interested in receiving this just send a note to doc@doceason.com and type

newsletter in the subject line.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: Call for Lecturers

From: Chad Darnell

E-mail: chad@idomagic.com

 

The Mile High Magicians Society (Denver) Assembly. 37 is planning its 2004

year and wonders if you would like to share your wisdom. If you will be in

the Denver area and would like to lecture, please send an email to

lecture@mileghighmagicians.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

 

 

**************************************************************

*********************** FLORIDA (USA) ***********************

**************************************************************

Re: Magic Performance

From: Tonybrent@aol.com

 

Comedy Magic duo Devaney & Brent's ongoing magic dinner show in Orlando

called the "Outta Control Magic Show" could be mentioned. Two shows nightly

Tues - Sun at 6 and 8PM. Visit WonderWorks - The Ultimate in Interactive

Adventure for more show info and visit D & B Comedy Duo for info on

Devaney & Brent. It is the most unusual magic show in the world!

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

From: Mark and Michelle Byrne

E-mail: fla.byrne@verizon.net

 

Looking for magicians for senior groups.

 

I have a campaign about to start and I need full time magicians that would

like to do shows for senior groups audiences from 15 - 50 people. Great

people skills a must, with a winning smile. Most of these shows are planned

to be in the morning and late afternoon, some evenings. Significant bonus

plan for entrepreneurial spirited magi. These are sponsored magic shows.

Most will be within a hour's drive or less.

 

Looking for qualified individuals in these fine areas:

North Carolina: Ashville, Greensboro, Raleigh, Mecklenburg, Winston-Salem -

Roanoke, Virginia - Macon, Georgia - Florida: Bonita Springs, Melbourne,

Sarasota, Vero Beach, Jacksonville, Sebring, Pensacola, Brandon, Ft. Meyers,

Ocala, Pt. Charlotte, Venice orlando, Kissimmee, Port Richey, Hudson,

Stuart.

 

Contact: Mark Byrne, Funny Money Productions, 1225 Hermitage Ave Clearwater,

Florida 33764

Tel: (727) 532-4115 - Cell: (727) 742-6713

 

Many of you out there know me, I know many of you, If you would like to make

a great income in magic let me know. There are no gimmicks, fees, thread or

come-ons. This is a serious offer for magicians to work steady near home.

 

Mark Byrne (AKA Mark the Balloon Guy)

http://www.balloonguy.net

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: Florida Magicians Convention

E-mail: merlina17@aol.com

Date: Memorial Day Weekend, May 28, 29, 30 (Friday - Saturday - Sunday)

Venue: Bonaventure Resort, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

 

Greetings everyone: The time is drawing near for the 39th Annual Florida

Magicians Association Convention. The 2003 convention was a complete

sell-out and at the rate we're going this one will be too -- don't be left

wishing you were one of the ones who attended....

 

Talent coordination is under the direction of Rick del Vecchio who produces

Magic on the Beach annually, produced a most successful Florida Magicians

Convention - Magic in the Glades and much more. The registration fees are

$99 for magician, $50 for significant other and $49 for juniors (17 and

under.) There will be CASH prizes for the contests -- no gift certificates

-- no prizes to be claimed elsewhere...contact the Contest Chairman, Jay at

ibanez217@aol.com for details. Ask about the People's Choice awards.

 

To register contact Maria Ibanez (merlina17@aol.com) or send in your

information along with your check or money order to 12791 S.W. 216 Terrace,

Miami, Florida 33170

 

Are you a dealer who is interested in purchasing a booth? Contact Dealer

Chairman, Oliver Codorniu at magic357@bellsouth.net for details. Visit the

Florida Magicians website at www.floridamagic.org for more details

 

LECTURES - WORKSHOPS - CONTEST- GALA SHOWS - DEALERS ROOM - SPOUSES EVENTS -

JUNIORS EVENTS - MUCH, MUCH MORE!

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: The Outta Control Magic Show

From: Tonybrent@aol.com

Venue: 9067 International Drive (in WonderWorks,) Orlando

Tel: (407) 351-8800

Cost: $17.95 adults, $14.95 children 4-12

URL: www.wonderworksonline.com

 

I'll say it flat out: This is the best dinner show I've seen in Orlando.

 

Reason No. 1: Price. For less than half of what you pay for an "attraction"

show you get all-you-can-eat pizza that comes to your table fast and hot.

Better still, you get all the beer you can drink and they don't let your mug

stay empty for long. It's Bud, but quality can always be overcome through

quantity.

 

Reason No. 2: The show. I thought I was in for a lot of rabbits-out-of-hats,

watch-the-marble, kid-friendly hokum. Wrong. Magicians Tony Brent and Danny

Devaney are top-shelf performers and funny as hell. I laughed until my sides

hurt. When I wasn't laughing I was scrutinizing the duo's moves, trying to

figure out how they managed to squeeze a bowling ball from a notebook, for

example or extract a $50 bill from inside a lemon.

 

The show is a series of skits, each heavy on audience participation. And if

they call you up, you'd better have a sense of humor about it, because Brent

and Devaney are merciless. Gary, a good-natured audience member of few

words, spent 10 minutes on stage being verbally taunted, much to the

audience's delight, for not answering questions fast enough. Yours truly was

dragged onstage, forced to put on rubber gloves that were inside out and

made sport of for my career choice (not for the first time.) They grabbed my

notes and read them out loud, then spit ping-pong balls at me. It was

fantastic.

 

The show is loose enough and Brent and Devaney are fast enough, that the

improvisation is seamless. You would probably never see the same performance

twice. Which is fine. This is the only dinner show I've been to that I'd pay

to see twice. Little kids will dig the magic tricks, big kids will dig the

off-color humor (pen sniffing and rednecks were recurring themes) and mom

and dad will dig the bottomless beer mugs. Highly recommended.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: Florida Magicians Convention - for immediate release

E-mail: merlina17@aol.com

 

The Florida Magician Convention sold out last year and at the rate it is

going will probably sell out this year again. Register now to attend a

convention that promises to be a great one. The convention will be held at

the 5-star Bonaventure Resort and Spa in Weston (Ft Lauderdale) Florida

 

Florida Magicians Convention - May 28-30 at Bonaventure Resort & Spa Cost:

$99 Magician, $50 for Spouse or significant other, $49 Juniors 17 and under

three big shows, one each Friday, Saturday and Sunday, spouses events,

dealers, lectures, contests and much more.

 

Visit: www.floridamagic.org to register or contact

Convention Chairman: Harold Greenbaum MagicHarold@aol.com - 954-749-1175

Registration chairman: Maria Ibanez - merlina17@aol.com - 305-258-3414

Dealer Chairman: Oliver Codorniu - magic357@bellsouth.net - 305-322-5566

Contest Chairman: Jay Ibanez - ibanez217@aol.com - 305-258-3414

 

Already confirmed: right off his cruise ship performances - Levent; from

Canada - Jerry & Lenore Frenette, renown children's performer and magic

creator - Sammy Patrick Smith; General Grant; Dave Cressey; Tom and Rachel

Wild; Duane Lafflin; Richard Adler and many more -- don't be left wishing

you had attended, reserve your spot now!

 

 

*******************************************************

********************* IOWA (USA) **********************

*******************************************************

Re: Kenton Knepper Lecture: "Where Magic and Reality Meet"

Date: Saturday, December 27th AT 6:00PM

 

Enter the enchanting world of a living legend and Master of Mysteries. Meet

the man that peers call "one of the top magical performers in the world."

Kenton was honored with the legendary Andruzzi Award for excellence in

break-through magic and memorable entertainment in 1999. A unique honor

considering that less than ten magicians worldwide can claim this title.

Experience an evening that will stay with you past the end of your days. He

will also spend time discussing character development and if time permits,

Kenton will give you his inner work on metal bending and presentation.

 

Cost: A nominal fee of $10 for IBM Ring 327 Members, $15 for IBM Members

that are not members of Ring 327 (you must show your membership card-no

exceptions.) $20 for non-IBM members.

Location: At the Stolba home-4729 Mt. Vernon Rd SE, Cedar Rapids, IA. The

time is 6:00PM. Need more info? Contact Tim Stolba at Tim@iowamagic.com or

319-366-2442

 

 

*******************************************************

******************* KANSAS (USA) *********************

*******************************************************

Re: Magic Collectors' Weekend

E-mail: dan@bradburybooks.com

Tel/Fax: (816) 531-2468

 

We now have information available on the Magic Collectors' Association's

Collectors' Weekend May 20-22 in Kansas City. Drop us an email to request

the full speaker and talent line-up and the registration form.

 

Dan and Jobeth Bradbury, Bradbury Books & Beyond, 3318 Karnes Blvd., Kansas

City, MO 64111

 

 

*******************************************************

****************** MARYLAND (USA) *******************

*******************************************************

Re: Denny & Lee’s Lecture Schedule

Venue: 325 South Marlyn Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21221

Tel: (410) 686-3914 - Fax: (410) 686-6953

E-mail: dennymagic@aol.com

URL: http://www.dennymagic.com

 

TUESDAY, MAY 4TH, 7:30 PM-ADMISSION $15.00

CRAIG DICKSON

============================================================

FRIDAY, MAY 21ST, 7:30 PM-Admission $15.00

TIM SONEFELT

============================================================

SUNDAY, MAY 23RD, 4:00 PM AFTERNOON LECTURE-Admission-$15.00

PAUL CUMMINS

============================================================

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9TH, 7:30 PM-ADMISSION $15.00

STEVE YOUELL

============================================================

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16TH, 7:30 PM-ADMISSION $25.00

SILLY BILLY (DAVID KAYE)

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

From: Laughter Arts Foundation

E-mail: michael@motionfest.com

Subject: The Vaudeville Project - Produced by Poppin' Magic

 

Poppin' Magic introduces THE VAUDEVILLE PROJECT, a new concept in

entertainment that derives its inspiration from the past. The show includes

favorites from the Poppin' Magic Crew: Mark Lohr, Mike Rosman, Phil DePalo

and many others! Tickets may be purchased here. Howard County Arts Center

Lockheed Martin Black Box Theater, 8510 High Ridge Road, Ellicott City,

Maryland 21043. Call us for show details 410-266-6180.

 

Advance Tickets are $10 per person $7 student-senior discount. Tickets are

$12 and $8 at the door. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Laughter

Arts Foundation, producers of MotionFest, a non-profit 501c-3

 

 

*******************************************************

*************** MASSACHUSETTS (USA) ****************

*******************************************************

Re: The Mystery Lounge

Venue: "The Mystery Lounge" Comedy Studio in Harvard Square (1236 Mass

Avenue, Cambridge, MA )

Time: 8 PM (Pre-Show Close-Up Magic Starts at 7 PM) (every Tuesday Evening

in Boston)

Cost: $10 per person!

 

If you live in Boston or will just be visiting . . . you must check out the

"Mystery Lounge," Boston's longest running comedy and magic nightclub!

(Every Tuesday Night!) Admission is ONLY $10. For advanced reservations,

call (617) 661-6507. For more information, visit:

http://www.mysterylounge.com/

 

The show starts at 8:00 PM. The pre-show, sleight-of-hand, close-up magic

(hosted by Bob Riordan) starts at 7:00 PM in the Bar Restaurant downstairs

(BTW, the food is GREAT!) Each and every week there is a different cast of

magicians featuring: Alexander, MIke Bent, Steve Kradolfer, David Oliver,

Bob Riordan, Erik Rochelle, Jon Stetson and special guests.

 

 

*******************************************************

******************* MICHIGAN (USA) *******************

*******************************************************

Make plans to attend the Colon, Michigan People's Choice Awards during magic

week August 4-7th. Over $3200.00 prize money/products will be awarded in

Stage and Close-up Jr. and Sr. competition with the first place winners

receiving the inaugural Percy Abbott and Monk Watson trophies.

 

Registration to compete is only $35.00! Also during this week we will be

making a major announcement that will rock the magic world! Stay tuned!!!!

See more on our web site at www.fabmagic.com

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: Abbott's Get-together

Date: Aug 4,5,6,7.2004

 

Talent line-up. Wed. Aug 4th, Gordon Miller, Jason Reberski, Joe Diamond,

Reed Sisters, Eli Portala and Jay Mattioli.

 

Thurs. Aug 5th Terry Seabrooke, Sean Bogunia, Dale Hindman, Jason Latimer

and John Bundy. Fri. Aug 6th, Gay Blackstone, Dan Sperry Andrew Martin, Nels

Cremean, Danny Cole, Jay Marshall and the Magic of Fairchild.

 

Sat, Aug. 7th. Hank Moorehouse, Al Belmont, Michael Finney. From Germany

Nils Bennett and Jorgos Katsaros. From Japan, Hikari Furiyama. All this plus

Close Up, lectures, Contest with $1,100 cash prizes. Matinee, 2 Vent o

Rama's and Magic Minister's Session. Abbott's Magic, Colon, MI. 269 432

3235.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: Magic Awards

Venue: Colon, Michigan

Date: August 4-7 - Magic Week

Tel: 877.44.MAGIK

 

Things are hoppin' and poppin' in Colon, Michigan!! August 4-7th is magic

week here in town and we are hosting a massive celebration that is

affordable for EVERYONE!

 

Our People's Choice Awards will take place Wed-Friday with competitions in

Jr. & Sr. Close-Up and Stage along with the inaugural Percy Abbott Award for

Excellence & The Monk Watson "Promise" Award - Prizes Will Total $3200.00 Co

Sponsored By Clancy's Restaurant, Coca Cola And Miller Brewing. Registration

is only $35 and we are filling spots quickly!

 

On Saturday August 7th we will have huge magic Flea Market under the big top

tent - Dealers tables are only $15 per table and those spots are on limited

basis and they too are filling up quickly! Just Added! The Percy Abbott Era

- Lecture by Marilyn Abbott Richards, daughter of Percy Abbott - Listen to

these wonderful stories – how the "greats" of magic flocked to Colon! There

will be limited seating and this is a FREE lecture plus a major announcement

will be made right after the lecture! This lecture is on a first come first

serve basis....let us know NOW that you want to come...Check out all the

great stuff at www.fabmagic.com

 

 

*******************************************************

******************* MISSOURI (USA) ********************

*******************************************************

Re: Close-Up Gala Set for St. Louis Convention

 

Society of American Magicians Convention Show Producer RG Smith announced

the Close-up Gala line up for the S.A.M. Convention at the Adams Mark Hotel

in St, Louis July 7-8-9-10.

 

Six great performers have been booked so far. Steve Bargatze, Tom Burgoon,

Dan Fleshman, Charles Gauci, John Mendoza and Jim Pace. Many of these

performers will also be doing their lectures. Tom Burgoon and Steve Bargatze

will emcee two the evening Gala shows as well. Check the S.A.M. website for

updates at www.magicsam.com.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: MAGIC FLEA MARKET, May 19, Kansas City, MO

E-mail: dan@bradburybooks.com

Date: May 19

Venue: Kansas City, MO

Tel/Fax: 816-531-2468

 

Mark your calendar for Wednesday evening, May 19, 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. for a

MAGIC FLEA MARKET being held at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center in Kansas

City. The flea market is being co-sponsored by Bradbury Books and our local

SAM Assembly No. 38 as a warm-up activity for the Magic Collectors' Weekend

that runs Thursday through Saturday. The Flea Market is open to all and you

need not be registered for the WEEKEND to attend the Flea Market. It will be

held in the exposition hall at the Hyatt Regency. Admission will be $5.00

and tables for selling are available at $15.00 each (which includes one

admission.) Seller set-up will open at 6:00 p.m. with the doors opening for

the Flea Market at 7:00. Reserve your seller table today with a check or

credit card information to Bradbury Books. For more information, contact

dan@bradburybooks.com or call 816-531-2468. (If coming in from out of town,

you can even spend the night at the Hyatt for the convention rate of $95.00

by just mentioning the Magic Collectors' Association when you reserve before

May 14.)

 

If you are a magic collector--or even a mere accumulator--and want to find

out more about the history of our art, you may be interested in the MAGIC

COLLECTORS' Weekend. This year's Weekend in Kansas City follows what has

become the "typical" MCA Weekend format. Registration includes: the Thursday

evening dessert reception and tribute to our 2004 honoree, Alton Sharpe;

nearly a dozen presentations/lectures on a variety of magicians and magic

subjects Friday and Saturday; the Friday night presentation of "Tricks Old

and Seldom Seen" MC'ed by Claude Crowe; and the Saturday evening banquet and

gala show with Tom Ewing as the MC. It will have a tremendous line-up of

lecturers and performers and, of course, when not in formal session, you can

visit the dealers room (we anticipate 20-25 dealers in attendance) and

peruse an amazing array of books, apparatus, posters and memorabilia. For

more information, contact dan@bradburybooks.com or call 816-531-2468. Plan

on attending the Magic Flea Market--or both--events in just a few weeks!

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: Magic Conference in Branson Missouri

Date: May 6-8, 2004

 

There will be a new magic conference, on the subject of how to perform

shows, held this spring in the entertainment capital of Branson Missouri.

The Magic Show Conference will be hosted by Duane and Mary Laflin of Laflin

Magic and Marty and Brenda Hahne, of Dazzling Magic. Registration includes

tickets to 2 Branson shows: Brett Daniels new show "Magic and Beyond" and a

magic variety show starring the Magic of Dave and Denise Hamner and

ventriloquist Jim Barber.

 

Plus, there will be two other shows presented by the Laflins and the Hahne's

and 8 lectures on presenting all types of shows, from school shows to malls

to illusions. Also special lectures on costuming and how to be a great

assistant. For more information, go to www.dazzlingmagic.com.

 

 

*******************************************************

******************** NEVADA (USA) ********************

*******************************************************

Re: Mentalism Unlimited

From: Larry Becker

E-mail: lbecker4@cox.net

 

Mentalism Unlimited (Larry Becker & Lee Earle) will be attending the

following conventions as dealers this year. If anyone plans on attending any

of these, please stop by and introduce yourself. Our first foray as dealers

was at the World Magic Seminar in Las Vegas in January. It was great success

and we're looking forward to meeting our friends around the U.S. We'll be at

the IBM Convention in Cleveland, the SAM Convention in St. Louis, the TAOM

in Houston, Magic in the Rockies outside Denver, PCAM in Seattle and

Mindvention in Las Vegas in November. If anyone has any questions or

comments, e-mail us at info@MentalismUnlimited.com or visit our website at

www.MentalismUnlimited.com for details and special offers on our latest

releases.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: Magic to Blow Your Mind!

From: David Neubauer

URL: www.dnmagic.com

E-mail: vegas@dnmagic.com

 

The World's Greatest Magic Show, currently starring Kevin James, Joseph

Gabriel, Billy Fergeson, James Dimmare, The Majestix, Arden James and Jeff

McBride will continue their run at the Sahara until May 20th.

 

They will be dark for two days in preparation for their Grand Opening at

their new home - the Greek Isle Hotel and Casino (next to the Convention

Center) - on May 22nd!

 

This intimate 450 seats theater (formerly the Debbie Reynolds Theater) is a

jewel box of a place with not a bad seat in the house. It's a much better

space to see magic and they have lots of great ideas for the new space – it

will be a terrific show!

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: MAGIC Live!

Date: August 22-25, 2004

Venue: The Orleans Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada

 

This summer marks the 13th year of MAGIC Magazine, so it seems like a good

time to "try our luck" at another unconventional convention! Based on the

success of our 2001 Live! Celebration, as well as the early response for

2004, this could be a very Lucky 13th. Hope you can join us!

 

We will be periodically emailing updates about this unique event. If you

prefer not to receive these updates, please respond to this email by typing

"CANCEL" in the subject line. If you would like to attend, here are three

good reasons to register early:

 

1. Theater seating is assigned in order of registration. And while The

Orleans Showroom is a terrific place to see magic shows, why not have the

best seats in the house?

 

2. There's really no risk. Registration is fully refundable up until July

22, 2004.

 

3. Enter to win free show tickets! On the 13th of each month between now and

August 22nd, we will be drawing names from the early registrants and giving

away Las Vegas show tickets, good during MAGIC Live! If you don't win, your

name stays in the hopper for the drawing the next month and the next and the

next. Of course, the sooner you register, the less competition you have and

the more chances you have of winning!

 

So, please join us for another "once-in-a-lifetime" event. Registration is

$265 (through May 15, 2004) and our special room rate at The Orleans is only

$49 per night.

 

Check out our web site for all the details: www.magicmagazine.com/live

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: The First Annual All-Mentalism Convention

Venue: 3555 Las Vegas Blvd. South 737-1343

Date: November 14 - 16, 2004

Venue: San Remo Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada

 

We invite you to join them for 3 days of mind blowing fun & mental mayhem at

MINDVENTION: The First Annual All Mentalism Convention. Shows * Lectures *

Workshops

 

Featuring: Bob Cassidy * Alain Nu * John Riggs * Mark Strivings * Terry

Nosek * Chuck Hickok * Brad Henderson * Bruce Bernstein * Lee Earle * Larry

Becker and many more to come!

 

If you're a mentalist this is the one convention you don't want to miss! (Of

course if you're a great mentalist you already knew that!) Register

Telepathically or contact: Mindvention@juno.com

 

For more Information on Mindvention go to our web site: www.LVMI.net. Also

check out The West Coast's most talked about Close-Up Magic Convention

 

It is with great pleasure, that the producers of the Las Vegas Magic

Invitational (LVMI) Robert Allen and Danny Archer announce that they are

organizing a convention geared towards mental magic and mentalism. After

starting and running the highly acclaimed LVMI close-up convention for three

years, they are turning their minds to producing a world-class mentalism

convention.

 

The first ever MINDvention will take place on November 14th -16th in Las

Vegas at the San Remo Hotel and Casino (the site of the LVMI convention.)

Registration will be $175 and attendance will be limited.

 

The three jam packed days will be composed with lectures, workshops,

dealers, shows, panel discussions and more dedicated events. Attendees will

have a chance to perform in several shows covering a variety of topics. A

number of well-respected individuals from the mentalism community will be

conducting the lectures and workshops and performing in the shows as well.

 

We are putting together a panel of pros that will be second to none. Some of

the experts who are planning to take part are: Bob Cassidy, Alain Nu, Mark

Strivings, Brad Henderson, Chuck Hickok, Bruce Bernstein, John Riggs and

Terry Nosek (scheduled artists subject to change.)

 

As they have done with close-up magic and the LVMI, Robert and Danny are

planning on doing the same with mentalism and the MINDvention convention.

This will be one of the most talked about events of 2004 for the

magic/mentalism community.

 

Imagine spending three fun-filled instructive days, with some of the most

talented performers in the world, in the most magical city on Earth.

Learning secrets that can take your performances to the next level and

opening up a whole new area to market yourself. If you have any interest at

all in mental magic and mentalism you will not want to miss the first ever

MINDvention. For more details and registration form, please visit our web

site at www.LVMI.net

 

Danny Archer Magic / Magicians Lecture Network, 1911 Yosemite St. Denver, CO

80220-2254

Tel: (303) 321-6267 fax (303) 355-2013 - E-mail: lecturenet@aol.com

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: Xtreme Close-Up Magic

E-mail: steve@magicwebchannel.com

Tel: (702) 376-4727

 

(February 18, 2004) Las Vegas only close-up magic show “Xtreme Close-up

Magic,” now entering it’s 7th month starring the world’s greatest close-up

magician, Steve Dacri and guest close-up magicians from around the world, is

now located at O’Shea’s on the Strip. Additional shows have been added,

including a daytime edition.

 

Hailed by critics as “pure sleight of hand,” “hilarious magic that astounds”

and “a real change of pace,” Steve Dacri and his family-friendly show has

the town talking about his award-winning close-up magic. While at the

Orleans since August 2003, the often sold-out show attracted many locals and

International visitors, particularly from England and Ireland where Dacri

has a large fan base among magicians. In its new home, the O’Shea’s Comedy

Theater on the Las Vegas Strip, the show will now be able to accommodate a

larger audience. The show features under your nose, in your face,

mind-blowing magic. Many audience members are invited onto the stage

throughout the show in an attempt to discover the secrets, but they never

do!

 

Dacri commented, “We loved performing at the Orleans and we are eternally

grateful for the opportunity they provided us to showcase our new concept.

Unfortunately, the room was so small that we could only fit about

forty-people. At O’Shea’s, the showroom holds 180, small by Vegas standards,

but perfect for my type of magic, especially with their large screen video

projection system which enables everyone to experience the magic.”

 

Veteran producer John Stuart, who is also the manager of hypnotist Justin

Tranz (his popular, long-running show at the O’Shea’s Comedy Theater

continues in the 10:30PM slot,) signed Dacri to an open-ended deal and

said he expects the show to become a permanent part of the Las Vegas

entertainment scene. Dacri and Stuart, with the support of numerous

celebrity magicians, are working on ambitious plans to transform the theater

and the space around it into a magical, interactive environment.

 

Dacri stated that he will continue with his concept of including guest

magicians as part of the shows. During the previous six months,

International magic stars from England, Ireland and Portugal have performed

in the show, as well as a number of Vegas-based close-up artists.

 

The show plays Tuesday through Saturday at 2PM and 4PM and Sundays at 2PM,

4PM and 7PM. The show is dark Mondays.

 

Jan Dacri, Show Manager - (702) 253-9392 (office) - (702) 376-4727 (cell)

Xtreme Close-up Magic NOW ON THE LAS VEGAS STRIP in The O'Shea's Comedy

Theatre

Tuesday through Saturday at 2PM & 4PM - Sundays at 2pm, 4PM & 7PM (Dark

Mondays)

 

Call or visit Allstate Ticketing, vegas.com, showtickets.com.

MagicWebGuide.com or the O'Shea's Box Office (702) 737-1343. Snail Mail:

P.O. Box 81371, Las Vegas, NV 89180 – Tel: (702) 253-9392

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: The LVMI Close-up Convention

Date: Sept. 12th -14th & Sept. 17th -19th, 2004

 

Last year's LVMI was hailed as one of the best conventions of the year. The

stellar line-up combined with a world-class who's who of attendees (and guys

just hanging out) made the LVMI an absolute must for anyone interested in

close-up magic. Unfortunately the conference reached its maximum capacity

last year and they had to turn away a lot of disappointed people.

 

To try and accommodate those wishing to attend this unmatched convention,

the 2004 Las Vegas Magic Invitational will be held in two separate sessions.

The first session will be held September 12th – 14th. The second session

will be held September 17th – 19th. September 15th will be a one day Magic

University offering seminars and workshops from the lectures and special

guests. All the events will be held at The San Remo Hotel and Casino in Las

Vegas, NV.

 

Already Booked for 2004 are: Steve Draun, Kostya Kimlat, Paul Cummins, Chad

Long, Aldo Columbini, Gazzo and the guest of Honor is Mr. Roger Klause.

 

Don't read about LVMI in the magazines or on the boards and wish you were

there...BE THERE!

Details online at: http://www.lvmi.net/

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: Nick Lewin's New One-Man Show at Harrah's Laughlin

 

Nick Lewin's new one-man show at HARRAH'S LAUGHLIN, a one-and-a-half hour

drive from Las Vegas. Nick is performing one show Tuesday through Saturday

at 2:00PM.

 

Tickets are $6.95 plus tax and are available at the box office. The show

runs 65 minutes and is full on non stop comedy and magic.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ***********************

Re: Mac King's Comedy Magic Show

Venue: Harrah's, Las Vegas

 

In Mac King's one-man show at Harrah's Casino on the Las Vegas Strip, Mac

combines jaw-dropping sleight of hand magic with side-spitting comedy in an

almost lethal combination. And, you can see the man Penn and Teller call

simply, "a god" at 1PM and 3PM Tuesday through Saturday at Harrah's, Las

Vegas for only $14.95 plus tax. Okay, one more convincer, here's how good

Harrah's thinks this guy is - they just extended his contract to the year

2006! For your convenience, you can visit:

http://www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/las/amenities/mac_king.html to purchase

tickets on-line.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH **********************

Re: Amazing Jonathan

 

Amazing Jonathan will open some time in the next few weeks in the 650 seat

La Cage Theater at the Riviera. Dark Tuesdays.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH **********************

Re: Magic Performances - Jonathan & Charlotte Pendragon in "The Pendragons:

Grand Illusions"

Venue: Harrah's, Laughlin, Nevada

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH **********************

Re: Magic Performances - Lance Burton

Venue: Lance Burton Theatre at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino, Las Vegas,

Nevada

Date: Tuesday through Saturday at 7PM & 10PM

Tel: (702) 730-7160 OR (877) 386-8224

URL: http://www.lanceburton.com

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH **********************

Re: Magic Performances - Mac King Comedy Cabaret - New performers every few

weeks

Venue: Harrah's Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada

Date: Tuesday through Saturday at 1PM & 3PM

Tel: (702) 369-5111

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ***********************

Re: Magic in Las Vegas

URL: www.dnmagic.com

 

Playing until Further Notice

 

AFTERNOONS:

Illusionary Magic of Rick Thomas - Tropicana.

Mac King Comedy Magic Show - Harrah's.

Ronn Lucas and Friends (Vent) - The Man Who Can Make Anything Talk Rio.

 

EVENINGS:

Amazing Johnathan with various magician openers - Flamingo. (Dark Thurs)

Andre-Phillipe Gagnon (Impressionist) - Paris Las Vegas.

Danny Gans - (Impressionist) - The Mirage.

Dirk Arthur "New Art of Magic" - Plaza.

Dr. Scott's Outrageous Comedy Hypnosis Show. Monday nights - Riviera.

Greek Isles: That's Magic Show.

Jayden LaCross - TGI Fridays (Wednesdays - Sundays.)

Jamie Porter's Radio Side Show - every Saturday @ 5AM, KLAV FURTHERMORE

1230.

La Femme - Various magicians (see schedule below) - MGM Grand.

Lance Burton, Master Magician - Lance Burton Theater - Monte Carlo.

Larry G. Jones - Man of 1002 Voices (Free w/$3 drink) – Fitzgeralds (5PM.)

Michael Close - Houdini's Lounge - Monte Carlo Tuesday - Thursday.

Outback Steakhouse (Green Valley) - Erik Allan, Friday & Saturday.

Penn & Teller - Rio Samba Theatre.

Richard Muna & Co. - Fox City Show - Tropics Lounge, Tropicana

Scott Lewis (Hypnotist) "Mindblowers" - Riviera's Le Bistro Theatre -

11:30PM Mondays.

Showgirls of Magic - San Remo.

Siegfried & Roy - POSTPONED INDEFINITELY - Mirage.

Simon Winthrop - Casino Royal.

V - The Ultimate Variety Show - Jeff Hobson, Nathan Burton and Sarah -

Venetian 6PM.

World's Greatest Magic Show - Sahara

Xtreme Close-Up Magic - Steve Dacri - SAZIO Restaurant at The Orleans

 

The World's Greatest Magic Show will open at the Sahara on October 15th with

7 to 8 World-Class Magicians doing their best 10 minutes each. Grand Opening

acts are: Jeff Hobson, Majestix, Joseph Gabriel, Sylvester the Jester,

Nicholas Night & Kinga, Kevin James, Zaida Lavavootnesh. Talent coordinator

is Kevin James.

 

PLAZA: Dirk Arthur "New Art of Magic" (formerly at Silverton) opened.

 

Steve Wyrick -- who left his Sahara showroom last month -- has been rumored

to have already signed a deal to "four-wall" the Center Stage Showroom at

the Aladdin at the space until at least February, when new owners are

expected to take over the bankrupt property.

 

XTREME CLOSE-UP MAGIC starring Steve Dacri has been extended until New Years

at SAZIO Restaurant Showroom at The Orleans Hotel and Casino Friday through

Monday at 8PM

 

 

********************************************************

******************* NEW JERSEY (USA) ******************

********************************************************

Re: Upcoming JMMRT events

Date: Wednesday May 12th, 2004

From: Eric Appel

E-mail: ega53@comcast.net

 

The John McNicholas Magician's Round Table Proudly Presents:

 

To help kick off our 51st year, we have the pleasure to announce that he has

agreed to come and spend a night with his friends at JMMRT and share with us

some of the many things that make this gentleman such a great treasure to

the magic community. Come spend an intimate evening with a legend in this

JMMRT EXCLUSIVE...

 

"An Evening with Herb Zarrow"

 

That’s right, Herb has graciously agreed to help send us off on another

fifty years and share with our members some of his precious gems of wisdom.

This is a FREE night to our members, but we will be charging $20.00

admission for guests, so take advantage of this great opportunity and come

see the master at work.

 

And on Wednesday May 19th, 2004

 

Joe Mogar will be bringing us his wonderful magic and props for us to see ,

learn and acquire. Joe has been written up in the Linking Ring as well as

other magic periodicals as having the best thimble magic around and his

knives need no introduction to those in the know. You just can’t find better

anywhere.

 

These are two evenings you will NOT want to miss. Doors open @ 7pm. Lectures

starts @ 8pm. Cost is $10.00 for members and $15.00 for non-members.

VFW Hall is @ 20 Pennsylvania RR Ave, Linden, N.J. (two blocks from the

Linden RR Station)

 

 

********************************************************

********************** OHIO (USA) **********************

********************************************************

From: Larry McMechan

E-mail: mcmechan@infinet.com

Subject: Magic Auction

 

We will be holding our 10th annual Magic Auction, 2 days May 29 & 30. We

will be selling contents of 2 different estates, plus many other consigned

items, including collectors items, stage effects, close-up effects,

illusions, books, tapes and other items.

AUCTION will be held at 210 Nation Ave. in Eaton. Ohio. Sale to start at

10:00AM both days. Plenty of parking for RV's and etc. Motels Available

close by. For more information, contact Larry McMechan, Auctioneer phone

1-937-456-7136 or 1-937-456-4260 or e-mail: mcmechan@infinet.com

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: Columbus MAGI-FEST, Columbus, Ohio

 

For the 73rd consecutive year, the past 21 of which have been under the

direction of Jep Hostetler (Past International President of the

International Brotherhood of Magicians,) promises to be another in a long

list of "winners."

 

With close-up performers from Argentina (Henry Evans,) Paris (Boris) and the

United States (Mike Powers, Obie O’Brien and Dan Garrett) in tow and Star of

Magic Terry Evanswood in The Grand Illusion Show, on the bill, it looks like

another sell-out. (A sell out is 900 registrants, the limit for the hotel.)

For a quick update, why not check out the MAGI-FEST web site at:

www.magifest.org. The closing show will include Greg Gulamerian, Larry

Taylor, Dan Gerrett, Henry Evans, Kristi Toguchi and Joel Ward.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ***********************

From: Louis Principato

E-mail: louison261@yahoo.com

 

SAM194 in Yonkers New York meets at 7:30PM at the Catholic Slovak Club on 49

Lockwood Ave., Yonkers NY. For more information please call me at (914)

663-2803.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ***********************

Re: IBM Convention 2004

Date: June 29 – July 4

Venue: Renaissance Cleveland Hotel, Tower City Center, 24 Public Square,

Cleveland OH 44113

E-mail: napamagic@aol.com

Tel: (216) 696-5600

URL: www.renaissancehotels/CLEBR

 

Hotel Room Rate: $99/night

Amenities: Work desk, TV w/ cable, satellite, movies, 2-line phone w/

speaker, voice mail, data port, Minibar, complimentary in-room coffee, iron,

ironing board, trouser press, hairdryer, in-room safe. 2 Restaurants,

In-door pool, exercise room. Quick, easy access to waterfront nightlife,

'The Avenue' shops & restaurants, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

 

Airlines: Cleveland is Hub to Continental Airlines. Southwest Airlines again

offers 10% discount to IBM

Driving: 3 interstates intersect Cleveland; I-77, I-71 and I-90

Transportation from Airport: Rapid Rail Transit, lower level of airport,

$1.50 to Tower City Center (where the hotel is located,) 20 minutes

Taxi: $18 per trip. Cleveland Hopkins Express Shuttle Van: $11 per person,

per trip

Talent Already Booked: Murray Hatfield, Yugi Yamamoto, Henry Evans, Fackelli

& Kil, Mystina, Tim Hannig, John Carney, Jeff McBride, Jason Latimer, Ali

Bongo, Alan Shaxton, Stuart & Lori McDonald, Michael Close

 

Convention Registration:

I.B.M. Members, spouses, adult children $145

I.B.M. Junior Members $100

Child, under 12 $75

Non-Member $200

Order of Merlin breakfast $17

Optional Banquet $35

 

Send name, address, phone, e-mail, IBM #, fees (US dollars) to: Mel Kientz,

I.B.M. Registration, 2020 West Yucca Dr., Wickenburg AZ, 85390

 

 

********************************************************

********************* OREGON (USA) ********************

********************************************************

Re: PCAM 2004 SEATTLE

From: Brian Cook

E-mail: briancookmagic@msn.com

 

Hi there everyone, Things are shaping up and August is right around the

corner. I have sent along our current flyer and to let everyone know that

the hotel is 2/3 filled so if you were planning on staying at the hotel to

book now. I have also just added David Acer and Seattle’s own Tom Franks to

the line up. I hope if your on the fence on if your coming you will change

your mind and join the cast of millions.....or a few hundred and celebrating

71 years of magic. Thanks again and as always email me if you have a

question or if you just want to say hi.

 

 

********************************************************

**************** SOUTH CAROLINA (USA) ****************

********************************************************

Re: Magician Michael Bairefoot of Myrtle Beach, SC will be performing at the

following venues:

E-mail: Theefoot@aol.com

 

Friday thru Wednesday 6:00 to 8:00 at Angelo's

Friday thru Sunday Ripley's Aquarium 11:00 to 1

Thursday Night Stage show at Carol Beach Resort at 7:00PM

Tuesday thru Sunday the Pavilion 9:00 to 10:00

 

 

********************************************************

******************* TENNESSEE (USA) *******************

********************************************************

Re: www.MagicSuccessSeminars

From: BJ Hickman

E-mail: BJ@BJHickman.com>

 

This August in Gatlinburg, Tennessee (USA) will be the ONLY 2004

presentation of Magic Success Seminars... for the advancement of

professional magicians and variety artists in the field of school enrichment

programs and motivational speaking opportunities. This seminar was highly

recommended by everyone in attendance at last fall's seminars at Hollywood's

Magic Castle, New Jersey and Florida. It will be the entire seminar with

Steve Hart, Jim Snack, Steve Taylor and BJ Hickman. It is scheduled for

Tuesday night, August 24 and all day Wednesday, August 24, at the same hotel

and just prior to the beginning of KIDabra (www.KIDabra.com)

Conference in TN. For topics to be covered, quotes from attendees, photos

and bios of the presenters, check out: www.MagicSuccessSeminars.com. This is

the year to attend KIDabra, make a week of it by adding the Magic Success

Seminar and reap the benefits.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: SEAM Announcement

From: James Hargrave

E-mail: jhargra@lifeway.com

 

The Nashville Magic Club has announced that September 2-4 has been set for

the dates of the annual SEAM convention to be held this year in Nashville,

Tennessee.

 

Booked so far: John Carney, John Mendoza, David Garrard and Stephen

Bargatze! Information about the convention site, registration, dealers,

lectures, contests and additional performers will be released soon.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: Music City Magic

From: John Pyka, Flip-Side Productions

E-Mail:johnpyka@flip-side.com

Tel: (615) 612-2993

 

MUSIC CITY MAGIC DEBUTS AT MISS MARPLES DINNER THEATER

Nashville – Miss Marple's Dinner Theater on 2nd Ave., known for their fun

murder mysteries, is proud to present a new kind of mystery theater; Music

City Magic. Modeled after Monday Night Magic in New York City and the Magic

Castle in LA, Music City Magic will be Nashville's first and only weekly

venue for magic performance. The debut is scheduled for Monday July 28th at

7PM, with shows to follow every Monday thereafter. The show will star a

roster of award-winning magicians who are young, hip and at the top of their

field. Among the permanent members of the cast are "Big Daddy" Johnny

Dellarocca (MTV's Spring Break, A&E's An Evening at the Improv) and CIA

agent turned psychic entertainer "Nelson." A rotating roster of 2-3 other

performers from around the country will be joining the two every week to

amaze and delight audiences.

 

"We each have a unique style that is far from the stereotypical magician,"

says John Pyka, who serves both as director and performer (as Dellarocca.)

"We each have backgrounds in theater, so each of our performances will be

very theatrical, with strong character motivations." Additionally, one of

the requirements for anyone performing on the show is that they have a

unique and distinctive character. "No cloned tuxedos allowed," said Pyka.

 

Music City Magic will be the first venue of its kind in Middle Tennessee.

Before now, audiences would have to travel to New York or Los Angeles. "If

Nashville is going to the Third Coast, then we need to have the same kind of

performances venues and opportunities that the other coasts do" said Pyka.

 

"We are so excited to be offering something like this" said Lois Elliot,

owner of Miss Marple's. "It's an opportunity to expand our offerings to the

Nashville community and offer something completely unique to the region."

Miss Marple's Dinner Theater is best known for their hit Murder Mysteries.

Their current show is called "Death by a Rose" and features a hilarious cast

of characters. Lois added, "as far as we are concerned, magic is just

another form of mystery, so it fits our overall theme."

 

Keeping in line with the theater's format Music City Magic will feature

dinner during the show. Tickets are only $35.00 for the complete package.

Opening night is Monday, July 28th. Reservations can be made by phone by

calling (615) 242-8000. Reservations can also be made online at

www.missmarples.com. Miss Marple's Dinner

Theater is located at 135 Second Ave North, in the heart of Nashville's

entertainment district. The producers will be holding auditions for

performers who would like to appear on the show. For more information

contact John Pyka at (615) 612-2993.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ***********************

Re: Rick Green's Performance

E-mail: rickmagic1@hotmail.com

 

"Magician Rick Green, in conjunction with the Old Spaghetti Factory

Restaurant, is announcing the beginning of Rick's new show starting on June

15, 2003 at the restaurant on historic 2nd Avenue in Nashville, TN. This

isn't restaurant magic as we've all been use to in the past. Rick is

performing his show, "Victorian Secrets: A Performance of Classical

Conjuring." This show is a first for the middle Tennessee area. "Victorian

Secrets" takes the audience through a performance of magic and conjuring as

would have been seen in the 19th Century. The show is modern, the magic is

classic.

 

Performances will run every Sunday from June 15th through until July 26th,

then reopening on August 9th and until further notice. Shows are at 4PM,

5PM, 7PM and 8PM and will run approximately 30-minutes. For more info,

contact Rick or Lori at (615) 331-7062 or email Rick at

rickmagic1@hotmail.com

 

 

********************************************************

********************* TEXAS (USA) **********************

********************************************************

Re: Magic Performances - New performers every few weeks

Date: Sunday at 10PM

Venue: The Mausoleum, Houston, Texas

Tel: (713) 526-4648

 

 

********************************************************

******************** UTAH (USA) ************************

********************************************************

Re: Magic Performances - The Magic of Timothy

Date: Monday through Thursday, & Saturday

Venue: Utah Fun Dome, Salt Lake City, Utah

URL: www.utahfundome.com

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH **********************

Re: Magic Performances - Steffan Soule's Mysterian

Venue: Illusionz, Issaquah, Washington

Date: Friday at 8PM, Saturday at 3PM & 8PM & Sunday at 3PM

Tel: (425) 427-2444

URL: www.illusionz.com

 

 

********************************************************

******************* VIRGINIA (USA) *********************

********************************************************

Re: NOVAMAGIC Meeting

From: Joe Pecore, Co-secretary of Virginia SAM #252 (USA)

E-mail: joseph_pecore@usa.net

 

S.A.M Assembly #252 NOVAMAGIC meets every third Thursday of the month at

7:00PM at St. Leo's Catholic Church/Knights of Columbus Hall (behind the

church,) 3704 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, Virginia.

 

 

********************************************************

***************** WASHINGTON (USA) *******************

********************************************************

Re: Pacific Coast Association of Magicians

From: Brian Cook

Venue: Seattle WA.

Date: August 4th-7th, 2004

URL: www.seattlepcam2004.com

E-mail: briancookmagic@msn.com

 

Registration is US$130 for magician and US$100 for spouse and junior. So

far, we have booked, Joanie Spina, Sylvester the Jester, Max Howard, Paul

Cummins , Paul Romhany and Steffan Seoul

 

Takes place at the Sea-tac Marriot and the contact is Brian Cook

425-931-7514

 

 

********************************************************

**************** WEST VIRGINIA (USA) ******************

********************************************************

URL: www.dewaynehill.com

 

Comedy Magician Dewayne Hill performs close-up, table-to-table magic for

customers of the Comedy Zone in Charleston West Virginia. $7.00 cover to get

in to see the Comedy Show. However there is a bar area that is free where

Dewayne also performs, just let the bartender know. Please check the website

to make sure Dewayne is performing on the night you wish to attend.

 

 

********************************************************

****************** WISCONSIN (USA) ********************

********************************************************

Re: 67th Annual Houdini Club of Wisconsin's Convention

 

Sept 3-5, 2004, Madison WI. 67th Annual Houdini Club of Wisconsin's

Convention will feature Norm Nielsen and Lupe his Wife.

 

We also have Chris Capehard, Mike Douglas, George Saterial, Ken Mate, Hank

Moorehouse, Ardan James, Murray and more. Check out

www.houdiniconvention.com for all the details and on line registration.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: Houdini Days 2004 Magic Festival

 

The Houdini Days 2004 Magic Festival in "Houdini's Hometown" (Appleton,

Wisconsin) will occur on September 2-5, 2004. The line-up follows: Parlor

Area: Bill Malone, Michael Ammar, Doc Eason, Joshua Jay, Jon Stetson, Mark

Bond.

 

Escapes:

a. The Chinese Water Torture Cell (Dean Gunnarson)

b. The Suspended Straightjacket Escape (The Comedy Magic of Mike & Chris)

c. Rope Tie Challenge (Danny Magic)

 

Main Stage: Michael Finney, Mark Wilson &Nani Darnell, Ice McDonald, Jeff

McBride, Kevin King, Glen Gerard, Jessica Reed, Rex Sikes, Jon Stetson and

Tom Burgoon.

 

Children's Area: Robert Baxt, David "Silly Billy" Kaye and Rondini

 

Strolling Magicians: Nate Nygren, Bruce Hetzler, Lou Lepore and Danny Magic

 

Other activities:

1.    Young Magicians Workshops - taught by Mark Wilson, Michael Ammar, Ice

McDonald, Jessica Reed, Nate Nygren and Bruce Hetzler

2.    Jeff McBride's Intensive Workshop

3.    Lectures

4.    Magic's Greatest Hits Show at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center

5.    Rising Stars of Magic Competition - win CASH awards and RECOGNITION!

 

The best part of the entire Festival - All outdoor performances are FREE!

URL: www.houdinidays.com

 

 

***********************************************************************

******************************* EUROPE *******************************

***********************************************************************

From: Paul Alberstat

E-mail: paul@mindguy.com

URL: http://www.mindguy.com/store

 

Paul Alberstat, Canada's leading Mentalist will be doing four lectures in

the United Kingdom in May, 2004. The dates, locations and groups responsible

are as follows:

 

Monday 10th May - Leicester Magic Circle

Tuesday 11th May - Medway Magical Society

Friday 14th May - Newcastle Magic Circle

Monday 17th May - Edinburgh Magic Circle

 

The lectures will cover working effects from both Paul's magic routines as

well as some of his mentalism routines, suitable for all skill levels.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

From: Stephen Jones

E-mail: Joness@fourth-shift.co.uk

 

This is the correct link for the Czech Jaromer festival in June:

http://www.jaromer2004.com/UK/index.php?aktualniMenu=OFestivalu

 

Contact person for Jaromer is Mrs. Eva Vejr eva.vejr@bolina.hsb.se. Jahn

Gallo is performing but is not one of the organisers.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: Merlin-ye-Mage returns to medieval Europe

From: Mr. Loch David Crane

E-mail: capnkirk@adnc.com

Tel: (619) 222-2849

 

Merlin-ye-Mage returns to medieval Europe

 

(San Diego, CA) Magician Loch David Crane is touring Europe this summer,

introducing his new character “Merlin-ye-Mage” by performing in half a dozen

Medieval locations across Germany and Austria. After 40 years of practice he

is learning his act in German and plans to ride his hand-built STELTHY

roadster on the Autobahn!

 

This tour is being sponsored by four wonderful renaissance hotels which

offer to house and feed the mind-reading Magician in return for his

restaurant performances. Crane will donate additional shows to local German

charities, Ronald McDonald Houses for children and to American troops in

hospital or on base.

 

See Magician Loch David Crane in his “Merlin-ye-Mage” costume at

www.MagicSantaClaus.com

 

JUNE

2 W   Fly into Frankfurt, pick up STELTHY TRIKE in Bremerhaven

3 R   evening show in Oldenburg with Jonny Bex and Magic School students

4 F OLDENBURG: Indian Triker run

5 S   OLDENBURG: Indian Triker run

6 S   drive to Giessen

 

7M    GIESSEN

8 T   drive to Rothenburg ob der Tauber

9 W   HOTEL PETER: Saalbach, Austria; Magicians’ convention

10 R HOTEL PETER: Saalbach, Austria; Magicians’ convention

11 F HOTEL PETER: Saalbach, Austria; public shows at street faire

12 S  HOTEL PETER: Saalbach, Austria; private shows in restaurant

13 S Drive to Rothenburg odT, Germany

 

14 M HOTEL GERBERHAUS: Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

15 T HOTEL GERBERHAUS: Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

16 W HOTEL GERBERHAUS: Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

17 R HOTEL GERBERHAUS: Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

18 F ALTE WILDE Trike Treffen in Plaidt, Germany

19 S  ALTE WILDE Trike Treffen in Plaidt, Germany

20 S  drive to Stuttgart

 

21 M  ROMANTIK HOTEL TRAUBE: Stuttgart, Germany

22 T ROMANTIK HOTEL TRAUBE: Stuttgart, Germany

23 W ROMANTIK HOTEL TRAUBE: Stuttgart, Germany

24 R  ROMANTIK HOTEL TRAUBE: Stuttgart, Germany

25 F  Drive to Stadtlauringen, Germany

26 S  CRAZY TRIKER RUN in Stadtlauringen, Germany

27 S  Drive to Schwangau, Germany

 

28 M  HOTEL RUBEZAHL, SCHWANGAU

29 T  HOTEL RUBEZAHL, SCHWANGAU

30 W  HOTEL RUBEZAHL, SCHWANGAU

July 1      drive STELTHY to Rothenburg for storage, night train to Frankfurt

2 F   fly from Frankfurt back to San Diego

3 S

4 S   two afternoon Magic shows and a parade in Rancho Bernardo for American

Independence Day!

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: Paul Alberstat Lecture Tour

 

Monday 10th May - Leicester Magic Circle

Tuesday 11th May - Medway Magical Society

Friday 14th May - Newcastle upon Tyne Magic Circle

Tuesday 18th May - Edinburgh Magic Circle

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: The European Magic Festival Jaromer 2004

From: Jahn Gallo

E-mail: jahn.gallos@bredband.net

URL: http://www.gallos-world-wide-shows.cjb.net

 

Czech Republic has entered an important stage of its history – members of

the European Union will accept Czech Republic into their family as an equal

partner this spring of 2004. For us, this is a unique opportunity to invite

all enthusiasts of the art of magic and other guests from all the European

countries to visit our country and to participate in our festival. This

festival will not only be a celebration of magic and folk culture, but also

a celebration of mutual understanding and friendship.

 

We are bringing up, at this special occasion, a name of Mr. M. S. Patrcka

(1787-1838), an extraordinary personality that is believed to be a founder

of the first theatre of magic arts in Europe. We are proposing that the

community of European magicians officially recognizes Mr. Patrcka as their

patron. We are meeting in the historical town of Jaromer also because where

Mr. Patrcka’s last resting place and his monument are. Hence, Jaromer’s

festival will also be a symbolic assembly of all who love the magic.

 

We are offering to participants four days filled with the magic, concerts,

street theatre, exhibitions, visits to historic sites, meetings of fakirs,

etc. During these four days, the Mayor of Jaromer will hand over the town to

magicians and the magic.

 

Accept our sincere invitation to visit us in Czech Republic, the Heart of

Europe, be welcome in the ancient town of Jaromer. We are awaiting you with

open arms.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: The 29th Magic Circle Collectors’ Day

 

The 29th Magic Circle Collectors’ Day will be held at The Centre for the

Magic Arts, London, on 29th May 2004. The international programme currently

being assembled already includes the following speakers and topics:

 

Arthur Emerson (USA): America’s Radio Magicians: Chandu, Blackstone,

Mandrake and Thurston (USA)

 

Nelson Nicholson (USA): Mysto Magic (the famous firm associated initially

with John Albert

Petrie and later with A.C. Gilbert at New Haven, Connecticut)

 

Jacques Voignier (France): Le Commandeur Cazeneuve (the noted French

performer)

 

Scott Penrose: Recollections of Michael Hartz (of ‘Crystal Magic’ and ‘Devil

of a Hat’ fame)

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: 49th Austrian Magic Convention 20 - 23 May 2004

 

A part of Tyrol and a part of the world at the same time, that's Mayrhofen

in Zillertal. In this idyllic village (3600 inhabitants, 630 m above sea

level) rustic farm houses and old crafts and trades are in perfect tune with

luxurious hotels and fashion boutiques.

 

In May 800 magicians from all over the world will meet here. Top Magicians

have been booked: Paul Daniels – England; Paul Potassy – Spain; Norbert

Ferré – France; Jason Latimer – USA; Armando Lucero – USA; Jean Merlin –

France; Patrick Page – England; Tony Binarelli – Italy; Blub – Russia;

Sabrina Fakelli – Germany; Manuel Muerte – Germany; Reed Mc Clintock – USA;

Andy Mc Joy and Chris Joker – Germany; Markus Zink plays SCHROTT – Germany;

David – Hungary; Brando & Silvana - Argentina

 

See our homepage for more information: www.zaubern.at

Price: payment till 31. Dez. 2003 €150 - After 31. 12. 2003 €170

 

Info: Hanno Rhomberg, Baernstetten 19, A-6380 St. Johann in Tyrol, Austria

Tel: +43 664 6144687 - E-mail: mayrhofen@zaubern.at

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: The Magic Circle's Centenary Celebration 2005

 

1.    Non-stop magic for four amazing days!

2.    Stage and close-up Gala Shows; World Class Acts; Top Lecturers;

International Dealers' Fair; specially commissioned Magic Revue; The All

Winners Show; Unique Heritage Display; Grand Opening Event .. and more, much

more.

3.    Every registrant will be presented with a free commemorative gift and a

copy of the new colour-illustrated history of The Magic Circle.

4.    Staged at the University of London in Bedford Way, just minutes from The

Magic Circle Headquarters and very close to London's West End theatre and

shopping districts.

5.    The Celebrations are open to all magicians and their partners.

6.    Reserved seats will be allocated on a strictly first-come basis (and

these are limited) so early booking is strongly advised.

7.    The Magic Circle Celebrations run from Wednesday 20 July to Saturday 23

July 2005, with an extra Centenary Heritage Day on Sunday 24 July (for which

separate registration is required.)

 

For further information (and online registration form) go to:

www.TheMagicCircleCentenary.co.uk

 

Member of The Magic Circle and partner: before 31.12.04 £175 each; after

31.12.04 £200 each. Non-members: before 31.12.04 £200 each; after 31.12.04

£225 each. Seats will be allocated on a first come basis. Numbers are

strictly limited. So far eight New Zealand magicians will be attending: Bill

and Marlene Seagraves, Tony and Mary Wilson, Kris and Kristine Kardo and

Alan and Michele Watson

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: Creative Magic Lecture/Teach-In

From: Tony Griffith

URL: www.tonygriffith.co.uk

E-mail: tony@tonygriffith.co.uk

 

Tony Griffith will be holding a third Creative Magic Lecture/Teach-In at his

home in Bristol (UK) on Sunday 23rd May 2004. For a review of a previous

such day, log on to www.magicweek.co.uk and then on to Reviews.

 

Tony Griffith has considerable experience in the world of magic, having

presented his commercial magic at a variety of engagements both in the UK

and overseas. He has given 108 performances at The Magic Castle, Hollywood

and is a Member of The Inner Magic Circle.

 

The material presented in this lecture/teach-in places emphasis upon

subtlety, routining and entertainment. Areas covered include Close Up Magic,

After Dinner Speaking, Trade Shows, Promotion, Publicity and Organization.

Seating is strictly limited to 10 persons to ensure good rapport. For those

traveling a distance there is an excellent Travel Inn nearby.

 

Cost is £40 (£30 if booked before 31st March.) Included is morning coffee,

buffet lunch and light tea.

The day is already half booked, so early registration is suggested

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ***********************

Re: FISM 2004: Stockholm - Magic on Water

URL: http://www1.stocon.se/wms/9/5317.asp

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ***********************

From: Wolfgang Messelken

E-mail: wolfgang@manipulix.com

 

Manipulix, the German magician has started a new German and English magic

forum entitled "MagicMeetingPoint" also known as "MagicPub." All magicians

are welcome to sign up and involve themselves with the on-line

conversations. Ein neues Forum wartet auf Sie unter / please sign up for

their new forum at:

http://www.magicmeetingpoint.de

 

International guests have included: Martin Lewis, Astor, Thomas Fraps from

Flicking Fingers. The next will be Peter Loughran.

 

 

***********************************************************************

******************************** ASIA *********************************

***********************************************************************

E-mail: awmagic@netvigator.com

Subject: Free Airticket to Macau Magic Competition

 

There will be an international stage magic competition in Macau, China in

August 2004 and the organisor will sponsor return air tickets to 2 selected

competitors, 1 from USA and 1 from Europe. Encouraging young magicians who

believe in themselves and preferably have not won major international magic

competition awards to participate. If you are interested please send your

personal details with description of your act to the event coordinator Alan

Wong at awmagic@netvigator.com

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: Bubble Magic Show in Korea

 

I'm pleased to inform lover of magic and allied arts living in Korea that

from May1st to May 9th "Bubble Magic Show" starring illusionist Erix Logan

and bubble master Fan Yang will be showing at COEX in Seoul.

 

The show blends some of the major illusions of Erix Logan (Italy-Canada)

with amazing bubble sculptures of Fan Yang (Canada) 8-times World Record

holder for impossible features with soap bubbles.

 

More information on ticket sales at: www.bubblemagicshow.co.kr

More information on artists at: www.erixlogan.com OR www.bubbleart.com

 

 

***********************************************************************

******************************* AFRICA ********************************

***********************************************************************

Re: Mentalism Lecture & Performance

From: David O'Connor

E-mail: eire@absamail.co.za

URL: http://www.wheretostay.co.za

 

I am doing a mentalism lecture and appearing on an International Cabaret

show at a magicians convention in Durban next week, hosted by a local

Magical Society. Headliners will be Aldo Columbini and Jahn and Gun Gallo.

Big excitement for the local magic community as we get so few overseas

performers to visit S.A.

 

Through a series of highly informative e-mails, one of our high profile

Wondewizard members kindly offered his advice and assistance in recommending

suitable lecture material and suggestions for the type of programme that

should appeal to a group of magicians. I want to publicly thank this member

for his frank and forthright comments and his review of the material I

submitted to him for his appraisal. Through our correspondence, I have been

able to modify and adapt the proposed presentation and lecture content and

am extremely grateful for his input, time and interest.

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ************************

Re: 2004 Magic Convention Bloemfontein, South Africa

 

Bloemfontein Magic Society has made their official announcement of the Magic

Convention. Dates in Bloemfontein are: Thursday 5th August 2004 and finish

with a breakfast on Monday 9th, August 2004.

Bloemfontein Magic Society has all the details on their Web Site:

www.sams.org.za and "click" on Convention 2004.

 

You can also download the proposed programme as well as the Registration

Form. The first 10 delegates to register get a prize from the sponsor

Eurolux. There is also a R100 discount if paid early before 31st May 2004.

 

 

***********************************************************************

************************** ON-LINE RESOURCES ***********************

***********************************************************************

From: MagicCafe Productions

E-mail: Magiccafe@MagicCafe.com

 

NEW SITE ANNOUNCEMENT: www.MagicCafe.com

 

Booking Agency Specialized in Magic acts. Agency situated in Brussels,

Belgium. International artist representation for CORPORATE EVENTS - PRODUCT

- LAUNCHES - EXHIBITIONS - CONFERENCES - PROMOTIONS - SPECIAL EVENTS -

WEDDINGS - PARTIES - BIRTHDAYS - ANNIVERSARIES for the European market.

 

If you have a unique act please send maximum info and/or promotion material

to: MagicCafe Productions, Atten: Jacky Kahan, Ave du Forgeron 6, 1428

Lillois, Belgium

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH ***********************

Re: Visions: The Online Journal of the Art of Magic

URL: www.onlie-visions.com

 

See magic like never before! Visions Magazine

(http://www.online-visions.com) will make you think... it will make you

sweat... it'll even make you swear. A bi-weekly publication with articles

ranging from close-up to grand illusion, mentalism to shamanism and all

points between. Come and get a new view of the art!

 

 

********************* NEWS FLASH **********************

Re: The Learned Pig Magic E-zine

E-mail: magomarko@yahoo.com

URL: http://thelearnedpig.com.pa

 

You might be interested in accessing the Internet's biggest online magic

library: The Learned Pig Project website. At this moment it contains more

than 30 online magic books plus lots of other stuff of great interest to all

magicians. There is also a very active message board, a monthly magic eZine

l of great content and downloadable magic books such as Erdnase's "The

Expert at the Card Table," Robert-Houdin's "The Secrets of Conjuring and

Magic" and others. All this is completely FREE.

 

To keep the secrets of magic out of the eyes of the general public, the site

is protected by password and you'll be asked to pass a test (simple if you

are a magician.) The test will be evaluated by a human and in 24-hours you

will get entrance to this most valuable magical resource. The Learned Pig

Project website is considered by knowledgeable magicians to be one of the

best magic websites of the world and has been very favorably reviewed in

Genii and other magic magazines. So pay a visit to:

http://thelearnedpig.com.pa

 

 

**********************KISMET ILLUSIONS' SMOKE & MIRRORS ********************

********** Kismet Illusions' © Smoke & Mirrors ©

http://www.KismetMagic.com************

***************************************************************************

EDITORIAL: "Do You Believe in Magic?" by Angelo Stagnaro (USA)

***************************************************************************

E-mail: StagnaroAngelo@hotmail.com - URL: http://www.KismetMagic.com

 

Is it just me or am I the only magician who is approached by

those-people-Beyond-the-Pale who are just a tad bit more than slightly

confused about the difference between our kind of magic and the

“sacrificing-black-cats-at-midnight kind of magic?” I don’t know about you,

but I’m getting annoyed. For example, I met a woman recently in New York

City who does perfectly awful mentalism and sometimes actually gets paid for

it and though she willfully and woefully urges her audience to accept her

“powers,” I hardly think that she’s on her way to develop a personality

cult. What she is doing, however, along with dozens of other magicians and

mentalists is capitalizing on people’s innocence and lack of education.

 

Usually, this type of magician/mentalist don’t label themselves as being

such; they usually call themselves “pagan priests,” “psychics,” “witches” or

simply “gifted.” Now…before I start getting letters…and/or hexes…if any

reader is one of the aforementioned groups, then you shouldn’t be

subscribing to this e-zine. This periodical is meant for people who realize

that that kind of magic doesn’t really exist. We are a group of artists who

seek to simulate those classic, mythological effects of levitation,

transposition, telekinesis, telepathy, transmutation and all the rest. If

anyone believes that despite the fact that they are actually using a PK

magnet, wire, magicians’ wax, a thumb tip, a servant, a trapdoor, nailwriter

and the like, that they actually are performing “real” magic then I say to

you, get thee to a psychiatrist. If anyone can actually perform magic…real

magic…not the kind that the members of IBM and SAM can do, then you’re

wasting your time doing children’s shows.

 

If one still needs some kind of divining rod (excuse the pun) to determine

whether or not someone is a “real magician” I can offer one: tell your

audience the truth. I, as a “fake” magician, am very ready, willing and able

to tell my audiences that I can amaze them simply with prestidigitation,

cleverness and a superb understanding of the sciences of physics, optics,

chemistry and psychology. I do not claim any special abilities or demon

helpers. I simply am amazing. In this way, I get to keep my secrets and get

to surprise my audiences in an entertaining manner. Those magicians who seek

to create personality cults by claiming godlike abilities cannot be honest

with their audiences. No where else in the course of human events, other

than the possible exception of military secrets, is it necessary to scam

those around you. What you do is unadulterated fraud, pure and simple. We’ve

come to the point in Western society that if anyone were to admit that they

were a practicing and believing Jew or Christian, they stand the risk of

derided for their beliefs but if someone were to make outlandish claims that

they were truly capable of some dark, mystifying, supernatural skill then

they would have an entire television show dedicate to them. Those of you who

actively deceive your audiences with outlandish, unsustainable claims of

cosmic powers, I’ll remind you of a Chinese proverb: “Those who wish to lie,

must first develop an excellent memory.” Do you truly believe yourself so

capable of living a lie in perpetuity? After awhile, even the most

dull-minded among us, will realize something is amiss when your “powers”

fail you. And then, where will you be? Stuck between a lie and a lawsuit. Is

this the situation you had hoped for when you started your career as a

magician/mentalist? Honesty is the best policy…it’s not just a platitude.

 

I’ve always been fascinated by an oddly troubling and humorous ethical

dilemma in which some magicians/mentalists must find themselves. If one has

the right to defraud others in terms of their claims to preternatural

powers, what does one do when a loved one falls under the sway of yet

another cad? Should the performer warn his mother/spouse/lover/sibling that

he or she is about to be scammed or should the performer hold his or her

tongue and let the performer “be as he wishes?” after all, what’s sauce for

the goose…

 

Though it is true that each person will have to make his own ethical

decisions in his or her life, the same latitude can not be expected when it

comes to the Law. These are very litigious times and, if your ethical

training isn’t sufficient to let you see the error of your ways, you might

find yourself in trouble deep with some very disappointed and suddenly

disillusioned audience members. To those men and women who live their lives

without the burden of a conscious, I say, “Bon chance!” Maybe life and

society will be kinder to you than you were to them.

 

 

****************** KISMET ILLUSIONS' SMOKE & MIRRORS ******************

MAGIC REVIEW: "Sticky Situation: a Really Great Close-up Effect"

**********************************************************************

by Tony L. Lewis (USA) - E-mail: tonyLew@concentric.net

 

******************************************************************************

*** ERRARTUM *** ERRARTUM *** ERRARTUM *** ERRARTUM *** ERRARTUM ***

******************************************************************************

______________________________________________________________________

EDITOR’S NOTE: Because of an inadvertent accident, last month’s issue

contained an error in Tony Lewis’ “Sticky Situation: a Really Great Close-up

Effect." I am reprinting the corrected form here in its entirety. My

apologies to the author.

 

Angelo Stagnaro

SMOKE & MIRRORS

______________________________________________________________________

 

A product review by Tony L. Lewis,

 

After purchasing a great variety of magic tricks over a period of more than

fifty years, I tend to shrug off the great majority of new effects. However,

every so often something comes along which really impresses me.

 

This was the case with Andy Leviss's "Sticky Situation." Since I purchased

it , I have been using it as an opener in my children's show with great

success. It also plays well for adult audiences.

 

Here is the effect:

 

The magician finds that he/she has accidentally forgotten to ditch a wad of

chewing gum which is then removed from the mouth. When the wad is stroked it

changes into a stick of spearmint gum. After a short pause that allows this

transformation to sink in, the performer slowly waves the stick of gum which

then, magically, becomes wrapped. The stick of gum is then stroked to

"remove any air bubbles in the wrapper." The routine ends with the stick of

gum being handed out to a member of the audience to examine. The performer

may choose to omit this last step. Either way, the transformations are quite

impressive.

 

On a scale of one to ten this effect requires about a three in skill. The

last move rates about a six to seven in difficulty. The supplied prop is

beautifully made.

 

If you already own or plan to purchase this effect, here's a couple of

touches of mine that enhance the routine:

 

First andy states that if you desire greater realism, you can start out by

chewing an actual piece of gum. This means that you have to conceal it for

the remainder of your show. Andy liked my suggestion of chewing on a small

piece of dried fruit, instead. This allows you to swallow the evidence

without any fear of getting indigestion.

 

Second andy suggests a using a finger palm in the routine. I found that the

knife or cigarette palm works better, both for concealment and

maneuverability. For those not familiar with this concealment, it consists

of holding the knife or similar object between the tip of the middle finger

and the fleshy part of the hand below the thumb.

 

When this palm is used, the hand can be held in a relaxed open state. As

long as the palm faces your body, this concealment is effective from any

angle.

 

Here is a word of caution. Although this effect is fairly easy to master, I

strongly suggest that it be practiced in front of a mirror until you are

performing it quite smoothly. This pertains particularly to the final move.

 

You can purchase Sticky Situation from YFD or you can obtain it directly

from Andy Leviss for a modest $14.95 postpaid.

 

To purchase it directly go to:

http://www.asquaredproductions.com/shop/closeup/ and click on the picture of

Sticky Situation. .

 

Tony L. Lewis

2925 Sunset Way # 4, Tracy CA 95376-1837

Tel: (209) 836-3470

Email: TonyLew@Concentric.net

 

 

****************** KISMET ILLUSIONS' SMOKE & MIRRORS ******************

MAGIC ARTICLE: "Presto, Change-o, the Magic's Gone"

**********************************************************************

John Kelly's Washington

Thursday, April 22, 2004; Page C11

 

When a magician makes something disappear -- a rabbit, a coin, a wristwatch

-- you expect it to reappear. It looks as if Al's Magic Shop, however, has

vanished for good.

 

The shop, on Vermont Avenue NW, was locked up April 12. Affixed to the door

was a sign -- "Thank you, many times over for your friendship and support"

-- and taped to the sign were the two halves of a broken magic wand.

 

"It's sort of ceremonial when a magician dies," said Steve Brown, the

Hagerstown, Md., magician who bought the store two years ago when famed

founder Al Cohen retired. "You break the wand, so there's no more magic

there."

 

There had been magic at Al's for more than 50 years, ever since a young Al

Cohen persuaded his father to sell a few tricks at the knickknack store the

elder Cohen ran on Pennsylvania Avenue NW. For generations of Washington

area magicians -- not to mention professional illusionists passing through

town -- Al's was the place to go.

 

It was the place to pick up balls that magically penetrated spun aluminum

cups and ropes that could be cut in half and then restored and playing cards

that appeared in sealed envelopes and scarves and pen knives that changed

color. It was the place to pick up a little patter or the free advice that

could make a good trick great. And it was the place for novelties: joy

buzzers, fake dog poop and birthday cards that were dirty in a sort of

pre-enlightened, 1950s way.

 

So what happened to Al's Magic Shop? "It was a combination of me being a

rookie for one, as far as running a business," Steve said. "That certainly

didn't help at a time when there's so much going on you almost have to be

perfect to keep going."

 

What's going on is the Web, which allows customers to shop for just about

any magic trick on price alone. Al, 78, said he was sorry to hear that the

store that bears his name had closed, but not surprised. The industry has

been hit hard.

 

Sure, he says, the Web might be convenient and kids just starting out might

be able to use mom's credit card to buy something online: "But they open it

up and they can't make heads or tails of it. They can't see it performed.

All of the wonderful allure of actually being fooled and seeing something,

they're losing all that. It's really a shame. It really is a shame."

 

What's lost is the brotherhood (and sisterhood) of magic, the gathering of

like-minded people, tyros and masters alike, passing on a craft that's been

practiced since the days of the pharaohs.

 

Steve says he'll sell some tricks on the Web -- at www.alsmagic.com. He's

also considering looking for shop space in a suburban mall, although he

doesn't sound thrilled at the prospect. Or he might go back to the "real

world" and sell magic tricks part time on the side. ("Real" is a relative

term: Before buying Al's, Steve worked at a business that sold such

theatrical effects as laser lights and smoke pots.)

 

I did magic as a kid and with Al's just around the corner from The Post, I

was an occasional customer. The last two things I bought are still in their

bags in my sock drawer, waiting for just the right occasion: a squirt flower

and a poo-poo cushion ("Inflate, place on chair and watch the fun!”) The

last magic trick I purchased at Al's was a wonderfully milled brass cylinder

that somehow turns a stack of nickels into a stack of dimes.

 

After I bought it, Al's son, Stan, patiently showed me how the trick worked.

I see someone's selling it online for three bucks now, patient advice not

included.

 

© 2004 The Washington Post Company

 

 

****************** KISMET ILLUSIONS' SMOKE & MIRRORS ******************

MAGIC EFFECT: "Coke Can Melt"

**********************************************************************

by Jamie-G (Canada) - E-mail: jamiegmagic@aol.com

 

 

EFFECT- Magician takes the heat from a coin and applies it to a can. This

causes the can to shed its metal. The can is examined to find the coin’s

mark on the coin.

 

PROPS- Silver foil from the magic foil system, a piece of a Coke can the

same diameter as a US fifty-cent piece, a US fifty-cent piece and of course

a can of Coke.

 

METHOD- Magician tells the spectator that heat from a coin has magical

properties. The magician then takes a fifty-cent piece out of his pocket,

blows on it and places it on top of the can. He then removes the coin from

the can and puts it in his pocket. The magician picks at and ultimately

peels away a layer of the can and lo and behold there is a silver coin mark

left on the can.

 

SET-UP- Take your foil and cut out a piece the size of a fifty-cent piece

and rub it on the can. Apply a layer of clear nail polish on the foil so

that it will not come off when you remove the layer of metal. Next, take an

empty can of Coke and cut out a piece the same size of the foil. Use either

a bit of Silly Putty or Stick Tac and place it in the middle of the piece

you just cut out. Only use a very minute piece of putty or it will take the

foil off. You should now have a can of coke with the foil on it and the

piece of metal covering the foil so that you can't see it.

 

 

****************** KISMET ILLUSIONS' SMOKE & MIRRORS ******************

MAGIC REVIEW: "Plastique"

**********************************************************************

by Larry Becker (USA) - E-mail: lbecker4@cox.net

 

Here's a look that most magicians and mentalists seldom see. The

instructions to a wonderful new effect. Why do this in addition to

guaranteeing customer satisfaction on our releases? We believe in having

informed customers who can make a more intelligent buying decision by

knowing all there is to know about the items we have for sale. How many

other magic/mentalism dealers can make that statement? So here goes. Check

it out. Here are the instructions for "Plastique."

 

New from Larry Becker and Lee Earle: PLASTIQUE - AN EXPLOSION OF

ENTERTAINING POSSIBILITIES!

 

The perfect choice for stage performers, close-up magicians, walk-around

mind readers or anybody with 60 bucks!

Predict...

... the grand total of a dozen digits chosen at random by several people

from multiple cards!

Discover...

... the false signature of a participant blindfolded!

Confound...

... with an amazing series of coincidences while the participants call the

shots all the way!

Baffle...

... their brains out when a participant adds up his choice of four digits

from any card (you don't even know which one), yet you open your hand to

show that exact amount in pocket change!

Believe...

... that every colorful, commercial quality plastic card is totally

different on the front side and there are multiple principles to handle the

wise guys! There's not enough room to list all the details, but start with

instant reset, examinable and repeatable. Versatile? You bet!

Guaranteed!

Mentalism Unllimited's direct customers enjoy our money back guarantee (see

website for details.)

 

Only $59.50 plus $5.00 for Priority Mail. Postage to U.S. addresses (and

standard airmail to all others)

 

For full information and special offers visit our website at:

www.MentalismUnlimited.com

P.O. Box 6023 • Carefree, AZ 85377 • (480) 488-0980

 

Instructions for Larry Becker & Lee Earle’s Plastique

An explosion of entertainment possibilities

 

In today’s ‘cashless society’ what better way to demonstrate your psychic

abilities than by using a collection of colorful credit cards. Plastique is

classy, clever and contemporary. It’s the perfect choice for stage

performers, close-up magicians and walk-around mind readers. Just wrap a

rubber band around them, drop them in your pocket and you’re ready to go.

What entertaining possibilities are there? Try these on for size:

 

• Spank their senses when you predict the grand total of various “purchase

prices” derived from digits offered at random by several people, from

multiple cards.

• Baffle their brains when a participant adds up his choice of four digits

from any card and you open your hand to show that exact amount in pocket

change!

• Discover the false signature of a participant “guilty of identity theft” –

blindfolded!

• Confound your close-up audience with an amazing series of coincidences

with the participants calling the shots and making the choices all the way!

• Bonus routine: Get a little credit for clairvoyance.

• And best of all, every colorful commercial quality plastic card is totally

different on the front side, bearing unique artwork, colors and numbers.

 

The Plastique Cards

 

For starters, we’ve updated a Mentalism classic by employing colorful and

contemporary credit cards that are common items in everyone’s wallet or

purse. These cards are of the identical commercial quality as those issued

by banks, telephone companies, casinos, etc. In fact, they are made by the

same company! Then we made sure the numbers are part of the artwork, not

mechanically embossed, so there are neither indentations on the signature

side of the cards to spoil their otherwise identical appearance nor bumpy

cards to complicate your shuffles.

 

Plastique eliminates any complicated mental calculations, allowing you to

focus your full attention where it should be - on entertaining your

audience.

 

With The Grand Total you won’t get the same result every time and the

potential combination of cards and numbers approaches the infinite!

 

The Identity Theft routine makes use of a subtle, invisible gaff that will

bring a smile to your face. This preparation allows for multiple versions of

Psychometry or Living & Dead routines. Our premise is simple: since credit

cards have a panel for signatures, why not use them? You’ll need a

water-erasable pen (such as those used on overhead transparencies) to write

on the cards. A moist paper towel wipes the cards clean for the next show.

 

Amazing Coincidence is a mind-blower and just about as simple as can be. If

you can do an overhand shuffle and deal cards from a deck, you’ll have no

problem with this one. It ends with a terrific, delayed action audience

“Aha!”

 

The Baffle Their Brains finish is the icing on the cake. There is one teeny,

tiny ‘move’ with a single coin (not complex enough to call a sleight.) If

you have a thumb, you can do it. And you’ll love the elegant way we’ve

embedded the gaff to do 99% of the work for you.

 

Clairvoyance on Credit is a bonus routine added after we went to press with

the ads. Your participant will find the only signed card among the ten - his

signature is on it!

Naturally, you wouldn’t do all of these routines for a single audience but

they illustrate the versatility we’ve designed into this fabulous product to

allow unlimited possibilities.

 

The Grand Total Almost a dozen credit cards are shown front and back and

handed to the first of four participants with the instructions, “Look ‘em

over, take one and pass the rest on.” When the fourth person has taken a

card he is asked to temporarily pocket the remaining, unchosen cards.

 

“Our imaginary spending spree starts now. We will combine digits at random

from your cards, forming prices for our ‘purchases’.” The first helper is

told, “You will select digits from the first group of numbers on your card,

the ones that are here.” The Mentalist illustrates by showing the group’s

position on one credit card he retained. The second participant is

instructed, “Your digits will be selected at random from the second group of

digits, here.” Again he points. Similar instructions are made for helpers #3

& #4.

 

“Are all the digits you’ll be using different from each other? Good. That

makes it more fun.”

“I need some help. Which of you will assist me with the accounting?” One of

the four volunteers or is asked to join the performer, “Put your card in a

pocket – we’ll deal with it later.”

 

The Mentalist picks up a pad, opens it to a page deep inside the pad and

says, “Before anything takes place, I’ll make a note of my credit limit.” He

writes something on a page, folds that page 90 degrees so that the bottom of

the page protrudes from the right side of the pad and closes the pad so only

the topmost sheet is accessible for writing.

 

The performer hands the pen and pad to the nearby helper and says, “When the

three others call off digits, we’ll combine them to make numbers between 999

and 000; you’ll record them in a column on the pad. We’ll repeat until they

either run out of digits or patience. Write large enough for the audience to

read easily, please.”

 

Addressing his remarks toward the first cardholder, the Mentalist says,

“From among the group of numbers you’ve been contemplating, please say aloud

any one of them.”

“Three.”

 

Of the second remaining cardholder, the performer asks, “What digit will you

freely select from among your bunch?” “Seven.” The final cardholder is asked

for a digit from among his field and he says, “Zero.”

 

The pad holder is instructed, “Our first 3-digit number is 370. Write that

down, please.”

“Now let’s do it again,” says the mindreader, “Please call out a different

digit from the group on your card.” A second, third and a fourth 3-digit

number are randomly generated at which time the performer asks for the

cardholders to pass their cards forward for collection (don’t forget the 6

in the last guy’s pocket) as they are rewarded for their participation with

a round of applause.

 

Taking the pad from the on stage helper, the Mentalist sighs, “Let’s

calculate the damages together…” Openly he adds each column until a final,

four-digit total is derived and written in large, bold digits at the bottom

of the page. “Were you checking my addition? That’s important,” the

performer continues, “because you won’t believe it; these folks just cleaned

me out.”

 

He pulls the protruding page from within the pad and holds it directly

beneath the totaled column of figures. His ‘credit limit’ is identical to

the randomly generated column’s total!

 

The Inside Work: Do you recognize this routine’s roots in “Randomental” or

“Jack London’s Almost Real Prediction”? Both are based on the same matrix

addition principle and both were classics in their time. The newest classic,

Plastique, adds 21st century thinking and props.

 

Here’s the basic secret: The numbers on every card (except one, the 11th

‘crib’ card) are mathematically calculated to do the work for you. It

doesn’t matter which cards are used. As long as you know that the first

digit in each of your generated three-digit numbers comes from column one

(on any card) and the second digit comes from column two and the third from

column three, the total will always be the same. How does it work? Ask

Martin Gardner.

 

But wait – there’s more. Remember we started with four people? Each is

assigned a different column on his card. So when one drops out and the

remaining three are used to form the three-digit numbers, the routine still

works – even though the total at the end will be different!

 

It’s very important that you assign each participant the appropriate group

of digits before one

is asked to join you. The remaining three are asked deliver digits from

their assigned groups in the same order in which they are standing. The

final total depends on which participant becomes your platform helper. And

your eleventh card crib delivers the info.

 

When you hand out the packet of cards at the start of your routine, you keep

the eleventh one – the crib – to use as a visual aid when instructing each

participant which group of numbers to focus upon. It’s been designed to look

like all the others, so no one will attach any significance. If the person

to whom you assigned column one joins you, the total is represented by the

first group of four digits on the crib (column one.) When the ‘column two’

assigned helper comes on stage then the crib’s second group of four digits

(column two) provides the prediction total. The same for persons #3 and

#4.After you write that as your “credit limit” on the pad’s interior page

and fold it, the rest is fairly simple.

 

Proceed as we’ve described. We’ve designed a safecheck into each set of

figures, too. There are no duplicate digits in any group of four. So if you

get the same digit twice from any cardholder, just remind him that you need

a different digit from same group as before.

 

In this example, person #1 holds the uppermost card. #2 has the one beneath

and #3 the next. The bottom card is held by #4. Mind you, this will work

with any of the cards, not just these examples. After each person has been

assigned a group of numbers from which to draw (circled in the

illustration), one of them comes forward to assist you, dropping out of the

line. Let’s assume that person #3 steps toward you to help with your

‘accounting’. That’s why we put an X in the circle; no one will be calling

out those numbers.

 

By referring to your Eurail Saverpass crib card’s third column, you know the

final sum will be 2866.

 

Here’s how the math might work out, with the hundreds column coming from

card one, group one; the tens column derived from card two, group two and

the units column sourced from card four, group four: 873 260 997 7362866It

makes no difference whether you bring all four helpers to your platform or

simply ask them to stand where they are. Lee prefers to move the show along

and doesn’t clutter the platform with a lot of coming and going - keeping

the emphasis on the routine instead of having to be a traffic cop. Larry

reminds that your performing conditions will probably dictate your blocking

decisions.

 

Baffle Their Brains This routine works beautifully as a walk-around, stand

alone presentation as well as a fabulous kicker for the previous routine.

We’ll describe it used as the kicker.

 

Remember the card you asked your platform helper to place in his pocket?

After you’ve taken your applause for the credit limit prediction, say to

your helper, “I have something special for you, too.” Put your hand in your

trousers pocket, dig around for a while and say, “Plums? When did I buy

plums?” Seriously, you withdraw a small number of coins, jingle them in your

hand and continue, “Do you accept tips? It seems I only have a small amount

of pocket change. It’s been a tough year.”

 

Regardless of his good humored answer, continue by saying, “Take that last

remaining card out of your pocket and cover one group of four numbers with

your thumb. Use your

forefinger to cover the same spot on the back of the card, like this... (you

demonstrate with the crib card) so any indents or impressions on the back

won’t show. Have you done that? Good. “Your future fortune is in your hands,

literally under your thumb. You may have an amount, in my pocket change,

equal to total of those four hidden digits.”

 

He extends his fistful of coins and commands, “For the first time, tell

everyone what digits have been hidden under your thumb.” “Zero, two, six and

eight” is his reply. “Let’s see, zero plus two is two. Add six to get eight.

Eight more is sixteen, correct?” It may seem amazing to you - but count the

change I’ve been holding for you all along. That’s right, those three guys

got all my credit and you got my last sixteen cents!” Trade the coins for

the card and applaud your helper from the platform.

 

How? Because of the arithmetic principle, every set of column one digits

adds up to 26. All the column two digits - on every card - will total 25.

The third group on each and every card has digits that will add up to 21 and

the fourth set’s digits always equal 16.

 

Start with two dimes, a nickel and a penny in your pocket. Twenty-six cents.

Pull all four coins out but don’t show them. Just glance at them to locate

the penny, the nickel and a dime. When you learn which column of digits is

covered by his thumb (“Have you done that?” and a glance in the direction of

the card he’s holding - as if making sure for yourself that no scintilla of

any digit beneath his thumb might be seen), you know what the total will be.

Remember, the column order is reversed when looking at the card and finger

position from the back side. Three times out of four you’ll have to hold out

one coin as you transfer the money to your other hand, seemingly in order to

raise your fist into everyone’s eyesight.

 

Just put your thumb on the proper coin and dump the rest. If you’ve held

back a coin, slide it to a comfortable spot at the base of your ring finger

and reach for the card with your

forefinger and thumb extended from a loose fist. The coin is perfectly

concealed and goes south when you pocket the card.

 

The crib is set up to help here, too. Look at the last full line of text in

the first paragraph of tiny type on the back of the crib. If you’d prefer

not to remember the values for each column, the italicized words that match

your participant’s finger position tell you which coin to hold back. When

doing just this bit in a casual, strolling situation, simply pull the cards

from your pocket, ask someone to select one (after you turn your back) and

continue as outlined above. In such a performing situation, don’t depend on

the crib. The info is fairly easy to remember – as his finger position goes

from left to right (your view) across the back of the card, the four

hold-back options on the card go from highest value to zero; or dime,

nickel, penny and nothing finger position

 

Identity Theft The performer removes a rubber banded packet of ten credit

cards from his pocket and shows them all to be colorful and different on the

faces while black & white and identical on the backs. Replacing the rubber

band, he tosses the packet of cards to someone at a table in his banquet

audience. “Don’t say a word! Don’t make a sound. That’s important. You’ll

learn why later.”

 

“As I’m blindfolding myself (sometimes even I can’t bear to watch) will you

please select any one of the cards? Remember to carefully replace the rubber

bands after, just like you got them. Otherwise, we may give ‘cleaning up in

showbiz’ an entirely new definition.” The performer ties a simple

handkerchief blindfold around his head. When finished he pulls a pen from

his pocket and offers, “Here, I’ll exchange this pen for the packet of

remaining cards.”

 

“As long as you’re holding the pen and a credit card, you might as well sign

the card. But not with your own name, please. And not a famous name either.

Use your next door neighbor’s name or an old friend’s moniker. Just as if

you were stealing his identity.”

 

“Let’s involve more people. Four ought to be enough.” He thumbs four cards

from the stack he holds and offers them, unseeing, toward the same table.

“Here - somebody please take them. No sounds and no speaking, please. Keep

one card and pass the rest on to someone else who will do the same. If

you’re one of those holding a card, look it over so you’ll recognize it

later.”

 

The Mentalist instructs, “Once the forged signature is completed, pass the

pen on to the others, please. They will all sign their cards with their own

names. When everyone is finished, please gather all five cards together.

Don’t forget my pen; that’s how I got it.”

“Thus far,” continues the performer, “I have no idea which cards each of you

signed and, further, not a clue as to which voice belongs to whom. Will the

participants please stand and temporarily exchange positions at the table to

eliminate directional clues? Place all the signed cards in my hand please.”

The Mentalist mixes them a bit and then raises one of them for all to see.

“For the first time, one of you will answer out loud,” he instructs. “Who

wrote on this card?”

 

“I did,” replies one of the participants.

 

“Thank you. Now I know how your voice sounds when you’re being truthful.

Next, you can either lie or tell the truth. Your choice. Is the signature

actually yours?” “No,” is his answer.

“Buzzzzz! Wrong answer. You are not very good at verbal deception, sir. Too

much tension in your voice. It really is your signature, yes? Tell the

truth.” The participant replies, “Yes.”

“I knew it. Thank you for your participation. Please be seated (very funny

if he already is.)”

 

The performer puts the card in his pocket and repeats until only two cards

remain, with one of them bearing the falsified signature. “Will the

remaining two participants step up on either side of me, facing the

audience, please?” When they’re at his side, the performer continues,

“Rather than ask any questions or listen for tremors in your voices, I’ll

learn what I need to know in another way. Hold out your hands, palm up. I’ll

place the cards on your hands.” With one card on each helper’s palm, the

Mentalist says, “Just think to yourself either a lie or the truth: ‘This is

my signature’ or ‘This is not my signature’. Your choice, but you must

actually think the words.”

 

As they concentrate, the performer lightly touches the underneath sides of

their extended hands. “One more time. Exchange cards please... and now think

just the truthful answer; ‘This is my signature’ or ‘This is not my

signature’.”

 

Again the performer locates and lightly touches the undersides of their

palm-up hands, pauses and says “Yes! You both now hold the cards you signed,

correct? Answer truthfully.”

Both answer “Yes!”

 

After taking off the blindfold but with eyes still closed, the Mentalist

points to one or the other and announces, “And you, my friend, are the

identity thief! You signed it, but it’s not your name!” Gotcha.

 

The Modus Operandi: Six of the cards (the even number cards and the crib)

are the standard thickness while the remaining five (the odd number cards)

are just a touch thinner.

We’ll explain the even and odd concept shortly. Just understand that a light

touch is all you need to discern between them. One way is to hold the cards

in ‘dealing position’ and push the top one slightly to one side as if

starting to deal. By pressing upwards with your forefinger or middle finger

under the protruding corner, you can flex the card upwards as your thumb

holds it in place. It’s incredibly easy to tell the difference between the

two thicknesses.

 

You won’t use the prompter card in this routine. Begin with the remaining

thick cards at the top of the packet and all the thin ones at the bottom,

five and five. Place a pair of rubber bands (the second one is your

‘installed spare’ in case one breaks) around the cards from end to end.

 

Bring the packet out of your pocket, remove the rubber bands to show the

cards, front and back, to the audience. You can even appear to mix them, as

long as they stay five of one thickness on top and the other five on the

bottom. An easy ‘false shuffle’ is to just run five cards in an overhand

shuffle and dump the remaining stock on top, repeating as often as you like.

 

Re-band the packet and toss it to someone in the front row with the “Don’t

make a sound” admonition. Turn so he’s out of your field of vision and then

pull a bandana from your pocket, hold it by diagonal corners and roll it

into a simple blindfold which you tie around your head. You’re prepared for

a ‘down the nose’ peek at your helper’s shoes when you take back the

re-banded pack in exchange for the wet-erase pen (of the type used for

writing on overhead transparencies.) Don’t extend the pen out too far; let

him come to you. Remember what his ankles and shoes look like. For example,

the color of his trousers, shoes, socks, style of shoe, etc.

 

The real reason for rubber banding the pack of credit cards is obvious once

you are aware of the next gaff we built in.

 

Each card has either a white border or a light tone color ‘bleed’ at the

card edge. In addition, each card has a dark swatch of color, about 1/2”

wide, which will show in the ‘border’ area in a different position for every

card.

 

A similar design element is on both long edges of each card which means it

doesn’t matter if any cards are rotated - just as long as all of them are

color-side-up. The edge mark at the left end of the top side indicates card

#1 and the mark at the right end shows card #10. The remaining marks signify

cards #2 through #9. When your participant has taken out one card and

returns the rest, you simply bevel the stack to see the edge marks to learn

which one is missing. This is made even easier because you are blindfolded

and can peer down your nose as long as it takes.

 

In the above example, you can see that card #7 is missing from the stack.

Notice, there is no edge mark in the #7 position. Because you know all the

odd cards are thin, you know that your helper took a thin card. Since the

cards are arranged with all the thick and thin cards separate, your next

step is easy. Remove the rubber band and thumb off four more cards of the

opposite thickness and replace the rubber band. Remember, you’re

blindfolded, so don’t worry about being clumsy or turning the packet over in

your hands. Keep your eyes closed. Hand out those four cards to be

distributed among four new helpers. The remaining cards go into your pocket.

 

After all the signatures are on the cards and the cards gathered for you,

it’s a piece o’ cake to learn - by touch - which card is the ‘stranger’.

That one will be the ‘stolen identity’. Save it for one of the last pair you

work with, for a bigger finish as described. You know already which of the

final two people it will be because you remember what his shoes look like.

 

Amazing Coincidence In 1983, Larry created a routine based upon a principle

first published by Howard Adams in 1982 as “The Ramasee Prophecy.” Larry’s

use of the phrase “Will The Cards Match?” instead of unrelated words, as in

Howard’s effect, made all the difference. “Will the Cards Match” spread like

wildfire, so to protect its origin the effect was featured in Larry’s

lectures and eventually published in Harry Lorayne’s Apocalypse (May 1987.)

Now, you can update this baffling routine using the Plastique cards.

 

The performer displays ten cards, turns them color side down and mixes them

with a few casual overhand shuffles. A participant cuts the packet and

returns the cards to the performer who counts off five cards onto the table.

 

After shifting his grip to hold the undealt cards between his thumb and

forefinger, the tabled packet of five cards is placed between the middle,

ring and pinkie fingers of the same hand. This one-handed display of the two

packets frees the performer’s right hand to transfer cards from the top to

the bottom of either packet.

 

The Mentalist begins to spell a simple phrase: “Will the cards match?” After

he recites each letter, the participant indicates either of the two packets.

The performer transfers one card from the top of that packet to its bottom.

This procedure is repeated for every letter in the word, clearly putting the

participant in control of any ultimate result.

 

When the performer has finished spelling W-I-L-L – after moving cards as

directed by the participant – the top cards of both packets are dealt, face

down, together on the table.

The spell-and-move sequence is repeated for each word in the phrase until

all four words have been spelled and four pairs of cards are on the table,

with one pair in the performer’s hand.

 

“Will the cards match?” asks the performer. All the pairs are turned color

side up. At first glance the cards appear to have little in common. There

are no similarities of color or artwork and all the numbers are different.

If the participant doesn’t have an “Aha!” moment, the Mentalist points out

that each set of cards is indeed a matching pair: Two are gift cards, two

are airline frequent flyer cards, two are prepaid phone cards, two are book

club cards and two are medical plan cards. It’s a delayed action miracle.

 

The Working: Start with the cards in order from card #1 to card #10 (no crib

card.) Once you have shown the cards, turn them color side down. Hold the

packet by the ends in your right hand in preparation for the Dougherty

Overhand Setup Shuffle:

 

1. “Milk” the top and bottom cards into your left hand.

2. Run three more cards, one at a time, onto the first two.

3. Drop the remaining cards on top.

4. Repeat Steps 1 - 3 running five cards after the first “milk.”

5. Repeat Steps 1 - 3 running three cards after the “milk.”

6. Repeat Steps 1 - 3 running five cards following the “milk.”

7. After a genuine cut by your participant, deal the top five cards, one at

a time, into a pile on the table. The work is in; just follow the

description above and the rest of the routine will take care of itself.

 

Credit For Clairvoyance But wait - there’s more! Yet another subtle,

built-in pair of gaffs enables this bonus routine. Handing the pack of ten

cards to a participant for a thorough shuffle, the Mentalist remarks,

“Please mix them with the colored side down so no one will know which is

which - even you.” Once the mixing is complete the performer instructs,

“Deal them all onto the table in one, straight row. Perfect!

 

Slide one card out of the row toward yourself and write your name in the

signature box. I’ll turn aside as you do that. When you’ve signed the card,

gather all of them into one pile and be careful not to look at the colored

sides as you mix them again. Then turn the pack over and deal them in a row

once more, this time with the signature sides down. “When the task is

complete, the Mentalist turns back to the table and pulls a silver dollar

from his pocket, holding it by the edges between forefinger and thumb.

 

Extending his hand with the coin over the row of cards he says, “Lightly

grasp my wrist as I move this coin over the row of credit cards. It takes a

signature to make a credit card valid but none of us knows which one it is.

Dowsers claim that ‘like attracts like;’ let’s see if money really attracts

money.” From one end of the row to the other, the coin is slowly moved over

the cards, back and forth. “Did you feel that?” asks the performer. “Yes,”

remarks the wrist-holding helper. On the next pass over the row, the coin

drops from the performer’s

fingers and lands directly on a single card. “Have you any idea,” he asks

the helper, “if you found card you signed?” “No,” he answers. “Let’s check

all the others.” The remaining nine cards are turned signature side up. None

bears a signature. The card under the coin is turned over to show the

helper’s signature on it!

 

Gaffus Revealus: In previous explanations you’ve learned that the cards can

be considered as numbered from one to ten. Not only are the cards marked

using the bevel-edge, dark margin concept, but they are also clearly marked

on the front. The final digit in every card’s account number is different.

Card #1 ends with a one, #5 with a five and card #10 ends with a zero, etc.

The backs of the cards are marked, too. Really. There are ten complete,

margin-to-margin rows of text on the back of the card - two paragraphs of

five full lines each, plus leftover text to provide a visual break between

them.

 

Start with card #1. Look closely at the right margin where the text is

aligned. The top line, line one, is indented from the right margin about

half a character’s width. This indicates card number one. The second line

will be indented at right margin on card #2 and so forth. In performance,

you shouldn’t appear to pay much attention to the cards as they are shuffled

and dealt in a row, color side down. After your participant slides (never

“chooses” or “selects” or “takes”) one card toward himself on the table,

hand him the pen and note the short line on his card before you turn away.

 

When you again face the table, look for a matching last digit on the card

hiding his signature. As you move your hand and coin over the row your

participant follows along, grasping your wrist. On the second or third pass

over the signature card, make a tiny, almost imperceptible hesitation in

your sweep before moving along to the end of the row. When you get to the

end of the row, ask, “Did you feel that?” Of course he will say, “Yes. Let’s

see if it happens again,” you remark. On the next pass, let the coin fall

out of your fingers onto the card as it passes over. If you hold and drop

the coin so it is parallel to the table & cards it will land flat and not

roll. This card is #4 - the fourth line down is right-indented

 

We're sorry that we weren't able to include the drawings, but we think the

description above will give you 99% insight to the workings of "Plastique."

 

 

**************** KISMET ILLUSIONS' SMOKE & MIRRORS ***************

MAGIC EFFECT: "Uncle Linguini's Kitchen"

**********************************************************************

by Peter Marucci (Canada) - E-mail: showtimecol@aol.com

 

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Be yourself! That's probably the best advice any magician can

get. If you're 15 years old, don't try to persuade your audience that you

studied for years in Tibet; if you look like a banker, don't try to act like

a clown; if you're built like Oliver Hardy, don't try dance routines that

need the skill of Fred Astaire.

 

On the other hand, you can capitalize on what you've got, what you are and

what nature gave you.

 

If you're a big, jolly clown, then go for the comedy and forget the elegant

manipulation stuff; if you're female, then go in that direction, rather than

imitating male magicians; if you are of some particular ethnic or racial

background, then use that -- don't try to avoid it.

 

In my own case, I'm of Italian descent on my father's side and much of my

adult act (and several of my close-up routines) revolves around my mythical

Uncle Linguini, who was supposed to do the show but couldn't make it. He's a

schemer, a con man and generally all-round lazy and the various routines

within the act illustrate this.

 

The following is based on an old principle but reworked to fit my Uncle

Linguini scenario:

 

Uncle Linguini's Kitchen

By Peter Marucci

 

Effect: The magus explains that his Uncle Linguini was supposed to be here

but just can't hold a job. Right now he's trying out for another job as a

chef, the magus explains, but he probably won't get that, either, because he

left his recipes at home.

 

The magus takes out a small folder of cards and shows them to the audience.

The cards list various ingredients for an Italian dinner. The cards are

mixed and a spectator cuts the pile at any point. The magus then,

dramatically, reveals which ingredient the spectator selected.

 

Working: You'll need nine blank-faced cards or nine 3-by-5-inch file cards.

Each one has a type of food printed on the face: Italian sausage, garlic,

olives, peppers, lasagna, anchovies, tomatoes, eggplant, spaghetti. Any sort

of cardboard folder or cheap wallet will do to carry the cards in, since the

folder plays no part in the trick.

 

The cards are in the order above, from the top of the face-down stack. The

first letter of each card spells the nonsense word IGOPLATES. This means

absolutely nothing and is simply a memory aid for you to remember the order

of the cards.

 

If the stack is given a series of single cuts, the cyclical order of the

cards will never be changed. For example, T (for tomatoes) will always

follow A (for anchovies) no matter how many times the deck is cut.

 

Presentation: After commenting on the mythical Uncle Linguini, take out the

folder and show the cards. (The folder I use is a cheap leather wallet with

the words "Stolen from Uncle Linguini's Kitchen" on the outside.)

 

"I don't know how Uncle Linguini is going to do in his new kitchen job

without this list of stuff that he needs," you say. "He's had these cards

for years and used them so often you can almost smell the wonderful dishes

he has prepared."

 

Demonstrate a single, complete cut, then ask a spectator to cut the cards

and square them, as often as she wishes.

 

"Let's try a little experiment with Uncle Linguini's cards," you say, as you

pick up the stack and hold it in your left hand, face down and offer it to

the spectator. "Cut off some of the recipe cards and take the face-down card

that you cut to. Look at it, keep it in you hand and don't show it to me."

 

When she does so, take the cut-off cards back from her and put them on the

bottom of the stack. The bottom card is now the one that was immediately

above the card she chose. For example, if she cut the deck and took Olives,

then the card above that would be Garlic (now on the bottom of the deck.)

 

As you patter on about Uncle Linguini's lack of success in other jobs ("He

got fired from the Acme manufacturing Company when they found out he

couldn't make acmes."), you have plenty of time to casually look at the

bottom card of your stack to discern what card the spectator has. (Let's

assume the card on the bottom is Eggplant, which means her card is

Spaghetti.)

 

"Ah, I can remember the days when Uncle Linguini was in the kitchen at home;

the house was filled with wonderful aromas as he whipped up some classics of

Mediterranean cooking."

 

Lean over in the general direction of the spectator and her card and sniff a

couple of times.

 

"I can almost smell one of my favorites now -- you've probably got it in

your hand -- it's (long pause here) -- now let me see – some sort of pasta,

maybe?" Sniff again. "Of course; how could I ever forget his wonderful --

SPAGHETTI! Please turn over the card you chose and let everyone see if I was

right."

 

Thank your spectator for her help, put the card back on the top of the stack

(resetting it instantly) and finish with something like: "I only wish Uncle

Linguini could be here tonight; I'm sure you would love his spaghetti, too."

 

Second Thoughts: As I said earlier, this is a very old routine, usually done

with various drinks, or flowers, or just about anything else you can name.

Years ago I did it with a list of precious stones and a story line about the

robbing of the Jewel House in the Tower of London.

 

The reason for holding the cards in your left hand as the spectator cuts to

the chosen card is to enable you to easily put the cut-off cards to the

bottom of the stack. As she is looking at the chosen card, offer to relieve

her of the extra cards; this will go totally unnoticed or, at worst, will be

considered totally unimportant.

 

The purpose of the long pause at the end is simply to build suspense. You

could blurt out "spaghetti" (or whatever) as soon as you know the chosen

card -- but most of the impact of the trick would be lost.

 

I recently had the opportunity to talk with world champion Johnny Ace Palmer

and he said one of his mentors, the late Jimmy Grippo, would use a three

count before revealing a chosen card. It built the suspense to the point

where the audience was almost ready to scream out loud: "Turn over the

card."

 

And to get that much involvement from an audience is a very good thing,

indeed.

 

So, you say, it's a good routine but you're not Italian. No problem: if you

want to stick with food, it can be your Uncle Chan, making dim sum, rice

balls, almond soo guy, chicken fried rice and egg foo young, for the memory

word DRACE. Or it could be your Aunt Sadie, making gefilte fish, apple

strudel, knishes, etc.

 

And, of course, you don't have to stick to food; it can be just about

anything you can make a series out of, where the first letter of each word

is different and can be made into some sort of word you can easily remember.

 

Have fun with this and you can't help but entertain your audience.

 

Peter Marucci, 270 St. Andrew St. East, Fergus, Ontario, Canada N1M 1R1

 

 

*********************************************************************

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