* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #403 Date: Sunday 9th April 2006 Editor: Alan Watson www.magicianz.com www.Alan-Watson.com e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. Quentin Reynolds Free eBook - "How To Jump From Magician to Speaker" 3. Copperfield Out Of The Hospital 4. Steve Valentine - "Crossing Jordan" 5. Meetings with Remarkable Magicians # 5 - Nick Lewin 6. Max Maven Seminar At Midwest Magic 7. "Legally Blind Card Expert" 8. Irish Ring 85 Convention 9. The Scottish Association Of Magical Societies - 55th Annual Convention 10. News From Morocco 11. Murray Just Awarded The 'Merlin Award' 12. Tony Binarelli - "Best Published Effect" 13. The Chinese Compass 14. Broken Wand - Del Cartier 15. Broken Wand - Christopher J. DePalma 16. As New Magic For Sale 17. The Amazing Orchante Saga 18. e-zine Archives 19. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editors Message -------------------------------------------- For sometime now I have been having problems with AOL blocking at different times Magic New Zealand as spam. This is why you are receiving this issue four days later than everyone else. After spending time on the phone last night with the AOL postmaster I hope this problem has now been fixed. ------------------------ I am deeply saddened to report that well known New Zealand magician Burns "Delarno" Scandrett died at Christchurch hospital today at 11.00am (Sunday 9th April). The cause of death was lung cancer, after a short bout with pneumonia. Burns made a major contribution to New Zealand magic over many years. For more information go to: http://www.watson.co.nz/burns.html ------------------------ Informative article on Warren Stephens published in the Detroit Press go to: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060406/NEWS08/604060614/1010/NEWS Obituaries By Joe Rossiter Free Press Staff Writer Warren Stephens wasn't your ordinary high school teacher. You could say he had a few tricks up his sleeve..... ----------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. Quentin Reynolds Free eBook - "How To Jump From Magician to Speaker" -------------------------------------------- Message from Quentin Reynolds (UK) Dear Magic New Zealand Subscriber, For the past eleven weeks Alan Watson has run the "How To Jump From Magician to Speaker" steps on how to earn extra income through public speaking. I've received a lot of emails about it and am delighted that so many of you found it so useful. Many of you told me you were saving the parts in a separate file on your computer. I've often saved articles myself but then couldn't find them later - have you done the same? So, to help you, I've assembled all the articles and edited them into a complete eBook. If you click on this link you will find full instructions on how to download and read the eBook. http://www.speakinschools.com/download.html May I suggest you print out the eBook and add your own notes and ideas in the margins. There is no charge for the eBook and feel free to send the link to your friends. Please also tell them that you found it in Magic New Zealand and suggest they subscribe if they don't already do so. To your success, Quentin Reynolds -------------------------------------------- 3. Copperfield Out Of The Hospital -------------------------------------------- Message from Jack Straw (US) Copperfield out of the hospital, after being treated with exhaustion! You would too, if you kept up with his schedule! David actually spent some time talking to "Celebrity Cafe". David Copperfield Interview In Celebrity Cafe By: Dominick A. Miserandino David has completely changed and expanded the world of magic and illusion. He's been called a 'modern day Houdini', and the 'world's best magician'. In our interview he tells a little bit about how he started in magic and the other sides of him that make him tick. DM) You do almost 500 performances a year. Do you ever think of slowing down? Doesn't it take a toll on your life? DC) Well, fortunately, I love what I do, so even with this schedule, I never tire of performing in my chosen profession, the Art of Magic! DM) When did you first become interested in magic? DC) I became interested in magic at an early age. I learned a card trick from my grandfather when I was seven, which involved four Aces. As a matter of fact, the illusion is in my current show. Unfortunately, my grandfather passed away before he ever got to see me do it for the public. Each night's performance of that magic is a special tribute to his memory. DM) I've read that the reason you started in magic was to overcome social awkwardness growing up. It supposedly helped you make more friends and get a few dates in high school. Is this true? DC) Well, when I began doing magic and brought this skill into school, I found out that it was quite an attention-getting magnet. And, as time went by, it really seemed to catch the eyes of the girls in school! My influences, unlike what most people think, came largely outside of the field of magic. Although magic greats like Kellar, or the Frenchman Robert Houdan (from whom Houdini got his name) were certainly great for the profession, it was artists like Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly that have greatly influenced how I present my show on stage. Also, in an attempt to move my audiences emotionally, I would have to say that film directors like Orson Wells, Stephen Spielberg, and Francis Ford Coppola have had a great impact on my career. DM) What advice do you give to up-and-coming magicians? DC) For those that aspire to a life in the Art of Magic, I would say, "Practice, practice, practice, and never consider anything impossible!" DM) You've done a lot of work preserving magical history. Do you feel that the public is limited in its view of magic history to only Houdini? Who are some of your other magical inspirations besides Houdini? DC) Houdini was actually much more an escape artist and a master self-promoter than he was a great magician per se. Magic is the oldest of the performing arts, practiced in an unbroken succession from the earliest cave man days through ancient Egyptian times and the Courts of King Arthur right up to the present time. I'm glad I followed this path in life, and I never for a moment look back with any regrets. DM) Many people in the entertainment industry, at one time or another, try one of the other arts, such as acting or music... You've already published a number of books, but have you ever thought of pursuing any of the other areas of entertainment? DC) There really is nothing else I would rather have been. Although I did try my hand as a singer early in my career (when I was 19) in the hit show MAGIC MAN in Chicago... but by the end of the run, the director cut my singing to one song, and I did mostly magic... I guess that was a hint! DM) Which part of your career are you most proud of? DC) Project Magic is what I am most proud of in my career. It is in 1,000 hospitals in over 30 countries around the world. It helps stroke victims who are physically impaired to regain their manual dexterity through practicing sleight of hand, and it also helps those with learning disabilities regain their self-esteem. This is a program that has made the lives of many people a lot better. DM) Every article about you seems to mention your infamous illusion of making the Statue of Liberty disappear. Have you ever felt challenged to do something to beat that? DC) A few things I have always wanted to do are to put a woman's face on Mt. Rushmore, to straighten the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and to vanish the moon. So, it looks like I have a busy schedule ahead of me! "Flying", for example, was the most difficult illusion I performed in many of my shows, and it took me over seven years to create. DM) After years of performing magic, how do you keep the illusions fresh? DC) One of the new illusions in the show is to vanish 13 randomly selected people from the audience and make them vanish from the stage, all at the same time. This was a very difficult task and took many years to perfect without bringing harm to the participants. However, many of those that vanish have been known to reappear in strange and unusual places. Without giving away any secrets, suffice it to say, participants are as amazed as the audiences themselves! DM) Some people describe you as "the next Houdini", or "the most popular magician of all time". How do you want to be remembered? DC) It would be presumptuous of me to rate myself. I stand on the shoulders of my predecessors and hope that my contributions will have helped to elevate the Art of Magic even more. DM) What has magic afforded you in your life? DC) For me, being an illusionist has given me opportunities I could have only dreamed about. Magic has certainly made my life very special and allowed me the chance to make many of my dreams a reality onstage. -------------------------------------------- 4. Steve Valentine - "Crossing Jordan" -------------------------------------------- Message from Jack Straw (US) Steve Valentine began his career at the Magic Castle as a magician. He has moved as an actor, co-starring on TV's popular show "Crossing Jordan". Steve talks about his love of magic in this Netscape Celebrity Interview. Last evening Steve made an appearance at the Magic Castle Awards Show, expressing his respect for his favourite conjurers club. From Netscape Celebrity, Steve Valentine Magic Time: 'Crossing Jordan' co-star Steve Valentine loves the art of stage magic and is, in fact, an award-winning close-up magician himself. But he took six years away from the magic scene, he says. "When I first came to L.A., I would occasionally do stuff at the Magic Castle. Then I discovered to my chagrin that here, people see you as one thing, and in one way. I'd go to acting auditions and hear, 'Oh, you're that magician.' And I'd try to say, 'No, it's a hobby' to no avail. So, I put everything away." Now, after 100 episodes of the NBC series, he's back on the scene at the fabled Hollywood club. In fact, Valentine is among the presenters at Saturday's (4/1) 38th Annual Academy of Magical Arts Awards Show at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, a Magic Castle presentation. "It's like the Oscars of magic. Magicians from all over the world will be performing there," he says of the event, where the expected celebrity turnout also includes such magic fans as Tony Shalhoub, Fred Willard and Camryn Manheim. -------------------------------------------- 5. Meetings with Remarkable Magicians # 5 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) Roy Johnson: the experience In my opinion, one of the most awesome forces in British magic ever to be underestimated is Roy Johnson. While my meetings with this remarkable magician are less dramatic than others, his effect upon my understanding of magic is enormous. Most magicians familiar with Ken Brooke and his "Magic Place" are aware of Roy as one of the background figures behind Ken's success. His carefully detailed routines were the backbone of the magic that Ken presented to the magic community. The thorough and detailed edge to Roy's routines allowed you to start your own work on the tricks light years ahead of where you could reasonably expect to. I first met Roy when I was sitting in Ken's studio, we were introduced, and away I went to get cups of tea from the café across the street. I spent a very pleasant hour or so in Roy's company while he ran through some routine (I believe it was his unsurpassed envelope switch Flawless) he was giving Ken to market. I next met Roy at a convention in Bristol where I learned his unique coins across routine. The next time I met Roy was much more exciting, it was in his own home in Leicester when we got to sit for an hour or so and really chat. What a joy this was, I'm not sure I have ever met a more gentle, quiet and friendly soul. We sat, drank tea, talked magic and the Roy Johnson who had been a name on of a routine came to life for me. I left with several sets of lecture notes and manuscripts and a much greater understanding of why Roy's routines packed such a punch and worked as smoothly as they did. I could write for a year without being able to describe how effective Roy's routines have been to me in my career as a performer. Sufficient to say, Roy's books have been a mainstay in my magical library since each of them was published. At first I just performed them as written, as I learned more about magic I began to dissect them to appreciate the subtle way they achieved their goals. To my mind any performing (Especially comedy) magician who hasn't studied these books has a treat in store. If you want a real lesson in magic study Roy's handling of the "Sidewalk Shuffle". If you like clean and amazing magic then check out his ultimate one-ahead miracle "Tri-pred". The goldmine of material in these books just gets stronger every year even if they no longer wrap chewing gum the right way! While I consider McComb's "25 Years Wiser" the Bible of comedy magic I have to say that if you want to put together a really strong comedy magic show then Roy's books and the Ron Wilson book will get the job done, big time. If I had to choose the one piece of philosophy I have learned from Roy it is his belief that it doesn't matter how much preparation before you leave your home, what matters is how little time it takes to prepare and set up the show when you arrive at the gig. If you are not a full time pro then this may seem like a strange thing to place such emphasis on, but to a pro the truth and wisdom is self-evident. If you spend an hour at home and it saves you even five minutes prior to showtime then your performance will improve automatically. To this day I set my entire show (45 minutes to an hour) the night before the gig. No rush, no panic, just the satisfaction of knowing the work is done, at showtime it just comes down to performing and if that isn't fun then find another job! The Roy Johnson I have met was a gentleman with such inherent humility that he almost vanished in front of your eyes when you looked at the man behind the miracles. If you haven't discovered his work yet then take the opportunity to observe the meticulous mind that helped make "Ken Brooke's Magic Place" so magic. -------------------------------------------- 6. Max Maven Seminar At Midwest Magic -------------------------------------------- Message by Darlene F. Bull forwarded by Sam Martin One of premier Mentalists of our time, Max Maven, has proposed conducting a seminar at Midwest Magic on Saturday, April 22 at 7pm. The seminar is called: "So You Want To Be A Mentalist" It runs about four hours. Working within such a small group, this is a rare opportunity to learn "one-on-one" from one of Mentalism's masters. The specific content is directed by the interests of the participants, and can cover the larger conceptual issues, specific working environments (nightclubs vs. theaters vs. banquets vs. television, etc.), practical "real world" technical approaches, ethical issues, and so on. Then, in the last half hour, Max teaches a single routine, one that is a strong and usable effect that is taught in great detail. Max has done this four or five times for select groups in the past, and the response has been excellent. The fee is $100 per person, and attendance is limited to fifteen people. If you are interested in attending, please contact Midwest Magic IMMEDIATELY so a decision can be made as to interest in the seminar. Don't let this rare opportunity slip by! 847-455-4288 www.midwestmagic.net Visit www.MagicalChicago.com for other Chicagoland Magic info. -------------------------------------------- 7. "Legally Blind Card Expert" -------------------------------------------- Message from Sam Martin Gary Darwin's Lectures Richard Tuner "Legally Blind Card Expert" This Wednesday April 5, 1906 10:00 PM $20.00 each Boomer Bar & Grill 3200 Siruius Ave 252-3863 -------------------------------------------- 8. Irish Ring 85 Convention -------------------------------------------- Message from John Bowden (Ireland) I am sending you some details of the Irish Ring 85 Convention which is being hosted this year by the Munster Society of Magicians in Limerick at The South Court Hotel and Conference Centre. Dates for this Convention are 28th, 29th, 30th April 2006 Please find the link included here http://www.geocities.com/irishmagic2003/ This promises to be a very good weekend indeed with performers of the calibre of David & Dania, Michael Finny, Martyn James & Co., Michael Pearse and many more stars of magic both performing and lecturing renowned. Our compere for the Gala Shows will be Aonghus McAnally well known star of Irish Television and Radio. Gala Shows - Laurent Beretta a world class act from France, Dave Allen an award winning Comedy act from the UK and Mark Shortland, Peter McLanachan and Graham Lees as lecturers. This is going to be a packed three days of magic. All are welcome, Cheers from the Emerald Isle John Bowden AIMC.............the Irish Magician -------------------------------------------- 9. The Scottish Association Of Magical Societies - 55th Annual Convention -------------------------------------------- Message from Brian Jeffrey (Scotland) The Scottish Association Of Magical Societies is holding is 55th Annual Convention in Greenock in the west of Scotland from Friday 28th April to Sunday 30th April. The Gala Show features International Acts. there's also Three Lectures, Close up Show, Competitions and Dealers. Any visiting Magicians would be made most welcome. Any further details can be had from our President at alex.proctor@lineone.net -------------------------------------------- 10. News From Morocco -------------------------------------------- Message from Prof. Wonderfool Prof. Wonderfool and his crazy magic and Hjalmar the card expert are performing every night at luxurious Shem's Casino gastronomic restaurant in Agadir during the month April. Next month art Director and world know magician: Gerard Majax shall fly from France with Jean Fare a close-up expert and Gerald terrific mentalist for May. Hjalmar and I are performing every night except Monday from 21h30 pm to 22h 30 and receive people who like magic and fine cooking. We end every show with a short cabaret on a mini stage! -------------------------------------------- 11. Murray Just Awarded The 'Merlin Award' -------------------------------------------- Message from Brooke Simmons From the desk of Murray Productions, Inc. Murray just got awarded the 'Merlin Award' from the International Magicians Society in New York City for the most 'Original Entertainer' for 2006. Murray has been creating effects for the last 10 years, and he is most recognized for inventing magic with Compact Discs starting 14 years ago. Most recently he has been creating brand new comedy bits, 'live' at his show in Laughlin, Nevada at the Flamingo Hotel & Casino for his up and coming TV appearances scheduled for this summer. To find out more about Murray go to: http://murraymagic.com -------------------------------------------- 12. Tony Binarelli - "Best Published Effect" -------------------------------------------- Message from Tony Binarelli (Italy) My effect "Stapled To The Max" published in my One Man Parade in The Linking Ring (issue March 2005) won the Award for the "Best Published Effect". -------------------------------------------- 13. The Chinese Compass -------------------------------------------- Message from Gavan Duffy - South Africa I recently requested instructions for ABC Stung and Forgetful Freddie to which I had 4 respondents. Again thank you very much chaps for kindly assisting me in this regard. I have one more request and that is to purchase in any condition, Ali Bongos Chinese Compass. I would greatly appreciate any assistance you might be able to give me. My email: gavanduffy@absamail.co.za Thank you. -------------------------------------------- 14. Broken Wand - Del Cartier -------------------------------------------- Message from George Schindler The New York magic scene lost one of its favorite magicians, Del Cartier who succumbed to pneumonia on April 4. The 88 year old magician was known for his manipulations with cards and cigarettes and okayed all of the "class" nightclubs in Detroit, Philadelphia and New York in the 1950's he became a theatrical agent worthy the William Morris office before changing careers and going into the textile business. Del was member of PA#1 of the S.A.M. He belonged to the IBM, The Magic Circle and was one of the founders of the "Q" group and the "13" - He will be missed. -------------------------------------------- 15. Broken Wand - Christopher J. DePalma -------------------------------------------- Message from Greg Abercrombie We have sad news in California too. Christopher J. DePalma (long time member of Magic Castle and So. California magician) passed away on March 25th due to unexpected blood clot which lead to heart a problem. He was due to perform at the Castle all this week. Funeral was attended by over 800 last Thursday. Which goes to show how many cared for him. I'm winding down his business affairs this week. -------------------------------------------- 16. As New Magic For Sale -------------------------------------------- Message from Mick Peck (NZ) E-mail me for my list of AS-NEW magic for sale. Unlike most lists of second hand magic you see, everything is a quality, workable product and everything is AS NEW, most items still in original packaging. Since I need the space I'm moving everything on for a really reasonable price so there are definitely lots of bargains to be had, everything first-come first-served as I have only one of each item. My preference is to only ship within New Zealand, sorry to everyone overseas :-) Send me an email with "List" in the subject and you'll be forwarded the complete list. Best, Mick micknz@ihug.co.nz ----------------- 17. The Amazing Orchante Saga ----------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Page 95 'The Reflections': - sisters Elaine and Patricia Wairau began their career entertaining in the Hawkes Bay area before moving to Wellington. Here, their talent was quickly recognised and were featured guest artists for several top New Zealand vocalists. They got their big break when they toured with international recording star ROGER WHITTAKER. They were well received in all of the 27 shows held throughout the country, and also toured New Zealand with the 'Country and Western Stage Show' in 1973. They performed on many television shows and had been resident on the extremely popular 'HAPPEN INN' TV show at various times. Brendan Dugan: - was the winner of Television's popular 'New Faces' talent quest in 1968. He began working with Lou Clauson, of 'LOU and SIMON' fame - for two years after his 'New Faces' win to gain experience. In July 1971, he began to pursue a solo career. By 1974, he had five long-playing records to his credit, and had appeared on such television shows as - 'HAPPEN INN', 'COUNTRY TOUCH,' and 'COUNTRY ROAD' as well as many tours throughout New Zealand. 'Prentice': - formed in Wellington in 1973. The group/band had already become well established on the North Island, working the N.Z. Breweries Hotel circuit, and had also featured at nightclubs in Wellington and Christchurch. The backing group for the 'Family Variety Spectacular' '74, the band also played at hotels in Nelson and Timaru (This is the band who stayed with Veronica and I in Timaru). The Group Members Were: - Peter Leef: - lead vocals, was originally with the 'Sons and Lovers' and 'Marmaduke', in Wellington; he had been entertaining professionally for four years. Peter Mathews: - lead guitarist and backing vocals, played for 'Next Of Kin' in Auckland - became professional 1973. John Morris: - Organ, was with the old 'Creation' before it disbanded. 3˝ yrs Professional. John Rarity: -nickname -'TANGLES', drums, also EX -'Creation', also Professional, 3˝ yrs. Galaxy Enterprises Ltd; Managing Director, J.E. Brooks. In the one short year since its establishment (1973), this progressive company had become firmly established on the South Island entertainment scene. Beginning operations by providing localised hotel entertainment in the Canterbury area of the South Island, the company had staged several successful variety shows, with both New Zealand and overseas artists. In 1973 the company toured Ten South Island centres with a variety concert, which was well received by enthusiastic crowds. They decided to stage an even 'Bigger and Brighter' show ('The Family Variety Spectacular'74'), to visit not just Ten - but Twenty Centres! Galaxy Enterprises was also arranging a 'VARIETY - HYPNOTISM SHOW', to tour to every possible country centre in the South Island. This promised to be a great hit with all age groups. Now I wonder just WHO they were arranging THIS SHOW with? 'Read the Bloody Saga!' This episode has been a lot lengthier than I intended but, for the sake of completeness and from a 'Show-Biz' - Historic Point of View, it could not be helped. Who knows, someone, someday, may want to follow up on the information I have supplied. -------------------------------------------- 18. Magic New Zealand e-zine Archives -------------------------------------------- Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html Both the User Name and Password MUST be entered in lower case to gain access. User Name: magic Password: kiwi When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order and are coded. Eg 001 Nov06 1999.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue number, then the date (Nov06) and the last figures the year (1999) -------------------------------------------- 19. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- Our subscriber list is NOT made available to any other companies or individuals. We value every subscriber and respect your privacy. You can subscribe to or unsubscribe from the Magic New Zealand® E-zine at www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html. Magic New Zealand® E-zine is published each Sunday. The opinions expressed therein are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Magic New Zealand®. Neither Magic New Zealand® nor Alan Watson vouch for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, message, statement, or other information reported via Magic New Zealand® E-zine. Subscribers to this publication and authors who contribute to it by doing so agree they will not hold Magic New Zealand® or Alan Watson, jointly or individually liable or responsible in any way for the opinions expressed therein. Magic New Zealand® reserves the right to alter, correct or disregard any articles submitted. Readers are encouraged to submit timely articles or news items which may be of interest to subscribers. By submitting articles to this e-zine, the authors grant Magic New Zealand® the right to publish such articles and such authors confirm their copyright of the material submitted. All works published by Magic New Zealand® are protected by international copyright legislation and articles must not be published for profit by anyone other than the individual authors without the written permission of Magic New Zealand®. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this publication may be freely redistributed, but not sold, to other magicians if copied in its entirety, including the copyright notice below and the above disclaimer. © Copyright 2006 Alan Watson