* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #405 Date: Sunday 16th 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. Bobby Bernard Falls Down the Stairs 3. Honoring Sam Schwartz 4. Bathtime With The Masters! 5. Meetings With Remarkable Magicians # 6 - Nick Lewin 6. Flicking Fingers in New York 7. News From A Proud Grammy Joyce Basch, "Ms.gician" 8. Broken Wand - Salvano 9. Doug Malloy Lecture 10. Sorcerer's Summer Safari Tenth Year Anniversary 11. Magician Cyril Takayama of Japan 12. Play Called Magic 13. 12th Annual 2-Day Magic Auction 14. Information On Franquin 15. Looking For Dan Harlan's Color Mixers 16. Daytona Festival And Joint Florida State Magic Convention 17. Looking For Two Steel Appearing Canes To Purchase 18. Items For Sale In New Zealand 19.  The Passing Of Burns Scandrett 20. The Amazing Orchante Saga 21. e-zine Archives 22. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editors Message -------------------------------------------- The winners of the Academy of Magic Arts awards are: Stage Magician of the Year - Danny Cole. Close-up Magician of the Year - Shoot Ogawa. Parlour Magician of the Year - Michael Finney. Lecturer of the Year - Martin Lewis. Comedy Magician of the Year - Ed Alonzo. Bar Magician of the Year - Whit Haydn ------------------------------ Congratulation to Richard Walls of Dunedin New Zealand who will be the first Kiwi to be presented with the IBM Order of Merlin-Excalibur for 50 years of continuous membership of the IBM. He joined the IBM Aotearoa Ring 160 in 1956 as a charter member. ------------------------------ Richard Webster NZ is now back home again after a five-week book tour of the UK and South Africa. The magical high point for him was being interviewed by Jay Fortune on Radio Magic. He also caught up with several magicians in London and two in Johannesburg. Before leaving on this trip, Richard read on Magic New Zealand that his good friend, Doc Hilford, was going to be visiting London at the same time he was there. They were able to catch up and Richard enjoyed showing Docc the major sights, such as Davenport's and International Magic. ----------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. Bobby Bernard Falls Down the Stairs -------------------------------------------- Message from Quentin Reynolds (UK) Val Andrews got a call to say Bobby Bernard had injured himself falling down the stairs at his home. As Bobby's oldest friend in magic Val spent a worrying week calling hospitals, all denying any knowledge of having Bobby as a patient. Eventually Val tracked him, with the aid of John Fisher to the London Free hospital -even though they had already denied having him as a patient. Val was left with the distinct impression that they felt Bobby was a mafia Don and Val were wanting to finish him off. I spoke with Val today and he's confirmed that Bobby did fall down the stairs, broke his arm in multiple places as well as breaking three ribs and cutting his head. Happily there is nothing more serious and Bobby is making good progress. I'll keep you informed of any updates. -------------------------------------------- 3. Honoring Sam Schwartz -------------------------------------------- Message from Barry Rubin (US) As President of S.A.M. Assembly #274 the Sam Schwartz Assembly, I speak for all our members that we are so proud of our friend and mentor who has just been honored as Magician of the year by Assembly #1 at their annual show. Sam is the youngest 94 year old person you have ever met. Barry Rubin Boca Raton FL. 561 742 2511 Meets 1st Monday of month -------------------------------------------- 4. Bathtime With The Masters! -------------------------------------------- Message from Mandy Davis (UK) Jeff McBride and Eugene Burger, triumphant from their Cornwall show and three-day Masterclass, arrived in the Roman city of Bath to act as tourists but to also give a lecture hosted by the Bath Magic Society. On the evening of their arrival they were eager and willing participants in the Bizarre Walk - an ingenious piece of entertainment originated and presented, on that occasion, by comedy magician Noel Britten. This is a must for everyone, magician or not, who visits the city between April and September. It is a world-renowned theatrical experience which has now been running for over fifteen years. Jeff and Eugene enjoyed it immensely! (www.bizarrebath.co.uk) The next day, the Masters were up very early to experience sunrise at Stonehenge - another lifelong ambition; then it was back to wander around the famous Roman baths and to drink the waters - Jeff wasn't enamoured by the sulphuric taste! Finally there was the presentation, at the Bath Magic Society venue, of the first ever Burger/McBride joint lecture to a magic club - a truly memorable evening with a record crowd for the club. The event was informative, as well as informal, with much to be learned in terms of tricks, performance and philosophy. One such gem that should be engraved on every performer's heart, is that the audience never believes that the magic is as important as the magician believes it to be! Eugene Burger and Jeff McBride hope to be back next year to run some more of their brilliant Masterclasses - and who knows, maybe another lecture! -------------------------------------------- 5. Meetings With Remarkable Magicians # 6 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) A wee bit about my New Zealand link. If someone had told me a year ago that I would be writing a weekly column for a magic journal I would have laughed at them. Let me try and explain how it happened. The only thing I have previously written was in 1974 when Cedric Clute and I edited and wrote original passages for a book of magical murder mystery stories called "Sleight of Crime." The book got good reviews and was also selected for the quality paperback of the month club. If you have any desire to read it you can sometimes find it second-hand on the Internet. What followed the publishing of the book was a thirty-year writers block. I still can't quite figure out why this was the case, but it was! I had visited New Zealand once in 1970 on a cruise ship for a single day and rather severe hangover had considerably restricted my enjoyment. My next brush with this distant island was during the five year run of my one-man show "Comedy Magic" at the Maxim Hotel in Las Vegas. It came in the shape of comedian/pickpocket/magician Bernard Reid. Bernard visited my show and asked if he could interview me for his delightful series of articles in Magicana magazine. I said, "Yes" and it was the start of our warm friendship. Whenever he was in town Bernard would visit my show and bring along guests. In this way I got to meet Alan Watson and Michele, Tony Wilson and several other Kiwis. I found them to be as enjoyable group of people as I had met in magic and I regretted the hangover that had restricted my visit to their homeland. Bernard's interview was published in Magicana and I not only enjoyed his writing but I loved the entire magazine. As a 'thank you' for the magazine I wrote up a trick that they published. This was my second excursion into the printed word. I still get Magicana magazine and find it great reading. Richard Webster's column is the first thing I turn to and I'm never disappointed. In fact my first meeting with this very unique gentleman is a whole separate story and will be treated as such. Next I discovered Alan Watson's Magic New Zealand, which quickly became my major interface with the magic community. If I wanted to know who was playing in my hometown of Las Vegas, then it was Magic New Zealand I consulted. I loved the instant form of communication that the MNZ embodied. I could keep up with what was happening in the magic world in a fast and easy manner. I know many other professionals feel the same way. Alan has placed New Zealand squarely in the centre of the Magic World; which given its geographic location is a fairly astounding feat! Magic magazines might be waiting for me at home but MNZ is as close as my Power Book. Earlier this year I was finishing a cruise in New Zealand and an email to Alan resulted in my lecturing in Auckland and spending several days as Alan and Michele's houseguest. I had a wonderful time. During my visit Alan offered me the opportunity to turn my private blog into a series of articles for Magic New Zealand. I jumped at the chance and I'm having a great deal of pleasure doing it. I quickly realized how much I love to write about magic and the magicians I have met in my travels and along my path. Thank you Alan. I love your country, I love your publication and I am proud to be a part of it. -------------------------------------------- 6. Flicking Fingers in New York -------------------------------------------- Message by Thomas Fraps Hello everyone! The German group 'The Flicking Fingers' presents a unique two-day festival filled with lectures, workshops and shows in New York City on May 13th and 14th 2006. The likes of Pit Hartling, Manuel Muerte, Joerg Alexander Helge Thun, Gaston and a handful more fingers will be performing and lecturing during two days of Finger-fun! The festival format was premiered in Australia in 2003, for more information, festival-reviews and registration have a look at: http://www.flickingfingersfestival.com (also includes a short Trailer!) The Festival will only be held once in the USA and is limited to 100 people. Cheerio from Germany! Thomas Fraps The Flicking Fingers http://www.theflickingfingers.com -------------------------------------------- 7. News From A Proud Grammy Joyce Basch, "Ms.gician" -------------------------------------------- Message from Joyce Basch (US) A new TV series, "What About Brian," begins this week. My 5-year-old Granddaughter, Mikaila Baumel, will appear in a recurring role as 'Larissa.' It's on ABC station in the U.S. The first episode is on, Sunday night (4/16) at 10 PM. (right after 'Desperate Housewives.') The second episode is the next night, Channel 7, Monday (4/17) at 10 PM ....*note: I'm told the show has 'adult story line.' When not on the set, Mikaila practices Magic, following in her Grammy Joyce's love for entertaining with Magic. -------------------------------------------- 8. Broken Wand - Salvano -------------------------------------------- Message from Kevin Gallagher forwarded on by Steve Walker (Aust) For those that have not already heard, Tony Salvano of Poland who has been seen performing and lecturing at countless conventions in the UK died last night. I can remember hearing that he had been fighting throat cancer for some time but don't know for sure that was the cause. A great manipulator, great magic personality and extremely nice guy. Kevin G. ------------------------------ Bart Whaley's Whos Who in Magic on Salvano (Chojnice, Poland: 17 Sep 1929- ) Stage name of Tomasz Che_mi_ski. Inspired in 1945 seeing Nemo's show. Pro since 1948 with illusions, manip, etc. Toured Poland since 1954. Produced his large illusion show since 1961. Invented Silk from Bottle to Bottle (1963) & Silk to Cape (1968). Since 1966 has toured extensively abroad in Central & Western Europe, England, Africa, Japan, & USA with shows & lectures. 1970 Karlovy Vary 3rd place in manip. 2 videos (1985). A teacher of Jerzy Drewla. -------------------------------------------- 9. Doug Malloy Lecture -------------------------------------------- Message from Jim Jensen forwarded on by Sam Martin Monday, April 24, 2006 7:00 P.M. Conjuror's Corner Magic Club Four Seasons Golf Center 1350 Lake Street Roselle, Il Doug Malloy will be performing on Monday, April 24 at 7:00 p.m. at Conjuror's Corner Magic Club. Doug presents a "High Energy Java Blend of Comedy, Magic and Illusion That Will Make You Want a Second Cup". Doug Malloy has been performing magic for audiences around the world for more then twenty years! Whether he is performing on television, close up and personal, in the showroom of a classy cruise line at sea, or up on stage before hundreds of mesmerized onlookers, Doug has that special something that few entertainers ever really master. Performing is only half the story. Through the years Doug Malloy's passion for magic inspired him to venture beyond just doing tricks. Indeed, Doug's creative juices started to surface in the form of a huge crop of original magic created and designed to enhance the performance of other performers. As Doug's reputation grows in the magic industry, Doug not only continues to build and manufacture his own signature effects, but often steps forward to tackle the always risky business of making significant improvements to already tried and true classics of the art, or at the request of a client, putting together a customized trick or illusion from scratch. Simply put, when the real world working professionals need a unique and reliable piece of magical apparatus, more often than not the man they turn to is Doug Malloy. Tickets for non-members will be $25 and will be available at the door. Be sure to arrive early as I'm sure seats will fill up fast!! Conjuror's Corner meets on the 4th Monday of every month from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Four Seasons Golf, 1350 Lake Street, Roselle, IL. 630-980-8882 One block east of Gary Ave on Lake Street Thank you Jim Jensen http://www.conjurorscorner.com/ -------------------------------------------- 10. Sorcerer's Summer Safari Tenth Year Anniversary -------------------------------------------- Message from Lee Asher (US) Sorcerers Safari Summer Camp: The Best Kept Secret in Canada The 10th Anniversary of Sorcerer's Summer Safari Magic Camp in Canada Tucked away on the quiet shores of Lake Placid in Halliburton Ontario, Sorcerers Safari offers one week of intensive magic training for boys and girls aged 10 to 18. A basic day will begin with an hour long card class - levels ranging from beginners to advance. From there, they continue to four other activities per day: two pertaining to magic, such as dancing canes, linking rings and juggling; the other two activities vary from swimming, canoeing or camp games. Between sessions and meals, you will find campers gathered together in small groups fondly known as "jam sessions" performing for one another. It's usually to show their latest trick learned. If you look closely enough you may even see a special guest who, in many cases, may be their idol - right in the middle of the group. The atmosphere is friendly, supportive and remarkably inclusive. After dinner, campers look forward to the evening performances. Each night special guests from across Canada and the United States grace the stage to entertain the campers. Guests such as Texas magician and IBM Gold Cup winner - Oscar Munoz, FISM champion Greg Frewin, Toronto-based Glenn Ottaway, Vancouver-based Murray Hatfield, Oregon's finest Lee Asher and Steve Kline, a magician from Columbus, Ohio are just a few of the magicians you might find at camp. These magicians come to camp to inspire and to teach the campers. At the end of the week there is an evening showcase of camper performances. It is a wonderful evening for both campers and instructors to see just how far these kids have come over the week. Sorcerers Summer Safari is having their tenth anniversary this year, and if you would like to be a part of it or know someone that would love to join us please feel free to contact us or please check our website at http://www.sorcererssafari.ca or email info@magic-mike.com . You can also call the Sorcerer's Summer Safari Office at 416-322-1442. -------------------------------------------- 11. Magician Cyril Takayama of Japan -------------------------------------------- Message from Barry Khoo Go to and watch Magician Cyril Takayama (of Japan) perform Card through Window by clicking the link below. Very Powerful Effect. (Cut or paste the link below, if not clickable): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNcAqDADb-g&search=cyril -------------------------------------------- 12. Play Called Magic -------------------------------------------- Message from Cameron Fisk April 19th to 23rd April Maple Ridge Arts Centre & Theatre 11944 Haney Place, Maple Ridge Hi there, I just wanted to let you know about a play that I'm performing in next week called Magic. I've been working on this play since September and it's been very interesting for me because of its scope. The play is a musical involving 30 other young actors and includes singing and dance numbers, aerial acrobatics, and of course magic and illusions which I consulted for. This is my first time working with larger illusions and has been a lot of fun as I started out with close-up magic and won most of my awards through that. I have included the poster for the play and some of the local press I have received from it. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments. Cheers, Cameron Fisk 604-767-4963 www.cameronfisk.com (coming soon) -------------------------------------------- 13. 12th Annual 2-Day Magic Auction -------------------------------------------- Message from Larry McMechan Preview May 26, 2006 Auction May 27-28, 2006 Stage-Cabaret-Illusions-Close-Up Over 100 Costumes Contents from Estates and Lifetime Collections Already Consigned Now Accepting Consignments Auctioneers Larry McMechan Lysle McMechan 210 Nation Ave. Eaton, Ohio 45320 (937)456-7136 mcmechan@infinet.com Food Available All Day -------------------------------------------- 14. Information On Franquin -------------------------------------------- Message from Keith Lawrence (Aust) k_jlawrence@yahoo.com.au I am hoping that you or one of the NZ boys can tell me when and where Franquin (Frank Quinn, NZ hypnotist) died. My memory is that he became a member of Parliament in Australia after retiring from the stage, and died on the Gold Coast in Queensland, probably twenty - thirty years ago. -------------------------------------------- 15. Looking For Dan Harlan's Color Mixers -------------------------------------------- Message from Tony Griffith (UK) I am trying to obtain one or more of Dan Harlan's Color Mixers which he put out some time ago, and which is no longer produced. The Color Mixer is a hexaflexagon. Any readers who have one for sale, and which is in very good condition I would love to hear from them Tony Griffith tony@tonygriffith.co.uk. -------------------------------------------- 16. Daytona Festival And Joint Florida State Magic Convention -------------------------------------------- Message from Harry Allen (US) Just booked Fukai from Japan added to our list of talent for the Daytona Festival and Joint Florida State Magic Convention. See www.daytonamagic.com for all talent and details. -------------------------------------------- 17. Looking For Two Steel Appearing Canes To Purchase -------------------------------------------- Message from Bill Reid (NZ) If you can help please e-mail at: bmreid@magicians.co.nz Or 0274454020 -------------------------------------------- 18. Items For Sale In New Zealand -------------------------------------------- Message from Wayne McEwan (NZ) - magicguy@xtra.co.nz Thin Model Sawing - make a good offer Super Pan (Morrissey, Canada) - holds a huge load $200 Appearing Ladder (Chicane) - used for one show $495 Dove in Balloon (Peter Carter) - uses a 360 balloon $125 Clever Clowns (wooden kids trick) $195 Dolls House, needs work - make an offer Lester Lake Head Chopper (Adelaide Magic) never used, offers 6 Foot High Chopper, small repair needed, easy to fix. $200 Doggy Cage illusion made to fit middle sized Poodle, complete with red hot sequin cover. 3 sides covered in Perspex. It's on casters with chrome bars....again only used a couple of times. $600 -------------------------------------------- 19. The Passing Of Burns Scandrett -------------------------------------------- Message from David J O'Connor (AMA) Durban - South Africa Dear Alan & fellow Kiwi magicians, I was deeply saddened to receive the tragic news of the passing of Burns Scandrett, another icon in the world of New Zealand magic. Despite our long term friendship spanning many years, I suddenly realise just how little I knew about his family. I would be grateful if you could pass on my sincere condolences to those closest to him and to those within the magic fraternity and especially Alfred Hayes. I first met Burns in the mid 1950's when as a marine engineer my ship called regularly at the ports of Kaiapoi and Lyttelton. I would go through to his Chancery Lane magic shop, where I purchased most of my magic. In fact I still have De larno's original black egg bag, his chicken egg bag and long time favourite 'gem sticks' His Passe Passe Bottles are still in use after all this time, only having had to change the tubes. But they still have the original labels. Burns and I shared many happy times in his shop, and he was always helpful and generous with his advice and knowledge. Even when I left New Zealand we stayed in contact, managing to renew our friendship at the occasional conventions I managed to attend. Then one year I bumped into him on the interisland ferry "Aratika" where he was entertaining the passengers. At one stage while chatting in his magic shop, Burns was able to put me in contact with the Canterbury Society for Psychical Research in Christchurch, which I joined. I believed it was an extension of my interest in magic, where I had access to their wonderful library. I borrowed books on the occult, hypnotism and esoteric subjects. Only much later when I became interested in mentalism did I realise the significance of this membership and the knowledge I had acquired at that time. Over the years Burns and I exchanged ideas and routines even though he was not into mentalism, his experience and knowledge as a magician gave me an insight into the entertainment perspective of mentalism effects. I was delighted when Burns was awarded the prestigious "Grand Master of Magic" award because it couldn't have happened to a nicer fellow. Burns did so much for the city of Christchurch, his city where he was highly respected and always approachable for benefit work. He was modest yet in performance was in full command of his art. As a London Magic Circle member (MIMC) he gained respect and honour wherever he went. He was also a loyal and respected member of the Canterbury Society of Magicians. I feel honoured to have known him, mostly from afar but I have enjoyed and benefited from his friendship and companionship. I can only urge those in our fraternity to nurture your magical friendships because they are special, just as Burns was special. He touched many people throughout his career. Hopefully he touched you as well. We will all miss him, but will revere his memory and contribution to the craft we all love so much. RIP. "Life is partly what we make it and partly what is made by the friends whom we choose". (Tehyi Hsieh) David J O'Connor (AMA) Durban - South Africa eire@absamail.co.za ----------------- 20. The Amazing Orchante Saga ----------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Hi everyone, I have just received this message from John Sullivan. He's a retired theatre manager from Christchurch and he is/was, one of Burns' (DELARNO THE MAGICIAN) Scandrett's closest friends, together with the famous Trevor King, and me. Every week John and Burns would meet up with Trevor; it was rather difficult for me to be in attendance, living in the U.K. as I do... I was kinda' there in spirit... The Three of us - Burns, John and I, have been in daily contact with each other for years via the Internet - unfortunately Trevor King doesn't have a computer, so we stayed in touch with phone calls. I'm missing Burns' news and wry humour and it already feels very odd sending jokes, news etc to John and not including Burns as well. Burns came and stayed with Veronica and I at our home last year; he was over for the 'Magic Circle Centenary'. When I picked him up from the train here in Doncaster, I didn't recognise him at first, as he was so frail looking but I'll tell you this, when I took him for a day trip to Blackpool he walked my legs off and left me puffing my lungs out - what's left of them! We had a running gag as to which one of us was the sickest and which of us was going to 'Kick The Bucket First! Well Burns, you won the race! Rest in peace my old friend and say hello to Ken Ward for me! -----------------------  From: John Sullivan Date: 04/13/06 03:04:33 To: Tom .(UK) Subject: Burns. Hello Tom, We have returned home from the funeral of our dear friend Burns. For me it was an extremely sad occasion and I don't mind admitting it I had a few tears. It was just on a "full" house, no more than any entertainer can ask. It was a very well organised and impeccably presented show. Even the weather has been beautiful, sunny and warm. The rostrum or stage had his table he used, with Delarno on the front, another table had his wand, some linking rings and a top hat, and a cage with two doves. As you walked in the foyer they had a very large display of photographs of Burns as a magician and a family man covering many years. They had a beautiful large floral wand that looked magnificent. The local branch of the Canterbury magicians did the "breaking" of the wand and the Lodge members did their bit by dropping the small leaves onto the coffin. Gordon and Kent both spoke. All together it was a lovely service that I think touched everybody. I gave Gordon your email and I saw him pass it to Kent. Gordon really appreciated your comments. There are not many entertainers left that I can report seeing there, only Allan Van , who goes back to Geo. Tollerton days and Bartons Follies. They have all gone, it's a whole new generation and not many of them at that. I will send the service "programme" to you. Cheers, John -------------------------------------------- 21. 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) -------------------------------------------- 22. 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