* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #475 Date: Sunday 4th February 2007 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. I.B.M. President Appoints New Editor For The Linking Ring 3. Dick Williams Is Heartbroken 4. 2007 Magic Castle Awards 5. Meetings With Remarkable Magicians # 46 - Nick Lewin 6. The Powerful Art of Listening - Kyle Peron 7. Stuart Cumberland's New Zealand Visit 8. Magic On The Big Screen And The Shiny Disc 9. Five Star Teach - In Show Added To S.A.M. Convention Shows 10. Where Were You When Kennedy Was Shot? 11. Rare Magic Poster Lithographs For Sale! 12. Abbott's 27th Annual Close Up Convention 13. Mark Wilson And Nani Darnell Lecture In San Diego 14. 4th Magic Show Conference Coming To Branson Missouri 15. Melbourne International Comedy Festival, 'POKER In The Face!' 16. Lior Sosard - Uri Geler's Successor 17. Lecture Network Featuring Live Streaming Lectures 18. Legal Information Wanted Regards Rubber Stamping US Bills 19. Early-bird Registration - MAGIC Live! Ends February 19th 20. Auckland's Buskerfestival 21. The Amazing Orchante Saga 22. e-zine Archives 23. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- Last night Michele, Aleshia and I caught the Auckland Buskerfestival. MC Nick Nickolas kept it altogether and it was very professionally linked.   Gary Animal (Gary Knights) originally from the UK and resident in Auckland, did his signature cups and balls. Our favourites were the English Gentleman Hamish McCann and Denis Lock acrobats world class with plenty of mad comedy had a Queen and country theme who hail from Melbourne.  Space Cowboy (from Byron Bay, Sydney) great whip cracking, sword swallowing street theatre had the huge audience stunned. See # 19 for programme / link. ----------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. I.B.M. President Appoints New Editor For The Linking Ring -------------------------------------------- Message from Contact Jack White/I.B.M. Press & Publicity I.B.M. President appoints new editor for The Linking Ring magic journal. From the International Brotherhood of Magicians Contact: Jack White prestoone@cox.net or at (619) 299-9037 Fred Casto, President of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (I.B.M.), on Saturday, January 27, 2007, appointed Samuel Patrick Smith, as the new editor of The Linking Ring magazine, during the mid-year meeting of the I.B.M. Board of Directors in Las Vegas, Nevada. Smith was one of four longtime members of the I.B.M., applying for the editor's position. Samuel Patrick Smith, has a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, has edited 20 books, nine of them magic books; has edited a publication entitled; Samuel Patrick Smith's Newsletter of Successful Magic, 1984 - 2002, has also published and edited; The Funny Paper, a magic - comedy magazine from 2005 to present. Smith has been a member in good standing of the I.B.M. for 25-years and is a member of the Order of Merlin. He is also well remembered as part of a trio of magicians who criss-crossed the nation for many years, lecturing on magic shows for children. The Linking Ring, is the official journal of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and is distributed to more than 12,000 people each month around the world. Phil Willmarth has been the Executive Editor of The Linking Ring for the past 14-years and leaves his post to become the President of the I.B.M. on June 30, 2007. During his tenure as Editor in Chief of the world's largest magic publication, Phil has been distinguished with many awards and commendations. He has also brought many new features and innovations to the magazine. Phil Willmarth is being recognized for his many contributions to magic literature around the world as the recipient of the Academy of Magical Arts "Literary Award" at their annual banquet in Los Angeles, California, in April. Phil Willmarth told the I.B.M. Board of Directors he is currently working on the March issue of The Linking Ring and has the planning for the April issue well underway. He hopes to make a smooth transition of editors by having Sammy Smith work with him on both of those issues and then letting Smith takeover with the May issue of the magazine. Sammy Smith is 45, and lives in Eustis, Florida, with his wife Laurel, and two sons Wesley 14, and Austin 10. -------------------------------------------- 3. Dick Williams Is Heartbroken -------------------------------------------- Message from Dick Williams (US) Dick Williams, Memphis, TN, USA, holds the Guinness World Record for the Longest Running TV Magic Show in the world, 23 years! Williams' Magicland ran once a week on WMC-TV-5 in Memphis, Tenn. from 1966 to 1989. Dick's wife, Virginia, was the chief assistant on the Series who did so much to make the TV series successful. She was an outstanding performer and a sweet person beloved by so many in the magic community. Virginia passed away January 1, 2007. Dick is heartbroken. He and Virginia were married for 56 years. Many peformers came from all over the U.S. to the funeral and burial in Memphis. And Dick thanks all who sent cards or emails. Dick Wms -------------------------------------------- 4. 2007 Magic Castle Awards -------------------------------------------- Message from Joseph Herzer (US) Now that the cat is out of the bag here are the Fellowships for this year.  I had already told you that Potassy was getting the Master Fellowship; here are the others: Paul Harris, Creative David Goodsell, Literary Phil Wilmarth, Literary Eugene Burger, Performing Chen Kai, Performing Leo Behnke, Special Carl Ballantine, Lifetime and Paul Potassy, Master Fellowship Cyril Takayama, Magician of the year for 2006 -------------------------------------------- 5. Meetings With Remarkable Magicians # 46 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) Bruce Cervon: The King of Cool. When I first met Bruce Cervon, in the 70's I found him just a little intimidating. For a start there was his act; which was about as perfect as any close-up I had ever seen. Then there was the classic Cervon cool. He pretty much made Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry look like an awkward high school kid. I was however pleased when I was booked to perform with him at a promotional event in a Los Angeles saving and loan bank. Much to my surprise Bruce was not performing close up magic but was hosting and performing in the stage show. The opening of the show featured two dancing assistants who flourished silks that turned into canes as they shouted, "Here's Bruce Cervon!" Much to my surprise Bruce was a superb stand up performer. Not only did he perform a couple of illusions including a tip-over trunk, but he also floored me with one of the most commercial comedic stand up routines I had ever seen. The effect he performed was a slick blend of the 6 Card Repeat/Cards to Pocket. His performance also featured a variation on the Kapps notes that seemed totally impossible to me: and I had learned the trick from Fred Kapps himself! During the course of the afternoon Bruce and I began to chat and we discovered we had a mutual interest in music and our rather extensive record collections. Bruce suggested I drop by one afternoon to explore the gems in his collection. I happily agreed. I ended up spending quite a few afternoons at Bruce's home and enjoyed listening to his erudite and entertaining run down of American popular music. One thing the two of us never did was talk about magic. I guess many people lucky enough to spend time with Bruce would dream of coming away with a new double lift. I was overjoyed to leave his home having discovered Mose Allison. The album of Mose that Bruce gave me is still in my collection along with many others I have acquired over the years! A few months later I was booked on another 'Savings & Loan' show with Bruce but this time we were joined on the engagement by Scottish master magician Ron Wilson. I told Ron about the mysterious manner in which Bruce could perform the Blank Paper to Dollar Bills without any of the usual folding or covering of the paper. I was hoping to find out how it was accomplished this time. When Bruce performed the trick we were both watching intently. He fooled us both completely. There were six more shows and Ron and I managed to watch the trick six more times from six different angles and positions. We went up to the second floor of the bank building and watched, we stayed backstage and watched and by the end of the engagement we were no wiser to Bruce's methods. To be honest I still have no idea how he does that trick but that's Bruce Cervon for you, as close to perfection as any magician ever need to be. Please send any bricks or bouquets to nicklewin@earthlink.net or via my website http://www.NickLewin.com -------------------------------------------- 6. The Powerful Art of Listening - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message from By Kyle Peron (US) E-Mail: Magic4u02@aol.com This is a topic I thought I would write about this week as it is something I have learned and trained myself to do but never realized the sheer power of it in not only the way I conduct and handle my magic, but in all realms of how I live my life. I thought it would make for an interesting discussion so if you would allow me to, I would like to dive into it a bit closer. Learn to listen? Sounds silly doesn't it? But do we really listen? Do we honestly listen to people, prospects or clients as much as we should be? If you are honest with yourself, the answer is probably "no we really don't". None of us listen as much as we should. We have gotten so much into the habit of art of doing and acting that we have failed to learn or relearn the art of listening. We have forgotten the art of listening but we should strive to relearn it and apply it every day. Why? Because listening is a magnetic and strange thing that can work as a creative force. When you learn to listen, you become more aware. This awareness allows you to see things you may have overlooked so may times before. Listening is an art that when done well delivers tremendous benefits for not only your magic but for the relationships you try and build with everyone you deal with every day. The goal of listening well is to achieve effective communication. Effective communication not only fosters understanding, affirmation, validation and appreciation, but it also creates an atmosphere of trust, honor and respect. When someone truly listens to you, don't you feel special? The obvious answer is yes. When you are listened to, you feel respected and by listening you are showing that respect back. So how does this apply to your magic? Well, too many magicians sell all the time. Now be honest here. How many of you can say that the minute the phone rings and it is a potential client...you immediately go into the selling mode and never even stop to breathe. I am hoping a lot of you can admit to yourself that this happens and happens way too often. That is fine, as that is just the way we have trained ourselves to be in this age of information. I am not saying you should not sell your show, certainly you must be part salesman or woman. But, we must learn to stop for a second and refrain ourselves from overselling. We must not just constantly sell to a point that the person feels you are not even listening to them. Remembering to listen shows respect and to gain respect you must show it first. If we are to really be a solutions provider or if we are to really provide a service to our prospects or clients, then how can we do this if we do not take the time out to know what it is they really need? How do you do this? Simple.. we listen to them. Easy concept huh? But it is easier said then done. How many times do you really feel like listening to a client? It is hard because you are not used to doing it. In most cases they are lucky if they get 2 sentences in before the call is over. You must train yourself to listen to them. Train yourself to slow down and hear them out. If you are to solve your magic client's needs, then you must learn what those needs are. Listen to them. How can you get them to start talking? Simple. We use the power of ASKING THEM. People simply forget to ask these days, but it is that simple. The art of asking is a powerful thing and when combined with listening can change your entire outlook and can change the way your clients perceive you. For example you could possibly say something like, "Wow your event sounds fascinating to me, can you tell me more about it? It seems like you must have a lot to do to make this years event even better than before." This is a simple phrase but it is not me selling to them at all. It is me being kind to them, showing I care about them and it is me building a relationship with them. It also is a key to get them talking about their event. IT WORKS!!! They will start talking if you show them the respect and listen to what they are saying.. In most cases, they are so relieved to hear someone who actually cares about all they are going through, that they will unload it with you. LET THIS HAPPEN!! This is your time to listen to them. They will share precious information with you without them even realizing they are doing it. This is when I lock in on the problems they have and for me to think of ways I can solve the problems I am hearing them talk about. Now if I can come back to them with a solution to one of their needs, then I soon have value. This value makes me NOT a product but it makes me a person they will come back to time and again cause I can help solve their needs. It may also be the very first time any entertainer has even asked them about what they do or asked them to talk about what they are trying to achieve. I find that the more I listen and train myself to listen, the more respect I gain from these people. I try and build relationships with everyone I know. I do this because for me it is always more then me just performing my magic show. I want to really make sure I deliver exactly the solution that best fits them. Each client is different and they all have different needs and wants. The more I train myself to listen, the more value I have in their eyes. Try it. Try to simply listen next time someone talks to you or a prospect calls you on the phone. Get your prospect to talk to you and open up and it will make a huge difference on your bookings and especially on repeat bookings in the future. As always, I encourage you the readers to let me know your thoughts. So if you have any thoughts on my articles or suggestions or comments, please feel free to e-mail me directly at magic4u02@aol.com. I would love to hear from you. Kyle Peron Magician and Illusionist Graphic Designer and Illustrator (Specializing in Logo creation) www.kyleandkellymagic.com -------------------------------------------- 7. Stuart Cumberland's New Zealand Visit -------------------------------------------- Message from Stuart Cumberland (Canada) I was overwhelmed by the friendliness and warmth shown to me by New Zealanders on my recent visit. A big highlight for me was performing my mentalism act at Richard Webster's home for all those NZ performers. What a terrific bunch they were! I wish I could have spent more time with them. Would you mind passing on my thanks to them in the ezine? Feel free to include this note (or perhaps quickly mention it) as I'd like to sincerely extend my thanks to everyone, especially to you and to Richard for making the stay terrific. Oh, btw, I've put up some photo's on my blog if you or anyone wants to see them. http://www.mental-list.com/blog . Best wishes to you and Michele, and thanks again. We'll see each other soon, I'm sure. Stuart Cumberland -------------------------------------------- 8. Magic On The Big Screen And The Shiny Disc -------------------------------------------- Message from Richard Walls (NZ) Now playing on the big screen in the US - and due on those in New Zealand (if not already - is the movie SMOKIN' ACES starring Ryan Reynolds and Ray Liotta as FBI agents who must protect Las Vegas magician (Jeremy Piven) from a motley crew of assassins after the entertainer agrees to testify against the Las Vegas mob. According to the review on DVD Talk, Universal is "marketing positions ACES as a mindless, violent free-for-all, tossing a bunch of bad influences into a blender and slopping the results onto the screen. A film that wants nothing more than to entertain with an edge, not puncture your sinuses." Does not sound as if there is much magic in it! You can read the synopsis/review at: www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/read.php?ID=26241. On a happier and more magical note, the well reviewed THE PRESTIGE starring Hugh Jackman, and Christian Bale as rival magicians in Victorian London, with an obsessive competitiveness that will eventually take several lives and a few limbs as well, has made Empire movie magazine's list of the 50 Must-See Movies of 2006 and is due out on DVD in Region 1 (US and Canada) mid-February. Hopefully it will release in other regions shortly thereafter. "One big magic trick that tries to misdirect us as the story of obsession and revenge (that) continually reinvents itself" and is "terrifically entertaining" says Rich Clein of Shadows-On-The-Wall - arguably one of the best movie reviewers around (www.shadowsonthewall.co.uk/shadows.htm). Michael Caine is the master magician who has taught the craft to both while Scarlett Johannson is the assistant both fall for. Scarlett as a magician's assistant -now, I would rather like that and I cannot think of anyone better (or as talented) to misdirect audience attention! ----------------- 9. Five Star Teach - In Show Added To S.A.M. Convention Shows ----------------- Message from George Schindler - Dean - the Society of American Magicians  An all new Five Star Teach-In lecture show will be produced at our convention in Dallas on opening day the Fourth of July. This will be a most entertaining master class by five talented stars of magic. - Opening day will also have more surprises and a gala "Magic From the Heart of Texas" (starring only Texas Magicians) evening show followed by the Dallas Fireworks. Register before the March 1 deadline at the special pre registration price. You won't want to miss this great convention. Three great Gala shows, a People's Choice contest show, seven lectures, five close-up stars, the famous "Stars of Tomorrow"show. Plus -"The World's Biggest Magic Show"- (starring you, if you if you can do a 60 second trick) and more workshop sessions and of course, the Dealers. The SAM National Convention has a reputation for not only the best magic has to offer from around the world. , some of which you will find in our dealers room. The dealers invited each year bring something new, something original, something unique, and are always World Class. Many of the dealers are the ones who advertise each month in MUM, and here is your opportunity to meet them. See for yourself why the SAM has the reputation it does. The talent alone represented in our dealer room could be a headliner talent lineup at any major convention. Join us in Dallas, and experience "the best". If you register NOW you can save money for your friends and family. The early bird rates expire at the end of this month. You can also register on line, and see the dealer's list on our web site today. www.magicsam.com -------------------------------------------- 10. Where Were You When Kennedy Was Shot? -------------------------------------------- Message from Maria Ibáńez Society of American Magicians President Elect Most of us can clearly remember where we were and what we were doing when the news went out..."President Kennedy has been shot" This July we will be going back to where it happened, the grassy knoll, the book depository...ah, we will be able to see firsthand where it all took place. Why not join us as we tour the historic places of long ago, AND, while there attend The World's Friendliest Convention? That's right, the Society of American Magicians is holding the annual convention July 4 -7 in Dallas, Texas, and will be bringing over some of the best talent available out there, great dealers, terrific lectures and incredible special sessions. Where else can you get so much for so little? Close to round the clock entertainment for four days, the camaraderie of old friends and the opportunity of making new ones, seeing some of the top dealers in the world as well as some of the top talent, getting to meet and spend time with magicians from around the world, an opportunity to participate in the popular pin trading, receiving FREE the third annual convention pin, and a great deal more, all for the low price of $159 for members and spouses and only $199 for non members, it's the bargain of the year. Join us now by registering at www.magicsam.com, contact the registrar at sam@appsmagic.com and 44 years from now when someone asks.....where were you when? you can honestly say.....I was where it happened if not when it happened! See you there. -------------------------------------------- 11. Rare Magic Poster Lithographs For Sale! -------------------------------------------- Message from Nielsen Magic (US) We have three amazing and rare posters for sale: Kellar "Walk in the Woods" - 1/2 sheet - In very good condition (A) - This is a high end, and very desirable Kellar poster. Nicola "Jail Break Panel" - Good condition (B) Thurston "Daughter Jane" - Excellent condition (A+) All these poster are ORIGINAL LITHOGRAPHS. All these are rare and high-end images. This is an excellent opportunity to acquire rare and unique pieces for your poster collection. For prices and additional information, please go to: www.nnmagic.com -------------------------------------------- 12. Abbott's 27th Annual Close Up Convention -------------------------------------------- Message from Hank Moorehouse (US) On Friday evening, March 23 and all day Saturday, March 24 a sold out group of 80 magicians will attend the 27th annual Abbott Close Up Convention. Dan Fleshman, Nathan Kranzo and Davide Costi, from Italy, will headline this event. Also included is a one trick contest with $300 in merchandise prizes, mini auction, banquet, wake up coffee and do nuts, close up gala show and 3 lecturers. Always sells out with an advance registration of $65. Davide Costi will also have an extra price workshop from 9AM-1PM on Sunday Morning limited to 15 people for $50. per person. For more information contact Abbott Magic at 269 432 3235, e-mail at: greg@abbottmagic.com -------------------------------------------- 13. Mark Wilson And Nani Darnell Lecture In San Diego -------------------------------------------- Message from Michael Johns (US) Mark Wilson and Nani Darnell will be giving lectures in San Diego County on February 13 and 14, 2007. On Tuesday, February 13, the pair will lecture for the International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 76. The event will be held at Jack's Magic Place in San Diego at 7:00 p.m. Cost is $20 for members or $25 for nonmembers. On Wednesday, February 14, Mark will hold a private workshop limited to 15 people at the home of Magician Michael E. Johnson in San Marcos, California. The 2-hour session starts at 6:00 p.m. Cost is $50. For more information, visit www.sandiegomagicnews.com, or e-mail mjohns341@cox.net. -------------------------------------------- 14. Fourth Annual Magic Show Conference Coming To Branson Missouri -------------------------------------------- Message from Marty Hahne (US) Laflin Magic and Dazzling Magic present the fourth annual Magic Show Conference in Branson, Missouri, May 3-5, 2007. There is a bonus gospel day featuring Duane Laflin on May 2. Talent includes Ali Bongo, Dan Tong, Doug Anderson, Joe Fairchild, Greg Brit, Bill and Ruth Pitts, Duane Laflin and Marty Hahne. The conference includes 10 lectures, the Saturday night staff show, plus two Branson shows. We will attend Darren Romeo, The Voice of Magic, and Justin Flom's Imaginary Theater and Magic Parlor. Plus, critique session, dealers, ice cream party and more! For more information, and to register, go to www.dazzlingmagic.com. -------------------------------------------- 15. Melbourne International Comedy Festival, 'POKER In The Face!' -------------------------------------------- Message from Tim Ellis (Aust) Just a note to let you know that ticket sales are now open for my new show for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, 'POKER in the face!' "The art of poker is not in your hand, but on your face." 'FISM World Championship of Magic' Silver Medal winner, Tim Ellis, delivers a virtuoso display of sleight-of-hand, bluffing, psychology, manipulation and outright lying in this hilarious show that asks "Are the secrets of poker the secrets of life?" Join the audience of only 25 people seated around Tim's poker table to witness astonishing feats of the card sharp right before your very eyes. Is it possible to con a con man? What chance does a fish stand against a maniac? Should you take Siegfried & Roy or Dolly Parton? Shuffle up and deal! "Tim performed some astounding card tricks. Sublimely, totally dumbfounding." - Graeme Johnstone, Herald-Sun (Melbourne) "One of the most astonishing things I've witnessed in a long, long time." - Matt Field, Monday Night Magic, New York Tuesday Nights 7pm & 9pm - Coopers Inn, cnr Exhibition & Little Lonsdale Sts. (April 3, 10, 17 & 24) Thursday Nights 7pm & 9pm - Trick or Treat Magic Cafe, 239 Waterdale Rd, Ivanhoe. (April 5, 12, 19, & 26) Each show limited to 25 people only. Tickets $22 each. The show is approximately 45 minutes. Bookings: Call Magic Unlimited on (03) 9486 4445 or online at http://www.magicunlimited.com/pokerintheface.htm -------------------------------------------- 16. Lior Sosard - Uri Geler's Successor -------------------------------------------- Message from Yosi Notkowitz The leadind performer Amir Lostig in the final program walked on broken glass with his eyes covered and broke an apple with his sword. Ehud Segev moved a glass on chosen numbered cards and moved a table in the air. Lior Sosard asked a girl to bend a key, she couldn't do it, but her friend's key was bent, then the 2 jumped whilst sitting on their chairs, then Lior appeared on a screen and found chosen photos and a chosen sentence. After the voting by international TV channels and by the Israeli audience the Uri' Geller successor elected is Lior Sosard. During the competition talented magicians performed, all were members of the Israeli magic club, ISPAM, a fact that was hidden and forbidden to be said by the performances. This program was reported in the press, newspapers and TV as a failure/bored and Uri Geller was named as a quack. During the program, Uri Geller's daughter, Natli, performed and failed with her effect. Uri Geler declared that he looked for the best performer and not for a supernatural power man. The program made disagreement between the magicians and the Israeli magic club members, the magic society decided that all her mental members need to tell the audience they don't have supernatural powers. Uri Geler's successor TV program is planned to for other countries to take part and watch it careful with a magic look. Yosi Notkowitz notko@012.net.il ----------------- 17. Lecture Network Featuring Live Streaming Lectures ----------------- Magicians Loren Christopher Michaels And Jeff Hobson Have Started A New Web Site For Magicians Called The Lecture Network Featuring Live Streaming Lectures Direct To Your Home Computer Or Lap Top. Check Out The Website At: www.Thelecturenetwork.Com And Let Them Know Who You Would Like To See Lecture Live Right In Front Of You. ----------------- 18. Legal Information Wanted Regards Rubber Stamping US Bills ----------------- Message from Larry "ZEEZO" and Madeline Campbell Can someone rubber stamp "MADE IN CHINA" on the back of a $1.00 (U.S.) bill and not get in trouble for it? We are a large group of Magic Nuts (that meet each Friday for lunch in Huntington Beach, Ca.) called the Lunch Bunch. This question came up and we hope that one or more of your subscribers might have the "legal answer to the question". I have been doing it for years. It is a funny bit of business. After getting some new $1.00 bills and stamping them - I pad them up and put them in a check book. So when I want to give a $1.00 bill out - all I do it take out my check book and act like I'm writing out a check (with the pen that I use for the "Pen thru the bill trick") And then I tear it out of my check book and do the Pen thru the bill trick. At this point I give the bill to the person. He then looks it over and reads on the back "MADE IN CHINA"!! And some times they even give it back - they don't think that it is real. Thanks for your help, ZEEZO (czeezo@hotmail.com) ----------------- 19. Early-bird Registration - MAGIC Live! Ends February 19th ----------------- Message from Stan Allen (US) Early-bird Registration for MAGIC Live! ends on February 19th. Plans are coming together nicely for this "unconventional convention," where we bring the pages of MAGIC Magazine to life. Registration is on pace to sell out by early spring. If you're thinking about attending, please don't delay. The dates are August 19-22, 2007 at The Orleans, here in Las Vegas. Registration (and more) is available at http://www.magicmagazine.com ----------------- 20. Auckland's Buskerfestival ----------------- Message from Nick Nickolas All is looking good for the Auckland Buskerfestival. Here's the link for a pdf brochure http://www.crackerjackpromotions.co.nz/buskers/pdfs/buskers_festival_brochure.pdf ----------------- 21. The Amazing Orchante Saga ----------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Page 140 No one could have written this cover story better than Eddie's daughter, Maria. It is a wonderful discourse on how things were in New Zealand in the 1900's, and how the Maori integrated with the white (pakeha) settlers through marriage. My own family history runs along more or less similar lines, as do hundreds, possibly thousands of others, I warrant. On page 131, last paragraph, I made mention of the 2 CD that Eddie recorded. There is one particular track on disc 1, entitled 'Songs of Home' that every New Zealander who lives overseas should listen to. Back on page 103, I wrote about another Maori singer, the late 'Prince' Tui Teka, and how he and Eddie had played 'IL SILENZIO' as a duet on their trumpets at a Sydney club concert. I also told how Eddie, with his guitar, came around to our home in Sydney and sang 'Songs of Home', wanting to know what we thought of it. The tears running down my face gave him my answer. I recorded that little session on my reel-to-reel tape recorder. It is a most valuable treasure, and I don't mean that in a monetary sense. If you are an ex pat Kiwi, I implore you to seek this CD out; I can promise you that your heart strings will be mightily plucked, and more than likely you, like me, will sob your heart out! Eddie loves magic, and we have a 'deal'. I teach him some simple tricks to fool his friends with - and in return, he gives me his latest recordings. In a recent E mail from Burns Scandrett, he said that whenever Eddie was in Christchurch performing, he and his wife always made a point of popping into his, Burn's magic shop, for a chat and to buy yet another thumbtip. Burns says he doesn't know what the hell he did with them all, but over the years he bought a hell of a lot of them! Well I guess that being partly blind, he just lost them - now, about my commission Burns.! In New Zealand, fish and shellfish are pretty much a staple food for us kiwis, especially if you are a Maori. I'm an exception when it comes to oysters, a particular delicacy in N.Z. Late one night, Eddie and I decided to 'raid' the kitchen fridge of some hotel that we were staying in, somewhere in the South Is. Perhaps I should mention that we were very drunk at the time. Eddie whooped with joy on discovering a very large jar filled to the brim with oysters. Being totally smashed probably explains why, after protesting my utter dislike for oysters, that I let Eddie, who was howling with laughter, hand feed me the dreaded things. I was so drunk it didn't matter - we both were. That was the last time I ate oysters. Although Eddie is blind he does have partial vision in his left eye, and he took full advantage of that fact. Back in those wonderful, heady days, most of our work was in hotels, touring all over in N.Z., and now and again, Eddie and I would be booked together. It just so happens that I was a reasonably good pools player - well when you have spent years in hotels, and have time on your hands, the pool table and a few beers was just the ticket. Eddie was also one hellava good pools player as well, far better than I. When we walked into the local bar and put our money down for a game, the quiet sniggers became louder when Eddie approached the table and then announced: "Hey Tommy, where's the white ball". Of course, he could see it, as well as all the other balls. We had it well worked out. After a few 'pathetic' misses from Eddie and myself, with me advising this 'blind' man in which direction the red balls lay. Talk about pulling the suckers in. Suddenly the room would go quiet as Eddie started to faultlessly pot red ball after red ball until finally - "How many are there left". "Just the black ball Eddie", and he sunk that as well! God we had some fun. There are a 'million' stories that can be told about Eddie, but I have to finish this sometime, Like Now! -------------------------------------------- 22. 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) -------------------------------------------- 23. 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 2007 Alan Watson