* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #480 Date: Sunday 25th 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. It's Magic! Begins 2007 Season 3. Lillian Bevan Passed Away 17th February 2007 4. 39th Annual Academy Of Magical Arts Awards 5. Meetings With Remarkable Magicians # 49 - Nick Lewin 6. The Power of Creative Thinking: Emotional Response 7. Las Vegas Magic - March, 2007 8. The Fourth Magic Circle Heritage Weekend 9. IBM Competition Prize Money - Close-Up And Stage - $5,000 Each 10. Howard Flint And The Bowling Ball 11. Dickens Parlour Theatre 12. S.A.M. 2007 Convention Update Podcast Is Now Online 13. Early-Bird Registration For MAGIC Live Has Been Extended 14. ASM Inc. Centenary Convention Update 15. Proposed Program ASM Inc. Centenary Convention 16. Jay Marshall Magic Collection Auction 17. Balloons Around The World 2007 18. 20th Annual Magic Jamboree 19. Australian Magicians Working On Cruise Ships 20. Busker Festival - Auckland's Oldest Pitch? 21. The Amazing Orchante Saga 22. e-zine Archives 23. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- Docc Hilford is now back on his feet after a nasty fall and he is now planning to complete his postponed tour of Australia and New Zealand in April. More information on dates will follow shortly. ----------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. It's Magic! Begins 2007 Season -------------------------------------------- Message from Milt Larsen (US) The first It's Magic! shows of the season will be in Tucson and Chandler Arizona. Saturday, March 10,Fox Tuscon 17 West Congress, Tuscon Arizona 7:00 PM show and Sunday, March 11, 4:00 PM - Chandler Performing Arts Center, 250 N. Arizona Ave Chandler, AZ 4:00 PM show Both shows are: Best of It's Magic! headliners Ray Pierce, Amos Leftkovitch, Scott Cervine, Jason Latimer, Michael Finney and Bruce Block. Under the aegis of Milt Larsen and Terry Hill, It's Magic! celebrated its 50th Anniversary last year at the famed Academy Awards Kodak Theater in Hollywood. The same weekend Bill and Milt Larsen were honored with a star of Hollywood's Walk of Fame. Shows for the 2007 season will be throughout the Southern California area in the Spring and Fall with two shows scheduled for the northwest, Bellingham and Olympia Washington. Dale Hindman, President emeritus of the Academy of Magical Arts stages and directs all the It's Magic! shows. Note: We are updating our files. Professional magicians interesting in performing for future editions of the show should send promotional material (DVD's and latest brochures) directly to Milt Larsen, It's Magic!, 7001 Franklin Ave., Hollywood CA 90028. Electronically to Magicmilt@aol.com. -------------------------------------------- 3. Lillian Bevan Passed Away 17th February 2007 -------------------------------------------- Message from John Palfreyman It is with regret that I have to inform you that Lillian Bevan passed away on the 17th February 2007 at 7-00 a.m. Lillian was the wife of Donald Bevan who for many years was editor of the weekly magazine ABRA. Lillian had been ill for several years but in spite of her disability she always put on a brave and cheerful front. The Bevan family and myself have been friends for many years and we know that the prayers and thoughts of Donald`s many friends will be of strength to him in this sad time. ---------------------------- Message from Barbi Ormandy Lilian Bevan, wife of Donald Bevan - editor of Abra until the end of 2006, died - at their home, with family around her - on Saturday February 17 2007 at 7.00 AM at the age of 73 years following long illness. At this stage funeral arrangement details are not available as Lilians passing was over the weekend but Donald thought, at this stage, it would be early next week. Lilian was Office Administrator at Goodliffe Publications for 14 years and few in magic knew how much she did to assist Donald. A truly dedicated team. It is perhaps ironic that less than 2 months after Donald's retirement from Goodliffe Publications and the editorship of Abra - which was his life for so many years - he has now lost his lifelong partner. Our love, thoughts and prayers go out to Donald and although he has his family Mark, Laurence and Ann with him I can only hope that the magicians of the world will also give help and support to Donald in this most difficult time. -------------------------------------------- 4. 39th Annual Academy Of Magical Arts Awards -------------------------------------------- Message from MikeD (US) Thanks to Mike Miller who mentioned the Comedy Magician nominees. Here are the nominees in the other three categories ... Close-Up: Alfonso Ivan Amodei Jon Armstrong Rafael Benatar Michael Close Doc Eason Martin Eisele Andrew Goldenhersh Paul Green Jason Latimer Jonathan Levit Eric Mead David Minkin Tom Ogden Tony Picasso Suzanne Richard Turner J.C. Wagner Gregory Wilson Asi Wind Parlor: Jason Alexander Jorg Alexander Chef Anton Arthur Benjamin Chris Capehart Fitzgerald Andrew Goldenhersh Gazzo Handsome Jack (John Lovick) Mark Haslam Derek Hughes Shoot Ogawa Woody Pittman David Regal George Tovar Asi Wind The Unholy Three Rob Zabrecky Stage: Rich Bloch Mike Caveney Raymond Crowe Dana Daniels Flicking Fingers Bruce Gold Denny Haney Mark Haslam Koyoko Tina Lenert Losander Matt Marcy Kenji Minenura Chris Mitchell Mystina (Tina Lee) Dale Salwak George Saterial Jon Stetson Arthur Trace Conrgats to all the nominees. And keep your fingers crossed for your favorites. The results will be announced at the 39th Annual Academy of Magical Arts Awards Show and Banquet Saturday April 7th 2007 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Also Congrats to Cyril, the AMA 2007 Magician of the Year! Cyril is scheduled to be at the ceremonies. -------------------------------------------- 5. Meetings With Remarkable Magicians # 49 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) Alex Elmsley: my brush with a genius. In my early days in magic I had one absolutely favorite card trick and that was Micro-Macro. I had seen it demonstrated in a magic shop and it had fooled me very badly. Upon returning home and opening the package I was a little taken aback at the simplicity of the method. I decided to persevere and practiced the routine thoroughly. As usual my parents were the first people I showed my new trick. They were absolutely flabbergasted and reacted with a shock that I had never seen before. I remembered the name Alex Elmsley that had been listed as the creator of the trick at the top of the instruction. I would be looking to see what other routines had come from this ingenious mind. Upon arriving in the United States I was excitedly putting together a show to perform in the Magic Castle's Close Up Gallery. I was planning to begin with Micro Macro but then I saw something that changed my mind. That was Ron Wilson performing the same trick in his close up show. He performed the trick so perfectly that there didn't seem any good reason to invite comparison! In the late 70's I was delighted to hear that Mr. Elmsley was going to lecture at the Castle. I attended the semi private lecture and was just astounded by the brilliant magic I saw performed. Not only did he demonstrate some wonderful card magic and then at the end of his show he produced every single card and group of cards that had been used throughout the show. It was so unexpected and such a surprise that never has icing been so deliciously added to a cake. I bought a typeset copy of a routine from Mr. Elmsley that day for five dollars. That was actually a rather expensive price for a couple of pages of instructions. Little did I know that it was actually the best five dollars I would ever spend in magic. The routine I had purchased was the Alex Elmsley Newspaper Tear. I already performed the Gene Anderson newspaper tear; in fact it would venture to say that almost everyone who performed a newspaper tear was performing Gene's incredible lightning fast restoration that Doug Henning had made famous. I bought a stack of newspapers and worked on that routine as if my life depended on it. I glued and folded and ripped and shredded like a mad man for a month before I felt comfortable enough to perform it in public. It was worth all the practice and the perpetually ink smeared fingers. Once again it created a sensation from the very first time I performed it. Flash forward thirty years and I am still closing every show with this effect. It is as close to being perfect as any trick can be. I have performed it on maybe a dozen TV shows: even when I was performing an illusion show it remained my closing effect. Try as I might I can't find a stronger finale for my show than this slow motion piece of visual poetry. In the 90's I performed at a magical event that Geno Munari had put together in Las Vegas and as usual finished with the Newspaper. After the show I discovered that Mr. Elmsley was in the audience and after the show we met and he told me that he had never seen his routine better performed. I'm not sure but I suspect I blushed like a school kid! It remains one of the only compliments by a magician that I truly treasure. Please send all bricks or bouquets to nicklewin@earthlink.net -------------------------------------------- 6. The Power of Creative Thinking: Emotional Response - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message from By Kyle Peron (US) E-Mail: Magic4u02@aol.com There is something I talk often about in magic when it comes to creativity in the magic that we do. I call it emotional response. It is a "layer" that can be used in any magic act or show to really connect with your audience on a totally different level and helps to bring the audience closer to you and you to them. Emotional Response: This is a HUGE one and can work so wonderful if done well. If done right it can make your audience connect with you long after you have left the stage. It is causing an emotional response in your audiences by allowing them to connect and relate to your character and the predicament presented on the stage. It can also work closely in with the theme you are presenting. Every person in your audience has experienced something in common. What is common to us all is emotions. We have all felt fear, love, confusion and happiness. These are common to every person no matter who you are performing for. So if you can connect with them on one or more of these emotions, you can get that audience member to really relate to you because they are remembering a similar situation when they too had that exact same emotion or situation happen to them. They can relate. For example, your act could be all about this guy at night who is just trying to reach a bus to get home. It is late and he misses his bus and the entire world seems to be passing him buy. He sits on a bench to wait for the next bus and turns on his radio. He drifts off to sleep only to awake moments later. He realizes that magic starts happening to him even though he does not know exactly why it is. Through out the act the magic that happens to him causes him to smile and to realize that life is full of wonder even if we may not always see it. Now this is just a very vague example but you can see how the entire act could be a routine but now you are relating to them a story of a very well defined character with a well defined theme. You give them an emotional response to the act because most can relate to being in a similar situation in their own life. They can relate to being alone, being scared or not knowing what to do in their lives. They start to relate to the character you are presenting. In this way they relate better to what you are doing on stage. Now sometimes emotional response can also be called a "personality piece" as they are both very similar in structure and purpose. Both are pieces of magic that are performed for your audience that really plays upon an emotional response from them. This is done so that it really allows the audience to see that you are human and you share the same things they share, have the same desires, the same worries and experiences. This personality piece can be a very strong piece in your show because it really gets the audience on your side and if there still is any barrier between you and them, this is sure to knock it down. The personality piece can be anything, but it usually stems from something that the audience can relate to. It usually is something that everyone in your audience may have experienced at some point in their own life. Because of this, they can relate to you and to your magic that you are sharing with them. I have several personality pieces that I have created over the years and use in various shows that I do. However, be cautious of just when in your show you use a personality piece or emotional response. You must not do it too early in the show. The audience is not ready for it yet. You must first establish your skills, let them see who you are, welcome them, build that trust and only when that has happened should you place in your personality piece. This subject of emotional response and personality pieces is something I have been studying and applying with my magic for a few years now. It really has helped me connect with my audience on a new level and to really bring them in closer to the entire experience of the magic I present. Also, part of it derived from a simple happy accident. See as a child I learned I was losing my hearing and by age 14 or so I realized I would never hear normal ever again. By the time I was in my 20's I was over 60% deaf in both ears. I now wear hearing aids and even though it does help me a great deal, I will never ever hear 100% again. Many people so long ago never ever thought I would be able to do magic. Many times I heard that you will not be able to do it the way you want to do it because you will never hear the sounds you need to hear or your audience helpers. I never gave up though. Even though I was told this many times I was determined to be a magician. It was not something I wanted to do it was something I HAD to do. Well now that I have reached my dreams, I felt that I needed to share part of this story... MY STORY... with the audiences I perform for. With this in mind about 5 years ago I developed a personality piece that deals with this on a magical and emotional level. It is in a sense a routine that I perform at every show I do and even though it is simplistic in nature, the story I openly share with my audiences and the magic that follows with it, opens so many eyes and hearts in a way that is very hard to describe. I did it one show on a whim. I just felt that I needed to share a bit more of who I was and what I have been through. And ever since that first personality piece (or emotional response piece) there have been some amazing stories that people tell me after the shows about that very routine I perform in my show. I have memories of just how it has touched certain people and how to some of them, it had directly changed their lives as well. In a way a personality piece or emotional response can really work to not only add to the magical experience but to really allow your audiences to know who you are. When you do this, you can see the audience drawn more to you and the wall that stands between you and the audience does indeed crumble away. I am not saying all emotional response acts or personality pieces need to be this way. However, I felt it important for my audience to really know who I am. I connect with the audience and through the emotions I openly share with them, they connect with me. I connect with them and the show just seems to mend. Now emotional response does not always have to be a sad thing. Do not get me wrong. Emotional response simply means that you are conveying something on stage that through your actions and presentation conveys an emotional reaction from the audience watching. In many ways, this can indeed be joy or happiness. It can even be magic relating to something in your life that everyone else can possibly relate to. When you sit down and think about it emotional response is nothing new at all. It is done all the time in movies and plays that you watch or go see. Why is it that you feel a certain way after a movie or after a part in a play? It is directly related to what you are seeing on stage or on the screen. Even though a trick may not be performed, magic is happening because it is affecting the way you are thinking. That is a pretty strong piece of magic if you can grab a hold of it and apply it to your magic acts or show. 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. Las Vegas Magic - March, 2007 -------------------------------------------- Message from David Neubauer (http://www.dnmagic.com) Production Shows: Amazing Johnathan 10 pm, (Dark Thurs.), Sahara. http://www.saharavegas.com/shows/amazingjohnathon.html Beacher's Madhouse Christopher Karpiak, Chuck Lane, Tyas Frantz 9 pm pre-show. Last Saturday of each month. Hard Rock. (Starting March 31st) Bite (Vampire Strip Revue) Antonio Restivo 10:30 pm (dark Thurs.) Stratosphere. www.bitelasvegas.com Criss Angel - Cirque du Soleil Luxor Hotel and Casino. (Scheduled to open February, 2008) David Copperfield 7:30 & 10 pm, 4:30 Sat. & some Sun. MGM Grand. March 22- April 19. http://mgm.admission.com/cgi/guide.cgi?l=EN Gerry McCambridge - The Mentalist 8:00 pm (Dark Fri. & Sat.) - Rampart Casino. Haunted Vegas Tour & Show Robert Allen, Jac Hayden & Zamora - Greek Isle. 9:00 pm tour and show (Dark Fri.) $10 off coupon: http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponhauntedvegas.html Jason Bird The Shops in Desert Passage - Aladdin. Main stage, near the "V" Theater, Thursday - Monday Various times from 1:15 pm. to 8:15 pm. - Free. La Femme Stephan Vanel 8 & 10:30 pm, (Dark Tues.), MGM Grand. http://www.mgmgrand.com/pages_html/entertainment_lafemme_lafemme.asp Lance Burton, Master Magician 7 pm Tues - Sat & 10 pm Tues. & Sat. Monte Carlo. http://www.montecarlo.com/entertainment/lance.aspx Mac King Comedy Magic Show 1 & 3 pm, (Dark Sun. & Mon.) Harrah's Clint Holmes Theater. http://www.mackingshow.com Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show 2 pm, (Dark Fri. & Sun.) V Theater in the Desert Passage - Aladdin. Penn & Teller 9 pm, (Dark Tues.), Rio. http://www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/rlv/entertainment/entertainment_detail_00.html Phenomenon Hans Klok (with Carmen Electra) Aladdin. (Scheduled to open May 12th for a 13 week run.) Steve Wyrick 7 & 9 pm. Desert Passage, Aladdin. The Magic of Rick Thomas 2 & 4 & 7 pm, (Dark various days), Orleans. http://www.orleanscasino.com/entertainment/index.html The Ultimate Variety Showcase 8 pm - Midnight every Tuesday. Free. Magicians: Christopher Karpiak and "S". http://www.samstownlv.com/entertainment/event.cfm?EventID=332 Roxy's Live - Sam's Town V, The Ultimate Variety Show Jeff Hobson, Nathan & Sarah - www.vtheshow.com 7:30 & 9 pm, Aladdin. 2 for 1 coupon: http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponvshow.html World's Greatest Magic Show Kevin James, Kozak and guest stars. Billy Fergueson (pre-show). 6 pm Sat. - Thurs., 8:15 Fri., Greek Isle. http://www.greatestmagicshow.com February Guest Stars: Losander, Shimshi, Adrian Solare, Mike Michaels, Roy Shank. Xtreme Magic Starring Dirk Arthur Tiffany Theatre, Tropicana 2 and 4 pm. (Dark Fri.) $10 off coupon: http://www.vegas4locals.com/Coupontropicana_dirk.html Jamie Porter's Radio Side Show Sat @ 5 am, KLAV FM 1230. Restaurants: Eric Allan Outback Steakhouse (Green Valley), Fri. & Sat. Jayden LaCross TGI Fridays, Wed. & Sun. Las Vegas Magic Organizations I.B.M. #257: 7 pm 1st Monday of each month. http://www.ring257.com Darwin's Magic Club meets every Wednesday. Both meet at: Boomers, 3200 Sirius Ave. February, 2007 February 23-25: Master Class. McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger. http://www.magicalwisdom.com March, 2007 March 20-22: Worker's Mid-Week Master Class. McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger. http://www.magicalwisdom.com April, 2007 April 23-29: Extended Master Class. McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger. http://www.magicalwisdom.com June, 2007 June 10-12: The Las Vegas Magic Invitational - Palace Station Jason England, Jon Armstrong, Jeff McBride, Wayne Dobson, Gaston Quieto, Gregory Wilson and more. www.LVMI.net July, 2007 July 16-22: Extended Master Class. McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger. http://www.magicalwisdom.com August, 2007 August 16-22: Extended Master Class. McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger. http://www.magicalwisdom.com August 19-22: MAGIC Live! - The Orleans. http://www.magicmagazine.com September, 2007 September 14-16: Master Class. McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger. http://www.magicalwisdom.com October, 2007 October 23-26: Magic & Meaning Conference; MAGIC AND THE ART OF STORYTELLING, McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, George Parker, Special Guest: Robert Neale. http://www.magicalwisdom.com -------------------------------------------- 8. The Fourth Magic Circle Heritage Weekend -------------------------------------------- Message from Chris Woodward (UK) 2 & 3 June 2007 Dedicated to the memory of John Salisse CBE - Saturday 2 June - 10.30am - 5.30pm: The 32nd Collectors' Day With top international speakers Arranged by Eddie Dawes and Peter Lane Tickets (including coffee, light lunch and tea) £32.00 6.30pm - 10pm: John Fisher presents A Tribute To Channing Pollock A celebration featuring surprise guests Tickets (including buffet supper) £37.50 * * * - Sunday 3 June - 10.30am - 11.30am: Christopher Woodward presents The Amazing Fogel 'In Search of the Sensational' 12.00 noon - 12.30pm: 'Educating Archie' A celebration of the famous radio show starring ventriloquist Peter Brough With personal appearance of Brough's famous partner, Archie Andrews 9.00am - 1.30pm: Auction Viewing 2.30 - 5.30pm: The Heritage Auction A sale of quality material of interest to both collectors and performers Auctioneer: Henry Lewis Sale Manager: Tim Reed Auction Catalogue (includes admittance to the auction And Sunday morning events) £12.00 Admission to all events including Auction & Sunday morning presentations:  Inclusive ticket only £75.00 The Heritage Auction Catalogue, and tickets for Collectors' Day & A Tribute to Channing Pollock can be purchased separately. See prices above. Reservations and enquiries to Heritage Weekend Reservations The Magic Circle The Centre for the Magic Arts 12, Stephenson Way, London, NW1 2HD, UK Tel: 020 7387 2222 Fax 020 7387 5114 Email cma@themagiccircle.co.uk Payment may be made by cheque (payable to The Magic Circle) or by Visa/MasterCard. All events will be held in The Centre for the Magic Arts. The Magic Circle reserves the right to refuse entry. Programme subject to alteration All Events Are Open To Non-Members Of The Magic Circle ----------------- 9. IBM Competition Prize Money - Close-Up And Stage - $5,000 Each ----------------- Message from Mike Durant Head Judge I.B.M Convention Contests I just wanted to let all your readers know about some exciting news. The International Brotherhood of Magicians has decided to increase the prize money for the Close-Up and Stage contests to $5,000 each starting this year. We are all very excited about this great leap forward and are looking forward to an amazing contest lineup in both areas this year. More information about this great news will be available on the I.B.M. website: 'www.magician.org.' just as soon as we can get everything finalized. And on a more personal note, if you are planning to attend the convention in Reno this year and would like to have 'the best seat in the house', drop me a line. We are always looking for talented folks to help us judge the contests. You can let me know of your desire by dropping me a line at 'miked@magician.org'. Hope to see you all there! -------------------------------------------- 10. Howard Flint And The Bowling Ball -------------------------------------------- Message from Dan Garrett (US) I'm going to miss my good friend Howard Flint. Howard conceived the idea of the "Bowling Ball from Briefcase." However, the method and construction of the briefcase was done by Doty?, revered in Georgia and Atlanta's magic guru. Doty? (with the question mark) is also known as J. C. Doty. He has many claims to fame, another being that he built the Tom-Foolery Magic Bar Theatre here in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. He also invented the Doty-Scope (periscope with moving eyeball) comedy prop. Howard Flint lived and worked in Atlanta for several years. He saved the life of escape artists Mike Russo. Some may recall the incident when Mr. Russo was performing an upside-down strait jacket escape, with burning rope, no safety bags or fail-safe gaffus in the rope, above the paved parking lot at the once Punchline Comedy & Magic Club. Howard was in attendance as this publicity stunt went horribly wrong in gusting winds. The rope burned too quickly and broke prematurely. Howard was too far away to completely break the fall. Luckily he anticipated the disaster enough to provide a glancing blow to the falling Mike Russo which prevenedt Russo from landing squarely on his head. Even so, Russo suffered severe brain damage. The event was recreated on the US television 'reality' show "Rescue 911." Thanks to Howard Flint, Mike Russo is still alive today and leading a productive life, still performing magic (but thankfully, not escapes). Howard Flint could be credited with several original magical ideas. Another important contribution is Flint's "Drop Through Release Move" with linking rings. -------------------------------------------- 11. Dickens Parlour Theatre -------------------------------------------- Message from Dan Garrett (US) The Dickens Parlour Theatre has opened its doors at the Tropicana Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, to thrill audiences who love magic. The intimate 25-seat theatre is offering the best magic talent. I was fortunate to be among the first magicians who have worked this venue, along with my peers Rich Bloch, Andrew Goldenhersh, Mark Phillips and Ron Jeffries. Producer Rich Bloch invited me to perform the week of the Super Bowl, beginning January 29. The theatre is a wonderful space in which to perform, reminiscent of working the Parlor at the Magic Castle, and it is conveniently located next door to Magic Masters in the Tropicana. As I speak, there are even more improvements going into this space, including a completely revamped set, with bookcases and such, to look like a vintage period 'parlour,' and a fantastic rarely-seen "Transporter" illusion built into the stage which will allow the performer to materialize onstage right before the eyes of the audience. New lighted signage is also coming, to attract attention. So named because the great author of English literature Charles Dickens (hence the English spelling of "Parlour") was also an avid amateur magician who performed magic shows for his friends in his own parlour, the Dickens Parlour Theatre will hopefully be growing in fame soon by leaps and bounds. I enjoyed giving shows there to very appreciative (although sometimes small) audiences. I had a fun time giving a lecture as well, which was videotaped by magic videographer Ken Norris. This video will presumably be offered in the future over the Internet on a pay-per-view basis. Because of the off-season in Atlantic City right now, and publicity for the Theatre is in the beginning stages, it is currently fairly easy to get a ticket to the shows. However, I feel that as the traffic builds and the word gets out, it will be harder and harder to get a ticket. So go visit now, if you have a chance. I have just received some more pertinent information from the producers at Dickens Parlour Theatre, as follows: Here is a schedule of upcoming performers and lecturers for Dickens Parlour Theatre. Feb. 12 thru 18 - Kevin Bethea Feb. 19 thru 25 - Michael Ammar Feb. 26 thru Mar. 4 - Bob Sheets Mar. 5 thru 11 - Farrell Dillon Mar. 12 thru 18 - Suzanne Mar. 19 thru 31 - Jonathan Pendragon Some of these performers will be giving a lecture. Lectures are scheduled for Saturdays at 2:00 PM and the cost is $20. Shows are seven days a week and tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children 16 and under. If you will be attending a regular show and present an IBM or SAM membership card, you will receive a $5 discount. Discount is for regular shows only and does not apply to Lectures. For showtimes and reservations call (609) 449-1800. Dickens Parlour Theatre is located in the "Quarter" at the Tropicana Resort and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The producers will be announcing the names of other Domestic and International magicians who will be performing at Dickens in the near future. -------------------------------------------- 12. S.A.M. 2007 Convention Update Podcast Is Now Online -------------------------------------------- Message from George Schindler - Dean - the Society of American Magicians The new S.A.M. 2007 Convention Update podcast is now online at www.samconvention.blogspot.com Emmy Award winning television reporter Jeff Crilley previews his dynamic seminar on how to get FREE PUBLICITY on television for your magic career! Jeff's seminar is scheduled for Saturday, July 10 at the S.A.M. Convention in Dallas, TX. Click the Jeff Crilley interview at www.samconvention.blogspot.com For more information on the S.A.M. 2007 Convention, please visit www.magicsam.com -------------------------------------------- 13. Early-Bird Registration For MAGIC Live Has Been Extended -------------------------------------------- Message from Stan Allen (US) We've just received our advance copies of the March issue of MAGIC Magazine, featuring Tony Clark on cover, plus a look back at the amazing and death-defying life of Maurice Fogel, a report on Germany's Magic Theatre Festival, how Howard Thurston gets a facelift, a profile of one of the best kept secrets in magic, and our 2007/2008 Convention Guide. One television item has come in since we went to press: The CBS program CSI: NY was in Las Vegas the week of February 5 to shoot a magic-themed episode. The popular series stars Gary Sinise as detective Mac Taylor, a former Marine Corps officer who conducts investigations according to Veneziano's everything-is-connected theory of quantum physics, and Melina Kanakaredes as detective Stella Bonaserra. Look for the magic episode to air February 28, at 10 p.m. And now, a short message from our sponsor: Early-Bird Registration for MAGIC Live! has been extended until Sunday, February 25, at 11:59 p.m. The reason is that I'm currently at the World Magic Seminar, then leaving immediately for Blackpool, England. So, we'll hold the reduced rate until the stroke of twelve on Sunday, but then it goes from $320 to $370. I realize that MAGIC Live! is more expensive than most other magic conventions, however, I feel strongly that it's worth it. But don't take my word for it, ask anyone you know who attended in 2001 or 2004. And when you add it all up, MAGIC Live! is a bargain. Here's how it breaks out: Our Early-Bird Registration is $320, and four nights at The Orleans will run you an additional $236 ($59 per night, plus tax). So, the cost of registration and hotel adds up to $556. And only $438 if you share a room! Compared to the combined registration and room rate of other major conventions (and don't forget the free lecture notes), this four-day "unconventional convention" is a money-saver. As of this morning, we have less than 200 spaces left. That means, over 75% of all registrations are already gone. So, 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. Thanks! -------------------------------------------- 14. ASM Inc. Centenary Convention Update -------------------------------------------- Message from Charles Gauci President ASM Inc. The ASM Inc. Committee, wish to thank all the "early bird registrants" for their support. Here is some additional information regarding the convention. The two raffles for convention entry have been drawn. Congratulations to R. Wibberley (Vic), S. Coronel (Vic), T. Heath (Vic), T. Stevens (Vic) and A. Watson (NZ) who were winners in the first raffle and will be attending the convention for $70 each. Congratulations to A. Holmes (SA), J. Hirt (NSW) and A. Wilson (NZ) who won the second raffle and will be attending the convention for $100 each. From the 1st March the full registration for adults will cost $330. Registration costs for juniors and university students will be $190 and a magician's spouse - $230. Minimum age for registrants is 10 years old. The full registration cost will include the following: A convention bag with a notepad and pen. A soft backed copy of Brian McCullagh's "Deception Down Under - A Look at Magic in Australia" A registration badge with program guide. Morning and afternoon tea or coffee for the three days. One ticket to the "International Magic Spectacular Show" on Saturday night at the Besen Theatre for every registrant. Appearing at the public show will be Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Shawn Farquhar, Gaetan Bloom, Shoot Ogawa, Lennart Green, Ross Skiffington, Raymond Crowe, Phil Cass and Steve Walker. Additional public show tickets are available. Prices are: Adults - $30 each. Family packages, include 2 adults and 2 children - $60. Additional children's tickets - $15 each. Special Offer No. 1 - For every 20 adult seats reserved for the Saturday night "International Magic Spectacular" you will receive a free ticket to the Sunday Night Banquet saving you $100. Simply e-mail the required number of tickets to charlesg@ozemail.com.au or phone your requirements to Charles Gauci at Int. 61 3 9431 2900 or simply drop us a line with your requirements. Payments in full for reserved seating's are required by the 1st June. Please include your name and contact details including your telephone number. Reservations will be made on a first come first served basis. The banquet will be held on Sunday Night 8th July at the ANZ Pavilion hall at the Arts Centre in St Kilda Road Melbourne. Top class entertainment will be provided. Banquet cost is $100 per person for adults and children and is additional to the convention registration cost. A three course meal and wine is included in the menu. Payments must be made in full by the 1st June. Seating is limited to 280 persons. Table settings will seat 10 persons to each table. Special Offer No.2 - For every table that you book, you will receive a free ticket to the banquet. So, for every nine tickets that you sell you will receive one free ticket. Book two tables and you and your wife/partner will go to the banquet free. Why not invite your friends and make up a party? There will be no reserved seating for the lectures. However rest assured that because of the tiered seats you will get a perfect view regardless of where you will be sitting. The maximum distance from the stage will be 6 rows back. Close-up performers and competitors will be projected on a full size cinemascope screen. Competitions: There will be two competitions held comprising of Close-up competition and a Stage competition. There will not be a junior's competition. However, juniors will be permitted to compete if they so desire provided that the act is of a high professional standard. Final acceptances will be decided by the convention committee. Lunch and Dinner - Within two hundred meters of The Besen Centre are six restaurants which will provide take away meals or a la carte service. Interstate and Overseas Guests - Shuttle buses will ferry registrants from/to the Victoria Hotel daily. Exact times of the shuttle service will be notified at a later date. Friday 6th July 8pm - An informal get together will be held at the mezzanine level at the Victoria Hotel in Little Collins Street. The bar will be open and drink prices are very reasonable. Come and join in and see and perform some great bar magic and get a chance to catch up with all your friends. Everybody is welcome. A registration package will be posted to all registrants who are asked to pass it on to any magician who might be interested in attending the convention. Should you require additional packages please let us know. Progressive payments. If you are on the 4x$70 plan, payments are due 1st Feb, 1st Mar and 1st May. If you are on the $100+$90+$90 plan, then payments are due 1st Mar and 1st May. If you plan on attending the banquet, then this must be paid for by 1st May at the latest. Should you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact me at charlesg@ozemail.com.au Charles Gauci President ASM Inc. -------------------------------------------- 15. Proposed Program ASM Inc. Centenary Convention -------------------------------------------- Message from Charles Gauci President ASM Inc. 7-9th July 2007 (Subject to Change) Saturday, 7th July 8.30 am - Shuttle Buses from Victoria Hotel to Besen Centre 9.00 - 11.00 am - Registration Opens 11.00 - 12.00 pm - Shawn Farquhar Lecture 12.00 - 1.30 pm - Lunch Break 1.30 - 2.30 pm - Lennart Green Lecture 2.30 - 3.00 pm - Tea Break 3.00 - 4.00 pm - Eugene Burger Lecture 4.00 - 7.00 pm - Dealers Open 8.00 - 10.15 pm - Public Show 10.30 pm - Buses return to city Sunday, 8th July 9.00 - 9.30 am - Dealers Open 9.30 -11.00 am - Close-up Competition 11.00 - 11.30 am - Tea Break 11.30 - 12.30 pm - Jeff McBride Lecture 12.30 - 2.00 pm - Lunch Break 2.00 - 3.00 pm - Gaetan Bloom Lecture 3.00 - 3.30 pm - Tea Break 3.30 - 4.30 pm - Shoot Ogawa Lecture 4.30 - 5.30 pm 5.45 pm - Buses return to city 8.00 pm - Banquet at the Arts Centre St. Kilda Rd. Melbourne Monday, 9th July 9.00 -10.00 am - Dean Atkinson Lecture 10.15 -11.15am - Stage Competition I 11.15 -11.45 am - Tea Break 11.45 -12.45 pm - Stage Competition II 12.30 - 1.30 pm - Lunch Break 1.30 - 3.00 pm - Close-up Show 3.00 - 3.30 pm - Tea Break 3.30 - 4.15 pm - Prizes & Special Presentations 4.30 -5.30 pm - Farewell Party - Bar Opens at the Besen Centre 5.30 pm - Buses return to Victoria Hotel -------------------------------------------- 16. Jay Marshall Magic Collection Auction -------------------------------------------- Contacts: David Meyer, meyerbooks@sbcglobal.net (708)757-4950 Gabe Fajuri, gfajuri@ameritech.net, (773) 489-7445 The legendary magic collection of entertainer Jay Marshall will be sold at auction on Saturday, May 5, 2007, at the Hyatt Regency Woodfield Hotel in Schaumburg, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Jay Marshall (1919-2005), whose career included performances in vaudeville, nightclubs, TV and on Broadway, assembled one of the finest collections of magic-related material of the 20th century. The collection includes books, posters, magic props, and memorabilia touching on 300 years of magic history. At his death, a portion was donated to the American Museum of Magic. However, an outstanding selection of rare and collectible books, posters and ephemera will be offered at this sale. Highlights: Posters and autographed books of Houdini, including books from his personal library. A 1781 edition of Hocus Pocus and other important 18th- and 19th - century magic books. Books signed and inscribed by Professor Hoffmann. Many modern books inscribed by their authors to Jay Marshall. Ephemera and publicity materials of Herrmann, Kellar, Thurston, Blackstone and others, including scrapbooks, photos, handbills, postcards, throwout cards, etc. Auction Catalog: A descriptive and illustrated catalog for the auction will be available on-line on April 1st at www.squashpublications.com and a print version for sale by mail from: Jay Marshall Auction c/o Meyerbooks P.O. Box 427 Glenwood, IL 60425 Or Jay Marshall Auction c/o Squash Publishing 2903 N. Richmond Chicago, IL 60618 ----------------- 17. Balloons Around The World 2007 ----------------- Message from Jeff Brown Balloons Around The World Coordinator Juneau, Alaska The website is up! Now you, your pals, and people who aren't even yet your pals can sign up to be part of the fun this year! The 8th Annual Balloons Around The World event will be on or about Wednesday, October 3rd, 2007. Be part of the worldwide fun! http://www.balloonsaroundtheworld.com/ Thanks to John Barthelmes, Larry Moss, and the folks at Balloon HQ for making the Internet connection (and thusly the whole event!) possible. Have fun! In fact, have so much fun that it catches on to other people! ----------------- 18. 20th Annual Magic Jamboree ----------------- Message from Stan Kramien (US) It is hard to believe that his will be our 20th annual magic jamboree. Now held in our own beautiful venue at big top ranch in the wine country of Oregon. Dates are April 27 and 28, and we are selling out fast. The unique feature of the jamboree is that your registation gives you not only the great evening star studded shows, seven lectures, 20 dealers, a auction, food and drinks are on the house including our big Texas style steak bar b que. The Las Vegas rat pack of magic will be there and the talent list goes on and on. Please visit the webpage, magicjamboree.com You can register on line using any major credit card, and Pay Pal. Parking on site and also camp grounds. Contact e-mail stankramien@yahoo.com ----------------- 19. Australian Magicians Working On Cruise Ships ----------------- Message from Timothy Hyde (Aust) Continuing the Australian magicians working on cruise ship thread of last week. I've just got home from working my third 10 day leg for the worlds #1 rated small cruise line, SilverSeas. 10 days cruising New Zealand's incredible Fiordland area and a glassy smooth crossing back home across the sometimes frighteningly rough Tasman Sea. Life at sea can be tough, especially on a six star liner, with free alcohol & immense gourmet food served all day long, or direct to your suite, which on this ship is larger than several homes I've lived in. As every cruise ship performer knows, fitness can be a challenge, both physical and mental! ----------------- 20. Busker Festival - Auckland's Oldest Pitch? ----------------- Message from Timothy Hyde (Aust) A quick thanks to Nick Nickolas for taking the time to write up the Busker Festival. Nick's festival and convention reports are always a great read and you can almost smell the sweat, beer and lighter fluid. Regarding his comment that "Vulcan Lane, arguably Auckland's oldest pitch. Martin Ewen? Lurk!? played it 20yrs ago," 30 years ago, (1978-79 and yes I'm feeling old), I would often busk with a magic/fire/juggling act, both at the City (Victoria?) Market entrance and the just opened Parnell Village complex. There were several spots up there that were fantastically profitable on weekends. ----------------- 21. The Amazing Orchante Saga ----------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Page 143 Derek Metzger "The Biggest Talent and The Littlest Ego" So wrote one very respected actress about Derek! I wholeheartedly agree with her sentiments! Derek is one of the quietest, most unassuming men I know, who is very modest about his achievements. Case in point; the other week I was on the telephone to Sally (his wife) and Derek in Sydney Australia, having a very extended chat, and Sally was telling me about an award that Derek had been nominated for in Australia when, down the line came this cry of anguish and embarrassment as Derek, listening in on the extension, howled - "Awwww, SALLY"!!! I'm quite sure that if we'd both had a videophone set up, the screen would have gone a lovely shade of - 'Blush'! Derek was born in Invercargill, New Zealand in 1962 but spent most of his early years in Dunedin, the economic and cultural capital of the South Island. Dunedin lies in Otago harbour, a natural harbour reaching far inland, surrounded by hills and mountains. Dun Edin is the Gaelic name for Edinburgh: the name is a reminder that the city was founded by Scottish immigrants, who originally thought of calling it: New Edinburgh. It is amazing that Derek doesn't roll his 'R's, the custom of Dunedin - ites! He first came to national attention when he won a television talent quest called 'The Entertainers'; unfortunately Derek, only 15 years old, was too young to take the major part of the prize, which was representing New Zealand at the Asian Song Festival. So the following year, when another contest: 'The Singer For Asia' was run on television, again looking for a representative from New Zealand, he entered, and won! This time as the winner, and being the 'Ripe Old Age Of 16' (old enough to go), he went to Hong Kong, and was the runner-up. After that, Derek appeared on every light entertainment TV show in N.Z., and was asked to join Howard Morrison and Co., to tour the U. S. A., representing the New Zealand governments' tourism drive. Sir Howard (as he is now) was the leader of New Zealand's most famous Quartet during the late Fifties and Early Sixties - 'The Howard Morrison Quartet'. They disbanded around the 1965/66. I am holding in my hands a record album that was recorded live at the Christchurch town hall, on the 17th August, 1975. It is entitled: 'The Howard Morrison Quartet - Return of a legend'. The occasion was to celebrate Howard Morrison's 40th birthday and 20 years in show business. There are two cover notes on the back cover; one is written by John Berry, who was, for more years than I care remember, the Entertainment Columnist for the Zealand Herald. This is what he wrote in the first paragraph. Quote: "In an industry like Show Business in which wildly exaggerated claims abound, it is difficult to express in simple terms the unique place the Howard Morrison Quartet held in New Zealand Entertainment. Certainly, it would not be possible to exaggerate the strength of their drawing power or the public impact they achieved" Unquote. It came as a shock when I realised that Howard turned 67 in August of this year, 2002. I first worked with the 'Boys' at the Xmas/New Year concerts of 1960/61 at the Mount Maunganui Soundshell, performing hypnotism. I was just 'sweet' ahem, 17yrs of age! After that 'little' interlude, it's back to Derek. When he returned to New Zealand from the U. S A., he was given his own one-hour TV special called: 'Derek and Friends'. By this time, not surprisingly, he was a household name and a move up to Auckland city, the hub of N.Z. entertainment, was inevitable. Derek was 18 years old, and the year was 1980 when he arrived at the Auckland airport, where he was met by Sally Phillips, who was working for 'Fullers Entertainment Bureau'. Little did he know that he had just met his future wife, and that six years later, they would be married in London, England! With Lew Pryme as his personal manager, Derek became part of the 'Fullers Family', which included a select group of other well-known performers at the time. One of them was female vocalist, Tina Cross. She and Derek performed a duet at the Pacific Song Contest in Canada, where they won the 'Outstanding Performance Award'. Derek was also voted 'N.Z.'s Rising Star' by N E O A ( New Zealand Entertainment Operator's Association) in the same year - 1980; a busy year for a young chap with a wonderful voice, who was starting to climb his way up the ladder of international success. Continues next week - PS Derek was entertaining on the Queen Mary 2, which has just berthed in Sydney! -------------------------------------------- 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