* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #492 Date: Sunday 29th April 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. Update On Max Maven’s Bypass Surgery 3. Where Is Christopher Reeseman Of Encore Magic?? 4. Advertising In The ASM Inc. Centenary Convention Program 5. 'Remarkable Magic' #4 - Nick Lewin 6. Overcoming Stage Freight - By Kyle Peron 7. Art And Illusion Fest 8. The Holy Land Assembly 184 - Israel 9. Las Vegas Magic - May, 2007 10. Carmen Electra Has Backed Out Of An Engagement 11. Hans Klok - The Beauty of Magic - Pamela Anderson 12. Information Required On Australian Magician 13. Concerned About The Health Of Bruce Cervon 14. Performing His Version - Birth Of A Pearl Illusion 15. Colombini Products Only Available Directly From Us 16. Hilford Lecture & Workshop In Sydney 17. Wayne Rogers - 'Rising Clipboard' 18. NZ Skeptics To Find Someone To Deliver A Presentation 19. An Evening Of Magic & Mirth 20. The Amazing Orchante Saga 21. e-zine Archives 22 . Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- As of last week Magic New Zealand has now over 12,000+ Subscribers around the world. ----------------------------------- Nick Lewin wanted to let everybody know that his new website is now up and running. He has now integrated it with a video channel on YouTube. He has been getting some great feedback on his videos. Nick  has just uploaded some great new footage including a great clip of legendary English Mentalist Al Koran on the Ed Sullivan Show. There is also a new addition to the VirtualMcComb section that features a great movie Billy made called ‘Presto.’ Check it out-- bookmark the site or subscribe to the video channel to see some great upcoming videos The address of the website is http://www.NickLewin.com direct access to my YouTube channel is http://www.youtube.com/nicklewin1 ----------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. Update On Max Maven’s Bypass Surgery -------------------------------------------- Message from Dale Hindman (US) The latest we have on Max is that the surgery went fine, he is recovering, and seeing visitors. I would surmise he will be coming home today or over the weekend. --------------- Editor - You can e-mail Max a get well message to: MaxMaven@aol.com -------------------------------------------- 3. Where Is Christopher Reeseman Of Encore Magic?? -------------------------------------------- Message from Robert Segal I am writing to you regarding Christopher Reeseman of Encore Magic. Basically, it seems he has dropped out from the magic world! As far as I know, he is a brilliant magic engineer and builder of fine magic such as the McComb Slow Motion Birdcage Vanish, along with a number of other custom items such as Michael Ammar Cups & Balls, Chain Penetration, Billy McComb Table, and the list goes on and on. Thing is, I sent him my Dante Sword Thru Neck over a year ago for repair and refurbishment. He's been stringing me along for over a year by promising me the job would be done in a matter of days, or "by next week". I've put up with his stringing me along since I figured he was one of a few people who could do the job, and he sounded so very sincere and personable during our numerous telephone conversations. In any case, his telephone has been disconnected for a few months now, and he is no longer returning any of my e-mails. Disturbingly, his elaborate website for his magic shop is disabled! www.encoremagic.com I was wondering if anyone knows what happened to Christopher Reeseman?! I'm concerned not only because he has an invaluable, discontinued Dante Sword Thru Neck of mine, but also for his well-being. If anyone should have any contact information on him, kindly forward it to me. Magically, Robert Segal rober@robermagic.com www.robermagic.com (954) 647-5752 -------------------------------------------- 4. Advertising In The ASM Inc. Centenary Convention Program -------------------------------------------- Message from Charles Gauci (Aust) Advertising in the ASM Inc. Centenary Convention Program 7-8-9 July 2007 As this is such a historic occasion we believe that the Centenary Convention program will generate a great interest amongst collectors from all over the world. Magicians and clubs are encouraged to place a welcome or congratulatory advertisement to all attendees. You should seriously consider including your photo in the advertisement. It is a great opportunity to let the world know that you exist and at the least it will record your name as a performer for posterity’s sake. Full colour page A4 costs AUS$150, half page $80 and quarter page $40. Deadline for advertisements is 30th June. Our website at www.magicians.org.au has payment details or send final copy of your advertisement on CD/DVD with payment to Brian Pleasants 7 Craig Court Cheltenham Vic. 3192. Cheques are only accepted from within Australia. All other payments are via Visa, MasterCard or PayPal. -------------------------------------------- 5. 'Remarkable Magic' #4 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from - Nick Lewin (US) Peter Reveen: Here Comes The Knight. I was working in a little magic shop in Pasadena in the mid 70s called ‘The Magic Wand.’ It was a great job that still stands as my only non-performing gig ever. The store had been founded by Lynn Searles and was then being run by his widow Lee. Lynn had been shot in his own store attempting to avert a robbery. It goes to prove that it is almost always better to give a thief what he wants but Lynn was not just a magician but also a distinguished western author and he went out with his gun blazing. One of the big excitements in the store was when we received the press material about the upcoming tour of ‘Reveen: the Impossiblist.’ It was an amazingly impressive flyer with a dramatic picture of Raveen superimposed on a vivid red background. If you were a magician and saw the flyer you just had to see the show. Period. Within a week someone had sent a piece of publicity to the store promoting themself as an Impossiblist! They even had the bright red background but instead of the beautiful color likeness that Reveen’s flyer featured was a black and white photo of a seriously weedy looking older gentleman in glasses. Hmm, so much for imitation being the sincerest form of flattery-- sometimes it is just plain dumb! I went to see the Reveen show and it was indeed a splendid production filled with wonderful magic and illusion. However what will always stick in my mind as the highlight was Raveen’s amazing presentation of the Knight’s Tour. It was an incredible piece of presentation and theater. Even if you had no idea of what chess was, or why a knight looked like a horse, it was a stone cold show-stopping piece of magic. I loved it. The large red and white chess board with the magnetic pieces looked as dramatic as a stage set behind Reveen as he stood center stage calling out the moves in a voice that would have been perfectly in place reciting Shakespeare at the Old Vic in London. The moves were called out so fast that Coral had to move like a whirling dervish to keep the position of the knight on the board correct! By the time the routine was finished the entire audience breathed a collective sigh of relief and burst into spontaneous applause. It was an amazingly effective interlude in the show. That was quite a few years ago now: I have since had the pleasure to get to know Peter a little and he is a very remarkable man. Peter Reveen has an amazing capacity to devote his time and talents to charitable causes without ever seeming in the least bit anxious to receive any recognition for his efforts. The showman is never too far away from the surface with Peter Reveen but it is balanced delicately with a very humble and sincere person who seems to have seen it all and done it all and now wants to give something back. What a refreshing combination this is. I have two wonderful memories of Peter Reveen that I will always treasure. One was having breakfast with Peter and Billy McComb at ‘The Greens’ in Las Vegas and getting to sit back and listen to stories of their escapades in magic. Their histories combined to create an almost definitive history of contemporary magic. The second memory: well that’s easy! It was watching Peter stand onstage rapping out the curiously angled path of a chess piece as it covered the board: and the spell it cast over an entire auditorium of spectators including a young British magician in the back of the theater! As always send any bricks or bouquets to nicklewin@earthlink.net and check out my video channel at http://www.youtube.com/nicklewin1 -------------------------------------------- 6. Overcoming Stage Freight - By Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message from By Kyle Peron (US) E-Mail: Magic4u02@aol.com It’s your big debut, the show is about to open, the seats are full, and sitting front and center are the client, children, and people you know. This is your big moment! It’s your chance to shine. It’s your chance to be in the limelight and feel that rush of applause. Then your hands start to sweat. Your heart starts to race. You think to yourself, “Why do I feel like I might pass out any moment”? This is a feeling we all have experienced at one point or another. It is a simple thing known as stage fright. Stage fright is very real. It can be one of the toughest hurdles that stand between your love for magic and your ability to entertain with it. You find yourself on stage and all of a sudden your ears start pounding, your throat gets tight, your mouth gets dry and your entire body tenses up. But what is really happening here? Stage fright is really the body’s way of reacting in times of stress and perceived danger. It is a human trait inherent in all of us. It is a bodily reaction whose job is to get us out of harms way and do so quickly. Understanding that stage fright is natural is the first step in learning how to combat it. So what are some things we can do to help overcome stage fright? I often find one major reason for stage fright is the fear of not being prepared. We get nervous when we are not sure things are set up. We get fearful if we are rushed. If you take the time to get there early and set up with plenty of time, then things always go much smoother. The one way to really overcome the fright is to confront it head on. Part of stage fright comes from not performing often. You can calm some of this fear by performing as often as you can. Practice really does make perfect. My advice to anyone is to build up to it gradually. Just like a ski jumper does not start off on the biggest hill...he works at it and builds up both skill and confidence. Another way to minimize the uneasy feeling is to really make sure you know your material. Go over it many times, watch yourself on video tape and learn from it. The more you know your routine, the more confidence you will have in yourself. Realize that making a mistake is only human and is how we all learn and grow. The worst thing you can do is to make a mistake and not address that mistake before the next show. Learning from your mistakes helps your next show to go smoother. I always say that failure is never failure if you learn from it. If you learn even one thing, then failure is a stepping stone to success. Most people prepare their show and props as well as their costumes. But, many stop there and forget that you must also prepare yourself, your mind and your body. I often find that backstage, I can pick a quiet spot and just focus my energies by relaxing, slow breathing and listening to good music. I also stretch my body out. This may sound silly but it really does make a difference. Your body starts to relax and your mind is put at ease. However, one of the best ways to overcome stage fright is to really love what it is you do. Being a magician can and should be a wonderful thing that excites you and that you enjoy doing. You would be amazed at how many magicians out there are miserable doing what they do. They are miserable because they are not enjoying the process of entertaining. Another tip to overcome stage fright is to remind yourself of why you are there in the first place. I always keep a sign in the lid of my case that simply reads..." SMILE!!!!!! You’re supposed to be having fun!" It is there to get me to laugh at myself and realize what is important to me. No matter how frantic or crazy I get, I see the sign and it brings me back down to earth I will leave you with what I feel is the single best thing to remember about stage fright. Always remember that your audience wants to see you succeed as much as you do yourself. 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 Chair Suspension Ebook Author http://www.magicenhancer.com/ChairSuspension.html -------------------------------------------- 7. Art And Illusion Fest -------------------------------------------- Message from Juliana Chen The art of magic returns to the Glass, or Gialino, Dinner Theater this month with a production featuring a group of leading professionals of illusion. Nine magicians, from the USA, China, Germany, France, Argentina and Armenia, make up a talented panel, under the artistic direction of Juliana Chen, the only woman in history to win the World Championship of Magic. At the Glass Dinner Theater, guests will enjoy tricks by Ed Alonzo, Charlie Frye and Company, Scott and Muriel, SOS and Victoria Petrosyan, Gaetan Bloom, Dan Sperry, and Inaki Zabaletta. Los Angeles-based Ed Alonzo is often compared to Groucho Marx and Harold Lloyd in terms of his theatrics, while Charlie Fry and his wife Sherry, based in Las Vegas, carry out a perfectly synchronized routine. Comic duo Scott and Muriel, USA/Netherlands, became the first couple to win a prize for magic, FISM Grand Prix, and the first illusionists to collaborate with the Cirque du Soleil. Despite their youth, SOS and Victoria Petrosyan, Armenia/Germany, are highly established contemporary circus performers, while Frenchman Gaetan Bloom is known for his inventiveness. American Dan Sperry works his magic with birds and lastly, Argentinean Inaki Zabaletta is a master of card tricks. At the Glass Dinner Theater, 143 Syngrou Avenue, Athens, tel 210 9315600. For more information, log on to www.gialino.gr. “Art n’Illusion 3? opens on March 14. The festival runs to April 15 -------------------------------------------- 8. The Holy Land Assembly 184 - Israel -------------------------------------------- Message from Yosi Notkowirz The 25 ISPAM & SAM 184 assembly joined convention took place between April 10-13 at the Holon Theater, near Tel Aviv. The convention Gala was opened by Nimrod Harel, who has a popular TV magic program who welcomed Bill Abbott  showed a comedy card routine, Ron Freshet who found chosen socks, Topas & Roxanne who performed with their wonderful glasses, wands, balls, candles, mental, multiplicity speakers, kids room routine, Guy Bavli with a mental act, Dalia Peled and Asi wind with cards and mental effects. The children's gala show opened with Cezi Din who performed an illusion with swords and changing on a bed, Yaniv Angel gave a musical & dancing act, Arel Papo gave sponge balls routine and a comedy water funnel, Roni Ruso performed a fire routine with wands, feathers, silks and flowers, Cris La Artists offered a comedy show with balloons and ropes, Nisim Rubin did the flying girl routine, Danni magic performed with his talking doll , and the show was closed with Tomer who did a big confetti rain effect. The lectures opened by the Israeli magicians who moved abroad: Chaim Goldenberg who lectured on simple and clever tricks, Asi Wind lectured about moving close up Guy Bavli gave a card and mental lecture, other lectures were by: Nimrod Harel and Amir Lustig lectured on magic and TV, Lior Manor lectured on business convention's magic, Pelli lectured on the magician’s prayer. Our guest lecturers were Tamariz who lectured on cards, Topas lectured on presentation secrets and Bill Abbott. In the stage competition was Liran Zaligman with the Chinese Linking Rings and a nice flying brush (Fantasia), Amit Chori with a comedy doll and doves, Shlomi with illusion changes, Alegro with multiplying vases, Shay Nasi who won the first prize with doves routine, fire and fireworks. At the final gala performed Zachi White with a body cutting illusion, Nisim with flying girl illusion, Cris La Artist with a comedy mental trick which was called him "Mentaliza". The convention was closed with a mental and close up gala with Lior Manor, Elian Agian, Amir Lustig, Arel Papo and close up first prize winner Rani. This was the biggest, longest and best convention we have had in Israel. Shalom !!! Yosi Notkowirz -------------------------------------------- 9. Las Vegas Magic - May, 2007 -------------------------------------------- Compiled by David Neubauer (http://www.dnmagic.com) Production Shows: Amazing Johnathan 10 pm, (Dark Thurs.), Sahara. Final Year http://www.saharavegas.com/shows/amazingjohnathon.html Beacher's Madhouse Christopher Karpiak, Chuck Lane, Tyas Frantz 9 pm pre-show. Last Sat. each month. Hard Rock. Bite (Vampire Strip Revue) Antonio Restivo 10:30 pm (dark Thurs.) Stratosphere. www.bitelasvegas.com Crazy Horse Paris Stephan Vanel 8 & 10:30 pm, (Dark Tues.), MGM Grand. http://www.mgmgrand.com/entertainment/crazy-horse-show.aspx Criss Angel - Cirque du Soleil Luxor Hotel and Casino. (Scheduled to open February, 2008) Dixie Dooley, Master Mystifier 7:30 & 9:30 pm (Dark Mon.), Weston Casuarina. http://www.houdiniexperience.com Gerry McCambridge - The Mentalist 8:00 pm (Dark Fri. & Sat.) - Addison's Lounge, Rampart Casino. http://www.rampartcasino.com/nightlife.htm# 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 Hans Klok - The Beauty of Magic Hans Klok (with Carmen Electra) Aladdin Theater. 7 pm & 10 pm, Thur. - Sat. Ends July 12. (Scheduled to open May 12th for a 13 week run). Previews: April 20-22 & May 10 at 7 pm. 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. 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 Steve Wyrick 7 & 9 pm. Desert Passage, Aladdin. The Magic of Rick Thomas 4 & 7 pm, (Dark Sun.), 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 Jason Byrne (most Tues. - Sat.) or Nathan Burton (most Sun. - Mon.) 7:30 & 9 pm, Aladdin - www.vtheshow.com 2 for 1 coupon: http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponvshow.html World's Greatest Magic Show Kevin James, Kozak and Guest Stars. Billy Fergeson (pre-show). 6 pm Sat. - Thurs., 8:15 Fri., Greek Isle. http://www.greatestmagicshow.com Xtreme Magic Starring Dirk Arthur Tiffany Theatre, Tropicana 2 and 4 pm. (Dark Fri.) $10 off coupon: http://www.vegas4locals.com/Coupontropicana_dirk.html Other Vegas Magic Eric Allan, Outback Steakhouse (Green Valley), Fri. & Sat. Jayden LaCross, TGI Fridays, Wed. & Sun. Jamie Porter's Radio Side Show Sat @ 5 am, KLAV FM 1230. Las Vegas Magic Organizations I.B.M. #257: 7 pm 1st Monday. http://www.ring257.com Darwin’s Magic Club meets every Wednesday. Both meet at: Boomers, 3200 Sirius Ave. Las Vegas Children’s and Family Entertainers Association 7 pm every 3rd Monday, Amazing Clowns, 3525 E. Flamingo. YMS (Young Magicians Society) 7 pm every 2nd Monday, IHOP Boulevard Mall on Maryland Pkwy. News: Jeff Hobson and Loren Christopher Michaels have created A World of Magic...LIVE, with magic's first, interactive, internet broadcast service called The Lecture Network. The web-based service will be available in June of 2007. The grand-opening, "Open House" event will invite magicians from around the world to enjoy the festivities and a ribbon-cutting ceremony at The Lecture Network's studio in Las Vegas. Special guests will be Lance Burton and Mac King. Loren Christopher Michaels resides as the Network's creative director and Jeff Hobson is the host for all activities. Visitors can go to www.TheLectureNetwork.com to participate in "Magic's BEST Blooper Contest". If a magician thinks he or she has a funny, unexpected - and maybe embarrassing video of one of their performances, they are invited to submit it to be voted upon. Prizes will include a year's subscription to The Lecture Network and a trip to Las Vegas to part of the Open House festivities. The site, besides broadcasting weekly live lectures, will also broadcast "Celebrities of Magic". These LIVE, video interviews will give a forum for magic's most talented and respected individuals. The Lecture Network will also feature an up-to-date magic news service and calendar with reports of magic happenings around the world. Subscribers will also be able to view vintage magic video clips, magic bloopers and magic podcasts. There will also be a forum for members to meet and chat. All lectures and interviews will utilize an interactive "chat" window to allow viewers to ask questions in real-time with the guest. April, 2007 April 23-29: Extended Master Class. McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger. http://www.magicalwisdom.com April 27: "Dixie Dooley, Master Mystifier" opens at the Weston Casuarina. May, 2007 May 14-17: Family Entertainers Workshop - The Orleans. Speakers, Instructors and Entertainers: Dave Risley, Tom King, Steve Kissell, Dave Hill, Ralph Metzler, Gary Shelton, Ron Conley, Dave Spitler, Harold Wood & Nina Dees. www.FamilyEntertainersWorkshop.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 10-12: Master Class for Mentalists. McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride and Eugene Burger. http://www.magicalwisdom.com 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 November, 2007 November 1-4: Magic for Medical Professionals, McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride and Eugene Burger. -------------------------------------------- 10. Carmen Electra Has Backed Out Of An Engagement -------------------------------------------- Message from David Neubauer (US) Carmen Electra has backed out of an engagement to be a special guest star in magician Hans Klok's new show, "The Beauty of Magic," at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. The former Aladdin resort on the Las Vegas Strip set a press conference Thursday to announce the new guest star and explain Electra's sudden departure from the show, a spokeswoman said. Electra said at a press conference last week she would be with the show for three months. Publicists had hailed it as Electra's stage debut in Las Vegas and promised "sultry surprises." Regular performances were to begin May 12. -------------------------------------------- 11. Hans Klok - The Beauty of Magic - Pamela Anderson -------------------------------------------- Message from David Neubauer (US) It looks like Carmen Elecktra will be replaced by Pamela Anderson. Hans Klok - The Beauty of Magic Hans Klok (with Pamela Anderson) - Aladdin Theater. 7 pm & 10 pm, Thur. - Sat. Ends July 12. (Scheduled to open May 12th for a 13 week run). Preview: May 10 at 7 pm. ----------------- 12. Information Required On Australian Magician ----------------- Message from John Wade (UK) jwmagic@ntlworld.com I have a request. An Australian friend at the Savage Club, Sam Armstrong, has only recently learned that his (I think) grandfather was a semi pro magician working around Sydney. His name was William Armstrong and he died in 1949. Apparently he specialised in paper tearing and the razor blades. He wants to know if we can find out anything else about his magical life.  We would be grateful for any information you could help with. ----------------- 13. Concerned About The Health Of Bruce Cervon ----------------- Message from Carl Williams Many of us are concerned about the health of Bruce Cervon. Have you any information regarding his condition? We have tried calling his home only to learn his telephone has been disconnected. ---------------------- Part of a message from Dale Hindman… Bruce indeed has had cancer. It was in the throat, the initial treatments were successful, but he is still trying to recover. ----------------- 14. Performing His Version - Birth Of A Pearl Illusion ----------------- Message from Ben Mason Dan Stapleton will be performing his version of the seldom seen "The Birth of a Pearl" illusion at the Florida State Magic convention this November in Daytona Beach. ----------------- 15. Colombini Products Only Available Directly From Us ----------------- Message from Aldo & Rachel Colombini - acmagic@mindspring.com We wanted to let you know that we have a remarkable new selling policy. From now on all Colombini products will only be available directly from us! But not just that, every single item on our web, at lectures and at conventions will be $10, that includes tricks books and DVD's that were normally 30-40 dollars. This is not a short term sale, we are not retiring, we will continue to produce books tricks, DVDs, all at $10, check the web regularly for new items. By cutting out wholesalers and distributors we can pass the savings on to the customer and we will be producing all tricks, books and DVD's ourselves. ----------------- 16. Hilford Lecture & Workshop In Sydney ----------------- Message from Garry J Cohen (Aust) Director Two Big Nights of Lectures & Workshops by one of the world's greatest Mentalist! Hey Presto Magic is proud to present Docc Hilford direct from the USA Tuesday 1st May 2007 & then a Private Workshop on Wednesday 2nd May 2007 at Hey Presto's Lecture Room. This is a MUST SEE Event! Details are as follows. Night One Docc Hilford Lecture - Tuesday 1st May 2007 Imagine seeing a professional mentalist's act and wanting to add one, a few or all of the effects you saw to your show. You attend his lecture, but he only explains a few tricks and none of them from his actual act. Many professionals refuse to perform their "A" material if there are magicians in the audience, they don't want their private effects to get out. This is understandable, but what if a professional mentalist was to give a special lecture that explained every detail of his entire act, the act he's presenting around the world? Would you miss it? Or would you eagerly run as fast as you could to get the real secrets? Docc Hilford's lecture will teach his complete act. Plus a Bonus "The Complete Nightclub Act" - A fast paced, multi trick, 15 minute act designed for dance floors in hotel night clubs. In this lecture, nothing will be held back. You'll learn: 1. Jaks' Room --Combining the effects of The 16 Digit Trick, Koran's Medallion and Annemann's Swami Test into the perfect opening. (Unpublished) 2. The Ultimate Magazine Test -A full routine with no less than EIGHT climaxes! It's a theater piece that can stand alone and is guaranteed to generate publicity. (Unpublished) 3. Smoke Pictures on Glass -A thought is expressed as a beautiful picture in smoke. (Unpublished) And much, much more! 4. Buddha Billet Tests -These are the three billet tests Docc uses to sell his act. The Whispering Buddha, The Wish and Buddha's Message are pieces that bring beauty to selling the act. (All unpublished) You'll get all the patter, bits of comedy and tips to perform these acts. Most of the material is unpublished, for the obvious reason that it's not been released. The lecture is over 2 hours long! Time & Place - 7.30pm Tuesday 1st May 2007 at Hey Presto Magic Studio P34 Imperial Arcade, 168 Pitt St, Sydney Ph: 9232 7660 Cost: $25 Please Ring for Bookings Night Two Docc Hilford Private Workshop - Wednesday 2nd May 2007 Several working mentalist have asked Docc not to reveal the secrets that are taught in this workshop; they think they're too good to let out. But Docc's all NEW workshop has the secrets YOU need to know! Here's some of what you'll learn. Real Work on Billets - How to entertain 1 to 1000 people with a couple of slips of paper. (This is Real Inside stuff) Where to Get the Cash - Places to earn at least $1000 a show with what you've learned. The Perfect Question and Answer Act - Q and A that can be performed anywhere anytime! Docc Hilford invented a method of Q&A where nothing is written yet 15 or 20 questions are answered. No pre-show work, just walk on and start working. Participants will receive a CD version of the classic book, "One Man Mind Reading Secrets" by Ralph Read. Also include are two books by mentalist Ted Annemann, " Annemanns Buried Treasures", "Annemanns Mental Mysteries" These rare books include everything from needle swallowing to mental tests. And a special 5,000 word report, The Most Powerful Approach to Personal Success in Show Business. The books and report are FREE. The workshop is over 3 hours long, you'll learn the top three secrets including Docc's special Q&A act, plus you'll get all the above mentioned books. Time & Place - 6.30pm Wednesday 2nd May 2007 at Hey Presto Magic Studio P34 Imperial Arcade, 168 Pitt St, Sydney Ph:9232 7660 Bookings essential and payment of $40 payable no later than April 28th 2007 Don't Miss the Docc's 'One & Only' WORKSHOP in Sydney ----------------- 17. Wayne Rogers - 'Rising Clipboard' ----------------- Message from Paul Romhany (NZ) It's been such a hectic past few months traveling with visits to many new countries including Beirut and some favorites including Egypt and the UK. This week I find myself heading to Spain then off to Japan for 2 weeks. During this period I have also been busy producing a few new products. Two I am very proud of including Dream Prediction which is a one man prediction routine. The other is from Wayne Rogers and is his 'Rising Clipboard'. Those of us who have been using this for the past twelve years know the real strength and entertainment value of this routine. Keep your eyes open for many new products coming your way soon. You can visit the website at http://www.magicmasterclass.com ----------------- 18. NZ Skeptics To Find Someone To Deliver A Presentation ----------------- Message from Nathan Grange - Nathan.Grange@waitakere.govt.nz I've been asked by the NZ Skeptics to find someone to deliver a presentation at the next conference about the history or magic and skepticism/debunking. (well, they actually asked me to do it, but really don’t think I'll have time - and I'm sure there's someone who knows more than me who can do it better...) The conference is in Christchurch - 21 - 23 Sept: http://www.skeptics.org.nz/ Do you know anyone that might be interested? I also told them I'd try and put together a mentalism routine. If you have any ideas, or if you know anyone that might be interested in performing some spoon bending/mindreading etc (or even better teaching me some stuff), let me know. ----------------- 19. An Evening Of Magic & Mirth ----------------- Message from Brent McLeod (NZ) Cabaret and Theatre Magician Brent McLeod of IBM Ring 160, Auckland, New Zealand will be presenting a full evening show entitled Magic & Mirth - with top Comic Impressionist Colin Parris who performs internationally in Australia & USA impersonating many famous people with great Hilarity. The show will run for 90 mins on Sat May 5th at Centre Stage Theatre, Orewa. Centre stage is a beautiful modern theatre seating 220 people. Brent will perform a variety of classics of Magic with a humorous twist with lots of audience interaction and a few effects to also wow the crowd-Brent & Colin perform regular at many Cabarets, clubs and theatres in New Zealand. We have had show promotions going for over 4 weeks as well as many radio advertisements running now from our Sponsor 89.9 Times FM, as well as newspaper articles & photos, over 3000 colour flyers promoting the show have been distributed. Tickets available at the theatre on the night door sales or bookings through the day 09 426 7282 or Colin Parris 0276 761 990 Hope to see visiting guests and local Magicians for a fun night-cheers!!! ----------------- 20. The Amazing Orchante Saga ----------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Page - 153 The Palace Tavern, Rotorua. We last worked at the Palace 13,14 & 15th of May 1976, two months prior to leaving for Fiji / Australia; it was also the last time I worked with or saw Simon Mehana, who was doing a couple of spots between our shows on the night. Simon was the ‘Funny Man’ half of the famous ‘Lou and Simon’ duo. They’d split up (apart from reunions) by that time, but Simon carried on performing solo in hotels etc. around the country. Sadly, Simon passed away in October, 2001. The Trees Tavern, Tokoroa; I remember this one because of a most amusing incident that occurred during the ‘Psychic Surgery’ (String Thing), the finale of the fakir show. The Trees Tavern was/is, a major drinking hole for hundreds of employees working in the nearby forests, for the forestry commission. They sure were a tough lot – burly, rough and tumble men who worked, drank and, played hard. Our stage, which we had set up in a corner of the long bar, was comprised of empty beer crates with two wooden boards on top; they normally covered and protected the snooker tables when not in use. The conditions were pretty rough, as was the tavern’s clientele, but when you are a professional N.Z. entertainer, good old ‘kiwi’ ingenuity comes to the fore when needs must. It is well-known (‘legend’?) that we New Zealanders can fix damn near anything with a length of barbwire and a bit of flax! The long bar which stretched away from us on our right, was packed (as was the entire room) with a solid line of sceptical forestry workers as we entertained on our minuscule stage. The ‘Fire act’ really got their attention, and our ‘Human Sandwich/Beds of Nails’ routine, with two, hefty, twenty stone volunteers lending their weight to the act, really shook them up! The ‘Sword Swallowing’ didn't faze them at all - those guys were tough! Then I performed the ‘Psychic Surgery’. Swallowing the string was okay until I hauled out my rather lethal ‘Kukri Knife’, and stabbed myself in the stomach! Several suntanned faces turned markedly white, then several shades of yellowish/green as I dug into the wound with surgical clamps and began extracting the bloodied string - inch by inch, from out of my stomach. It was all too much for one ‘giant’ of a man, who was standing at the bar several few feet away from us - HE FAINTED! As he toppled over sideways, his dead, solid weight hit the man next to him, who also fell sideways; he in turn…One by one men fell over like ninepins in a bowling alley! The entire bar was in an uproar of hysterical laughter at the incongruous sight of big, tough, ‘HE-MEN’ lying collapsed on the floor! The poor sods must have copped ‘heaps’ afterwards - as far as the rest of the blokes were concerned, they had ALL fainted in fright! They must have enjoyed the show though, as we had many repeat bookings at the Trees Tavern – it was a great little earner! And so the list goes on. The Masonic Hotel, Opotiki: The Matamata Hotel, Matamata: The Angus Inn, Hastings: The Jubilee Hotel, Otaki: The Central Hotel, Hawera: The Waikanae Hotel, Waikanae: The Paraparaumu Hotel: The DB Fitzherbert Motor Inn, Palmerston North: The Awapuni Motor Hotel, Palmerston North: The New Leopard Inn, Napier: The Bay View Hotel, Napier: The Sandown Park Hotel, Gisborne: The Commercial Hotel, Whakatane: The Bell Block Hotel, New Plymouth: The Fitzroy Hotel, New Plymouth: The Clyde Hotel, Wairoa: The County Hotel, Stratford: The Castle Cliff Hotel, Wanganui: The Ellerslie Motor Inn, Auckland: The Great Northern Hotel, Auckland: The Milford Marina Hotel, Auckland: The Eastside Tavern, Hamilton: The Grand Hotel, Whangarei: The Kameo hotel, Whangarei: The Kawerau Hotel, Kawerau: The Mangakino Hotel, Mangakino. The Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel, Okoroire; holds a special place in my heart; I do hope it is still there, as it’s one place I’d enjoy revisiting, if or when we return home. It is situated north of Tirau, off H/way 27 or, south of Matamata, again H/way 27, or take a right off H/way 24 onto H/way 29 and go through Te Poi. Alluring Okoroire is not known to many; it’s secreted off the tourist track. I worked there for three consecutive Xmases, from Christmas day to after New Years Eve from 1969 –71. The then hosts/owners, Bill Taylor and his wife were most gracious; they even gave me a master key to the thermal hot pools - I had access to them whenever I wished, especially after they had been closed to the hotel patrons. After a show, it was quite something to wander down the track long after midnight, on a beautiful, crystal-clear starry night, to luxuriate in the soothing waters of the tepid open-air pool. The only sounds were the gentle rustling of leaves, the haunting ‘mo-pork’ cries of an owl and the distant thundering of the Waihou river falls. Experiencing that entrancing, tranquil setting throughout the wee small hours, on numerous balmy New Zealand summer nights - really was quite ‘MAGICAL’! Page -154 The list of hotels where we entertained with our shows for years, and made our living throughout New Zealand, continues. We were never stuck for a free bed and meals, so long as we could ‘Play Magic’ etc. for a reasonable fee! The Kinloch Nite Club, which was situated within the Trans Hotel, Queenstown, was run by Brian Swainson, who had his own band there. Brian was originally with the ‘Shaddracks’ Show Band, together with Big Abe Phillips; they were established at the now defunct Mayfair Hotel in Hastings. The Gladstone Hotel, Fairlie: The Sheraton Motor Hotel, Dunedin: The Golden Central Hotel, Alexandria: The Maheno Hotel, Maheno (south of Oamaru): The Oamaru Licensing Trust. The Twizel Inn (previously Pukaki Inn).We last worked there on January 25th 1974 - 29 years ago! Reading the back of the dinner menu (I do collect the strangest things e.g. swizzle sticks - hundreds of ‘em) it states that: ‘Twizel is the fastest growing town in New Zealand, and has been established as the headquarters for the massive Upper Waitaki Hydro-electric Scheme. This involves the construction of 15 miles of canals, 3 dams and 4 powerhouses. The project is expected to take from 15 to 20 years to complete’. Considering that I am writing this episode, on this day of Wed. 19th February, 2003, the job should have been finished at least 9 years ago; now that doesn’t sound nearly as bad as - 29 years ago! (It’s now Thursday, 26th April 2007 – this is a repeat of my Saga so, it’s now 33 years ago!) The Wanaka Hotel, Wanaka. A little bit of history; Breathtaking Wanaka, a major tourist spot, was originally called ‘Pembroke’, until 1940. Pembroke was the family name of the British Colonial Secretary when the first arrivals - mainly sheepmen (who were commonly called ‘runholders’), moved into the area around 1858. Wanaka has a particularly early spring, a high percentage of sunny days and a low annual rainfall of 25 inches. This, and the abundant sporting and scenic attractions, account for it being a favoured tourist and holiday area. Lake Wanaka, which is 35 miles long and known to be a 1000ft deep in parts, abounds in salmon as well as brown and rainbow trout. I've had the pleasure of pulling a fish or two from out of that lake. For me, that was one of the ‘perks’ of being an entertainer touring around New Zealand; buying your fishing licences and stopping off at alluring (excuse the pun, lure - get it?) fishing spots, on any one of the magnificent rivers or lakes, most with spectacular views, on both the North and South Islands, to try your luck for an hour or …? Te Anau, another major tourist destination and gateway to Fiordland, is south east of Queenstown (yet another top tourist attraction), was another favoured fishing spot. The DB (Dominion Breweries) Criterion Hotel, Blenheim: The DB Westport Hotel, Westport: The DB Sandridge Hotel, Christchurch. In fact, we worked a string of Dominion Breweries Hotels, when we were engaged by Richard H., who was the first and last (he only survived about a year) newly appointed ‘Entertainments Director’ for the brewery. He sure took his ‘job’ seriously, to the extent that throughout the entertainment industry he was given the title of - GOD! Hitler, would have been more appropriate, he certainly acted like he was, and he had absolutely no respect for entertainers, be they artistes, bands or singers, and because he had so much ‘power’, he would screw everybody’s fees right down (if they wanted to work the DB circuit on a regular basis), to basic actors equity and musician union rates, which were/are pitiful - nobody worked at those rates. As far as Mr Richard Hxxxxn was concerned, All Entertainers were the lowest of the low, and should be paid accordingly. Whenever his name was mentioned, a middle name was always inserted, none of them very complimentary -‘A%$#@’, was probably the kindest of them all! His eventual departure from the hotel entertainment scene was akin to opening a door to let a bad smell out; ‘GOD’ had gone! So many hotels - it’s becoming a huge task trying to list them all, so I’ll finish with just a few more then draw a close on my reminiscent, nostalgic memory trip; there’s The Solway Park Hotel in Masterton: The Cabana Hotel in Napier: The Riverside Tavern in Wanganui: The Empire Hotel in Otorohanga: The Caravel in Rotorua: The Te Rapa Motor Hotel in Hamilton, and The Devon Motor Lodge in New Plymouth, and I’ll finish with the last place we worked in New Zealand (I wrote about it back on page 144) prior to departing for Fiji/ Australia: The Tudor Towers in Rotorua. -------------------------------------------- 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. 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