* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #562 Date: Sunday 2nd March 2008 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. Breath-Taking Blackpool 3. 100th Anniversary Of The Foundation Of The Magic Club Vienna 4. SAM Magic Center Foundation To Open Office In Austin, Texas 5. Les Smith Memorial Announcement 6. Remarkable Magic #43 - Nick Lewin 7. Is Your Magic Business "Hard Work?" - By Kyle Peron 8. Entertaining On The Ocean #22 - Paul Romhany 9. Las Vegas Magic - March, 2008 10. It's Magic! Show Of The 2008 Season 11. Jay Scott Berry Pure Magic Lecture Presented In Australia 12. Roger Klause Is Battling Cancer 13. Louisiana Magic Weekend - March 7-8, 2008 In Morgan City 14. Jimmy Grippo, A Video Clip 15. New SAM Assembly Forming In Los Angeles 16. A Journey Through The Minds Of Four Men And A Stuffed Cat 17. I Hate Rabbits 18. An Open Letter To All Magicians From Don Drake 19. e-zine Archives 20. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- On Tuesday I leave for Oamaru in the South Island of New Zealand for a week and Magic New Zealand will NOT published next week. Next issue will be out on 16th March. ------------------------------------------- 29th New Zealand International Magicians Convention 2008 IBM Ring 160 proudly announces that the 29th New Zealand International Magicians Convention will be held In Auckland New Zealand from the night of December 27th 2008 to January 1st 2009, 1.00am. The venue will be the Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre in Mount Wellington where we last ran a successful Convention in 2001-2002. Bookings can be made for convention accommodation by contacting: Waipuna Hotel & Conference Centre, 58 Waipuna Road, Mt. Wellington, PO Box 14 164, Panmure, Auckland, New Zealand. Phone: +64 9 526 3000 Fax: +64 9 527 1937 Toll Free Reservations (NZ): 0800 924 786. http://www.waipunahotel.co.nz/ We have been able to secure a very attractive room rate of $NZ110 per night (Incl GST) for single or double rooms with registrants being able to book direct with the hotel. *************************** PLEASE NOTE that 50% of the ALLOCTED rooms have already been booked by conventioneers. If you are planning to attend best to book NOW! This convention will be a SELL OUT! *************************** The official registration form for the convention can be downloaded from: http://www.ibmring160.com/registration.pdf For more information on the convention go to: http://www.ibmring160.com If you don't have internet web access contact Ross Harlick, Secretary, 91 Panapa Drive, Meadowbank, Auckland 1072, New Zealand Or by: Phone: +64 (09) 521 3327 Fax: +64 (09) 521 3327 Five confirmed headliners thus far - John Shryock (USA), Ross Skiffington (Australia), George Schindler (USA), Marty and Brenda Hahne (USA) Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. Breath-Taking Blackpool -------------------------------------------- Message from Peter Eldin (UK) The 2008 Blackpool Magicians Convention 22nd-24th February 2008 To report on the Blackpool convention gets harder and harder every year because there is just too much to cover. Even the 3500 or so registrants find it very difficult to see everything they want to see - there is just so much going on. In an attempt to get a real flavour of the convention I tended to flit in and out of most events, and took the opportunity to speak with many of the dealers, lecturers and performers but this meant that I did not see many of the events in their entirety. I briefly met friends from Cyprus, France, America, Italy, Ireland, Spain and, of course, England. With some it was just a wave of acknowledgement as we passed (never to be seen again in the magical melee of magicians that is Blackpool) and some people I know were there I did not see at all! I spent three days searching (ultimately successful) for one particular person but with many there was the opportunity to chat and renew old friendships and even make a few new ones. Blackpool always has an excellent line up of lecturers and this year was no exception - I counted twenty lectures - that should be enough for anyone! These included David Sousa from Portugal talking about the use of an "invisible wall" to make magic more visible to the audience, Shoot Ogawa from Japan, J.C. Wagner from America, and Valerie from France on the techniques of quick change (something I found fascinating as it is a subject about which I know nothing). There was also Lennert Green, that Paderewski of the paste boards, triple world champion Shawn Farquhar, sleight of hand expert Kostya Kimlat and mentalist Lior Manor from Israel. Apologies to all those not mentioned but it is impossible to include everyone. What do you think I am - a magician! One event I was determined not to miss took place on Sunday morning - an audience with Wayne Dobson and Geoffrey Durham (two leading British performers with a wealth of experience in show business) interviewed by popular compere and magician Terry Seabrooke. It was simple in format - just Terry asking questions of two of the biggest names in British magic but it proved to be entertaining, instructional and very amusing. These guys know their business and it showed. Apart from the Gala Show this, to me, was one of the highlights of the convention. As the convention was heralded as the "Close-Up Colossus" there was inevitably plenty of close-up magic to be seen and enjoyed. Among the many magical stars performing were Jupiter from Hungary, David Stone from France, Canadian magic champion Shawn Farquhar, David Stone from France and UK's own Steve Dela. In addition to the lectures and close-up sessions there were numerous other events, several world championships, a special non-magical item for the ladies (a talk on flower arranging) and well over 100 dealers from around the world. Blackpool is breathtaking. The penultimate event (prior to a late night party) of this whirlwind weekend was the ever popular Gala Show. In my opinion this year's show was a well balanced production with a good mix of acts. Specific mention must be made of the compere Adrian Walsh who, although not a magician, is ideal for a magic show as he has the ability to adapt himself to every eventuality. Whatever happens he keeps the whole show bouncing along. We were entertained by manipulators such as Mahka Tendo from Japan and David Sousa from Portugal. There was comedy from the Dutch couple Scott and Muriel (their act is a "scream" and if you ever see them - and hear them - you will know what I mean) and Rafael from Belgium. Topas presented two most original acts, one of which included the effective vanish of a rocking horse, and illusions were presented by the very young Yamagami Brothers from Japan. I have never seen Harry Greenaway, President of the Blackpool Magicians' Club, dance before but that is what he did, after a fashion, after being dressed up as a cactus during the crazy act of Scott and Muriel (as they say "you had to be there"). Another unusual act was that of Antje Pode who thrilled with amazing 'feets' from Germany. She is a foot juggler of the highest degree and, although not a magic act, received the highest spontaneous applause of the evening - and a welcome change from magic. Another unusual immensely entertaining artiste was Rafael from Belgium who presented a highly original comedy act which also contained some extremely good magic - this is certainly one I would like to see again. The show ended on a high note with the colourful parasols and brain stunning fire breathing dragons of Shimada, a fitting climax to yet another wonderful convention. I look forward to next year. This report may be a little unfair because I have picked out my highlights which may not be the same choice as anyone else but it is almost impossible to mention every performer and lecturer without simply replicating the programme listings. It is also impossible for a single reporter to attend every event so I have to admit to a rather truncated report of the whole event. But you should not be reading reports - you should be there, that is the only way to experience the uniqueness that is Blackpool. To me it is a social occasion as much as a magical one, it is a time to meet old friends and make new ones but of course to many it is the opportunity to see the biggest gathering of international dealers in the world, to others it is the thrill of seeing the world's leading magicians "strut their stuff" and to most it is a combination of all these. How Derek Lever and his band of willing helpers from the relatively small Blackpool Magicians' Club achieve such an outstanding convention year after year is an act of amazing magic itself. The Blackpool Convention is unique and long may it remain so. -------------------------------------------- 3. 100th Anniversary Of The Foundation Of The Magic Club Vienna -------------------------------------------- Message from Magic Christian Dear magician friends, we would like to invite you to our 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Magic Club Vienna. The space is limited but still there are some places open. Please fill in the enclosed application sheet and send it back by electronic mail or normal mail. The festival price is 150. - Euro and should be paid to the account which is mentioned. More information you can read on our new website www.magischerklub.org Best regards from Vienna Magically The Board of the Club and Magic Christian -------------------------------------------- 4. SAM Magic Center Foundation To Open Its Office In Austin, Texas -------------------------------------------- Message from George Schindler Dean of The Society of American Magicians The Society of American Magicians Magic Center Foundation office will be located at 2705 Bee Caves Road, Suite 230, in Austin, Texas. An official ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for the end of March. The Foundation is a non-profit organization with membership in Greenlights for Nonprofit Success and the Austin Chamber of Commerce. The Board includes Austin Members, Ron Cartlidge and Kent Cummins. The Executive Director of the Foundation is Dan Rodriguez of Las Vegas, NV. For additional information, contact Ron Cartlidge, 512-444-8729, ron@sammagiccenter.com Or visit http://www.sammagiccenter.com -------------------------------------------- 5. Les Smith Memorial Announcement -------------------------------------------- Message from Lupe Nielsen (US) We have been in touch with Ms. Jane Smith, one of the two daughters of Les Smith, who currently resides in New Mexico. Many of you knew her as the office manager of Collectors' Workshop when their business was located in Middleburg, Virginia. When she was a young girl, she was part of Les Smith's magic show. Yes, Les did perform magic before he purchased Owen Magic in 1963. A Memorial for Les Smith will be hosted by his two daughters, Jane in White Oaks, NM and Charlene of Buckingham, VA and his younger brother Ray of Green Valley, AZ. This memorial will be here in Las Vegas, Nevada. The details are as follows: Date: Sunday, March 16, 2008 Time: 11:00 AM Place: Norm Nielsen Residence, Las Vegas, Nevada This is an OPEN INVITATION for everyone. This will not only be a remembrance of Les' life but a celebration of his great contribution to the world of magic. So many people have wonderful stories of Les. If you are one of them, you are cordially invited to share these with us. The only requirement is that you RSVP by March 9 for this event. Please remember that this is a private residence, and we need to know the head count in order to prepare the premises accordingly and of course, to give you directions to the house. To RSVP, please email us at: mail@nnmagic.com To get in touch with Jane please email her at: jrsnaturalhorses@tularosa.net Regards, Lupe Nielsen Magic www.nnmagic.com -------------------------------------------- 6. Remarkable Magic #43 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) Remarkable Magic #43. A tale of two cities. During my recent visit to Australia I had the opportunity to visit two magic stores in the cities of Melbourne and Sydney: two different cities and two very different stories. I don't spend a lot of time in magic shops but my visit to Sydney resulted in a wonderful surprise and some great magic. While walking down Elizabeth Street in Melbourne I noticed a picturesque little store 'Bernard's Magic Shop.' It was a picture perfect little emporium filled with the usual combination of gags, tricks and props. I explained to the gentleman behind the counter that I was a visiting pro and asked who the magicians were working in the store. He looked slightly surprised and said; "We don't have a magician working here." Hmmmm. I bought some (spectacularly good) rope and left. Another day another shop found me in the city of Chatswood in the outskirts of Sydney. I was a man with a mission when I visited 'Taylor's Magic Shop' because I had been badly fooled ten days earlier by a trick that they exclusively marketed. Upon entering the shop I was warmly greeted by the owner Sean Taylor, a fellow Brit ex-patriot whom I had previously met in Las Vegas. On first glance the store didn't appear to be anything out of the ordinary. However a more careful inspection revealed how carefully it was stocked. There were items of interest for every kind of magician from the serious novice to the seasoned pro. There was also a real magician behind the counter. During the time I spent in the shop I watched as Sean helped the various customers who came into the shop. Each one was handled in A friendly and helpful manner and the advice he gave to them was expert and to the point. Each person was responded to on the level they needed and could understand. It was a perfect model of the way a magic shop should be run but seldom is. Between customers Sean and I enjoyed a delightful time discussing mutual inspiration like Roy Johnson and our other mutual friends in the magic world. Sean is a first rate mentalist and we had a wonderful time discussing this particular topic. His knowledge was wide and thorough in this area and our conversation left me eager to see him perform. Sadly my visit rushed to a close long before we had a chance to do more than scratch the surface of the knowledge we could have shared. I certainly look forward to having more time and getting to know Sean a little better in the future and getting to finish our conversation. I left the store with several items including Sean's 'Symbology Deck', which is a singular prop for anyone interested in taking mentalism a step beyond the average practitioner. It is an original and beautifully realized concept that I know I am going to enjoy for many years to come. Sean also told me that a DVD of original mentalism effects is due to be released shortly. I suggest you check his website, for its arrival, I for one can't wait to get my hands on it! Sean's website is www.taylorsmagicshop.comas always send any bricks or bouquets to nicklewin1@mac.comand check out my website at www.nicklewin.com -------------------------------------------- 7. Is Your Magic Business "Hard Work?" - By Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message from Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com I want to ask you a direct question. Just read it to yourself and think about it for a second. Is your magic business hard work? Some may be saying yes and some may be saying no. Those saying no may be proud of the fact that it is not hard work and may be feeling good about that. Those who say yes it is hard work may actually be feeling good too because they know how much work they have put into their business. So who is right here? Can both people really have valid points? Perhaps part of the problem or potential problem is defining each person's use of the term "hard work" and how it applies to their magic business. Should my show look like it is hard work? No, not really. I should look like I am in control and having fun and enjoying the experience I create. If I am a magician, then by nature of the word, what I do should look effortless. Should my clients think my process and working with me is hard? No again. If I am customer focused, then they should see me as a person who has everything under control for them. I am to take the hard work AWAY from them and by doing so I solve problems for my clients. In doing this I become a solutions provider for them. Now is the show and organizing it and creating the show hard work? Of course it is. If I am a creative thinker of magic, and if I want my show to be the best it can be for my audiences, I need to put the hard work into it. Is building up your show and your magic business hard work? Yes it is hard work. If it wasn't, then everyone would be doing it. Now I must add something here. I am referring to building up your business from scratch and getting it to be exactly where you want it to be and achieving that level of success for yourself. Getting people to know who you are initially and establishing your markets is hard work. It takes effort on your part to get up off your butt and make it happen and create the processes and get them working for you. Is maintaining your business hard work? Sometimes yes and sometimes no. Once you get the systems working for you and present a great show, then word of mouth and referrals start working in your favor. Maybe your website is also working for you and entertainment agencies are using you. All this helps you to not have to work as hard as you once did. But the reason here is because you put in the hard work from the start. So what I am saying is the term "hard work" really applies to a vast number of things. We as entertainers need to understand that each of us are at different stages with our magic and magic business. Hard work can mean so many different things but it really needs only apply directly to yourself, where you are with your magic and where you want to go with it. 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. -------------------------------------------- 8. Entertaining On The Ocean #22 - Paul Romhany -------------------------------------------- Message from Paul Romhany (NZ) www.chaplinmagic.com Cruising around the world It is great to finally be at home after a long trip back from Brazil. I am home for a little while now as I am so busy working on new magic projects and filling orders for the past three months. SOME NEWS: I am pleased to report that I am now writing a WEEKLY BLOG for Hocus-Pocus.com where I will be doing interviews with magicians from around the world, sharing ideas and tips on magic and the business side of magic PLUS I will be reviewing the latest magic tricks that come on the market. My reviews are based on how practical something is, if I can use it in my own show, value for money and quality of product. Be sure to check in each week to read the latest updates. You can view my blog by either going to www.hocus-pocus.com and clicking on my link OR go direct to http:// romhanyreport.blogspot.com/ I hope everybody on this board drops by. I also would like to hear from any magicians. If you have anything to contribute to my BLOG or any responses to anything I write them PLEASE drop me a line at my email: paul@chaplinmagic.com Natalie and I are still waiting to get our lost luggage from our last trip together in January. They told us that our luggage is lost now and so we have filed a claim with the airlines. We have to wait up to 10 weeks until they can respond. I finally managed to get a double of everything for my show. Having lost my luggage 11 times last year and already once this year I can't take any more chances. Happy Cruising Paul Romhany -------------------------------------------- 9. Las Vegas Magic - March, 2008 -------------------------------------------- Compiled by David Neubauer - www.dnmagic.com with special thanks this month to Al Jensen. Magic Production Shows: David Copperfield Feb 28-Mar. 18, Apr. 17-May 5. Select 2:30, 4:30, 7:30 & 10 pm. MGM Grand. www.mgm.admission.com/cgi/guide.cgi?l=EN Dixie Dooley - Master Mystifier 7:00 pm (Dark Sun. - Tue.), Royal Resort and Hotel. Gerry McCambridge - The Mentalist 7:00 pm (Dark Mon. & Tue.), Hooters Casino Hotel. shop.vegas.com/shows/showtimes2.jsp?show=1056&lang=en Jason Bird Miracle Mile Shops - Planet Hollywood Resort. 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. www.montecarlo.com/entertainment/lance.aspx Mac King Comedy Magic Show 1 & 3 pm, (Dark Sun. & Mon.) Clint Holmes Theater - Harrah's. www.mackingshow.com Free tickets (buy 1 drink) are usually available at the concierge desk or handed out occasionally by showgirls. Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show 2 pm every day, 6 pm Fridays CLOSING APRIL 13th! V Theater at the Miracle Mile Shops - Planet Hollywood Resort. 2-for-1: www.vegas4locals.com/couponnathanburtoncomedymagic.html Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show OPENING mid to late April - Flamingo Hotel. Penn & Teller 9 pm, (Dark Tues.), Rio. www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/rlv/entertainment/entertainment_detail_00.html Steve Wyrick 7 & 9 pm. Miracle Mile Shops, Planet Hollywood Resort. World's Greatest Magic Show Joseph Gabriel, Katalin, Roy Shank, Losander, Jeff Hobson hosts. 6 pm each night except Fri. at 8:15 pm - Greek Isle. www.greatestmagicshow.com Xtreme Magic Starring Dirk Arthur Tiffany Theatre, Tropicana 2 and 4 pm. (Dark Fri.) Magic In Production Shows: Bite (Vampire Strip Revue) Antonio Restivo - 10:30 pm (dark Thurs.) Stratosphere. www.bitelasvegas.com Crazy Girls Tony Douglas - 9:30 pm (Dark Tues.), Riviera. www.rivierahotel.com/entertainment_crazygirls.asp Crazy Horse Paris Stephan Vanel 8 & 10:30 pm, (Dark Tues.), MGM Grand. www.mgmgrand.com/entertainment/crazy-horse-show.aspx Little Legends Bruce Block (emcee) Harmon Theatre at KRAVE 7 pm. (Dark Mon.) - Planet Hollywood. www.LittleLegends.com The Ultimate Variety Showcase Christopher Karpiak and "S". Roxy's Live - Sam's Town 6 pm - Midnight every Tuesday. Free. www.samstownlv.com/entertainment/event.cfm?EventID=332 V, The Ultimate Variety Show Jason Byrne (most Tues. - Sat.) or Nathan Burton (most Sun. - Mon.) 6 & 7:30, Planet Hollywood Resort - www.vtheshow.com Viva Las Vegas Max Clever and Katalin provide the magic - Plaza. 2 & 4 pm (Dark Sun.) www.plazahotelcasino.com/entertainment/special-events.php X Burlesque Seth Grabel does the pre-show at 9:30 pm, Mon. - Wed. Flamingo. Other Vegas Magic: Craig Keith performs behind the bar at various times - Dick's Last Resort, Excalibur. Paul Draper strolls at various times - Grand Canal Shoppes, Venetian. Jamie Porter's Radio Side Show Sat @ 5 am, KLAV FM 1230. Las Vegas Magic Organizations I.B.M. #257: 7 pm 1st Monday each month. www.ibm257.com Amazing Clowns, 3525 E. Flamingo. Darwin's Magic Club, meets 10 pm Wednesdays. Boomers, 3200 Sirius Ave. KIDabra Las Vegas, 7 pm every 3rd Monday. Amazing Clowns, 3525 E. Flamingo. www.kidabralasvegas.com Magic Lunch Club meets every Friday at 11:30 am - Sizzler, 307 S Decatur. Hosted jointly by IBM 257 and KIDabra Las Vegas. YMS (Young Magicians Society) 7 pm every 2nd Monday each month, IHOP Boulevard Mall on Maryland Pkwy. News Mac King and Sammy's Woodfired Pizza join forces to support Spread the Word Nevada: Kids to Kids during Mac King's March Book Drive March 1-March 31. Mac King's March Book Drive promotion encourages Sammy's Woodfired Pizza guests to bring in a new or gently used children's book targeting ages 4-12. In exchange for the book donation, Sammy's Woodfired Pizza will provide a free "Giant Messy Sundae" certificate to customers. Mac King Comedy Magic Show ticket holders are also encouraged to donate a new or gently used book at the show to receive a free autographed Mac King Tricks With Your Head book. March, 2008 March 3-9: Extended Master Class, McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Tobias Beckwith - Eugene Burger www.magicalwisdom.com. March 11-13: Master Class for Balloon Twisters, McBride's Magic & Mystery School. Balloon Artists Todd Neufeld, Don Caldwell, and more. The class will include a business management and marketing session with Tobias Beckwith, and personal coaching by Jeff McBride and rest of his instructors. www.magicalwisdom.com. March 20-22: An Evening of Comedy and Magic, Jeff Hobson and Tim Kole - Primm Resort/Terrible's Casino (Stateline). APRIL, 2008 April 25-27: Lance Burton Teen Weekend Workshop, Orleans Hotel www.WorldMagicSeminar.com. April 27-30: World Magic Seminar, Orleans Hotel www.WorldMagicSeminar.com. April 30: Fantasma IBM Ring 257 hosts it's annual magic auction at Boomers beginning at 7:00 PM Dealers and individual sellers welcome. Contact John McClenahan at 702-395-3856 or Al Jensen at 702-883-1980 for more information. www.ibm257.com. May, 2008 May 13-14: Focus on Stage Magic with Jeff McBride, McBride's Magic & Mystery School. Two afternoons with Jeff McBride at the House of Mystery, focusing on stage and platform magic. Jeff will tailor the sessions to fit the small group who is registered for the class. Intensive hands-on study with the Master. www.magicalwisdom.com. June, 2008 June 8-10: Las Vegas Magic Invitational Saluting the Tower Bar featuring Doc Eason, Eric Mead, Bob Sheets, Jay Scott Berry, Daniel Garcia and a special Erdnase Tribute with Jon Armstrong, Jason England and Allen Ackerman - Palace Station www.lvmi.net. July, 2008 July 21-27: Extended Master Class, McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride - Eugene Burger www.magicalwisdom.com. September, 2008 September 16-18: Focus on Martial Artists, McBride's Magic & Mystery School. www.magicalwisdom.com. September 19-21: Master Class, McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Tobias Beckwith - Eugene Burger www.magicalwisdom.com. October, 2008 October 10-12: Focus on Street Magic with Jeff McBride, McBride's Magic & Mystery School. This special 3-day class, Jeff will share his insights and special magic effects the are best suited for today's "STREET MAGIC" venues. Both real "STREET PERFORMANCE" and "STREET MAGIC FOR TELEVISION" will be covered. www.magicalwisdom.com. November, 2008 November 6-9: Magic for Medical Professionals, McBride's Magic & Mystery School - with Eugene Burger. Jeff McBride and Eugene Burger are pleased to offer a special seminar for medical practitioners of all sorts: physicians, nurses, therapists, holistic practitioners, and other professionals who wish to understand how to apply the powerful skills of performance magic to enhance the healing relationship. www.magicalwisdom.com. November 12-14: Master Class for Mentalists, McBride's Magic & Mystery School. Presenting their third annual Master Class aimed exclusively at mentalists, with special guest, Ross Johnson. Jeff McBride's Master Class is the premier program in contemporary magic where YOU and your performance take center stage in a safe and supportive setting. At this Special Master Class all of the performances and all of the talks and breakout sessions will be on the subject of MENTALISM. Eugene and Jeff will share their thoughts on Mentalism for Magicians. www.magicalwisdom.com. February, 2009 Seigfried and Roy are set to perform for one show only at the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute's "Keep Memory Alive" Fundraiser in Las Vegas. Details to follow. Please email any Las Vegas magic updates/news to David through his website: www.dnmagic.com. -------------------------------------------- 10. It's Magic! Show Of The 2008 Season -------------------------------------------- Message from Milt Larsen (US) The first It's Magic! show of the 2008 season will be at the Yavapal Performing Arts Center, Prescot Arizona March 1, 2008. The acts: Goldfinger and Dove, Ray Pierce, Michael Finney, Danny Cole, Eric Buss and Les Arnold. Milt Larsen started producing these annual all-star magic revues 52 years ago. Last year the show played performing arts centers from San Diego to Bellingham Washington. (www.itsmagic,org) Milt will be celebrating his 77th birthday April 9, 2008. Far from retiring Milt still spends three or four days a week at his Magic Castle in Hollywood and hosts a weekly cable/web hour radio show "Hear Them Again (for the first time)" that can be heard internationally on the web. www.CRNi.net at 6am Saturday and 4pm Sunday (Pacific time). (Old records of show-biz personalities 1900-1950!) He and his wife Arlene are producing a new musical comedy "Pazzazz!" that will have it's world premiere at the new multi-million dollar GRANADA center for the performing arts in Santa Barbara, California. It's a full scale Broadway style musical with Music and Lyrics by Milt Larsen and his collaborator Richard M. Sherman. Richard, with his brother Robert, earned two Academy Awards and nine nominations over the years. The stage version of Mary Poppins is one of the biggest hots currently on Broadway. (pazzazzthemusical.com) For those spell checker fans the computer dictionary thinks the word is spelled "Pizzazz" which is true EXCEPT the story of the play revolves around 1898 comedians Weber and Fields and other colorful character of the turn of the century (Lillian Russell, young George M. Cohan, etc) The origin of Pizzazz was 1931. Weber and Fields coined the word Pazzazz way back in 1896. Other big news from the west coast is the upcoming 45th Annual Academy of Magical Arts (Magic Castle) awards banquet and show at the prestigious Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills April 5, 2008. -------------------------------------------- 11. Jay Scott Berry Pure Magic Lecture Presented In Australia -------------------------------------------- Message from Jay Scott Berry (USA) I'll be back down under in April presenting the Pure Magic Lecture and Workshop. Dates are: Sydney, April 1st and 2nd Perth, April 3rd and 4th Brisbane, April 8th and 9th Melbourne, April 16th and 17th Adelaide, April 21st and 22nd It's been 7 years since my last Australian tour. These presentations will feature many new effects, ideas and techniques for creating magic that actually looks like real magic. I'll be touring with Lisa Richards, who will be performing her own wizardry, installing the JSB Topit System, for all who are interested. Lisa is both a professional performer and magical costume designer. Her expertise at Topit installations is unparalleled in the industry. More Info is on my website at: www.jayscottberry.com -------------------------------------------- 12. Roger Klause Is Battling Cancer -------------------------------------------- Message from Steve Bryant Sorry you will be off until March, as this message perhaps should be more timely. This posted on the Genii forum Feb 15 by Dexter Cleveland: Friends of Roger Klause... Lance Pierce and I have created Project F.O.R.K., which stands for Friends of Roger Klause. As many of you may know Roger is battling cancer and has some staggering medical bills. We thought it would be a great surprise for his friends to present him with a check for $5,000 on his upcoming birthday. Please help us do so by visiting: http://www.lancepierce.com/roger Dexter Cleveland -------------------------------------------- 13. Louisiana Magic Weekend - March 7-8, 2008 In Morgan City -------------------------------------------- Message from Joe Douglas Corpus Christi, Texas Check out www.cajunwizard.com for information on Louisiana Magic Weekend in Morgan City on Friday, March 7, 2008 to Saturday, March 8, 2008. You still have time to register by mail or online. The talent lineup, schedule, and registration forms are on the website. I attended the first Louisiana Magic "Day" in the 1960's when the Baton Rouge IBM Ring and the New Orleans IBM and SAM clubs got together once a year on Saturday. Since then, it has grown to a two-day event. Hope to see you there. Joe Douglas, Magician Corpus Christi, Texas douglasjp3@grandecom.net (361)991-2915 Home -------------------------------------------- 14. Jimmy Grippo, A Video Clip -------------------------------------------- Message from Lee Asher (US) With all this talk of the legendary close-up artist Jimmy Grippo, a video clip has surfaced. Are you interested in watching him perform? Please take a few moments and click the link below to see Jimmy Grippo on the Merv Griffin show. Watch as Jimmy Grippo masterfully amazes and mystifies Merv Griffin, Orson Welles, and the television audience for over seven minutes. Normally for television and the viewing audience, that's an eternity... http://www.leeasher.com/grippo_video.html (cut and paste if not clickable) This is a real treat, and I hope you enjoy. -------------------------------------------- 15. New SAM Assembly Forming In Los Angeles -------------------------------------------- Message from Les Cooper Just a note to say there is a new SAM Assembly forming in the Los Angeles area. We held our first meeting on February 12 at the Mark Twain Middle School, 2224 Walgrove Ave., Los Angeles, California. The name of the new group is the Westside Wizards and we will continue to meet in the school auditorium at 7:30 PM on the second Tuesday of each month. Our next meeting will be on March 11 and in honor of St. Patrick's Day the theme will green magic. Any magic with green, such as money, silks, rope or green props. Anyone in the Los Angeles area are welcome to attend and we look forward to growing. For more information email Les Cooper at Magicandmorela@yahoo.com -------------------------------------------- 16. A Journey Through The Minds Of Four Men And A Stuffed Cat -------------------------------------------- Message from Sean Taylor (Aust) World Premiere: Friday 18th and Saturday 19th April 2008 Zenith Theatre, Railway Street, Chatswood Tickets $35 and on sale now Call. 02 94116233 Book On Line http://www.taylorsmagicshop.com.au/category1_1.htm Out of Your Mind is a brand new show from four of the cleverest magicians in Australia who have thrown away their tricks and stepped up to the next level. The four have combined their talents to pioneer the innermost regions of their audiences' thoughts. Adam Milgate, Dave Everett, Richard Paddon and Sean Taylor help their audiences' to explore little-known facts about the human mind and demonstrate just how transparent our thoughts can be. Adam, Dave, Richard and Sean take their audience through a series of comic mindgames involving love, marriage, celebrities, dreams, sins, pendulums and international travel. Out Of Your Mindtwists and turns on the very whim of the audience. Everything you see and hear, everything you feel and experience will be decided by you. This is quite possibly the first fully interactive magic show. It will be almost like being in charge of the remote. The only thing they won't do is pause as the show ducks and weaves, and even spirals out of control! Just when you think you begin to understand so it will spin round and catch you. So is this 4 guys just doing their acts? Nope! Out Of Your Mind is a brand new show. The entire performance has been conceived from the ground up and, for the first time, you will see four performers on stage for the entire show. This is a completely new theatrical experience which combines mind blowing magic with comedy, sights, sounds, unique props and stage settings to create a sensory experience like no other. The on stage interaction between the four fundamentally different personality types is all part of the fun as they explore the mysterious human brain and how it works. Indeed, the four performers are from widely different backgrounds with wildly different interpretations of what they do: "It's a fun, interactive look at the powers of the human  mind."-Sean "It's an audience-centric presentation of some little-known principles and great theatricality"-Richard "It's a look at the shadow side of the mind-disturbing things which most people don't like to acknowledge"-Dave "It's a hoot baby!"-Adam So come and join the four guys (and their stuffed cat) for a TWO HOUR roller coaster ride through your own mind. With four magicians on stage, anything can happen and it probably will! For the first time anywhere in the world.........Out of Your Mind To Book call 02 9411 6233 Book On Line http://www.taylorsmagicshop.com.au/category1_1.htm New Website goes live Monday 25th Feb www.outofyourmind.com.au (Out Of Your Mind is not crude in any way but we do not recommend it for Children under 13 years) -------------------------------------------- 17. I Hate Rabbits -------------------------------------------- Message from Dean Atkinson (Aust) James Galea appearing in 'I Hate Rabbits' (a Magic Mondays special event) at Dante's Restaurant 3rd and 4th March at 7.30pm tickets can be obtained by calling 9682 0153 The show is also being produced in Sydney at 'The Supper Club' at Will and Toby's on Oxford Street on the 9th March at 8pm Ventriloquist Comedian, Dean Atkinson is James's opening act. Due to the popularity of Magic Mondays and the anticipation of James Galea's 'I Hate Rabbits' booking for these shows is essential. -------------------------------------------- 18. An Open Letter To All Magicians From Don Drake -------------------------------------------- Message from Don Drake (US) Thank you folks, you are the best. I have decided to write an open letter to all my friends and customers in any of my venues. I simply cannot let another day go by without an explanation to my creditors and the people that really know me. To all of my friends, customers and cohorts who have been working with me on one project or another are entitled to know what is going on, with Sharon and myself, to understand some of the things I've been coping with. Finally I am not afraid to have any truth come out about me, I have nothing to hide, and so I have decided on the open letter format. Please bear with me; An Open Letter To All Magicians And Friends And Customers Of Dondrake This is a true story, and I feel better if all my friends and customers would please read this. Thanks. Sharon and I were living in Las Vegas, from April of 1994 to June 2006. Having just come back from a very successful show that I wired for hot and cold running black art (sorry the show has asked for anonymity re: this letter) I was getting ready to release my second book, which gave much more information than the first, along with a good idea for set-up. The very first cloud on the horizon was Sharon's Illness. She had one of the very first MRSA diseases (this is an infection (usually staph) that does NOT respond to any anti-biotic. The only thing that saved her life (the doctors simply didn't know how to treat her) was the fact that they were able to cut out the infected tissue (the upper part of Sharon's chest and the top of one lung), Sharon is a non-smoker BTW--At this point they transferred Sharon from the Cardiac ICU to the main ICU, it was in the hospital. Meanwhile Sharon had surgery on her hiatal hernia, just on her abdomen. It then turned out that the surgeon did a sloppy job and put in the wrong size Mesh. So for one year solid Sharon had to bathe and pack that wound, each and every day! So not only did that hurt her for the improper hernia operation, but right about then she suffered a soft heart attack, and had to have a 4 way by-pass surgery. She then came home for a few weeks, but the doctors determined that Sharon had a low kidney function. So now on top of everything else, she has to have dialysis at least 3 times per week. All this was about two years ago, so when one of Sharon's girl friends offered to share her beautiful home with us, here in Lompoc, we agreed. Coming on top of everything else, we moved to Lompoc on July 1, 2006. It was probably the worst mistake I ever made. This 'lady' turned out to be a raving psychotic and threw us both out of her house about two months after we got there. This left us in a rather bad financial situation. I had to borrow several hundred dollars from friends, and it was that time that a guy picked to beat me out of about $3,000.00 in a well arranged scam that took the rest of my cash. Ever since then I have been working my tail-off trying to find a way to pay everyone back, and still have money to live on. I get a very small amount of Social-Security, and Sharon's medical bills are again getting beyond the ability for us to pay. So we are living on Social Security Dis-ability, and charity. Also at this time I owed out a lot of money to an investor, and above all I wanted to pay back the money that I owed everyone I've since found out that I will be some 5 years doing that. But the payments are being made, even though I wish I could do it faster, and Sharon's medical bills are piling up again, and I'm starting to feel the pinch again. I am not writing this because I want people to feel sorry for me, I'm simply stating the facts. If I owed you some money, let me know how much, I will put your debt into a book and pay all debts and if not right away, I'll be glad to pay some interest, as much as possible. So that is what I mean when I say I wish someone would do a benefit show for me, I would be extremely happy if Sharon could just get out from under. But that is a wish that may never come true. BTW I don't know if you know this or not, but MRSA is now attacking and killing a lot of people. It was on the National News recently as a new type of killer. Mainly because our Known Anti-Biotic will not work on these bugs. In the meantime Sharon cannot walk to Dialysis which is only two blocks away, I have been moved up to Methadone Pills for my pain, and believe it or not, they work! Thanks to God I finally found a medication that stops the pain. I also have a built in tremor (just the thing for a performer of magic) that is known as an Essential Tremor. A lot of my body goes through an in-voluntary tremor, almost 24 hours a day. Finally the straw that may break the camel's back, I got an over-draft at my bank, that is costing me some ridiculous amount of money (when and if I can pay it). My company that hosts my website "Network Solutions" has made a billing error and charged me when they should have re-funded. They said they would pay my lousy $25 back, but they charged it instead to my PayPal. Because they did this they caused another overdraft, and now they have caused me at least two over-drafts of $26 each, + $5 per day until the balance is paid down. Yeah, OK< now I get it. If I don't pay the rent or eat for two weeks I think I can cover that OK -:) This is an open letter to all who care to read it. I'm sure some of you have worse troubles than Sharon and I, but certainly not much worse. We still have a roof over our heads, but again, I don't know for how long. My website is handled by Mark Emery, the creator of the Floating Diamond. I have made him an equal partner and I hope he can keep things going if I should crash. By crash, I mean Physically and Financially. So anyway all you nice people out there in cyber-space, thanks for listening, and pardon me for writing this, but I am at the end of my rope. DD -------------------------------------------- 19. 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) -------------------------------------------- 20. 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