* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.magicnewzealand.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #832 Date: Sunday 8th May 2011 Editor: Alan Watson www.watson.co.nz E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. Register Now For EMC 2011 3. Bad Press For The Criss Angel Show 4. May 2011 Issue Of The Linking Ring Magazine 5. More Remarkable Magic # 33 - Nick Lewin 6. Sharing The Stage - #208 - Kyle Peron 7. Tony Brook In Conversation With Valerie - Part 4 8. S.A.M. Stars Of Tomorrow 9. "Salute To Magic" Night In New York 10. Wanting - Goldston's Magician Monthly: V 4 # 12 11. 102nd Edition Salute To Magic 12. Escape Artist Issues Handcuff Challenge 13. New Breakthrough In Invisible Thread Technology 14. A Small Seminar With Eugene Burger 15. Broken Wand - Cliff Lount 16. The Max Howard Project 2011 17. e-zine Archives 18. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- The membership of Magic New Zealand worldwide as of today is 16,472. Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. Register Now For EMC 2011 -------------------------------------------- We have launched the second Essential Magic Conference. It will take place on the 7th, 8th, 9th of July. The first Essential Magic Conference in 2010 was a watershed event in magic, the world's first digital conference for magicians. It achieved an 'Epic' rating from registrants in our online poll. And sensational reviews the world over. This July we promise to do it all over again. 3 days of incredible online lectures from 33 of the world's finest magicians. Registration costs $90 US/70 Euro. It includes full access to the 3 days of conference presentations. One year's access to an online archive of all the presentations. Plus a set of DVDs featuring all the conference content, plus bonus materials, mailed directly to you, anywhere in the world, post free. Speakers for EMC 2011 will be announced shortly. And we have some very big surprises in store. Register now by going to: http://essentialmagicconference.com -------------------------------------------- 3. Bad Press For The Criss Angel Show -------------------------------------------- Article forwarded on by Peter James Huffpost Travel Paul Carr, British author, columnist, hotel-dweller The last thing the world needs is another person writing about how terrible Criss Angel's Believe show at the Luxor is. Instead, then, I've decided to do today's diary entry as a video. In which I talk about how terrible Criss Angel's Believe show at the Luxor is. If you're looking for a snappy rant, this isn't for you. Instead its twelve and a half minutes of me venting my frustration at everything that's wrong with bad Las Vegas magicians, and everything that's right -- by contrast -- with Penn & Teller's show at the Rio. The too long, didn't watch summary: Criss Angel's show is a disgrace, his use of stooges is beneath contempt, I feel sorry for Cirque Du Soleil (who co-produced the show) like one feels sorry for the long-suffering wife of a complete dickhead -- and you should see Penn & Teller instead. For the article and video review go to: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-carr/the-strip-diary-day-thirt_2_b_857891.html -------------------------------------------- 4. May 2011 Issue Of The Linking Ring Magazine -------------------------------------------- Message by Editor: Samuel Patrick Smith Reviewed by Paul A. Lelekis Vol. 91, No. 5 May: The Linking Ring boasts the world's largest circulation of any printed magic magazine and has now launched a beautiful digital edition. I.B.M. membership is required to receive this monthly magazine. Members can access The Linking Ring at www.magician.org. This site allows one, portal entry into the world of magic! Each month in The Linking Ring, the RING EVENTS provide readers with the "scoop" on what is happening in different Rings around the world. This month's cover of The Linking Ring is features the beautiful Celeste Evans who was one of the most successful magicians of the 20th century! Share her memories and her amazing climb to success in the world of magic! The I.B.M. Convention in Dallas is proving to be the greatest line-up of talent ever! Read about the youth activities and the Young Magicians' Experience! Simone Marron reviews the 4th Annual Crazy Cruise Conference. Read about Dorothy Young, Houdini's last living assistant who just died at 103, March 20, 2011! She may have been the last person on earth who actually knew Harry Houdini! Proposed By-Laws and Standing Rules for the I.B.M. will be voted on at the Dallas Convention! Learn about special events at Rings from around the world! This month's One-Man Parade features the fantastic and creative magic of Ian Adair! This prolific creator, writer and performer has been on the cover of The Linking Ring two times! Those who perform for children will LOVE the offerings in this Parade! Tremendous offerings- colorful and wonderful magic for the kids! Below are articles in which you can learn some fantastic magic! Cutting Up Jackpots by Bev Bergeron is all about having fun at conventions! Bev is a very prolific magician, historian and story-teller! Classics Revisited by Vanni Pule features a classic effect using "mainstream props" that is adapted for children! Mike Power's Card Corner offers a very cool rendition of Triumph by Ben Train. Tom Craven's Havenly Close-Up features an Impromptu Book Test, by me, Paul Lelekis! Peter Marucci's Showtime presents a very powerful effect using four English Pennies! Storytelling Magic by Ed Solomon gives Pirate Saga! A very colorful effect with fantastic patter! He presents us a wonderful idea from the "first" book of magic by Reginald Scot! The Linking Ring has a team of experts who review many new items of magic so that the magicians of the world may purchase wisely! There are too many articles and too much magic in this issue of The Linking Ring for me to list, but everyone is world class! Advertisers -- your products will enjoy unsurpassed worldwide promotion in The Linking Ring through the beautiful printed magazine, the dazzling digital edition, and links from the I.B.M. Web Portal. For details about advertising in The Linking Ring, contact BJ Hickman at advertising@magician.org. -------------------------------------------- 5. More Remarkable Magic # 33 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message by Nick Lewin (US) The 'Real Thing' Impostress Princess! One of the rare but delightful perks of writing a column is that every now and then a trick or a book arrives in the post that someone feels might be of interest. As far as this goes, last week contained a surprise that has added immeasurably to my magical year. It was a book that contained a cornucopia of information, tips, routines and handling for a trick that I have always held in very high esteem. My former editor and good friend Phil Willmarth sent me a copy of one of the best books on magic I have read in years. The book is called 'The Impostress Princess' and is an expanded version of Peter W. Tappan's 1986 book about the various versions and techniques for performing 'The Princess Card Trick.' The book has been restructured, republished and reintroduced into the magic community by Willmarth and we are very lucky that he did so. There are many tricks that are rightly or wrongly considered to be versions of 'The Princess,' hence the nifty title. To try and be accurate one should specify that the trick we are talking about is the discovery of several 'thought of' cards using a system of cross referencing or as it is often known 'The Matrix' principle. My first introduction to the trick was when I bought the excellent booklet and 'Miracle Gimmick' that Jeff Busby published detailing Paul Fox's work on the effect. Many famous magicians and mentalists have explored and experimented with this basic effect; Professor Hoffman Introduced this principle to most magicians in his classic book 'More Magic' in 1876. Other noteworthy magicians who have left major creative footprints on the principle include, Dr. Richard Rowe, Al Baker, Leo Horowitz, Orville Meyer, Ray Grismer, Louis Histed, Paul Fox, Al Koran Phil Goldstein and many others. Key elements from their various additions and developments make the meat of this book pure 'Black Angus' steak all the way. In the first pages of the book I realized why Phil had sent me the book, it wasn't (I think) because he had a psychic premonition that just days earlier I had added the props for the Paul Fox routine to my working case after a somewhat lengthy absence. The reason that Phil knew I would be excited to receive the book was the early and frequent references to two of my favorite people in magic Terry Nosek and Ross Johnson. Actually the fact that Phil had re-created the book was a big influence too, however I'm sure he is far too modest and unassuming a person for that even to have crossed his mind. I am proud to number Phil and Ross amongst my real friends and not a week goes by without me deeply missing the company of the wonderful Terry Nosek-aka 'Dr. Sigmund Freud.' I have said it before, and at risk of once again upsetting every other mentalist in the business, I will say it again: Ross Johnston is the most convincing mindreader I have ever seen perform in my 45 years as a magician. End-of-statement. Ross has made a magnificent contribution to this book in his characteristically direct and effective manner. The book is in fact dedicated to Ross who is one of those rare people who was reading minds before everyone in magic was a mindreader. Scholarly, informative and intellectually factual; this is a book that on a professional level will make a giant contribution to my show. That is a rather cold (but accurate) analysis of the book that I have been reading and rereading with passion since it arrived in my hot little hands. I have been reading it with a pure joy that I haven't found since Ian Fleming wrote his last 'real' James Bond book. I don't think I could make a more personally sweeping statement than that about any book. I have no idea how much the book costs, but if you are interested in adding a genuine gem to your show--- buy it! If you have an interest in the growth and development of great magic then you need this book on your shelf. 'The Impostress Princess' is published by 'Willmarth Magic' and I suspect it is available from your favorite magic supplier, I will try and add a link to a website before Magic New Zealand is published. Peter Tappan and Phil have done a superb job of making us all more educated readers and better magicians. Ross Johnson recently emailed me a quote from the previous night's episode of 'The Simpsons.' The quote was, 'every idiot with a 'soul patch' and a deck of cards thinks he is a mindreader." I laughed long and hard at this brutal piece of pop culture truth about my favorite form of magic. However if you aren't idiot enough to ignore this book and are prepared to add the facial hair, then you really might convince a bunch of people that you really can read between 5 and 10 minds, just with the aid of a deck of cards. Now that's Magic----sorry mentalism! 'The Impostress Princess' is available only from Phil Willmarth at www.willmarthmagic.com. The price is $40 + $5 US, $15 elsewhere p&h flat rate priority mail. Ever the editor, Phil told me he was delighted I loved it so much, but that I was a little wordy in saying so. Sorry to disagree Phil but I think I was very modest in my word usage in recommending this gem! Email me at nicklewin1@me.com -------------------------------------------- 6. Sharing The Stage - #208 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message by Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com The more you perform the more chances you have of realizing you are not the only one on the stage at that gig or event. In many cases you may be one of several performers that will utilize the same space during a course of any event. How you handle this situation really separates the pros from the amateurs. If you are a professional, then you must always conduct yourself in a way that you meet and exceed the clients expectations while giving and providing a total solution. You cannot provide a solution if what you are doing is simply causing more problems, demands or issues for them. Sharing a stage may not always be easy, but it does not have to drive you insane either. There are things any performer can and should do that will help you out a lot when in situations like this. Remembering some of these key tips can save you and your client a lot of headache. Any time you are sharing a stage with multiple performers, you should keep the following in mind: - Be as prepared as you can be. If anything can be set up ahead of time, it will make things easier for you getting on and off the stage. - Bring your own sound system and have it ready just in case. If you can contact the sound person in advance, that is always a great thing to do to see what is provided or if you need to get there earlier. If they have a sound system, bring your own mics as you are most comfortable with your own and can patch right into theirs. - Make sure you go over any music and music cues with the sound people ahead of time. I always bring a tech sheet with me that covers this and I get there early enough to go over it with them. If not, I can always control the music myself through a wireless remote. Once again, asking ahead of time will save you a lot of hassle. - Make darn sure that if you are to do 30 mins, you DO 30 mins. Not 25...not 35...30. It is not fair to other performers if you decide to just do your thing regardless of the time. Be a professional and know. I always have a timer on my table so I can set it and no at any point how much time I have left in my set. - Ask if you can have an area near to the stage for set up of your act. This way you can be set ahead of time and the only thing you have to do is roll the table onto the stage and you are ready to run. Being prepared like this leaves for less down time. - You may also want to ask the stage contact if there is any way that any larger props, tables or illusions could be stored at the back of the stage if it is not in the way of other performers. In many cases, this can be arranged and allows you an easier set up time between acts. If in doubt, ASK. - If you do not want downtime between the end of the first act and your start time, then you can 1) have pre show music played as you set up or, 2) be miced ahead of time and start to talk as you come on stage. This keeps folks there at the stage and you can engage them easier. - Always ask your client who is the main contact person running the stage. In many cases your client is not the one in charge of your stage area. Always best to ask up front so you know who to look for when you get there and who you can contact ahead of time. - Always introduce yourself to the other acts and get to know them a bit. Be genuine and sincere in your approach. I have met some really great friends simply by doing this. It is not only polite, but shows you are a true professional that cares about them as well. Chances are that they will be more willing to work with you if they know a bit about you and that you are a good guy or gal. Hope these tips are of help to you as they have been for me over the years. 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 www.kyleandkellymagic.com -------------------------------------------- 7. Tony Brook In Conversation With Valerie - Part 4 -------------------------------------------- Message by Anthony Darkstone Brook - Europe/USA TB : Yes Indeed a wonderful achievement. Your remark about Lady Magicians. That is very true. However, I am delighted to say that all of that is changing. a bit too slowly. but it is changing. thanks to your efforts and indeed the efforts of all my lady Magician friends. Back in the day, the wonderful Celeste Evans opened many doors and over the last decade, ladies such as you, Ariann Black, Luna Shimada, Juliana Chen. well there's a lot of great names... I can't name them all but all of you have been a tremendous inspiration to many of today's lady magicians and the young ones who follow. V : Yes Tony. I like to think that I have in a small way helped to contribute towards pushing back the barriers so that young girls can aspire towards becoming world class magicians... or even taking up Magic as a hobby. This is the reason I travel the world presenting my lecture. TB : I'm glad you brought that up. I was going to ask you about the lecture. So now is as good a time as any. so let's talk a bit about that. Everywhere you have given that lecture you have received rave reviews. Tom Vorjohan, writing in The Linking Ring, described you as a "crowd stunner ". he went on to praise you highly and appreciated your work ; he added : "it was obvious that she had studied and made personal method changes to the art of costume changes". After your lecture in Blackpool in 2008, comments in Genii were :- " Unbelievable know how on the subject. Everything you could want to know and more. A highlight of the day". So Valerie , we are all ears, tell us everything about this lecture of yours. How it came about and, of course, without revealing any of the secrets, tell us what you demonstrate in your lecture and why every Magician should attend. even if they are not interested in "quick-change". V : Oh my ! Tony, that might just take too long. TB : No, No , s'il vous plait, please take all the time you need. Tell us how it got started, how you developed the idea, well. everything. I'm asking because I happen to personally think that your lecture is not just about the secrets of Quick-Change but a Master Class in the performance of Magic. I am quite happy to state publicly that every Magic Club should experience your 60 minutes of the pure joy of knowledgeable Magic. so, now over to you.we are anxious to hear. V : Well, as you say Tony, my lecture is not just about Quick-Change, although as you know it does focus quite a bit on many of the secrets behind quick-change. It is not just theory, I actually show items from my Award winning act. I demonstrate everything not only from the audience perspective but more importantly how it looks and functions from a "back-stage " perspective. My lecture is more or less 3 hours for Magic Clubs and an hour at Main Conventions. End of part 4 tbrook47@gmail.com -------------------------------------------- 8. S.A.M. Stars Of Tomorrow -------------------------------------------- Message by George Schindler (US) Seven talented youngsters were chosen from among the 25 applications received for this year's "Stars of Tomorrow "show at the S.A.M. National Convention in July. Producer Marlene Clark announced the names of the performers coming from four states, the United Kingdom and Japan. This show has always been a "hit" at the annual convention. Here is a list of the acts. Hayden Childress (17) of Rock Hill, South Carolina (Emcee); Blake Nielsen (15) from Littleton, Colorado; Vincent Villamonte (17) from Lincoln, Nebraska; Timothy Cripe (15) of Denver Colorado; Isabelle Dodd (11) from Needham, Massachusetts James Wilson (16) from Buckinghamshire, UK Ma-Sa-Ya (16) of Saitama-Ken Japan Stars of Tomorrow will be presented at 2 PM July 16 at the Wyndham Grand Hotel in Pittsburgh , PA See www.magicsam.com for details -------------------------------------------- 9. "Salute To Magic" Night In New York -------------------------------------------- Message by George Schindler (US) May 14 is "Salute to Magic" night in New York. Governor Andrew Cuomo proclaimed the event in honor of Thomas Solomon in recognition of his work entertaining wounded combat veterans (fifty of whom will be at the show) See you there. See www.sampa1.com -------------------------------------------- 10. Wanting - Goldston's Magician Monthly: V 4 # 12 -------------------------------------------- Message by Chris Woodward Please search your cupboards, and bookshelves. I need just one last issue to complete my file of Goldston's Magician Monthly: Volume 4 number 12 (November 1908) Can anyone help please? I would be most grateful! Many thanks Chris Woodward c.woodward@tesco.net -------------------------------------------- 11. 102nd Edition Salute To Magic -------------------------------------------- Message by Eric DeCamps (US) Saturday May 14, 2011 tickets still available Hi Magic Fans! Eric DeCamps here and I'm reminding you that the 102nd edition of PA # 1 Salute to Magic is less than 2 weeks away and that there are still some seats available to this wonderful event. Thomas Solomon is presenting his Magic & Escape show. It's a very special show with some amazing sets, great magic and death defying escapes. I was lucky to get my tickets early and I really don't want you to miss out on the wonderful opportunity to see this truly remarkable show. You can find you more at the Salute to magic FB event page: www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=205659379462292 You can order by emailing Ken Ferst at LEMONZYRUP@aol.com or buy tickets through PayPal here: http://sampa1.com/salute-to-magic/ I for one can't wait to see this show. The buzz around town is that it's going to be something we have never seen before so get your tickets NOW! See you on Saturday May 14, 2011 at el Teatro at Museo del Barrio. -------------------------------------------- 12. Escape Artist Issues Handcuff Challenge -------------------------------------------- Message by George Schindler (US) Magician Thomas Solomon Revives Houdini's Famous Stunt May 2, 2011. Thomas Solomon, the world's greatest living escape artist, has issued a Handcuff Challenge in advance of the Saturday May 14th performance of his show, American Escape Artist in New York. Audience members are encouraged to bring their own handcuffs to the performance, challenging Solomon to escape them. The Handcuff Challenge was one of Harry Houdini's most popular and enduring stunts. Thomas Solomon has escaped from thousands of pairs of borrowed handcuffs, including those of the Uniformed Secret Service at the White House. Complicated and obscure handcuffs are encouraged. Bona fide law enforcement personnel will secure Solomon in multiple sets of handcuffs. American Escape Artist is presented by the Society of American Magicians, Parent Assembly #1 as their annual "Salute to Magic." show, Now in its 102nd year, the "Salute to Magic" is the longest-running magic show in the U.S. Over the last century, most of the world's greatest magicians, including Houdini himself, have appeared on this show. . American Escape Artist, starring Thomas Solomon Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 8pm El Teatro at El Museo del Barrio 1230 Fifth Avenue at 104th Street, New York City Tickets $50 Purchase tickets at www.sampa1.com -------------------------------------------- 13. New Breakthrough In Invisible Thread Technology -------------------------------------------- Message by James George CEO Sorcery Shop This is James George at the Sorcery Shop with a New Product Release announcement of ours in Cooperation with Steve Fearson. We have released an amazing new breakthrough in Invisible Thread Technology. You now have the most Amazing Invisible Thread ever released, this military grade fiber is only exclusively available through us and now available on our new Titan ITR, Vectra a single fiber of this material is capable of lifting a deck of cards! Watch the video on our web-site and prepare to be amazed. Please note that we will be holding the price down for a limited time, giving you an opportunity to find out why Magicians everywhere are raving about this new fiber! Now with it on our reel, it gives you the confidence of performing levitations in real world conditions! Copy and paste: http://itrmagictricks.com/p17056/Titan_ITR_Reel_-_Now_with_Steve_Fearsons_Vectra_IT/product_info.html -------------------------------------------- 14. A Small Seminar With Eugene Burger -------------------------------------------- Message by James Hamilton This is your opportunity to spend three and a half hours in a small group with one of magic's most acclaimed teachers. There is no set agenda. Topics are suggested by the participants. Eugene discusses subjects that are of interest to you. In the past, some of the subjects covered included the twenty minute show he carries in his wallet, mentalism and magic, forcing cards and other objects, Vernon's Trick that Cannot Be Explained, restaurant magic -- as well as specific effects, techniques and psychological strategies to give our magic more impact. The subjects are open. What would you like to discuss with Eugene? Dean of the McBride Magic and Mystery School in Las Vegas, Eugene Burger is universally recognized as one of the foremost teachers of magic in the world. He works privately with beginners, intermediate and advanced students and consults with many professionals. Sunday, May 15, 2011 1 pm to 4:30 pm $75.00 San Francisco Venue to be announced. Send Reservations and Payment to: James Hamilton 1712 Steiner Street San Francisco, Ca. 94115 PH: 415 694-2498 -------------------------------------------- 15. Broken Wand - Cliff Lount -------------------------------------------- Message by Stan Twigge, UK Cliff Lount well known Magic dealer from Yorkshire passed away 23/04/2011, he had his own little corner at Blackpool Conventions. He will be missed. -------------------------------------------- 16. The Max Howard Project 2011 -------------------------------------------- Message by Stan Twigge, UK KIDabra Conference August 8-12, 2011 In the Resort Town of Pigeon Forge, TN A 20th Anniversary Conference Highlight Event! The Max Howard Project 2011 Say the name Max Howard to most folks in our business and they will respond: "Max is a wonderful actor, terrific magician, the guy who portrays Gus Rich in the magical play The War Wizard, and winner of tons of awards for children's TV" (including an Emmy!) Say the name to me and I'll answer "He's a passionate, sincere man who loves and respects his art and craft more than anyone I know. Max is a consummate teacher of everything performance. He has beat the drum on a daily basis as long as I've known him to push for excellence in performance; be you a birthday party magician in someone's basement or an illusionist on the largest stage. Both are equally important in Max's mind because each audience deserves the best possible show." Come to KIDabra Conference this year and have an amazing educational experience with one of the great teachers of our industry, artform and time! Learn along with this years slate of performers: Jim Kleefeld, John McClenahan and Tom McDonnell as they explore and work on routines and performance pieces with Max. Last year, during the first chapter of The Max Howard Project attendees were riveted during the daily visits as Ken Scott, Tim Sonefelt and Glenn Strange presented, discussed, and debated as Max directed and critiqued along the way. No one present will ever forget the standing ovation for Glenn Strange's performance breakthough, with a couple of d'lights and light bag, during the final segment. One of the most talked about events of last year's conference now becomes one of the most anticipated Don't Miss Highlights of KIDabra 2011: The Max Howard Project. It will take place at only one place on earth this year: KIDabra Conference! Please join us for this remarkable happening! Your audiences will love you for it! KIDabra International explores all aspects of performance. Learn more about the conference, how to join the association and all things KIDabra at kidabra.org -------------------------------------------- 17. e-zine Archives -------------------------------------------- Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order and are Coded, e.g. 001 Nov06 1999.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue number, then the date (Nov06) and the last figures the year (1999) -------------------------------------------- 18. 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.magicnewzealand.com 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 2011 Alan Watson