* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand® * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.magicnewzealand.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #901 Date: Sunday 26th February 2012 Editor: Alan Watson www.watson.co.nz E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. The Passing of Martin Breese 3. The New Magicseen Is Out #43 4. Fielding West To Emcee Las Vegas Convention Show 5. Remarkable Magic. #21 - Nick Lewin 6. Success In Magic - #246 - Kyle Peron 7. Tony Brook in Conversation with Ray Parker #8 8. Las Vegas Magic - March 9. Dedicated To World Famous Hypnotist Peter Reveen 10. A Visit to Showzam! 11. Orlando Flea Market/Auction/Dual Lecture 12. Buying and Selling Vintage & Historical Magician Goods 13. The Gimmick MagiZette 14. Looking For a Copy of the April 2000 Linking Ring Magazine 15. Darwin Ortiz Presents Scams & Fantasies with Cards 16. Tim Ellis' New Show "Champions of Magic" 17. Update - 31st New Zealand International Magicians Convention 18. e-zine Archives 19. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- IMPORTANT NOTICE - Visa and Mastercard are now accepted for payment for your convention registration to the 31st New Zealand International Magicians Convention. For those who are making flight reservations the convention starts on Friday night 19th October and finishes on Monday 22nd October at 2.30pm. For information on the Convention go to item 16. Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: Editor@MagicNewZealand.com -------------------------------------------- 2. The Passing of Martin Breese --------------------------------------------- Message by Nick Lewin (US) One of the phrases you hear bandied about in a jocular manner by people is, "You are a gentleman and a scholar." It usually means nothing when it is said and often has that slight put down/ironic tone that magicians love to use with one another. Well, let me say it loud and clear, Martin Breese WAS a scholar and a gentleman. He was special. Martin's vision and love for magic was never more than an inch from the surface of this remarkable man. He always credited Goodliffe with his early steps into the act of becoming one of the great presences in the magic world. Indeed his relationship with Goodliffe is a wonderful story that Martin has told in part in the fascinating newsletters that he shared with the fraternity. I hope the full story of Martin Breese will be shared one day. To many people, their first real 'wake-up' call to this amazing man was the release of his series of Magicassettes, soon after his return to England from South Africa in the 1970s. They allowed magicians to be heard in their own voices as they shared insights that would otherwise have been lost. I treasure my copies of the series of cassettes he created. They are a living link in our magical heritage and go beyond the tricks and right to the heart of the performers. Martin was also a publisher of many books that hold a special place in my heart. His loving dedication to improving and adding to our heritage was evident in each and every project. His recent work in updating and completing the world's knowledge of the works of the great Al Koran, stands almost unique in the loving care and detail he poured into it. It was awesome to watch his dedication to this massive project Breese loved magic with a passion and it showed in every aspect of his life. However, there was much more to Martin's world than just magic. He was a world-class photographer, and brought his visual skills to everything he did. I remember standing in his home in Brighton and being swept away with the all too seldom awareness that it was the home of a true aesthete who combined taste and practicality into his surroundings in a very special way. On the wall above the staircase was a 'Banksy' picture, in his library were first editions of great books. Martin was a person who recognized quality and greatness in any form it was demonstrated, hardly surprising as he embodied both qualities. He was an artist, a visionary and a businessman who allowed each quality to feed from the other and enrich the person he was. On a personal level, I personally am all too aware of his kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity. Not just with things but with his powerful and vital energy. Even as he was ferociously and bravely battling for his life in his final weeks, he never stopped communicating with me, helping me become a better writer and magician. He really cared, in a world where most peoples caring centers around themselves. Martin cared about ideas, standards and other people, knowing that Martin was reading and analyzing what I wrote and did made me strive harder to accomplish more. The passing of Martin Breese has robbed the magic world of one of its greatest characters and benefactors. He is one of the great men I have been blessed to know in this business. My sympathy, love and blessings go out to his lovely wife Pang, his family and all those others like myself who have been robbed of someone this special. I am heartbroken at this loss. Email me at nicklewin1@mac.com -------------------------------------------- 3. The New Magicseen Is Out #43 --------------------------------------------- Message by Chris Wasshuber (US) The new Magicseen is out with Teller on the cover and an exclusive interview - as always with Teller a must read. David Devlin sent me another stunner with an insanely clever method "Word 4 Word". His other effect "Back Lash" is nice but not in the same league. Devin Knight returns with two feature routines. "Outta Sight" is quite a remarkable improvement of an old effect. Aldo Colombini continues his ESP card magic series with Vol. 8. Jim Sisti with a very cool collection of Brainwave effects. A new from Spain, Daniel Quiles, makes his debut with "Secrets". The English is lacking but the routines are beautiful. And to round it all out even more mentalism with Dee Christopher's "Axiom", Peter Duffie's "Mind Blaster USA", and Freddie Valentines' "The Occult Magic 3: The Outer Circle". Enjoy and spread the word. http://www.lybrary.com/magicseen-no-43-p-143794.html ------------------------------------------- 4. Fielding West To Emcee Las Vegas Convention Show -------------------------------------------- Message by George Schindler (US) The man who will produce a man-eating Bengal Tiger at a Society of American Magicians gala show in Las Vegas will also serve as its emcee . Hilarious Fielding West joins other super stars appearing at our convention at the Golden Nugget (July 23-26) . No need to "casino hop" to see all the shows on the "strip" as their magic stars will appear on our stage at no extra charge at the Smith Center. Remember that registrants, also have free tickets to David Copperfield and Mac King shows. Watch for a cover story on Fielding in MAGIC magazine. Register now at www.magicsam.com- -------------------------------------------- 5. Remarkable Magic. #21 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message by Nick Lewin (US) Mike Robinson, a hidden treasure in the magic world. I recently had the pleasure of working with an act about whom I have being hearing great things for many years. The act was ventriloquist Mike Robinson, and if anything his performance was even better than his word of mouth (maybe a strange expression to use about a ventriloquist-but then the lips saying it all moved!) led me to believe. He was funny, funny, funny. Combined with the original and expertly delivered comedy Mike delivered in his show, was a technique as good as any ventriloquist I have ever seen, right up there with my previous frontrunner Jay Johnson. Robinson is an act that any performing ventriloquist needs to see, in order to improve their workplace skills. Included in Mike's performance was a short segment that involved a really basic card routine that he set up for his sidekick Terence delivered the punchline. Now don't be fooled by my use of the word basic, there was absolutely nothing basic about his casually expert handling of the cards or the 'laugh a second' dialogue. I have always been fascinated by how many magicians began their careers as ventriloquists and vice versa, I suspected that Mike belonged to this group and I was right. I had the opportunity to spend some time with Mike I realized that he not only fitted this category of hobby dialecticism but that he belonged to the much rarer group of individuals who possessed the dedication to master both art forms. Put quite simply, Robinson is one of the very finest sleight of hand magicians I have ever seen perform. Mike is 'Jack of two trades and master of both' however don't expect to see him working in the close-up gallery at the Castle anytime soon. He is way too busy; making far too much money with his ventriloquism to give the experts at the Castle the treat his booking would deliver. Seconds, bottoms, multiple shifts, doubles and every form of gambling maneuver flow from his fingertips with the same ease that original comedy escapes from his alarmingly motionless lips! When we first sat down with cigars and a deck of cards I quickly exhausted my rather rusty card work and just sat back to enjoy the thrill of watching an expert strut his stuff! Born in Montreal and now a native of Halifax, Canada, Mike learned his first card trick when he was 6 years old and continued his magical education on a daily basis watching the magician on the 'Uncle Bobby' kid's television show. He soon became an avid junior magician, but all this changed when he saw a guest appearance on the Flip Wilson Show by one of the greatest ventriloquist to still grace our stages. That act was the iconic 'Willie Tyler & Lester." The young Mike Robinson was amazed at the illusion of 'voice-throwing' that Willie demonstrated. He was also delighted and could empathize watching the talented African American performer and his pint sixed colleague with the stylish and hip 'Afro' hairstyle! Mike was mentally reborn as a ventriloquist. Magic was shelved (or more actually, sidetracked) for a career in ventriloquism that has made him one of the busiest performers on the scene. However, his drive and quest for perfection kept him working at some of the toughest moves and challenges to face any card worker. His success in both fields makes him unique. Mike began his serious study of magic watching the late, great 'Charming Cheat' Martin Nash on the Magic Castle TV show. He was instantly hooked on the gambling effects that Martin featured in his performance, "That is when the light bulb went off" as Mike puts it. Richard Turner's VHS tapes and personal guidance from Turner helped steer his work on the path to becoming a top card worker. Robinson met Turner at a '4F' convention, and Mike still attends the yearly convention inspired by the great Eddie Fechter. He also performs a handful of highly select sleight-of-hand dates for high priced hospitality suite events. If you have a chance to see Robinson work-DON'T MISS IT! If he is performing his ventriloquism show then corner him afterwards and offer him a cigar and a deck of cards - he can't resist either one. You won't be sorry. I asked Mike to give some advice for young magicians who will read this column, I loved (and totally endorse) his response, "Go back and read the original literature, there are a lot of tricks out there on the Internet, but first develop your personality and then really study the classics. The first 4 Ace trick is probably still the best" these are words of wisdom from a master performer. Email me at nicklewin1@mac.com -------------------------------------------- 6. Success In Magic - #246 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message by Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com One of the biggest factors towards anyone's success in magic as a business is the sheer ability to consistently take action. Not just any old action. Consistent action on a daily level that leads one down the right path towards achieving or reaching an obtainable goal. So many of us can succeed and reach levels we never thought of if we simply had the ability to take action daily. Sounds simple doesn't it? However, it is not as simple as it may sound when stated. The reason is that there are just so many things that hinder us from taking this type of action. It is really easy to become set in our ways. It is easy to be comfortable right where we are. Action requires work and work requires effort. This alone can lead many away from doing what they really know will help them succeed. The other problem folks have is that they simply get lost with how to get to where they want to go. They set a lofty goal and the goal seems so huge that they have no idea what steps to take to get there. Climbing that mountain seems impossible. So what have I learned that has helped make a HUGE difference for me? That is the ability to write down goals and to create a consistent daily to do list. I cannot tell you just how much this has changed my approach to my business and the success I want to achieve. It works and works amazingly well. Before you can have success, you must first define it for yourself. So the first step is to define the goals you are after for each part of your business. It is not good enough to just have them in your head. You must take effort to write them down and to be specific about each one. To state "to be a success" is not defined well enough. However saying "I would like to reach the profit goal of $25,000 by years end," is a goal that is specific and has weight to it. It is defined by you. When you have these written down, post them in your office so you can see them every single day. This is to remind you what you are after and seeing it every day helps you to take the next steps. The next steps is a means in which to get to the goals. In many ways we need to take steps or set up small tasks to help us reach the summit. How do I do just that? I use a daily to do list. I use a program called Evernote. Evernote allows me to create and update lists and have the ability to obtain that list file anywhere I am. I can look at it on any computer and on any phone as long as I have internet access. My To Do list is then available no matter where I am. A to do list is as easy as it sounds. I write down small tasks each day that I need to accomplish and I assign dates for when I need to get it done by. By marking down these tasks, I am ways in line of getting them done. As I get them done, I erase them. As the status on a tasks changes, I can update it. It is simply amazing how much you can do and accomplish simply by using this system. It energizes you and it takes the confusion totally out of the picture. Each day I review my list and each evening I update it. Very simple and easy. The key is making sure that I do this every day and make it a habit. Imagine how much further you can be if you accomplished even one tasks a day, every day for a solid year? It could and can take you places you never thought of before. Suddenly those lofty goals do not seem so hard to reach. You tend to get there faster than you may realize. I challenge each of you to start doing this system for yourself. It is an amazing thing. If anyone has any questions or wants more information, PLEASE let me know. This is too good to keep to myself. 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 Family Entertainer http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com Entertainers, please visit: http://www.kpmagicproducts.com -------------------------------------------- 7. Tony Brook in Conversation with Ray Parker - Final Part -------------------------------------------- Message by Anthony Darkstone Brook - Europe/USA ADB: You used the magic word . "Entertaining" .. crucial when performing Magic. RP: I wholeheartedly agree Tony. You and I have chatted about this quite often and at length. You raised it during your lecture. Our thoughts are similar on this. The Entertainment value is what "sells" the magic. Not the trick. Yes, of course the technical skill is important or even at times the lack of it. But what is vital, crucial, absolutely necessary and completely indispensable is the Presentation. I am not saying anything that has not been said before but it cannot be said often enough in relation to Magic. ADB: How very true Ray. And you are expertly qualified by your empirical experience to make those comments. You have in addition a perception of the performance of Magic that has been honed by decades of performing experience in almost every aspect of performance, not just Magic. RP: Thank you Tony. With all humility . what you say is true. I do feel that I have an understanding of what it takes to be a successful act. ADB: You were praised by no less than the late great Jack Lemmon. If anyone knew about timing and presentation he certainly did. RP: Yes he was kind. Following Jack's Place I appeared in many TV series in various roles including an unforgettable part in a TV movie starring Jack Lemmon. Lemmon and I met on set early one morning before anyone else arrived and spent time together. A memorable meeting with a wonderful man. ADB: Your Club has presented you with a few awards. RP: Yes. I am very honored. During the time I have been a member of Victoria Magic Circle I have been awarded The Wansborough Best Comedy Magic Trophy twice and been declared winner of the Farquhar Magician of the Year Trophy in 2010. ADB: Ray, you are in every sense of the word a real gem and are very highly rated and thought of by your peers, myself included. Thank you kindly for taking time to converse a while and share your life and philosophy. RP: Thank you Tony. It has been a pleasure. If in some small way my story helps and inspires then I am honored and happy. Come back to Canada and visit us soon. Let's go feed the seals again. -------------------------------------------- 8. Las Vegas Magic - March -------------------------------------------- Message by David Neubauer - www.dnmagic.com Amazing Johnathan 9 pm (Dark Sun. & Mon.) - Planet Hollywood. Dark Jan. 26-28, Feb. 9-11 harmon-web.vegas.com/harmon/AmazingJonathan.htm Avant Garde 7:00 pm (Dark Fri.) Starring Juliana Chen, Kevin James, Michael Finney, Ed Alonzo, Sonny Fontana - Plaza. www.plazahotelcasino.com/entertainment/avant_garde Criss Angel - Believe 7 (except Wed. & Thurs.) & 9:30 pm (Dark Sun. - Mon.) - Luxor. www.cirquedusoleil.com/crissangel David Copperfield - An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion 7 & 9:30 pm & also 4 pm Sat. - MGM Grand. www.mgmgrand.com/entertainment/hollywood-theater.aspx Dirk Arthur - Wild Magic 7:00 pm (Dark Sun.) - O'Sheas. www.caesars.com/osheas/dirkarthur.html Fitz of Laughter - Kevin Burke 9:13 pm - Fitzgeralds. tickets.fitzgeraldslasvegas.com Two for One: www.vegas4locals.com/couponfitzoflaughterlasvegas.html Dinner & Tix: www.vegas4locals.com/couponfeastoflaughterlasvegas.html Gerry McCambridge - The Mentalist 7:30 pm (Dark Wed.) - Planet Hollywood. Comp Tickets and info: www.mentalist.com Re-Opening March 1: Illusions - Jan Rouven 7 pm (Dark Wed.) - Riviera. www.illusionsvegas.com Impact: An Explosion of Magic and Music Tommy Wind 6:00 pm (Dark Sun. - Mon.) - Wolf Theatre, Clarion Hotel. http://wolftheaterlasvegas.com Buy Tickets Online for $10 Discount Jeff McBride's Wonderground 3rd Thurs. each month 7:30 to midnight - The Olive (3850 E Sunset Dr.) Non-stop Magic & Variety Performance Art. A whole new show each month. Free with 2 drink minimum. www.vegaswonderground.com watch live: www.streetofcards.tv Mac King Comedy Magic Show 1 & 3 pm, (Dark Sun. & Mon.) - Harrah's. www.harrahslasvegas.com/casinos/harrahs-las-vegas/casino-entertainment/mac-king-detail.html Free tickets (buy 1 drink) usually available at the concierge desk or handed out by showgirls. Magic and Mayhem Michael Turco - 4 pm - Saxe Theater, Miracle Mile Shops - Planet Hollywood. http://SaxeTheater.com Magical Mix Christopher Karpiak 7-10 pm (Dark Tues. - Wed.) - Mix Lounge, Mandalay Bay. www.mandalaybay.com/dining/mixlounge.aspx Free to locals until 10 pm. Mike Hammer Comedy Magic Show 7 pm (Dark Sun. & Mon.) - Four Queens. tickets.fourqueens.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=35 $14.95 discounted tix + free drink: www.vegas4locals.com/couponmikehammercomedymagic.html Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show 4 pm, (Dark Mon.) - Flamingo. www.harrahs.com/EventsDetail.do?locationCode=FLV&detailName=nathan-burton-detail&eventTitle=Nathan Burton FREE Balcony Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/couponnathanburtoncomedymagic.html Paul Vigil - Mentalist Extraordinaire 7 pm (Wed.) - King Ink, Mirage. www.kinginklasvegas.com/events.html Penn & Teller 9 pm, (Dark Thurs. - Fri.) - Rio. www.riolasvegas.com/casinos/rio/casino-entertainment/penn--teller-detail.html Seth Grabel - Magic, Comedy & Burlesque 6 pm, (Dark Sun. - Tues.) - Royal House Resort Two for one: www.vegas4locals.com/couponsethgrabel.html Vegas Magic TheatreÔ Cabaret Show: Thurs., Fri., Sun. 7:00 pm, Sat. 5:00 & 7:30 pm (Dark Mon. - Wed.) Close-up and Bar Magic pre-show an hour before. Performers change each week. - Gold Coast. www.goldcoastcasino.com/whats-new/events/vegas-magic-theatre Magic In Production Shows Bram Charles 2 sets between 10 pm - 2 am (Dark Mon. - Thurs.) The Can Can Room on Industrial. Crazy Girls Tony Douglas - 9:30 pm (Dark Tues.) - Riviera. www.rivierahotel.com/entertainment/entertainment.asp Haunted Vegas Show and Tour Jac Hayden, Robert Allen. 9:30 pm, picks up at the Royal Resort. www.hauntedvegastours.com V The Ultimate Variety Show Featuring Melinda - First Lady of Magic 7 & 8:30, V Theater, Planet Hollywood www.vtheshow.com Vegas! The Show Joseph Gabriel 7 & 9 (Dark Thur.) - Planet Hollywood. www.vegastheshow.com/index.html Other Vegas Magic Shimshi - Resident Magician - Wynn/Encore. Seth Grabel - Fri. & Sat. 9-11 pm - Foundation Room, Mandalay Bay. Ben Seidman - Resident Magician - Mandalay Bay. Cameron Shadow - Resident Magician - Pure Nightclub, Caesars Palace. Craig Keith performs bar magic, various times - Dick's Last Resort, Excalibur. Chris Randall - Tues. to Sun. 6-9 pm - Carluccios Italian Gardens. Smoothini - Wed. to Sun. 8 pm-10:30 at Hard Rock Café (2nd Floor Bar); 11 pm to 2 am at Zingers, 3743 Las Vegas Blvd. and after 2 am at New York New York's Pour 24. Jamie Porter's Radio Side Show Sat @ 5 am, KLAV FM 1230. Las Vegas Magic Organizations Fantasma I.B.M. Ring 257, 7 pm - 8:45, 1st Monday each month at Denny & Lee's Magic Shop, 5115 Dean Martin Dr. Free Children's Classes at 5:45. No meeting if the 1st Monday is a major Holiday. www.ibm257.com 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 News: The "Vegas Magic LoungeÔ" offers Pre-Show Close-up Magic and Bar Magic. Magicians or Variety performers due to work the Magic Castle or with plans to be in Las Vegas in the next 6 months and who would like to be considered to appear at Vegas Magic Theatre should contact producer@vegasmagictheatre.com. Upcoming Special Events March, 2012 Mar. 1: Grand Re-Opening: Illusions - Jan Rouven opens in its new home. - 7 pm (Dark Wed.) - Riviera. www.illusionsvegas.com Mar. 5: 7 pm, IBM Fantasma Ring 257 will host a lecture by Aaron Fisher at Denny and Lee Magic Studio, 5115 Dean Martin Ln, #102, non-Ring 257 members $20.00 at the door. Mar. 11-17: Magic & Mystery School - Extended Master Class - Jeff McBride and Eugene Burger. www.magicalwisdom.com May, 2012 May 21-23: IMX 2012 - Lennart Green, Jeff McBride, Dani DaOrtiz, John van der Put, Brynolf & Ljung, Bill Abbott, Johan Stahl, Yigal Mesika, Raymond Crowe, Patrick Redford, Charles Peachock, Eric Buss, Yu Ho Jin, Eric Jones - Orleans. www.imxlasvegas.com July, 2012 July 16-22: Magic & Mystery School - Extended Master Class - Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Lawrence Hass, Bryce Kuhlman & Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com July 23-26: Society of American Magicians National Convention - Joseph Gabriel & Katalin, Dan Sperry, Tomsoni & Company, Roy Shank, Losander, Kim Hyunjoon, Jason Baney, Mathieu Bich, Boris Wild, Ali Shelly, David Stone, Sarlot & Eyed, Christian & Katalina, John Cassidy, Funtasio. The Mac King Show and the David Copperfield Show will be part of the convention. Honored Guest: David Copperfield - Golden Nugget. www.magicSAM.com or email samregistrar@yahoo.com August, 2012 August 13-19: Magic & Mystery School - Extended Master Class - Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Lawrence Hass, Bryce Kuhlman & Tobias Beck. www.magicalwisdom.com September, 2012 Date in Sept. TBA: Paul Stone presents The 3rd Ultimate Performers Workshop - Johnny Thompson, Jeff Hobson, Seth Kramer, Shep Hyken, Richard Faverty, Gail Davies and Bob Kohler. Limited to 20 attendees. For details or to register email Paul at: qualityevents@aol.com Sept. 17-25: Magic & Mystery School - Career Enhancement Seminar - Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Richard Faverty, Lawrence Hass, Bryce Kuhlman & Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com Sept. 30-Oct. 3: Innovention 2012 - Gold Coast. Special discount registration offer of $295 until the end of January (regular registration is $345). For details and register, contact info@innovention2012.com -------------------------------------------- 9. Dedicated To World Famous Hypnotist Peter Reveen -------------------------------------------- Message by Paul Stone Innovention 2012 is definitely going to be the one Convention in 2012 not to be missed! Dedicated to Master Magician and World famous Hypnotist Peter Reveen who is suffering from ill health, this will be a few days of magic and entertainment you will never forget! We've limited the numbers to just 275 to keep it intimate and special, and many of Peter's friends will be appearing in the Shows and Workshop sessions. Already confirmed are The Great Tomsoni & Co, Fielding West, Michael Goudeau, Murray, Paul Vigil, Bob Kohler, Michael Holly, Ben Stone, Scott Land, Farrell Dillon, Joel Ward and Scott Alexander, and many more have promised to come ... we'll update performers names every week in Magic New Zealand. The venue is the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino, the home of the Vegas Magic THEATRE, located just off the Las Vegas Strip, where the facilities are excellent and with locked in accommodation rates of just $34 per room per night, and the value is unbeatable. Innovention 2012 will be unlike ANY other Convention, and the talent and the production will be unrivalled, but remember once we've reached 275 registrations, there will be no more spaces. So hurry and contact info@innovention2012 NOW for full details and to register! -------------------------------------------- 10. A Visit To Showzam! -------------------------------------------- Message by Geoffrey Newton (UK) SHOWZAM is Blackpool's February Festival, now in its 5th year and presented 10 days of top entertainment at various venues throughout the town. I caught up with it on Wednesday 15th February 2012 so could only see a snippet due to time constraints and limited to a section of the Winter Gardens known as Olympia. On entering this vast area the first person to catch my eye was Jon Marshall and his recreations of Jon Gresham's seafront and fairground sideshows of the 1950's. It was a real experience to see these in action and the effect they had on the public. This year he brought The Headless Lady and The Monster Show. Jon's latest recreation was Dr. Phantasma's Ten in One Show. To lure the audiences in Jon set up 'pitching' on a stage in front of the tent telling what was about to happen. Once inside, to the accompaniment of a lady accordionist various stages round the tent were illuminated as individual performers presented their speciality. There was fire eating, sword swallowing (two at a time!) the rubber man, not forgetting a live tarantula walking over a scantily clad young lady! Not heard enough yet? Then read on. The rubber man passed his whole body through an orifice only the size of an unstrung tennis racquet and then did it again through a smaller one. Dr. Diabalo walked on a bed of nails, there was a girl without a middle and the boxed Miss Elastina had more blades pushed through her than I have ever seen in an illusion before. There were a couple of spoof ones as well just for good measure. First, the Man Eating Fish. It's all in the wording here and reminded me of Ali Bongo's depiction of a Man Eating Tiger at Ballyhoo Corner seen on one of the Paul Daniels BBC TV shows. There was also a girl with a six foot bat - clearly loaned by a giant cricketer! My next visit was to Magique Fantastique presented by 'Romany Diva of Magic'. Now many of you will know Romany for her burlesque act with the birdcages or recent appearance on the Penn and Teller show. This was completely different. Each performance is with an audience of only 21 in very intimate surroundings as the mystery unfolds about how the character lost her legs and now sits forever as a torso on a mahogany table. The modus operandi of achieving this is of course not new but what I can only describe as a close up magic show with larger props so all could see, had very interesting story lines and packed with interest. I feel this act will go far and Romany's versatility gives her appeal to a much wider clientele. Throughout the day The Insect Circus had many different activities on their centre stage location and I spotted Paul Debek presenting a snippet of his excellent magic from the Star of Wonder show in which he was featuring at The Grand theatre in Blackpool. Following his success last year Andrew Van Buren returned with a new production Temple of Illusions with more than ever packed into a 60 minute show. He is a very talented performer both with magical and circus skills and clearly now at the top of his profession. It really was fast moving and faultless. If you missed it he is appearing at Great Yarmouth on the after banquet show during the British Ring Convention (26th - 30th September) and there will also be tribute to the Van Buren family as a special feature on the Friday afternoon. Convention details are on www.magicconvention.co.uk There were slot machines taking the old pennies, pinball collections and a fortune teller. It was well worth a visit and good to see such a variety of live entertainment. ------------------------------------------- 11. Orlando Flea Market/Auction/Dual Lecture -------------------------------------------- Message by Rick Del Vecchio Fame of Greater Orlando IBM Ring 170 Presents Saturday, March 10, 2012 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Magic Flea Market / Auction 2 Free Lectures Great Fun Great Deals New & Used Magic - Plenty of Free parking - Rent table space and sell your old unused magic. For full table $15.00, plus $15.00 per person admission. E-Mail: CraigFennessy@Gmail.com to reserve a table. Payment at the door. General Admission: Only $15.00 !!! Schedule: 8:00am - Flea Market Load-in & Set-up 9:00am - Flea Market Opens 10:00am - 11:30am - Private workshop, Bob Swadling! (Workshop is limited to first 12 people, $25.00 extra. Reservations recommended) 11:30am - 12:45pm - Rob Moreland!b FREE lecture, in workshop room 12:00pm - Flea Market Closes 1:00pm - 2:30- Bob Swadling, lecture in main room, Free with admission, 2:30-4:30pm - Auction - Bob Swadling 5:00pm- Event ends Food & Drink available on site Location: Christ the King Lutheran Church - Barnabas Hall (4962 South Apopka-Vineland Rd., Orlando, Fl 32819) Call: 407-947-1182 for more info. Take I-4 to Exit 74A-Sandlake/International Dr. exit Turn west onto Sandlake Rd. go 1.3 miles to Apopka-Vineland Rd. Turn right onto Apopka-Vineland, go north 3 miles (4 traffic lights). First left driveway after Woodbreeze Rd. traffic light. Workshop: Robert Moreland The optional workshop with Bob Swadling is up close and personnel. This workshop covers material not included the main free lecture. Do not miss this incredible one on one opportunity. Additional :$25.00 per person - limited seating.. Email: CraigFennessy@gmail.com for optional workshop and table reservations -------------------------------------------- 12. Buying And Selling Vintage & Historical Magician Goods -------------------------------------------- Message by David Haversat Last chance! Catalog of items for sale: If you would like to order a catalog to be mailed the last week of February 2012, please Paypal $25.00 to zanadumagic@gmail.com or send check to Zanadu LLC, PO Box 487, Oxford, CT 06478. Include where you would like the catalog mailed to. I thank you for your interest. ------------------------------------------- 13. The Gimmick MagiZette -------------------------------------------- Message by Salil Kumar "Solyl" Kundu (India) The current issue of India's one and only magic related e-zine The Gimmick MagiZette is available from www.lybrary.com This 34 paged, 4th issue of volume 1 of The Gimmick MagiZette is another miscellanea of magical gallimaufry contributed by eminent artists of the art of magic... . 'Captain Kirk and Star Tricks' by Loch David Crane, M. Ed. show some excerpts of his book . 'Down the lane to Mentalism' by Gora Datta of Kolkata, India is exactly the same as the name suggests. . Past Glory of India - DP Das is a picturesque write-up on DP Das (known to some as the "Indian King of Koins" . 'Crossword Puzzle' - Another clever magic-themed Crossword Puzzle by Balasubramian Chandran aka Balu The Magician . 'Making Your Own Indetectable Double-Sided Pay Envelopes' by Guy M. Townsend is something you would love to make and use. . 'Back To The Future Too' by Aldo Colombini is another gem of a card caper . 'The Magic Zoo' by Solyl Kundu of Kolkata, India is a children magic based 21 Card trick but with an interesting twist . 'Knoty Silks' by G.Sreenivas of Kakinada, India is a simple but stunning stand-up magic . 'IT'S Me!' by Solyl Kundu of Kolkata, India a magic that may help you to get more bookings . 'Tom's Money Magic' by Tom Bohacek has opened a new thread 'Hospital Magic' in IBM Global Ring #2100 Forum digest . Interesting! . 'News & Views' - gives you some idea what is happening in this part of the world. Editor: Salil Kumar "Solyl" Kundu. E-mail: thegimmickmagizette@gmail.com and solylkundu@gmail.com ------------------------------------------- 14. Looking For a Copy of the April 2000 Linking Ring Magazine -------------------------------------------- Message by I am looking for a copy of the April 2000 Linking Ring magazine with Doug Henning on the cover. I am willing to buy or trade. Magically yours, Dan Sclare Ellington, CT dansclare@gmail.com ------------------------------------------- 15. Darwin Ortiz Presents Scams & Fantasies With Cards -------------------------------------------- Feb. 17th, 2012 Eddy Lester reporting: Darwin Ortiz Presents Scams & Fantasies with Cards Naples, Florida, USA 8 performances, Sugden Theater Here are unsolicited reviews from Naples audiences: "I didn't know what to expect, but I am sure glad I attended." "One of the most amazing shows I have ever seen." "I never thought a deck of cards and two hands could be this entertaining." "I rate Darwin's show 101%." "Fantastic talent; thanks for producing this show in Naples." "I was highly entertained. Now I know why he entertained for the Bush and Obama Presidential Inaugural Banquets." This was the world premiere of Darwin's theater show, running time 1 hour and 15 minutes, no intermission. It was produced by Tony Chaudhuri for Tin City Magic and Eddy Lester, who has represented Darwin for over 30 years. The show has stories and visuals that tie into the magic hands of a master entertainer. -------------------------------------------- 16. Tim Ellis' New Show "Champions of Magic" --------------------------------------------- Message by Nathan Ernest (Aust) I just wanted to take the opportunity to invite you all to see Tim Ellis' new show "Champions of Magic". I believe Tim has made a great financial investment in putting this show together and I would really love to see our members and other magicians support each other in all our efforts to produce shows in Melbourne!! Please invite as many people as you can to come to this event as I think Tim really needs strong community support to promote these shows!! The two Korean guests Tim has coming over are among the best from Korea and both recently got amazing reviews at FISM Asia. Tickets are normally: Adults $30 Kids/Con $22 Family of 4 $82 Family of 5 $102 If people can make a group booking of more than 10 people, your tickets will be $20 each. One of our guests, Yoo Hyun Min, will be LECTURING in the same venue at 5pm. If you have seen some of his work. You will already know this will be an amazing lecture! Lecture price is $25. Individual tickets can be bought from http://www.trybooking.com/BCDE. If you want to make a group booking, you need to call Tim and arrange it directly with him. For more information, you can visit the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/events/142662105846181/ or get in touch with Tim Ellis. Thanks for reading! I really hope I get to see you all there! -------------------------------------------- 17. Update - 31st New Zealand International Magicians Convention --------------------------------------------- Magic at the Chateau 31st New Zealand International Magicians Convention Christchurch NZ Labour Weekend 2012 (19/10/2012 to 22/10/2012) Convention starts on Friday night 19th October and finishes on Monday 22nd October at 2.30pm. Visa and Mastercard are now accepted for payment for your convention registration fee Credit card payment form go to: http://www.ibmring160.com/media/8357/skmbt_c451f12022209470.pdf To download the Convention registration form go to: http://www.ibmring160.com/media/7578/registration%20form.pdf Competition registration form go to: http://www.ibmring160.com/media/7848/competitions1.pdf Do I want to stay at the convention hotel? If the answer is YES then it's best that you reserve your room NOW! As rooms are now very limited Christchurch Free phone: 0800 808 999 (Within New Zealand) Toll (03) 348 8999 No deposit is required But they need a credit card number, valid at date of stay, i.e. October 2012 The convention hotel is The Chateau on the Park, 189 Deans Avenue, Riccarton, Christchurch. When booking convention hotel accommodation make sure that you tell them that it is for the "Magicians Convention" and then you will pay the special convention rate of $115 for a double room. If you try and book online on their website you will end up paying their full room rate. You have a choice of either a King or Queen size bed and Twin rooms consist of two double beds. The headliners confirmed are... Nick Lewin (US), Mark Mason (England) and Ken Scott (US) Gillam Family (US) This is a convention that you will not want to miss! **Book your accommodation NOW** Christchurch Free phone: 0800 808 999 (within New Zealand) Overseas: +64 3 348 8999 Toll -------------------------------------------- 18. e-zine Archives -------------------------------------------- Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to: www.magicnewzealand.com click on the red button center right "Archives" When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order in folders for each year 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) --------------------------------------------- 19. 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 and statements 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 or statements contained 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 2012 Alan Watson www.magicnewzealand.com www.facebook.com/magicnewzealandnewsflash http://twitter.com/#!/magicnewzealand www.watson.co.nz www.corporatemagic.co.nz www.magician.co.nz www.magicianz.com www.balloon-twister.co.nz