* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand® * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.magicnewzealand.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #909 Date: Sunday 1st April 2012 Editor: Alan Watson www.watson.co.nz E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. Essential Magic Conference 2012 - Early Bird Registration 3. VANISH - International Magic Magazine - free download 4. Broken Wand - Cesareo Pelaez 5. IBM Convention Surprises 6. Ghost: The Musical, The Magic 7. Remarkable Magic. #27 - Nick Lewin 8. Sleight of Hand Vs Self Working - #251 - Kyle Peron 9. In Conversation with John Palfreyman - Part 5 10. April 2012 Issue Of The Linking Ring Magazine 11. Come Join Our "End of Summer" Party! 12. Magic - Buying And Selling Vintage & Historical Magic 13. Copperfield Day In Las Vegas - July 23 14. Joe Mogar Lecture In New York City 15. It's Magic Theater Tour 16. "Magicana #354 Is In The Mail To Subscribers. 17. Magic in the Rockies 2012-September 6-9, 2012 18. FAB Magic Company in Colon Michigan 19. 31st New Zealand International Magicians Convention 20. e-zine Archives 21. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- The Internet is bringing about innovation and change to our everyday lives in many different areas. In the magic world we have seen the demise of the bricks and mortar magic shop to be replaced with online purchasing. New product development is changing faster than ever before and to remain competitive you have to keep pace with change. Two areas that I can see heading for major changes within the next few years in the magic world in my opinion are magic conventions and magic publications. Look how popular the online convention EMC is becoming and this week we see the fully digital magical publication VANISH being launched - free to all subscribers and it will be paid for by the advertising revenue. I would highly suggest that you check out both of these innovative developments in magic - refer 2 and 3. Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: Editor@MagicNewZealand.com -------------------------------------------- 2. Essential Magic Conference 2012 - Early Bird Registration Available Now! --------------------------------------------- Message from Message by Luis de Matos (Portugal) We finally plan to go live tonight with the launch of the EMC2012! We've put together a video that reminds people of what goes on at the Essential Magic Conference. http://www.essentialmagicconference.com/ https://vimeo.com/39305444 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtcyXsNoVa0 http://videos.sapo.pt/DHKICAdw4d2BCL6jGHvm Early Bird Registration Available Now! The Essential Magic Conference is back. Join us on the 27th, 28th and 29th of July for the third and final event in the Essential Magic Conference Trilogy. 33 Magicians, 3 Days of Magic. The Essential Magic Conference is the world's first digital conference for magic and magicians. Internet. Watch all sessions online and on demand for one year. And receive an 8 DVD Box Set of all the sessions once the conference is over. DVDs mailed post free to anywhere in the world. Register for the EMC2012 and get a 25% discount on all ESSENTIAL MAGIC COLLECTION ( http://essentialmagiccollection.com/ ) products. This includes the highly praised DVDs of Dani DaOrtiz, Lennart Green, René Lavand and many other great magicians. Register before May 31st for the Essential Magic Conference to receive your 25% discount. Discount applied on any order for single or multiple items. You could save hundreds of dollars! REGISTER NOW! By going to: http://www.essentialmagicconference.com/users/new Free $1000 Prize Draw Every Early Bird Member will be automatically entered into a Prize Draw. $1000 in prizes has been sponsored by Murphy's Magic Supplies. Register before 31st May for free entry. Essential Magic Conference 2012 Watch live via the Internet. View on your computer, your iPad or even your iPhone. Watch all sessions online and on-demand for one year. And receive an 8 DVD Box Set of all the sessions once the conference is over. DVDs mailed post free to anywhere in the world. Speakers for 2012 will be announced shortly. Conference package is US $99 or EUR ?75 for access live and on-demand plus DVD set. -------------------------------------------- 3. VANISH - International Magic Magazine - FREE DOWNLOAD!! --------------------------------------------- Message by Paul Romhany - Editor A brand new International Magic Magazine - 76 pages with articles by many top professionals in the business - and it's FREE!! To download your FREE copy - copy and paste this link: http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0104/8132/files/vanishmagazine.pdf?296 or visit www.paulromhanymagic.com and click on the link from his BLOG. Feel free to send this magazine to your friends or even put it up on a torrent. OR download it from www.extrememagicmakeover.com The cover story is about Chipper Lowell - one of my all-time favorite comedy performers - this interview has lots of wonderful photos plus an amazing story of a boy who was brought up in 'the business'. There is a great story of him traveling to New Zealand with his parents in a show when he was a young boy, then returning years later with his own show on tour. How is the value of a commercial magician measured? - JC Sum essay that will definitely make you think. Evolve your magic - Magic Babe Ning tells us like it is from a female perspective. Bamboozlers - Diamond Jim Tyler shares a bar trick with a can of Red Bull It's Child's Play - Tony Chris AKA Zany Zak - an essay and effect for children's performers from one of the busiest guys in Canada. Magic Trick Reviews by Harry Monk The Magic of Mentoring by Nick Lewin - Nick looks back at a time when magic had mentors. Wrong Number - an amazing mentalism effect by Wayne Rogers from New Zealand The Success Series by Cris Johnson - great tips on calling clients on the phone Magic Face Lift - Illusion designer Mark Parker takes a well-known mentalism illusion and gives it a makeover. Income Marketing System for Magicians by Randy Charach - the Millionare magician gives away some amazing secrets From the Desk of Keith Fields - a full time professional who writes with incredible thought and asks some really great questions. Unprepared and Impromptu by Ken Dyne - well known UK mentalist talks about being prepared at all times. Dear Pemela - a great effect by the one and only Richard Webster. You Can't Buy Personality by Bizzaro - a great article on developing your own personality Karate Shadow by Gerard - an effect using a stir stick and a shadow Tricks are For Magiciansm, Silly Rabbit - TC Tahoe talks about connecting with the audience Magic 24-7 by Ben Robinson - from the trenches with a real pro. Real Coin in Bottle - a routine using a real coin inside a bottle by Ken Ring Flying Carpet/Chair Suspension tips by Kyle Peron - he wrote the book (literally) on the chair suspension so we are excited to have him share tips with us in Vanish. -------------------------------------------- 4. Broken Wand - Cesareo Pelaez --------------------------------------------- Article forwarded on by Mel Kientz (US) Eagle Tribune Founder of famed magic show dies By Paul Leighton - Staff writer Beverly - Cesareo Pelaez, the charismatic Cuban who escaped his native country and created the world's longest-running stage magic show in a renovated Beverly theater, died Saturday of congestive heart failure. He was 79. Pelaez suffered a stroke in 2005 and stopped performing his role of Marco the Magi in 2006. Since then, he would appear on stage at the end of each performance of Le Grand David and His Own Spectacular Company in his wheelchair, acknowledging the cheers with a wave of his hands. He made his last appearance Feb. 18 for the company's 35th anniversary show. Pelaez began receiving hospice care at home in November. He was taken to the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers on Wednesday and died there Saturday at 3 a.m., according to David Bull, who plays Le Grand David in the show. Bull said he received several messages from magicians pointing out that Saturday was Houdini's birthday. The magicians called the timing "Cesareo's final trick." Pelaez and a group of friends started Le Grand David in 1977 after pooling their money to buy the Cabot Cinema, a 1920 vaudeville theater on Cabot Street, paying $110,000 in cash to owner E.M. Lowe. The show featured classic magic tricks, such as a floating table and doves snatched out of the air, with the troupe performing in exotic handmade costumes amid the grand arches and ornate murals of the restored theater. Over the years, the show drew national and international attention. The troupe performed at the White House seven times. Pelaez was named Magician of the Year by the Academy of Magic Arts in Hollywood, and the entire company performed at the awards banquet at the Beverly Hills Wilshire Hotel. Pelaez, who also worked as a psychology professor at Salem State College for 25 years, oversaw the entire production, from the custom-made sets to ticket sales to the hot chocolate served in the balcony. "It takes a genius to put on a show like that," said Raymond Goulet, who runs a magic museum and art studio in Watertown. "Very few people can do everything, but Cesareo could. I considered him a miracle man. There hasn't been a show in the history of magic that ran so long and had such a successful run." With Pelaez's health declining, Le Grand David has been on hiatus since the 35th anniversary show last month. Bull said the show will resume April 15 with the first of six previously scheduled performances, but he is not sure if it will continue beyond that. "That is really a question that needs to be answered," he said. Pelaez was born in Santa Clara, Cuba, on Oct. 16, 1932. As a boy, he attended the traveling magic shows and music revues that came to town. In high school, he formed his own theatrical company, using a chicken coop as a stage, according to the 2007 book "There Will Be Wonderful Surprises" by Avrom Surath, one of Le Grand David's original cast members. Pelaez won a scholarship to the University of Kansas and came to the United States for the first time in 1956. He returned to Cuba and got a government job with the Ministry of Education, organizing intelligence tests for public school students. The country was rising up against dictator Fulgencio Batista's oppressive regime, and Pelaez worked secretly with the local underground movement to defeat Batista's army, according to "Wonderful Surprises." In 1959, Pelaez helped direct traffic as Fidel Castro and his men passed through Santa Clara on a triumphant march to Havana. Pelaez remained in his government job but soon became fearful of persecution under Castro's Communist government. According to "Wonderful Surprises," Pelaez's best friend was shot to death while standing by his side. After two failed attempts to escape the country by boat, Pelaez, disguised as a priest, gained admission to the Colombian embassy and was flown to Colombia. Pelaez spent a year teaching psychology at the University of Bogota before coming to the United States to stay. He wrote to Abraham Maslow, the famed psychologist who was teaching at Brandeis University and whom Pelaez had studied in Cuba, and became his teaching assistant. In 1968, Pelaez started a "growth center" in Dublin, N.H., a 95-acre retreat that featured daily tai chi classes and meditation seminars. When it closed after 18 months, Pelaez traveled to Europe and studied theater, the circus, puppetry and opera - "every conceivable form of entertainment," Bull said. In 1972, Pelaez was hired as a psychology professor at Salem State. His teaching methods, which encouraged students to think for themselves, made his classes among the most popular on campus, said Patricia Markunas, chairwoman of the school's psychology department. "He had a way of bringing out the best in people, of getting people in particular to explore their artistic and creative side," Markunas said. "He had the magician's air of mystery that made you want to know more about him." While running and performing in his magic show and teaching at Salem State, Pelaez and his company bought another old Beverly theater four blocks away on Wallis Street and introduced a second show, "An Anthology of Stage Magic." "He was just a whirling dervish of energy and creativity," Bull said. "Shows and designs just poured out of him." Markunas credited the restoration of the two theaters with helping improve Beverly's economy and revive its downtown. Bull said several prominent magicians, including Doug Henning, David Copperfield and Harry Blackstone Jr., visited Pelaez over the years and raved about his show. "Henning said to us, 'You people are doing what I dream about, having your own theater, your own show,'" Bull said. Bull said that Pelaez, who became an American citizen in 1967, loved his adopted country. His insisted that his corporation, White Horse Productions, remain a for-profit business because he did not want the government having a say in its operations. "He saw what happened in Cuba where, with the stroke of a pen, Castro could nationalize businesses," Bull said. Pelaez's sister and father eventually came to the United States from Cuba but have since passed away. Pelaez never married. Bull said a prominent magician from England and several of Pelaez's Cuban friends from Florida will fly to Beverly to attend the services. The wake will be held Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Campbell Funeral Home, 9 Dane St. The funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 9 a.m. at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church on Cabot Street. -------------------------------------------- 5. IBM Convention Surprises -------------------------------------------- Message by Vanni Pulé International President This year's I.B.M. Convention is going to follow last year's with more innovation. Our Talent Director - Shawn Farquhar says, 'It's getting exciting now... we need to show the world that just booking the same big names is not always the best idea. Too many times I have seen the same performers doing the same act ... this year IBM has taken a chance with me and let me book acts that are not all necessarily famous, but awesome and soon to be huge... more names to follow. What do you think? - with Vlad Kryvonogov, Chris Hannibal, Paul Gertner, David Acer, Dani DaOrtiz, Arthur Trace, Master Payne's Magykes, Geoff Williams, George Saterial, Frania Ramirez, Wayne Houchin, Chris Capehart, Justin Flom, and Chip Romero.' Butterfly Lovers, May Yanyan, Yuji Yasuda, Hou Kai, Juliana Chen, fresh from her outstanding show in Las Vegas, and other surprise acts are going to enhance an evening of Asian magic At I.B.M. ONLY - which Dale Salwak will be producing. This one of a kind show will mix traditional Asian entertainment with the avant-garde, including stage illusion, comedy, manipulation, and dance in an explosion of colour and mystery. These and many more are going to feature in the I.B.M. Convention to be held at Norfolk, Virginia between the 3rd and 7th July. The headquarters hotel is the Norfolk Waterside Marriott and the registrations can be made on our portal www.magician.org Vanni Pulé International President International Brotherhood Of Magicians www.magician.org ------------------------------------------- 6. Ghost: The Musical, The Magic -------------------------------------------- Message by Stan Allen - Editor MAGIC magazine When Ghost the Musical opens on Broadway toward the end of this month, New York audiences will be unknowingly buying tickets to what magicians would consider a veritable magic show, capped with a finale reminiscent of an illusion that hadn't been presented live on a public stage in over 100 years. It's a finale that's been moving people to tears as they simultaneously stand to applaud. It's a finale that perfectly interweaves a heartwarming story, the audience's emotion, and spine-tingling magic. It's a finale that was only made possible because theatrical magic consultant Paul Kieve was able to convince the show's creative team to build the entire set around a single illusion - an illusion that would last all of two seconds. In this month's MAGIC Magazine, Ryan Oakes takes readers behind the scenes of this $15-million production. And that's just one of many stories in the April issue of MAGIC Magazine, now available in print and on your iPad. -------------------------------------------- 7. Remarkable Magic. #26 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message by Nick Lewin (US) The 'Field of Dreams Syndrome'. Like most people who watched the Kevin Costner movie 'Field of Dreams' I was charmed, not only by the movie, but also the wonderful philosophy it revolved around. If you didn't see the movie then the best thing I can do is just quote the key principle, "If you build it---they will come." I am not going to waste time putting this statement into the context that it assumes in 'Field of Dreams.' I am just going to re-apply it to the area of magic shows, where there is a general theory, especially as seen Las Vegas, that if you put on a magic show---an audience will arrive to attend it. Just a couple of weeks ago I wrote two columns about new magic shows that were 'Tossing their top hats' into the Vegas ring. I made careful references about how tough the market in Las Vegas is at the moment, and especially at this time of year. I am not naïve. Since the year began many magic shows have opened and changed locations in a very short time and it is beginning to look like a potential 'Hunger Games' with magicians replacing the photogenic teenagers. Well, I'm writing this column in a Vegas hotel room sadly reflecting that my pick of the new shows has already closed, within a week of the opening media night! The first casualty in this 'Battle Royale' was 'Avant Garde,' which had the best and biggest cast of performers of the new shows. It got great word of mouth, and in a better economy should have been able to gain enough traction to become a hit show. The only thing lacking was a producer who knew how to 'produce' a big enough audience to finance his production and pay his company. The smaller (essentially single performer) shows can run a little longer, while still not making enough money to actually do much more than pay the rental fee to the hotel for the service of four walling their show room to the performer. The latest casualty, I hear, is that Paul Stone's 'Vegas Magic Theater' at the 'Gold Coast Hotel' is now on 'hiatus.' This kind of development doesn't improve the quality of the magic shows in Las Vegas. Instead it tends to multiply the amount of available choices without doing much to extend the variety and individuality of the shows that are playing. My belief is that 'Avant Garde' may be revamped/re-launched and still become the commercial success it deserved to become. What it does say to me, is that you need a very good game plan as a producer to have a 'hit' show, and not just one that limps along quietly hemorrhaging cash and overexposing the art of magic while doing so. Steve Wyrick spent about 12 years proving that seemingly endless 'fresh starts,' new showrooms, and infusions of cash can't replace a really innovative Show. What is needed in Vegas is something new and exciting. When Siegfried & Roy, Lance Burton, and Penn & Teller were the chief resident magicians on the Strip, you had a choice of style, content and ticket price that helped establish Las Vegas as the magic capital of the world. With the former two shows closed only Penn & Teller and frequent visitor David Copperfield are occupying the headliner role that is took decades to create in Vegas, as opposed to the 10 minute variety acts that it had previously primarily been home to. Smaller 'self-contained' performer/shows like Mac King, Amazing Johnathan and Gerry McCambridge have all done a great job in making this smaller show format look easier than it really is. Often overlooked is the tremendous variety in styles these performers have brought to the Vegas scene, and the creative and tireless self-promotion (I mean that as a true compliment) that they have displayed in so doing. A magic show in Vegas is quickly becoming a four wall equivalent to Andy Warhol's theory, "In the future, everyone will have 15 minutes of fame.' In the future, perhaps every performing magician will appear on a TV talent contest for a few minutes, doing something that doesn't actually represent what they do. Those few minutes, might even get the performers a Vegas show, if they are willing to finance it themselves. Will this regain Vegas' status as the prestigious capital of magic? I think we need some more seasoned and visionary performers to populate the showrooms. Performers that are so exceptional that a Casino will want to pay them to be there--- in order to build their audiences, mentor their talents and develop their individuality. This used to be the case. Until then, forget 'Field of Dreams,' because just putting on the show does not mean the audience will come and it might just be creating a glut in the market. Email me at nicklewin1@mac.com You can also reserve an early copy of my new book, 'Cruise Magic: how to make a great living performing magic on cruise ships.' Just in case your Vegas show doesn't come through. -------------------------------------------- 8. Sleight of Hand vs Self Working - #251 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message by Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com This is a great question and one in which I find myself discussing quite often with others over the years. There is the belief that in order to be a magician, one must be skillful. One must have amazing skills in sleight of hand magic and be able to utilize those to "fool" people. It tends to be that this sleight of hand skill becomes the most important aspect in what they do even when performing for children. I have a few issues with this a bit and so allow me to dive a little deeper into what I just stated. I first feel that magicians have a habit of getting into magic for the LOVE of the craft. By craft, I simply mean that we as magicians love the "how" behind everything we do. We love how things work and the mechanics of it all. It may have been the discovery of the French drop that fascinated us. It may have been how a card vanishes via a back palm move that peaked our interest. It is these sleights and mechanics that attract us to the art of magic. We as magicians tend to fall in love with them and therein lies one of the first hurdles we must combat when performing for children. You cannot allow your own love for a move or obsession of sleights to get the better of you. Just because YOU love the sleights you learned does not mean you have to perform every single one of them in every routine or show you perform. There is a theory that less is more and that becomes very important when performing for children utilizing sleights. I have seen people vanish cards 15 different ways in a single routine simply because they could. It was not done to make the effect stronger. It was merely done because they themselves love the moves and wanted to show them off any chance they could get. But think of it from the perspective of your audience? Isn't the whole purpose of being a magician to entertain in the best way possible? Notice I said "entertain" and "best way possible". Both of these are key to understanding your audience better. The goal is not to "fool." I mean of course we must as that is at the heart and nature of what we do. However, "fooling" children and audiences is and should not be the first thing or only thing on your mind. Entertaining the audience should always be first...always. Now if we are to entertain an audience, must we always use every skill and every sleight we know? Not at all. This does not mean stop learning. This does not mean be self-working or utilize props all the time. It means having the ability to choose the right "tools" to get the job done the best way for you. An artist learns the tools of his trade. He studies composition, how to use paint, brushes, canvas and the tools needed. He acquires vast skill over the years so as to know how to do different techniques. These become tools in his tool box from which to build a masterpiece. However, any great artist will tell you that they know just WHICH tools to use to get the job done. A master artist never uses every tool he has for every painting. He chooses wisely the BEST tools to get the job done the right way and leaves the others in the tool box for another time. So how does this relate to magic? Well we as magicians need and should be building and adding to our own toolbox. We should be learning the sleights and learning the skills and moves to broaden our knowledge base. We should strive to never stop learning. These moves and sleights become OUR tools in our magic tool box. We cannot build better routines or better shows unless we have a wealth of tools from which to choose from. However, once these tools go in our magic tool box, we must become better at choosing HOW we utilize them. Do not dump them all out every chance you get. Instead, like a true artist, choose which ones make the most sense to get the job done right. Do not go overboard simply because you can. Choose wisely. The second point I would like to make is that the moves and tools we use (sleights etc.) should be invisible to our audiences. They are a means in which to get the job done. That job is to create an entertaining experience. In many cases why run if you are not being chased? Why utilize the hardest sleight possible if an easier one will work just as well? The notion here is the audience is not supposed to know or see it at all in the first place. So choose your tools wisely and allow yourself the chance to make your routine "clean" and to give you enough confidence for it to work every time. This confidence allows you to put forth a lot of effort into the presentation aspect of what it is you are doing. The third point is that the sleights should never outweigh the entertainment value. If you are performing for children, I can get more laughs form a comedy wand then I can from 10 mins of card sleights. Now this is not to say card sleights or sleights of any kind are not valued. They are valued in the right place at the right time. It simply means choosing wisely. Do not utilize sleights to simply "show off" to kids. Most of the time they will simply not enjoy it as much. Sleights are the tools in your toolbox. These tools must be learned, collected and studied and built up over time. Never stop learning. But learn to select your tools in a rational fashion. Make sure what you select makes sense and builds upon the entertainment value of the routine you are creating. If something easier works just as well, why not use it? The end result in the means of audience reaction is really the true test. 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. Please check out my many ebooks and books at my product site at http://www.kpmagicproducts.com. It would be most appreciated. Thank you. Kyle -------------------------------------------- 9. Anthony Darkstone Brook in Conversation with John Palfreyman - Part 5 -------------------------------------------- Message by Anthony Darkstone Brook - Europe/USA ADB: This is fascinating John . real history and not just images on a TV screen . any thoughts of performing then . JP: Well in a way . indirectly .on many other occasions we stayed with my Aunt and Uncle at Ruskin's Cottage between Scarborough and Whitby where my Cousin Pauline was born. As well as being in the Wolf Cubs I was a Chorister at St. Andrews Parish Church, where I became Head Choirboy of "Decani" side of the choir, which is the side where the Rector sits and the part of the choir which sings the descants as opposed to the other side "Cantori". So in a way , I sang . People watched . Does that count? I suppose that was good training . I moved up into the Scout Troop, and continued to appear in Group shows as well as the District Shows which were held in "The New Big School Hall" and "The Temple Speech Room" both belonging to Rugby School, and I had now added to my acts with Song and Dance routines. So I suppose I was already a bit of a Trouper!! September 1939 saw the outbreak of World War 2, and I started work as a mailing boy at the B.T.H. the work consisting of collecting, sorting and delivering mail round the factory, a round taking over one hour to complete. I did four rounds a day, then after six months I was placed permanently in one of the many drawing offices as an office boy, where my duties were filing, printing, and running errands, but I also was given the opportunity of doing small component drawings for the factory to manufacture. A start in my designing skills which came in very handy when designing illusions. During this period, I had to attend once a week what was known as Day Continuation School, and due to my marks in Mathematics and Engineering Drawing being high when I started my apprenticeship I was allowed at the Technical College, to go straight into the Second year of my studies. At the age of sixteen I became an Indentured Apprentice. ADB: It was here that your interest I magic was kindled. JP: Yes Tony. That's right. Whilst at the B.T.H. I met a man in the Research Department named Ivan Fowler, who was a well-known Magician in the district. As well as teaching me a lot about presentation he introduced me to Eric Lewis, and many other Magicians. He also did one other very important thing , he cultivated my interest in the History of Magic. End Part 5 ------------------------------------------- 10. April 2012 Issue Of The Linking Ring Magazine -------------------------------------------- Reviewed by Paul A. Lelekis 92, No. 4: Editor: Samuel Patrick Smith 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 award-winning French magician, David Stone. Inside is a story of how David became a magician - of great controversy - at the 2006 F.I.S.M. convention in Stockholm, Sweden! His story inside, Stone Cold Magic, The Magical Artistry of David Stone relates David's magical life and there is a section about Becoming A Magician that will open your eyes with his 6 Steps about how to overcome stage fright! Read about the many I.B.M. ring events around the world, their special events and charitable activities. The 84th I.B.M. Convention in Norfolk, Virginia is sure to be one of the greatest of conventions ever! This convention is being called the "re-invention convention" and plans to combine old ideas with the new with some exciting events! The Linking Ring proudly presents a new column called Polishing The Rings! This column will function to advise rings on how to run successful youth programs! The first one will begin with advice from Youth Committee Chairman, Roger "Skip" Way! The I.B.M. Originality contest winner is Fantasio! He provides readers with the exact construction of his award-winning creation, The Airborne Bottle! This is a great article! Below are articles in which you can learn some fantastic magic! This month's One-Man Parade features Dougie Gibbard! This Brit has presented some real gems! Excellent magic! Cutting Up Jackpots by Bev Bergeron turns the spotlight on the magician's assistant! This is a terrific article about the often forgotten person in your act who is often the core of your act! Mike Power's Card Corner presents a terrific effect by me - Paul A. Lelekis! This is a very cool assembly with a huge kicker! Ways And Means by Joe M. Turner presents a wonderful card effect that is based on Houdini's Sub Trunk Mystery, by Scott Horn. Peter Marucci's Showtime presents a very powerful psychic effect using ashes! Storytelling Magic by Ed Solomon gives another saga by his alter-ego, DeNomolos! Flowers multiply and pout forth from a paper cylinder! A beautiful effect! 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. -------------------------------------------- 11. Come Join Our "End of Summer" Party! -------------------------------------------- Message by Debbie Leifer (US) Atlanta S.E.A.M. 2012 Magic Convention I.B.M. Ring 9, The Georgia Magic Club is once again hosting the SEAM (South Eastern Association of Magicians) Convention! The dates are September 13-15, 2012 and the convention hotel is the Crowne Plaza Airport. The hotel rate is a low $89.00 per night, including parking. THREE fun-filled days will include a Gala Stage Show, All-Star Close-Up Show, Junior & Adult Stage Contest, Junior & Adult Close-Up Contest, and 10 Lectures! This 3 day convention costs ONLY $97.00 to register. This end of summer party in Atlanta stars: Michael Finney FISM Winner Shawn Farquhar Stan Allen Eric DeCamps Oscar Munoz Doc Eason Chad Long Mike Bent Paul Richards Charles Pecor For convention registration & contest and hotel reservations, visit www.SEAM2012.com ------------------------------------------- 12. Magic - Buying And Selling Vintage & Historical Magician Goods -------------------------------------------- Message from David Haversat (US) David Haversat Magic - Buying and Selling Vintage & Historical Magician Goods. We purchase vintage apparatus, lithographs, ephemera and books. Cash Paid. Please send a list with your "wants" or items you may wish to sell. Prompt responses given. Email us at antiquemagicprops@gmail.com to be placed on our Free list. Website www.davidhaversatmagic.com -------------------------------------------- 13. Copperfield Day In Las Vegas - July 23 -------------------------------------------- Message by George Schindler (US) What a great way to start off the festivities at the Society of American Magicians convention in Las Vegas - be at the Golden Nugget casino at 10am July 23. See the great tribute to David Copperfield presented by President Vinny Grosso and witness an interview with David by Magic Magazine editor Stan Allen. (See a full schedule at our website www.magicsam.com.) If you are not already registered you can save money if you do so before the rates increase on April 1. Don't miss this super magic event. ------------------------------------------- 14. Joe Mogar Lecture In New York City -------------------------------------------- Message by Joe Mogar (US) Joe Mogar will be presenting his lecture in New York City for the Parent Assembly # 1 on Wednesday April 4th 2012. Joe's lecture will consist of Thimbles, Color Changing Knives, Coins, and a Wonderful Silk Routine. Lots of new things will be taught. -------------------------------------------- 15. It's Magic Theater Tour -------------------------------------------- Message by Michael Grandinetti Michael Grandinetti Vanishes in Mid-Air and Attempts To Walk Through Steel In Upcoming "It's Magic!" Tour Nationally renowned illusionist Michael Grandinetti brings brand new, original illusions including Walking Through Steel and the Fire Slicer to California when he appears as the closing act in "It's Magic!", an annual theatrical spectacular. Los Angeles, CA (I-Newswire) February 5, 2012 - He's read the minds of 40,000 people at Kauffman Stadium, he's escaped from razor sharp steel spikes moving towards him at 50mph on NBC's "The World's Most Dangerous Magic", he's levitated 15ft into the air while surrounded by the playing Pittsburgh Symphony at Heinz Hall, and he's performed for the President of the United States at The White House. And now Michael Grandinetti is bringing his original grand illusions to the Los Angeles area as the closing performer in "It's Magic!", an annual Southern California theatrical spectacular. Combining cutting-edge original illusions, several of which have never been seen before, with today's hottest music, comedy, romance, and suspense, and wrapping the entire presentation in relatable themes that connect with audiences on a personal level, Michael's performances promise to capture the imaginations of those in attendance. During the shows, theatergoers will witness Michael levitate 10ft into the air, in full light at the front of the stage, melt his body through a wall of solid steel, cause a familiar item to travel back in time, and visibly separate a girl in half, without any covering, as she continues to smile and dance. And, this is just the beginning. "It's Magic!", a production designed for the entire family that is now in it's 56th year, has become an annual tradition throughout California with each season presenting an all new lineup of the world's top magic and variety performers from Hollywood, Las Vegas, and Europe. The show is produced by Terry Hill & Associates who have been presenting concerts and shows for over 40 years, working with a wide range of performers from Bob Hope and Fred Astaire to Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson. Show dates and times for the 2012 edition of "It's Magic!" featuring Michael Grandinetti are: February 12 - McCallum Theater, Palm Desert - Showtime 3:00pm March 4 - Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center, Thousand Oaks - Showtime 3:00pm March 18 - Lobero Theater, Santa Barbara - Showtimes 2:00pm and 6:30pm March 25 - Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Cerritos - Showtime 3:00pm Don't miss this chance to experience The Magic of Michael Grandinetti live, in a show the Los Angeles Times has called "a must for magic fans of all ages!" ------------------------------------------- 16. "Magicana #354 Is In The Mail To Subscribers. -------------------------------------------- Message from Michael Woolf (NZ) Michael Woolf has returned to the Editor's chair and this issue features on the front cover a great shot of Norm and Lupe Nielsen. Inside Bernard Reid continues his monumental History of Magic in New Zealand. There are book reviews by Andrew Wilson, Joel Moscovitch, Harry Monk and the Editor; the first part of Cliff Thomas's memoirs; a guest column from George Schindler; Geoff Conrau from Melbourne reviews Kevin James's lecture. John Barrand reviews "The Illusionists" Andrew Wilson reports on visits to the Magic Castle and the Magic Circle; and we have regular columns from Ian Adair, Ken Ring, Roderick Mulgan, Wayne Roger and Richard Webster, an item by Arun Bonerjee, an interview with Rich Marotta, and Nick Lewin visits Norm and Lupe Nielsen. "Magicana" is available by subscription from Editor/Publisher Michael Woolf (mail@michaelw.co.nz) Box 38046 Wellington Mail Centre Lower Hutt 5045 New Zealand -------------------------------------------- 17. Magic in the Rockies 2012-September 6-9, 2012 -------------------------------------------- Message by Tim Pendergast (US) Early Registration Mark your calendars for the 19th annual Magic in the Rockies convention to be held in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. This convention consistently ranks as one of the best small conventions in America by both headliners and attendees. While preparations for the convention are still underway, early, on-line registration begins at 10:00 AM Mountain Standard Time on April 1, 2012, at last year's prices. For more information, check the websites at www.magicintherockies.org, or at www.prestodigitators.com. Both websites are being updated, so please check back often. If you're ready to register on April 1st, the secure online registration link is https://id209.chi.us.securedata.net/ibmring250.com/merchantmanager/index.php. For any other information please contact Tim Pendergast at mitrcon@gmail.com. Tim Pendergast -------------------------------------------- 18. FAB Magic Company in Colon Michigan -------------------------------------------- Message by Rick Fisher (US) On Saturday, October 27th FAB Magic Company in Colon Michigan is sponsoring our 6th annual weekend of magic - which coincides with National Magic Week. We have just added Tom Craven to our Saturday lineup, plus we have now put together a Nite Before Party on Friday October 26th which is all part of your package for only $40.00 (Price goes up to $50 August 1). Only 70 registrants will be admitted...Joshua Jay & Tom Craven for a great weekend here in the magic capital of the world! For more details...www.colonmichiganmagic.com or www.fabmagic.com Make plans NOW to attend! ------------------------------------------- 19. 31st New Zealand International Magicians Convention -------------------------------------------- Christchurch New Zealand Labour Weekend 2012 (19/10/2012 to 22/10/2012) Convention will start on Friday night 19th October and finishes on Monday 22nd October at 2.30pm. Time is running out Questions you should be asking yourself ... Do I want to save $50 on the convention registration price?? If the answer is yes then make sure you register before 19th April 2012 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 the 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: Shawn Farquhar (Canada), Mark Mason (England) and Ken Scott (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 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/7515/competitions%20.pdf -------------------------------------------- 20. 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) --------------------------------------------- 21. 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