* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand®
* Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment Ltd NZ
* www.magicnewzealand.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #1072
Date: Sunday 9th February 2014
Editor: Alan Watson
www.watson.co.nz
E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com
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Hi here is the latest news
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1. Editor's Message
2. Vanish - International Magic Magazine Edition 12 - Free Download
3. Full Tuition Scholarships Offered By S.A.M. Endowment Fund
4. Kevin Spencer - The Healing Of Magic on This Week's Podcast
5. Walter Zaney Blaney Video Series Out Soon On New Website
6. Remarkable Magic #337 - Nick Lewin
7. The Pee Pee Dance - #328 - Kyle Peron
8. Melbourne Magic Nights Are Back!
9. Updates So Far This Week On VanishLive.com
10. LiveLeak.com - Magic Trick Fail - Magician Stabs His Hand
11. The Cincinnati Collectors Convention Is Alive And Well
12. Blackpool Magicians Convention Programme For 2014
13. The Illusionists 2.0 Brisbane Review
14. Carney In Canada
15. Daytona Festival Of Magic 2014
16. The Weekend Of Wonder
17. Florida State Convention 50th
18. e-zine Archives
19. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice

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1. Editor's Message
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The separate new private group on FaceBook for New Zealand Magicians only is proving to be a great success. The group encompasses news items, lectures, public magic shows, conventions, tours and television shows.

If you are a Kiwi and don't have access please drop me a line...

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For all those who would like to read the Magic New Zealand e-zine in a HTML format go to: http://www.magicnewzealand.com/ezine-archive/2014-Jan-to-Dec-2014/1072-Feb09-2014.html

Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line:
Editor@MagicNewZealand.com

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2. Vanish - International Magic Magazine Edition 12 - Free Download
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Message by Paul Romhany - Editor Vanish Magazine

Free To Download Or Read Online - Visit: http://www.vanishmagazine.com

In this issue Canadian Magician Richard Forget is on the cover and shares his journey and insights in to one of the most sought after Variety Shows on International TV - Le Plus Grand Cabaret Du Monde.

Ben Robinson reviews one of the greatest Circus Festivals in the world, The 38th International Circus Festival of Monte Carlo that finished January 26th.

Our regular contributors include:

Matthew Fallon with Married in Magic

Keith Fields with a challenge on creativity Bizzaro on Reality Magic and the new terrible role models Timothy Hyde's Ten Little Secrets - part 5 is on Productivity Steve Spill 'spills' the beans on How Joan Rivers Got him Laid Craig Browning discusses trends in mentalism Jeff McBride gives us 10 things to enhance our acts immediately Lawrence bass talks about Teachers, Critics, Spoilers and Spiders.
Questions with Wayne Houchin

Cris Johnson continues his Success Series and talked about multiple methods, same effect … Nick Lewin writes an article every magician NEEDS to read - Learn to do consciously what you used to do unconsciously.

Charles Bach discusses the Evolution of our magic.

Peter Mennie shares the importance of having a rider for your show Tony Chris continues his Kids column The Brick and Mortar shop this issue is Stevens Magic Emporium by Nickel Van Wormer Leif David talks about the importance of mastering the one year follow-up with clients Greece is the Word by Lee Alex - Tricks And Routines - from close-up to stage to mentalism - learn from the best Gwyn Auger interviews Paige Thompson in The Magic Assistant column Reviews - almost thirty products are reviewed - the very latest books, DVDs, Apps and tricks - Vanish gets the first reviews out before any other magazine.

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3. Full Tuition Scholarships Offered By S.A.M. Endowment Fund
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Message by Trudy Monti (US)

Full Tuition Scholarships Offered By Society Of American Magicians Endowment Fund

Do you want to take your magic ability to a higher level? Do you want to study under the world's best teachers of magic? Are you working on a magic act but believe you need professional direction and coaching? You can achieve these goals by applying for a scholarship offered by the Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund which is offering a full tuition scholarship to attend the Jeff McBride Extended Magic class being held from August 17- August 23, 2014.

The scholarship is offered to any magician, regardless of age and you do not have to be a member of any magic organization. If you qualify, you will study under the world's best teachers of magic. The McBride Mystery School has been recognized as one of the premier magic educational experiences.

The McBride's Magic and Mystery school is located in Las Vegas, Nevada. The applicant may attend the Extended Magic Class, which is being offered on August 17- August 23, 2014. There is no age requirement to attend, however if the applicant is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must accompany him or her during the week in Las Vegas and each will be responsible for their lodgings and meals in Las Vegas and transportation. The scholarship covers the full tuition.

In addition, the Magic Endowment Fund Is Providing Scholarships to Youngsters between the Ages of 12 to 18 to Attend Magic Camp in Either Bryn Mawr College, Pennsylvania or Haliburton, Ontario, Canada. The Magic Endowment Fund Is Proud to Offer the Scholarships Which It Has Done for the Past 21 years. Involvement in the magical arts not only makes a crucial difference in the lives of youngsters during their formative years, it has been proven to develop character and good traits and combat juvenile delinquency.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2014 Summer season for full tuition scholarships plus travel expenses to attend the magic camp at either Tannen's Magic Camp at their location in Bryn Mawr College, Pennsylvania for the week of July 12 to July 19, 2014 or the Sorcerers Summer Safari located near Toronto in Haliburton, Ontario, Canada for the week of August 15 to August 20, 2014.

Both camps are wonderful places for youngsters to learn new skills, improve their performance abilities and make new friends with similar interests. The campers studying under some of the leading professionals receive helpful critiques of their performance ability and attend classes, which improve their skills.

All candidates must demonstrate existing talent and dedication to achieve improved magical performances and skills. Applications may be obtained by either writing to Trudy Monti, the S. A.M. Magic Endowment Fund, 803 Sherwick Terrace, Manchester, MO 63021.

A copy of the application and instructions may also be downloaded from the S. A. M. Website, www. magicsam.com or by e-mail, stating your mailing address, to TrudyMonti@aol.com

For further information contact: Trudy Monti

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4. Kevin Spencer - The Healing Of Magic On This Week's Podcast
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Message by Scott Wells, A.I.M.C. With Silver Star

Kevin Spencer was a break-out hit at last year's MAGIC Live! Convention with his talk on the Healing of Magic. But how did Kevin get to this point in his life, who were his magic influences, and why did he decide to become an illusionist? All this plus stories about Doug Henning, Jim Steinmeyer and more in this week's podcast on The Magic Word.

You can hear it all at http://TheMagicWordPodcast.com

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5. Walter Zaney Blaney Video Series Out Soon On New Website
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Message by Walter Zaney Blaney (US)

For the past several years my Canadian magician friends Tim Drake and Ryan Joyce have been working on a lifetime DVD of my magic career history. I do a lot of talking, with stories of various events in my career, some of them funny, some just conversational. Hopefully my friends will find them entertaining. Since the overall footage comes to about two hours, we decided that instead of trying to sell such a long DVD, we would just break it up into chapters and put them on a new website at no cost to anyone. Those who may be interested can view as many or as few of the short videos as they would care to watch.

In a few weeks the website will be up and running, and one can go to: walterzaneyblaney.com Over time more chapters will be periodically added.

Meanwhile, here are two samples you may wish to look at now.

1. My experience of appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, how I got booked on the show, and what it meant to me:
http://youtu.be/fnWAKmYaPXU

2. Thoughts on my good friend David Copperfield and his presentation of my Ladder Levitation on TV and stages around the world:
http://youtu.be/v41pXf2j55E

I hope you will enjoy my stories from time to time. Thanks and best wishes, Walter

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6. Remarkable Magic #337 - Nick Lewin
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Message by Nick Lewin (US)

Deceptive Practice: The Mysteries and Mentors of Ricky Jay.

This highly rated documentary is now very much available, as a download, a DVD or to stream on Netflix. If you haven't caught it yet then you should, as it is one of the best 90 minutes about magic you are ever likely to see. In fact, you will probably enjoy it even more on a second viewing, I certainly did. Ricky Jay is one of magic's true gems and this production does a great job of displaying some of his facets.

The movie was directed by Molly Bernstein and Alan Edelstein who also acted as producers on the project along with Alicia Sams and Philip Dolin. The documentary breaks down into three main ingredients; archival footage, interviews with Ricky's associates and intimate footage of Ricky Jay himself discussing his amazing life in magic. The documentary is smoothly narrated by Dick Cavett, who knows more than a little about the art of magic.

I have enjoyed watching Ricky's curiously unique career since I arrived in the United States in 1974. His was a fascinating journey every inch of the way and it is nice to get a little insight into Jay's influences and the mentors that helped shape this singular performer. Fascinating footage of performances by Slydini, Al Flosso and Dai Vernon are an added delight for serious magic buffs.

From the earliest footage, of a nine-year old 'Tricky Ricky,' it is a story of a strangely devoted and obsessed magician carving out a singularly unique place in the magic world. There is very little mentioned in the documentary about Jay the actor; he has been superb in many capacities in the movie world. However, there are some brief glimpses of his various one-man theatrical demonstrations of sleight of hand. There are also some great clips from the various television shows he appeared in in the '70s when he was first introducing the world to the art of 'Cards as Weapons.'

The documentary, true to its title, really does take a close look at the influences and mentors in Jay's life. From the moment his grandfather, Max Katz, introduced him to Cardini, it was nothing but the finest in magic that shaped Ricky. His stories about Slydini, Flosso, Francis Carlyle, Charlie Miller and Vernon are not only interesting but offer a great deal of insight into these iconic men of magic. Jay does a neat job of encapsulating and verbalizing the lessons he learned from them all.

There is a nice segment devoted to Max Malini, who was a cherished inspiration to Dai Vernon. Many magicians are familiar with the classic story of Malini's 'block of ice.' There is a delightful addendum to this story and how it was re-enacted by Ricky for the benefit and amazement of British reporter Suzie Mackenzie. It was obviously the emotional high point during the contentious filming of a BBC special.

Interviews with David Mamet, Michael Weber, Persi Diaconis and Ricky's long-term manager Winston Simone, all add tone and texture to one's understanding of what 'might' make Jay tick. I say might because it is apparent from the movie that Ricky is an enigmatic and rather guarded loner; even in the center of his own creative team. He doesn't look like an easy man to understand or get to know; that is one of the things that makes this carefully crafted portrait so enjoyable.

This documentary was inspired from the article, 'Secrets of the Magus' by Mark Singer in the New Yorker magazine, and was intelligently transferred to the screen by a very talented team. It held my attention from the opening shot of Jay shuffling a deck of cards in a quietly brooding manner, right up until the closing monologue when Ricky recites a story written for him by the great Shel Silverstein. Rent, stream or better still buy this movie, it is a rather special one about a very special magician.

It is pretty much worth the price of admission to see the extremely youthful Jay performing his manipulative act in the white 'Slydini' outfit, handmade for him by Tony himself!

My blog is at www.remarkablemagic.com
My web site/online store is www.nicklewin.com

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7. The Pee Pee Dance - #328 - Kyle Peron
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Message by Kyle Peron (US)
magic4u02@aol.com
http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com
http://www.kpmagicproducts.com
http://www.Facebook.com/perondesign

You're doing a kid's show and you bring the birthday child up to assist. He is excited and smiling and so you begin. You have your funny antics and your magical moments and you realize the child is still jumping up and down. The look on his face is not as much smiles any longer. The legs cross over and you realize at that very moment this kid is not excited, this kid is doing the pee pee dance and you better handle it and handle it quick.

Ever happen to you? I am sure if you have performed for kids, it probably has. If it has not, it probably will sometime down the road. It is up to us as entertainers to handle it the right way and in a way that works for you, for the child, their parents and your audience. That is a lot to try and juggle but juggle you must.

It is a delicate situation but you as a pro need to know what to do and what not to do. There are many different ways in which to go about this, but I would like to point out some of what I do and why I do it. The important thing to remember as you read this is not so much what I do but the reason WHY I do it. A lot is psychological in nature and you will see what I mean.

First is you must be aware and tuned in that this does happen and can happen from any child 6 or under. You have to be aware of this and not be blinded into thinking it will never happen to you.

Next you must know and learn to read the children as you bring them up and as you work with them. There is excitement and then there is also the tell-tale signs of a problem brewing. A child may jump up and down because of excitement. However, a child that has to go will tend to continue to jump up and down. The child may cross the legs and a sure sign is the arms not being loose or in the air but being close to the sides or actually "covering up". You may get all of these signs or part of them, but they usually follow in this order. Knowing about them and learning them will help you a great deal.

If you spot the signs do NOT try and continue on with the routine. You need to address the issue and how you do it is important. You do not want to embarrass the child but you do want to give the child and the parent permission to handle it.

I will usually say something like, "Oh!! You are either really excited or doing the pee pee dance. No worries, I do it myself sometimes. Tell you what bud. Why don't you take care of business and we will have fun when you get back."

Now this may not be for everyone, but it works for me cause of the character I play and the personality I have in my show. The important thing is I address it and I poke fun at myself. I let the child know that it is OK, I do it myself and it is alright to take care of it. It also gives the parent permission to handle it and they always will. But you must give permission or the kid and parent feels like they have to stay there or they will be interrupting your show.

Give that permission and do so by not making a big deal out of it. It is what it is, take care of it and we are good and will have fun.

Now when the child leaves you are in a tight spot. My rule of thumb is to distract the children and parents by having the show continue. If it is no big deal and if I am not drawing attention to it, I do so by doing another trick I always have ready to go. This trick needs to be one in which can happen quickly and can be stopped at any time or drawn out. The reason is you want the child to enjoy the show and not miss out on it but you can't stand on stage doing nothing.

Once the child comes back, the most important thing is to NOT draw attention to the child quickly. In most cases the child will be embarrassed and will be with mom or dad. Let them be there and continue on with the show as planned.

However, what you begin to do is draw the child back into the show and you do this slowly. I start by waiting a little bit and just asking the child a question pertaining to the trick I am doing, "Jimmy, did you see that?" or "Jimmy, is this the right color handkerchief?". A simple question like that can be answered from their seat. The idea is to engage them and make them see that this is not a big deal for you and everyone else is cool as well. It shows the kids in the audience that if I am OK with it, they should be as well.

Then I slowly start to engage the child a big more by empowerment. "WOAH Jimmy, you are 100% right!" or "WOW! I could not have done that without your help." They can even wiggle fingers from their seat or say a magical word. You draw them back slowly by engaging and empowering.

As I do this I am watching them. I am reading them and their body language. I will NEVER force a kid to come back on stage to help even if it is the Birthday child. Only if you sense the engagement and the empowering is working so you ask if they would like to help you on stage. But what I do is have a parent come up with them. They feel safer that way and I use mom and child in a great way that makes the child the star of the show. This ONLY happens if I sense without a doubt that the kid is over it and we are all good again.

If you are not sure, then engage and empower from their seated position. It is easy to do. For example I end the show (most) with chair suspension illusion. I normally will float the birthday child. If the birthday child is the one who has the problem, I am not going to force them and never will. So instead I change the routine. I have a friend float and the birthday child (or child who had the issue) gets to make that child float using magic from their seat.

I clearly state that I am not going to do anything but THEY will be the magician. From their seats they will make him float. I empower the entire trick and I give THEM the glory. The smile on their face makes it all worth it. THEY become the star of the show and that empowerment makes everything all right.

So this is not to say you have to do everything I do. It works for me. However, some of the steps I use you can learn from. There is a psychology involved with what I do and how I do it. I hope it can help you as well.

As always I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me at magic4u02@aol.com. I look forward to it.

Kyle Peron
Magician and Illusionist

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8. Melbourne Magic Nights Are Back!
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Message by Tim Ellis (Australia)

Some of you may remember the hugely successful nights we ran at Coopers Inn, they were like a mini magic convention every night! Well they are back starting Tuesday February 11 at the new home of magic in Melbourne, Wesley Anne (250 High St, Northcote).

From 6pm you can grab a meal and enjoy close up magic at your table as magicians beta-test new material, then at 7.30pm in the theatre the main event takes place with a fast paced 90 minute show of 5 to 10 minute segments designed to excite, educate and entertain magicians and magic fans alike!

Afterwards, those eager to learn more can break off and join one of three sessions held each night where secrets and techniques will be shared.

Do not miss this event!!! It will be truly awesome and addictive and you'll be back month after month! Admission is only $10 or you can sign up on the night to be an Associate Member of The Australian Institute of Magic for only $40 and attend every Melbourne Magic Night FREE all year!!!

Share this post with all your friends and we look forward to seeing you on Tuesday February 11 for the return of Melbourne Magic Nights!

http://australianinstituteofmagic.org/melbourne-magic-nights/

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9. Updates So Far This Week on VanishLive.com
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Message by - Mick Peck
Online Content Editor
www.VanishLive.com

Updates so far this week on VanishLive.com include:

- LA Wrangler Claims Assault By Vegas Magician Seth Grabel
- 'A Leads To B Leads To C Leads to Z' by Steve Spill
- Illusionists 2.0: Brisbane Review
- Greg Frewin Show Conjures Up Funds For Charity
- Teller Opens Up About Pet Documentary
- Actor-magician Initiates 'Fightback' for Women

Our video of the week:

From the Huntley Film Archives - fascinating silent film footage from the 1930s of illusionist Horace Goldin.

DAILY magic news, articles from around the world and reviews from working professional magicians.

Visit us today at:

http://www.VanishLive.com

- Mick Peck
Online Content Editor
www.VanishLive.com

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10. LiveLeak.com - Magic Trick Fail - Magician Stabs His Hand
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Message by William Bowers

There must be fifty YouTube videos of this trick failing - and it's not so impressive when it works.

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=889_1391549618

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11. The Cincinnati Collectors Convention Is Alive and Well
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Message by Richard Hughes (US)

For those interested in attending, we are currently processing our waiting list and have a few spots available. The Cincinnati Collectors Convention is alive and well. You won't be disappointed.

The Vultures are Gathering!

You may contact me (Rob Hewlett) Ken Klosterman's good friend and convention coordinator at hewnascar@cinci.rr.com. I don't do facebook but I thought you should know that we are now filling our waiting list for the few remaining spots.

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12. Blackpool Magicians Convention Programme For 2014
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Message by Derek Lever (UK)

Blackpool Magicians Convention Programme For 2014 Friday 21st February 2014

08.30am Registration Desk Opens In Rotunda
11.00am Dealers Super Showcase Opens In The Empress
Ballroom, Empress Ballroom Balcony And The Arena
11.00am Dealer Demonstration In The Pavilion Theatre
1.00pm to Star Lecture In The Pavilion Theatre By Oscar Munoz 2.00pm
1.30pm to Star Lecture In The Spanish Hall By Mathieu Bich 2.30pm
2.30pm to Star Lecture In The Pavilion Theatre By Mel Mellers 3.30pm
3.00pm to Star Lecture In The Spanish Hall By Dan Garrett 4.00pm
4.00pm to International Close Up Magic In The Pavilion 5.30pm Theatre: Compere: David Plant Starring:
Paul Gertner, Aldo Colombini, Patrick Redford, Tabary, Mark Shortland, Mathieu Bich, Oscar Munoz And Hayashi
4.30pm to Star Lecture In The Spanish Hall By Anson Lee 5.30pm
7.00pm to International Gala Show In The Opera House Starring 10.00pm Anson Lee, Oscar Munoz, Dr. Conundrum, Patrick
Redford, Valerie, Mark Raffles, Victor Voitko And Men In Coats. Compere Mel Mellers
8.00pm Dealers' Super Showcase Closes 10.00pm Registration Desk Closes
10.00pm to Star Lecture In The Pavilion Theatre By Aldo And 11.00pm Rachel Colombini

Saturday 23nd February, 2014

08.30am to Registration Desk Opens 5.00 Pm
9.00am to Dealers Super Showcase Opens In The Empress
5.30pm Ballroom, Empress Ballroom Balcony And The Arena
9.15am to Star Lecture In The Pavilion Theatre By Valerie 10.15am
10.00am to Star Lecture In The Spanish Hall By Henry Evans 11.00am
10.15am to The British Childrens1 Entertainers National 11.45am Championships In The Opera House Compere:Oscar
Munoz. Featuring: David Tomkins, Colonel Custard, Silly Scott, Mr.Merlin & Okey Dokey The Dragon, Brian Daly, Magic George
10.45am to Star Lecture In The Pavilion Theatre By Hayashi 11.45am
11.30pm to Star Lecture In The Spanish Hall By Paul Gertner 12.30pm
12.30pm to The Wayne Dobson And Friends Show In The Pavilion 1.30pm Theatre. Comperes Wayne Dobson and Michael J. Fitch
Featuring: Ian Rowland, George Kovari Junior And
Jeff Mcbride
1.30pm to Star Lecture In The Spanish Hall By Jay Sankey 2.30pm
2.00pm to Star Lecture In The Pavilion By Tabary 3.00pm
4.00pm to Magic Speed Dating In The Spanish Hall Compere
5.30pm Harry Robson Featuring: Daryl, Aldo Colombini,Jay Sankey, Dan Garrett, Hayashi, Shoot Ogawa And Woody Aragon
4.00pm to Star Lecture In The Pavilion Theatre By Jordan 5.00pm Gomez
5.30pm Dealers Super Showcase & Registration Desk Closes
7.00pm to International Gala Show In The Opera House
10.00pm Compere: Aldo Colombini. Featuring Jupiter, Erwan Bodiou, Hayashi, Tabary, Paul Derek, Oliver Tabor, Rocco, Ali Cook
11.00pm Star Lecture In The Spanish Hall By Woody Aragon
11.00pm to Andrew James And Magic Sam Present "Beat The Wand" 12.30am Competition In The Theatre Bar Of The Winter Gardens. The Competition Is Open To Approved Registrants.

Sunday 23rd February, 2014

08.30am to Registration Desk Opens 5.00pm
9.00am to Dealers Super Showcase Open In The Empress
5.30am Ballroom, Empress Ballroom Balcony And The Arena
10.00am to Master Class In The Pavilion Theatre
12.00 Noon Featuring: Shoot Ogawa, Henry Evans, Daryl, Rocco, Woody Aragon, Hayashi, Jay Sankey
10.45am to Two Kidz 'R Uz Lectures In The Ice Room:
12.45am Featuring Paul Megram (Colonel Custard And David Ginn
11.00am to Star Lecture In The Spanish Hall By Patrick Redford 12.00 Noon
1.00pm to Star Lecture In The Pavilion Theatre By Shoot Ogawa 2.00pm
1.00pm to Star Lecture In The Spanish Hall By Jeff Mcbride 2.00pm
2.00pm to The Four F's Stars Of Close Up Magic In The
3.30pm Pavilion Theatre. Comperes: Obie Obrien And Joan Caesar Starring: Rick Merrill, Jay Sankey, Woody Aragon, Daryl, Boris Wild, Henry Evans, Dan Garrett, Rocco, Shoot Ogawa
3.00pm to Star Lecture In The Spanish Hall By Daryl 4.00pm
4.30pm to Star Lecture In The Spanish Hall By Rocco 5.30pm
4.30pm to Star Lecture In The Pavilion Theatre By Rick 5.30pm Merrill
5.00pm Registration Desk Closes 5.30pm Dealers Super Showcase Closes
7.00pm to International Gala Show In The Opera House 10.30pm Compere: John Martin Starring: Jordan Gomez, Supertells, Mel Mellers,Clive Webb & Danny Adams Ken Dodd, Graham Jolley, Jeff Mcbride, Victor Voitko
10.45pm After Gala Show Party In The Theatre Bar & Spanish Hall. No Food Is Included In The Registration Fee. No Ticket Required. Six Close Up Magicians Will Entertain You In The Theatre Bar Whilst Cabaret Is Performed In The Spanish Hall.
Cabaret Performers: Brian Sefton, Patrick Redford,
Mark Shortland. Compere Karl K
This Programme Is Subject To Alteration

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13. The Illusionists 2.0 Brisbane Review
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Article forwarded on by Billy Philips (Australia)

The Sydney Morning Herald
By Natalie Bochenski

It seems virtually impossible for audiences to be silent during magic shows. Both kids and adults audibly marvel at the spectacle of each illusion, then furtively speculate how it was done.

After just the first trick of The Illusionists 2.0, I turned to the couple sitting beside me and ask "Are you going to talk through the entire show?"
My brother and his fiancée were suitably chastened, but their silence didn't last long.

A year since the first inception of the show came to QPAC, The Illusionists 2.0 features a new line-up of expert magicians - although sadly without hypnotist Dr Scott Lewis, who passed away earlier this month before the show's Sydney season.

Each is styled in a different way, and the six performers take turns dazzling the crowd with their individual acts - accompanied in several places by the use of live 3D broadcasting, allowing those spindly magician fingers to seem like they were coming right at you.

"The Master Magician" Luis De Matos acts as the host, and also delighted with clever mentalism and audience participation tricks.

"The Unusualist", Raymond Crowe, was the most popular, with his comedic persona and charming slapstick routines.

"The Warrior" Aaron Crow was the physical performer, blindfolding himself before decapitating fruit and shooting arrows over a volunteer's head.

"The Futurist" Adam Trent had a charismatic stage presence and cleverly integrated new technology in his conjuring.

During one of his illusions, my resolution broke and I had to turn to my brother and his fiancée to ask "Do you reckon he's …..?" (It would be wrong to include my theory when you'll have your own, save to say that Trent reminded me of the movie The Prestige).

"The Deceptionist" James More performed more traditional grand illusions, but something about them lacked the spark of the other performers (ironic given one of his tricks involved fire). Perhaps the age of the big tricks is less impressive these days - we know escapologists are going to escape, we know there's some sort of science behind the special boxes they all get put into.

In More's first illusion, he seemed to suffer a wardrobe malfunction that unfortunately revealed a piece of equipment that was probably important to its success.

That kind of thing gets picked up by audience members like my brother, who whispered to us violently, "I can see the belt! I can see it!"

The most bewitching performer was young Korean prodigy Yu Ho-Jin, aka "The Manipulator", who did the most incredible sleight of hand work.

His hands were like cornucopias, producing never ending amounts of playing cards in all sorts of colours and combinations, while he gazed both mournfully and ecstatically at the crowd. The guy was the personification of the adjective "enigmatic".

It would be nice to see producers recruit more women magicians for future incarnations of the shows, but overall The Illusionists 2.0 is a fun night out, and proof that magic still delights, confounds and provokes conversation - both in the theatre and on the way home.


Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/stage/the-illusionists-20-brisbane-review-20140123-31asc.html#ixzz2saJRjVAf

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14. Carney In Canada
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Message by Julie Eng (Canada)

Magicana is delighted to announce that superb sleight-of-hand artist, John Carney, will be presenting his lecture and workshop in Toronto and Montreal in February 2014.

There are only two dates in Canada:

Toronto | Feb 15, 2014
Howlett Academy
15 Madison Avenue
(Bloor & Spadina)
Lecture: 1 PM | Workshop: 4 PM
$25 lecture, $75 workshop
$90 both

Montreal | Feb 16, 2014
Comedy Nest
2313 Ste Catherine West, 3rd Floor
(Ste Catherine & Atwater)
Lecture: 1 PM | Workshop: 4 PM
$25 lecture, $75 workshop
$90 both

Registration is now open. Visit this link for details and to register:
http://www.magicana.com/conferences/john-carney-lecture-workshop/

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15. Daytona Festival Of Magic 2014
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Message by Harry Allen (US)

November 7-8-9 2014

Details --www.daytonamagic.com
Click on "convention"

Can you believe the talent already booked?
Rudy Coby
Gregory Wilson
Fielding West
Eric Jones
Silly Billy
Magic Of Suzanne
Cameron Francis
Don Baggett (Illusions)
Erik Olson
Harry Allen
Scott Humston
more to come........

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16. The Weekend Of Wonder
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Message by Jay Scott Berry

The Weekend Of Wonder Offers Prize Package For Young Magician

Maxwell Blade and Jay Scott Berry are very happy to announce a Special Prize Package for the Youth Contest Winner at the upcoming "Magic at the Beach" convention. The package includes tickets, hotel and an exclusive guest spot on the "Stars of Tomorrow" Gala at the Weekend of Wonder in Asheville on May 2, 3 & 4.

The Weekend of Wonder is an International Festival of Magic, produced by Berry and Blade, showcasing a full spectrum of the Art from Close-up, Stage and Street Magic to One-Man Shows, Lectures, Workshops and All-Star Galas. A stellar cast of some of the world's greatest magicians will take part in this Celebration of Pure Wonder in beautiful Asheville, NC. Artists joining Max and Jay include, direct from Las Vegas, Jeff McBride, World Champion, Michael Ammar and from Hollywood, Magic Castle Award Winner, Andrew Goldenhersh. Local Celebrity Magician, Ricky Boone will be the Guest of Honor for what will be an annual event.

The lucky winner will take the stage on Sunday, May 4th, at The Asheville Community Theatre, joining John Venus, Eric Stevens and other rising young stars. He or she will also receive personal coaching and encouragement from Max, Jay and the other Master Magicians at the Festival.

"Jay and I started in magic at a young age", says Max. "We both feel very blessed at the success we've had and this is a perfect chance to help up-and-coming young artists". Jay heartily agrees, adding, "The whole idea of the Festival is to Amaze, Amuse and Inspire. The "Stars of Tomorrow" show is a professional showcase for promising young magicians. This is both an incentive as well as a reward for their dedication and commitment to the Art of Magic."

The first Weekend of Wonder was held in Hot Springs, AR, this past September. This ground-breaking event is the brainchild of Berry and Blade. "It was", Max admits, "A leap of Faith. We both shared this dream of bringing inspirational magic to the general public, making it accessible for all and a true family event. We agreed to keep ticket prices as low as possible and even offer many shows absolutely free. Our plan is to hold it annually in Hot Springs and now Asheville, with more cities soon to be added across the US and around the world."

The response to this first Festival was tremendous with sold-out shows and standing ovations. Local television, magazines and newspapers covered it extensively. The world's largest magic publication, "The Linking Ring" grabbed the scoop, printing two full articles on what it called, "A whole new concept in Magic Gatherings." Reporter Dennis Schick, raved, "It lived up to its name - WOW! From all aspects, it was wildly successful!"

"The Weekend of Wonder is a golden ticket into the world of pure imagination, perfect for children, families and everyone who loves magic", Blade explains. "Your journey begins at the Asheville Community Theatre. This state-of-the-Art venue will host all of the Main Events.

These include The All Star Gala on Friday night, The Masters of Magic Gala on Saturday night, the One-Man Shows and Magic Lectures. The on-site Black Box Theatre, known as "35 Below" will host the Workshops. From there you can venture in all directions to be amazed, amused and inspired. Tickets start at only $10 each and many of the shows throughout the Festival are free! Ticket Packages are very reasonably priced at only $150 adults and $100 for Children under 17.

These are specially designed for Magicians or the general public and include
Reserved VIP Seating to 10 of the Major Shows and Events." With characteristic enthusiasm, Jay concludes, "Let's be honest, everyone has seen magic on TV. But that's not how magic was meant to be seen. The Art of Magic hasn't survived since the dawn of time because of television. It has survived because it is meant to be seen and fully experienced live, up-close, with no camera tricks and no second chances!"

For tickets, details, and show times please visit The WOW Festival Website: www.WeekendofWonder.com/Asheville and Facebook Page
www.Facebook.com/WeekendofWonder

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17. Florida State Convention 50th
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Message by Benjamin Mason (USA)

We are proud to release the list of twelve (12) speakers who will be lecturing at the Florida Magician's Association (FMA) 50th anniversary convention, May 23-25, in Orlando, Fl.

For more info see www.fma50th.com
Paul Gertner-IBM Gold Cups winner
Oscar Munoz-IBM Gold Cups winner
Giovanni "Gio" Livera-IBM Gold Cups winner
Geoff Williams in his "All New-Never Been Seen Before - Completely
Different" lecture
Ward Hall-"King of the Sideshows"
Gustavo Raley-from Argentina
Bob Little-from another planet
Sammy Smith-Big Laughs for Little (kids) People
Phil Schwartz-Ultimate Thayer
Michael Dardant- from New Orleans
Cameron Francis-Close-up Magic
Billy Damon-Amazing Balloons

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18. e-zine Archives
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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)

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19. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice
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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.

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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 © 2014 Alan Watson.


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