* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand®
* Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment Ltd NZ
* www.magicnewzealand.com
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Date: Sunday 27th July 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. "Masters Of Illusion"
3. Article - Masters Of Illusion
4. Final Podcast In The Series From The Magic Castle
5. Ray Anderson - My Favorite Magician
6. Remarkable Magic #355 - Nick Lewin
7. Strolling at Festivals - #346 - By Kyle Peron
8. KIDabra Conference: The Year Of WOW!
9. Alan Alan Obituary
10. Atlanta Harvest Of Magic
11. Updates So Far This Week on VanishLive.com
12. 17th Annual Motor City Close-Up Convention
13. Magic by Barry Khoo Penang's Favourite Magician
14. Lee Earle's Upcoming Lecture Tour, March 2015
15. Australian Junior Championships Of Magic
16. The MagicFest Convention
17. Magicseen 57
18. Abbott's 80th Birthday
19. Daytona Beach Florida Convention
20. e-zine Archives
21. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice

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1. Editor's Message
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The Shore City Magicians Club Inc. Auckland New Zealand will be celebrating its 40th anniversary. They would love to extend an invitation to all past members, associate members and other local magicians to attend this very special occasion.

When: Tuesday 5th August
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: The Shore City Magicians Club Inc. club rooms, Senior Citizen Hall, back of the Takapuna Library, The Strand, Takapuna, Auckland.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
To attend this FREE special event you must pre-register
RSVP's for the SCMC 40th event is event@scmc.co.nz
As part of the evening celebration Timon Krause the Dutch Champion of Mentalism in 2014 will present a lecture.

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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-2014/1112-Jul27-2014.html

Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line:
Editor@MagicNewZealand.com
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2. "Masters Of Illusion"
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Message by Karen Brown

Fridays (8:00-8:30 p.m. ET) on The CW

Hosted by actor Dean Cain ("Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman"), Masters Of Illusion showcases great escapes, fascinating sleight-of-hand and large scale illusions - each episode more spectacular than the one before - and all in front of a studio audience.

The series features amazing magic performed by cutting-edge illusionists and escape artists, and performers in each episode display skills ranging from perplexing interactive mind magic to hilarious comedy routines. Live audience members and viewers at home will be baffled by the astounding skills of these modern illusionists.

Without special editing or computer tricks, women will turn into tigers, birds will appear from nothing and quick changes will happen in the blink of an eye. Flaming hoops, juggling chainsaws, flying motorcycles and giant bubbles will thrill and delight as legends of legerdemain put their lives on the line whenever they step on stage.

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3. Article - Masters Of Illusion
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Article forwarded on by Mel Kientz (US)

Masters Of Illusion
Series on THE CW
Starts Friday, August 1, 2014

By TV Scoop

How Did They Do That? - Hosted by Dean Cain, "Masters of Illusion" features amazing magic performed by cutting-edge illusionists, escape artists and performers displaying skills ranging from perplexing interactive mind magic to hilarious comedy routines - all in front of a studio audience.

Magicians featured in this episode include Jan Rouven, Jarret and Raja, Michael Finney, Nathan Burton, Michael Grandinetti, Jonathon Pendragon, Rob Lake and Spencer Horsman (#101). Original airdate 8/1/14.

Hosted by actor Dean Cain ("Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman"), Masters Of Illusion premieres Friday, August 1 (8:00-8:30 pm ET) with great escapes, fascinating sleight-of-hand and large scale illusions, all in front of a studio audience.

The 13-episode series features amazing magic performed by cutting-edge illusionists and escape artists, and performers in each episode display skills ranging from perplexing interactive mind magic to hilarious comedy routines.

Live audience members and viewers at home will be baffled by the astounding skills of these modern illusionists. Masters Of Illusion is from Associated Television International with executive producers David McKenzie ("The 38th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards," "Marie"), Al Schwartz ("The 38th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards," "The Golden Globe Awards" 2013 & 2014, "The Gulf is Back"), Gay Blackstone ("The World Magic Awards" 2007-2009) and David Martin ("Marie"), along with co-executive producers Justin Pierce ("The Rocky Saga: Going the Distance") and Jim Romanovich ("Inside Story: Ferris Bueller's Day Off").

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4. Final Podcast In The Series From The Magic Castle
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Message from Scott Wells, A.I.M.C. with Silver Star

In this fifth and final podcast from My Week At The Magic Castle, we donate blood during the first (and possibly annual) blood drive that was helped along by Paul Green who benefitted from the donors. He showed his appreciation by giving each donor a deck of green playing cards. I chatted with him and Irene Larsen at this event. Afterwards, I walked next door to Milt Larsen's office where I chatted with Dale Hindman about "It's Magic" shows and many other things.

That evening I spoke with Timothy Smallwood about his work as a President Bill Clinton magician impressionist. Ray Kosby was in the Castle's junior magician club when he was a youth. Now residing on the East Coast, Ray had returned to his "roots" to visit with friends and spent a little time chatting with us about his childhood experiences. Finally, Jonathan Pendragon and his wife, West, talk about their new direction in show business.

This wraps up an extended podcast with friends I visited with while I was performing in Hollywood in early June 2014. I broke it up into five more-easily-enjoyed podcasts that, indeed, I do hope you have enjoyed. As a sneak peek only for New Zealand eZine readers, I have one more interview with a Hollywood writer, producer and director that will be released in the near future. In that podcast, we will talk about how he "made it" in Hollywood and a few tips on what you should do that can apply to your life even if you don't plan to pursue a career in the movies.

Anyway, you can enjoy this podcast on The Magic Word at: http://themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/part-5-my-week-at-the-castle-2014 where you can listen online, download the MP3 file plus view the photos and more. Of course you can download the podcast from iTunes in the podcast store. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode.

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5. Ray Anderson - My Favorite Magician
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Message by Scott Wells, A.I.M.C. with Silver Star

Those who have seen Ray Anderson perform will agree with me. He is fantastic. Unfortunately, for most of the world, many will never see him because he only works in an Austin, Texas nightclub three nights a week. But the world beats down his door as the troupe has played to sold out audiences twice nightly for decades. Just as the world came to Le Grand David's show in Beverly, Massachusetts, many seek out Esther's Follies (http://www.esthersfollies.com/) on 6th Street in Austin, Texas. Not only is his magic smooth, elegant and funny, but the rest of the troupe is hilarious as they poke satirical fun at all things political and newsworthy in a topical fashion.

Much like La Grand David's show, their 20' x 20' stage is more than just intimate, but it is surprising what huge illusions that Ray can perform on this tiny stage including Modern Art, a Water Levitation, Bed of Death Spikes, and much, much more. And the front row is just two feet from the stage. It's amazing how they move scenery in and out with such rapidity and without stumbling or running into each other.

Add to this the fact that there is no curtain or backdrop. In fact, it is an open picture window to the passers-by on the busy street. Since it is a college town (and the state capitol), this happens to be the "in" street where all the clubs, bars and restaurants are located so people are constantly walking up and down, back and forth. And the performers take advantage of this an interact with those on the street.

Last weekend on July 19th I was fortunate to have compered (emceed) a matinee that featured Ray Anderson. It was joy to watch pure magic as he walked through his technical rehearsal for the performance. I was in my own little world as he rehearsed his show. He has what I believe to be the best dancing cane act in the business today. Flawless. This week on The Magic Word I sit down to talk with Ray Anderson about his work with Esther's Follies, how it began, his magic journey and why he stays here rather than pursuing what could easily become a very successful career outside Austin.

Photos, video, blog and podcast are all on The Magic Word at: http://themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/ray-anderson-esthers-follies Of course you can get this podcast on iTunes through their store.

Ads you see on the website are not from paid sponsors but rather put there as favors for friends I want to help and who have helped me. If you would like to be a sponsor on The Magic Word and be mentioned in the podcasts, then please contact me. I haven't done that yet, so you could be the first. If you wish to show your financial support the podcast, then you may do so by sending your donations via PayPal to scottwellsmagic@gmail.com Or if you would like something tangible for your donation, then please visit the Shop and purchase something. It all goes to the same guy…Scotty! Thanks for listening.

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6. Remarkable Magic #355 - Nick Lewin
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Message by Nick Lewin (US)

Lemons, Bills, Blogs and Flying Cards!

I want to take this opportunity to bring you up to date with some of the exciting things that have been happening in my non-performing life as a magician. After over 45 years as a full time performer I am really enjoying sharing some of the things I have learned and I have been keeping very busy recently.

As many of you know I have been writing for Paul Romhany's wonderful digital magic journal "Vanish Magazine" since its very first issue. It is a really great magic resource and damn the price is right, it is free! I get a chance to write some extended articles and biographies. I recently wrote cover stories on Mark Wilson, Daryl Bill Abbott and have another cover story I am very happy about in the issue published next month. If you haven't discovered "Vanish" yet, then you should go to www.vanishmagazine.com and download an issue or two! I am extremely proud to be a part of the fabulous team of contributors that Paul has lined up for his magazine.

I have also been spending quite a bit of time and energy on my online magic company www.lewinenterprises.net and I am very pleased with the product line we have developed. I have a wonderful team working with me on this particular enterprise. My wife Susan runs all the business side of things and is the best postage/packing person in the biz! My props are hand crafted by Master manufacturer and builder Rolando Medina, our graphics and design are handled by the amazingly gifted Steve Mitchell. What a team---I am proud to work with them.

Lewin Enterprises has a really nice line of magic books, DVDs, props and routines for the discerning magician. We are totally focused and concentrating upon releasing top quality professional items. We have been delighted at the enthusiasm and loyalty that our clients have shown. It is our goal to create a small and high quality magic business and I am modeling it on the wonderful business that my first mentor Ken Brooke presented to the magic community. I am determined that if we can't do something right then we won't do it. I am rather amazed and astounded how quickly our business has taken off in the two years we have been developing it.

We recently released two new items that are selling like the proverbial "hotcakes," they are "Nick Lewin's Ultimate Cards Across" and "Nick Lewin's Lemon Aid." These are really commercial routines that will be of great interest to any performing magician, and both have been featured in my act for many years. In fact, "Lemon Aid" is the heart and soul of my professional work. My "Cards Across" is quite simply the cleanest and most visible version of this classic effect you will ever find.

My "Lemon Aid" is a beautifully constructed routine that takes a classic piece of magic and turns it inside out, adding non-stop laughs and BIG surprises. This effect is extremely dynamic and highly visible, comes with a 20-minute performance video that contains over 30 years' worth of jokes and laughs that are worth gold to any performing magician. I am extremely proud of the details that have been incorporated into this release and can recommend it from the heart.

I just added three new "Trickformational" videos to my website that you can see at http://www.lewinenterprises.net/whats-new.html so if you have a chance to visit the site-check them out! The website also includes some really cool magic videos and interviews. While you are on the site why not sign up for our newsletter that gives information on upcoming releases. Special offers can also be found on our "Lewin Enterprises" page on Facebook. We are currently offering a Summer Special on my book "Cruise Magic 101."

If you are interested in reading some of my backlog of writing on magic then you may want to head over to my blog www.remarkablemagic.com which has plenty of great articles and magic photos. I enjoy my blog a great deal and it features many informative entries about the construction, honing and performance of a commercial magic show.

Well that brings you up to date on what I have been doing and why I am somewhat exhausted! I am also going to be lecturing and performing Master Classes at several events in the upcoming months, so if you see me around please do come up and chat!

Check out my online store at www.lewinenterprises.net
You can reach me at nicklewin1@mac.com

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7. Strolling at Festivals - #346 - By Kyle Peron
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Message by Kyle Peron (US)
magic4u02@aol.com
http://www.facebook.com/perondesign
http://www.kpmagicproducts.com

I have found over the years that festivals LOVE the strolling magic idea. If you can offer strolling magic or some form of strolling entertainment, they usually will go for it and be glad they did. Strolling magic certainly is a feature and a benefit for both you and the festival.

It benefits the festival as they now have more entertainment throughout the grounds and gives a reason for people to want to stay around the festival longer rather than leaving.

It also allows the festival to get a 2 for 1 value. This means that they essentially get 1 person who can do the work of 2 entertainers they may have had to hire. This saves them time and money.

It is a way for their patrons to get entertainment and to disperse it throughout the area. They also love it because they do not take up a stage or a time slot to fit you into.

Strolling magic becomes a solution for them and you solve the problem of timing, set ups, staging etc. You also solve the problem of getting people to stay at the festival.

Strolling magic can also benefit both you and the festival in that you can advertise your show times as well as other festival events as you're doing your strolling magic. This increases interest and gets your name out as well.

When doing strolling magic at festivals, the festivals love it if you can work key areas and hit as many different spots as you can. You may want to ask them what areas are the lines the longest as you can work the lines for them. Also make sure to ask them what areas they would like you to stay away from. Your strolling magic will draw a crowd and you do not want to hinder traffic flow or be a distraction to another show that is going on.

Keep your strolling shows small and short. I do about 10 mins in one spot and then move on. I also keep my magic to play big and pack small. The more you have to carry with you, the tougher it becomes. You want to be able to move easily and take up little space.

Also, keep in mind that while you're strolling around and performing, you cannot be watching everybody and watching all your stuff. This means the more stuff you bring with you, the more chances you have of losing things from kids with sneaking hands or people who just want something the magician has. Keep your props simple and in front of you at all times to help avoid this.

I can tell you that festivals LOVE strolling magic. Every time I have offered it, they have taken it 95% of the time. If you can offer a strolling type of magic between your 2 larger shows, it works to get the name out for your show times and also gets you more income for your day rate.

I am happy to announce that my newest book, "FESTIVAL MAGIC", is finished and is NOW available at http://www.kpmagicproducts.com ; This 112pg book is filled with the most up to date information on how anyone can work and succeed in the festival and fair markets.

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.

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8. KIDabra Conference: The Year Of WOW!
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Message by Mark Daniel (US)

August 11-15, 2014
The Music Road Hotels and Conference Center In the Resort Town of Pigeon Forge, TN

I've come to regard the annual gathering of KIDabra Conference as a piece of living, ever-changing art. As the puzzle pieces of this year have come together, I can't help but believe this is one of the most incredible conferences of our 23 years of meeting! We hope you'll join us in Pigeon Forge along with attendees from England, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and from throughout the US, please remember, we're never complete until you're there!

The KIDabra Stars will Shine:
Paul Osborne, TX, Great Zuchinni, DC, Julian Mather, Australia
David Kaye, NY, Ken Kelly, UK, Michael Rosander, NC
Marcela Murad, FL, Tommy James, MA, Danny Orleans, IL
Stan Allen, Las Vegas, Rachel Cloumbini, FL, John Reid, NY
Todd Neufeld, NY, Kevin Heller, IN, Joe Romano, VA
Terry Evanswood, TN, Ken Scott, GA, Barry Mitchell, TN
Steve Metzger, NY, Todd McKinney, TX, Barry Hinnant, FL
Jim Kleefeld, OH, Max Howard, GA, Chris Weed, AZ
Gary Shelton, NC, Tate Elliott, NC, John Bobik, PA
Skip Way, NC, Tim Gaines, LA, Bruce Amato, TN
and your hosts Mark and Tami Daniel, NC

Just added:
Stan Allen joins us for an extraordinary visit. First he hosts David Kaye's "Turn It Around Live," The World Premiere Lecture, quite fitting as the original column ran in Magic Magazine for ten years! Next, as Master Storyteller, Stan open the vault of his incredible stories, many involving a certain rabbit named Stew. Rumors are rampant that the two will reunite Thursday night at KIDabra to see who wins the battle of man against furry, cuddly, mischievous beast:) Ken Scott hosts the proceedings with Stan and Co. Plus Stan participates in KID Talks with Things to Think About!

The Max Howard Project this year is a once in a lifetime happening and a very special gift from Max! Gary Shelton gleans from Max his journey from school show to the mission of good nutrition for kids, and the adventures along the way. This culminates in the Gift, the auction of Max's original show creation The Nutrition Magician (the props and performing rights) going to a new caretaker. The proceeds of the sale will go to The Joe Lefler Legacy Scholarship Fund.

Friday Night finds us heading over to Wonderworks on the invitation of Terry Evanswood for a Special Presentation of The Wonders of Magic and our closing Gala. Wow!

The Wows continue, for the full schedule, videos, hotel info, and to register go to www.kidabra.org And Please Join us on the very lively Facebook Group Page: KIDabra Members and Friends

Can't be with us? Don't Miss everything, the KIDabra Audio Album on Flashdrive features many of the events recorded live. However, don't wait they are only available now through the conference, none sold afterwards. Info at www.kidabra.org

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9. Alan Alan Obituary
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Article forwarded on by Mel Kientz (US)

Escapologist known as 'the British Houdini'
whose flaming rope act left audiences aghast

Staff Report

Alan Alan, who has died aged 87, was an escapologist famous for his "burning rope routine" and known as "the British Houdini".

Alan devised his trademark burning-rope act in the early Fifties, when he was just starting out in the escapology game. It involved him being trussed up in a straitjacket, or cords, or chains, and dangled on a petrol-soaked rope upside-down from a crane - most famously high above the Thames. The rope would then be lit.

Audiences watched aghast as Alan wriggled and wormed his way out of his shackles before the rope gave way to the flames. A section of his rope was wrapped in thick wadding, the extra fibre adding valuable time for him to get free.

"Alan issues a challenge," declared a Pathé reporter watching the act in London in 1950. "He undertakes to free himself in less time than it takes to tie him. Just to make it more interesting he does it 60ft in the air. Easy as falling off a log, he says, but give us the log to fall off any time."

The act was a particularly perilous reinvention of a routine pioneered by Houdini, and nearly got Alan killed on several occasions. In 1950, for example, he came crashing down on to the stage of the Pavilion Theatre in Liverpool when the rope snapped. But as his fame spread across the world, he only heightened the dangers. Before long his hands were clasped in Darby cuffs and he was left hanging over cages of lions or rows of pointed swords.

Alan Rabinowitz was born on November 30 1926. In boyhood he was awestruck by the famous Danish showman, Dante the Magician, and in his teenage years he developed a magic and escape stage act. Alan was then taken on tour by the promoter Reggie Dennis (who gave him the stage name Alan Alan) and played alongside comedy and novelty acts including Morecambe and Wise and a young Des O'Connor.

Alan began his career as a serious escapologist much as he carried it through: by trying to upstage Houdini. In 1949, he staged "Houdini II Buried Alive". Performed for Pathé News, Alan replicated a 1915 stunt in which Houdini had been buried alive in a grave, leaving precious little time to dig himself out. Houdini had lost consciousness as his hands broke the surface. Alan did not even get that far; his assistants had compacted the earth too tightly and he had to be dug out only moments from death. The rolling cameras and resulting column inches, however, helped to make his name.

Throughout his career Alan refined, adapted and repeated his flaming rope act, playing arenas, theatres and circuses. He also staged open-air crowd-pleasers for the passing public: in 1978 he swung and squirmed 100ft above the Thames as amazed drivers passed over Tower Bridge.

In 1959, Alan entertained prisoners at London's Wormwood Scrubs prison - demonstrating how to get out of a set of handcuffs, slip a knot and wriggle free from chains. "It all depends on applying the knowledge at the right time," he said. "When I do my work I have the right kind of incentive - cash. I can stay cool. A prisoner would be too emotional when it came to the point."

In the late Fifties he managed Tommy Cooper's magic shop in London, where the comedian's wife Gwen was the driving force. "Gwen, big woman, prone to picture hats," recalled Alan. "How she managed to keep Tommy under control - after a few drinks he must have been a hell of a handful."

In later life, Alan became the proprietor, with Joe Elman, of his own shop - the Magic Spot in Southampton Row. A treasure trove of tricks and props, its walls were stacked with row upon row of wooden drawers, each one carrying its own curious contents: stink bombs, jet-flying cigarettes, palming coins, linking rings, flashing bow ties, glowing fangs, rocket balloons and sneezing powder. It was a dusty palace of peculiarities in which Alan, dapperly decked out in a three-piece suit, and enjoyed entertaining his customers.

One visitor, in 1984, was Michael Palin. "I stopped at Alan Alan's Magic Shop in Southampton Row, where I was served by a small, neat, besuited gentleman with an arrow through his head," wrote Palin. "Quickly and efficiently he demonstrated an extraordinary variety of bangs, squirts, farts and electric shocks as if he were selling nothing more exciting than a coal scuttle. Little children watched in awe as their fathers idly toyed with a pack of sexy playing cards only to receive a sharp electric shock from the pack."

Alan also mentored a number of aspiring magicians, including a young Michael Vincent, who would later become a Magic Circle Magician of the Year. "There really hasn't been an escapologist who had a flair for the dramatics like Houdini other than Alan. In some cases I think Alan had the edge," stated Vincent.

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Genii Magazine - July 2009 - Alan Alan
In addition to his great escapes, Alan also invented a number of clever close-up tricks, including the "Decimated Coin" - in which a coin appears to shatter into pieces - and the "Sharpshooter" card effect, in which a gunshot appears to hit a chosen card from a pack. In the late 1970s he returned to the rope, guest-starring on The David Copperfield Show. Copperfield described him as "someone I've idolised since I was a boy".

By this stage Alan was a small, wiry man with a frenetic "cheeky chappy" stage persona that reminded many of the actor Norman Wisdom. While the burly American security guards on Copperfield's stage towered over him, winding chains around his frame, Alan joked, hopped and spun around them.

In 1983 he played Houdini in the television film Parade of Stars, a re-creation of the vaudeville circuit of the early 20th century.

Magic's modern visage - with its slick television personalities and camera tricks - sometimes baffled him. When David Blaine staged his own Tower Bridge stunt in 2003 - hanging 30ft in the air in a Plexiglas box for 44 days without food or water, Alan was sceptical. "I give him 10 days," said Alan. "The box will mysteriously fall into the river and it will appear that Blaine has been swept away with the tide. He will turn up triumphantly half an hour later in Hyde Park." In a rather more prosaic climax, a weakened and thin Blaine simply emerged from his stretch and was driven off to hospital.

The Magic Spot closed in 1996. In 2006 Alan was awarded the Maskelyn Award by the Magic Circle for services to British magic.

Alan Alan never married. He is survived by a brother.
Alan Alan, born November 30 1926, died July 4 2014

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The Independent

'British Houdini': Farewell to Alan Alan, who lived for magic and great escapes

By Adam Lusher

He pioneered art of escaping from straitjacket
while suspended from burning rope

The "British Houdini" - who pioneered the art of escaping from a straitjacket while suspended from a burning rope high above the ground - has died aged 87.

Described by the Magic Circle as "a legend in the world of magic and circus", Alan Alan - born Alan Rabinowitz - was one of the leading stunt magicians of his day, before stepping away from the limelight to run a London magic shop.

In the early 1950s, audiences would watch enthralled as he was tied up in chains or strapped into a straitjacket, before being dangled upside down high above the ground by means of a crane and a petrol-soaked rope, which was set alight.

He had three minutes to escape - which he usually did. In 1950, however, at the Pavilion Theatre, Liverpool, the rope snapped and he came crashing down to the stage.

He was undeterred by the setback, refining his act to include dangling over rows of swords or cages of lions. In 1978, at the age of 52, he dangled in chains from a burning rope 100ft above the River Thames near Tower Bridge.

Alan had first made headlines years earlier with a deliberate attempt to upstage the great Harry Houdini, whose 1915 attempt to dig himself out after being buried alive had ended with the American escapologist losing consciousness as his hands broke the surface.

In 1949, the 23-year-old Alan hoped a Briton would show the world how it should be done, with his "Houdini II, Buried Alive" stunt.

It did not go well.

With the cameras rolling, and no sign of Alan emerging triumphant from his shallow grave, it was realised his assistants had packed the earth above him too tightly. By the time they dug him out, he was moments from death.

Small in stature, with a cheeky chappy persona that led to comparisons with Norman Wisdom, he once entertained prisoners in Wormwood Scrubs with a demonstration of how to escape from a pair of handcuffs.

In later years, Alan ran a magic shop in Southampton Row, London. The Magic Spot became a meeting place for visiting magicians from all over the world and a delight for curious children.

Describing a visit in 1984, the Monty Python star Michael Palin wrote: "I was served by a small, neat, besuited gentleman with an arrow through his head.

He demonstrated an extraordinary variety of bangs, squirts, farts and electric shocks as if he were selling nothing more exciting than a coal scuttle. Little children watched in awe."

Alan mentored many young British magicians, and his fame was such that he also influenced young hopefuls across the Atlantic - most notably David Copperfield, who described him as "someone I've idolised since I was a boy".

Alan opened the Magic Circle's new headquarters near Euston station in London in 1998, and in 2006 the organisation presented him with the Maskelyne Award "for services to British magic".

Jack Delvin, the president of the Magic Circle, said: "Alan was a legend in the world of magic and circus.

"He touched the lives of many through his shop, The Magic Spot, where his words of wisdom inspired generations of eager young magicians to begin their journey into the world of magic."

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10. Atlanta Harvest Of Magic
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Message by Ken Scott (US)

Ken Scott is hosting the Atlanta Harvest of Magic Sept. 11 13th.
www.atlantaharvestofmagic.com

The talent is strong and unique with Rob Zabrecky, Harry Anderson, Jay Johnson and Bob (ventriloquist) from the hit TV show SOAP, Ice McDonald, Jon Armstrong, Lee Asher, Steve Kline productions, Nathan Kranzo, Charles Pecor, Christopher Hart, Ken Scott, Jon Racherbaumer, and Mark Mason.

There will be 10 lectures, close-up shows, close-up/parlour contest, Amazing Dealers, Gala show. The Crowne plaza is literally 1 mile from the Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport.

Room rates are crazy low at 87.00 per. Registration for this great little/BIG convention is only 126.99.

Come be a part of the fun. Atlanta is known for its southern hospitality. Stan Allen says, "The Atlanta conventions are so fun with so much hospitality, family feel, and party atmosphere!" That is what is being planned for at this year's Atlanta Harvest.

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

Latest updates on VanishLive.com include:

Grandma, Me and Charlie Miller
Nick Lewin Mad World by David Cushing Broken Wand
Alan Alan A Better Performance Checklist
Ken Dyne International Magicians Join Local Talent For Melbourne Magic Festival
Magician Ben Hart Never Afraid To Ice With Death Monkey
Masked Magician Turns Bungling Burglar Broadway
Conjures Magic With 'The Illusionists'
Teen To Spend Two Weeks In StraightJacket
Scott Thomson's Aurora The MC Business
Timothy Hyde

Video of the Week

Penn and Teller's Invisible Thread - a rarely-seen TV movie from 1987.

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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12. 17th Annual Motor City Close-Up Convention
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Message by John Luka (US)

John Luka's 17th Annual Motor City Close-Up Convention takes place the weekend of November 14-16, 2014. This year's event is being co-produced by The Wunderground Magic Shop.

The line-up for this year's event is AWESOME. It features Shoot Ogawa, Tony Cabral, David Gabbay, and Curtis Kam. You will see some terrific magic and attend four great lectures. There will be other surprises.

It is very easy to register for the convention. http://www.johnlukamagic.com/conventionsections/convention_register.html

All events take place at the Best Western Woodhaven Inn
(http://www.bestwestern.com/woodhaveninn) located at 21700 West Road, Woodhaven, MI 48183. (Metro Detroit Area) Phone (734) 676-8000 Call the hotel for room reservations or hotel information. There is a special room rate of $73 plus tax per diem for the convention. To qualify, when you make your reservations request the Motor City Magic rate.

Those who have attended the convention in the past know that the line-up of performers has always been outstanding. You can view a list of past performers by clicking HERE. I am very proud of that list. I am also very happy that performers for this year's Motor City Close-Up Convention number among the very best I have had.

The dealers will include: Wunderground Magic, ABC Magic, Benz Magic, Pattrick's Mats, Mercy Magic, Roy Kueppers Magic, and Gordon Miller Magic.

Mark your calendars and plan on attending this year's event. I look forward to seeing you there. -- John Luka

Three Close-Up Shows, Four Lectures, Optional Workshops, Dealers, and a lot of good magic and fun.

For more information go to: www.johnlukamagic.com

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13. Magic by Barry Khoo Penang's Favourite Magician
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Message by Barry Khoo

Asia Café
Pitt Street
2nd August 2014, Sat @ 8pm

Hock Poh Lye
Penang Street / China Street
15th August 2014, Fri @ 8pm

Hwa Pin
Church Street
29th August 2014, Fri @ 8pm

Friends Of Artistes Liaison

10 mini-concerts in 10 notable coffee-shops in the heritage core zone of George Town, Penang, Malaysia

These mini-concerts will take place on Friday and Saturday evenings, from 6 - 8pm over the five weekends of August 2014. The concert will feature an eclectic blend of singers, musicians, poets, storytellers, dancers, comedians and magicians! Confirmed performers include talented Country & Western band The Rozells, poet Anwar Fazal and the fabulous magician, The Great Barrini!

The duration of each presentation will be between 90 - 120 minutes and comprise of 3 or 4 different artistes each evening. Popular music will be an integral part of each session with a poet, storyteller, magician or dancer thrown in for good measure.

Dates & Venues

2 August/ 6 - 8pm @ Asia Café, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling

8 August/ 6 - 8pm @ Hock Leong Yen (Sun Kee) Coffeeshop, Junction of King St./ China St.

15 August/ 6 - 8pm @ Hock Poh Lye, Junction of China St./ Penang St.

22 August/ 6 - 8pm @ Eng Loh Café, Junction of Penang St./ Church St.

29 August/ 6 - 8pm @ Hwa Pin, Church St. (fronting The Phoenix Press)

For more information, please contact:

Friends of Artistes Liaison, more details or contacts:
http://georgetownfestival.com/programmes/konsert-kopitiam/

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14. Lee Earle's Upcoming Lecture Tour, March 2015
--------------------------------------------
Message by Lee Earle (US)

Here's the list o' groups my booker (Scott Wells) will be pitching. The promo piece he will be using is attached.

If you can influence one of these local outfits in favor of hosting my lecture, I would appreciate it.

Mind you, None Of These Are Booked Yet; this is just the list that gets 'first bite at the apple'. All other possibilities will receive serious consideration. I'll be fortunate to book half of them, actually. If all of 'em came through it would be a rugged month. ;-)

I'll be in Tampa in January and am angling for NYC (I have a standing invitation at Tannen's) sometime before then. Friends in Greenville, SC and Myrtle Beach have also inquired, so...

Monday, March 2, 2015 Jacksonville, FL
Tuesday, March 3, 2015 Atlanta, GA
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Huntsville or Birmingham, AL
Thursday, March 5, 2015 Nashville, Murfreesboro, Memphis or Knoxville, TN

Saturday, March 7, 2015 New Orleans

Monday, March 9, 2015 Louisville, KY
Tuesday, March 10, 2015 Shreveport, LA, Jackson, MS or Longview, TX
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Tulsa or Oklahoma City, OK or Little Rock, AR
Thursday, March 12, 2015 Wichita, KS or Kansas City, MO

Saturday, March 14, 2015 Branson, MO

Monday, March 16, 2015 St. Louis, MO
Tuesday, March 17, 2015 Springfield or Peoria, IL
Wednesday, March 18, 2015 Chicago - Midwest Magic
Thursday, March 19, 2015 Chicago - Tinley Park
Friday, March 20, 2015 Pewaukee, WI

Sunday, March 22, 2015 Dallas/Ft. Worth
Monday, March 23, 2015 Tyler, TX
Tuesday, March 24, 2015 Houston
Wednesday, March 25, 2015 San Antonio
Thursday, March 26, 2015 Austin
Friday, March 27, 2015 McAllen, TX
Saturday, March 28, 2015 Albuquerque, NM

Monday, March 30, 2015 Tucson, AZ
Tuesday, March 31, 2015 Phoenix, AZ
Wednesday, April 1, 2015 Las Vegas, NV
Thursday, April 2, 2015 Long Beach, CA
Friday, April 3, 2015 Studio City, CA

Sunday, April 5, 2015 Los Angeles, Magic Castle

Finally, I have some special product offers coming up soon - y'all will be the first to know.

Cheers,
Lee Earle

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15. Australian Junior Championships Of Magic
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Message by Adam Mada (Australia)

I'm proud to let you know that the boys, Lukas & Ash from "Cardistry" have won the Australian Junior Championships of Magic at the 2014 Melbourne Magic Festival. I've been coaching the boys for about 6 months. They were interviewed on the Today Show, where they also perform a snippet from their winning performance.

http://www.adammada.com/news/coached-by-adam-mada-cardistry-win-australian-junior-championships/

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16. The MagicFest Convention
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Message by Ken Spanola, Convention Chairman

Unbelievable? The MagicFest Convention is only three weeks away.

Saturday August 9th, 2014
Avoid the registration lines. Register Online at www.TampaMagicClub.com

Click on the "Registration" tab and then the "MagicFest" hyperlink.
For additional Convention information, click on the "Convention" tab.

What Is MagicFest? Simply The Best One Day Convention In Florida.

Here's what's scheduled:
3 Fantastic Lectures!
John Bannon will be our feature lecturer. This will be no ordinary lecture. First, John rarely lectures and this will be his only Florida lecture. He's flying back to Illinois after the workshop on Sunday. Second, this will be a 2 hour lecture by one of the best magicians in the country.

Ryan Schlutz is an exciting young performer who has released several highly acclaimed DVDs. Ryan has some very clever self-working magic that are "workers" that will go right into a working professional's repertoire. Don't miss this lecture by one of magic's rising stars.

Terry Ward is one of the best entertainers in magic today. He has performed for the most prestigious audiences, such as Coke-a-Cola, Nestle Carnation, GE, AT&T and Walt Disney World. Using his dynamic personality, Terry brings the artistry of magic to a new dimension. By combining magic, comedy, and audience participation, Terry will keep everyone laughing and well entertained throughout his lecture.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to learn from a real entertainment master.

Close-Up Show
What a lineup - John Bannon, Ryan Schlutz and Terry Ward will all perform in the show. If that wasn't enough, the very talented Cameron Francis has been added to the show.

We will have a jumbo screen and projector for all lectures and the Close-Up show, so everyone can see the magic.

Our very special MC for the day will be Geoff Williams. Geoff is an outstanding magician in his own right and he is sure to keep the day moving right along with his comedic talents.

Dealers Room and Flea Market Tables
Good News & Bad News! The Bad News is -- there are no more Dealers or Flea Market tables available - we've sold out. The Good News is we've sold out -- so the Dealers Room will be the place to hang out as we've lined up some wonderful Dealers as well as 10 Flea Market tables where you are sure to find some magical treasures!
Convention Location

We are having the convention at the same hotel as last year -- the beautiful Embassy Suites, 3705 Spectrum Blvd. (off Fowler Ave.) in Tampa, FL.

Hotel rooms are available at $129 per night. Just be sure to say that you are attending the "MagicFest" convention to get that rate.

Cost
The registration fee is STILL ONLY $35 (same price as last year)!

Unbelievable - 3 Fantastic Lectures, a Close-Up Show with 4 Outstanding Magicians and a jam packed Dealers Room with Flea Market tables. All for ONLY $35.
You can pay online at www.TampaMagicClub.com and pay with Pay Pal or call Melissa Spanola at 813-885-2449 to pay by credit card.

Schedule
Registration opens at 8:30am.

Dealers Room Opens at 9:00 am and our first lecture (Ryan Schlutz) is at 9:30 AM.
The convention ends at 6:00pm. So this is a FULL day of FUN and MAGIC that you don't want to miss.

Check online for the full schedule.

If you have any questions, give me a call.

Magically,

Ken Spanola, Convention Chairman

813-885-2449

Bonus - Extra Charge Workshop
The Magic Emporium is hosting an extra charge event on Sunday, August 10th - a John Bannon Workshop.

John will hold a very rare hands-on workshop for a limited number of magicians. This unbelievable workshop will start at 1:00pm at The Magic Emporium.

The cost is only $50 and seating is limited. Don't be turned away!

Call Gary Barker at 813-265-WAND to reserve your spot before this event is sold out.

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17. Magicseen 57
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Message by Chris Wasshuber

Vol. 10, No. 3, no date (July 2014); 60 pages
Cover: Sean Alexander
Welcome - editor's letter
John Carey: From Hot Sales to Hot Soup! - interview - Graham Hey
Readers' Letters
In The News
Comedy Time - Graham Hey
The Kids' Show Minefield - How to avoid some of the worst problems - Mark Leveridge
Masterclass
It's All in the Name - John Carey
Partly Right or Partly Wrong! - Arun Bonerjee
Pros & Cons - It's All a Matter of Opinion - Mark Leveridge
Books v DVDs - Follow Up - Nick Jones
The Secret Agent - re: Trevor George - Jay Fortune
Dealer Shout Outs - Special 'extra' announcements from a few regular advertisers
In the Phonebox with: Ali Cook - Graham Hey
Sean Alexander: On the Up, and Down Under! - cover article/interview - Graham Hey
In The News
Dani DaOrtiz: The Spanish Sensation! - interview - Graham Hey
Smoke & Mirrors Bar, Bristol - Live Reviews
Jon Allen
Danny Buckler
Things I Wish I'd Known When I Started - compiled by Mark Leveridge
Product Reviews
The Magic of Celebrating Illusion - book - Robert E. Neale
Legion - e-book - Andreu
Essentials in Magic - Master Course in Sponge Balls, Volumes 1-4 - 4 DVDs - Daryl
Lives of the Conjurer's - Volume 1 - e-book - Professor Solomon
In2ition - trick - Brian Schwenger
The Mentalists Cookbook Package - Jonathan Royle
Shazam - e-book - Liam Montier
Bound - DVD - SansMinds
Infamous - DVD - Daniel Meadows & James Anthony
Starstruck - DVD - Sean Goodman
noitpecreP - advice -Jez Rose
Celebrity Bit With Dick Van Dyke
Next Issue!
Listings
Back Issues

To subscribe go to: http://www.lybrary.com/magicseen-no-57-p-503557.html

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18. Abbott's 80th Birthday
--------------------------------------------
Message by Chuck/Webmaster

Abbott's will be combining its 80th birthday with the 77th Get Together into a great big celebration August 6-9. 4 big evening shows, A Closeup Show, 10 Lectures, Saturday Matinee, 10 different scheduled street performances, Talent contest, Friday firework show, The Colon Craft Fair for the entire family. This is magic week and Colon and there is nothing like it on the entire planet.

Whether you are a magician, amateur, or just someone who loves good magic this is the event for you and your family this summer. Many of the biggest names in magic will be participating including Jeff Hobson, Joshua Jay, Losander, Outerbridge, Chris Mitchell, Shoot Ogawa, Pat Davison, Chris Blackmore, John Shryock, George Schindler, and Fred Becker just to mention a few. In addition, some of the best magicians and entertainers under 25 years old will be performing at Tuesday's evening show including Matt Schick, Bill Cook, Timothy Cripe, Mabelle, and Trigg Watson!

On Friday morning magicians will get a chance to perform in front of a real stage audience at our Talent Contest. They will work with our professional stage crew, the absolute best in the business, and compete for cash prizes in the same event where Franz Harary, Lance Burton, and Mac King participated as teens. Everyone is a winner because the experience you gain from performing in a magic competition is priceless!

In addition, all paid registrations (full, youth, or daily) will receive a copy of Abbott's new book - Decades!

The online schedule can be found at
http://www.magicgettogether.com/schedule.html

The Performers and their Bios can be found at
http://www.magicgettogether.com/performers.html

The many special events for that week can be found at
http://www.magicgettogether.com/specialevents.html

Registration and Show Tickets can be found at
http://www.magicgettogether.com/tickets.html

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19. Daytona Beach Florida Convention
--------------------------------------------
Message by Harry Allen (US)

Very exciting news!!!! November 7,8,9 2014 Daytona Beach Florida
www.daytonamagic.com click on "convention"

Daytona Festival of Magic just got better if that is possible.

Just added to an unbelievable line up:

Dan Sperry

He will join:
Rudy Coby
Gregory Wilson
Rich Bloch
Fielding West
Eric Jones
Harry Allen
Silly Billy
Suzanne
Don Baggett
Erik Olson
Scott Humston
David Ferman (Juggler) Act

Lectures, stage and close-up shows, dealers, auction, (full sit down dinner Friday night dinner show)

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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)

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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 2014 Alan Watson
www.magicnewzealand.com
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http://twitter.com/#!/magicnewzealand

www.watson.co.nz
www.corporatemagic.co.nz
www.magician.co.nz
www.magicianz.com
www.balloon-twister.co.nz


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.


Magic New Zealand® E-zine