*
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand®
* Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment Ltd (New
Zealand)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #1374
Date: Sunday 23rd April 2017
Editor: Alan Watson QSM
www.watson.co.nz
E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com
================================
Hi here is the latest news
================================
1.
Editor's Message
2. How To Strengthen Your Comedy Magic Show. Part One
3. Jarrett & Raja On The Magic Word Podcast
4. Trouble with Kid's Names - #443 - Kyle Peron
5. May Issue of Genii
6. 2017 May AMA Show Schedule
7. Las Vegas Magic - May 2017
8. KIDabra News
9. Q&A: Magician Xavier Mortimer
10. Update - New Zealand Magic Convention - Wellington
11. e-zine Archives
12. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice
--------------------------------------------
1. Editor's Message
--------------------------------------------
We are thrilled to see Nick Lewin back in Magic New Zealand
e-zine as a columnist.
If
you would like to read the Magic New Zealand e-zine in a
HTML format go to: http://www.magicnewzealand.com/ezine-archive/2017-Jan-to-Dec-2017/1374-Apr23-2017.html
If
you would like to write a regular column for Magic New Zealand
or have some magic news drop me a line:
Editor@MagicNewZealand.com
--------------------------------------------
2. How To Strengthen Your Comedy Magic Show. Part One
--------------------------------------------
Message by Nick Lewin (US)
www.lewinenterprises.com
The
following post is taken from a recent article I wrote for
Vanish Magazine. If you don't get your free monthly download
of Vanish Magazine Check it out at www.vanishmagic.com
Sadly,
there are no hard and fast rules you can apply to shaping
or improving a comedy magic show. What is perfect for one
person can be disastrous for the next. The only real fixed
rule is that the more you perform the better chance you
have of really improving your show. With a manipulative
or illusion show a mirror and a video camera can go a long
way towards refining and perfecting your performance. It
is one thing to master the mechanics of the magic you are
performing, however, putting comedy into the mix definitely
complicates the rehearsal process and introduces an X factor.
Constant
performance is the only key that allows you to incrementally
develop a timing that incorporates the inconsistencies that
live audiences bring to the table.
Forty-five
years of making a living mixing magic and laughs have definitely
given me some heartfelt insights into the process of making
this particular synergy work. The decade I spent headlining
in comedy clubs was a wonderful training in making sure
that the comedy in my show was as strong as the magic it
contained. It is one thing to get laughs performing magic
but quite another to really master both individual disciplines
and achieve a blend that doesn't sell either element short.
The
good news is that a strong comedy magic act can be immensely
commercial and highly bookable. Lay audiences love to laugh;
in fact most of them far prefer the experience of laughing
to that of being fooled. Many magicians tend to forget this
reality point; we particularly enjoy the experience of fooling
and being fooled or we probably wouldn't have become magicians
in the first place; lay audiences are much less unified
on this point.
What
I want to do in these articles is to set down a few steps
that are well worth considering for the performer who wants
to take his or her act to the next level. These steps and
observations are based on performing experience I have made
during a lifetime in magic and also spending quality time
with world-class performers. I truly believe that serious
thought about them will improve the quality of any comedy
magic show. Do not forget though that however beneficial
it is to think about things, it is only by putting those
thoughts into application that you can really move forward.
While
these steps are primarily directed towards improving a show
for a lay audience the basic principles hold true for performing
to an audience of magicians. However, in this regard I will
pass on some great advice I was given by the great Ken Brooke;
"If you want to be a professional, never trust a magician's
response to your show or you will end up cutting out the
bits that real people enjoy the most and adding things that
mean nothing to non-magicians."
One
important thing to remember as you improve your act is that
a strong magic show is never a static thing. It is the sum
total of the person you are at the moment you are while
performing it. I have seen many fine manipulative acts that
mold a perfect 12-minute show and then continue polishing
that same performance for decades. This really doesn't work
in the comedy field, and yet I see many comedy magicians
who take the same approach.
Times,
attitudes and sensibilities vary very quickly when it comes
to "funny" and need to be considered on an ongoing
basis. "The Baffling Bra" may have been a viable
piece of material a couple of generations ago but is scarily
out of tune with contemporary times. No, I am not influenced
in making this statement if you tell me, "It still
gets laughs in the show!"
One of the chief complaints about comedy magic shows from
serious bookers/buyers is the outdated nature of much of
the comedy incorporated in the show. The last thing you
want to do when presenting yourself as an entertainer is
to look like someone who is out of touch with mainstream
or contemporary audiences.
You
don't need to re-invent the wheel, but you do need to realize
that a great deal of comedy magic is very dated and needs
to be freshened up. You don't need to burn your Robert Orben
books but you might want to seriously limit your jokes from
it and then update them! Saying, "My act works the
way it is (and always has) so I'm not going to change it,"
is a sure fire way to avoid improvement.
Check
out my online store of really great comedy magic items and
routines at
www.lewinenterprises.com
--------------------------------------------
3. Jarrett & Raja On The Magic Word Podcast
--------------------------------------------
Message by Scott Wells, M.I.M.C. with Gold Star (US)
Jarrett
and Raja are the two newest "kids on the Strip"
the
Las Vegas Strip, that is. They recently opened their diner
show at Hooter's Casino Hotel. But before they opened, we
recorded a conversation in the relaxed atmosphere of their
warehouse off the Strip. Their journey has been inspirational
and, well
creative. Like several magicians before them,
they have appeared on "America's Got Talent [sic]"
(AGT) which helps spread their notoriety. I have posted
podcasts with some of these magicians who have talked about
their experience and reasons why they auditioned for AGT,
most recently Nathan Burton.
But
Jarrett and Raja went straight for the "big money"
by appealing to potential investors on the U.S. TV show,
"Shark Tank". Although they didn't "hook
a big fish" from the panel (spoiler alert), there was
an unexpected outcome. They talk in detail about their experience
leading up to that event and many of the "behind the
scenes" of what was going on right up to the time the
"sharks" walked into the room and the cameras
started rolling.
You
can watch a video of their "Shark Tank" appearance
plus a private video shot in their warehouse, see some photos,
read the blog, enter the new contest, listen to the podcast
online and download the MP3 file at: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/jarrett-and-raja
Congratulations
to the winners of last week's contest for a copy of "Nick
Trost's Subtle Card Creations Volume 3": Fred King
and Shaun Rivera. Be sure to visit the blog to enter the
new contest for a chance to win one of two copies of Volume
4, compliments of the publisher, H&R Magic Books.
--------------------------------------------
4. Trouble With Kid's Names - #443 - Kyle Peron
--------------------------------------------
Message by Kyle Peron (US)
magic4u02@aol.com
http://www.facebook.com/perondesign
http://www.kpmagicproducts.com
Here
is an interesting scenario that may sound all too familiar
to a lot of you. You are at an event and performing a routine
that utilizes a child. The child comes up to a nice applause
and you proceed to ask the child his or her name. The name
that comes out from the child is one in which Klingon makes
more sense. You ask the child again and you state the name
wrong. This then provokes the child to become the Hulk and
scream his name at the threshold of pain. You then resort
to trying not to mention the child's name at all by simply
dancing around it.
Sound
familiar? I think we all have experienced this before. This
is what I refer to as the "Trouble with Kid's Names"
syndrome. There are many reasons why this may happen. It
could be that the child is peaking too softly, not pronouncing
the word correctly, you are having a hard time hearing the
child or the fact that the name is just not common. As I
get older, I have started to realize that the names of Mike,
Chris and James have become boring and new names like Latoya
and Iona have become the popular trend.
Because
I am a deaf entertainer, I have problems hearing the kid's
names and any helper that comes up on stage to assist. I
read lips very well and have ever since a young child. However,
reading kid's lips is harder because they do not pronounce
the words as well as they should. Anyways, I have always
had problems hearing kid's names when they come up to help.
Because of this problem I was faced with, it allowed me
to start coming up with creative solutions to solve it.
The
solution.... "Hello My name is" stickers. Sounds
silly but it works wonderfully. Before the show starts I
have them with me and I have the parents and the children
put them on. In fact, when I get there, I often give them
to the client to hand out as kids come in.
I
tell the client that it is an easy way for the kids to all
get to know who each other and also so the ones who do not
know, do not feel left out. It also is a great way for the
adults to get to know each other as well. Often the adults
are meeting each other for the first time. I am also honest
with them in that it makes it easier for me to select my
helpers without mispronouncing a name.
They
usually are more than pleased with this approach and sometimes
wonder why they did not think of it themselves. They always
help me out with it and I never have any problems. It then
becomes super easy to spot kids in the audience. I can then
call and select the child to come up by their name on their
name tag. Kids love hearing their name called.
It
can also play to a larger school or venue as well. Here
is how you do it. You send the school a promotional show
package a week or so ahead of time. This gets passed out
to the teachers. Inside are the stickers. They are told
to pass them out to their students before the show. It makes
it easier.
Now
if you really want to have fun with it, and want the kids
to really WANT to wear them, place a number on each one.
Then you can use it as a raffle at the show for a magic
kit or something of value or importance.
Now
if you are a savvy marketer, you can create your own customized
name stickers. These can be printed easily and cheaply at
many online digital printers. On these can have your website
or contact information and your name. Now it becomes something
that everyone is wearing that brands you at all times. People
cannot help but look at it.
This
becomes a very easy solution to a problem I was having due
to my handicap. However, this solution can also help anyone
out. Instead of trying to guess what the name is, you can
handle it in such a way that adds both value to your show
and also value to the client as well. I hope it helps you
and that it can be a possible solution that elevates your
magic.
As
always, I encourage you the readers to let me know your
thoughts. 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.
Entertainers,
please visit:
http://www.kpmagicproducts.com
--------------------------------------------
5. May Issue Of Genii
--------------------------------------------
Message by Richard Kaufman, Editor
The
May issue of Genii, the largest-selling magic magazine in
the world, is now available.
*
Jose Frakson is little known today. As one of Frakson's
foremost students, the late David Alexander knew all of
Frakson's secrets and fortunately this's month's Genii cover
story lets us in on a few. For most of our readers, the
name "Frakson" will not be familiar, however he
was a great magician and a star of vaudeville and nightclubs
in his day-his story should be told. And in our digital
edition you can see him perform his masterpiece: a cigarette
act whose secrets have never been revealed.
*
When Jim Swain read Jon Racherbaumer's comment in one of
our issues last year in which he suggested that it was not
necessary to learn the Pass, Mr. Swain wrote an excellent
essay on exactly why every person who does sleight of hand
with cards should learn the Pass. I have rewritten and included
the explanation of Derek Dingle's Riffle Pass to which he
refers (from The Complete Works of Derek Dingle) to accompany
the article. In addition to the description of Dingle's
handling, there is a video included in the digital edition
in which he does the Shift invisibly.
*
In Jeff Prace's "Left-Handed," he describes a
trick by Kevin Li where the image of a key instantly becomes
real-it's easy to do (watch the video in our digital edition)
and likely worth more than the last download you bought.
*
I cannot describe in any simple way the card trick which
John Bannon teaches this month in "Dealing With It"
because, as he himself admits, it's strange-but in a good
way, like a trick of Brother Hamman's. Watch the video in
which he performs it before reading the explanation and
be fooled.
*
The Doctor is in
Dr. Harbottle, that is, and this
month in "By Means of Metal" he has gifted you
with an essay on Curl Palm, aka Nowhere Palm, and what that
means if you combine it with a Retention Vanish. Video as
well makes learning swell.
*
John Guastaferro continues his excellent stewardship of
"Magicana" with another three routines this month,
including a clever balancing deck by Stephen Hobbs, and
of course there's a video of the whole deal.
*
For you real-world standup workers, Martin Lewis shares
a routine in "Making Magic" that he's obviously
used for humans in chairs who form an audience. The color
of a silk and a cardboard box transpose
and it's
plenty easy to make and do.
*
I'm amazed-stunned, frankly-at how Mike Caveney is able
to spin what is often such a simple letter into an interesting
tale in "Classic Correspondence." This time around
it involves, Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, and Dante, all in
A Haunting We Will Go.
*
Our story-telling Hannibal explains that sometimes performing
Cards Across can get hairy in "Happiness is the Road."
*
Books get reviewed by our Associate Editor Mr. Lovick, tricks
by Mr. Oliver, and videos by Mr. Turner. Todd Karr peeks
around in "The Eye." And only in our digital issue
there are audio columns by Max Maven and Jon Racherbaumer.
Subscribe
to a year of Genii for as little as $35 and obtain access
to all 80 years of our magazine in our digital archive for
no extra charge!
www.geniimagazine.com
--------------------------------------------
6. 2017 May AMA Show Schedule
--------------------------------------------
Message by Jack Goldfinger
Director Of Entertainment
Academy of Magical Arts, Inc.
May
1-7th, 2017
Close-Up Gallery
Early-early: Nathan Becker
Early: Brad Henderson
Late: Tom Ogden
Parlour
of Prestidigitation
Early: Joshua Jay
Late: Fukai
Palace
of
Adam London
Jason Bishop
Peller
Theatre
John Carney
Greg Otto
W.
C. Fields Bar
Alfonso
Friday
Luncheon - CUG
Tom Ogden
Saturday
& Sunday Brunch - Kids Show
Wacko
Lecturer
- Sunday (5/7)
Joshua Jay
May
8-14th, 2017
Close-Up Gallery
Early-early: Kirk Grodske
Early: Richard Turner
Late: David Gabbay
Parlour
of Prestidigitation
Early: Doug Gorman & Fran
Late: Nick Paul
Palace
of Mystery - The NO Show
Dana
Richard Allan Richard Allen
Peller
Theatre
Brent Arthur James Geris
Tomas Medina
W.
C. Fields Bar
Gene Urban
Friday
Luncheon - CUG
Richard Turner
Saturday
&Sunday Brunch - Kids Show
The Amazing Geebo
NO
Lecturer - Sunday (5/14)
Mother's Day
May
15-21st, 2017
Close-Up Gallery
Early-early: Michael Perovich
Early: Jeki Yoo
Late: Fenik - The Jack
Parlour
of Prestidigitation
Early: Wes Mathison
Late: The Bornsteins
Palace
of Mystery
J. Neal & Liane
Mark Miller
Peller
Theatre
Robert Ramirez
Naathan Phan
W.
C. Fields Bar
Ron Bell
Friday
Luncheon - CUG
Fenik - The Jack
Saturday
& Sunday Brunch - Kids Show
Frank Thurston
Lecturer
- Sunday (5/21)
Jeki Yoo
May
22-28th, 2017
Close-Up Gallery
Early-early: John Kippen
Early: R. Paul Wilson
Late: Hannibal
Parlour
of Prestidigitation
Early: Dale Hindman
Late: Phil Van Tee
Palace
of Mystery
Murray SawChuck
Douglas "Lefty" Leferovich
Peller
Theatre
Jonathan Burns
Joel Ward
W.
C. Fields Bar
Pop Haydn
Friday
Luncheon - CUG
R. Paul Wilson
`
Saturday &Sunday Brunch - Kids Show
Arty Loon
Lecturer
- Sunday (5/28)
Hannibal
May
29-June 4th, 2017
Close-Up Gallery
Early-early: Jason Tong
Early: Ed Ellis
Late: Tam Vo
Parlour
of Prestidigitation
Early: Rich Bloch
Late: Peter Samelson
Palace
of Mystery
Alex Ramon
Peller
Theatre
Fitzgerald
Patrick Heitkam
W.
C. Fields Bar
Shawn Eric
Friday
Luncheon - CUG
Ed Ellis
`
Saturday &Sunday Brunch - Kids Show
Gene Silberman
Lecturer
- Sunday (6/4)
Ed Ellis
Performers
are subject to change due to circumstances and availability.
--------------------------------------------
7. Las Vegas Magic - May 2017
--------------------------------------------
Message by David Neubauer - www.dnmagic.com
Criss Angel - Mindfreak Live!
7 pm & 9:30 pm (Dark Mon. - Tues.) - Luxor.
www.cirquedusoleil.com/criss-angel-mindfreak#BwSsTgzRH21YxQov.97
David Copperfield - An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion
7 & 9:30 pm nightly, also 4 pm Sat. - MGM Grand.
www.mgmgrand.com/entertainment/david-copperfield.aspx
Gerry McCambridge - The Mentalist
7:30 pm (Dark Wed.) - Planet Hollywood.
www.vtheaterboxoffice.com/Vegas_Show_Tickets.cfm?showID=10005
2 for 1 Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/couponthementalist.html
Jeff McBride's Wonderground
3rd Thurs. each month 7:30 to midnight - The Olive (3850
E Sunset Dr.) Non-stop Magic & Variety Performance Art.
A new show each month. $10 cover.
www.vegaswonderground.com watch live: www.McBrideMagic.com
LaughterNoon - Adam London
4 pm, (Daily) - The D.
tickets.thed.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=7
$9.95 Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/couponlaughternoon.html
Mac King Comedy Magic Show
1 & 3 pm, (Dark Sun. & Mon.) - Harrah's.
www.harrahslasvegas.com/casinos/harrahs-las-vegas/casino-entertainment/mac-king-detail.html
Free tickets (buy 1 drink) usually available at the concierge
desk or handed out by showgirls.
Mat Franco - Magic Reinvented Nightly
7 pm - Linq Showroom - LINQ.
www.caesars.com/linq/events/mat-franco#.VUTdemdFDD8
Mike Hammer Comedy Magic Show
7 pm (Dark Sun. & Mon.) - Four Queens Hotel and Casino.
www.mikehammershow.com
Murray - Celebrity Magician
With Guest Act: Douglas "Lefty" Leferovich.
4 pm (Dark Wed.) - Sin City Theatre, Planet Hollywood.
www.planethollywoodresort.com/shows/murray-celebrity-magician.html
2 for 1 General Admisson or VIP Tickets & 2 Popcorns:
www.vegas4locals.com/coupons/las-vegas-shows/murray-celebrity-magician/
Half-Price Tickets: www.halfpriceshows.com/Shows/showdatelistt.jsp?i=4&id=258&City=
Las Vegas&State=NV&Name=murray-celebrity-magician
Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show
4 pm - Saxe Theater - Planet Hollywood.
www.nathanburton.com/Tickets.php
$12.50 Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/coupons/las-vegas-shows/nathan-burton-comedy-magic/
Paranormal - Frederic Da Silva
4 pm - Windows Showroom, Bally's.
www.caesars.com/ballys-las-vegas/shows/paranormal#.VTaCb2dFA-w
Half-Price Tickets: www.halfpriceshows.com/Shows/showdatelistt.jsp?i=4&id=246&City=Las
Vegas&State=NV&Name=paranormal
2-for-1 Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/coupons/las-vegas-shows/paranormal/
Penn & Teller
9 pm, (Dark Thurs. - Fri.) - Rio.
www.riolasvegas.com/casinos/rio/casino-entertainment/penn--teller-detail.html
Tommy Wind - A Unique Magic and Music Experience
7:00 pm. (Dark Wed.) - The Tommy Wind Theater
(Vegas Blvd between the MGM and Planet Hollywood).
www.tommywindmagic.com/vegas-magic-show-2013
Half Price Tickets: www.halfpriceshows.com/Shows/showdatelistt.jsp?i=4&id=230&City=Las
Vegas&State=NV&Name=tommy-wind
Piff the Magic Dragon
8:00 pm, (Dark Thur. - Sun.) - Bugsy's Cabaret, Flamingo
www.caesars.com/flamingo-las-vegas/shows/piff-the-magic-dragon
Xavier Mortimer's Magical Dream
7:00 pm, (Dark Wed.) - Sin City Theatre, Planet Hollywood.
Half Price Tickets: www.halfpriceshows.com/Shows/showdatelistt.jsp?i=4&id=270&City=
Las%20Vegas&State=NV&Name=xavier-mortimers-magical-dream
Magic and More
Crazy Girls
Tony Douglas - 9:00 pm (Dark Wed.) - Crazy Girls Theater
- Planet Hollywood.
www.caesars.com/planet-hollywood/shows/Crazy-Girls#.V7X7GXn6t6k
Dixie Dooley
2 & 4 pm every Sunday - Center Stage at the Boulevard
Mall.
Haunted Vegas Show and Tour - Jac Hayden, Robert Allen.
9:30 pm, picks up at the Royal Resort.
www.hauntedvegastours.com
Redneck Comedy Magic - James Michael
6:00 pm. (Dark Tues. - Wed.) - LA Comedy Club, Stratosphere
www.redneckcomedymagic.com
Sapphire Las Vegas Comedy Hour
Comedians, Burlesque, Magicians, Variety Acts - Mondre
8 pm, (Dark Sun.- Fri,) - Sapphire Gentleman's Club, 3025
Industrial Rd.
www.sapphirelasvegas.com/las_vegas_vip_services/sapphire_comedy_hour
The Mystifier - Dixie Dooley
7:30 pm (Dark Tues. - Fri.) - Majestik Theatre, 99 Convention
Center Dr.
Attendees get to view Dixie's unique escape exhibit for
free.
Zombie Burlesque
Featuring Steve "Tiny" Daly as "Tiny Bubbles".
8:30 pm, (Dark Sun.) - V Theater, Planet Hollywood
www.vtheaterboxoffice.com/Vegas_Show_Tickets.cfm?showID=10032
Vegas Public Close-Up Magic
Excalibur - Dick's Last Resort Craig Keith performs bar
magic, various times.
Hard Rock - 2nd Floor Bar Café: Smoothini - Wed.
to Sun. 8 pm-10:30.
Las Vegas Strip Street Magic: Grndl, Jungle Josh, James
Kelsey.
Mandalay Bay Magical Mix - Christopher Karpiak 7-10 pm (Dark
Sun.. - Mon.) - Skyfall Lounge, Delano Hotel.
New York New York - Pour 24: Smoothini - after 2 am.
The Fremont Street Experience: Adam Flowers, Chris Randall,
Will Bradshaw.
Treasure Island - Señor Frogs: JungleJosh - House
Magician (Dark Mon.), 5 pm to 1 am.
Table-hopping and Comedy Magic on the stages. No Cover,
No Min.
Wynn/Encore: Shimshi - Resident Magician.
Las
Vegas Magic Organizations
Fantasma I.B.M. Ring 257, 7 pm - 8:45, 1st Monday each month
at Top Hat and Wand Magic Shoppe, 5115 Dean Martin Dr. #102.
No meeting if the 1st Monday is a major Holiday. ($24 a
year to be a member). Current President and contact: John
McClenahan, doctormagiclv@embarqmail.com or 702-395-3856.
www.ibm257.com
Darwin's
Magic Club 8 pm - Midnight. Each Wed. at Tommy Rockers at
Dean Martin & Flamingo.
The Las Vegas Magic Luncheon is every Friday at Noon. Magicians
and Variety Artists meet for lunch and laughs. All visiting
magicians to Las Vegas are welcome to drop in. Great food,
great atmosphere - Gordon Biersch, 3987 Paradise Rd.
Upcoming Special Events
April, 2017
Apr. 20: Jeff McBride's Wonderground, 7:30 pm to midnight
- The Olive (3850 E Sunset Dr.) Non-stop Magic and Variety
Performance Art. A new show each month. Local ID: $10 cover,
all others $20.
7pm - Strolling magic: Will Bradshaw, Tim Shegitz, Taylor
Lloyd, and Miguel. Scott Brown as Allen Scott will do tarot
readings in the "art area"
8pm - Comedy & Magic Show
Jeff McBride - Magic to Dye For
Lion Fludd - The Hustle & Muscle of Magic
Bizzaro - Something NEW and very Twisted!
Smoothini - From America's Got Talent!
Tim Shegitz - Classy Conjuring & Comedy
Steve Owens - Award Winning Manipulations
9pm - Three different Close-Up strolling magic lounge areas
are open!
Lion Fludd
Smoothini
Tim Shegitz
Steve Owens
Mondre
10pm - Stage Extravaganza!
Jeff McBride is your MC - with something very new to show
you!
Magnus - Zombie Time
Steve Owens - World Class Manipulations
Jason Andrews - Neo Classical Conjuring
Habaka Kfj - Musical Magical Enchantress
Mondre - Pure Magical Mastery
Plus: Photography by Sheryl Garrett. Bar Magic with Zack
Pattee, Scott Steelfyre, Corey Rubino, Taylor Lloyd, New
World Rhythmatism Belly Dancers, Psychic Sideshow with Alan
Scott, live art with Areeya - and many more surprises and
special celebrity guests!!
www.vegaswonderground.com watch live: www.McBrideMagic.com
Apr. 25: IBM Fantasma Ring 257 auction - Blue Ox Tavern,
5825 W Sahara. Set up is from 4 to 6, auction at 6:30. Come
sell or buy. Paul Draper is the Auctioneer.
Apr. 28-30: Focus on Street Magic presented by McBride's
Magic & Mystery School. Instructors: Jeff McBride and
Mario Morris.
www.magicalwisdom.com
May 2017
May 1-2: Magic & Mystery School Spring Training - Focus
on Card Magic presented by McBride's Magic & Mystery
School.
Instructors: Jeff McBride, Greg Gleason.
www.magicalwisdom.com
May 3-4: Magic & Mystery School Spring Training - Focus
on Classics of Magic presented by McBride's Magic &
Mystery School. Instructors: Jeff McBride, Greg Gleason.
www.magicalwisdom.com
May 5-6: Magic & Mystery School Spring Training - Focus
on Grand Illusions presented by McBride's Magic & Mystery
School. Instructors: Jeff McBride, Greg Gleason.
www.magicalwisdom.com
May 18: Jeff McBride's Wonderground, 7:30 pm to midnight
- The Olive (3850 E Sunset Dr.) Non-stop Magic and Variety
Performance Art. A new show each month. Local ID: $10 cover,
all others $20.
www.vegaswonderground.com watch live: www.McBrideMagic.com
May 29: Michael Finney - Brad Garrett's Comedy Club, MGM
www.bradgarrettcomedy.com/BradGarrettsComedyClub/
ClubInformationandTickets.aspx
June 2017
Jun. 15: Jeff McBride's Wonderground, 7:30 pm to midnight
- The Olive (3850 E Sunset Dr.) Non-stop Magic and Variety
Performance Art. A new show each month. Local ID: $10 cover,
all others $20.
www.vegaswonderground.com watch live: www.McBrideMagic.com
Jun. 23-25: 3-Day Master Class presented by McBride's Magic
& Mystery School. Instructors: Jeff McBride, Eugene
Burger.
www.magicalwisdom.com
July 2017
Jul. 20: Jeff McBride's Wonderground, 7:30 pm to midnight
- The Olive (3850 E Sunset Dr.) Non-stop Magic and Variety
Performance Art. A new show each month. Local ID: $10 cover,
all others $20.
www.vegaswonderground.com watch live: www.McBrideMagic.com
Jul. 21-23: Magic and Theatre with Gaston presented by McBride's
Magic & Mystery School. Instructors: Gaston Florin,
Jeff McBride.
www.magicalwisdom.com
August 2017
Aug. 11-12: Focus on Platform and Parlor Magic presented
by McBride's Magic & Mystery School. Instructor: Jeff
McBride.
www.magicalwisdom.com
Aug. 13-16: MAGIC Live! will be held once again at The Orleans
SOLD OUT!
Waiting list: www.magicmagazine.com/live
Aug. 17: Sisters of Magic presented by McBride's Magic &
Mystery School. Special guest presenters including Ariann
Black, Abigail McBride and others.
www.magicalwisdom.com
Aug. 17: Jeff McBride's Wonderground, 7:30 pm to midnight
- The Olive (3850 E Sunset Dr.) Non-stop Magic and Variety
Performance Art. A new show each month. Local ID: $10 cover,
all others $20.
www.vegaswonderground.com watch live: www.McBrideMagic.com
Aug. 18-24: 7-Day Master Class presented by McBride's Magic
& Mystery School. Instructors: Jeff McBride, Eugene
Burger, Lawrence Hass, Tobias Beckwith.
www.magicalwisdom.com
September 2017
Sept. 21: Jeff McBride's Wonderground, 7:30 pm to midnight
- The Olive (3850 E Sunset Dr.) Non-stop Magic and Variety
Performance Art. A new show each month. Local ID: $10 cover,
all others $20.
www.vegaswonderground.com watch live: www.McBrideMagic.com
October 2017
Oct. 14: Fall Training - Classic Themes of Mentalism presented
by McBride's Magic & Mystery School. Instructors: Jeff
McBride, Eugene Burger.
www.magicalwisdom.com
Oct. 15: Fall Training - Focus on Storytelling Magic presented
by McBride's Magic & Mystery School. Instructors: Jeff
McBride, Eugene Burger.
www.magicalwisdom.com
Oct. 16: Fall Training - Focus on Séance and Bizarre
Magic presented by McBride's Magic & Mystery School.
Instructors: Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger.
www.magicalwisdom.com
Oct. 17: Fall Training - Focus on Illusions presented by
McBride's Magic & Mystery School. Instructors: Jeff
McBride, Eugene Burger.
www.magicalwisdom.comOct. 18-21: Magic and Meaning Conference
presented by McBride's Magic & Mystery School will be
held at the Tuscany Suites & Casino, located at 255
E. Flamingo Rd. Instructors: Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger.
Special Guest TBA.
www.magicalwisdom.com
Oct. 19: Jeff McBride's Wonderground, 7:30 pm to midnight
- The Olive (3850 E Sunset Dr.) Non-stop Magic and Variety
Performance Art. A new show each month. Local ID: $10 cover,
all others $20.
www.vegaswonderground.com watch live: www.McBrideMagic.com
November 2017
Nov. 4-6: Magic for Speakers and Presenters presented by
McBride's Magic & Mystery School. Instructors: Jeff
McBride Stephen Shapiro, Tobias Beckwith.
www.magicalwisdom.com
Nov. 8-11: Master Class for Mentalism presented by McBride's
Magic & Mystery School. Instructors: Jeff McBride, Eugene
Burger, Lawrence Hass, Ph.D. Special Guest for the Class
will be Ross Johnson. SOLD OUT
www.magicalwisdom.com
Nov. 12-14: The 14th edition of the premiere Mentalism Convention
MINDvention - Palace Station.
www.MINDvention.net
Nov. 15-18: Master Class for Mentalism presented by McBride's
Magic & Mystery School. Instructors: Jeff McBride, Eugene
Burger, Lawrence Hass, Ph.D. Special Guest for the Class
will be Ross Johnson.
www.magicalwisdom.com
Nov. 16: Jeff McBride's Wonderground, 7:30 pm to midnight
- The Olive (3850 E Sunset Dr.) Non-stop Magic and Variety
Performance Art. A new show each month. Local ID: $10 cover,
all others $20.
www.vegaswonderground.com watch live: www.McBrideMagic.com
December 2017
Dec. 21: Jeff McBride's Wonderground, 7:30 pm to midnight
- The Olive (3850 E Sunset Dr.) Non-stop Magic and Variety
Performance Art. A new show each month. Local ID: $10 cover,
all others $20.
www.vegaswonderground.com watch live: www.McBrideMagic.com
2018
August 2018
Aug. 5-8: MAGIC Live! Details to come.
--------------------------------------------
8. KIDabra News
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Message by Mark Daniel
The
Joe Lefler Legacy Youth Scholarship
Do
you know of a deserving Youth age 15-21 who would benefit
from attending KIDabra Conference 2017 in Pigeon Forge?
Last year we were fortunate to award 2 scholarships to young
performers, one from the US, and one from Israel.
This
year there we're have one scholarship to award and applications
are now open, and DUE by JUNE 1.
The
Scholarship totals $1,000 that is applied to KIDabra Membership,
Conference Registration Fee, Hotel at the The Music Road,
and spending money for food and travel.
The Scholarship exists today endowed through an anonymous
donor, and with Joe's wish that his legacy of teaching,
and nurturing young performers continue!
Apply here http://www.kidabra.org/lefler-scholarship
At
KIDabra Spend Quality Time with Jay Johnson, Ken Scott,
Barry Mitchell, Christopher T. Magician, Niels Duinker,
Mario the Magician, Gary Shelton, Carisa, Scott Green, Chris
Weed, Jim Kleefeld, Hiawatha, Jeff Wawrzaszek, Bruce Amato,
Dave Risley, John Bobik, Tate Elliott, your hosts Mark and
Tami Daniel and a Host of Extraordinary People at The Amazing
KIDabra!
KIDabra
happens August 7-10, in one of the World's Top Family Entertainment
destinations: Pigeon Forge, home of Dollywood, Terry Evanswood,
Barry Mitchell, and Darren Romeo. A popular show/tourist
area, Pigeon Forge/Sevierville, Gatlinburg, and The Great
Smoky Mountain National Park, are a family performers study
arena whose "magic" settles on you like a warm
comforter.
KIDabra
is The Global Epicenter for KIDshow and Family Performers!
It is the go to gathering place, and resource center for
the KIDshow and Family entertainment world. Performers arrive
from all over the world to share in this important week
of the KIDshow community and industry! Make your plans to
join us today! We are never complete until you're there!
Register
Here http://www.kidabra.org/register-kidabra-tn-b
Schedule http://www.kidabra.org/2017-schedule
Hotel/Travel http://www.kidabra.org/hoteltravel
Full info www.kidabra.org
--------------------------------------------
9. Q&A: Magician Xavier Mortimer
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Article forwarded on by Mel Kientz (US)
By
Matt Kelemen
Xavier
Mortimer created the disembodied hand character Sneaky for
Cirque du Soleil's Michael Jackson ONE before being featured
on America's Got Talent and Penn & Teller: Fool Us,
giving the French illusionist enough exposure to warrant
headlining status at Planet Hollywood's intimate Sin City
Theater. Xavier Mortimer's Magical Dream incorporates silhouette
screens, video, a muse named Belle (Lauren Metter) and Mortimer's
sleight of hand skills into a cabaret-sized, family friendly
comedy-magic show featuring a climactic levitation trick
that can arguably be called a masterpiece.
So I thought I figured out how you do the jump rope levitation
illusion that Penn & Teller appreciated on Fool Us
(Laughs) Did you figure it out?
Well, then I realized I actually hadn't figured it out.
Is it true that Penn & Teller didn't actually figure
out what you were doing?
No, Penn Jillette was fooled. Teller figured out most of
the trick. Teller got it, but Penn Jillette said I fooled
him. Here is the story, and I asked Teller if I can use
it. He said, "No, you can't use it. You should use
it," so I'm going to tell you the whole story. I went
on Fool Us, and I was definitely sure I would fool them,
but you know, at the same time, fooling is a good thing
but it really isn't the aim of the show. It's great to fool
them, but my goal was more to entertain and show something.
Anyway,
I do my trick, and Penn Jillette stops to speak with me
and says, "That's amazing. We love that," and
at the end he said, "You fooled me." He stops
and he says, "But I don't think you fooled Teller."
And Teller comes onstage and he draws something for me.
I have to tell you, it's the first time someone has figured
out my system. Good magicians that are working, they couldn't
figure it out, and he draws something and it's close. It's
not the actual system but it was very close. And you know
what? I didn't want to be nit-picking. I said, "Yes,
that's it. You got it."
That was probably smart.
Yeah, I didn't want to argue. I'm not here for that. When
I came back home though, I had Teller's contact information.
Somehow we met briefly, like a long time ago. I didn't really
know Teller. He was not my friend. I didn't know him but
I had his email. I wrote him an email, I said, "Teller,
you're amazing. I fooled everyone in this town, in the world
actually, with this trick and you're the only person who
figured it out. You're a genius. And I have to tell you,
the system was close but not exact because mechanically
your system wouldn't work on me but it's close enough that
I can say it's how I did it."
He figured it out.
He figured it out, so I write this down to him. And you
know what? Teller answers me, and all he says in his email,
he says, "Xavier, I was so happy to have you in the
show, you're trick was a masterpiece." He says, "I'd
love to have you back," and he says to me-I have to
frame this email one day-he says, "Your trick is a
masterpiece."
That's not small praise. He's one of the most intelligent
people in entertainment.
Yes, he's very smart. And later, about a month ago, he tweeted
about me. There was a rerun of Fool Us or something, and
my jump rope trick was on there, and he tweeted about it,
like "Xavier did something amazing, something really
cool." And I said "Thanks, Teller," and he
said, "You should use that for your advertisement because
this is really what I think. Your trick is a masterpiece
and it's amazing. It's one of the best levitations I've
ever seen." I mean, basically he's saying that to me,
and
wow. (Laughs) I'm showing it to my friends and
I'm like, "Teller said my trick is a masterpiece."
You get a lot of high ratings on Yelp and the travel websites.
They skew towards five stars.
Yeah,
it's good. I'm happy about that. I wouldn't say so at the
beginning. I have to tell you, when we opened the show it
was a little bit like
we had to break it in, and
we worked very hard for that, but today I feel the audiences
leaves the show happy, and that's what I want. We've been
working very hard for that, and you know, it takes a while
for a show to come together. We created the show for that
room, and the room is so special that we had to adapt all
the tricks and all the things for it.
When I saw "Jump Rope" on Penn & Teller, that's
a very particular kind of trick. It's very fast and there's
not real theatrical build up to it, so I expected your show
to be kind of enigmatic, but very quickly you see that there's
comedy involved in the magic as much as mystery. I was wondering
if you had adapted you show to that space or if it was like
a cabaret-sized show that moved in easily.
Yes, that was the main thing for the show. First we had
to adapt to a stage that is quite small and fit my illusions,
which require videos and things, a lot of props that we
put in this small space. Mostly what happened is we had
to build the show very fast. We have to put it together
in 30 minutes and it has to be out in 50 minutes or so,
so that was definitely a big, big thing. And also, Alex
(Goude, Mortimer's manager) was the one who wanted more
theatrics and comedy. I'm the magician. I'm more about how
I do the illusion and how I bring people into my world,
so Alex added a little bit more story.
I understand Alex was a television personality in France.
Did he have a hand in discovering you and bringing you to
the U.S.?
No, I lived here. I was working with Cirque du Soleil. I
was brought to Las Vegas in 2013 by Cirque du Soleil. I
was one of the main characters in Michael Jackson ONE. I
don't know if you've seen that show.
Yeah, Sneaky. Of course.
So I had this character, and I was the guy with the bagpipes
running around doing things with the glove, Michael Jackson's
glove, and Michael Jackson's microphone. I stayed there
for three years and I was very happy. It was great to be
here, and the show is amazing. I was working on a one-man
show because I was working for seven years before coming
to Vegas, with a one-man show in Europe and actually in
Asia a lot too. It was named the Shadow Orchestra, and it
was more like you say, mysterious and a lot of magic and
shadows. No talking.
It
was completely silent. Then I was working on a new show
and Alex said, "You should bring your new show to Vegas."
And I was like, Yeah, I don't know. I have a network in
Europe." And I kept going with that show, and Alex
calls me in Europe and says, "Xavier, I've got a room
for you." He said, "Go check it out and see if
we can fit the show in it. I came to see the room and it
was actually small, but I was like, "Oh my God, someone
offers me a room in Vegas? I can't pass this opportunity."
So I called Alex and I said, "OK, Let's do it."
And we worked on the show with Michael Goodeau. Michael
was the opening act for Lance Burton. He also opened for
Penn & Teller. He's got a lot of things going on. He's
a great guy. So we've been working with Michael Goodeau
and Alex on the show. All of the acts in my show that I
had been touring with, we tried to find a thread for them.
It was a big bet. I didn't expect it to last more than two
or three months, you know? But no, it's still here.
How was your first show? Do you recall it pretty well or
is it a blur now?
The
first show? Oh, yeah. I recall it very well. And I know
Criss Angel was here
a lot of big names that I'm
very respectful of. And it was the first show. I wish they
could come now. I've changed it. It's much better. (Laughs)
I think that's expected. Same with restaurants. I imagine
your peers noticed you have a very physical approach. You
were educated in the performing arts before you become a
magician, correct?
Yes, I studied theater. Physical comedy and dance.
What led you to magic? Was it an interested you always had
that you eventually focused on, or was it something you
came to later that you felt you could apply what you learned
as a performer?
I was a magician first and always will be a magician. That's
what I like. That's what makes me go forward and want to
do shows. I don't
I just added my physical comedy
part and music, because I write my own music. I try to tell
the story of a guy who is stuck in that magical world where
everything happens. He' a bit of Charlie Chaplin, but at
the same time he's really a magician. He's more like Harry
Potter, but a Charlie Chaplin version.
You studied at the Music and Dance Conservatory of La Rochelle,
the Desmond Jones School of Mime and Physical Theatre in
London and the Jacques Lecoq International School of Theatre
in Paris, so you had an interest in magic then studied performing
arts to inform your magical career?
Yeah, but in Paris there was no school for magic. When I
started to go onstage I was quite young, so I started to
film my performances. I was like "Oh, my God, this
is really about acting." (Laughs) You have to go to
school at least to be onstage in front of an audience. And
I loved it. I was happy doing that, and I was still gigging
with my magic show at the time. I was 20. I like to always
learn new things but everything
I have always been
around magic, more than theater, music and dance. Anything
I have learned (outside of magic) makes it a little more,
maybe, different
and maybe interesting.
A lot of people bring up Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin.
I was thinking the Jacques Tati influence.
Yeah!
I subsequently saw an interview with you in French in which
you mentioned Tati, and then you said (French silent-era
filmmaker) Georges Méliès too. I was like
"Of course." I totally see George Méliès
in your stage show. And he was a magician!
Oh, yes. I was a big George Méliès fan and
I've watched every Jacques Tati film. Jacques Tati is dead
now, but I met the guy who made the movies for Jacques Tati.
He came to my show in Paris 10 years ago, and he loved it
and we became great friends. I was like "Wow!"
It's a little bit like knowing David Copperfield. The people
that inspire you when you meet them - I've met Penn &
Teller, David Copperfield - for me it has no price. I'm
doing this because of them, and when I meet them and have
conversations with them, I'm like
how do you say?
I've fulfilled what I've wanted.
You realized you've arrived. "Validation" is not
exactly the word.
Yeah, it's like, "You're the guy that inspired me and
you mean so much to me, that if you are interested in my
work
." Like when Teller says, "Your trick
is a great trick," or when David Copperfield said to
me, "Oh, yeah, your jump rope, it's quite fooling,"
I'm like "Wow, these words have no price."
What's the story behind the jump rope trick?
I was in bed and I was trying to fall asleep, and I saw
that image. I saw an image of a guy playing with a jump
rope, and I was like, "Wow, that's kind of a cool image."
I really thought it was impossible. The day after I was
with my girlfriend - she's a magician too - and at dinner
I asked her if she thought it was possible to do that. Then
in the morning I was like, "Maybe we could do that
this way or this way. I'm not sure." And I explained
to her my solution, and she's like, "Wow the image
is so cool. You have to try." And I was working at
Cirque du Soleil at the time, and I was talking to everyone
in the rigging department and all these things: "Do
you know if we could do that? Can we borrow that? Can I
do that?" (Laughs) So I did a lot of research and one
day I found the solution, and then when I found the solution
I had to find the proper way to build it so it's a trick,
you know? That took me a year of research. I called every
shop in the U.S. "Oh, yeah, this is the exact material
I need."
I thought I figured out the bubbles-into-crystal-balls trick
as well, then I saw video of you performing it without sleeves
and I realized I didn't.
(Laughs) That's funny.
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10. Update - New Zealand Magic Convention - Wellington
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Message by Nopera Whitley (New Zealand)
20-
23 October 2017
Taking
place in Wellington, the Capital of New Zealand, join us
for the 33rd International New Zealand Magic Convention.
Despite
its somewhat impetuous weather Wellington is loaded with
more bars, cafes and restaurants per capita than New York.
You'll also find arts, festivals and cultural events to
pull your attention and a booming film and performing arts
industry thanks in large part to the success of Wellingtonian
Sir Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings.
You
can fly direct into Wellington from all New Zealand airports
and most major Australian airports including Sydney, Melbourne,
Gold Coast, Canberra and Brisbane.
There
are less than 75 available registrations for the convention
so avoid disappointment and register before it's too late!
Registration
online at www.magicconvention.co.nz
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11. 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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12. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice
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