*
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand®
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #1737
Date: Sunday 15th October 2023
Editor: Alan Watson QSM
www.watson.co.nz
E-mail: Editor@magicnewzealand.com
================================
Hi here is the latest news
================================
1.
Editor's Message
2. FISM-Europe May 23-26, 2024
3. 2024 Melbourne Magic Festival Applications To Perform
4. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #129
5. Ian Kendall On The Magic Word Podcast
6. Conjuring Chronicles
7. TAOM-SAM Combined Convention
8. Daytona Beach Festival Of Magic
9. Magic Museum Bellachini - Episode 51
10. Tales From The Fantastic Magic Center - #62
11. The One And Only - John Carey #213
12. Broken Wand - Larry Becker
13. E-zine Archives
14. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice
--------------------------------------------
1. Editor's Message
--------------------------------------------
If
you would like to read the Magic New Zealand e-zine in HTML
format go to: https://www.magicnewzealand.com/ezine-archive/2023-Jan-to-Dec-2023/1737-Oct15-2023.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. FISM-Europe May 23-26, 2024
-------------------------------------
Message by Joan Caesar (Canada)
St.
Vincent, Italy
This
will be the European event of the year. You will have the
opportunity to be the first to see the best European competitors
who will earn a place to compete at FISM 2025.
Planning
for the convention is well underway to make this a great
event with spectacular shows, lectures, one-man shows, parties,
dealers and more. Come to renew friendships and meet new
friends.
You
can find more information on at FISMItaly2024.com
Looking
forward to seeing you there.
-------------------------------------
3. 2024 Melbourne Magic Festival Applications To Perform
-------------------------------------
Message by Tim Ellis (Australia)
The
2024 Melbourne Magic Festival takes place from July 1 to
13 and applications to perform open on October 31.
Last
year we had 15,000 guests enjoying 158 shows, 90 of which
sold out.
If
you are interested in applying, we recommend you read the
Producer Guide which is now available online here https://melbournemagicfestival.com/producer-guide/
-------------------------------------
4. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #129
-------------------------------------
Message by Paul Stone (US)
Right now, I'm spending a few weeks in Los Angeles, not
far from Santa Monica, and anyone who knows me well, is
aware that I love the ocean. I also like to walk and, being
an early riser, I've been walking on an almost deserted
beach every morning, which has been a real treat!
That
is the beauty of California, it's mid-October, and yet the
sun is shining and the sky is blue. It's quite a contrast
to UK where already everybody is gearing up for Christmas!
All
the 'ads' are now in full swing for the 'Panto' season.
All across the length and breadth of the UK, that very British
tradition Pantomime, will be taking over pretty much every
theatre, large and small for the Christmas & New Year
holidays. Oh Yes it will!
Panto
provides work for several magicians, especially in the traditional
roles of Abanazaar and Genie of the Lamp.
Next
year, in 2024, I will be celebrating my 50th year as a Show
& Event Producer. And I have a number of things planned
to mark the occasion.
Over
the next few weeks, I'll tell you more, including about
a new Charity initiative I'm launching in the New Year.
I
intend to travel as much as possible, and I'll try to tick
off a few of the remaining items on my bucket list. I'm
fortunate to have visited several countries in my lifetime,
but so far, I've never made it to Australia and New Zealand.
Come to think of it, I do have a friend in Auckland who
might help to make it happen!
I've
been involved in the entertainment business for a long time,
and I have many wonderful memories, but there will always
be a few that particularly stick out in my mind.
For
example, I vividly remember my very first visit to Las Vegas,
and seeing Siegfried & Roy's 'Beyond Belief' Show at
the Frontier Hotel & Casino. I had never experienced
anything like it.
I
was sitting in a private booth with Dai Vernon, Slydini
and David Copperfield. And to top it off, Mohammad Ali was
sitting a few feet away in the next booth!
Another
unforgettable moment was at the London Palladium in 2008
when I produced the 'Tribute to Siegfried & Roy'. The
whole occasion was special, but the moment that Roy, holding
onto Siegfried, walked out on stage at the end of the show,
to a standing ovation from the entire audience of 2500,
is one that will stay with me forever.
Another
magical moment was also at the London Palladium in 2011,
witnessing Marco Karvo's incredible performance at the show
I produced honouring John Calvert on his 100th Birthday.
The finale of Marco's act literally stunned the audience
into momentary silence, followed by a three minute standing
ovation!
The
first time I booked Hans Moretti & Helga (The Morettis)
was yet another unforgettable experience. They almost scared
me to death! I'd never met them before, and at the time
I was still learning the business.
I
found them both very intimidating. I was emceeing the show,
and they performed their Tibetan Cross illusion and had
me believing that if I didn't set their props exactly as
they wanted, they were in real danger!
Of
course, as it turned out, they were only winding me up,
and over the years we became really close friends, and I
booked them many times.
They
were the kindest people and the easiest to work with, and
their act always brought the house down! Just fantastic
pro's!
These
are just a very few of the many stories that will be in
the book I've started writing, There are dozens of brilliant
photos too. It's going to take me a year to finish, but
hopefully should be well worth the wait.
-------------------------------------
5. Ian Kendall On The Magic Word Podcast
-------------------------------------
Message by Scott Wells, M.I.M.C. with Gold Star
This
past weekend we reported on three days of Magic At The Beach
from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It was an outstanding
regional convention for many reasons, but most importantly,
it was the synergy among the performers who were all friends
and this was their reunion. And speaking of conventions,
this week's guest, Ian Kendall from Scotland, recorded this
episode while at the S.A.M. convention in New Orleans. I
have been so busy attending other conferences between then
and now, that there is a nice backlog of talented magicians
whose chats will be released over the next few months.
Ian
Kendall has performed comedy and magic for many years and
has a rich background on our art in many areas. So much
so that I am referring to him as the Swiss Army Knife of
Magic. He has so many tools in his "toolkit" that
he can call on to astound audiences and make them laugh.
He is also a good teacher and anxious to share his wisdom
with magicians at conventions which is where I have seen
him (Genii convention, MAGIC Live!, S.A.M. convention and
more).
You
can listen to this episode wherever you get your podcasts.
But to view videos, see photos, read the blog, listen online,
and more, please visit: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/796-ian-kendall
We
can really use your help for the podcast to grow and reach
even more magicians. If you would please take a few minutes
to give us a five star rating in iTunes and if you have
time, leave us a review in the comments section. But the
algorithm used is based on the star ratings. So please give
us five stars if you can. Thank you.
-------------------------------------
6. Conjuring Chronicles
-------------------------------------
Message by Jay Scott Berry (Australia)
G'day
Magic Mates,
I'm
pleased to introduce "Conjuring Chronicles" -
A boutique Online Magazine dedicated to the Art and Science
of Wonder. Produced by Master Magician, John Kippen, the
October issue is a treasure trove of exclusive content.
This includes a peek "Inside the Magician's Studio",
and a thought-provoking discussion about the 'Meaning of
Magic", where John is joined by Chef Anton, James Dimmare
and Javi Benitez.
Turn
the page and you'll explore Kippen's 360° VR Performance,
recorded in the Close-up Gallery of The Magic Castle. The
legendary Bob Fitch chimes in, saying, "I never even
imagined such a thing was possible! What a great gift of
technology for any performer."
Next
up is the new Zoom Lecture Series, "The Art and Science
of Wonder". I'm honored to be kicking this off on November
14th, with the premiere of my "Excelsior" Lecture.
The monthly cavalcade of conjurers continues with Michael
Breggar on December 12th, Kyle Purnell on January 9th and
Paul Draper on February 13th.
If
that's not enough to light your creative fire, there are
inspirational quotes plus a six page Tribute to the Master
Wonderworker, Doug Henning! Last, but certainly not least,
is the Bonus Content. For this, I've created an Exclusive
Digital Download that details how to make my Tissue Paper
Rose, which has been a feature of my shows and lectures
for the last 5 years. As a practical promotional tool and
colorful keepsake giveaway, the Tissue Paper Rose is second-to-none.
Cover
to cover, this is a State-of-the-Art magazine with precision
graphic artistry and a modern Flipbook design. It's easy
to download as a pdf, or as individual pages. And the best
part is… It's absolutely free! No catch, no upsell
and no strings attached, not even invisible threads.
You
can check out the premiere issue of "Conjuring Chronicles"
at www.ConjuringChronicles.com
The
November issue is already in the works and will include
a Tribute to the one and only, Johnny Thompson. Feel free
to Subscribe from the Links inside.
-------------------------------------
7. TAOM-SAM Combined Convention
-------------------------------------
Message by Dal Sanders (US)
The
TAOM-SAM Combined Convention adopts a new nickname.
There
is a lot of excitement about the Magic Convention that is
being planned for Texas in 2024. In case you've forgotten,
to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of The Dallas Magic Club,
the Texas Association of Magicians will combine with The
Society of American Magicians for a special convention in
Dallas.
That
convention will also host the FISM North American Championship
of Magic. In other words, the DMC will celebrate its 100th
anniversary with the TAOM-SAM Combined Convention hosting
the FISM NACM. That is a lot of acronyms describing a HUGE
event. People didn't know what to call it. The worst was
when a prominent magician referred to us as "that magic
thing in Texas". This convention promises to be 2024's
most important gathering of magicians in North America…maybe
even the world. We shouldn't be called "that magic
thing in Texas".
To
make things simple, the organizations producing this once
in a lifetime, never to be repeated event are rebranding.
We will now be known as Magic Texas. It's simple and to
the point. To register, just go to https://MagicTexas.com.
When you tell your friends where you are spending Labor
Day Weekend in 2024 (August 30 - September 2), Tell them
you are going to Magic Texas!
-------------------------------------------
8. Daytona Beach Festival Of Magic
-------------------------------------------
Message by Harry Allen (US)
November
3-4-5 2023
Here
is my lecture that went around the world
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-IA57-WKgU
Daytona
Magic convention
https://daytonamagic.com/convention/
--------------------------------------------
9. Magic Museum Bellachini - Episode 51
---------------------------------------------
Message by Wittus Witt (Germany)
Bellachini
Magic Museum - Episode 51
The
book about the art of magic in Berlin is now in print and
I am very happy when it is ready in front of me. In the
course of the last few days, the original 228 pages have
grown to 248 and now finally 268. The book has a total of
over 300 illustrations. Many of the illustrations have never
been published in a book about the history of magic before.
I have also been able to make some discoveries in the Berlin
State Archives that were previously unknown.
The
second book is now also at the printers. It is the book
for the exhibition about Alexander Adrion. The exhibition
begins with a grand opening on 18 November, the day after
Adrion's 100th birthday. I am particularly pleased that
his widow and her children will be coming. After all, Anne
Engelsleben (her real name) is 90 years old.
You
can see the poster for the exhibition here:
https://www.zauber-pedia.de/index.php?title=Aktuelles_-_tempor%C3%A4r
The
Museum Bellachini will also participate in an action of
the Hamburg museums this year. It is called "See for
free". On 30 October, there will be free admission
to all participating museums (there are 40 different institutions)
with many activities. Of course, I am particularly pleased
that my museum has been invited to take part. I am curious
to see how many guests will come.
Here
is the link to the Bellachini Museum:
https://www.seeforfree.de/museen/zaubermuseum-bellacini
That's
all for today.
Best
wishes until next week
Wittus
Witt
www.hamburger-zaubermuseum.com
--------------------------------------------
10. Tales From The Fantastic Magic Center - #62
--------------------------------------------
Message by Kent Cummins, Director (US)
The
Self-Eating Watermelon
What
is the "Self-Eating Watermelon?" It's a project
that has the seeds of its success within the project itself.
When I was in college (Louisiana State University, 1961-1965),
my best friends and I didn't have a lot of money to support
our various projects…so we got creative.
We
called this process the "Self-Eating Watermelon"
although none of us can remember where the name came from.
I have continued to use the concept throughout my career
as a magician. In particular, I use the concept to help
prospective clients find the funds that they need in order
to pay my fee.
What
do you do when someone contacts you about doing a magic
show (or any other project), and they don't have the fee
that you quote? One possibility is to reduce your fee. The
National Speakers Association considers this a lack of "fee
integrity". Once you reduce your price, you will find
that your prices tend to stay low.
You
could refer someone else, who charges less than you do.
This can actually be a good long-term strategy, since the
person you refer now wants to also help you. (I always sent
a 10% referral fee to anyone who referred me for a gig.)
The
worst thing you can do is to just turn down the gig altogether.
The prospective client has just had a negative experience
with you, you have missed an opportunity to perform, and
nobody wins.
Or…
You
could employ the techniques of the Self-Eating Watermelon.
There are three primary strategies: (1) barter, (2) sponsorship,
and (3) fund raising.
Next
week, I will tell you more about the benefits of barter.
The
Fantastic Magic Center is dedicated to preserving and sharing
the art of magic. But I can't do it without your help. My
Patreon account is the same place as my free weekly podcast:
www.FantasticMagicCenter.com
kent@magichotline.com
-------------------------------------------
11. The One And Only - John Carey #213
-------------------------------------------
Message by John Carey (UK)
http://www.johncareymagic.co.uk/
If
you're looking for a strong and commercial card effect that
not only fools but gets a great laugh too, the one and only
may be right up your street. Begin with a sharpie marker
inside your left side jacket pocket. Hand out a deck of
cards for shuffling and then ask your spectator
to count and deal ten cards onto your palm up right hand.
"We will also need a pen for this mystery." As
you say this, both hands enter the side jacket pockets at
the same time. The right hand pushes off and leaves the
top card of its packet behind as the left hand comes out
with the marker a split second before the right hand reemerges.
Table
the marker and have a card freely selected from the packet
and signed. Have it returned and control it to the bottom
with a Hofzinser cull or a move of your choice. Hand the
packet to your helper and ask her to hold it between her
palms. Make the moment over her hands and then ask her to
count the cards onto your palm up left hand, revealing only
nine cards and that one has mysteriously vanished.
With
a clearly empty right hand, take out the card from your
right pocket and toss it face-down onto the table. "I'm
almost too scared to look so would you turn it over please?"
As they turn that card over you have all the cover necessary
to do the sneaky stuff. We will steal all the cards from
below the top card of the left hand packet using a Socrate
move that David Williamson uses in his 51 cards to pocket
routine. The right hand comes over the packet and the fingers
push the top card forward about two inches.
The
cards below it are clipped under the right thumb and this
hand drops away and down. Your spectator will tell you the
card on the table isn't there's. The right hand goes back
to the jacket pocket and drops the packet inside and comes
out with just one card which is thrown face-up
onto the table. Again not their card. "Something crazy
is going on here!" Go back to the pocket a couple more
times with the right hand and bring out cards and drop them
face-up onto the table. Then look at your left and slowly
turn over the one and only card that didn't travel. Their
signed card!
-------------------------------------------
12. Broken Wand - Larry Becker
-------------------------------------------
Article forward Peter Robertson (US)
AZCentral
In
Memoriam: Larry Becker
Larry
Becker, the world-renowned mentalist whose extraordinary
talents captivated audiences worldwide, has sadly passed
away. He left this world on October 7, 2023, leaving behind
a legacy of creativity, wonder, and amazement.
Born
on August 13, 1929, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Louis and
Rose Becker, Larry was the middle child of sister Marilyn
and younger brother Gordon Becker. His journey into the
realm of mentalism began at a young age, inspired by a performance
of the renowned magician Dante in 1943. Over the years,
he honed his skills to become one of the most celebrated
figures in the field. His performances were nothing short
of mesmerizing, as he astounded crowds with his ability
to read minds, predict outcomes, and unearth hidden thoughts.
Larry
Becker's impact on the world of mentalism extended far beyond
his own stage presence. He authored numerous books and invented
many magic tricks, sharing his insights and techniques with
aspiring mentalists and magicians, ensuring that his knowledge
would continue to inspire generations to come. His book,
"Stunners: The Mental Magic of Larry Becker" first
published in 1992, sold out in only 90 days. In the second
edition, "Stunner Plus" Larry presented his death-defying
"Russian Roulette" trick, a testament to his daring
spirit. Often called a visionary, he lectured on the art
of mentalism across the globe.
In
addition to his remarkable achievements in the world of
mentalism, Larry Becker was a prominent figure in the field
of advertising. He co-founded BeckerKanter Advertising in
Cherry Hill, NJ, with his partner Richard Kanter. The firm
became one of the largest advertising agencies specializing
in shopping malls, thanks in no small part to Larry's creative
abilities. Richard Kanter called Larry a "multi-faceted
genius" for his graphical and copywriting creative
abilities.
Larry
Becker's knack for crafting memorable slogans and his impeccable
artwork set him apart as a recognized leader in the advertising
field. He had an innate ability to capture the essence of
a brand and translate it into a compelling visual and textual
narrative.
Larry
received numerous awards throughout his career, including
the prestigious "Mentalist of the Year Award"
and several accolades for his contributions to the art of
advertising and mentalism. His legacy, both in the realms
of magic and advertising, will continue to inspire and amaze,
reminding us all of the boundless possibilities of the human
mind and the power of creative expression.
Larry
Becker is survived by his loving and devoted wife, April.
Their 48-year marriage was a true love story, with each
describing the other as their perfect match in every way.
He is also survived by his three daughters, Gayle Glade,
Carol Irvine, and Terry Wolkowicz; his six grandchildren,
Joanne Tegethoff, Joshua Horowitz, Emilie Grossman, Ben
Grossman, Aria Wolkowicz, and Justin Wolkowicz; and two
great-grandsons, Tyler and Kaden Tegethoff, as well as friends
and countless admirers who will forever cherish the moments
of wonder he brought into their lives. He will be greatly
missed but never forgotten.
Rest
in peace, Larry Becker, the master of mentalism and a creative
genius, and may your magic and advertising prowess live
on in our hearts and minds. Donations can be made in the
memory of Larry Becker to Hospice of the Valley 1510 E.
Flower Street Phoenix, AZ 85014. A memorial service will
be scheduled for a future date.
https://www.azcentral.com/obituaries/par072214
---------------------------------------------
13. E-zine Archives
---------------------------------------------
Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e- zine go to:
www.magicnewzealand.com
Click
on the red button centre 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)
--------------------------------------------
14. 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 QSM 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 QSM, 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 2023 Alan Watson QSM
www.magicnewzealand.com
http://twitter.com/#!/magicnewzealand
www.watson.co.nz
www.balloon-twister.co.nz
