050: F.F.F.F. 2012 - Day Two

The convention got underway officially today with a full day (and night) of magic lectures and shows. I sat down to chat with Marc DeSouza who turned on his recorder as we did a little "dueling podcasts" since he is reporting on this convention for www.MagicOnTheSide.com Also sitting around us in the lobby was Marv Leventhal, Raj Madhok and Chris Hannibal. I chatted with Glenn Brown in the registration room about the numbers plus he told us about the fantastic electronic program he prepared for this year's convention. For those who would like to see it, the document will be posted until the end of the convention at https://public.me.com/magimac (the password is F3ct3rs).

First timer, Francis Menotti shared a bit of what he is up to in the magic consulting business plus what it's like for someone attending the F.F.F.F. convention for the first time. Christian and Katalina talked a little about their experience here this year. Then I started the recording a little late into my conversation with Shawn Farquhar talking about cruise ship stories.

I know you will enjoy today's podcast.

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049: F.F.F.F. 2012 - Day One

Obie O'Brien, the Head Forker, chatted with me for a few minutes and talked about his expectations for this 42nd annual event. Fechter's Finger Flicking Frolic is the Original Close-Up convention having always been held on the last weekend of April. Some of the best close-up magicians in the world attend this "invitation only" event and share some of their innermost secrets with one another. This is the place where everyone feels a true brotherhood and bond with one another. Every year some special magician is selected as the "Guest of Honor" and this year is David Stone. He was featured on the cover of the April issue of "The Linking Ring".

Also sitting with me in the lobby for a few minutes was Past S.A.M. President, Bruce Kalver who talked about apps for the iPhone and iPad. I think you'll enjoy this brief opening salvo from the first evening activities at the 2012 F.F.F.F. convention.

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044: Magi-Fest 2012

From January 26-28, the "Red Coats" hosted the 81st edition of the Magi-Fest in Columbus, Ohio. The Magi-Fest is considered the "debutante ball" of the convention season marking the first major event of the magic year. This was also the first year for the new leader, Ron Spangler, to show his administrative talents after taking up the reins from Jep Hostetler who so effectively presided over the  event for so many years. Ron and his crew did an outstanding job and everything went off very well and featured some tremendous talent and special events.

Jania Taylor and Don Wiberg were both in attendance this year and chatted with Scott Wells about the events, the fun and the excitement from this year's convention.

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