167: Day 2 - IBM/SAM Combined Convention 2014

The second full day of the combined convention began very early for me, especially considering the late night I had in uploading these podcasts. The S.A.M. sponsored a very nice boxed breakfast event in the presidential suite in the hotel which featured guest speaker, Shawn Farquhar. Immediately thereafter was a lecture and workshop from the Korean College of Magic. Following lunch was the second in the FISM North American Stage Contest. The lecture by Miguel Angel Gea started about the time as when the contest ended.

Busses loaded at 6:30 for the gala show at the Peabody Opera House then after the show was more of the Richard Turner Experience.

Purchase Tickets here http://www.magicinc.net/Celebration.aspx In 1964, Magic Inc. held its grand opening at 5082 N. Lincoln Avenue. Now 50 years later, we're holding a big celebration / mini-convention with some of the best magicians from all over the world. Golden Tickets are only $100, prior to June 1st; after that, only $125.

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:03:27 - Alan and Michelle Watson, talks about the New Zealand Ezine. Tens of thousands subscribers keep up to date on magic activities around the world. All your updates and stories can be sent to Alan at Editor@magicnewzealand.com He also talks a little about the business of magic and setting up your website.

00:10:52 - Shawn Farquhar was the guest speaker at the breakfast and tells about his life in magic. I picked up the recording part way into his speech.

00:26:41 - The Dean of the S.A.M., George Shindler tells us how he became the Dean, what the "job" entails, plus more information about the Houdini Fund for those who are hospitalized, ill or in need some financial help. More details are on the S.A.M. website.

00:42:13 - Alex Ramon tells us about the new illusion that he will present during the gala show tonight. He also tells us what he's been up to since we last chatted in our two part interview in Lake Tahoe earlier this year. Part One here and Part Two here.

00:51:11 - David Oliver tells us how his health is doing since his double lung transplant last year and what he is doing today including a busy schedule of performing and teaching the youth. He also tells us that his new passion is telling people the importance of organ donations.

01:04:27 - Sandy Marshall, owner of Magic Inc., gives us a health update on Simon Lovell plus the new book he is releasing today, "Betcha! How To Win Free Drinks For Life" which will be available from Magic Inc. He also tells us about the 50th anniversary of Magic Inc. convention coming July 17-19.

01:18:18 - Join us for lunch with Michael Close, editor of the M.U.M., and Don Wiberg, International Secretary of the I.B.M. and proof reader for The Linking Ring, as we talk about many things including the magazines/journals.

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166: Day 1 - IBM/SAM Combined Convention 2014

July 1st was the first full day of magic starting with a close-up show on stage complimented by large screen image magnifiers with an overhead camera, all very well done to assure good viewing for 1,000+ people in the audience. The show was hosted by Shawn Farquhar in place of Steve Bargatze who was unable to attend at the last minute due to some health issues. David Stone opened followed by Shawn and concluding with Henry Evans.

After lunch, we first of the FISM North America Stage contests. Although I understand that the rules were change to allow only residents of North America though it appeared that some of the stronger candidates were not from around these parts. Perhaps they are being considered for whittling down the field for the IBM and SAM competition.

Opposite of the stage contest was the David Stone Lecture. The evening activity was the Fat Brothers: Dani DaOrtiz, Christian Engblom and Miguel Angel Gea. Richard Turner closed out the night with two late night , one man shows.

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:0 - Richard Hatch and Charlie Randall, formerly of H&R Magic Books, are standing in line awaiting their Starbucks order. Dick Hatch brings us up to date on the Hatch Academy of Magic in Utah.

00: - Jeff McBride and Eugene Burger tell about the incredible experience of working with the youth program for two full days at this convention.

00: - Greg Bordner, Abbott's Magic Company, tells us a little of what to expect at this year's Get Together.

00: - Dale Salwak and Lance Burton talk about the incredible talent that is coming out of Korea, China and Japan and they talk about some of their mentors and instructors.

00: - Bill Cook and his mother/agent, Chris, talk about the 2010 movie "Make Believe" that featured Bill and how it has influenced his life. Bill also gives tips for young magicians.

00: - Lance Burton brings us up to date on the status of his film project, "Billy Topit, Master Magician" and when we might see that film hit the theaters.

165: Ground Zero - IBM/SAM Combined Convention 2014

The tenth combined convention of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Society of American Magicians will officially begin with a full day of activities on July 1st; however, there were a lot of "night before" activities that took place on Monday June 30th.

00:05:19 - Jeff Lanes and Frank Seltzer enjoy a Newcastle beer, a fine cigar and a great chat about the upcoming convention. We talk about the talent line-up and the importance of the congressional recognition of magic as a performing art.

00:21:57 - Steve Bryant talks about his Little Egypt Gazette that is an interesting monthly journal of magic. He also gives us a scoop on a new book he has coming out on November 18, 2014 called "Lucas McKenzie and the London Midnight Ghost Show" which will eventually be sold through Amazon.com

00:26:12 – Dal Sanders, President of the S.A.M., talks about his past year as President but mostly about getting magic recognized as an art in the Congressional Record.

00:31:30 – Karl Hein talks about his recent performance on the Pete Holmes television show and how he landed the job and what it did for his career.

00:33:43 – John Sturk, from FunInc.com, talks about InvisibleThreadsClothing.com that is aligned with Fun Inb. and what's going on in Chicago with a new convention at Magic Inc.

00:36:58 – John Graybeal, a Friend of The Magic Word, is a regular listener and talks about how this podcast has influenced him and how his children has gotten involved in magic and contests as a result of learning from this podcast. He also talks about the two days of junior events that have taken place prior to the “main” convention.

00:44:35 – Oscar and Melody Munoz talk about the contests that will take place this week and the prize money that is at stake.