#184 - Day 2 - T.A.O.M. 2014 Ft. Worth, Texas

Today began the first full day of the TAOM Convention chock full of lectures and competition. A pass through the dealers' room proved an experience. With only a dozen dealers in attendance, no one should complain about being too much competition; however, since the dealers were put in a large room, it engulfed the tiny town and made the place seem empty most of the time. Let me just say that there was plenty of standing room in front of any one dealer at any one time.

The morning saw the stage contestants competing with the afternoon having the professional close-up show featuring Steve Bedwell, Master Payne, Dave Chandler and some others who were not listed on the program. The lectures were outstanding and given by Max Howard, Sonny Fontana, Kevin James and Steve Bedwell Throughout the convention at irregular times, miniature illusions were on display that was apparently thrown in at the last minute as there is no recognition in the schedule of who owned or presented the collection.

The evening show featured other acts that were not in the program. Apparently the show order and talent was also thrown together after the program went to bed. Having said that, the show was enjoyable with lots of variety. I wish I could remember, but this recap is being typed in long after the convention was over and my hand had time to heal enough to allow me to be back at the keyboard.

Time stamps for this podcast;:

00:02:03 - Master Payne gives a PowerPoint presentation to the Order of Willard breakfast group

00:20:38 - Master Payne chats with Scott

00:30:42 - Arthur Moses, world renown Houdini collector, talks about the recent Houdini auction by Potter & Potter in Chicago

00:46:56 - Max Howard talks about what's mos important in our art...theatre. He also discusses the creation of Gus Rich, the War Magician.

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#183 - Day 1 - T.A.O.M. 2014 in Ft. Worth, Texas

Howdy, y'all! Welcome to Ft. Worth, Texas, also known as "Cowtown" and "Where the West Begins". But tosay is "When the Magic Begins" for nearly 500 magicians at the Marriott Reconnaissance Hotel in Sundance Square, downtown "Foat Wuth".

My show notes for this convention will be more brief than usual due to carpal tunnel hand surgery I had just the day before my departure. So please excuse my brevity as the fingers on one had can't fly over the keyboard like they could with two hands.

So, please enjoy the pictures I'll post along with the podcast. I should be back in the saddle soon.

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:00:08 - Charlie Randall of H&R Magic Books, talks with Scott about what he hopes to see and do at this year's convention.

00:13:04 - T.A.O.M. President, Bill Irwin, talks about some of the surprises in store for registrants.

00:18:44 - Derek Kennedy hosts a chat with Arthur Emerson

175: Ground Zero - Abbott's Get Together 2014

Lots of stuff to do on the day before the official opening of the 77th Get Together. Upon my afternoon arrival , we headed over to Shipshewana, Indiana for an "all you can eat" chicken dinner that as fantastic. Fifty people joined the group that was arranged by Michael Mode. After dinner we went to the farm home of Merle and Marlene Hostetler who invited many of their Amish neighbors and families to enjoy a magic show that was put on by about ten magicians. After the show they gave us buggy rides and had cake, ice cream and lots of food for us to enjoy. I was going to head over to David Seebach's party, but by the time I got back to Colon, Michigan, it was a little late in the evening plus I needed to get this podcast edited and uploaded. If it wasn't for the nice hospitality of Losander's son, Timothy Cripe, then I wouldn't have had access to wi-fi tonight. Thanks, Tim.

This podcast is a little shorter than the usual one I post. To help put you in the mood, I think you will enjoy a video I found that I recorded 30 years ago when I first attended the Get Together. I brought along my video camera and recorded some of the sights and sounds of the city. I really didn't know too many people back then so unfortunately I didn't record any interviews with the attendees; however, I did get a personal tour of Abbott's from a very young Greg Bordner.

Enjoy a trip to the past as I walk down the streets of Colon, Michigan and record all the sights and sounds on the street, at the cemetery, and the Magic Carpet restaurant plus a guided tour of Abbott's Magic Company by Greg Bordner. See some of the street vendors as well as the dealers in the gymnasium.

The end of the film is the tech rehearsal for Rick Walker, my very good friend who was an illusionist from Dallas, TX.

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:02:36 - Mike Miller talks about his experience in China and working with the recent touring magicians over there. Jania Taylor, a long time attendee, tells why she never misses this week.

00:07:22 - Ken Dumm and his son Austin tell us what is most important about the Get Together...Family.

00:16:38 - Local Amish farmer, Merle Hostetler opened his home to us for a delightful evening of food and buggy rides as many of us performed magic for his family and neighbors.

00:20:50 - Michael Mode was the one who put together this Amish magic show. He talks about how it can to be.

00:23:09 - Enjoy the last few minutes of my buggy ride as you hear the "clip clop" of horses hooves along the trail.