051: F.F.F.F. 2012 - Day Three

Another full day (and night) of non-stop, world class, innovative magic was in store for all the attendees on Friday. The day started with mild snow flurries but it did not deter a hearty band of golfers who regularly play in the frigid weather at the F.F.F.F. annual tournament. But my first chat on the podcast of the day was immediately before and after the Mathieu Bich lecture. Long time attendee Dick Cook, from Ohio, told me a couple funny stories from his attendance at the Columbus MagiFest.

I then caught up with the Man of the Hour, Guest of Honor, David Stone. I caught him when there was no one else around him in the otherwise jam-packed lobby between events. We got to chat about his experience at the F.F.F.F. as well as his take on creativity and what his long term plans are in magic and, well, maybe the movies.

The day quickly slipped past me and before I knew it, it was dinner time. I dined with Chris Capeheart and Ice McDonald who shared some stories and experiences with me. Then to round out the day, I sat down with Mark Leveridge, from England, after the final show. He talked about his bi-monthly publication, MagicSeen Magazine, the Magazine for Magicians and Mentalists. More information at http://www.magicseen.co.uk/ It was interesting to get his take on the English economy, conventions, and publications in the U.K. as they directly impact the English magic community.

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Sights from Day Two of F.F.F.F. 2012

The first official day always begins at Settler's Restaurant for us sitting around the table led by Gene Anderson who methodically asks each of us to tell the highlights of our year since we last dined together. We also love the 2-2-2 breakfast deal for $4.99 (2 eggs, 2 pancakes, 2 strips of bacon with hash browns).

Marc Desouza and I did a little "dueling podcasts" as he simultaneously recorded our session and he turned the tables on me asking what "my" magic word is. Marc will submit his reports to a "competing" podcast at www.MagicOnTheSide.com Can we really have too many magic podcasts? I don't think so.

Lots of guys were sessioning in the lobby, on the chairs, on the floor...just wherever there was room.

John van der Put from England led off the official day with the morning lecture. He regaled us with funny stories about the development of his "Piff the Magic Dragon" character.

Steve Beam conducted the "Teach-a-Trick" session that included several guys teaching some really great ideas including Scott Robinson's great "Card Thru Dollar Bill".

Matt Episcopo followed as the emcee of the first Mini World Show that was a real knock-out.

Gary Morton emceed the 4F Kickoff Show that included several veteran "4F"ers going for their Masters and Doctorate degrees in magic.

After another fine dinner at Alex's down the street (great garlic ribs, by the way, and a fairly passable vodka martini), it was time for a lecture by the Guest of Honor, David Stone. To begin, he was swarmed by the French contingent (and a few others) wearing "I Hate David Stone" T-shirts (thanks, Pattrick Przysiecki at www.PattricksMagic.com for printing and donating the shirts).

Following his fabulous lecture, I was quite a few dollars poorer but more magically enriched. Soma from Hungary next lectured on the importance of music in your show. My camera battery was charging so I didn't get any pictures. But soon it was time for the hospitality room, donuts, coffee and late night (early morning) sessioning.

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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