David Stone U.S. Lecture Tour

David Stone visited the U.S. to be feted as the Guest of Honor at the 42nd F.F.F.F. (Fechter's Finger Flicking Frolic) Close-up Convention. He arrived early to lecture in several cities in upper Midwest. Following the F.F.F.F. convention, he continued through another 19 cities with his outstanding lecture.

He was not as well known in the U.S. but after this tour, I doubt that many people will forget him. And those who missed out, well...you can hear the stories.Many said his lecture was the best they had seen in many years. I hear that comment from time to time about other lecturers but never have I received so many saying the same thing as I have regarding David's lecture.

For example, one unsolicited testimonial I received about his lecture said, "David Stone was AWESOME!!!  He is a fun, amazing, charming, phenomenally talented lecturer.  We had a huge crowd, and I received many thanks from our members for bring him to Atlanta, and have heard and read ONLY rave reviews from those who were lucky enough to attend.  Many have said it's the best lecture we've had in a very long time... and you know we have a LOT of lectures! 

"David's communication leading up his visit was very pleasant and professional.  His lecture material was accessible to all skill levels, and he covered a tremendous amount of highly commercial magic that appealed to us all.  And the fact that English is his second language, it's nothing short of remarkable that he is such a strong instructor and that his lecture was perhaps the funniest I've ever seen!" - Debbie Leifer

His lecture contained many commercial, creative ideas that were well within the capabilities of any magician from beginner to professional. He covered coin and card moves all of which can be performed in a stand-up situation and great for restaurant or walk-around work. As he reached the end of his tour, I know that he was running low on many items and had to make a few "on the road" to replenish his stock for the next city. But no one was disappointed.

Pictured above in Houston - Daniel Garcia, David Stone and Ben Jackson

 

Beyond his skill was his presentation. As an actor, he portrayed the part of a magician with ease and aplomb. He said in our interview (hear the podcast here), David stated that he lacks confidence. But is was never evident from his lecture performance. He exuded confidence and hit every mark. For those who didn't buy any of his amazing items (though I can't imagine anyone who didn't buy at least something), I know they came away having been thoroughly entertained by a true magician.

 

Listen to the podcast with David online here at The Magic Word by following this link : http://themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/david-stone-trust-yourself or you can download it from iTunes at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-magic-word/id460397314

 

053: David Stone - Trust Yourself

David Stone joined me for a chat about life, magic and movies. Enjoy this emotional roller coaster ride from his performances in the restaurants of St. Topez to being the Guest of Honor at the 2012 F.F.F.F. (Fechter's Finger Flicking Frolic). David exposed his soul in this in-depth interview as we enjoyed a few glasses of Dalmore Scotch late into the wee hours of the morning in Houston. He talked about his notoriety in France and Asia, how he got there plus an insightful look at his mentors, friends and inspirational role models. David gave this interview near the end of his triumphant 20+ city lecture tour of the U.S. and just before his return to France. Aside from being a wonderful magician, he is an inspiration, a gentleman, and quite charismatic. Warning: some language is R rated.

Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here then right click to save the file.

Sights from Day Four at F.F.F.F. 2012

Technology is a wonderful thing. Without it we could not effectively and efficiently communicate with one another. Nor could I give you the immediacy of these daily updates from magic conventions I attend. Magicians always seem to be on the leading edge of technology, always pushing the envelope in looking for ways to incorporate new technology into their presentations before they are well known by the average citizenery. As Arthur C. Clarke said in his third law, "any sufficiently advanced technology is indistiguishable from magic." I spotted Pattrick Przysiecki early on the last day of the convention utilized every piece of technology at his fingertips in the wifi lobby.

The first event of the day was the 11:00 a.m. lecture by Denis Behr from Germany. This was a fantastic lecture for all the card guys which means it was perfect for this convention. Denis spent the first part of his lecture talking about his archive project that he has been spending the last ten years of his life creating. Basically it is an archive of hundreds of books listing the tricks in each book including a description, author, date, and more. It is not like the Conjuring Arts Center project with copies of the books, but it is a searchable library with a vast database. And the best part is that it is absolutely free. You can visit the site at: http://archive.denisbehr.de When you combine his skill, his dedication to our art and the work he is giving back to the fraternity, it is no wonder that Denis was voted later in the evening as the M.V.P. (Most Valuable Person) at this year's F.F.F.F.

Jean Emmanuel Franzis, from France, was the MC for the afternoon "Mini World Show #2" that featured eight close-up performers from five different countries all of whom were very entertaining and finished with the F.F.F.F. 2008 Guest of Honor, Boris Wild.

Dan Garrett hosted the afternoon show "Fabulous Frolics" that featured many performers going for their Masters and Doctorate degrees (second and third performances).

The Grand Finalie show, hosted by the "Head Forker" Obie O'Brien pulled out all the stops with a great line-up of talent from around the world.
But first it was time to fete our Guest of Honor, David Stone with adulation, gifts, awards and a roast. It was a fun and funny time that ended with an emotional moment as David thanked us all.

Then it was showtime. Talent from the past, present and future was on display this evening.

After the show, it was time for us to say our goodbyes and get in that last opportunity to learn one more trick as the hours marched toward dawn.