101: 2013 I.B.M. Convention - Day 0: The Prequel

Wow, the convention hasn't even begun and here I sit at 2:00 a.m. uploading some really killer material for you guys. I think you'll enjoy some, if not all of what we have to offer to this "Pre-Convention" special edition. There has been a full day of activities for about 24 or so youth with the Lance Burton Teen Sessions. They have had lectures, seminars, workshops, breakout sessions and generally got to learn from and hang out with some of today's magic greats such as Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Lance Burton, Melody and Oscar Munoz, Shawn Farquhar, Larry Haas, Nicholas St. Ern, Aubrey Fine and more.

Early registration opened at 5:00 with popcorn being served at the door for the showing of "Make Believe" at 7:00. At 10:15, the early bird lecture was given by Tony Chris on bizarre magic. .

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Panel Discussion following the movie, "Make Believe" featuring (from left to right) moderator Larry Haas, Jeff McBride, Lance Burton, Eugene Burger, Bill Koch and Nicholas St. Ern.

00:00:10 - We prepared for the convention with my usual stopover at In 'n Out Burger for a double-double. Don Wiberg joined me at the restaurant as we talked a bit about the upcoming convention activities.

00:04:53 - Rolando Santos, past International President of the I.B.M., is a contributing editor for The Linking Ring and talks about the importance of getting involved and how to move on up into the organization. If you are coming to the convention and interested in writing up a review of one of the shows, please be sure to look for Rolando as he would like to see your byline in The Linking Ring

00:13:33 - We talked with Michael Messing about photographing the convention and the long line of photographers in whose steps he follows. We also chatted here with Aubrey Fine, Youth Chairman, about the exciting things that are happening with the youth at this convention.

00:19:52 - And speaking of youth activities, I was able to get a little time with Lance  Burton who talks about his commitment to the youth and his rise to magical fame through competitions. He also tells me what he is up to now with his new feature film starring Johnny Thompson.  

00:29:52 - I spoke with Bill Koch, one of the stars of the full length feature film, "Make Believe". This is a delightful documentary that follows the lives of junior magicians as they prepare to compete in the 2009 World Magic Summit.  Bill talks about his experience and what he has been up to since the film was released.

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100: Michael Finney's 17th Annual Dry Heat Classic - 2013

Michael Finney's 17th Annual Dry Heat Classic brought out 144 players and the fun loving souls from around Phoenix and across the country. Michael and his wife, Lori, along with an army of friends and volunteers put together a fantastic, fun event. This year the two day golf tournament was played on two courses but had the evening mega-shows in the theatre of the Wild Horse Casino and Hotel. Each of the two nights showcased a different set of comedians and magicians plus auctions of some valuable merchandise and one-of-a-kind items. Although not yet tallied, it is expected that this year may raise over $60,000 in donations and ticket sales to the evening shows. The money raised will go to some pretty important charities.  Michael tried to cram five hours of entertainment into three and a half hours each evening which made each performer carve out their best stuff.

This "prequel" to the I.B.M. convention was a treat for early, early arrivals  Michael coordinated this year's event so it closely coincided with the convention. It is doubtful this alignment of the stars will ever happen again. 

00:00:17 - I chatted with the co-chairman of the I.B.M. convention, Mike Stratman, about what we might expect at this year's convention.  He talked about some of the celebrity magicians who will be in attendance such as Lance Burton and others. He also discussed the "convention within the convention" for the youth.

00:08:42 - One of the evening's featured entertainers, Oscar Munoz, talks about his first time playing golf in this tournament and what a thrill it was working with all the comedians.

00:17:09 - Michael Finney talks about the golf tournament and the charities they support plus working cruise ships and more, all packed into a tight podcast.

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2013 I.B.M. Convention Guide Available Now!

Exciting news! The 2013 I.B.M. convention has gone mobile! The convention schedule is available for your phone or tablet to carry with you. Why carry around the paper schedule when you can have that and more at your fingertips on a device you are already carrying? The electronic guide includes photos, details, hot links, and more! And as times, talent and events are changed at the last minute, you will receive notice of all updates immediately. The hard copy of the schedule cannot do that!

All of this was prepared by and compliments of The Magic Word. We will be podcasting daily updates from the convention so even if you cannot be there, you will be able to listen to what just happened within the last 24 hours. It's the next best thing to being there!

You can download the free app at: http://guidebook.com/g/IBM2013/

See you in Phoenix!