104: 2013 I.B.M. Convention - Day 3

Day Three of the I.B.M. Convention began as yesterday with the Big Three event. Today I was slated to see the professional close-up show,. You can see the photos of the performers below. The close-up competition had about 18 performers in the afternoon and had a variety of skill levels and ages coming from around the world. Peter Samelson delivered what (for me) was perhaps the best lecture of the convention (at least so far). But to each his own.

The evening show featured the six finalists from the stage contest all competing for the Gold Medal. Rich Bloch is the usual emcee for this event, but he was unable to be with us this year. Filling in admirably, Shawn Farquhar and Oscar Munoz compered the gala Gold Cups show. The professional acts that were on the bill were: Jean Paul Ohlaberry who was last year's first place stage winner then concluding the show was Jade.

Curtis Kam presented his late night lecture after the evening show. I thought it was an interesting challenge that Curtis presented himself during the close-up shows. The Big Three event had each magician performing three shows on three days. Curtis decided to perform a completely different show for all nine performances from his vast repertoire. Wow! People were following him from room to room to see what he was going to present in the next room.

One more full day to go and I promise to get a LOT more interviews and chats recorded on Saturday. This podcast is a little short compared with most, but the day has slipped away and I had some obligations that kept me from switching on my recorder. Look for the next episode which will include Todd Robbins, Larry Haas, Fielding West, Roger Dreyer and many more (at least those people promised to make some time for me). We'll see what actually happens and who can be pulled aside for a bit to talk with me.

Time stamps for this Podcast:

00:00:08 - In case you missed hearing Eugene Burger's lecture, you will learn so much from hearing him here as he talks about the Mystery School, Ross Johnson, working corporate shows, advice on performing and so much more.

00:25:38 - All the way from New Zealand (though originally from Scotland), Bill and Marie Seagraves talks about working "Down Under" in "Kiwi Land", some of his magical inspirations, and advice on character development. Thanks goes out to Ron Gordon, a listener from Aberdeen, Scotland who suggested (via Facebook) that I seek out Bill (their Honorary President) for a chat. See...it pays to listen to The Magic Word regularly!

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103: 2013 I.B.M. Convention - Day 2

Today began the first day of the Big Three events. This breaks up the registrants into three groups divided by colors. For the next three days, each color group will attend one of the following events: a One Man Show by Fielding West; Kid Show Workshop featuring Mike Bent, or; the Close-up show featuring Eugene Burger, Tony Chris, Mike Dardant, Curtis Kam, Peter Samelson and Diamond Jim Tyler. The afternoon continued with Day Two of the stage contest (which as a judge I must say this is one of the strongest competitions I have ever seen with contestants from all over the world: China, Japan, Russia and more).

The evening stage show was quite unique in that all the performers were named Mike. Michael Finney was the emcee who introduced Michael Douglas, Mike Bent, Mike Chao (standing ovation), Mikael Szanyiel (standing ovation), Michael Giles, and (what could be more perfect) Mike Michaels. After the evening show we retreated to the banquet hall for the third and final night of the movie showings complete with popcorn. Tonight it was "Play Dead" with Todd Robbins. Todd opened the floor to a Q&A after the movie.

Time stamps for this Podcast:

00:00:10 - Joe Gold and Tammy Caplan, Co-Directors of the feature film, "Desperate Acts of Magic", join me to talk about making the film and some of the trials and tribulations behind the camera. They also suggest ways for local magic clubs to host a "movie night" to view the film by going through http://tugg.com

00:19:20 - Multiple winner of close-up contest awards, Michael Dardant, talks about working the streets of New Orleans and how he worked towards and achieving his goals.

00:36:24 - Mike Bent talks about comedy, creativity and kid show magic.

00:49:08 - For nearly 35 years, Nicholas Saint-Erne was involved with the Magic Seminar that later became the World Magic Summit. Here he talks a bit about those years of experience and working with Joe Stevens. But as a full time veterinarian and with the recent double lung transplant of David Oliver, Nick gives us some sound advice on care, feeding and handling of your animals and particularly your doves and rabbits.

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102: 2013 I.B.M. Convention - Day 1

The first official day of the convention was not filled with too many activities. Part One of the stage competition began in the afternoon with nearly two dozen competitors. The placement of the stage contest in the afternoon is much better than in the mornings. The afternoon lecture was on quick change (outfits) by Valerie. The autograph session and welcome party was in the evening which included a free poster to all attendees that had pictures of all the talent. This was a great way to see everyone at one time in one place. Following the welcome party was a nice performance from local native, Andre Kole that included his Helicopter Cups, Squeezer and his levitation among other original illusions. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from I.B.M. International President, John Pye. We were then treated to a showing of "Desperate Acts of Magic" followed by a Q&A with the directors, Joe Gold and Tammy Caplan.

Time Stamps for this Podcast:

00:00:10 - Teen magicians Eli Portales, Chase Hasty, and Louis Villamonte talk about their experience with the teen sessions and how much they have learned and are learning. And they give us some of the tips passed on from Lance Burton.

00:12:26 - First International Vice President, Shawn Farquhar, talks about his goals and expectations for what he wants to accomplish when he becomes the International President. He also talks about the health of the organization and the importance of contests and attending magic conventions.

00:34:05 - Co-Producer of Monday Night Magic in New York City, Peter Samelson, chats about some of the things going on in the Big Apple and his inspirations in magic.

00:43:09 - Joe Turner shares some of the most insightful information anyone can hear if you are interested in being a successful corporate magician. He also talks about the Magic Castle cruises with the Crystal Ships. You can read more from Joe Turner by reading his blog at http://TurnerMagic.com/blog To paraphrase "The Most Interesting Man in the World", - I don't follow many people's blogs, but when I do, I read this one.

01:07:12 - Local mentalist (and creator of "Wonder Words"), Kenton Knepper, talks about the robust magic community in Phoenix. Many people don't recognize the depth of knowledge and the notoriety of the local talent that Phoenix has to offer.

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