067: T.A.O.M. Day 1 in Houston, TX

The 66th edition of the Texas Association of Magicians (TAOM) convention in Houston, Texas is underway at the Hilton Americas Hotel. President Daniel Garcia and his team (led by Chairman, Alex Rangel) have put together a great line-up of talent that most people would never expect outside of Las Vegas or come other mega-convention. Aside from the stellar line-up that the team has put together, many of Daniel's friends are just coming to hang out. I have seen Bill Kalush and Carl Heine and Rico de la Vega, just to name a very few. And I noticed on the schedule that Rudy Coby has been added back in the line-up. He is slated to close the Sunday night stage show. I would not be surprised to see David Blaine show up. I'm not saying he will...I'm just saying that I wouldn't be surprised. It's just that kind of very, very cool convention. It already has a great vibe. I can tell now that this will certainly be one for the record books.

It is not too late to travel to Houston and register for this convention as there is a ton of great magic yet to be seen. All the details, schedule, list of performers and more can be found at http://www.TAOM2012.com/ If you cannot make it for the whole convention, then there are daily tickets available plus there will be public tickets available for the Saturday and Sunday night shows. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.TopTalentProductions.com/

This brief intro to the TAOM includes a chat with Treasurer, Dick Olson, who was helping with the registration. Then we went back stage prior to the stage contest to talk to some of the contestants and Jamie Salinas, Contest Chairman. This is a little different angle than we have taken in the past, but this is the first year the TAOM has ever offered a cash award for the winner. And we're talking $5,000 in cash!

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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

017: The Lost Episodes, Jan. 9, 2011 - Houston Magicians Annual Party

Gene Protas (creator of the Banachek-Protas Psi Kalc) and his wife, Betty, host a post-holiday party in their home each year with an open invitation to all local and visiting magicians. This was an episode that was destined for, but never posted on, The Magic Newswire. Hence the reason this is another of the "Lost Episodes". Although this party took place over eight months ago when the weather was much cooler, it has some interesting and rather eerie conversations.

We talk with Alex Rangel, Daniel Garcia and Banachek about their New Year's Resolutions, new projects they are working on in 2011 and "upcoming" convention and lecture appearances. There are also some voices and shout-outs from Dennis Castro, Bruce Chadwick and Cherie Kaye.

There is a rather unsettling chat with John Star with a foreboding report on the declining health of Terry Seabrooke who passed away just two days after this interview. You can read the obituary I wrote for my dear friend at: http:bit.ly/mPNNoAz I have posted a website with some of my photos I took of Terry at www.ScottWells.com/Seabrooke.htm

This is followed with an interview with Michael Satterwhite who was an integral part of our Young Magicians' Program and was named Houston's "Magician of the Year" for 2008. He also performed for many years at the Renaissance Festival in Magnolia, TX (just outside of Houston) as the magical Cardinal Wolsey. Michael unexpectedly passed away two months later in early March.

Trixie Bond wraps up the podcast with her reflections on performing for children over the years, the development of her "Mary Poppins" character and her future direction in magic. Fortunately, she is still alive and well.

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