167: Day 2 - IBM/SAM Combined Convention 2014

The second full day of the combined convention began very early for me, especially considering the late night I had in uploading these podcasts. The S.A.M. sponsored a very nice boxed breakfast event in the presidential suite in the hotel which featured guest speaker, Shawn Farquhar. Immediately thereafter was a lecture and workshop from the Korean College of Magic. Following lunch was the second in the FISM North American Stage Contest. The lecture by Miguel Angel Gea started about the time as when the contest ended.

Busses loaded at 6:30 for the gala show at the Peabody Opera House then after the show was more of the Richard Turner Experience.

Purchase Tickets here http://www.magicinc.net/Celebration.aspx In 1964, Magic Inc. held its grand opening at 5082 N. Lincoln Avenue. Now 50 years later, we're holding a big celebration / mini-convention with some of the best magicians from all over the world. Golden Tickets are only $100, prior to June 1st; after that, only $125.

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:03:27 - Alan and Michelle Watson, talks about the New Zealand Ezine. Tens of thousands subscribers keep up to date on magic activities around the world. All your updates and stories can be sent to Alan at Editor@magicnewzealand.com He also talks a little about the business of magic and setting up your website.

00:10:52 - Shawn Farquhar was the guest speaker at the breakfast and tells about his life in magic. I picked up the recording part way into his speech.

00:26:41 - The Dean of the S.A.M., George Shindler tells us how he became the Dean, what the "job" entails, plus more information about the Houdini Fund for those who are hospitalized, ill or in need some financial help. More details are on the S.A.M. website.

00:42:13 - Alex Ramon tells us about the new illusion that he will present during the gala show tonight. He also tells us what he's been up to since we last chatted in our two part interview in Lake Tahoe earlier this year. Part One here and Part Two here.

00:51:11 - David Oliver tells us how his health is doing since his double lung transplant last year and what he is doing today including a busy schedule of performing and teaching the youth. He also tells us that his new passion is telling people the importance of organ donations.

01:04:27 - Sandy Marshall, owner of Magic Inc., gives us a health update on Simon Lovell plus the new book he is releasing today, "Betcha! How To Win Free Drinks For Life" which will be available from Magic Inc. He also tells us about the 50th anniversary of Magic Inc. convention coming July 17-19.

01:18:18 - Join us for lunch with Michael Close, editor of the M.U.M., and Don Wiberg, International Secretary of the I.B.M. and proof reader for The Linking Ring, as we talk about many things including the magazines/journals.

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137: Alex Ramon - Man in Motion Part Two

In this second and final part of our two hour chat, Alex Ramon talks about finding the opportunity to perform his full evening show in a casino in South Lake Tahoe, "Illusion Fusion." The show has played to rave reviews at the Horizon Casino Resort in South Lake Tahoe, Nevada. He also discusses his unique philosophy on magic and magicians. He imparts some good advice to young magicians, too.

For more information on Alex Ramon and where you can see him perform, check out his website at http://AlexRamon.com And you can follow him on Instagram at @AlexRamon or his Facebook page at http://Facebook.com/AlexRamonMagic

Magic & Martini's Thursday

136: Alex Ramon - Man in Motion Part One

Even though he is only in his twenties, Alex Ramon has accomplished much more than many magicians who are three times his age. How does he do it? He is true to himself, honest, hard working and original. He lives by the Steve Martin quote, "Be so good they can't ignore you."

Alex Ramon continues to find new opportunities, or is it that opportunities continue to find him? Whatever it is, he can't seem to stay in one place for too long before he moves on to something even more amazing in his magical career. For the past two years he has held forth at the Horizon Casino in South Lake Tahoe. But the road to success didn't happen overnight, nor is the journey over.

At age 18 Alex Ramon received the coveted Lance Burton Award and was named "National Stage Magic Champion" by the World Magic Seminar in Las Vegas. In 2005, he auditioned for Disney LIVE!® presents “Mickey’s Magic Show”, and won a spot as a professional illusionist alongside Master Magician Mickey Mouse. Alex traveled the globe with the world’s most famous mouse for two and a half years, seeing 14 countries, four continents, 658 shows and entertained more than a million people.

Alex’s talent and dedication put him top of mind when producers Kenneth Feld and Nicole Feld imagined a magical circus.With over a decade of magic experience, Alex brought an unexpected twist to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents Zing Zang Zoom. At age 23 Alex became the first magician and the second youngest Ringmaster in the 139-year history of The Greatest Show on Earth®. Starring as the Magical “Zingmaster” (Ringmaster), During his two-yea with the circus tour Alex Ramon crisscrossed America performing in the largest arenas in the world, such as Madison Square Garden and The Staples Center, and brought smiles and wonder to people 10,000 at a time.

He’s been seen on national and international television, has made elephants disappear, magically transformed men into tigers, as well as made Whoopi Goldberg levitate.

In this podcast, Alex talks about his life and how he came to where he is today. He has a rather amazing story that should serve as an inspiration to many of us. He relates a story from the road (well...literally, the circus train) that he has never shared before now. He also has some rather unorthodox viewpoints towards magic and magicians. He uses the social media to promote himself and doesn't use paid advertising but basically uses word-of-mouth to get the word out about his shows. He has always stayed true to himself which has paid off.

This is one of the most amazing podcasts I have produced. It is fun, full of interesting stories and chock full of great advice. I was torn whether or not to break up this two hour chat and finally decided that there is too much information to digest in one sitting. So this is Part One of a two part interview. This first part tells you about the man and his early life and how he found success or rather, it found him. The next podcast will include his philosophy on magic, some advice and more great stories.