311: 2016 PCAM Convention Report

Running concurrently with Abbott's Get Together, the PCAM convention was happening in Simi Valley, California. Although we do tricky things, being in two places at the same time is not one of our skills.

But thanks to Fred King, a Friend of The Magic Word, and attendee at this year's PCAM convention, he was able to cover part of it with a delightful interview with Shawn Farquhar and Michael Dardant plus a recording of a panel discussion Regrettably, due to personal reasons Fred was unable to record more than these two reports. Thank you, Fred, for taking the time to record this special edition of The Magic Word Podcast that gives us a little insight to the magic family that is the P.C.A.M.

Shawn Farquhar returns to "Penn & Teller Fool Us" television show where he fools P&T for the second time.

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:03:20 - Fred King talks with Shawn Farquhar about some of the history of the P.C.A.M. Then after just a few minutes into the conversation, Michael Dardant joins them to enliven the conversation. They both share several fun and entertaining stories. Shawn also talks about his experience of fooling Penn & Teller a second time on "Penn & Teller Fool Us" which he could not talk about at the I.B.M. convention in San Antonio, TX.

00:42:18- Shawn Farquhar hosts a panel discussion with S.A.M. President Jeff Sikora and International I.B.M. President, Oscar Munoz as they talk about their respective organizations and goals for this year.

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216: Brad Henderson, the Esoteric Escamoteur - Part Two, Tales from the Mansion

We continue our conversation with Brad Henderson telling stories about his good friend Richard Garriott, aka Lord British in Ultima and General British in Tabula Rasa, but perhaps more well known to the general public as a game developer magnate and civilian astronaut. As mentioned in the blog last week, Brad was the curator of Richard Garriott's magic collection though now Richards primary residence is in New York City following his nuptials in 2011.

We begin this second part of our chat discussing more of the practical than the theoretical side of magic. But since we are talking with Brad, it does eventually slide into a little more theory towards the end.

Brad planned elaborate parties for Richard Garriott, one of which nearly cost Brad his life due to the stress and physicality of the planning. These parties were not your typical birthday parties but elaborate, extravagant events that that attracted the glitterati and Illuminati and literally cost a small fortune. The details and behind the scenes stories are incredible and almost "fairy tale" like.

Many of you are aware of the embezzlement proceedings that involved Hank Lee and Richard Garriott. Well, Brad tells a little more about that affair now that some time has been served, literally.

109: MAGIC Live! 2013 - Day 4

Every day and every show and nearly every session was great this year with lots of surprises and spectacles. This final day brought more of the same. And the big surprise for the end of the evening was the last performance of The Great Tomsoni and Company. It was as much of a surprise to us as it was for Johnny as he was joined on stage by good friends Lance Burton and Penn & Teller.

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:00:08 - Noel Britten, from Bath, England, talks about the importance of giving back and the rich rewards magicians are given in the form of love when working at charity events and hospitals.

00:18:15 - S.A.M. International President, Dal Sanders, and the First Lady, Sindie Sanders, talk about conventions and the evolution of how the S.A.M. is keeping up with keeping their conventions new.

00:28:56 - Paul Stone talks about his plans for the Innovention convention in 2015 in Liverpool

00:33:12 - Steve Chezaday talks about the recent Abbott's Get Together. Steve was one of the featured performers of this years Get Together.

00:37:02 - Mark Korhouser gives us an update on his "First Trick" video project.

00:40:52 - Doug Anderson, cruise ship magician, talks about this being his first MAGIC Live! convention and relates his experience with this event.

00:43:43 - Auke Van Dauken, creator of metal products (cups, coins and more), talks about some of his exciting new products especially some created from Tommy Wonder's ideas.

00:49:41 - Doc Eason is another first time registrant at MAGIC Live! and he gives his observations on this event.

00:55:06 - Stan Allen thanks everyone for coming as he introduces Johnny and Pam Thompson presenting his last performance as The Great Tomsoni and Company.

00:57:36 - Lance Burton is the first voice you hear then Penn followed by Teller.

01:04:46 - Stan Allen gives us his quick perspective on this convention now that it is over.

01:08:37 - Milt Larsen, the Godfather of the Magic Castle, talked about the 50 years of the Academy of Magical Arts.

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