Photos from Abbott's 2012 Day 3

Day Three of Abbott's Get-Together was another beautiful, sunny day in southern Michigan. People were still coming in to Abbott's Magic Factory to pick up their registration packets. The bulk of their magic inventory, however, was relocated from the Factory to the dealers' room that was set up in the elementary school.

You never know who is going to show up at a Get-Together. Perhaps if I would have waited for the owner of this car to return, I could have solved an age old question.

Buskers fanned throughout the village to entertain the guests. One was appointed to the downtown area where the annual arts and crafts fair was taking place.

Jania Taylor (http://www.magicbyjania.com/) was assigned to the grocery store that had a throng of people who were there during the lunch hour for the Kiwani's Club benefit. They were offering lunch for $1.00 that included a hot dog, chips, soft drink and an ice cream sandwiich. You could order an extra hot dog for just 50 cents.

Michael Mode (http://www.magicmode.com/) was one of those who helped Jerry Costello with the "Happy Hour" party at Jerry's lake house that took place after Adele Friel's lecture and before the evening show. (Jerry is on the left and Michael is on the right).

You never know how people will be dressed for the Friday night show. Have you ever seen a dress made entirely from balloons? Never mind WHERE did she sit in the show last night. The question is HOW did she sit?

Following the evening stage show, the city presented an enjoyable fireworks show just outside the high school.

Rafael Benater - Musical Magician or Magical Musician?

Rafael Benatar passed through Houston, Texas during his lecture tour across the U.S. while on his way to perform at the Magic Castle for two weeks. We have had an exceptionally great year of talented lecturers and Rafael did not disappoint. His lecture included close-up, stage and parlor magic for all skill levels.

Rafael's card work was flawless, natural and fun. His demeanor was delightful, slightly mischievious but alway respectful.

He showed us his presentation for the cups and balls using a very creative and up-to-date script using email and the digital age. He developed this routine during the close of a trade show after he had performed the cups and balls for three days using a completely different presentation.

Although Rafael specialized in close-up with cards, he presented several ideas that can be performed on stage, some of which were with cards inluding a nice variation of a Patrick Page effect with a spectator. But he had some other clever ideas even using a tape measure.

Rafael was trained in the classical guitar but found his true music passion with the Baroque Lute. He regularly performs in and around Madrid in concert halls and private gatherings plus he gives lessons on the Lute.

After the lecture, we went out for a late dinner and returned home where Rafael sat down for an extensive interview that you can listen to here on The Magic Word, or you can download from this site or through iTunes.