246: Day Two - MAGIC Live! 2015

Stan Allen opened the conference with the keynote speech that set the tone for the convention. His one word this year: curiosity. The morning session was a variety of outstanding presentations but the highlight everyone was waiting for was David Copperfield "In His Own Words". He was genuine, humble and charismatic and enjoyed by all. He admitted some of his failures and talked about continuing to work on projects and being forever committed to excellence and tweaking effects to make them perfect. He also discussed his disgust for those who steal from creators.

The afternoon sessions (for my colored badge) included Ian Rowland on mentalism (his third appearance at MAGIC Live!), Joel Bauer talking about trade shows, and Steve Valentine talking about variations of Cards to Pocket.

The evening show was outstanding hosted by Jorge Bass and opened with one of my favorite acts, Charlie Frye & Company. It concluded with not one or two, but three illusionists: Nathan Burton, Mike Michaels and Greg Gleason.

My evening rounded out with the 11:00 close-up show. Not your typical professional close-up show. In fact, this was perhaps for me, one of what will remain asa highlight of this MAGIC Live! Michael Weber hosted an evening of top professionals presenting one trick from the original "Stars of Magic" series. This featured Johnny Thomson, R. Paul Wilson, Paul Vigil, Julie Eng, Eric Mead and David Ben with a special guest appearance by the Professor himself, Dai Venon, perfectly portrayed by Jared Kppf.

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:00:26 - Host Stan Allen explains the theme of this year's convention.

00:07:26 - Jamie D. Grant talks a bit about the show he just finished presenting on the memorized deck

00:08:50 - Michael Chaut, producer of Monday Night Magic talks a bit about his 18 year run at producing the show. We are intermittently joined by several people who are passing through the casino near the entrance of the theater.

00:22:00 - Simon Coronel was the master of ceremonies for the morning session and he talks a bit about not scripting his show.

00:28:55 - Shep Hyken and Seth Kramer talk about MAGIC Live!

00:41:16 - Bill Cook talks about performing on "Penn & Teller Fool Us" and "Wizard Wars".

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#191 - Buy Magic Online?

With the proliferation of online magic shops, we are seeing the slow demise of the mom and pop, brick and mortar magic shops. I posted a podcast featuring three dealers (which you can hear by Clicking Here) This podcast shows the other side of the two-headed coin by getting a perspective from some people in key positions with two of the largest online dealers: Penguin Magic and

00:02:29 - Tim Trono was with Murphy's Magic for a dozen years but is now working with Penguin Magic. He talks about how they work together to help brick and mortar shops. In particular, Penguin recognizes that they can't be the sole seller of magic to the world, so they He also talks about their business model and how it differs from some others like Ellusionist and Theory 11. In particular, they try to offer unique products and have a singular look and brand. He also discusses the Penguin lecture series and why it has become so successful. He talks about their growth, bumps along the road, and more.

00:27:33 - Jason Brumbalow, Director – New Product Development with Murphy's Magic Supplies talks about Murphy's role as a jobber which wholesales to retail owners, both online as well as brick and mortar shops. He talks about their model for success and how they have moved with the times. He also discusses market trends, online videos, the proliferation of playing cards, and the pros and cons of online shops versus brick and mortar shops and the future of buying magic.

Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. (please note: this RSS Feed subscription system may not work with Android systems). Remember, you can download it through iTunes. See the preview page by Clicking Here.

177: Day 2 - Abbott's Get Together 2014

Jeff Hobson's lecture was the first event of the day and he happens to be my first guest on the podcast, too. This lecture was in the high school gym on the stage. And as soon as he finished, registrants took their seats in the bleachers as Joshua Jay gave his lecture. After lunch, Losander presented his lecture. Of course during this time, the dealers were selling in the elementary gym plus those outside vendors under the tents. The evening show featured "The Next Generation of Magicians" with some very clever and outstandingly talented young men and women like Trigg Watson, Timothy Cripe and Bill Cook

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:00:16 - Join Jeff Hobson and others at Clancy's for lunch and hear Jeff as hbrings us up to date on his performance including the "Illusionarium" on the cruise ship and thee "Illusionists" tour.

00:13:55 - Creator of the Napkin Rose, Michael Mode, chats about his creation including the Get Together documentary that is being filmed by The Verge this week. He also talks about the phone app that he and Jeff Hobson developed.

00:34:10 Bill Cook talks with us before he takes the stage for his performance on the evening bill. Believe it or not, this is Bill's first Get Together.

00:36:41 - Jania Taylor joined me at the bar in Clancy's for Magic & Martinis Thursday. This chat includes some dialogue with a local patron who has been living around these parts for decades. He and Jania recount some interesting and historical stories about the old "Magic Carpet" bar and Clancy's, too. There is a close-up contest going on in the bar so it is a little rowdy but I know you'll enjoy the feel of this chat.

00:46:42 - Anthony Gerard tells us about how the "Street of Cards" came about as we scale cards across the street from Five Star Pizza with an aim to get it over the top of the second floor of the nearby building.

246: Day Two - MAGIC Live! 2015

#191 - Buy Magic Online?

177: Day 2 - Abbott's Get Together 2014

Magic & Martini's Thursday

The Magic Word