850: David Williamson - RIngmaster and Headmaster

Many in our community consider themselves as “comedy magicians” but few achieve the level of David Williamson. Not only is he adept at sleight of hand (and in fact is the headmaster of Sleight School) but also he is a master of comedy as he directs children on stage to literally jump through hoops to achieve maximum laughter for all. He is the Ringmaster of “Circus 1903” and has toured with The Illusionists. Always a hit with local TV morning shows in the cities that host his shows, he makes everyone comfortable with laughing. He has authored books including the seminal “Williamson’s Wonders.” He has been recognized with top awards by the Academy of Magical Arts and The Magic Circle. This milestone episode #850 is one that I’m sure you will enjoy now and for years to come.

In this episode, David talks about his experience of traveling the world with touring companies as well as aboard cruise ships. He also discusses his passion: Sleight School. And for listeners of this podcast, David is offering the first month free to Sleight School by using the promo code: FEST when checking out at https://sleight.school

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Click on the graphic illustration above to visit the convention information site for the Yankee Gathering 2024.

852: MAGIC Live! 2024 Convention - Day Four Report

Wednesday, August 7th

(Pre Convention Activities)
24 hours Mystque Lounge, Jackson Square

9:00 a.m. Information Booth, KIosk (11:00 p.m.)
10:00 a.m. Registration, Bienville G (10:00 p.m.)

10:00 a.m. General Session for red lanyards, Showroom (Noon)

11:00 a.m. The MAGIC Shop, Mardi Gras (6:00p)

11:30 a.m. Out to Lunch, Esplanade (1:30p)

2:15 p.m. Focus Sessions for red lanyards (3:15)

Structure and Perception, St. Charles Miguel Angel Gea
World’s Greatest Con, Bienville G Brian Brushwood
Close-up Clinic, French Quarter

3:30 p.m. Focus Sessions for red lanyards until 4:30 pm (see above)

Live Tonight!

Hidden Cabaret, Showroom 5:30, 7:25, 9:30 p.m.
Farewell Party, Mardi Gras 10:00p – 1:00 a.m.
Souvenir Program Handout, Mardi Gras 10:00p – 1:00a

Time stamps for this episode: updates will be posted after I get some sleep

00:00:18 –

851: MAGIC Live! 2024 Convention - Day Three Report

Tuesday, August 6th

24 hours Mystique Lounge, Jackson Square

9:00 a.m. Information Booth, Kiosk 11:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. General Session for red lanyards, Showroom (Noon)

11:00 a.m. The MAGIC Shop, Mardi Gras (6:00p)

11:30 a.m. Out to Lunch, Esplanade (1:30p)

2:15 p.m. Focus Sessions for red lanyards (3:15p)

Acting for Magicians, French Quarter with Chris Philpott & Steve Valentine
Share the Awe, St. Charles with Javi Benitez
Magyver of Magic, Bienville G with Christian Engbloom

3:30 p.m. Focus Sessions for red lanyards until 4:30 p.m. (see above)

Live Tonight!

Documentary Live: The Juniors, Dauphine 5:15, 7:50, 10:15 p.m.
The Little Big Show, Esplanade 5:35, 8:10, 10:35 p.m.
Close-up Experience, Bienville H 6:00, 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 p.m.
In Concert: Tanto, Dauphine 6:30, 9:05, 11:30p
Penguin Magic Podcast, St. Charles 7:00, 8:30, 10:00p

Time stamps for this episode:

00:00:20 – Matt Alexander shaved his beard just for the Sunday night costume party. That was quite a commitment. We then summarized some of events that led up to today.

00:20:59 – Armando Lucero is enjoying this convention by visiting with friends and introducing some of them for their presentations. He shared some of the memories of past events.

00:23:31 – John Kippen is a Knight of the Magic Castle and is one of the regular performers there. He has been buying some a lot of magic here and telling us what memories are being created at this convention. He particularly liked Jon Armstrong. He also gives us a tip on how to handle an audience members who might be playing on their phone during your show. He also talks about his Friday Zoom meetings that was started during COVID and continues to this day.

00:31:27 – John Cox was one of the outstanding presenters at this convention as he talks about the book he is working on about Houdini’s life that was taken from his travel diary from 1897-1899.

00:41:22 – Morris Herzberg talks about our long-time friendship which is what this podcast is all about: renewing old friendships.

00:46:30 – Joey Martinez, Entertainment Director at Nashville’s House of Cards, talks about that venue and how has been doing. We also summarize one of the shows at this convention and how much we enjoyed it.