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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John Archer at the 2015 Genii Convention with Fred King

I was unable to attend this year's Genii convention. I was under the impression that the first one was the last one. Ahh well. In my stead, Fred King, a loyal listener and "Friend of the Magic Word" was there this year and took some time to sit down with one of the featured entertainers of the convention. In this podcast, Fred talks with funnyman, John Archer, about his show, the convention, the differences between the U.S. and the U.K as it pertains to comedy magic, magic on television (street performing vs. stage performances and comedy) and much more.

Sorry that I couldn't be there for more great chats and to give you daily convention updates, but I sincerely thank Fred for sending me this fresh audio interview especially for you listeners.

110: MAGIC Live! Epilogue + Magic & Martinis Thursday

I arrived early at McCarran Airport in Las Vegas to return to Houston knowing that I would run into others from the convention who were returning home, too. No sooner than I had passed the friendly “pat down” from TSA (at no extra charge unlike other places in Las Vegas where they do charge extra for touching), and before I reached the gate, I ran into Fred King from southern California. Fred is a long time listener, first time caller to The Magic Word. Many times he has offered me a glass of scotch as a “thank you” for me providing this free podcast, but there was never an opportune time; however, now we had nothing but time before our flights. So we retired to the bar and settled into a glass of Glenfiddich (it was the only single malt they had) as we discussed and reviewed the convention with particular emphasis on the Wednesday events.

The YouTube video in this blog of The Great Tomsoni and Company's final performance was captured by Joe Turner on his cell phone. Hence the poor recording quality of this historic event. The second video in this blog was taken and posted by collegeofmagic at the end of Johnny and Pam's final performance. It shows Lance Burton plus Penn and Teller honoring Johnny and Pam Thompson for all their years of friendship and creativity to their own acts plus the magic community in general.

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Magic & Martinis Thursday

You have no doubt followed my posts during this week so you know what I have been up to each day. And as mentioned it was a fabulous convention, unlike other magic events. I read a tweet from one attendee who said something to the effect, “I have never learned so much magic at one convention but I haven’t learned one trick.” Well tweeted, my friend.

As I arrived home to Houston, I was pleased to spend the evening with our Scottish friend and magician (who now resides in Wales), John McGrath. He was over this week on business. He arrived just about the time I left for Las Vegas and will return home on Friday. So Thursday was the only night we could get together. He and his wife, Debs, and their children hosted us for many nights in between my lecture dates whilst I was in the U.K. on tour this past May.

I understand that Banachek’s taping for the Japanese network went well earlier this week here in Houston. We are exchanging locations: as I arrive in Houston, he will be heading to Las Vegas. As you may have heard in my little clip with Criss Angel, they will be shooting an episode with basketball great, Shaquille O’Neil for Criss’ upcoming series on Spike TV.

And this Saturday night, David Rangel will be performing a one man close-up show at the Hilton Americas here in Houston. David is also the main house magician at Tokyohanas Grill and Sushi Bar on Thursdays and Saturdays. Next Saturday night, August 24th, Jamie Salinas will perform and host a magic show in Bay Town, TX called "Champions of Magic" featuring the award winning magic and dancing duet “The Rhythm of Magic”, Michael and Jessica Blanco.

As for me, I don’t know how much I will be able to type next week as I will be having hand surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome on my right hand next Thursday the 22nd. That may keep me off the computer for a while. But I plan to quickly do some rehabilitation on my hand with playing cards. I just hope it won’t affect next week’s Magic & Martini Thursday.