#186 - Day 4 - T.A.O.M. 2014 Ft. Worth, Texas

This is a wrap of the 2014 convention with little to do (actually the only scheduled activity for the day) was the lecture by Diamond Jim Tyler, author of "Pocket Full of Miracles" and the "Bamboozlers" series/ He had a good attendance of nearly 150 people despite the fact that most of the registrants were checking out of the hotel and hitting the road. It was their loss because Diamond Jim delivered a thoroughly entertaining and instructive lecture full of commercial ideas and tricks.

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:02:34 - 2015 T.A.O.M. President, Trixie Bond, talks about the unique theme of next year's T.A.O.M. convention. You can get more details at: http://taom.org/2015/

00:13:25 - Former Entertainment Diector for Houston's Magic Island, Scott Hollingsworth, talks about some history of the Magic Island and his assessment of its future.

00:29:19 Steve Bedwell hasn't performed or lectured at a magic convention in over a dozen years. It's great to see him back and in top form. Visit his website to join his free newsletter at http://SteveBedwellMagic.com

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#185 - Day 3 - T.A.O.M. 2014 Ft. Worth, Texas

As a belated update on the events on Day Three (now that my hands are better following carpal tunnel surgery), Dana Daniels delivered his "first ever" lecture for magicians at a magic convention. It was well done and covered a lot of interesting territory with "Finding the Funny", a lecture on how to find humor to put into your act. It was interspersed with anecdotes about his magical career. The afternoon had additional lectures that were well attended (and received) by Davd Chandler, Roland Sarlot and Susan Eyeds, and Master Payne. The close-up competition was featured as part of the afternoon activities, too. Before the school busses departed to whisk us away to the final night show, Master Payne presented a hilarious PowerPoint Presentation followed by the Contest Awards. A highlight of the evening gala show was Kevin James full 45 minute stage show complete with his full crew.

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:02:34 - Dana Daniels talks about comedy

00:14:39 - Davie Rangel talks about his presentation for the close-up competition and why people should compete. This chat was conducted before the presentation off awards during which we learned that he won for senior close-up.

00:26:40 - T.A.O.M. Contest and Award Chairman, Bob Emory talks about the importance of contests and how it helps one's growth in the craft.

00:34:10 Past President of the T.A.O.M., Bill Irwin gives us a wrap of the convention from his perspective.

#184 - Day 2 - T.A.O.M. 2014 Ft. Worth, Texas

Today began the first full day of the TAOM Convention chock full of lectures and competition. A pass through the dealers' room proved an experience. With only a dozen dealers in attendance, no one should complain about being too much competition; however, since the dealers were put in a large room, it engulfed the tiny town and made the place seem empty most of the time. Let me just say that there was plenty of standing room in front of any one dealer at any one time.

The morning saw the stage contestants competing with the afternoon having the professional close-up show featuring Steve Bedwell, Master Payne, Dave Chandler and some others who were not listed on the program. The lectures were outstanding and given by Max Howard, Sonny Fontana, Kevin James and Steve Bedwell Throughout the convention at irregular times, miniature illusions were on display that was apparently thrown in at the last minute as there is no recognition in the schedule of who owned or presented the collection.

The evening show featured other acts that were not in the program. Apparently the show order and talent was also thrown together after the program went to bed. Having said that, the show was enjoyable with lots of variety. I wish I could remember, but this recap is being typed in long after the convention was over and my hand had time to heal enough to allow me to be back at the keyboard.