894: David DaVinci - Vitruvian Magician

Completing our last of three conversations recorded at the recent 50th and final Winter Carnival of Magic in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, we sat down with “Thrillusionist” David DaVinci. He closed the last night gala show with his breathtaking illusion and bird act. David traveled with the Ringling Bros. Circus and participated in the Zing Zang Zoom show plus he has worked cruise ships and casinos across the globe. His schedule is much reduced today as he concentrates on his passions of training birds, skydiving, and enjoying the great outdoors of Idaho.

In our chat today, David talks about working with big animals from tigers to elephants while employed by the Ringling Bros. Circus. He also tells us about “wing suits” he often wears while skydiving. I guess he just likes to get as close to birds as possible without actually being one! But life on the road as an illusionist is hard, and David tells us why as he uses his current situation to explain.

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889: WInter Carnival of Magic 2025 - Day Three Report

Saturday, March 8th

9:30 AM Registration Opens (Closing at 12:30 PM)
9:30 AM Dealers Open (Closing at 3:00 PM)
10:00 AM Lecture: Jon Allen
1:00 PM Jaw-Dropping Close-Up Magic Show Erik TAIT – Jon ALLEN – Steve BEAM – R. Paul WILSON – Geoff WILLIAMS – Giovanni LIVERA
3:00 PM Lecture: R. Paul Wilson
7:30 PM Contest Awards and Final Announcements
8:00 PM Magic All-Stars Show Scott WELLS – Chris CAPEHART – John ARCHER – David DAVINCI
10:00 PM Pizza Party for Registrants (at the Ramada)

Time stamps for this episode: this will be updated after I’ve gotten some sleep

00:00:17 –

885: Blackpool 2025 - Day Three Report

Time stamps for this episode:

00:00:17 – Dom Chambers ran into me in the hallway on his way to rehearsal for his show. But he agreed to chat for a bit and tell us about his experience performing here and a quick recap of what he’s up to lately. Dom was the focus of a chat on The Magic Word Podcast on Episode #664 where you can learn more about him.

00:06:12 : Nigel Quinn just arrived for the final day and gives us his perspective of why he came for the day and what he hopes to see and enjoy.

00:12:02 - Ger Godley, from Ireland, talks about this year’s convention compared with last year. He definitely thinks this year’s event is better organized.

00:21:14 - Jamie Allen, formerly known as the iMagician, has an all new show, one of which was directed by Jonathan Goodwin. Jamie was the focus Episode #584 where you can learn more about him.

00:33:48 - Javid with Pelican Stagewear talks about his efforts to take his wares to the U.S., but time and customs prevents his efforts from being profitable.

00:42:35 - Ron Spangler enjoys coming to Blackpool each year. He was one of the organizers of the Magifest before it was turned over to Vanishing, Inc.

00:48:28 - Eric Leclerq was the emcee (compere) of the Friday night gala. His insult comic type of humor is much like that of Mike Hammer, and that is to say that it wasn’t for everyone. He talks a bit about his choices and how he came about to get this engagement and why he chose to stick with what he does best.

00:57:08 - Ian Kendall is another magician who came in for the day from Scotland and watched a lot of lectures and shows. He was the subject of Episode #796 where you can learn more about him.

01:11:15 - we give a quick wrap-up of the convention as I give a quick review of Rick Thomas’ gala finale show. He was the subject of Episode #632 where you can hear a more personal side of him.