343: Mike Segal - Sorcerer's Safari

Mike Segal was the camp organizer and chief "cook and bottle washer" for the summer camp for magicians called, "Sorcerer's Safari". This camp, located in Canada, hosted youngsters from around the world for 20 years with well-known magic counselors like Joshua Jay, Lee Asher, Johnny "Ace" Palmer, Eric Jones, and many, many others. Unfortunately the camp has come to an end. But for those who might like to know more about its history or perhaps might like to replicate the camp, you will enjoy this week's podcast.

"I had the amazing opportunity to go to Sorcerer's Safari Magic camp this past week, and it was amazing. I had gone in the past, namely in 2014 and 2013, and this time was just as amazing as ever. The people and atmosphere were amazing." - Aman Bhargava

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279: The Cardini Connection with Randy Pitchford

Randy Pitchford is the nephew of Richard Valentine Pitchford, who was better known as Cardini. More than just a familial connection, Randy is also a performer, entrepreneur and successful businessman. Randy is the CEO and President of Gearbox Software located in Frisco, Texas (a northern suburb of Dallas).

Randy purchased much of the Cardini collection from the 2013 Potter & Potter auction and put the bulk of the exhibit in a museum at the Magic Castle. His most recent purchase may have the furthest reaching impact in our community: he is the new owner of Genii Magazine.

Randy is building a home designed to be like Brookledge, the home of Bill and Irene Larsen in Los Angeles. He even plans to present regular shows for the public in his home not unlike the Bookledge Follies.

Magician Cardini performing in 1957

Cardini (Richard Pitchford) performing coins and cards for some lucky people on a cruise. This rare footage was shot by Dr. Morris Young, and hasn't been seen for 50 years. Edited and restored by Magicbymax Steven Max Droge Productions.

Borderlands 2 creator Randy Pitchford (President and Co-founder, Gearbox Studios) gives his keynote speech at the 2013 D.I.C.E. SUMMIT. Titled "Video Games Are Magic". Brought to you by Variety and Machinima. The D.I.C.E.

Randy Pitchford was born in 1971 and Richard "Cardini" Pitchford died in 1973 so Randy has no recollection of his uncle. In this podcast, Randy talks about the acquisition of his Cardini artifacts plus some stories that were passed down to Randy from the family and friends. He also talks about his experience in his early years of performing at the Magic Castle and his personal relationship with the late Irene Larsen.

Also, he briefly talks about his recent acquisition of Genii magazine from Richard Kaufman; however, since the details have not been fleshed out, there are not many details to share. At this point, I understand that no change of any kind is envisioned for the immediate future of the magazine. Randy just wants to preserve this part of magic history and make sure of the longevity, viability and vitality of Genii far into the future so it can "live on forever."

Here is the photo taken by Michael Wilcoxen, the winner of the contest, with the framed Peau -Doux card he received as he has it displayed in his home.

This is the framed fan of Peau Doux manipulations cards (used by Cardini) that was presented by Randy Pitchford to David Copperfield. This is NOT the number of cards nor type of frame that will be sent to the winner of the contest (which is now ende… — This is the framed fan of Peau Doux manipulations cards (used by Cardini) that was presented by Randy Pitchford to David Copperfield. This is NOT the number of cards nor type of frame that will be sent to the winner of the contest (which is now ended). The contest here was for one framed card (probably without the brass plaque) and I'm uncertain of the type of framing that Randy will prepare.

259: Discovering Ammar

One of magic's greatest teachers, Michael Ammar, is reinventing the way we learn magic. Along with Brian Daniel South (proprietor of the former "Creative Magic" company) and Michael Rosander. Michael is working with a new project, "Discover Magic" which is a program to teach magic to 8-12 year old youngsters More than a "magic camp", the instructors are provided with the necessary tools to find a teaching venue in their home towns, receive instructional manuals, specially packaged tricks/props, and online support plus a "vault" for the students to "unlock" each week to learn even more magic. Each of the eight classes will be 90 minutes and teach the fundamentals of magic aided by learning material provided by Discover Magic.

They currently have 52 instructors across the U.S. and they have room for a couple more. From October 14-28, 2015, they are looking for two more instructors to join their ranks and get trained to teach.

Learn a little more about Discover Magic in this 45 second video.

A new levitation of a borrowed wine glass, full or empty. Originally called (by me) "Crystal-Air" but now offically called "Exquisite"

Click on the image above for information on ordering "The Exquisite" from Michael Ammar's website.

At the beginning of this podcast, Michael speaks in detail about, "Exquisite" his newest trick being developed and sold by Losander. It is a wonderful "levitating wine glass" effect that can be performed close-up. We also talk about when he used to perform on cruise ships and how they have changed over the years. Michael also talks about when he performed close-up magic on television talk shows, and learning magic from "The Professor" Dai Vernon. Plus he talks about how magic lectures have changed and he also gives some great advice for those who want to put together their own lecture and go on tour teaching their magic.

Click on the logo above to be directed to Discover Magic project and learn more.

Final few days remaining to get a good deal on a new product. This is happening, folks.

343: Mike Segal - Sorcerer's Safari

279: The Cardini Connection with Randy Pitchford

259: Discovering Ammar

The Magic Word