884: Blackpool 2025 - Day Two Report

Time stamps for this episode:

00:00:17 – David Kaye, aka Silly Billy, was staying at the same hotel where I was, so we were able to chat about his experience of this event versus others. This is the only magic convention where he is a dealer, so he has a unique perspective. You can learn more about David from our conversation in Episode #567.

00:11:06 - Darryl Rose, from London, often attends this conventions and tells us what he most enjoys this year, like the Jonathan Goodwin lecture. You can hear more about Darryl in our conversation in Episode #558.

00:25:40 - From Charleston, South Caroline, Howard Blackwell, talks about his company that produced silicone manipulation balls. He has a business for sale if someone is willing to put some effort into an already successful product.

00:34:58 - Peter Nardi, with Alakazam, has been coming to Blackpool for about 24 years and gives us his perspective of the changes over the years.

00:45:12 - Jonathan Goodwin was one of the outstanding lectures of this convention. He was inspiring and gave us all a lot to consider for our own shows. We chat in this short chat about some of his philosophy of whether audiences believe the artist is in jeopardy. To hear more about Jonathan (prior to his tragic accident and just before the COVID lockdown), I think you will enjoy listening to our in-depth conversation in Episode #553

00:52:42 - Hannah Ammar is helping her husband, Michael, and tells us why she enjoy magic conventions in general and Blackpool in particular. Michael also joins us towards the end of this chat. You can hear more from Michael in our conversation in Episode #259.

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744: Winter Carnival of Magic - Day Three

Saturday, March 11th

9:30 AM Lecture: Guy Bavli
10:00 AM Dealers Open (Closing at 3:30 PM)
11:00 AM Lecture: Christopher T. Magician
1:30 PM Lecture: Jonathan Neal
3:00 PM Lecture: Artem Shchukin
7:30 PM Contest Award Winners Announced on Stage
- Close-Up Winners
  - 1st Place - Adi Ramakrishna
  - 2nd Place - Dregon Hibbler
  - People’s Choice - Brandon Herring
- Open Mic Winner of People’s Choice
  - Buddy August
8:00 PM Magic All-Stars Show: Jonathan Neal, Michael Bloemeke, Christopher T. Magician, Jon Armstrong, and Artem Shchukin
10:00 PM Pizza Party for Registrants (at the Park Grove Inn)

Time stamps for this episode:

00:00:18 - Don Wiberg talks about some of his magic career including him performing as a Magic Clown.

00:10:25- Alan Fisher talks about some of the lectures we have seen today

00:20:48 - Stephen Bargatze, Past International President of the I.B.M. is from Nashville and always attends this convention.

00:27:12 - Aaron Radatz from Branson, Missouri, was the illusionist who closed last night’s show. He has advice for traveling illusionists.

00:34:11 - Guy Bavli was a Dealer, Lecturer, and a Performer at this year’s Winter Carnival which was is one and only U.S. magic convention where he will be appearing this year.

00:41:39 - Jason Michaels, from Nashville, enjoyed this convention but he has also appeared on Penn & Teller Fool Us.

00:48:08 - Artem Shchukin closed the Winter Carnival and he talks about the many magic conventions around the world where he has performed and competed.

00:56:30 - Tom Vorjohan and Scott give a wrap-up of the convention

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235: FISM Italy - Day Four

It may have been a little overcast outside, but the weather and the magic was perfect in the convention center. After viewing the stage competition from 8:30 to 12:30, I got to walk around the dealers a bit more, chat with friends, and attend a couple lectures. And of course, it was Thursday which meant magic and Martinis in the evening with friends at the bar.

After watching Luke Jermay's one man show, was the evening gala featuring: Cyril Takayama and Eun Gyeol Lee as co-MC's with Mike Chao, Topas, David Kaplan, Tony Frebourg, Alberto Giorgi, Rob Zabrecky, Sos & Victoria and Samuel.