672: Chuck Caputo on Anverdi, a Dutch Master

This week we dip our toes into magic’s history to learn about a past Dutch Master, Antonius Albertus de Vries aka Tony Anverdi (1925-1995). Chuck Caputo keeps his memory and his apparatus alive in his collection and his recollection of Anverdi’s props and his life achievements. Anverdi may not be a name commonly known nor remembered by today’s community of magicians, but as we have more and more of our brothers and sisters excavating the lives of past masters, we benefit from that knowledge.

If you would like to view our chat via Zoom, then please enjoy this video of our podcast. Also, be sure to watch the last 15 minutes as Chuck displays some of his prized original pieces from his Anverdi collection.

This week, Chuck Caputo talks about the life of Anverdi and why he is important to our history and his relevance to our magic today. Anverdi’s creations spawned ideas that are accomplished today using digital technology that create “miracles.” And if you watch the YouTube video, you can see some of the props from Chuck’s collection in the last 15 minutes of the video.

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388: David Garrard - The Ace of All Trades

During his travels across the country on a lecture tour, David Garrard stopped by the microphone of The Magic Word to talk about his life in magic and his diverse background that has kept his life fulfilled. Moving to Louisville, Kentucky, in 1975, David became fast friends with local magicians including Lance Burton and Mac King. During his 50+ years of magic, David has found success in performing in churches, trade shows, children's parties, stage shows, television, close-up and more. His book, "Out Of My Hat" contains material from his lecture which is one of the best set of "lecture notes" I have seen lots of great material that I guarantee will play well for youth and/or adults.

Time Stamps for the podcast:

00:06:07 - In this podcast, David talks about marketing, handing out his business cards, booking trade shows, working in state/county fairs, the importance of hiring others to help make you successful, performing for children, his experience of performing on "Penn & Teller Fool Us", his relationship with Mac King and Lance Burton, the relationship between David Ginn and Doug Henning, views on keeping your act "clean", and his view on embedding messages in gospel magic.

01:05:37 - Product Review: "Bare" by the Other Brothers - allows you to stamp a spectator for the "Ashes on Hand" effect. Clean, easy, non-sticky nor toxic. Highly recommended.

01:11:27 - Product Review: "Telekinetic" by Diamond Jim Tyler - Diamond Jim teaches you how to animate a card box, matchbox, matchbook, business cards, and cigarette case. Comes complete with DVD and gimmick. Recommended.

01:15:00 - Product Review: "Double Take" by Jason Knowles is a selected card instantly changes to a bank note or bill. Recommended.

The contest has ended. Stay tuned to see who won! Congratulations

172: Part 5 - My Week at The Castle 2014

In this final installment from My Week at The Castle, we wrap up by giving blood...literally. The Magic Castle became "Castle Dracula" (my own moniker) where you left your blood. It was the first Red Cross blood donation drive at The Magic Castle. This was spurred by Paul Green who has been experiencing health issues that frequently require blood transfusions. I just came in for lunch but got so much more by giving back a little of myself. There were 31 people who gave the gift of life. Please consider donating in your community. The life you save may be someone you love.

While at the Castle this day, I ran into and chatted with Irene Larsen, matriarch of the Magic Castle and the International Ambassador of The Magic Castle. After lunch, I went next door to talk with Dale Hindman, Executive Director of Milt Larsen Enterprises, who helped unravel the mystery (to me) of the difference between the Academy of Magical Arts and the Magic Castle.

Back at the Castle after my last show of the evening, I sat down with President Bill Clinton impersonator and magician, Tim Smallwood. He has a unique act and character that takes him across the country where he performs magic and makes guest "celebrity" appearances. Later that evening I ran into Ray Kosby, former member of The Magic Castle Juniors, who talks about that organization and the early years. And to wrap up the night and this podcast, Jonathan Pendragon and his wife, West, talk about their new show and lives together.

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:03:32 - Fellow corporate entertainer, Paul Green, is still experiencing some exhaustion due to his illness, but it doesn't deter his positive attitude. He is an obvious advocate of donating blood and organs plus t importance of giving your time to your community.

00:08:1 - Irene Larsen, The Magic Castle Ambassador, talks about some of the interesting people she has met and some of her memorable magic conventions she has attended.

00:12:18 - Dale Hindman, Executive Director for Milt Larsen Enterprises, talks about the full length feature film that is currently in production; licensing "The Magic Castle" brand; how to donate magic to The Magic Castle; the musical "Pizzazz"; the future of"It's Magic" shows; the succession of Castle Board and Director members; and, more.

00:20:49 - Tim Smallwood has been a magician for a long time, but once President Bill Clinton came into the public life, Tim's life changed. He has a resemblance to the President which propelled him in a completely different direction and opportunities for him to perform and meet new clients. However, it didn't just happen overnight. He pursued it with agents plus he tells and interesting story about "nearly" meeting the real President. But his comedy magic shows take him all across the country where he performs straight magic followed by a patriotic conclusion as a magical Bill Clinton.

00:28:53 - Ray Kosby, former member of the Magic Castle Juniors Society, talks about how he got into the group and how he moved from stage to close-up. He also talks about some of the Long Beach Mystics who were part of the Juniors Society. He also talks about the first trick that got him "hooked" in magic...the Red Snapper. He also talks about and recommends books for magic neophytes. He also talks about some of the tricks he has published over the years.

00:42:45 - Jonathan Pendragon and his wife, West, talk about the "new" direction his act has taken and how West is incorporated in the performance. West also tells a story about how Jonathan protected her by inserting himself into a dangerous situation and defending her from harm, thus exemplifying Jonathan's true loving and protective nature.

Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. (please note: this RSS Feed subscription system may not work with Android systems). Remember, you can download it through iTunes. See the preview page by Clicking Here.