699: FISM Quebec 2022 - Day Four Report

Thursday July 28th 2022

8:15-11:00 - Stage Contest
12:30 - 14:30: Close-up Contest

8:30 - 9:30: Lisa Menna

10:30 - 11:30.: Marc De Souza

8:00 - 9:00: Michael Ammar

10:00 - 11:00: Jared Kopf

12:00 - 13:00: Miguel Muñoz

14:30 - 15:30: Brian South

16:30 - 17:30: Shawn Farquhar

19:00 - 20:15: Spectacle - One Man Show: Dani DaOrtiz - Group B

19:00 - 21:00: Banquet Group A

21:30 - 23:00: Mysterious Gala

23:30 - 0:30: Max Maven presents Connie Boyd on “Women in Magic”

23:00 - 0:00: Larry Hass

23:30 - 0:30: Stéphane Bourgoin

22:00 - 1:00: Workshop / Sos & Victoria

Time stamps for this episode:

00:00:16 - As we walk from the hotel to the convention center, Connie Boyd, talks about her upcoming presentation at FISM. She will be talking about the influence of women in magic.

00:03:22 - Marc DeSouza and Scott give a rundown of the previous night’s show complete with who did what and their opinions of how the show was received by the aucience.

00:08:50 - Chip Romero and Peter Samelson give their perceptions on this FISM. Chip will be presenting a lecture on Doug Henning here at FISM. The two talk about Doug’s influence on magic.

00:15:34 - Edward Hilsum and Scott Wells finally meet in person as they chat about the Magic Circle contests and Edward’s perception of what it’s like as a competitor at the FISM international level.

00:21:08 - After completing the morning stage contest, Peter Samelson and Scott Wells give a rundown on all of the competitors and their acts.

00:41:50 - After the close-up competition ended, Marc DeSouza and Scott discuss all of the competitors, who they were and what they did.

00:58:30 - The evening banquet was in full swing as we chat with Roger Nicot from Card Shark who tells us about why the dealer room was so light.

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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.

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030: MINDvention 2011 - Day Three

It's official. MINDvention is history and everyone agrees that it was one of the best. Today's activities started off with another attendee's show which featured some pretty good entertainment. After a quick burger it was time for Eugene Burger's lecture on his spirit theatre and seances that was hosted by Larry Hass. Richard Osterlind lectured on some dynamite stuff that included some of the subtle nuances that made the effects real magic. After the dinner break it was time for the evening Masters of Mentalism Show hosted by Robert Allen. If opened with Pete Poskiparta followed by Jan Forster, Eugene Burger, Ted "Saint James" (Karmilovich) in the middle with RIchard Osterlind closing the gala.

(left to right) Scott Wells, Banachek, Lior Suchard, Ted Karmilovich, Ken Weber, Ross Johnson at lunch.(mobile upload)

I was fortunate to have a chat with Ted Karmilovich before the day's activities began. Next I pulled aside Lupe Nielsen and Simone Marron to hear from the distaff side of mentalism. Then it was into the dealers' room where I chatted with the men from down under, the lads from Oz, Sean Taylor, Nick Morton and Richard Paddon. After the evening show I sat down with Eugene Burger to recap a few details from his earlier lecture. Then it was off to the Irish pub for a recap of the convention from the perspectives of Dan Strange, Peter Studebaker and Bob Patillo. For a final wrap of the convention we chat with Rick Maue, Tom "Cue Ball" Cutts, and Banachek.

Next year's MINDvention dates are set for October 21, 22 & 23, 2012 back here at the Palace Station Casino. Mark your calendars and don't miss it.