133: Magic Year in Review - Putting the Band Back Together

In this podcast, I am joined by most of the old gang from "This Week in Magic" that was part of The Magic Newswire: Dodd Vickers, David "Silly Billy" Kaye, and Cameron Ramsay. Chase Goforth was "under the weather" and unable to join us on this podcast.

Many have wondered what Dodd Vickers has been doing since his hiatus from The Magic Newswire and his plans for the future of the website. The movie business in Atlanta, Georgia has certainly kept him busy but he has not neglected The Magic Newswire. Some exciting things are in store that include The Conjuring Arts Center. David Kaye has been touring a lecturing abroad throughout Europe and Africa during this past year. David talks at length about the College of Magic and the important work they are doing for the youth in Africa. Be sure to check out their website to see how you can help. Cameron has been performing, attending lectures and working with Andrew Mayne's new television show.

At time stamp 00:40:24 we kick off our discussion of what has happened in the world of magic including magic in the movies, magic on television, live theatrical magic productions, magic conventions, and more. We also mentioned a few names of those magicians who have passed on during this past year.

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Although the list below is not exhaustive, it does reflect the names of many well-known (and some lesser known) magicians, spouses and assistants who passed on in 2013. If you are unfamiliar with any of these names, then it would behoove you to do a little online search of what these people have contributed to our craft. If you have someone you think was overlooked, then please post the name in the comments below on this blog.

Magicians' Valhalla

Scott B. “Scotty” York, Jr. (DOD – December 28, 2012)

Imam Hossain (DOD – December 2012)

Kees Schoonenberg

Louis W. Chaudet

Robert “Bob” Steiner

William P. “Bill” Miesel

Harold F. Puff

Alexander Adrion

Maurine B. Christopher

Jerry C. Schnepp, Sr.

David Ball

Deyip J. Louie

Hans Moretti

Peter J. Reveen

Dr. Robert A. “Bob” Escher, Jr.

Johnny Lonn (Bjorn Lonnqvist)

Dennis R. Loomis

Vinicio Raimondi

Gene “Phantini” Grant

Amos Levkovitch

David L. Bendix

Richard A. “Dick” Staub

Richard W. “Rick” Walker

Albert Ching

Bart Whaley

Jon LeClair

Burton S. Sperber

Madren Elbern “John” Calvert

Gladys Simoneaux Christenberry

Gertrude Smith

C. Parker Swan, III

Monica Roucau

Roland Hill

Karl Norman

Roderick William "Rod the Hop"  Dee

Last vestiges of Christmas cookies to be eaten as we ring in the New Year. Cheers!

101: 2013 I.B.M. Convention - Day 0: The Prequel

Wow, the convention hasn't even begun and here I sit at 2:00 a.m. uploading some really killer material for you guys. I think you'll enjoy some, if not all of what we have to offer to this "Pre-Convention" special edition. There has been a full day of activities for about 24 or so youth with the Lance Burton Teen Sessions. They have had lectures, seminars, workshops, breakout sessions and generally got to learn from and hang out with some of today's magic greats such as Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Lance Burton, Melody and Oscar Munoz, Shawn Farquhar, Larry Haas, Nicholas St. Ern, Aubrey Fine and more.

Early registration opened at 5:00 with popcorn being served at the door for the showing of "Make Believe" at 7:00. At 10:15, the early bird lecture was given by Tony Chris on bizarre magic. .

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Panel Discussion following the movie, "Make Believe" featuring (from left to right) moderator Larry Haas, Jeff McBride, Lance Burton, Eugene Burger, Bill Koch and Nicholas St. Ern.

00:00:10 - We prepared for the convention with my usual stopover at In 'n Out Burger for a double-double. Don Wiberg joined me at the restaurant as we talked a bit about the upcoming convention activities.

00:04:53 - Rolando Santos, past International President of the I.B.M., is a contributing editor for The Linking Ring and talks about the importance of getting involved and how to move on up into the organization. If you are coming to the convention and interested in writing up a review of one of the shows, please be sure to look for Rolando as he would like to see your byline in The Linking Ring

00:13:33 - We talked with Michael Messing about photographing the convention and the long line of photographers in whose steps he follows. We also chatted here with Aubrey Fine, Youth Chairman, about the exciting things that are happening with the youth at this convention.

00:19:52 - And speaking of youth activities, I was able to get a little time with Lance  Burton who talks about his commitment to the youth and his rise to magical fame through competitions. He also tells me what he is up to now with his new feature film starring Johnny Thompson.  

00:29:52 - I spoke with Bill Koch, one of the stars of the full length feature film, "Make Believe". This is a delightful documentary that follows the lives of junior magicians as they prepare to compete in the 2009 World Magic Summit.  Bill talks about his experience and what he has been up to since the film was released.

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