Inside Magic

The final event of the South Carolina Association of Magicians (“SCAM”) was the Gala Show. It was a perfect ending for a great conclave.

I have never had a chance to see Scott Francis perform. He served as emcee and was outstanding. Like Glenn Strange, he had just the kind of twisted, freakazoidal humor that I love. He was quick with ad libs, funny poses (like the Karate Kid stance for no apparent reason) and his interplay with the audience was comfortable and funny seemingly without effort.

I recommend you grab any opportunity to see Scott Francis perform. Of course, if you don’t have a twisted, freakazoidal sense of humor, I still think you’ll find him funny.

Dan Sperry took the stage next. Dan had provided a fantastic lecture the day before as he patiently provided all we would need to know to do a dove act. I’ve never done doves (or even a rabbit). I used to do a special thing with a tapeworm but it wasn’t magic per se — it was kind of like snake charming; it wasn’t even healthy. But I digest.

Dan Sperry’s lecture was clearly from someone who knows what he is teaching. He showed us handling and techniques you would not find in the standard literature of the art. He is an exceptional lecturer and will do well in that field, if he chooses. But he is an even better performer. Dan is only 18 years old but has the talent of a long-seasoned professional.

His moves were natural, his productions were surprising and his appearance was so professional. He reminded me of Lance Burton performing his FISM act. In fact, Dan was a winner of Lance Burton award for best teen magician.

His routine is what makes inspired me. I think my routines are often just the ineffective linking of “tricks” but every move he made was there for a reason; a natural, logical reason. He was so cool and relaxed during the entire act. From his webpage, it looks like he’ll be performing around the country and I hope you will take the time to see him. It is inspiring.

Dave Tanner was another person I had not previously met. We corresponded by email so that I could register for for the stage competition. I got to meet him when I arrived and even saw him the next morning at about 7:30 am as we prepared to compete. He seemed like a nice guy; a funny guy. I had watched him work the dealers’ room pretty much the entire day so I knew he had been on his feet working and performing since before 7:00 am. I tell you all this to prove that I am clueless.

The first act in the Gala was Dave Tanner’s illusion act. I looked carefully from my seat at the back of the auditorium and sure enough, it was the same Dave Tanner. What a great act he has. His natural style and humor comes through so well and so effortlessly.

I am biased against illusion acts. It is unfortunate that most of the ‘illusionists’ out there today are either: rich people with money to spend on the latest effects; or copying one of the major professional illusion shows. I’ve seen so many folks do David Copperfield or the Pendragons or…
Continue reading The SCAM Wrap-Up

Wonderful Tribute

Check out the article to see the impact a magician can have on a layperson. Lou performs a few effects for the reporter who then writes, Lou engaged in the best sleight of hand I have ever seen. Except that it wasn’t sleight of hand. It was magic.?

I never visited Lou?s Funhouse Magic Shop but from the description in the article the sounds exactly like the shops I used to spend hours loitering in.Their decoration was best-described as ?eclectic.?

Their form followed their function. The shops were established to be both an inviting meeting place for magicians of all skill levels and to sell the tools of their trade.

It is a contrast to some of the more stark kiosks or strip mall magic shops that are springing up around the country. In those shops, all is organized and inventoried. The demonstrators in these new shops are trained in a few effects that can be easily reset to keep the traffic moving in and out of the shop.

Even though I have never visited Lou?s shop and, with its closing, I never will, I feel as I?ve been there. We wish Lou best wishes on his retirement from the shop and thank him for his dedication to promoting the art.

Continue reading Fine Tribute to a Great Institution

Fukai Lecturing

Great credit goes to the people who have put this convention together. Allen Young, Bobby Jonte, and Dave Tanner as Chairman, Close-Up Contest Coordinator and Stage Contest Coordinator, respectively, have been working without a break but they appear to enjoy it. I?ll feature more of those responsible in later editions.

Fukai did a great job with his lecture on misdirection this morning. How good was it?

I have seen the lecture now three times, and I know exactly what he will do, and yet every time he does it, I’m fooled. He showed how to use a silk to rose to create a subtle diversion to allow for a load of a champagne flute.

Then he did it again and I was still fooled. Incredible. I know he’ll be heading to other conventions in the states this year and if you have a chance, you must see him. His show, his lecture and even hanging out at his dealer’s booth is incredible.

Trixie Bond has also taken the place by storm. Today at Noon, Trixie was performing her birthday party act. This was the birthday act that is a mainstay of her business in Houston. It is apparent why she is the top children?s entertainer in her town. I tried to get into the room to get pictures but it was so crowded — beyond standing room only — that I had to shoot the pictures blindly while holding the camera above my head.

Trixie Bond Performing Her Birthday Routine

Her act is outstanding. She does a great job of involving the children and an even better job of keeping their energy channeled. I am not one to steal material, but I love her line at the end of every trick:

“You know what?”

The kids answer “What?”

Trixie responds with a slightly somber tone, “That’s the…
Continue reading SCAM Update – Saturday’s Going Strong