April 2015

mat_logo_edit
  Vol. 6, #4 – April 2015
 

*****

Official Newsletter

of the

Texas Association of Magicians

*****

for all magicians everywhere!

In This Issue:
Message from the President
2015 TAOM Contests
Bits and Pieces of Interesting Stuff
Coming Attractions
Convention Update
The Last Word
Message from the Presidenttrixie_bond_2014Dear Texas Magicians,

Part of the magic of the TAOM convention always happens in the Dealers’ Room.  Scott Wells, Dealer Chairman says, “The synergy of the various dealers makes for an exciting vibe with new products, demonstrations and good deals. This year will continue the tradition with several great dealers in attendance, some who are regular dealers each
year and some who will be new for us. This year you can expect the best from: Daryl, Jay Scott Berry, SEO Magic, H&R Magic Books, G SParks Magic, TrickSupply.com, Randy Rains, Chris Weed, and Daytona Magic”.

We have more dealers coming so check the TAOM 2015 website for updates. The dealers will have a special show on Friday, Sept 4th.   Plan to be in Austin early on Friday for the dealer’s show and other activities.

I certainly hope you and your family will be able to join us during the convention for an action packed Labor Day weekend of “Magic, Music, Weirdness and Women”

September 4-7th.
Time to register!http://taom.org/2015/convention-registration/

Trixie Bond
President, 2015 TAOM

PS:  I am looking forward to seeing all the TAOM Board Members on Saturday, May 2nd.  The mid-year meeting will be held at 10:30am in the Creekside Room of the Sheraton Hotel, 701 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78701

Magic Contests

Another tradition and vital part of our convention are the contests. Some of the top performers in the world are previous winners of the TAOM contests. Competing in a contest can stimulate a performer’s creativity and often the feedback given after a performance can help improve one’s
growth in the art of magic.

The contest categories are as follows:
SENIOR COMPETITION for contestants eighteen years of age or older:
(A) Close-Up: magic suitable for a small intimate audience
(B) Stage/Club: magic suitable for a theater stage or club setting, and can include but not limited to illusions and effects involving more than one person or animals.
(C) Comedy: magic intentionally of a comic nature..

JUNIOR COMPETITION for contestants under eighteen years of age:
(A) Close-up
(B) Stage/Club

Any person registered for the convention is eligible to submit an application to compete. All the rules for entry can be found on the TAOM website: http://www.taom.org/contest-rules/ If you need more information our Contest Chairman, Carlos Santillan will be happy to help you. Contact him at contest@taom.org

Bits and Pieces of Interesting Stuffmagic_at_the_capitol_logo_copy MAGIC AT THE CAPITOL

 Saturday, May 2, 2015
         Austin Weird
Branson Wholesome
Las Vegas Exciting!

Austin’s Premiere Family Entertainment is back with an exciting line up of world class magicians. That’s right, these guys have performed all over the world.  Award-winning magicians guaranteed to make you wonder, “Is it real?”

                                                 Do you love MAGIC?

If you do, then you don’t want to miss “Magic at the
Capitol,” the second annual event featuring some of the best magicians in
Texas, performing at a 100-year-old vaudeville theatre in downtown Austin.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR for Saturday, May 2, 2015.

Last year’s two shows were completely sold out, so don’t
procrastinate…get your tickets NOW by going to www.MagicAtTheCapitol.com. The
web site will tell you all about the performers on both the Children’s Matinee
and the Family-Friendly Evening Show…two different shows, both of which will
feature award-winning magicians from Austin and throughout Texas.

And let your friends who love magic know about this
opportunity!

resized__500x159_magic_at_the_capitol

BUT WAIT…THERE’S MORE!

There is another way that you can take advantage of this
amazing event: advertise your business in the 2015 Souvenir Program, to be distributed
to 500 people who love magic. The price of ads is remarkably affordable,
starting at just $25 for a business card ad. And a full page is only $100 for
black and white or $200 for a full-color ad showcasing your product or service.

Send camera-ready copy to jd@jd-stewart.com,
being sure to let him know what size ad you want and whether it is to be color
or black and white.

Here are the specific ad sizes and prices:
Full page 5 1/2″ X 8 1/2″ $100 for
black and white, $200 for full color.
Half page 5 1/2″ X 4 1/4″  $60.
Quarter page 2 3/4″ X 4 1/4″ $35.
Eighth page, or “mini business card” 2
3/4″ X 2 1/8″ $25.
Inside front or back cover (black and white)
$150, first come first served.
* Back cover in full color,  $250.

 But do it NOW…the show is only a couple of weeks away!


gay_blackstone_copyWHY THE WORLD NEEDS MAGIC

In 2012, S.A.M. Past National President Dal Sanders and Jason Van Sickle began working on on a video documentary to explain why the world needs magic. Special thanks to The S.A.M. Magic Endowment Fund for helping get this project started.

The second installment features Gay Blackstone. Gay Blackstone is certainly one of the most influential people in magic. She is a television and stage producer, director, consultant, lecturer and author. She was president of the Academy of Magical Arts and was named one of “Hollywood’s Women of Distinction” by the Hollywood
Chamber of Commerce. Jason Van Sickel and I were honored that she agreed to be part of our documentary. Click here for this interesting interview.


VANISH – THE INTERNATIONAL MAGIC MAGAZINE with articles resized__200x282_vanish_magazine_adfrom magicians far and wide, including Texas’ own Nick Lewin.  And… it’s FREE! Just go to http://www.vanishmagazine.com/ to download the latest issue.  Be sure to check out Nick’s “Constructing a Stong Magic Show” on page 120.

A FREE interactive magazine for magicians who share a passion for the art of magic.

Started by Paul Romhany in Feburary 2012, VANISH has grown to an audience of over 100,000 from over 45 countries around the world. The magazine averages over 150 pages per issue and, best of all, all issues published within the current year are FREE. Yes, you read that right!

Magic on the Grill at Tokyohana Every Thursday and Saturday Night resized__200x228_tokyohana
David Rangel coordinates a covey of local area magicians who perform close-up magic each week atop hibachi grills at Tokyohana Grill and Sushi Bar. Come enjoy some excellent oriental cuisine or sit at the sushi bar and enjoy some sushi and a drink with some magic on the side.Where: Tokyohana Grill and Sushi Bar,
3239 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77027
When: Thursdays from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:00 – 11:00 p.m.


main_street_mckinney   Second Saturday Magic Show at the
Magic Attic Theatre at Main Street
Magic & Fun Company in McKinney

Family-friendly shows at 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. February 14.

In other exciting news, the Society of Young Magicians, sponsored by Dallas Society of American Magicians, will have regular meetings at 1:00 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month at Main Street MAgic and Fun Company in McKinney. This world-wide organization for youth, ages 7 through 17 promotes interest in magic as a wholesome hobby that will help develop self-confidence and skill, the ability to speak in public, discipline that comes from learning, practicing and performing magic, and a sense of service to others through helping others learn magic and by performing magic at charitable events. To learn more or to let us know that you will be attending, please call Jennifer at 214-274-7802  or email mainstreetmagic@att.net


Magic at the Improv resized__200x47_improvlogo_copy

In Addison EVERY SUNDAY at 2:00 p.m. Doors open at 1:00 for lunch and pre-show entertainment. http://addison.improv.com/

In Arlington EVERY SUNDAY at 2:00 p.m. Featuring Christopher Lyle and Ian Richards on January 25, David Hira on February 1, and Mike Squires on February 8.  Go to http://arlington.improv.com/ for details

In Houston – Ted Schwank and Carter Blackburn take you on a high-energy adventure in magic, illusion, and comedy. For dates and times, go to http://houston.improv.com/


resized__150x99_sakuraShane Wilson & Chris Alonzo Performing At Sakura Japanese Steakhouse in Houston

Shane Wilson & Chris Alonzo now appear regularly at Pearland’s superb hibachi restaurant, Sakura. Catch live performances every Friday and Saturday beginning at 7:00 p.m.See Chris Alonzo on Fridays and Shane Wilson on Saturdays.


See Ben Jackson Live Each Week at Campioni Restaurant in North Houstonresized__200x136_campioni

Ben Jackson performs close-up magic on Tuesday and Friday nights when it doesn’t conflict with his busy professional schedule of corporate performances. Catch him when you can.

Campioni – 5419 FM 1960 West in Houston
Phone 281-893-2267 for current information and to make dinner reservations.


magic_etc

     Second Saturday Magic Sale at
Magic, Etc.,
9:00 a.m.,

Forest Park Blvd. at 1-30 in Fort Worth.


resized__120x120_laughitup

New Kid on the Block — er, new MAGIC SHOP in Texas.  Next time you’re in Beaumont, check it out!  Laugh It Up Gift Shop, 6155 Eastex Freeway, Suite 691 in Parkdale Mall. This nice little gag and gift shop has a growing magic section and always accommodates special orders.  email info@laughitupgifts.com  and check out their website at www.laughitupgifts.com


Cards in South Austinresized__150x145_card_fan

The South Austin Card Group meets on the last Saturday of each month, usually at the home of Ron Cartlidge. Get in touch with Lou Hornung at lhornumg@sbcglobal.net for details and to be added to the meeting notice distribution list.

claudiosRick Hebert – Every Other Weekend at Claudia’s in League City

Rick Hebert is performing restaurant magic every other weekend at Claudio’s Restaurant& Piano Bar in League City. Their website is: http://www.claudiospianobar.com/

Rick will be strolling table-side magic, as well as doing a short magic show on the main stage every other weekend. Check the website to dates and times.


Monday Night Magic in Arlingtoresized__150x52_humperdinks

All magic aficionados are invited to attend informal gatherings at Humperdink’s Restaurant at LaQuinta Inn, #6 North Six Flags Drive every Monday night. Bring your cards and props to practice your “chops” in the back room.

But wait….there’s more:

Second Tuesday TOO!

This special interest group focuses on performance. They meet on the second Tuesday of each month from 7 to 9:30 at Humperdink’s Restaurant at Six Flags in Arlington.

The purpose of the Mid-Cities Magic Circle is to provide a venue for Dallas/Fort Worth performing magicians to study their art and improve as public performers. The meetings will focus on a single theme each month. There is no formal membership, no notes or minutes, no officers — each meeting will address the development of performance skills, routines, and other elements important to the public performance of magic.

For more information… forget it! There is simply no one in charge who will respond! Just show up each second Tuesday at Humperdink’s Restaurant at Six Flags in Arlington at 7:00 and join in the fun and magic!

 

coming_attractions_curtainApril 21, Dallas – DMC ANNUAL MAGIC GARAGE SALE. All current members will have the chance to sell their new and gently used magic at the regular monthly meeting at Crosspointe/Theatre 166.


April 23, Austin – “Magic Hour” at The North Door starring Nick Lewin, Andrew Goldenhersh, and Patrick Terry.  Show time is 9 but doors open at 8.  The North Door is located at 502 Bushy Street. Go to http://www.ndvenue.com/ for more details.


resized__200x147_magic_liveApril 24, Mabank – MAGIC LIVE featuring BRENT FISHER a Dallas Magic Clubs “Magician of the Year”, JEFF LEE who has appeared at
Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas and at Walt Disney World, half magician/half comedian MIKE WILLIAMS, and THE PURE MAGIC OF DAL SANDERS.  You can enjoy close-up magic before the show beginning at 6:00 p.m. presented by Daniel Matijosatis, Geoffrey “Doc” Grimes and Hal Hudgins.


April 25, Houston – Jamie Salinas to perform and host Broadway resized__200x124_jamie_salinas_trophyBabies”, a variety showcase featuring magic, song, dance, comedy, and music.  Presented by Mosaic Hub at Ovations Night Club at 2536 Times Boulevard, Suite B.  For more information go to <http://www.mosaic-hub.com


resized__175x223_shawn_farquhar_poster

May 7 – Dallas Magic Clubs Annual Banquet and Show featuring Shawn Farquhar at the Hackberry Creek Country Club in Irving. Farquhar is a F.I.S.M. Grand Prix winner and president of the International Brotherhood of Magicians.

Go to www.dallasmagic.org/banquet/ to reserve your seat.

 

 

 

 


May 11, Corpus Christi – Scott Wells Lecturresized__175x203_scott_wells

Members of IBM Ring 157 in Corpus are excited to have a lecture schedule for the May meeting.  Scott Wells will travel from Houston to help local magicians entertain the children and their parents at Ronald McDonald House and then present an informative lecture to club members. Festivities get underway at 6:00 p.m. at the Ronald McDonald House, 3402 Fort Worth Street in Corpus Christi.  Everyone welcome!


Harry Allen Lecturesharry_allen

May 12, Houston www.houstonmagic.com

May 14, McAllen contact George Robinson at ibmring269@gmail.com

Although he owns Daytona Magic in Florida, Harry’s lecture is not a dealer show. He is a “magician’s magician” and is a veteran performer who makes you laugh while he astounds you.  His comedy lecture was recently featured at the Magic Castle, as well as magic clubs throughout the country.

Convention Updateaustin_2015_logo_copySeven months and counting…
If you have not registered for this Labor Day convention…what are you waiting for? If it’s award winning acts you want, boy, do we have them! Expect to see two IBM Gold Cups winners — Jade and Oscar Munoz — plus Robert Baxt, FISM Comedy winner; and Suzanne, Academy of Magic Arts Close-up Magician of the Year. There will also be plenty more wonderful magicians as well as an entire gala show with some of the most talented lady magicians in the world.To register simply click here.
The Austin host club, IBM Ring 60, is working tirelessly to make the 2015 TAOM one of the best, most fun and memorable experiences ever.resized__150x67_musical_notes_copySince Austin is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World” it makes sense to have live music performed throughout this year’s convention. Dan Page, our live music coordinator, is lining up some very talented and diverse musicians. If you play an instrument and want to help, contact Dan (craniusmagic@gmail.com) for more information!military_saluteDid you know the 2015 TAOM Convention is dedicated to our military veterans and active servicemen and women? If you are a vet or active in the military, we would like to know about you! Please contact JD Stewart jd@jd-stewart.com . We are planning something very special.
resized__150x146_party
Do you like parties? Then the events planned for Sunday evening, September 6th will be right up your alley. After everyone attends one of two private shows on 6th street at Esther’s Follies (featuring Ray Anderson) you will be invited back into the Sheraton ballroom for an exciting “Moulin Rouge” themed event.
The Last Wordjudy_passportDon’t forget about the mid-year meeting of the TAOM Board of Directors on May 2. ALL members are welcome to attend.  The meeting will start at  10:30 a.m. at the Sheraton in downtown Austin.  Mention TAOM to get a special rate if you want to stay at the Sheraton.  The fabulous MAGIC AT THE CAPITOL shows will be at the Scottish Rite Temple that afternoon at 3:30 and 8:00 p.m.

But wait….there’s more!  The night before (Friday, May 1) a bunch of usresized__200x109_ray_anderson plan to go to Esther’s Follies on Sixth Street to see Ray Anderson’s wonderful magic variety show. They have reserved a block of seats for TAOM members at the 8 o’clock show. To make reservations, call Barbara or Lindsey on the Esther’s inside line at 512-320-0198 and tell her you are with TAOM. Hope to see you there!

I know you’re probably saying, “But, Judy, I read all this last month.”  Well, you are correct, but since these are such important events by active magicians who put their heart and soul into magic, they deserve to be listed in two month’s newsletters.

Judy Hollingsworth
TAOM Club Coordinator