There are plenty of good reasons to attend the TAOM convention next year in Austin — the camaraderie, the learning, the dealers’ room.

But to these, I’ll add one more: the women magicians!

Come join us in Austin next Labor Day Weekend to see great close-up, stage and comedy magic from some of the most talented women in our field. And for the first time in its 70-year history, TAOM will host an all-female evening show.  “Magic, Music, Women & Weirdness” will feature such stars as Kyrstyn Lambert, Jade, Suzanne, Margaret Steele, Becky Blaney, Mandy Farrell, Randi Rains, Ali Shelley and Tiny Bubbles. It’s absolutely not to be missed.

But the Sept. 4-7 gathering also will include an outstanding line up of even more magicians. Interested in close-up?  John Carney, author of Carneycopia and one of magic’s best and insightful teachers, will perform and lecture.  Need help with stage movement or blocking your act? Bob Fitch — well known Broadway actor, magician and coach to the mega stars — will provide invaluable insights. Ready to increase your business with summer reading performances?  Ken Scott, an outstanding family entertainer from Atlanta, will perform a show from his summer reading program and show you how to structure a magic reading show for schools and libraries. There is so much more!

Information on the convention hotel (Sheraton Austin at the Capitol), Magic Camp for kids and how to register can be found on our website: www.taom.org/2015/convention-registration

November is the time to be thankful, a time to remember and a time to embrace those who enrich our lives. I’m thankful for a lot of things, including an extraordinary team working steadfastly to make the 2015 TAOM Convention the best ever.

May your home be filled with laughter, happiness and magic!

Happy Thanksgiving ,
Trixie Bond
President, 2015 TAOM

2015 Convention Update

Krystyn  Lambert – just one of the many lovely ladies you’ll see at the 2015
TAOM Convention.

Krystyn Lambert has become one of the most recognized female magicians in the world. Her extensive domestic and international television performances and critical acclaim within the community of magicians caught the eye of Criss Angel, who has taken her as his protégé. She was featured on his hit Spike TV series, BeLIEve, and appeared in his live show at the Luxor in Las Vegas with a brand new act for six months running. She is currently in preparations for a 2015 tour.

After starring in the award-winning documentary, Make Believe, the U.S. State Department invited Krystyn to travel through Asia. She shared her passions for magic and philosophy, educating teens about critical thinking and personal goal setting. This dedication prompted Teen Vogue to name her one of the Four Youth Activists to Watch. Recently the Magic Castle in Hollywood awarded Krystyn the coveted Junior Achievement Award, proclaiming her “a magical ambassador throughout the world.”

In addition to performing, Krystyn studied at UCLA in the department of philosophy, honors, with a focus on causation, and will begin her graduate work at UNLV. She serves the James Randi Educational Foundation, where her experiences in magic and philosophical inquiry meet. Krystyn is concentrating her efforts there on the One Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge, acting as its Associate Director.

She will bring her captivating magic to Austin in 2015 to tantalize your eyes and tease your brain.

AUSTIN MAGIC AUCTION – Saturday, February 28, 2015

Why, you ask, are we selling an empty pallet???  Well, we’re actually selling the 400 pounds of magic tricks and apparatus that was delivered on this pallet.   And that’s just ONE seller!  This magician is offering quite a collection, including Rice Patriotic Ropes, effects from Warren Stephens, Mak Magic, Abbotts, Barry Mitchell, Hughes, Onoaka, Ickle Pickle and more.

There is still time for YOU to be one of the 75 sellers at the “World Famous 2015 Austin Magic Auction.”  All you have to do is drop me an email at Trixie@trixiebond.com stating your desire to be a seller. I will reply with your seller number and further instructions.

You may review all the rules and auction information on our website http://austinmagicauction.com.   Clean out your closets, drawers, garages, storage units and let us turn your unused, unwanted props into cash!
Saturday, February 28, 2015 will be here soon!

Magically,
Trixie Bond. Chairman
2015 Austin Magic Auction

Curt Miller with NEW Magic, Music, & Fun!
Moody Gardens Presents A Magical Christmas 2014
Dinner & Show starring Master Illusionist Curt Miller & Friends

During the past two years at the Moody Gardens Hotel, Curt Miller’s Christmas show has been seen by over 15,000 people, receiving rave reviews and standing ovations. This year Curt has enhanced the show with spectacular new illusions complimented with a new score of heartwarming holiday music and imaginative choreography.

Curt has recently acquired Doug Henning’s “Crystal Casket” illusion that was used in “The Magic Show” on Broadway back in 1974 and is putting it on stage for the public to enjoy for the first time in over 30 years!  About 70% of the show is brand new this year, including a floating lit Christmas Star that looks absolutely amazing.

A Magical Christmas 2014 runs December 18 – 27. Doors open at 6:30 pm for guests to enjoy a sumptuous holiday buffet dinner prepared by renowned Executive Chef Robbin Murphy. The 70-minute spectacular show starts at 8 pm. Come see why families all over Texas are making A Magical Christmas
Dinner and Show an annual holiday tradition. Bring the whole family,
friends and co-workers and prepare for a terrific evening of holiday
song, dance and…Magic!  For show and diner tickets visit www.MoodyChristmasShow.com  or call 409-683-4186.

The beautiful Moody Gardens Hotel offers packages that include tickets to A Magical Christmas 2014, tickets to the Festival of Lights, and complimentary parking. For reservations call 888-388-8484.

Curt says, “This promises to be our best “A Magical Christmas” yet!  I look forward to seeing my fellow magicians and magic enthusiasts, and I thank everyone for supporting my “old-school” big time magic show!”

Magic on the Grill
at Tokyohana Every Thursday and Saturday Night

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.

Magic & Fun Company in McKinney – Shows at 7:00 and 9:00 p.m.

Magic
at the Improv

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

In Arlington EVERY SUNDAYwww.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 www.improvhouston.com

;

Shane Wilson &
Chris Alonzo Performing At Sakura Japanese Steakhouse

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.

Check Shane’s calendar by

Clicking Here for the current schedule of this and other of his public performances.

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

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.

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

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

Cards in South Austin

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.

Rick Hebert Every
Other Weekend at Claudia’s in League City

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 Arlington

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

DEALT- The Richard Turner Documentary

Local Texan documentary director, Luke Korem, is taking on the monumental task of telling the inspiring story of Richard Turner. Now, the DEALT team is looking for help to complete the film through crowd funding on Indiegogo. Check out the campaign for chance to get a copy of the film, autographed items from Richard Turner, and invitations to the film’s private premiere in Austin, TX set to screen long before the public release of the movie.

DEALT tells the incredibly inspiring story about one man’s relentless pursuit of his dream despite losing his vision. Richard Turner shows that there are few limitations in life. His no excuse attitude motivates people to “win with the hand you’ve been dealt in life” saying, “no matter what hand you’re dealt, don’t let anyone tell you you can’t play.” However, Richard doesn’t only say these things. He lives them. His story is full of bigger than life adventures – cliff diving, shark hunting, driving with his deaf friend, run ins with the mob, earning his 6th degree black belt in karate, not to mention being a world class card mechanic – all while being blind. Richard’s story is truly a once in a lifetime tale.

He is a phenomenon in the world of magic. For forty years he has dazzled audiences around the globe appearing in Hollywood films, major network TV specials, and performing nightly at the historic Magic Castle in LA. He does it all with only a deck of cards. But for those who observe him closely, they will discover his most amazing feat: Richard Turner is completely blind.

You can be part of this incredible tale by supporting the production.  Go to <www.igg.me/at/dealtmovie  for details and to see an amazing teaser promo video.  The official website is www.dealtmovie.com

Greetings, Compeers!

Please send me your recommendations for magician in your community who might quality for a Presidential Citation from S.A.M. National President Kenrick “Ice” McDonald. Candidates should be a member of S.A.M., active in the local assembly, go above and beyond the call of duty, donate time and magic to worthwhile organizations and events, and have a high respect for magic and its secrets.

Send your nominations to ne and include (1) name of the nominee, assembly affiliation, address, “real” job, position in the assembly, magic interests, efforts to further the art of magic, and community involvement in sharing and giving to others.

I’m sure there are many, many members out there who deserve this recognition! Please consider taking a few minutes of your time to nominate someone.

Sincerely, in Magic, Unity, and Might,

Michael Tallon, S.A.M. South Central Region RVP

mtallon@att.net

Home: (210) 341-6959

Cell: (210) 355-3434

So much to do and so few of me.  There’s magic in the air at our house along with plans for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Both seem to come earlier every year.  We have plans for another magical Christmas you might like to share.  Let your inner child out and join us at Moody Gardens in Galveston for Curt Miller’s magic extravaganza.  This will be our third year to pretend we’re kids again as we enjoy the movies, animals, sights and sounds of Christmas at Moody Gardens on December 23, 24, & 25.  Hope to see you there!

Judy Hollingsworth
TAOM Club Coordinator