The Best Close-Up Convention in the United States – John Luka PresentsInside MagicMagic News Updated Daily for the Professional Magician

John Luka – Master of the Close-Up

John Luka is, to quote Arthur Miller, “a prince of a man.” He seems to know everyone in Magic and either has influence or dirt on them because he can get the big acts to come to our magic club on a consistent basis. He is not just nice, then; he is influential and talented.

When he decided to do the Motor City Close-Up Convention, he vowed to do it in a first-class manner. He has had great acts presented in a perfect venue. John limits the attendance to make it possible for those who pay the very reasonable fee to see the magic and learn.

I was at the Abbott’s Close-Up Convention and while the two acts were good and the lectures were good, I couldn’t see anything to the stage left side of the shop. They had over-sold the convention and so when Doc Eason showed the folks on my right, I missed out. If you want to read a review of the Abbott’s experience and my use of magic to get out of a very expensive speeding ticket, look here.

Mr. Luka’s convention is designed to allow you and me to learn. The extra costs associated with this type of intimacy with the great performers are well worth it. I don’t know where you live. If I did, I’d be a stalker and that would be a violation of the most recent court order. But if you live anywhere near the Southeastern part of …

John Luka – Master of the Close-Up

Okay, so who are the acts that you’ll be seeing close-up and close-up?

There will be Daryl, Dan Fleshman, Garrett Thomas and Dan Tong up-close and doing close-up. You’ll get to meet the magicians, hang with them, ask them questions and even share your ideas with them.

Because I am getting ready to win FISM, I am hesitant to share my new close-up routine where I cleverlyemploy anesthetized mice as my beautiful assistants (complete with gowns or hot pants, as appropriate) to do a mini version of a full illusion show. I do the Asrah, Zig-Zag, Girl (anesthetized mouse) Without a Middle and my encore, Origami. The anesthetized mouse has to be shoved into position and yanked up at the end – kind of gross. I’m thinking if I do it to music, the sound of mouse sinew being pulled might not be heard.

Mr. Luka, Author

There will be four lectures, four optional workshops and three close-up shows. Daryl will be conducting his “Impromptu Magic” workshop. If you want, you can learn some very strong impromptu magic utilizing every day objects like dollar bills, coins, pencils and paper clips but not mice (anesthetized or not). This workshop is a separate event and if you want to attend, you have to sign-up for it now. Spaces are limited and there is an extra cost for it.

All events take place at the Ramada Inn of Taylor, Michigan, located four miles east of the Detroit Metropolitan Airport at I-75 and Eureka Road. Phone (734) 283-2200 for room reservations and other hotel information. Last year’s convention was a near sell-out. This year’s reservations are ahead of last year. Assure yourself a place at this year’s Motor City by registering now.

My favorite thing about any convention is the dealer room. I walk around the room, look for new tricks I can’t afford, buy the tricks I can’t afford, and write about the experience here.Mr. Lukahas signed up some great dealers: Mike Powers Magic, Hank Moorehouse, Mint Magic, Gordon Miller, The Magic Shop, and more to be announced later. I am going to try to have an Inside Magic booth there as well.

Visit Mr. Luka’s site and sign-up. I am not hyping the event because of the tremendous respect I have for him and his ability. I’m not saying you should go because he fooled me out of my sox with what I suspect but couldn’t prove was a Himber Wallet and a double-faced card or the true powers of Magic channeled through his hands. I’m saying because if you don’t attend, you will miss one of the best conventions, close-up or stage, anywhere.

Full registration is $70.00 per person, after October 10th $75.00, at the door $80.00. Make out your check or money order, payable in U.S. dollars, to John Luka Magic. Send payment to John Luka Magic, 25744 Melody, Taylor, MI 48180-3284. For further information email: JohnLukaMagic@aol.com or visit johnlukamagic/convention. As always, tell Mr. Luka that I sent you. That way he’ll like me more and I’ll feel special.