Today’s Magic News for September 15thInside MagicMagic News Updated Daily for the Professional Magician

Get On Board the Party Bus

In Today?s Magic News, we have nothing but good and positive material. You?ll learn about the USDA?s latest move in the Siegfried & Roy Tape Struggle, David Merry?s plans for October, the Return of Jack Barrows to Colon, and Trey Cromwell and Michael Taggert?s Upcoming Show in Fredericksburg.

Before we jump into the news, we have two items to mention: a contest and a correction.

The Contest

Two years ago, Inside Magic named Henry Evans the Inside Magic Magician of the Year. He was very kind and thanked us for the honor and we felt good about ourselves. Last year, we were to announce the Magician of the Year in the first week of October but the tragedy at the Mirage on October 3^rd overshadowed any announcement we could have made.

Magician of the Year: Henry Evans

In the first week of October, this year, we will name the Inside Magic Magician of the Year for 2004 and we need your help. Please send your nominations to us at the email address below.

Here are the rules. The nominee: 1) must have actually performed, written, lectured or taught magic in 2004; 2) need not be a professional or semi-professional magician; 3) need not be well-known around the world; 4) need not be of any specific age or gender; and 5) must have demonstrated his or her commitment to the Art of Magic through his or her work in 2004.

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Get On Board the Party Bus

Before we jump into the news, we have two items to mention: a contest and a correction.

The Contest

Magician of the Year: Henry Evans

In the first week of October, this year, we will name the Inside Magic Magician of the Year for 2004 and we need your help. Please send your nominations to us at the email address below.

The rules are pretty simple. Send your nominations to: magician@insidemagic.com. We will publish a list of the top vote-getters later this month so your nominations should be sent by September 25^th. We?ll select the winner not only by the number of votes but by an evaluation of the nominee?s effect on and contribution to Magic. (By the way, you can nominate yourself).

The Correction

Not My Wife

In yesterday?s version of the Inside Magic Newsletter (and if you don’t receive a copy of the daily news letter, sign up by using the box on the right column), I mentioned, jokingly, that I was married to a soap opera star and that I had invented legumes. I regret the error.

I received a note from CBS Television in New York advising that I was specifically prohibited from disclosing my connection with their star for fear that news of our marriage would destroy her show?s ratings.

I knew our marriage would be tough to manage with her being a successful and popular star seen by millions each week and regularly on the cover of Soap Opera Digest and with me sitting at a computer all day typing stories about Magic.

We thought we could make a go of it and are still optimistic that ?this too will pass.? I have been assured by CBS that my disclosure has not adversely affected her career because ?it is unlikely anyone reads your newsletter.?

I also received a note from the U.S. Extension and Farm System saying I should not claim to be married to a soap opera star or inventing legumes.

USDA Gives Up in Pursuit of Siegfried & Roy Attack Tape. As Inside Magic has been reporting, the US Department of Agriculture has relentlessly sought a copy of the video tape of the tiger attack that nearly killed Roy Horn.

Despite no longer needing to review the tape to support their stated claim to investigate the welfare of the animals used in the show, the government agency threatened monetary fines if a copy was produced.

Feld Entertainment has consistently offered to show the tape to investigators but refused to provide a copy for fear it would somehow be leaked. The USDA finally agreed — probably not coincidentally on the day before the 90 minute NBC special on Roy’s miraculous recovery.

A Nevada legislator was ready to propose a law specifically written to prohibit the USDA’s taking the tape.

David Merry

David Merry Lectures In Calgary October 16^th. The Vanishing Rabbit Magic Shop sent word that David Merry, one of the funniest men in magic, will lecture at the shop on October 16^th at 2:00.

Mr. Merry has traveled the globe for the last twenty years with many versions of his 45 min. stand up comedy magic act as well as doing unbelievable sleight of hand in close up settings and corporate functions.

Mr. Merry is not only a great guy but he has a twisted wit that appeals to the twisted among us. You may have seen him at the Abbott?s Get-Together or as opening act for any number of performers ? from Jerry Seinfeld to the Beach Boys to Weird Al Yankovic to Engelbert Humperdinck.

My family was embarrassed by how loudly and uncontrollably I was laughing when I saw Mr. Merry perform. He has written jokes for Rodney Dangerfield and Joan Rivers and has been a contributing writer for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

But he is more than just the funniest person you?ll see in a decade; he is also an accomplished magician and master of close-up. He works for major corporations in their hospitality and trade-show areas. If you are anywhere near The Vanishing Rabbit Magic Shop in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, you owe it to yourself to attend this lecture. The tickets cost $30.00 (CDN) in advance and $35.00 at the door.

FAB Adds Jack Barrows. Jack Barrows, formerly of Abbott?s Magic, has accepted position as General Sales Manager at FAB Magic. Both Abbott?s FAB are located in The Magic Capital of the World, Colon, Michigan.

Mr. Barrows brings his experience from Abbott?s, his eight years editing and publishing ?The Magician? magazine and his love of our Art. He will start working on November 3^rd and will run the shop Tuesdays through Saturdays. Rick and Cheryl Fisher will have an Open House to welcome Mr. Barrows back to Colon. Mr. Fisher said the addition of Mr. Barrows is necessary because of the new magic shop?s success. It will also free up Mr. Fisher?s time to continue the growth of the business.

Welcome back Mr. Barrows and congratulations to FAB Magic.

Troy Cromwell

Magicians Cromwell and Taggert Take Federicksburg, PA. Trey Cromwell and Michael Taggert will present their unique take on magic and allow the audience to experience ?improbable theater.? The two performers will offer sleight of hand, stage illusion, mind reading, and audience participation magic.

This show is geared for the whole family and appropriate for all ages. Tickets: $5 for children, ages 3 to 15; $10 for adults. Magnificent Magic–Out of the Ordinary: Sept. 26, 2:30-4 p.m., Dorothy Hart Community Center.