Latest Magic News

Joel Ward: Magician to the Stars Plays the Heartland

Joel WardMagician Joel Ward  will be making his first appearance at Ball State University tomorrow night.  He gave The Daily News an exclusive interview in advance of that appearance in which he traced his start in our wonderful craft and explained “how magic can be the greatest pick-up line.”

The article names Mr. Ward “Magician to the Stars” and it sure sounds like he has an in with the in-crowd.  He is currently in the midst of a college tour and estimates he will perform about a hundred shows in 2015.

Living in Hollywood, I get to perform at some cool places. I perform regularly for celebrities. Recently, I performed a private party for Johnny Depp. That was pretty cool. And I also performed for Katy Perry’s birthday party. That was equally cool. She rented out this private club in Hollywood called the “Magic Castle.” There were tons of celebrities there and I ended up hanging out with John Mayer and Neil Patrick Harris for the night.

He counts David Copperfield, Lance Burton, Penn & Teller and Michael Carbonaro as his past and present influences and encourages folks interested in magic to check out libraries, the internet and societies like The International Brotherhood of Magicians.  But, he adds, “if all of this sounds too hard, you can just buy a magic trick after my show on Wednesday. I sell a cool card trick for $5.”

We have seen Mr. Ward perform and love his energy and imagination.  His show is not to be missed.

Check out the full article here.

Visit Mr. Ward’s website here.

Magic of UK

Magic Waters and Confused Animals in Cheltenham

Inside Magic Image of DynamoThe Session is billed as the UK’s only close-up magic convention; it is “a conference for serious close-up magicians.”  This year the two-day fete was held in Cheltenham.

We have never been to Cheltenham but it sounds wonderful.  According to the internet, the town “has no fewer than five festivals, devoted to Literature, Music, Science, Jazz and, perhaps most famously, National Hunt racing.”

We are not sure what category close-up magic would occupy although probably not “National Hunt racing.”

The town was made famous by its spas or the ‘waters.’  Visitors to the waters have included Queen Victoria, the Duke of Wellington, Jane Austen and Lord Byron.  We have heard of each of these people and therefore are very impressed.

We were even more impressed by the line-up of magicians in Cheltenham this weekend.  Promoters listed Juan Tamariz, Asi Wind, Michael Weber, Peter Clifford, Luke Jermay, Andi Gladwin, Joshua Jay, Boris Wild, Roberto Giobbi and Daniel Madison.

But we have it on good authority – YouTube and Twitter – that David Blaine and Dynamo were also in the area.

According to the social media authorities, Derren Brown, Dynamo and Mr. Blaine went to Kukui, a nightclub on Bath Road. Danny Valentine is the manager of that establishment and told local media that the “punters” were stunned by Mr. Blaine’s magic.  “He was really great and did tricks for people in his private booth. He was really nice and polite and let one of the customers play with his pack of cards.”

Just below the article about these icons of magic descending on this historic town was a link to an article that may or may not have been related to this weekend’s celebration: “Walter the dog is confused by his squeaky toy – VIDEO.”

It sounds like there was a lot of surprise and fun confusion happening.  We wish we could have been there.

 

Latest Magic News

Criss Angel Adds Lunch to His Sold-Out Schedule in Easton

Inside Magic Image of Criss AngelIt is a great publicity person who can sell the story of a magician eating lunch.

Credit goes to the folks behind the scenes for magician Criss Angel who got great copy in The Morning Call from Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania.

We reported earlier that Mr. Angel will perform two shows at Easton’s State Theatre on January 20th and now we learn that he will also eat lunch the day before those two show.

“On the 19th, I’m going to be chilling at Billy’s Downtown Diner in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania,” Mr. Angel can be heard saying in a video posted on the diner’s website, www.billysdiner.com. “I’m going to chill and have my Mind Freak burger. So have some lunch with me.”

The restaurant will host a daily contest where hopeful diners can answer a trivia question for two passes to the VIP Room.

Lest one think this is a random event, it turns out that Billy’s diner is owned by Billy Kounoupis, Mr. Angel’s cousin.

Mr. Angel has roots in the Easton area.  His late father, John Sarantakos,  attended Easton Area High School, and his grandfather a local restaurant across Easton’s Northampton Street from The State Theatre.

“Easton just has a special place in my heart,” Angel said. “My dad really loved Easton. It has a very special place in my heart because of all the memories we shared in Easton.”

Mr. Angel’s early show (6 p.m.) is sold out and there are but a few seats remaining for the 9:30 p.m. performance.

On a related note, we will be at the 7-11 on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood this Thursday night where fans can join us in a Slurpee® and Big Bite® Hot Dog.  We will be in the parking lot by the Redbox® machine.

Latest Magic News

Magician Performs Trick to Avoid Speeding Ticket

steven-brundageThere is a difference between street magic and side of the road magic.  Both are good, but one can get you out of traffic tickets.

Magician Steven Brundage was driving home from a holiday party and law enforcement in Scotia, New York clocked him going 42 mph in a 30 mph zone.

He was pulled over and the officer asked the usual questions one expects to hear, “where are you coming from? Do you know how fast you were going? Why do you have a Rubik’s Cube and playing cards on your front seat?”

He explained to the officer that he was a magician and was returning home from a performance.

The officer demanded proof.

“I said absolutely, and asked if I could record it mainly because it’s not every day an officer asks you to perform a trick,” Mr. Brundage said.  “I also asked if I could step out of the car and he said sure. As soon as I took the video, I called my girlfriend and said, ‘I have a viral video.'”

He got out of the ticket and has a new publicity piece.  Mr. Brundage’s video became a big hit on YouTube and Facebook.  He even got a gig on Good Morning America.

Some have suggested the video is not authentic and was staged for publicity purposes.  Regardless, it is a great angle or cool true story.

Inside Magic does not condone speeding or lawless driving habits – even if one hopes to be pulled over for magic-based reasons.

Check out Mr. Brundage’s video here.

Latest Magic News

Hollywood Press Ga-Ga Over the Illusionists

The IllusionistsOut here in the greater Hollywood environs, just about everyone gets The Wrap delivered throughout the day to their email address.

It is one of the industry news sources, along with The Hollywood Reporter and Variety, relied upon by those in power and those hoping to one day attain power.

The Wrap emails come as entertainment news breaks: a dependable Hollywood star loses funding on his next big movie, a venerable talent agency picks up a new five-star client, a disgruntled writer sues a studio for allegedly ripping off a script idea.  If Congress decided to declare war on Canada, it would not likely be in The Wrap, Hollywood Reporter or Variety unless it affected production on some film project in Toronto.

The big three also publish reviews of plays, movies, live shows and artistic endeavors.  The Hollywood reviewers are usually very knowledgeable and pragmatic in their evaluation of the shows.  They can also be brutal.

We were relieved, then, to read the glowing reviews of The Illusionists: Witness the Impossible in The Wrap.

The producers of that ill-fated “Houdini” musical starring Hugh Jackman can let out a collective sigh of relief that their star decided not to do the show. “The Illusionists: Witness the Impossible” opened Thursday at the Marquis Theatre and there’s no way a tuner based on the life of the world’s most famous illusionist could possibly be any more fun and awe-inspiring than this new magic show on Broadway.

The review describes the performers in glowing terms and with the enthusiasm normally found in a devotee rather than a jaded critic.

“Anyone who’s ever seen newsreels of Houdini performing this feat, or others like it, has wanted to go back in time to experience first-hand the cheesy excitement of seeing a brilliant stunt performer at work risking his life. Here’s your chance.”

The reviewer describes Inside Magic Favorite Dan Sperry’s performance as the most frightening.

The scariest moment in the show, however, involved a woman from out of town who really, really didn’t want to play a game of Russian roulette with the very Goth and genuinely weird Dan Sperry (The Anti-Conjuror). By the way, what is an anti-conjuror? Whatever, in addition to creeping people out, Sperry conjures up a whole menagerie of flying birds from his Count Dracula get-up. Truly amazing.

The Illusionists: Witness the Impossible runs through January 4 on Broadway before embarking on a multi-city tour of the United States.

Read The Wrap’s review here.

Magic of UK

Charlie Frye & Company Bring Masters of Illusion Show to Gibraltar

Charlie Frye & CompanyThe all star cast is headlined for the 6th triumphant year by Las Vegas hit show Charlie Frye & Company.  When it comes to combining world class juggling, sleight of hand, and physical comedy, no one does it better.  Charlie Frye & Company are renowned throughout the world and this is their first ever show in Gibraltar helping build on the success of this magical event.

Also starring this year:

YUNKE
A magical innovator whose magic is full of mystery beauty and risk.  He has performed in all five continents and appeared on TV shows across the world including A3s popular “El Hormiguerro”. His state-of-the art illusions are second to none: his magic is different: his working philosophy and approach to magic are unique.

MANU
Manu will take you back to the origins of magic, how did it all start? Showcasing some of the oldest illusions made famous by Harry Houdini and other historical magicians.

NUEL
Nuel is back by popular demand with new mind-blowing acts, he takes magic to new levels and audiences around the world have loved his act. You may have seen him at Masters of Ilusion last year and at the Family Pavilion at the fair. He can’t wait to be back and we’re sure neither are you to see him back!

FASTER THAN MAGIC
Our local illusionists, and organisers of this event, will also be taking to the stage with brand new illusions.  The team will be showcasing some new tricks which will blow your mind.

ALEXANDER G
A young magician with a very creative and different act. This year he has been invited to Le plus cabaret du monde the most important variety in France TV.

A show for all the family with profits donated to the GBC Open Day.  From 4th – 7th December at Ince’s Hall Theatre with matinees on 6th & 7th at 2:30pm  Tickets £12 on sale at Chique Boutique, Ocean Village

Latest Magic News

Wes Iseli’s Magic Marathon for Miracle Network

Wes IseliCharlottesville, Virginia’s The Daily Progress has a great write-up about magician Wes Iseli’s quest to perform 72 magic shows in a row to raise awareness and funds for the Children’s Miracle Network.

He will be at the Walmart in Ruckersville performing his “24 Hours of Magic”  beginning next Tuesday at 10 a.m.

“I will be there for 24 hours. Come before work, come after work, come during your lunch break. Come and watch for a few minutes and throw some loose change in the bucket to help a good cause.”

This is the eighth annual magic marathon and a great way to start the holiday season.

“One year a cop pulled up late at night and asked me what I was doing out there on the sidewalk,” Mr. Iseli said. “I explained that I was doing a 24-hour magic show, and I did a couple of tricks.

“The cop spoke into his radio, ‘Bob, you have to see this.’ Before I knew it, there were 12 police cars around me. There wasn’t anything going on at that time of night, so I did my show, and they stayed for about an hour. It was a blast.

“This is by far one of my favorite events each year,” Mr. Iseli said. “The fact that I can use my love for magic to help these kids is just awesome.”

“The University of Virginia Children’s Hospital, with the help of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, is able to provide high-quality care for children in Central Virginia and beyond,” said Ryan Lightner, the Children’s Miracle Network program coordinator at UVa.  “For eight years now, Wes has been a great advocate for us with his 24 Hours of Magic, and we look forward to working with him for many years to come.”

Check out Mr. Iseli’s website at: www.wesiseli.com

Magic in the Movies, Magic on TV

Jennifer Lawrence Loves Close-Up Magic

Jennifer LawrenceWe knew we liked Jennifer Lawrence for some reason.  Yes, she is a big star and in that movie about hungry kids fighting each other and watching TV or something.

But more importantly, she was outed yesterday as a lover of close-up magic.

According to ABC News Elizabeth Banks spilled the beans in an MTV interview:
“She loves close-up magic,” Banks told MTV. “That’s just a thing about her. She’s like obsessed with David Blaine.”

The reporter asked Banks if Lawrence, 24, could perform magic, and once again, her response was classic.

“She can’t do any magic,” Banks said of Lawrence. “Except entrancing nations to fall in love with her. But she really enjoys magic tricks.”
We’re not making this up.  You check it for yourself and see here.

Latest Magic News, Magic Book Review

I Lie for Money Available for Pre-Order

Inside Magic Image of I Lie for Money CoverSteve Spill sent along news of his soon to be release memoir, I Lie for Money: Candid, Outrageous Stories from a Magician?s Misadventures.

You can pre-order it from Amazon.com and it looks fantastic!

From the Amazon preview page:

This funny, irreverent, unique, eccentric memoir, magician Steve Spill reveals how he managed to survive decades inside a rarely profitable, sometimes maddening, but often deliciously rewarding offbeat showbiz profession—magic!
Spill tells of how his tailor grandfather sewed secret pockets in a magician’s tuxedo back in 1910, which started his childhood dream to become a magician.

This dream took Spill on a journey that started with him performing, as a young boy, at a “Beauty on a Budget” neighborhood house party to engagements in Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean, to today in Santa Monica, California, where he’s been starring in his own shows since 1998 at Magicopolis, the theater he designed and built himself.
Being a magician has given Spill the opportunity to interact with the world’s most famous and fascinating people. In his memoir, Spill reveals the many unique encounters that his profession has led him to enjoy and endure: hosting Sting as his opening act one night, spending two days on camera with Joan Rivers, and selling tricks to Bob Dylan, as well as encounters with Adam Sandler, Meg Ryan, Jamie Lee Curtis, Stephen King, and other celebrities.

I Lie for Money . . . is a literary magic show that captures the highs and lows of an extraordinary life that will delight and amaze you with wit and wickedness.

This book should be an obligatory read for anyone considering a creative career, and it serves as an inspiration to those who desire to craft an independent life.

We’re looking forward to what sounds to be a great read.  Congratulations to Steve.

 

Magic of Canada

Peter Marucci Lauded by Canadian Press

Inside Magic Image of Peter MarucciMagician Peter Marucci received a great write-up from Canada’s The Wellington Adviser noting his unprecedented second win of the International Brotherhood of Magicians’ Howard Bamman trophy.

He is the only Canadian to win the award and the only magician to win it twice.

The award was given in recognition of Mr. Marucci’s 28-year contribution The Linking Ring.

IBM members know Mr. Marucci from his Showtime column in our organization’s official magazine.  He is a great writer and has been incredibly prolific.

The article provides a nice history of Mr. Marucci and his career in magic and journalism.

Mr. Marucci performed across North America in venues from conventions, trade shows, clubs restaurants, street fairs and festivals.

He even had his own restaurant where he performed for diners.

Congratulations to Mr. Marucci on the great piece and thanks for his wonderful contribution to our art over the years.