Magic Convention Guide

We have a brief chat with Derek Lever about this years convention and a quick chat with The Magic Circle, and Equity at this years Blackpool Magicians Convention

Blackpool Magic Convention is just around the corner, over 3,500 magicians will head to the Winter Gardens for a weekend of magic, illusion and entertainment. Andy Reay managed to grab some time with top international illusionist Franz Harary, listen to his magical influences growing up, what special things he's packing to bring to Blackpool for both the Magicians and the public. His relationship with those he's worked in the music industry, and his view of the changing face of magic today.

This podcast features two of magic’s most respected thinkers and creators – Michael Weber and Derek DelGaudio. Listen in as they discuss the next generation of magicians, the YouTube effect, and what to expect at Magic-Con

This podcast features one of the most respected and creative minds in magic, Chris Kenner. Listen in as he speaks about the art of magic, what makes Magic-Con different, and what we can expect from him and others in March.

Ian Rowland will be appearing at Tabula Mentis VI this november, we chatted with him about his influences, mentalism, how he got started, and his appearance at Tabula Mentis itself.

This podcast features one of magic's most respected thinkers and creators - Michael Weber. If you've never heard Weber speak before, if you're never seen his work, prepare to have your mind blown. His thought process and philosophy on magic and presentation is something we can all learn from and aspire to possess. Listen in as he speaks about magic, the related arts, and even hints about what he will present at Magic-Con in March. For more information about Magic-Con, check the official site at www.magic-con.org. The conference will be held March 18th through the 21st in San Diego, California. Registration begins October 17th!

In this podcast Jonathan Bayme and Dave Buck hosted Magic-Con's second podcast with two very special guests, John Lovick and Eric Mead. Dave talks further about what Magic-Con is and who it’s for and ended with a few details about the event including when registration will go on sale. Also in the podcast, John Lovick and Eric Mead discuss the importance of a serious conference for magicians and why the goal of Magic-Con is important. Eric also provides some valuable feedback for the younger generation of magicians and hints to what he might be talking about. It’s an insightful discussion and just a tease to what you can expect at Magic-Con.

Dave Buck talks with Jonathan Bayme of Theory11 to discuss Magic-Con. In the podcast, Dave talks about who Magic-Con is for as well as why it will be different from any other magic convention. The question regarding registration price is finally answered as well as some other really exciting news and information.

John Lenahan will be joining the long list of headline magical performers at this year’s British Ring convention in Southport. John came to Britain in 1984 from his native Philadelphia for a short trip and has never quite made it back. From an inauspicious beginning John has become a successful corporate entertainer. Grabbing headlines in 1994 when he was the first person in 85 years to be expelled from The Magic Circle. Following an appearance on the BBC 1 Show ‘How Do They Do That?’ explaining a the Three Card Monte. He considered it to be, as did many others, to be more of a gambling con than a trick. His subsequent TV appearance in his own 1997 series for BBC 2 ‘Stuff the White Rabbit’ drew rapturous praise from the press. This series achieved record ratings for the slot and was responsible for influencing a number of youngsters to become magicians. 2004 saw him starring in the BBC 1 Show ‘Secrets of Magic’. He has played the voice of the Talkie Toaster in the first series of Red Dwarf and made guest appearances on everything from TFI Friday to Celebrity Squares and has regularly compered and topped the bill at London’s Comedy Store. He has also fronted Hoax Busters an ITV network show lifting the lid on scams and hoaxes. John’s first novel ‘Shadowmagic’ was published last year. ‘Shadowmagic’ is a fantasy adventure novel very loosely based on Irish mythology where every chapter ends on the edge of a cliff (or at least on a high curb). It has been widely recommended.

IrishMagicNews talks with Ireland's most successful all round magician Pat Fallon - MIMC Gold Star. Pat talks about his career, being the pioneer of close-up magic in Ireland and touches on the effects his marriage break-up with his then assistant had on him. He talks about how he has coped & come through the other side and tells us all about his upcoming appearances all over the globe and of course his much anticipated evening show - Rabbits, Hats & Big Boxes - appearing at The Mill Theatre in September. Pat Fallon also earlier this morning (4th September) was awarded the prestigious Merlin Award for Family Magic Show of the Year from Tony Hassini, president of The International Magicians Society. Pat was surprised with the award during his breakfast show TV appearance to publicise his upcoming Rabbits, Hats & Big Boxes show. Pat joins an illustrious list of previous recipients which include among others the likes of David Copperfield, Doug Henning, Chris Angel, Penn & Teller and Siegfried & Roy.

We talk with Thom Peterson about how his interest in magic started very early age and grow through his University years. How he is one of the very few performers authorised to perform in every room at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, which he is a regular performer at, his move to the UK and some things you may not know about Thom. Find out why when Thom performs the audience is reduced to laughing like a little children, utter only vowel sounds, quote scripture and stamp their feet so hard that Dr. Scholl will wake-up...

Anthony Jacquin's book 'Reality is Plastic: The Art of Impromptu Hypnosis' has generated a lot of interest in the magic and mentalism world, learning hypnosis and hypnotherapy from his father, and cutting through the complexities of traditional hypnosis, mixing mentalism, hypnotism and something very special, find out why the book, and Anthony have been causing a stir lately by listening to our interview

Docc Hilford is appearing at Tabula Mentis V in London on the 25th April 2009. We caught up with Docc before he comes over to chat about his past, his life, and what he'll be doing at London's best mentalism meeting. Hear how Docc got started in magic and mentalism, his encounters with Orville Meyer, Palm Reading for Strippers, what he thinks of mentalism today, his Dr Cocktail act, what he's looking forward to on his visit to the UK, and his future projects and plans.

We talk to David Mass of David and Dania about their upcoming appearance at the IBM Convention Southport, how they got started, new projects including 'Pop Goes The Magic', BBC one's 'Tonights The Night' and their first workshop on their actual quick change techniques.

'Card Capers' on the 10th May and the 13th September in Worthing and Leamington Spa, with the worthing date almost completely sold out, you may be wondering what all the excitement is about. Paul kindly allowed us to catch up with him and chat about how he started in magic, just why it's important to read your magic books cover to cover, and exactly what you can get out of attending this years 'Card Capers' day.

Patrick Redford is appearing at the South Tyneside Festival of Magic this month, and spoke to us about his lecture, master class and appearance at the convention.

We talk to Bob Sheets about his Three shell game master class for South Tyneside Magic Festival later this month, and look deep into his past at the Circus, the Navy, and just how he works on effects.

Andy Reay Talks to Paul Romhany about his appearance at the South Tyneside Magic Festival, Charlie Chaplin, and his experience of working on cruise ships

a quick podcast we recorded around Blackpool, including David Blaine, talking about his UK tour, along with details for next year

We talk with Rudy Coby, the Worlds Coolest Magician, about what brought him back to magic, and what they Blackpool Magic Convention Attendees can expect from his return to Close-up and his new lecture and Gala Show Act.