(Scott Wells • April 28, 2008) Howdy friends. Seven Houston magicians were among the 120 registrants who attended the F.F.F.F. convention in Batavia, NY this past week. The 38th annual F.F.F.F. invitation-only event feted Boris Wild as the Guest of Honor (GOH). Next year's GOH will be Henry Evans. Obie O'Brien has said he will retire as the "Head Forker" with the 40th event in 2010 when the reins will be turned over to an as-yet-unnamed organizer; however, the event will then be called "Obie's F.F.F.F. Original Close-Up Convention". That year will also be special as Obie himself will be the GOH. (read more...)

One of the advantages of having a good contingent of Houston magicians at this year's F.F.F.F. (and of particular interest to all magicians) was that we found and booked some great acts and lecturers for the T.A.O.M. convention that will take place in Houston over Labor Day weekend in 2009. The talent booked will remain a surprise for now, but I will say that the names include a few international acts and some American performers who have never been seen at any previous T.A.O.M. convention. Let me just say that you will love them.

This past Thursday night was the opening of the "Ta Da! Comedy and Magic Night" at Houston's Improv Comedy Club. Nearly 300 guests packed the house to see close-up magic by Richard Hatch and Jamie Salinas followed by a fun magic and comedy act by Magic Mike and Jeff Lee (both from Dallas) and Richard Hatch hosted by Jamie Salinas, The next event is scheduled for Wednesday May 7th and will feature a rare public performance of the "World's Number One Thought Reader"\," Banachek. Described as the "Cream of the Crop" when it comes to entertainers, Banachek's talents are so incredible that he is the only mentalist ever to fool scientists into believing he possessed ‘psychic powers' only to later reveal he was fooling them. Performers around the world such as Penn & Teller, James "The Amazing" Randi and Criss Angel seek his performing expertise. Companies and theaters seek him for his outstanding performing abilities. You can discover Banachek when you make reservations by calling 713-333-8800. This will indeed be a special night that you will long remember!

Tonight, Monday April 28th, is the regular meeting night for the local Bob Blau I.B.M. Ring #39 and everyone is welcome to attend. We always have a great time, hot coffee and cold drinks and cool magic. For more information on the time and location, then Click Here and then click on the link to the Ring #39 website on the left frame.

The monthly combined meeting of the H.A.O.M. and S.A.M. Assembly #19 will be next Monday, May 5th followed by Eric Anderson on Tuesday May 6th who will be our featured lecturer for May,. Eric's lecture is geared more towards marketing rather than teaching tricks. This lecture like all of our others is open for all magicians to attend. So, if you are in the Houston area, then please drop by. If you have not paid for the lecture series, then it will be $15.00 for H.A.O.M. members, $20.00 for non-members and $10.00 for juniors.

H&R Magic Books will be hosting a lecture by Bob Sheets on Monday evening, May 19th commencing at 7:00. Lectures at H&R are always special with homemade brownies baked by Richard's wife, Rosemary, along with other snacks and drinks for all attendees. Part of the beauty of having lectures at H&R is that we can browse the newest (and many of the gently used) books on the market. It is truly a candy store for magicians, but the only problem is the small space. The result is that attendance is limited to about 15 or so people at any of their lectures. This means that if you are interested in learning from Bob Sheets, then you should contact Richard Hatch soon to reserve your spot.

Phil Kampf enters the second of his four week engagement at the Magic Island this week with his dove and comedy act that will be running through Saturday May 18th. Scott Hollingsworth and Jay Schwaush are the house close-up and mentalist performers, respectively. Remember that the Island is open to the public every Friday and Saturday nights and some Thursdays but reservations are required by calling 713-52-MAGIC (or 713-526-2442).

Shane Wilson will be performing "magic on the grill" at Tokyohana's Grill and Sushi Bar at 3239 Southwest Freeway (I-45) on Thursday night on May 1st from 7:00 to 9:00 then again on May 3rd from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. Rob Jenkins is performing at Tokyhana's Grill and Sushi Bar North at I-45 and Richey Road each Thursday from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Dennis Castro has negotiated with Zake Sushi Restaurant to provide close-up magic every Saturday night from 8:00 to 11:00. Dennis is looking for capable local magicians to assist him as alternates in performing rotation. Be sure to catch Dennis who will be there this week.

Joshua Ragland continues his magic show performances each Thursday night with two shows (7:00 and 9:00) on the Kemah Boardwalk. He is slated to perform weekly through the summer. Joshua's show promises a delicious three course meal while being mesmerized by his magic for only $45.00 (tip and tax included.) Please note that while this is a "clean" show with no bad language; however, no one under 16 will be permitted. The intimate theater is located at 609 Bradford, Suite 103 in Kemah which is just a short drive south of Houston near NASA.

I am sad to report that local magician, Fred Burton's son, Freddy (Butch) Burton, 50 years old, died on April 5, 2008. He had four children and two grandchildren. Also in the "Good and Welfare" news, we are saddened by the news that Russ McGee's pancreatic cancer has metastasized to a point where no further treatment will prolong his life. His physicians have given him two to nine months to live. Russ has been a long time fixture on the Houston magic scene having created, crafted and built many props and helpful devices for several local magicians. Russ does not have e-mail but I know he would appreciate a card sent to his home at: J.R. McGee, 2122 East Sam Houston Parkway, #4209, Pasadena, TX 77503.

I mentioned a few weeks ago about the failing health of our octogenarian magician, Jerry Grey. Well, nothing keeps him down including three kinds of cancer. Magic works wonders and magic is alive and well in Jerry's life. He and Robert Berry will be performing a parlor show this Saturday May 3rd beginning at 8:00 p.m. at Cigar Cigar in Sugar Land, TX. Robert will be performing close-up at Olives Martini Bar & Grille (located next door to Cigar Cigar) immediately after the show. Be sure to come out and catch these amazing performers.

On that note I will leave you with a cogent quote; "Don't part with your illusions. When they are gone you may still exist, but you have ceased to live." - Mark Twain