Have You Heard...
January 19, 2009
by Maria Ibâñez 

Greetings, I am pondering the fact that we are living in very special times. I've lived to see a new century, the advent of the internet, computers and many other changes. Tomorrow will bring another historic event as a new President steps into the White House and becomes the Commander in Chief. In just a couple of weeks we will be able to see magic on television on an all new high definition which will afford us the opportunity to see our beloved art performed in much better resolution, I for one, am looking forward to that. A one day magical extravaganza event is in the works by I.B.M. Ring 45 and the Magic City Conjurers in Miami; the deadline for the lower registration rate for the I.B.M. convention is drawing closer and much more going on this week.  (read more) (lea en Español) 

I am thrilled that my friends in magic are doing so well and continue to gain recognition. Ken Scott received the Hal Martin Magician of the Year Award in Atlanta. Jania Taylor called on her way to Cuba and phoned during a short lay over at the Miami International Airport. I am hoping she will have some good photos and stories to share when she returns. She was going with a tour of reporters; her father owns a newspaper and this is the second time they have taken this trip. If you have never met Jania, you are in for a very pleasant surprise when you do. A graduate of Chavez, a great magician, a lovely lady, good friend and generous performer with the USO tours, Jania Taylor is one of the busiest performers I know. 

Rave reviews have come in and I have received countless kudos for the presentations made at this year's Redlands Festival; magical tales are a rave and are very much sought after as one of my presentations as Merlina the Magical Storyteller. A busy calendar ahead for the next several months. I will send you a list of any public appearances in case you are able to attend any of the presentations.

Until next time, keep a dream in the making for you create your tomorrows by what you dream today.

Maria Ibáñez

IN THIS ISSUE

*     Lecture available
       *Levent - March 2-10th
*     From colleagues
       *Tony Brook
       *Luciano de Pazos
       *Carlos Millan
*     Conventions
*     Birthdays for the week

LECTURE AVAILABLE

LEVENT is available for the first week in March for a lecture tour in Florida. If you and your group are interested in booking him, please contact either Rick del Vecchio or Maria Ibáñez to reserve your date.

We would like to book lectures for him from March 2 through the 10th as he must be back by the 11th. Do not miss out on this rare opportunity to see this great performer and his lecture!

FROM COLLEAGUES

From....Tony Brook
(looking for magicians in Brazil - can anyone help?)

A quick enquiry you may be able to help me with.....Do you have any contacts with magicians in Brazil? I know it is a vast country and I have visited there several times. However, I don't have any Magic contacts there. I seem to recall that you have email contact with some folk from there and in particular a guy called Phillip Van Putten who performs as Mahatma.

I am going to Rio on January 30th to attend a Graduation ceremony and also to give a lecture on Rosslyn Chapel. All non-magic related. Whilst there I thought it might be fun to hook up with some magicians for a beer.

From ... Luciano de Pazos

Nice to see everybody is doing well. Thanks for the story on Ernesto. I went to youtube and saw his parasol act. Very nice. I however was even more impressed with his close-up act with the dice. I really like that. Look forward to meeting with him in some future date. Your column is gaining speed and information. Congrats on your work

From ... Carlos Millan
(a request for information on Marcelo Contento - can anyone help?)

Hello, dear friend in magic, many thanks for all your news, it surprises and delights me that yousuch an intense life both in Magic and friendships. Congratulations on your soon to be born grandson. it also makes me glad that even adults celebrate Three Kings day in Miami.

Merlina, I wish to know if you ever met the great Argentinian magician Marcelo Contento. It seems to me that he lives in the US, maybe Boston? He was very sick at one time, please let us know if you have a means of contacting him.

One more request , I have always liked marionettes, just as I like Magic and the Circus, three hobbies that I have loved sinceuntil my retirement. I tried writing to people in the US after visiting New York since a lot of people spoke Spanish but to no avail. Ifyou could, can send you all their addreses and maybe you can send it on to your mailing list, I'm looking for Posters, conventionPrograms, pictures, anything related to Magic and the Circus.

I hope this request does not interrupt any of your activities or take any time from your already busy schedule.,Carlos

CONVENTIONS

Magi-Fest
February 5-7, Columbus, Ohio
CLICK HERE

Magi-Fest 2009 will bring conventioneers an incredible line up which includes, Stoil and Ekaterina, Samuel Patrick Smith, Murray Hatfield & Teresa, Hermann & Marcia Carr, Andrew Goldenhersh, David Kaplan, Thom Peterson, Tom Burgoon, Tyler Wilson, Aaron Fisher, Mark Mason, Ice McDonald, Shawn Farquhar, Andost, Peter Pitchford, and Bill Gladwell.

Dessert Magic Seminar
March 1-4, Las Vegas, Nevada
For more details CLICK HERE  

Winter Carnival of Magic
March 5-7, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

This year the Winter Carnival of Magic will be featuring the talents of Fukai, Shawn Farquhar,
Mark Mason, The Pendragons, Ken Scott, Bob Sheets, and Stoil & Ekaterina. For more details, CLICK HERE  

Magi-Celebration
August 5- August 8, Colon, Michigan

Presented by Fab Magic, the Magi-Celebration this year will feature performances by Al Bach, Troy Hooser, Ian Garrison, Al Angelo, Kessler and Company, Randy Naylor, The Amazing Conklins, Bob Sanders, Patrick Blair, with additional surprises. There will be busking competitions, magic shows, lectures, evening shows, the famous Fab Magic Auction, and a great deal more. For more details or to register before they fill up, CLICK HERE.  The cost for this three day convention? FREE, there is no charge to attend.

BIRTHDAYS FOR THE WEEK

Bob Fenton - Dick Gustafson - Luciano de Pazos - Olivia Perez - Geoff Williams

Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday dear friends,
Happy birthday to you!