Have You Heard...
March 9, 2009
by Maria Ibâñez
Greetings, a sad week begins with the passing of international ambassador of magic and cheer, Ali Bongo, a great loss to us all. On the brighter side Disney has hired magicians for their Boardwalk; March Magic in Miami was a huge success; registrations for this year's I.B.M. convention are coming in daily; Dr. Horowitz will be lecturing in Nashville; The Magic Classroom is growing daily; Fantasma Magic is bringing in two grat magicians for a very special lecture, in addition to releasing the World Premiere of New York Coin Seminar DVDs volumes 8, 9 and 10. Banquet tickets have gone on sale for the Nashville convention; there are numerous birthdays and events in this issue in addition to word from colleagues and events elsewhere. (read more) (Español).
So many of you have tried to contact me and continue to send news and word of events in, that it is important I remind you once again that you should send your information to me by clicking on my name at the bottom of the page, this will take you to a pre-addressed e-mail form which comes directly to me through the Portal. If you know anyone who wishes to be added to the mailing list for the newsletter, please have them send me an e-mail asking to be added to the list, if they are I.B.M. members they can also read the newsletter, in the form of a blog, weekly on the Portal. If they are not members....invite them to join, they can do so by visiting www.magician.org. Remember, if you are a new member and still have your $50 discount voucher, use it now before it expires, register today by clicking this link. REGISTER
It's a world of laughter, a world of tears....and now they can also add, it's a world of magic, with the addition of magicians to the Boardwalk at Disney, but, there's more on this further down in the newsletter. Until next time... please do continue to send me any information you would like to share. As always, please keep a dream in the making for you create your tomorrows by what you dream today.
Maria Ibáñez
IN THIS ISSUE
* Ali Bongo - Broken Wand
* Disney hires magicians - Brian Staron, Jason Wethington, Antwan Towner
* March Magic in Miami was a huge success
* Dr. Mark Horowitz to lecture in Nashville
* The Magic Classroom
* From colleagues about Ali Bongo
* Fantasma Magic lecture by David Roth and Dr. Michael Rubinstein
* Grande Banquet tickets go on sale
ALI BONGO-BROKEN WAND
The sun is not so bright, the moon glows a little less; at least that is the way it seems to so many who have been deeply touched and affected by the passing of one of the great minds of not just magic, but also entertainment. It seemed surreal, Ali Bongo passed out and collapsed in Paris shortly before an appearance ... Ali Bongo suffered a stroke ... Ali Bongo remains hospitalized in Paris ... Ali Bongo moved to London hospital, at last ... Ali Bongo improves and is able to receive visitors? ... Ali Bongo has a slight setback ...then, after days of following his progress and praying for his recovery, the word we all dreaded. We have lost Ali Bongo. 
A man who touched so many lives around the globe; who left a smile and a happy thought everywhere he went. Ali was the kind of man that everyone felt was a close personal friend from the very first time one met him. We first met many years ago at a convention in Boston, and we have corresponded and met through the years, sharing conventions and other events we have coincided at and sitting together for hours of conversation over refreshments.
Ali was an early arrival at the party in our suite last year in Louisville and was late to depart, mingling, having fun with everyone, posing for photos when asked, but most importantly, bringing a smile to the face of all those who came in contact with him.
While serving as President of the S.A.M., Jay and I visited The Magic Circle on a few occasions and attended the British Ring Convention alongside then I.B.M. first family, Phil and Robbie Willmarth; Ali was there each time and made those visits all the more special. He was among the very first to congratulate me as I was promoted to A.I.M.C. with Silver Star during President's Night by Alan Shaxon.
He will be lovingly remembered by all who had an opportunity to meet him. May you rest in peace my friend and the Lord bring peace to all those who loved and admired you.
Here is Ali Bongo performing at an I.B.M. Convention 2008 in U.K.
DISNEY HIRES MAGICIANS
The show schedule varies from week to week, but you can check out each of their web sites for contact and show information by either clicking on their names above or on their photographs. invite all magi to come and visit for the evening and see not only the magic, but other great performers as well.Jugglers, physical comedians, etc.There is not admission fee as the Boardwalk is a free entertainment venue.
MARCH MAGIC IN MIAMI A HUGE SUCCESS
March Magic in Miami - A Review
Sunday March 1st, Ring 45 and Magic City Conjurers/Assembly 280 produced a one day Mini convention, co-chaired by Rick del Vecchio and Maria Ibáñez.
There were 16 "Fleamarket" tables and over 150 who attended.Local magi who came to sell their wares were joined by Rachel & Aldo Colombini, of Wild Colombini Magic, Comedy Magician Levent and the legendary Mr. John Calvert assisted by his lovely wife Tammy, each displayed their magic products and memorabilia.
The Fleamarket was open from 9am-1:00pm.From 11:45am-1:00pm lunch was served.Attendees were treated to hot dogs, burgers and chips, plus draft beer and soft drinks.Then from 1PM - 6Pm everyone was invited into the lecture hall to enjoy three great lectures by Aldo and Rachel, Levent and John Calvert, respectively.
While the magi enjoyed the lectures, volunteers set up the ballroom for the evening dinner/show.Between their lectures, the performers rehearsed. From 7pm-8pm all were invited to the bar to enjoy appetizers and the close-up magic of members and volunteers who were recruited and organized by. Ron "Ronsted", Julio "Warlok" Carraciolo; also on hand to entertain was visiting magician and friend, Manny Sanchez from Germany.
Cocktail hour being over, at 8pm dinner was served.A delicious dinner of roast beef, imperial rice, green beans steamed in gin with sliced almonds and sugar, salad, dinner rolls & a delicious cake for desert. The tables were decorated in black and white and had centerpieces of red, black and white balloons . Each table had bottles of red and white wine. At approximately 9pm the show began. Kudos and gratitude to Jay Ibáñez who single handedly took care of all the cooking for lunch, cocktail hour and dinner.
MC Aldo Colombini did a great job as usual. Illusionist Alexander Blade opened the show with a sword through neck followed by the location of a chosen jumbo card by a bullet shot at the deck and then he ended his performance with a grand illusion. Aldo performed a hilarious "Mind Reading Act" featuring Madam Zola, aka Aldo's beautiful wife, Rachel Colombini. Next up was Levent.Fast paced comedy mixed with amazing magic maked for a tremendously entertaining show. Levent outdid himself.
The closing act was the Legendary Mr. John Calvert and his lovely wife and assistant, Tammy. Mr. Calvert opened with his brilliant cigarette manipulation. (But only after warning the audience of the dangers of smoking and informing them that he does not smoke or use lit cigarettes). Then he and Tammy borrowed a watch from the audience, vanished it and made it appear in a nest of boxes. The best was yet to come, as Tammy walked done the stairs to return the watch, she fell and dropped the watch. Now I swear she really fell, as did everyone in the room. Gentlemen and ladies ran to her aid and helped her up. While this went on Mr. Calvert seemed to not notice, produced a newspaper and read the headline..."Magician Sued in Miami Over Broken Watch". As the folks searched the floor for the watch, Tammy walked back on stage, stood next to Mr. Calvert.He quickly regainedaudience's attention,produced the watch, fully restored to it's original condition.Tammy really had us all fooled. Great job!. Calvert thena Spirit Cabinet and closed with a very Magical Dancing Hank routine;he had the audience eating out of his hand.
The crowd reacted with a well deserved standing ovation following each of the acts.
Now that's a run down of what happened.As far as saying how good the event was, we'll let some of the attendees tell you via the video below and some of the emails we have received...
Let me start by saying Rita & I hope there will be a Mini Convention each year to come. Conventions only happen as flawlessly as this one through much hard work & planning. Both where obvious, as we feel, everything on a scale of 1-10 was a 10. We THANK YOU & your staff for all of your HARD WORK & DEDICATION in making this the first MIAMI MINI CONVENTION a great success!
Ron "Eugene" & Rita Dawson
Okeechobee, Florida
I would like to thank Maria & Rick for one of the best one-day conventions I have ever attended. Usually I would like to make suggestions as how to improve a convention. This time I have NO suggestions, "It was great"!
There were many dealers, the entertainment was super, the lectures and evening show, were fantastic. The food was plentiful (wine, beer, soda, etc. was included). Meeting old and new friends and the exchange of magical ideas made it an especially memorable occasion.
Thank you for an exciting and magical day.
JERRY SOMERDIN
Ring 117
West Palm Beach, Florida
For a one day Mini-Convention...........OUTSTANDING!
The lecture talent and the Evening Shows were superb!
Constructive Critique - Start Flea Market @ 11:00 or 11:30. Have attendees go to tables for cocktail hour, rather than bar (not enough room in bar to mingle, do close-up or sit down)...
Ed Harris
SAM 76
Miami, Florida
You guys outdid yourselves. I had a great time with old friends. Thanks for the opportunity to join you all, and I look forward to the next MINI event...Levent stole the show..
Capt. Bill Grosscup
Paladin Ring 329
Key West, Florida
DR. MARK HOROWITZ TO LECTURE AT NASHVILLE
Just received word that Dr. Mark Horowitz has been added to the bill of those who will be performing and/or lecturing in Nashville. Mark is a well known collector of magic, has a very large collection of magic kits and magic related comic books, is a respected lecturer and is a long time member of the magic scene in the South Florida area.
With this year's lecture being titled "Sex, Lies and Magic Obsessions - Collectors Edition", I can hardly wait to see what it deals with and what presentation Mark makes. I am very curious, aren't you? See you there.
THE MAGIC CLASSROOM
The Magic Classroom is more than a newsgroup, more than just a forum, it is a combination of both of those in addition to, as the name implies, a place you can come to ask questions about magic, presentation, specific effects and more. Magic organizations have specific areas, there is an I.B.M. section on the left hand side with links to the Portal and columns and articles published there and so much more. Membership is free, but, rather than giving you all the details, why not visit the site today by clicking here The Magic Classroom.
ALI BONGO - FROM COLLEAGUES
From Argentina, my deepest condolences to relatives and friends of Ali Bongo, a great one in magic.
Magician Zachary
I am Magician Yoslan, Cuban and son of Magician Luis. In response to your e-mail about the death of the great magician Ali Bongo, I wish to express my deepest condolences to his friends and family from my humble place in magic; one of the great ones of magic has died. I therefore join the sorrow that is felt in the magic world these days.
Magician Yoslan
The School of Magical Arts in Bogota, headed by its director, feels deeply the loss of the teacher of teachers, Ali Bongo. He leaves behind tracks which may not be erased. Peace in his rest. From the heart, condolences to his family and friends.
Richard Sarmiento, Director
School of Magical Arts
Bogota, Colombia
At this time that we have a void in the illusion of life, let us raise a prayer for that one that gave us so much magic.
Illusionist Pin
The earth has lost a wonderful soul, but the heavens shall forever be blessed with the presence of this kind and gentle man.Ali Bongo was, indeed, the epitome of ‘gentleman'. The world has been made a better place because of him.Rest in peace, dear compeer.
Jeff Lanes, President
SAM Assembly 19
Houston Texas
FANTASMA MAGIC HOSTS DAVID ROTH & DR MICHAEL RUBINSTEIN
Fantasma Magic Presents The WORLD PREMIER Of The New York Coin Seminar's Latest DVD's Vol's. 8-9-10 PLUS a Special Lecture by
David Roth & DR. Michael Rubinstein
Friday, March 20th - 7pm - til?
$25.00 General Admission
$50.00 VIP Seating
($35.00 Day of Event - If Still Available!)
The New York Coin guys, David Roth, Dr. Michael Rubinstein, and Mike Gallo, have done it again! They have packed six and a half hours of more coin magic, into three new volumes of their classic New York Coin Magic Seminar series, called more, much more, and still More!!! 's more of everything - more coins across, more copper silver, more productions, vanishes, penetrations and more special guests including Al Schneider, Vic Trabucco, Scotty York, Marc DeSouza & Bill Citino!
THIS EVENT WILL SELL OUT!
Fantasma Magic
421 7th Avenue - 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10001
212 244-3633
GRANDE BANQUET TICKETS GO ON SALE
This year the Grande Banquet will include an exclusive show with dinner.The show will only be open to those attending the banquet.It will be held on Wednesday July 1st in the Presidential Ballroom D.We are doing something different this year.The banquet will be a full evening starting with a cocktail hour, a great dinner and a full show starring Charlie Frye & Co.Only banquet attendees will get to see this show.All this for only $45.00 per person - dinner and a very special show, what a deal!If you have already registered for the convention, you can go to BANQUET, to sign up for the Grande Banquet, if you haven't yet registered for the convention, do so now by clicking here. REGISTER
BIRTHDAYS FOR THE WEEK
Mary Ann Blowers (14) - Dr Paul Critelli (11) - Dean Dill (8)
John Ekin (9) - Jason Ibáñez (15) - Jay Ibáñez (21)
Kurt Lohbeck (9) - Andrew Pinard (12) - Mike Shelley (14)
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday dear friends
Happy birthday to you.
Be sure to watch this space for ever changing news of what's happening in the magic scene. If you have any information or reviews on magic happenings or events, then please send it to me. You can leave a public comment, suggestion, advice, opinion or question on this week's article by clicking on the comment link at the bottom of this blog. If you prefer, then you can leave a private message by sending an email to: Maria Ibáñez
