Weekly Round-Up
by SCOTT WELLS
January 5, 2009

Howdy friends. Happy New Year! The celebrations of the season are officially over and we are nearly a week into the New Year...the last one with two zeroes in the middle for this millennium. That means we won't see consecutive double zeroes for nearly another thousand years. Kinda makes ya feel small, eh?  Or not...whatever. Houston area magicians celebrated the end of 2008...or was it the beginning of 2009? Well, 50-60 people showed up to enjoy some food, beverages, conversations and fellowship last Saturday night, January 3rd. (Read More...)

Weekly Round-Up
by SCOTT WELLS
December 29, 2008

Howdy friends. This is the time of year when most of do a "year in review" to see what we accomplished and make promises to improve on everything next year. Well, Houston magicians certainly have had a lot to be thankful for with a lot of magic under our belts and the sad passing of some members, too. We will take a look back to see what kept Houston on the magic map and a brief look forward at what is to come, plus more. (Read More...)

Weekly Round-Up
by SCOTT WELLS
December 21, 2008

Howdy friends. Christmas is a-comin' and the geese are getting' fat...or so goes the holiday carol. Here's hoping that most magicians are also "getting fat" from a lot of bookings this season despite the bad economy. I know financial crisis is not limited to U.S. citizens and I suspect that other magicians have noticed a bit of a fall-off in bookings from previous years, too. But hopefully those magicians who are working less are charging more to balance out things. Most of us have now completed our holiday show schedule. My last scheduled show for 2008 was in South Padre Island after working with several local magicians for the Austin Magic Club earlier in the week. I have literally been "Texas-Wide" and more this past month. All that and more is hot and ready to Read Now.

Weekly Round-Up
by SCOTT WELLS
December 15, 2008

Howdy friends. For those of you who regularly follow my weekly offerings, I apologize for missing last week's update. But the high seas called my name (actually my agent was the one who made the call) and I had a booking aboard a cruise ship to the Caribbean for a nine day voyage. That precluded my sending in a report since the best I could get was a "dial-up" connection that would have been time consuming and expensive. But we are back in H-Town and things are looking great for Houston magicians. Several area magi will provide the entertainment for the Austin Magic Club tonight; a local magician is offering some of his used magic for sale (great Christmas gift ideas); south-side magicians meet for lunch today and; local magicians plan for annual party at the Protas Estate. Read on for the particulars. (Read More...)

Weekly Round-Up
by SCOTT WELLS
December 1, 2008

Howdy friends.  The end is indeed near. Some may think I am talking about the economy but instead I am talking about the end of 2008. As we draw near to 2009 it is time for our final push to do more shows, buy more magic books and tricks, and to spread magic throughout the land. Many magicians find this month to be the busiest month of the year with holiday parties albeit a bit off from previous years due to the economy.  But keep positive and do the best you can. Don't let your audience settle for less even if you settled for less pay. Give them the best show you can. This week starts the beginning of this column going to a blog. Also this week David Solomon is in town and will present a workshop at H&R Magic Books; we talk about the Houston group helping the Austin magic club with their holiday banquet; H.A.O.M. and the S.A.M. Assembly #19 will meet tonight and will feature a mini-lecture by professional comedian David Trevas; Jerry Gray is recovering from a broken arm; plus who's working where. (Read More...)

Weekly Round-Up
by SCOTT WELLS
November 17, 2008

Howdy friends.  I said last week that we had a successful magic auction this month. Well the totals are in and sales exceeded $5,500 this year! Congratulations to all who sold their items and to all who got the good deals. We have all the numbers and statistics and would be glad to share our ideas with you to help your club host a successful auction. Also this week we have a new (potential) series of video interviews with your I.B.M. Board.  The first of these interviews is with I.B.M. International Secretary Don Wiberg. We would love to have your feedback on this and if you want more. Also, a few other magic items and happenings to report but to read them, you will have to Click Here to Read More.

Weekly Round-Up
by SCOTT WELLS
November 10, 2008

Howdy friends.  What a turnout we had for our annual magic auction! Those who missed it really missed a good time, some great fellowship and some real deals.  Magicians and spouses came from miles around to buy and sell. The numbers won't be ready for a few more days, but I feel pretty confident that we have exceeded last year's total sales of $2,036 by quite a bit. Cool fall weather was one contributor to the reason for our success plus it could also have something to do with the economy. Other happenings (magic luncheons, performances, etc.) are happening this week, too. (Read More...)

Weekly Round-Up
by SCOTT WELLS
November 3, 2008

Howdy friends.  Come one, come all to what is arguably the oldest (or at least longest running) magic auction in Texas. This Sunday November 9th will be our annual H.A.O.M. Auction and we think it will be a doozy.  We have our monthly H.A.O.M. meeting tonight when we will discuss final details and hear about what goodies people are promising to release from their drawers, closets and garages.  We have a few other things going on this week including welcoming the I.B.M. Past International President Don Wiberg to Houston for a brief visit. (Read More...)

Weekly Round-Up
by SCOTT WELLS
October 27, 2008

Howdy friends.  Quite a week building up to All Hallows Eve. I hope you are planning something big this week for National Magic Week. Don't forget to invoke Harry Houdini's name when you perform to keep his spirit alive and remind the next generation who he was and what he meant to our magical heritage. This week I have an update on the Magic Island, a belated review of the recent Kostya Kimlat lecture and workshop, James Swain was in town for a book signing this past week, I.B.M. Ring meeting tonight, Halloween Happenings, a T.A.O.M. 2009 update, and more. (Read More...)

Weekly Round-Up
by SCOTT WELLS
October 20, 2008

Howdy friends.  Just a few updates this week so this one will be brief since I was out of town. The Magic Island hasn't had anything done yet since two weeks ago while awaiting the insurance adjustments; "Death and Harry Houdini" played here over this past weekend; Kostya Kimlat lectured and presented a workshop this past week in Houston; and, we have a few notices to mention about who's working around town. (Read More...)