The Inner Circle Of Bizarre Magic Convention. 

DATE:  16th, 17th & 18th.,November, 2006. 
VENUE: Radisson Hotel and Conference Center in Cromwell, CT, U.S.A.

A Brit's view Review by Leslie Melville.

I had a wonderful time. I  thought Charles Pecor’s lecture was superb. His handling of the Hades Finger Chopper was particularly good. At the conclusion of Blake Starr’s lecture he and I had a  conversation that may lead to a spooky presentation at some future event and, like many others, I was particularly impressed with David London’s bizarre children’s show. His paper bag monster further displayed his original thinking. Magic needs original thinkers and a bright future for this young man can surely be predicted.

Daniel Greenwolf is another young man who works with style and an assurance that bodes well for his future. There were many highlights for me but if I were to be asked to name the one outstanding performance of the weekend it would have to be Kardor. Over the years I have seen other comedy mentalists. A few were amusing at best; most were corny and unfunny. Kardor has funny material that he delivers with impeccable pace and timing. He commands the stage with a presence that compels his audience to sit up and pay attention! From the immediate and affectionate response that he received on his entrance it was obvious that the audience had seen the act many times. It is possible that such familiarity could lead to an attitude of taking him for granted. I was witnessing this act for the first time and would venture to suggest that this is a ‘class act’ that deserves a wider audience. Finally, I want to thank Joe Cabral, first for inviting me to the Gathering and enabling me to make so many new friends, and also for his kindness and hospitality at the end of the weekend. This was one of the most pleasurable events of its kind that I have attended and I sincerely hope that I will be able to return.

My previous comments were an overview of the event, and while the lectures, shows and performances are what we tend to talk about, it is the individual and personal contacts that we make that leave the lasting impression. So let me now mention a few of the people (in no particular order of precedence) who touched my life at The Crowne Plaza. Apart from Joe Cabral, who met me at the airport (and in that event there is a story waiting to be told!) and treated me like a long lost brother throughout the weekend, I have to mention Odes, whose non-stop boyish enthusiasm for all things magical and mystical belies his forty years! (Happy Birthday, Odes). He was a delight to be with. It was also a pleasure to at last meet Larry White and David Goodsell; Robert Neale, the author of one of my all time favourite books. Bruce Barnett also, and his charming wife

(who secretly purchased stuff from me for Bruce’s Christmas present.) Professor Rem, Origami-ist Extrordiaire. His dry sense of humour and skill at folding paper money was always entertaining. And of course Ed Solomon, whom I briefly met four years ago in Edinburgh and has become such a good friend through our almost daily email interchanges.

Gil Earl, who is an important member of Joe’s backstage helpers (on-stage he is DrMambo!) became a particular friend. Anytime he saw me sitting alone, either in the Hospitality Suite or in the Nutmeg Room, he made a point of coming over to make sure that I didn’t feel neglected. We somehow ‘hit it off’ right away and I shall be keeping in touch with Gil over the ensuing months. I could go on – Don Viano, the charming Marlene Clarke, EvilDan, Harley Newman and so on. They all made a point of ensuring that I felt welcome. I haven’t even mentioned Roni and Laraine Shachnaey and my other friends who regularly visit Edinburgh. They all have made a lasting impression. If I have to finally name one person who typified the friendship and camaraderie that was evident throughout the weekend, I would mention Craig Dickenson, who dashed over to my table at the conclusion of my lecture to make sure that I missed no sales while I was clearing away my stuff from the stage! I was also later told that he used his machine to cash credit cards for attendees who wanted to buy items from me! It is actions like this that let you know that you are among friends and for five days last week, I felt that I was indeed among friends. Thank you all.

Leslie Melville.

[Dragonskull Note. Roni Shachnaey and Leslie Melville visited the States for the first time and both gave outstanding lectures and performances at this Gathering. Many want them to return as much as they do, possibly in 2007]