The Inner Circle Of Bizarre Magic Convention. 

DATE: November, 8th, 9th & 10th.

VENUE: Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, 100 Berlin Road, Cromwell, CT, U.S.A.

Bruce Barnett writes:-

As always, it's a convention that gets one revitalized.  Diane and I arrived Friday morning. We received our welcome packet and inside were three bonus effects, complete with props. 

The first event we attended was the lecture by Luna Shimada. It's wasn't a lecture on technique, but one on how to create more powerful magic. She broke up the talk into three sections:

Defining
Designing
Directing

She emphasized the use of a journal. She talked about three bases for an act: Theme, Character, and Human-enhanced Self Creator.  She talked about how and why her own, as well as Losander's, magic act evolved over time.  I enjoyed her lecture a great deal.  Several points were thought-provoking and made me re-think some of my directions. It was an outstanding lecture.

C. J. next gave us a public service announcement about recycling (Cyril is working on an act where recycling is the theme.)

The next lecture was David London's "How to Think Outside the Box."  A core part of this lecture was his box, that when you turn the outside in, and inside out, you can still discover things. It's a clever prop made with paper and gaffer's tape. (David likes tape) David showed how to use it as a production box. He also did a "twisting the Aces" type effect that can be done for crowds. At the end of the effect, the four backs are all different. Next, David demonstrated a paper fold that did nothing, yet was interesting. This was a demonstration of how David's wonderfully quirky mind works.

Based on the previous information, David also did an effect with a doll's head, using an old classic of magic in a new way. At the end he demonstrated his imagination necklace. He explained how he used it. It's hard to describe David London's mind and material to someone who has never seen him work. He has a Chaplinesque style, and a surreal quality. He's completely unpredictable and fascinating. I wish I could capture a fraction of his charisma.

Charles Pecor next demonstrated his emergency act - using props that will fit into his pocket. First, was a prediction of a "thought-of card" (Knepper). Next, was an effect where a gem was predicted (Maven). Third, was a memorized deck (Gauci). Fourth, was a bill divination effect (Richardson). Lastly, was a three envelope divination routine (Cassidy).  Charles didn't really focus on the technique in the lecture. It was essentially an example of strong effects with minimum props, but tweaked in the classic CP-way.

Friday evening there was a public show (that was repeated on Saturday for us). During this, there was an informal evening show in the hospitality suite.  I want to thank Kathy and all of the others (who names escape me) for the wonderful food and other comestibles in the hospitality suite.

Odes opened with a story of good versus evil.  (Also "Goo vs. Evil", but that's an "in" joke).  Some of his lines got a great reaction from the crowd.

Yona Chock told us a fable from Hawaii about a magic adz that was used to cut down and restore a coconut tree. T'was a classic paper cutting effect, but presented nicely with appropriate props.

C.J. told us a tale of a boy trapped in a cave, using ropes and a vase.

Roni Shachnaey did some excellent presentations and afterwards described to us how the effects worked. Some of the methods were extremely simple and foolproof and I'm smacking myself for not having thought of them myself. One of the effects involved the insertion of a silver needle to protect oneself from vampires. This needle magically traveled though the veins and out the eye. Roni then did a variation of the gypsy thread with a twist. Next was a séance for an unknown spirit. Very clever and effective. This was followed by a routine with coins for the ferryman, with a magic message. Lastly was the very charming story of a boy who always had an extra penny.

Lary Kuehn gave us a mini-lecture on the use of the Cold Side.  Very valuable information. The Frixion pen was discussed several times that night.  He also tipped his new effect called the Sanitary Vampire.

Pasqual Perrino presented his solution to Larry White's challenge using the Hofzinser cards distributed last year.

Saturday morning Johnny Thompson gave a lecture. Rather, it was Johnny telling us stories of how he got into magic. Some of the stories were fascinating, and we hung onto every word. I loved the story of Waldo the Human Ostrich. Johnny told us about his time with the Harmonicats and the Bozo Circus. He expressed his great desire to be a famous great Polish jazz harmonica player, which for some inexplicable reason (we all laughed) never materialized. He talked about his adventures in trade shows, working the Playboy Clubs, and working in a club owned by an organized crime boss.

He shared some experiences, like the problems of using someone else's act. He told us how his own act developed and evolved. Most of the gags were the results of "accidents" or mistakes. The chewing gum gag was based on Yanelli's safety pin gag. He talked about the bowling ball and Don Alan's reaction.

He didn't do any magic, but the audience burst into applause and gave him a spontaneous standing ovation at the end. He expressed his wisdom with humor and honesty.  I loved it.

Leslie Melville next gave us an entertaining lecture showing us some of the story telling routines he uses for kids. I have heard many magicians use rhyming patter with magic and quite honestly, they are boring and lifeless. Leslie, on the other hand, is charming and animated when he rhymes. I was listening carefully, and he knows when to pause and built up a subtle anticipation, for the concluding and unpredictable rhyme. Leslie also demonstrated other techniques, such as repetition, and using silly words and gestures.  Kids just love to join in when they can, especially if the story teller welcomes them .

Another thing I like about Leslie's stories is that one never knows when, where or how they will end. It could be a short story, or long. It can end up with a lesson in why cats are always licking their paws, or in a sudden groaner of a pun (like the Curse of Liverpool). Sometimes they sneak up on you, and suddenly realization bursts upon you. In other cases, it builds up to a climax. He also gives tips on how to make sure kids understand some of the basic concepts. As an example, the story of a "Thrifty Tailor" can only be told once the kids know what a tailor's job is. He also discusses detecting the "glazed eye" look in adults as well as kids.

Leslie has several books and CD's available, and most were for sale at a very reasonable price. We listened to one with the pirate stories and sea shanties on the way home, and I next plan to listen to the live recording of him doing kids stories.

As an aside, Charles Pecor described a routine with a few props. Leslie can entertain anywhere with nothing but his stories. He's normally a quiet gentleman, yet when he tells a story, he comes alive, and the audience responds. My wife works with children, and it's obvious to her that Leslie exudes a special magic that children will respond to with a magic of their own.  All Leslie needs to do is tell a story and magic occurs in the children's eyes, ears and mind. There is much to learn from this Master Storyteller. All one as to do is listen to the stories he tells.

Next was the close-up show with hosts "Rigor" and "Mortis."  EvilDan opened with a demonstration of the psychic power of a fortune telling fish - no longer a cheap novelty.  Next was Colonel Appleton Digby Grimshaw (Scott Payne) who shared some of the treasures from the haunted museum where he is a curator. They seem to know what was going to happen before the spectator did. Scott ended with a grisly and gross flesh-cutting demonstration that affected appetites. I loved his character, costume and props. Scott keeps getting better every year I see him.

Leslie Melville did his routine with linking safety pins in rhyme. He also presented a classic version of the Gypsy Thread routine.

Roni Shachnaey used a skull to read the Tarot card in someone's mind. He used a "Pen-da-loooom" skillfully and entertainingly.

David London did a "guess which hand" routine, and we "wondered" how he did it, when bread was used.

Vlad told us a story of a Blood Countess, where a selected card is partially retrieved by a bodyless hand.

Losander did a salt vanish and his "chainbreaker" routine,  where electrician's tape is used to connect two fingers, yet they can still penetrate through objects.

Johnny Thompson told us a gambling story with 53 verses, with several gambling routines combined with the patter.

After a break, we had a cocktail hour before the banquet. As part of the ceremony, Doctor Mombo did the magic cutting of the Pumpkazu gourd.

With David Mousch as the Emcee, Colleen the Sideshow Queen opened, with flashy, in-the-dark light gymnastics. It was an eye-catching display. She next demonstrated her skill with whips. Lastly, she and EvilDan showed us how to make a human "crazy straw" that had the audiences exclaiming "Oh no. Ugh! Eyeeewwwww!" When EvilDan brought out the cookie, stomachs churned. Very effective.

Charles Pecor demonstrated a Key Selection routine that proved trickery wasn't used. And he faced it like the trooper he is.

Next David London did an experiment using sensory deprivation.  It's hard to describe: Goggles over the eyes, and covered. Jelly beans up his nose. Toilet paper in his ears, and an avocado in his mouth. It was so hilarious even David had a hard time not laughing.  Sorry I missed out on the used jelly beans that the front row enjoyed. Bob Neale made a good point. David is a magician for the 21st Century, and most of the other magicians are still in the 19th century.

Doctor Mombo and Jumbo Juju (The world's Largest Living Voodoo Doll) next used the "Dart of Destiny" to demonstrate mind reading. There's a reason they have a Cult following.

Losander then performed. Absolutely breathtaking! Levitation of  bubbles and tables. It just seems impossible. Words cannot describe the wonder we 
experienced.

Johnny Thompson was next, and started with some stand-up gags. We roared.  He then did a wonderful Balls in the Net (Silent Mora), and then the Eggbag routine. I've seen many, and this was very well done. Lastly he did his Classic Nemo 1500 wallet prediction. A spectator deals cards one at a time, face up, and stops whenever they want. Not only does Johnny show the same card in a prediction envelope, but the name of the card is imprinted in GOLD on the back of the wallet.

Lastly, Luna Shimada closed the show. Fire, Parasols, costume changes,
and music all in a fast-paced act. I liked the concept where Luna's inner,  fire-like spirit emerges from the center of her body, and flies around the room. Very effective.

We did miss some regulars. Kardor, Larry White, Ed Solomon, and Bob
Fenton were not able to be there for medical reasons. You were missed, guys!

Many thanks to Joe Cabral and all who participated in the behind-the- scenes "magic" to make the ICBM happen. The event was well organized and executed.  Those who did not attend missed another wonderful opportunity to brainstorm and share with their peers. As well as experiencing the wonder of world class magic.